The Career Adjunct

Dec 12 2024 19 ep. 39 mins
The Career Adjunct Podcast artwork

The Career Adjunct will uncover the untold stories of academia's underclass. The show will explore the daily grind of adjuncting, hear inspiring journeys of those who left, and discover the resilience that defines career adjuncts.  Each weekly half hour episode takes you on a thought-provoking journey through the multifaceted realm of adjuncting. The host, Iliana De Larkin, a seasoned educator and advocate for adjunct rights, will guide you through deep dives into various aspects of adjunct life.

  Education  Society & Culture
RSS feed Share
Copy RSS


Subscribe on Podcast Addict


Writing Dreams and Academic Realities: Laura’s Journey

Dec 12 2024 70 mins  
In this episode of the Career Adjunct podcast, Iliana speaks with Laura Hartmann-Villalta. She shares how she pursued a PhD to lend credibility to her dream of writing a meaningful book, hoping it would also lead to a full-time academic position. Instead, she navigated adjunct life, juggling part-time roles until she landed a rare full-time "unicorn role." In this episode, Laura sh

Two Decades on the Adjunct Highway: Carol DeFranco’s Journey

Nov 15 2024 35 mins  
In this episode Iliana sits down with Carol DeFranco, who shares her remarkable journey spanning over two decades as an adjunct professor. Carol's story is one of resilience and adaptability, having taught at multiple universities across different states, often juggling roles as a freeway flyer. She offers insight into the mindset that sustained her—embracing the realities of adj

Packing Up and Speaking Out: Trish Jolly's Fight Against Academic Injustices

May 30 2024 66 mins  
In this deeply moving and insightful episode, I sit down with Trish Jolly the day after she packed up her office for the last time. Trish is a dedicated and award-winning former adjunct professor with an unparalleled passion for working with college students. Her remarkable journey took an unexpected turn when her position was cut due to university budget constraints, forcing her t

UPDATE: I'm Back! Plus an Adjunct Story

May 14 2024 9 mins  
In this special update episode, Iliana shares what led to an unplanned hiatus and what you can expect from the podcast moving forward. Additionally, Iliana features a listener story written by an adjunct, offering a firsthand account of their experiences. ADJUNCT STORY SUBMISSIONS: Please email me at [email protected] and put "Adjunct Story" in the title. (I really appreci

The Adjunct Problem: A Conversation with Angela Collier

Mar 18 2024 40 mins  
Get ready for an engaging and thought-provoking conversation with Angela Collier, the witty and insightful host of a very popular physics YouTube channel. Join us as Angela shares her unique perspective on the adjunct problem within academia, drawing from her own experience as a brief stint as an adjunct before leaving academia. With her trademark humor and wit, Angela delves into

Shedding Light on Adjunct Realities: Cheyenne's Candid Reflections

Mar 07 2024 42 mins  
Prepare for a raw and insightful conversation as Iliana sits down with Cheyenne Rudolph as she bravely shares her journey through academia's trenches. Despite warnings received in grad school, Cheyenne found herself immersed in the world of adjuncting, facing low pay, instability, and unexpected emotional connections to childhood trauma. Join us as Cheyenne delves into the complexi

Gina Hanson's Fight Against Adjunct De-Professionalization

Feb 20 2024 48 mins  
Join us for an enlightening conversation with Gina Hanson, an adjunct professor in the Cal State system, as she shares her unwavering passion for advocating for adjuncts' recognition and value within academia. Gina delves into her dissertation topic, exploring the concerning issue of adjuncts' de-professionalization and its implications for higher education. With firsthand experien

Advocating for ESL: Deany Goode's 15-Year Adjunct Journey

Feb 05 2024 36 mins  
In this episode, Iliana sits down with the passionate and resilient Deany Goode, who has dedicated 15 years of her career to adjuncting, primarily teaching English as a second language for academic purposes. Join us as Deany shares her unwavering commitment to the unique population she teaches and the challenges faced by both her students and herself within the higher education sys

Frayed Edges: Mike Hilbig's Tale of Loss, Stress, and Exiting Adjunct Life

Jan 23 2024 43 mins  
Tune in for a deeply moving episode as Iliana sits down with Mike Hilbig, a former adjunct who bravely shares his heart-wrenching journey. Mike opens up about enduring significant personal losses while navigating the challenging world of adjuncting, attempting to cobble together a living wage. In this candid conversation, he sheds light on the relentless stress, low wages, and the

Breaking Barriers: A First-Gen Odyssey through Adjunct Struggles

Jan 16 2024 40 mins  
In this poignant episode, I sit down with an anonymous guest who defied the odds as the first in her family to attend college. Her journey unfolds into the stark realities of academia, where despite warnings about the slim chances of securing a full-time position, she found herself juggling adjunct roles at three different schools just to make ends meet. Join us as our guest courag