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Dissertation Deconstructed

Dissertation Deconstructed

By: Denise Nixon
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Hosted by Dr. Denise Nixon, Dissertation Deconstructed is your essential guide to navigating the doctoral journey—from your first research question to post-graduation success. The podcast offers practical resources, expert insights, and real-world strategies to help you build a high-quality dissertation, one step at a time.

Hear from professors, academic professionals, and doctoral researchers who share their experiences and strategies for success. From research design and writing tips to defense preparation and time management, you’ll gain valuable knowledge to support your academic goals.

But the journey doesn’t end there. Dr. Nixon also explores how to leverage your doctorate after graduation—highlighting career options, professional development strategies, and ways to make the most of your degree in academia, entrepreneurship, and beyond. This podcast will inspire and empower you to thrive in your doctoral journey and beyond.

© 2026 Dissertation Deconstructed
Personal Development Personal Success
Episodes
  • IRB Approval Without the Anxiety: What Every Doctoral Student Needs to Know
    May 21 2026

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    The IRB process can feel intimidating, confusing, and filled with endless revisions—but it doesn’t have to derail your dissertation journey. In this episode of Dissertation Deconstructed, Dr. Nixon breaks down how to successfully prepare for IRB review, avoid common mistakes, and navigate revisions with confidence. Learn the essential dos and don’ts of the IRB application process, why working closely with your dissertation chair matters, and why conducting research before approval can seriously delay your progress.

    Drawing from experience chairing over 50 doctoral committees, this episode also shares real insight, encouragement, and practical strategies to help doctoral students move through the process with clarity and confidence. Plus, a heartfelt reflection on recently watching five students earn their doctorates—and the joy of calling them “Doctor” for the very first time.

    Music by Moses Harris from Pixabay
    Subscribe & Follow the Show!

    http://www.denisenixon.com
    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denisenixon/

    Podcast Disclaimer

    https://denisenixon.com/podcast-disclaimer/

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    20 mins
  • Surviving the Dissertation Process: Real Talk From a Recent Graduate
    Feb 16 2026

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    In this inspiring and practical episode of Dissertation Deconstructed, we sit down with Dr. Tiffany Baker—recent doctoral graduate, entrepreneur, and higher education professor—for an honest conversation about what it really takes to survive and successfully complete the dissertation journey. Dr. Baker shares firsthand experiences, lessons learned, and the strategies that helped her push through challenges from proposal to defense.

    Whether you are just beginning your dissertation or trying to regain momentum, this episode offers encouragement, clarity, and actionable insight from someone who has recently crossed the finish line.

    What You’ll Learn

    • What surprised Dr. Baker most about the dissertation process
    • How she balanced academic writing with professional and personal responsibilities
    • Strategies that helped her stay organized and motivated
    • How she handled feedback, revisions, and moments of self-doubt
    • The importance of mentorship, support systems, and self-advocacy
    • Advice for ABD students who feel stuck or overwhelmed
    • Reflections on defense day and life after earning the doctorate

    Connect with Dr. Tiffany Baker:
    https://www.inspiredu-design.com

    Music by Moses Harris from Pixabay
    Subscribe & Follow the Show!

    http://www.denisenixon.com
    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denisenixon/

    Podcast Disclaimer

    https://denisenixon.com/podcast-disclaimer/

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    41 mins
  • Building the Literature Review: Using an Outline to Write with Clarity and Confidence
    Dec 29 2025

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    Feeling overwhelmed by your dissertation literature review? In this episode of Dissertation Constructed, learn how to use a strategic outline to organize research, identify key themes, and write with clarity and confidence. You’ll gain practical tips for pacing your writing, ethically using AI as a support tool, and staying motivated as you move forward—one section at a time.

    Music by Moses Harris from Pixabay
    Subscribe & Follow the Show!

    http://www.denisenixon.com
    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denisenixon/

    Podcast Disclaimer

    https://denisenixon.com/podcast-disclaimer/

    Show More Show Less
    25 mins
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