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The aim of this chapter is to contribute to conversations about doing doctoral research (differently) through sharing key formative aspects of my own doctoral research journey. This includes events and relationships that led me to begin my doctoral research journey and the circumstances that shaped my research focus and methodology. You will find that issues related to social theory and research methodology make up a considerable part of the chapter. This reflects the impact my engagement with theory had on my research and myself as a researcher. Furthermore, I (re)consider what research impact might mean in (doctoral) research based on my own experiences as a doctoral researcher. Finally, I reflect on what and who have supported and sustained me during my doctoral research journey. Throughout the chapter, I invite you to consider how the various aspects that have been key in shaping my research engagements may be relevant to your own and others’ engagement with research. Your responses will likely differ significantly from mine. However, it is the questioning that is more important than the specific answers.