Welcome to The PhD Journey Unplugged Podcast. In this special episode, Dr. Sarah Gordon welcomes back her friend and former classmate, Dr. Ezequiel Benavides, for a reflective and forward-looking conversation on their shared doctoral journeys and what lies ahead beyond the finish line. Sometimes life presents ironies too hard not to notice or even laugh at, as Dr. Benavides and Dr. Gordon push through technology issues on this episode. It so eloquently reminds them of the obstacles they faced in their PhD journeys and how resilience, focus, and a smile can help you through those hurdlesThis episode is filled with genuine dialogue about the realities of navigating the doctoral process, the growth that comes from perseverance, and the excitement—and uncertainty—of stepping into the next chapter. Together, they reflect on lessons learned, personal evolution, and the importance of staying grounded in purpose as their paths continue to unfold.About the Guest: Dr. Benavides currently serves as a faculty member at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, where he teaches senior-level and graduate courses. He is also the Founder of Dr. Benavides Physical Education, a movement-centered education and consulting service dedicated to building meaningful relationships, empowering educators, bridging gaps in access and opportunity, and supporting learners at every level. His mission is to become a leading national model for student-centered education in movement consulting—rooted in equity, backed by research, and delivered through relationships that begin at the heart.Founded on the belief that every child deserves meaningful movement experiences—and every educator deserves the tools to make that possible, Dr. Benavides Physical Education Services reflects his deep commitment to equity, connection, and lifelong learning. He carries this same passion into higher education classrooms, where he inspires future professionals to pursue their goals with intention, confidence, and compassion.An educator, consultant, coach, and movement advocate, Dr. Benavides brings a wealth of experience—from being named Teacher of the Year in elementary education to earning his Ed.D. in Sports Administration and Leadership from Concordia University Chicago. His journey and insights offer powerful encouragement for listeners striving to climb their own mountains.It was an absolute honor and privilege to welcome Dr. Benavides back to the show as Dr. Gordon closes out the 2025 year of The PhD Journey Unplugged Podcast—celebrating growth, resilience, and the power of staying true to one’s purpose.The PHD Journey Unplugged podcast is rooted in authenticity, care, and genuine commitment to human flourishing. Our voices together create space for reflection, healing, growth, and hope - especially for people navigating demanding academic and life journeys. As always, it is an honor to have this platform to educate, motivate, and grow together. Wishing all listeners of The PhD Journey Unplugged Podcast community a wonderful holiday season as we edge towards the end of 2025! All information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice.

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