{"id":5501,"date":"2025-08-27T14:01:05","date_gmt":"2025-08-27T18:01:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/websites.emerson.edu\/grad-life\/?p=5501"},"modified":"2025-08-28T10:27:12","modified_gmt":"2025-08-28T14:27:12","slug":"books-podcasts-and-playlists-for-surviving-grad-school","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/websites.emerson.edu\/grad-life\/2025\/08\/27\/books-podcasts-and-playlists-for-surviving-grad-school\/","title":{"rendered":"Books, Podcasts, and Playlists for Surviving Grad School"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Whether you\u2019re fresh out of undergrad, pursuing a career change, or trying to balance class and a full-time job, grad school can be a very individual experience. And while the journey is full of rewarding and inspiring moments, it can also be exhausting and overwhelming. As we head into the <a href=\"https:\/\/websites.emerson.edu\/grad-life\/2025\/07\/24\/your-future-self-will-thank-you-using-summer-break-to-prep-for-the-fall-semester\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>new school year<\/strong><\/a>, we compiled this list of books, podcasts, and playlists to help you feel ready to take on whatever this journey has in store. From offering career advice, a simple laugh, or the energy to help you finish that last paragraph before bed, these resources are here to help us excel in grad school together.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Books to Inspire and Ground You:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/cup.columbia.edu\/book\/grad-school-life\/9780231207850\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em><strong>Grad School Life: Surviving and Thriving Beyond Coursework and Research<\/strong><\/em><\/a> by Jacqueline M. Kory-Westlund\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>This book is all about how to balance the non-academic parts of grad school. It leaves behind the typical advice, like how to apply for jobs and seek out funding, and instead focuses on managing personal finances and maintaining friendships and relationships.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/How-Win-Friends-Influence-People\/dp\/0671027034\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em><strong>How to Win Friends and Influence People<\/strong><\/em><\/a> by Dale Carnegie\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>With the tagline \u201cThe Only Book You Need to Lead You to Success,&#8221; it\u2019s no wonder this book has been a bestseller since its original release in 1936. The book will teach \u201csix ways to make people like you, twelve ways to win people to your way of thinking, nine ways to change people without arousing resentment,\u201d and much more.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/websites.emerson.edu\/grad-life\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2025\/08\/books-laying-out-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Self-help books layed out in a bundle.\" class=\"wp-image-5505\" style=\"width:399px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/websites.emerson.edu\/grad-life\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2025\/08\/books-laying-out-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/websites.emerson.edu\/grad-life\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2025\/08\/books-laying-out-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/websites.emerson.edu\/grad-life\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2025\/08\/books-laying-out-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/websites.emerson.edu\/grad-life\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2025\/08\/books-laying-out-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/websites.emerson.edu\/grad-life\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2025\/08\/books-laying-out-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo by <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/@shiromanikant?utm_content=creditCopyText&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_source=unsplash\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Shiromani Kant<\/a> on <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/white-and-blue-printer-paper-mo3FOTG62ao?utm_content=creditCopyText&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_source=unsplash\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/97395\/bird-by-bird-by-anne-lamott\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em><strong>Bird by Bird<\/strong><\/em><\/a> by Ann Lamott\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>If you\u2019re a <a href=\"https:\/\/emerson.edu\/majors-programs\/graduate-programs\/creative-writing?gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=22869813016&amp;gbraid=0AAAAADjQ4nbxi6zWq6swKnPu12Lemqhvg&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjwtrXFBhBiEiwAEKen109y2dXkGWintuedUmYgBxKnTfAH0OhcwmUGRuvGigh4uWhXAja3wRoCAhIQAvD_BwE\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Creative Writing MFA<\/strong><\/a> student, odds are you have been urged to read\u00a0this book before. Based on her own experiences as a writer and teacher, Lamott encourages writers of all ages and skill levels to approach the craft with an open heart and mind, taking it \u201cbird by bird.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Defining-Decade-Your-Twenties-Matter\/dp\/0446561754\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em><strong>The Defining Decade: Why Your Twenties Matter\u2014And How to Make the Most of Them Now<\/strong><\/em><\/a> by Meg Jay, PhD\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>While Emerson\u2019s graduate student population ranges in ages, this book has become integral for all us twentysomethings navigating big life choices. By combining research from psychologists, neurologists, human resource executives, and more, Jay teaches us how harnessing the unique power of our twenties can change our lives forever.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Practice-Shipping-Creative-Work\/dp\/0593328973\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>The Practice: Shipping Creative Work<\/strong><\/a> by Seth Godin\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Like <em>Bird by Bird<\/em>, this book is perfect for when you may be feeling stuck and need to remember how to consistently produce creative work. And more importantly, Godin focuses on not only finding the courage to make creative work, but how to share it! It can be hard for grad students to feel comfortable putting their work on display, but Godin\u2019s guide teaches us how to \u201clearn to dance with your fear\u201d to ultimately \u201cembrace the empathy required to make work that contributes with authenticity and joy.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Podcasts to Learn About Yourself and Others:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/show\/4GvXaDeRy8ACbpF1eXhahk?si=485c067b960e4e94\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Making it Big In 30 Minutes<\/strong><\/a>\u201d hosted by the Emerson Alumni Association\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Designed to be a podcast for, by, and about Emerson alumni, this show spotlights Emerson grads who are inspiring positive change every day. From film producers to comedy writers, this podcast is proof that your time at Emerson sets you up for success.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/show\/6YqWo32NbxiptWx2hU00o5?si=dd95992b2c6e412c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Smosh Reads Reddit Stories<\/strong><\/a>\u201d\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Different from some other suggestions on this list, this podcast is simply for comedic relief. With new releases each week, Smosh Reads Reddit Stories is a reliable and hilarious show that doesn\u2019t require any brain power to enjoy. Ideal for long commutes to school!&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/show\/5VzFvh1JlEhBMS6ZHZ8CNO?si=660027c9af1d4876\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Anything Goes with Emma Chamberlain<\/strong><\/a>\u201d\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>This podcast is perfect for when you feel like you want a late night chat with a big sister or best friend. Emma Chamberlain discusses a range of topics, including how our relationships can change us, how to maximize creativity, and even home decor hacks.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/show\/5stjSreUX9Y9iUYv0KSxBH?si=5b4dddc296754861\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Strangers on a Bench<\/strong><\/a>\u201d with Tom Rosenthal\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Struggling to come up with characters for your next book or film? This podcast breeds inspiration. Each episode features the host sitting down on a bench with a stranger and listening to their life story. It\u2019s a great way to feel connected to the greater humanity and remind us that every person has their own story to share.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/websites.emerson.edu\/grad-life\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2025\/08\/podcast-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"A person wearing a black sweatshirt sits on a bench and looks out. He may be listening to podcasts in his headphones.\" class=\"wp-image-5504\" style=\"width:398px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/websites.emerson.edu\/grad-life\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2025\/08\/podcast-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/websites.emerson.edu\/grad-life\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2025\/08\/podcast-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/websites.emerson.edu\/grad-life\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2025\/08\/podcast-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/websites.emerson.edu\/grad-life\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2025\/08\/podcast-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/websites.emerson.edu\/grad-life\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2025\/08\/podcast-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo by <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/@haron_3247?utm_content=creditCopyText&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_source=unsplash\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Aharon Luria<\/a> on <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/a-person-sitting-on-a-bench-in-front-of-a-body-of-water-Zd1AE66FK7U?utm_content=creditCopyText&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_source=unsplash\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/show\/2dt6QUvLNA3B76II80Q0Dv?si=1fc62a5686ae47ef\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>The Economics of Everyday Things<\/strong><\/a>\u201d\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>With short episodes ranging from 15-20 minutes, The Economics of Everyday Things explains the hidden business side of things you may never think about\u2014like emojis, fortune cookies, and more. Great for study breaks, a quick walk outside to clear your head, or solo meals.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/show\/2ZNG9xVD8ZfqJNaDj0apCJ?si=2cd3b2e4a1684239\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Help Me Be Me<\/strong><\/a>\u201d\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Described as \u201can emotional toolkit for creating positive change in yourself\u201d and \u201cself-help for people who hate self-help,\u201d this podcast is perfect to dip into when you may need a bit of a perspective shift. Since grad school can be an emotional and even stressful time, it\u2019s important to check in with ourselves and ensure we are cultivating the best version of ourselves.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/show\/7ADkjXwA5v9nSg7aYmnEEt?si=4ded913d94e143e2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>The Overwhelmed Brain<\/strong><\/a>\u201d with Paul Colaianni\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Focused on building emotional intelligence and self-worth, this is a reflective podcast that teaches you how to make decisions that are right for you. It focuses on \u201cdecluttering the overwhelmed brain\u201d and harnessing your inner power!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Playlists to Soundtrack Your Grad School Life:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/playlist\/473sgLFsrUlrY4rk8SC0MQ?si=5576c0bd693d419f\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Unraveling grad school daughter<\/strong><\/a>\u201d created by tulipsinthesea\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>With 12 hours of moody and reflective hits, this playlist speaks to the edgy grad student inside all of us. Perfect for walking home from class in the glow of Boston\u2019s city lights.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/playlist\/6fKJGZ1Fyj4A8Iy7MHWJSd?si=1b566f8311d54935\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Cozy fall instrumental study session<\/strong><\/a>\u201d created by aspency\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Can\u2019t work while listening to music with lyrics? Try this instrumental playlist that features music ranging from It\u2019s <em>The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown <\/em>to <em>Pride and Prejudice.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/websites.emerson.edu\/grad-life\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2025\/08\/beacon-hill-fall-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"A Beacon Hill street during the fall on a gloomy day with yellow leaves on the ground.\" class=\"wp-image-5503\" style=\"width:458px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/websites.emerson.edu\/grad-life\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2025\/08\/beacon-hill-fall-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/websites.emerson.edu\/grad-life\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2025\/08\/beacon-hill-fall-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/websites.emerson.edu\/grad-life\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2025\/08\/beacon-hill-fall-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/websites.emerson.edu\/grad-life\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2025\/08\/beacon-hill-fall-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/websites.emerson.edu\/grad-life\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2025\/08\/beacon-hill-fall-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo by <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/@breakyourboundaries4?utm_content=creditCopyText&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_source=unsplash\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Matt Collamer<\/a> on <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/brown-brick-building-near-green-trees-during-daytime-UpYF6ibFud0?utm_content=creditCopyText&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_source=unsplash\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/playlist\/5JFYQSx2bz96HBcXCRv2ug?si=b1b3b9a565d348c5\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>autumn in college 90s early 00s alt rock good will hunting core<\/strong><\/a>\u201d by kviley\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The title of this playlist truly speaks for itself. Described as \u201cfall semester in New England, Doc Martens, hot coffee, crunchy leaves, and warm crewnecks,\u201d these songs can turn any study session into a cinematic experience. It\u2019s no wonder it has nearly 50,000 saves on Spotify!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/playlist\/7tLLCRxXp5DgZIXmQRSeRa?si=90c99bf7552d4109\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Writing a book at 4am<\/strong><\/a>\u201d created by sonjacarless\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Caught in the late-night writing grind? Put on this playlist to keep the creative juices flowing. Boasting a mix of instrumental and chill, lyrical songs, this playlist makes you feel a little less alone, even if the rest of the city is still asleep.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/playlist\/5eg7kBQzZEl3jI1Y7pvfyf?si=23e6ad261ac54f16\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Rory Gilmore Mode<\/strong><\/a>\u201d created by alelelele\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Described as \u201chandpicked instrumental music for studying, reading, and writing,\u201d this playlist encapsulates all the hard work and binging grad school students are constantly doing. Channel your inner studious main character!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p>While it\u2019s easy to get caught up in the readings and deadlines we have to keep track of in grad school, it\u2019s all about finding the little things that can help keep you motivated and inspired on your individual journey. Whether it\u2019s a renowned book, a silly podcast, or the perfect fall playlist, we hope this guide can be there for you along the way. Don\u2019t forget to enjoy the ride!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Whether you\u2019re fresh out of undergrad, pursuing a career change, or trying to balance class and a full-time job, grad school can be a very individual experience. And while the journey is full of rewarding and inspiring moments, it can &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/websites.emerson.edu\/grad-life\/2025\/08\/27\/books-podcasts-and-playlists-for-surviving-grad-school\/\">Continued<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3410,"featured_media":5505,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"kt_blocks_editor_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[11],"tags":[740,665,44,271,739,737,744,91,743,735,734,736,738,742,745,741],"class_list":["post-5501","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-tips-and-faqs","tag-ann-lamott","tag-books","tag-boston","tag-creative-writing-mfa","tag-dale-carnegie","tag-economics-of-everything","tag-fall-playlists","tag-grad-school","tag-instrumental-music","tag-playlists","tag-podcasts","tag-rory-gilmore","tag-smosh-reads-reddit-stories","tag-strangers-on-a-bench","tag-studying-music","tag-the-defining-decade"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.3 - 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