Introductions and Academic Journey

Humorous Introductions and Unconventional Academic Path

Rebellion and Realizations in Academia

Writing and Publishing in Academia

Navigating Academic Challenges and Mentorship

Strategic Academic Choices

Research Focus and Academic Disillusionment

Structural Critiques and Personal Impacts

Transitioning from Academia to New Careers

Current Role and Reflections on PhD Value

In Episode 4, Brian Rutledge, who holds a PhD in African History from Cornell University, shares his unique trajectory from skateboarding, working at a smoothie shop, and barely passing high school up thorugh community college, a Master's Degree, and a PhD in the Ivy League --never losing sight of how to use his education (or his impeccable sense of humor) along the way. 

Brian Rutledge, PhD in History: Chicken Little Called It

In Episode 4, Brian Rutledge, who holds a PhD in African History from Cornell University, shares his unique trajectory from skateboarding, working at a smoothie shop, and barely passing high school up

Brian Rutledge, PhD in History: Chicken Little Called It · Zencastr Video

Author, educator, musician, and Doctor of Philosophy in Musicology, host Jillian Marshall chats with fellow PhDs who left the academy behind. Episodes feature first-hand accounts of PhDs across disciplines who share what drew them to academia, why they chose to leave, and what they've been up to since. Academic Defectors offers fascinating insight into the notoriously opaque academic world, while archiving the increasingly important stories of PhDs forging a new path.

To learn more about Jillian's work as a post-academic, visit her website: www.jillian-marshall.net

Academic Defectors

Author, educator, and musician Jillian Marshall interviews fellow PhDs who, like her, left academia post-graduation to blaze their own trails.

Brian Rutledge, PhD in History: Chicken Little Called It

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