Mrs Mummy PhD®

Happy New Year 2025! Let's start 2025 strong with practical strategies for creating focused, intentional progress in both your PhD journey and family life.  Learn how to create sacred spaces for your academic work, maximise "micro-progress" moments, and develop family-friendly boundaries that honour both your studies and your loved ones.  Key Takeaways: Create dedicated distraction-...

In this timely, year-end episode, I reflect on the year 2024 and share 7 surprising things that made my year. This wasn't a year of obvious HUGE wins but when I gave it some thought I realised that the things that made my year were indeed quite significant because perspective is everything... I can't wait to share them with you in this reflective episode! Whether you're a seasoned S...

In this heartfelt episode, I challenge the conventional academic mindset that prioritises publications, citations, and grants above all else. Partly inspired by a thought-provoking Instagram reel, by testimonies and lived experiences, I explore why pursuing external measures of academic success at the expense of what truly matters can lead to burnout, overwhelm and disillusionment. In the episode,...

In this powerful episode, I share a transformative moment witnessed in a crowded festive shopping scene – where a Mama shopper's unexpected blackout reveals the raw, vulnerable truth about what really matters during the Christmas holiday season. *Warning: Some listeners may find the details shared in this episode upsetting, please look after your mental health* Through a poignant personal sto...

Are you a Scholarly Mama® preparing for the holiday season and already feeling like you're drowning in PhD guilt? Well, if so, this episode is for you! Join us as we break down three powerful strategies to help you prioritise what truly matters: your family and your well-being. In this heartfelt episode, we discuss: How to set strategic academic boundaries during the holidays A simple techniq...

In this episode, we dive deep into the realities of Scholarly Motherhood, exploring how unexpected setbacks can remind us of what truly matters and can also become a catalyst for creating something new. Drawing from personal experiences, the episode offers a timely reminder of the importance of being grateful for the little things as we navigate Scholarly Motherhood with both grace and efficiency....

This is a Reflective Replay of Episode 61: 'Why Doing It All Is Keeping You Stuck and How to Break Free'. As a Scholarly Mama myself, I understand the challenges of juggling motherhood with the demands of PhD life. But I'm here to share the raw truths of this juggle, the pitfalls of the "do it all" mentality, and the power of embracing our authentic, multifaceted selves. I...

Can high-achieving Scholarly Mamas® have it all? In this powerful guest episode, Transformational Coach Unyime Oguta shatters the myth that women must choose between academic success and family life. Drawing from her own journey through burnout while pursuing her second degree, Unyime shares game-changing insights on creating space for your dreams without sacrificing your well-being or family rela...

Ever held back the tears after receiving a rejection letter, email or phone call so your kids wouldn't see you cry?  In this raw and real episode, we're tackling the gut-punch moments of academic life as a Mama – from grant rejections to viva struggles. Whether you're questioning your place in academia or wondering how to pick yourself up after a setback, this episode is your permis...

Ever wondered why some individuals seem to achieve success so effortlessly and others struggle to pick up the peices after not achieving a goal first time round? Have you ever felt like you'll never have success in your PhD or academic career  because you didn't achieve a scholarly or personal goal or two by a certain time? Perhaps you thought you'd be much further along by now... b...

Do you feel pressured to get your PhD done, but somehow struggle to keep up the pace as a Scholarly Mama®? Do you ever feel like you never have enough time to get into deep work as you navigate your PhD with kids in tow? If you're navigating your PhD with little ones, I want to help you finish well. If this is your goal, allow me to share with you, in this episode, why consistency matters mor...

Do you feel pressured to get your PhD done, but somehow struggle to keep up the pace as a Scholarly Mama®? Do you ever feel like you never have enough time to get into deep work as you navigate your PhD with kids in tow? If you're navigating your PhD with little ones, I want to help you finish well. If this is your goal, allow me to share with you, in this episode, why consistency matters mor...

Have you ever felt like an imposter on your PhD journey as a Scholarly Mama®? If you're navigating your PhD with kids, I'm sure you've experienced those feelings of not belonging or feeling like you're not enough to see this journey through and finish well. If this sounds like you, then this is the episode won't want to miss! Tune in for 10 powerful reasons why you're...

As a Mama pursuing a PhD, have you ever heard someone say it's the journey, not the destination ? What comes up for you when you hear it? Maybe you think, 'Oh, surely they don't understand...' or maybe 'That doesn't apply to me or PhD Motherhood'. In this episode, we will explore what this means for Scholarly Mamas®. A truly thought-provoking episode you won&apos...

In this episode, we welcome special guest Lynn from researchwithlynn.com to share her story of navigating maternity leave as a PhD student.  Lynn and I met on Instagram a few years back and have been following each other ever since so I am so grateful that we have made this episode happen…. we've wanted to do this for quite some time and I'm just so glad that she is finally here on the s...

In this episode, we dive into the challenges and triumphs of pursuing a PhD while juggling the demands of motherhood. I share my personal journey of transforming PhD panic into purposeful progress on part-time hours, offering invaluable insights for Scholarly Mamas® everywhere. Whether you're considering a PhD, in the thick of your doctoral studies, or supporting a Scholarly Mama® , this epis...

Are you feeling stuck in your PhD research, grappling with writer's block, or struggling to generate fresh ideas? In this episode, we tackle the common challenge of creative block in doctoral studies. Join us as we explore 7 practical tips tailored specifically for mothers juggling family life with their PhD journey. From embracing micro-productivity to implementing creativity rituals, I prov...

In this episode, I share valuable strategies for Scholarly Mamas® to thrive in this new academic year. Key topics include: Creating realistic schedules and maximising productivity Setting priorities and maintaining healthy boundaries The importance of self-care and stress management Building a support network and utilising available resources Practical tips for balancing childcare and academic pur...

In this episode of the Mrs Mummy PhD® podcast, we dive into the world of holiday travel with kids for Scholarly Mamas®. Perfect for PhD or academic mothers looking to balance family time with their studies, we cover: The benefits of taking breaks from your research for a family break Practical tips for planning budget-friendly trips around academic schedules Essential packing lists that cater to b...

Welcome back to another PhD Graduation Celebration PLOG! This is my third and final PhD Graduation PLOG and it's all about my PhD Graduation Celebration Party/Dinner which was affectionately called 'The Dr's In'! What a moment of celebration on the beautiful island of Barbados with family and friends :-). If you've enjoyed the previous two 'PhD Graduation PLOGS'...

This episode features guest Dr Amy Camilleri Zahra, a remarkable individual who balances multiple roles as a mother, wife, disability rights activist, academic, and public speaker. Amy shares her inspiring journey from surviving a life-threatening illness that led to amputations, to pursuing a PhD and becoming a powerful advocate for disability rights. We explore how she managed the demands of mot...

In this episode, I share my second PhD graduation PLOG (think vlog but for podcasts!) which details my actual graduation day! What an AMAZING day it was indeed, with lots of memories made and so much fun! So come along with me for my PhD graduation day PLOG :-). Thank you for sharing this journey with me, if you've been a regular listener for a while, you won't want to miss this episode!...

In this episode, I share my PhD graduation PLOG (think vlog but for podcasts!) all about my pre-graduation ceremony preparations! Yes, Mama, 5 whole degrees and this is only my second graduation ceremony as I didn't attend my three postgrad graduation ceremonies! So come along with me for the journey of my PhD graduation over the next couple of episodes :-). Thank you for sharing this journey...

In this reflective replay, we discuss the power of the reflective pause when Scholarly Mama® life gets overwhelming and how it can help us reach our goals with less stress and more joy. Navigating PhD life as a Mama can feel overwhelming at the best of times. As a Mama doing a PhD, you can't simply 'believe' your way through the juggle-struggle! You need practical strategies to help...

In this heartfelt episode, host Dr Michelle Gibbs breaks down 10 ways you can keep mum guilt at bay as an ambitious Scholarly Mama® who is juggling both academic pursuits and family life. Infused with personal stories, this episode is filled with practical tips to help you pursue your scholarly ambitions with confidence and purpose, without sacrificing those precious family moments! If you are in...