{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"From Academia to Identity with David Mendes","description":"\u201cSometimes just doing more is not the solution.\u201d In this episode, Michael Dargie talks with David Mendes, a bilingual podcaster, medical writer, and creator of Papa PhD. Originally from Portugal, raised in Belgium, and now based in Montreal, David shares his journey through academia, translation, and eventually podcasting as a form of rebellion and reinvention. This episode is sponsored by my new book BRANDJITSU, helping you find, shape, and share your story with the world. After completing his PhD in biology, David faced the all-too-familiar crossroads many graduate students encounter: a lack of academic jobs, identity loss, and the anxiety of \u201cwhat now?\u201d Instead of pushing harder on a path that didn\u2019t feel right, he started talking to other postgrads\u2014scientists, entrepreneurs, creatives\u2014about what came after their degrees. Those conversations became Papa PhD, a podcast now more than 300 episodes strong. David opens up about the evolution of the show, from a passion project to a growing community of global listeners navigating career uncertainty. He shares how podcasting transformed his sense of self, taught him how to connect, and gave him the confidence to speak onstage. Along the way, they talk about creative rituals, the magic of sci-fi and philosophy, Portuguese comfort food, Japanese art, and the importance of laughing with other humans. David\u2019s insights on imposter syndrome, over-pedalling, and finding your own flavour of success are deeply honest and profoundly useful. His advice to rebels in waiting: don\u2019t compare, don\u2019t wait until you\u2019re \u201cready\u201d\u2014just get in the game. The world needs your version of the thing. Quoteable Quotes \u201cSometimes just doing more is not the solution.\u201d \u2014 David Mendes\u201cYou\u2019re depriving the world of your flavour of the thing.\u201d \u2014 David Mendes\u201cIt\u2019s the unknown that brings up imposter feelings.\u201d \u2014 David Mendes\u201cThe world needs more Rebecca, Rebecca.\u201d \u2014 Michael Dargie\u201cSometimes you\u2019ve got to stop pedalling and look around.\u201d \u2014 David Mendes Episode Highlights Academic Reboot | Why David created Papa PhD for grad studentsFrom Language to Life Science | Medical writing and translation workPermission to Pivot | Letting go of the professor pathPodcast Confidence | How speaking into a mic changed everythingScience Meets Art | Supporting a PhD student\u2019s neuron-inspired paintingsVIP Guest List | Who David dreams of getting on the podcastSlow Down | The over-pedalling analogy that explains burnoutFood of Home | Portuguese codfish and egg tartsCultural Curiosity | Why Japan and Bhutan top his travel listAdvice to Rebels | Don\u2019t compare\u2014do your version of the thingImposter Syndrome | Talk to it, but don\u2019t let it drive Links From Episode Papa PhD Website (https:\/\/papaphd.com\/)David on LinkedIn (https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/davidmendesdasilva\/) David on Facebook (https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/PapaPhD) David on Instagram (https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/papaphdpodcast\/) Threads (https:\/\/www.threads.com\/@papaphdpodcast) X (https:\/\/x.com\/PapaPhDPodcast) Get Your Copy of Michael's Book: "BrandJitsu\u2122: Move Your Brand From 'Meh' To Memorable" Indigo | Barnes & Noble | MichaelDargie.com ","author_name":"The RebelRebel Podcast","author_url":"http:\/\/www.therebelrebelpodcast.com","html":"