Allan Johnson is Associate Professor in English Literature & Associate Dean (Doctoral College), Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.  Alongside this work he is also a mindfulness teacher and co-facilitator of The PhD Circle with Emma Brodzinski.   In this episode Allan shares his own “fork in the road” experience that led hime into his research topic.   Allan highlights the different phases within the doctorate and why some moments might feel more difficult than others.   He discusses how Campbell’s model of the Hero(ine)’s journey might help with managing challenges and maintaining motivation on the transformative journey of undertaking a PhD.   He finishes with a top tip that Star Wars fans will love!   You can connect to Allan here:   www.allankilnerjohnson.com https://www.instagram.com/allankilnerjohnson/ https://www.facebook.com/allankilnerjohnson https://twitter.com/thisisallan     For a transcript of this episode go to www.thephdliferaft.com If you would like to receive a useful weekly email from the PhD Life Raft you can sign up here for ‘Notes from the Life Raft’: https://mailchi.mp/f2dce91955c6/notes-from-the-life-raft