I Became the Person I Always Thought I Would Be with Dr. Danielle McArdle
Release Date: 07/02/2025
Why You Never Do What You Say You Will
Office Hours with Dr. Lacy
You keep making plans. Telling yourself this week will be different. Promising your chair, your friends, and yourself that you're going to finish this draft. But somehow the days go by and nothing gets done. In this episode, Dr. Marvette Lacy breaks down the real reason behind the cycle of avoidance and broken promises. It’s not laziness. It’s not a lack of time. It’s the deep hit your confidence has taken and the fear that your best might not be good enough. If you're tired of feeling like a disappointment and ready to finally trust yourself again, this episode will show you how to...
info_outline
How You Can Start Writing Today
Office Hours with Dr. Lacy
You don’t need more time. You don’t need another book or a better plan. You just need to start. In this episode, Dr. Marvette Lacy shows you exactly how to get words on the page today using a simple 10-minute strategy that works even if you feel stuck or unsure. If you’ve been telling yourself you’re not ready or that you need to read more before you write, this is your reminder that clarity comes from action—not overthinking. This is your starting point. No pressure. No perfection. Just progress. Dissertation Information Qual Scholars Community: 10 Pages In 2 Days Writing...
info_outline
Your Dissertation Is an Assignment
Office Hours with Dr. Lacy
You keep telling yourself this dissertation has to be perfect. That it has to honor your family, your community, your ancestors. And that pressure is the reason you haven’t written a single page in weeks. In this episode, Dr. Marvette Lacy reminds you of one simple truth—your dissertation is not your life’s masterpiece. It’s an assignment. It’s your first attempt at research, not your final one. You’ll learn why chasing perfection keeps you stuck, how fear disguises itself as overthinking, and what it actually takes to hit submit. If you want to finish faster and with way less...
info_outline
The Power of Your Decisions - Mars In Libra
Office Hours with Dr. Lacy
In this episode, Dr. Lacy discusses the interplay between grief and creativity, emphasizing the importance of understanding one's Mars sign, particularly in Libra. The conversation explores decision-making dynamics, the shadow side of people-pleasing, and the significance of setting boundaries. Dr. Lacy also provides astrological insights for each zodiac sign, encouraging listeners to embrace change and self-discovery while navigating their personal and professional lives. Dissertation Information Qual Scholars Community: 10 Pages In 2 Days Writing Retreat: The Finish Your Dissertation...
info_outline
Why You Need To Invest In Yourself
Office Hours with Dr. Lacy
In this conversation, Dr. Lacy discusses the importance of investing in dissertation coaching and support for doctoral students. She emphasizes that seeking help is not a sign of weakness but a necessary step in navigating the challenges of the dissertation process. Lacy highlights the limited role of dissertation chairs and the need for additional resources and community support. She introduces her program, Qual Scholars, as a way to provide structured support for students, encouraging them to seek help and not to go through the process alone. Chapters 00:00 The Value of Dissertation...
info_outline
How To Write 10 Pages In 2 Days
Office Hours with Dr. Lacy
Description In this episode, Dr. Lacy discusses the importance of having a structured writing system to enhance productivity and confidence in writing. She introduces her '10 Pages in Two Days' writing retreat, which aims to help participants produce significant written work in a short time frame. The retreat focuses on teaching a systematic approach to writing, addressing mental blocks, and providing a supportive environment for writers. Dr. Lacy emphasizes the need for preparation and offers insights into what participants can expect during the retreat, including common questions and...
info_outline
Be A Doctoral Expert - New Moon In Leo
Office Hours with Dr. Lacy
In this conversation, Dr. Lacy discusses the importance of self-belief, the role of astrology as a guiding tool, and the significance of the new moon in initiating personal growth. She emphasizes the need to trust oneself, overcome perfectionism, and embrace change, particularly during Leo season. The discussion also touches on the impact of relationships on personal development and the importance of community support. Lacy provides astrological insights for each zodiac sign, encouraging listeners to find their voice and authenticity while navigating their journeys. Chapters 00:00...
info_outline
Your Doctoral Journey To Damascus - Mercury Retrograde In Leo
Office Hours with Dr. Lacy
In this episode, Dr. Lacy explores the intersection of astrology, spirituality, and personal growth, particularly through the lens of Mercury retrograde in Leo. She reflects on her own journey from 2018 to 2020, discussing the challenges and transformations she faced, including the transition from being a doctoral student to a professional. The conversation also delves into the biblical story of Saul's transformation into Paul, drawing parallels to personal identity and the importance of self-reflection during Mercury retrograde. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own journeys and...
info_outline
“I’m Investing in My Future” with Ashley Thomas
Office Hours with Dr. Lacy
Ashley Thomas didn’t wait for permission to take her next step—she made the decision to invest in herself. In this episode, she shares how she went from high school chemistry teacher to doctoral candidate, all while balancing work, life, and the emotional weight of the dissertation process. We talk about what it really means to bet on your future, why group coaching changed everything, and how she learned to ask for help without shame. If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s worth it to invest in support—Ashley’s story will show you what’s possible when you do. Dissertation...
info_outline
Getting a PhD Is Easy If You’re Willing to Stop Fighting the Process
Office Hours with Dr. Lacy
You think the problem is your topic or your writing. It’s not. The problem is you’re still trying to make the process make sense. In this truth-telling episode, Dr. Marvette Lacy breaks down why so many smart, capable students stay stuck in the dissertation phase—while others fly past them with mediocre drafts. If you are exhausted from rewriting, over-researching, or waiting for your chair to finally make sense, this episode will shift everything. Learn why your chair doesn’t need you to be brilliant, why perfect is the enemy of done, and how trusting your own voice can get you to...
info_outlineIn this episode, Dr. Danielle McArdle reflects on what it really took to become the version of herself she always imagined. She shares how the PhD process tested her confidence, challenged her identity, and forced her to let go of the idea that she had to figure it all out on her own. We talk about the real work of finding your people, navigating difficult advisor relationships, and learning how to trust your voice. This conversation is a reminder that you are not here just to earn a degree. You are here to become the kind of scholar and leader you always knew you could be.
Dissertation Information
- Qual Scholars Community: https://qual-scholars.circle.so/
- 10 Pages In 2 Days Writing Retreat: https://qualscholars.com/10pages/
- The Finish Your Dissertation Institute: https://qualscholars.com/theinstitute/
- Qual Scholars Website: https://qualscholars.com/
- Qual Scholars’ Instagram: https://instagram.com/qual_scholars/
Danielle McArdle (She/her)
https://www.linkedin.com/daniellehmcardle
Insta: daniellehmcardle
About Me:
My name is Danielle McArdle and I will be graduating this spring with a PhD in Management with a specialization in sports marketing from University of Massachusetts-Amherst. I am in expert of fandom in women's sports and I hope to change the world through my research. This fall, I will join the faculty of the University of Georgia. Go Dawgs!
What I Have Done:
Outside of my academic background, I have served as the coordinator of corporate partnership for the National Women's Hockey League and have completed the United States Olympic Committee's Finding Leaders Amongst Minorities Everywhere (FLAME) Program. I also served as the Workforce Administrator of the Orlando Venue of the 2016 Copa America Centenario.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Journey
02:56 Navigating PhD Challenges
05:46 The Role of Mentorship
09:10 Overcoming Academic Hurdles
12:03 The Advisor Transition
14:49 Building a Supportive Community
18:14 Lessons Learned and Moving Forward
33:58 Navigating Dissertation Challenges
39:06 The Importance of Thought Partners
44:24 Emotional Resilience in the Dissertation Process
49:24 Innovative Data Collection Strategies
54:14 Preparing for the Defense
01:01:33 The Value of Community Support
01:04:23 Looking Ahead: New Beginnings