From Academia to Identity with David Mendes

"Sometimes just doing more is not the solution." In this episode, Michael Dargie talks with David Mendes, a bilingual podcaster, medical writer, and creator of Papa PhD. Originally from Portugal, raised in Belgium, and now based in Montreal, David shares his journey through academia, translation, and eventually podcasting as a form of rebellion and reinvention.

This episode is sponsored by my new book BRANDJITSU, helping you find, shape, and share your story with the world. After completing his PhD in biology, David faced the all-too-familiar crossroads many graduate students encounter: a lack of academic jobs, identity loss, and the anxiety of "what now?" Instead of pushing harder on a path that didn't feel right, he started talking to other postgrads—scientists, entrepreneurs, creatives—about what came after their degrees. Those conversations became Papa PhD, a podcast now more than 300 episodes strong.

David opens up about the evolution of the show, from a passion project to a growing community of global listeners navigating career uncertainty. He shares how podcasting transformed his sense of self, taught him how to connect, and gave him the confidence to speak onstage.

Along the way, they talk about creative rituals, the magic of sci-fi and philosophy, Portuguese comfort food, Japanese art, and the importance of laughing with other humans. David's insights on imposter syndrome, over-pedalling, and finding your own flavour of success are deeply honest and profoundly useful.

His advice to rebels in waiting: don't compare, don't wait until you're "ready"—just get in the game. The world needs your version of the thing.

Quoteable Quotes

"Sometimes just doing more is not the solution." — David Mendes

"You're depriving the world of your flavour of the thing." — David Mendes

"It's the unknown that brings up imposter feelings." — David Mendes

"The world needs more Rebecca, Rebecca." — Michael Dargie

"Sometimes you've got to stop pedalling and look around." — David Mendes

Episode Highlights