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Steph is back for another solo episode, continuing The Graduate Mentor’s Trail Map series. This time she digs into why culture isn’t fluff—it’s strategy.

You’ll hear how an abundance mindset shapes behavior, why fostering mutual support increases grit, and how team-building (yes, even a group hike) creates shared identity that lasts through the hard stuff. From ice cream to paper bags, Steph shares real examples from her lab and how you can build a culture that runs itself, even when you're out of town.

Whether you’re building a new group or strengthening a veteran team, this episode offers practical ways to create a culture that sticks.

For actionable tips and strategies for mentoring please check out The Graduate Mentor's Trail Map available in paperback and ebook now!

If you are enjoying this podcast please leave a rating or review, and join us over on Twitter to let us know what topics you'd like to hear more about.

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Steph is back for another solo episode, drawing from The Graduate Mentor’s Trail Map. This time focusing on helping grad students believe they can get better—and making sure they know what "better" even looks like.

We talk growth mindset, how to normalize mistakes as part of the process, and why “kind is clear” isn’t just a Brene Brown soundbite—it’s a foundational mentoring principle. If your students are floundering, unclear expectations might be the root. Let’s fix that.

Whether you're onboarding someone new or trying to re-align mid-program, this episode gives you practical language and mindset shifts you can use right away.

For actionable tips and strategies for mentoring please check out The Graduate Mentor's Trail Map available in paperback and ebook now!

If you are enjoying this podcast please leave a rating or review, and join us over on Twitter to let us know what topics you'd like to hear more about.

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Join Dr. Steph Hansen for a solo mini-series of Mentoring Matters, diving deep into the concepts from our new book, The Graduate Mentor's Trail Map. This episode tackles the #1 challenge for faculty mentors: finding the time to do it well.

Steph shares actionable strategies including Stephen Covey's "Big Rocks First," the Eisenhower Matrix, and effective delegation to help you reclaim your calendar. Discover why intentional mentoring isn't a luxury, but a critical investment that simplifies your entire academic program. And yes, she'll share her strong opinions on useful figures in non-fiction books—because if a figure isn't truly helpful, why is it there?

Whether you're new to mentoring or a seasoned pro, this episode offers practical tips to build a thriving graduate group.

For actionable tips and strategies for mentoring please check out The Graduate Mentor's Trail Map available in paperback and ebook now!

If you are enjoying this podcast please leave a rating or review, and join us over on Twitter to let us know what topics you'd like to hear more about.