A monthly informal chat between one academic staff member and PhD students about life in research and academia in general – especially during COVID-19. This will give the PhD students an opportunity to talk about research with their peers in a more informal ‘friendly’ way. This format is different from the “Messed Up!” series run by the PhD society as this will give everyone an opportunity to ask questions and have an informal “catch up” with the academic and feel more connected with the department.