When starting out on your research journey whether that be focsued on education, clinical, or a combination, hearing about the journies of others can be very insightful. Well known nurse leaders talking about their motivations, drivers, barriers and challenges makes your own journey that more relatable. If these legends can struggle, then its okay to feel the same during a Masters, PhD, or post-doctoral research program of study. This resource aims to demystify clinical academia, explain what researchers do, their roles, how they got there and what advice they can offer to others looking to bring research into their roles.