Host Dr Michelle Gibbs

Mrs Mummy PhD®

This podcast is a reflective space for high-achieving mothers navigating scholarly work, home, and identity. Hosted by Dr Michelle Gibbs — a wife, Mama of 3, RD and Dr (the PhD kind) — the Mrs Mummy PhD® podcast is shaped by lived experience of holding ambition alongside family life, responsibility, and seasons of change. It speaks to the reality that meaningful work does not exist in isolation from the rest of our lives. Scholarly motherhood is complex and deeply human. It is marked by transitions, pressure, and continual becoming — and without intention, it can quietly pull us away from ours...

Author

Host Dr Michelle Gibbs

Category

Education

Podcast website

mrsmummyphd.com

Latest episode

Jul 6, 2026

Where to listen?

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Episodes

69. Personal Branding and Career Design for Scholarly Mamas with Dr Gertrude Nonterah 15.07.2024

In this thought-provoking episode, guest Dr Gertrude Nonterah aka Dr Gee from The Bold PhD , bestows her wisdom about all things personal branding, networking and careers by design and highlights how important this is for Scholarly Mamas®.  Dr Gee completed her PhD in Microbiology and Immunology and now works as a Medical Communications professional, speaker and career coach for PhDs and PhD stude...

68. How To Reach Your Full Potential in Scholarly Motherhood 08.07.2024

In this episode, I share another deep reflection from my recent travels to an academic conference in my field. Tune in to hear my travel musings and learn how to reach your full potential in Scholarly Motherhood. Read the related blog post here: How To Reach Your Full Potential in Scholarly Motherhood Send me a text message. Support the show Want more?  Check out the Mrs Mummy PhD ® website. Book...

67. Conference Musings and Why It's Time to Stop Navigating PhD Motherhood Alone 01.07.2024

In this episode, I share one of many reflections from an academic conference I recently attended in my field. Tune in to learn why it's time to stop navigating PhD Motherhood alone and begin building meaningful connections with other Scholarly Mamas® who 'get it'. Read the related blog post here: Why It's Time to Stop Navigating PhD Motherhood Alone  Send me a text message. Sup...

66. Navigating Graduate School as a First Generation PhD and BIPOC Mother with Dra Yvette Martínez-Vu 24.06.2024

In this inspiring episode, guest Dra Yvette Martínez-Vu from Grad School Femtoring recollects her experience of navigating academia as a first-generation PhD student and BIPOC (Black/ Indigenous/ People of Colour) Mother with amazing insights on her femtoring services, her Chicana m(other)work, and her commitment to empowering first-gen scholars. She also discusses her journey of navigating mother...

65. Reflective Replay of 'Father's Day Special: How My Dad's Fatherhood Shaped My Motherhood' 17.06.2024

In this week's episode, we're reflecting on Father's Day and an extraordinary guy who shaped my motherhood through his fatherhood! Tune in to listen to this very special 'Reflective Replay' of a previous episode :-). Read the related blog post: Father's Day Special: How My Dad's Fatherhood Shaped My Motherhood You can also take the Purposeful Scholarly Mama® trai...

64. 6 Key Reasons Why Dads Should Prioritise Self-care 10.06.2024

Self-care has become the new buzzword. The internet and social media are inundated with self-care messages. As busy Mamas, it's great that we don't have to look far for reminders about the importance of self-care. But what about Dads? Don't they need to practice self-care too? In this episode, I want to talk about why self-care matters for Dads too, this Father's Day and beyond...

63. Let's Co-work with Purpose: Introducing Scholarly Mamas® FOCUS 03.06.2024

I am so excited to introduce to you something I wish I had when I was navigating the juggle-struggle of PhD Motherhood. Introducing Scholarly Mamas® FOCUS - our brand new virtual co-working space designed for busy Scholarly Mamas® who have a million things on their plates but little time on their calendars. Update: Please use the links below instead as Scholarly Mamas® FOCUS is not currently runni...

62. Feeling Unfulfilled In Scholarly Mama Life? This Old Saying May Be A Timely Clue 27.05.2024

Have you ever wondered why, amidst the accolades of academia and the joys of motherhood, a sense of fulfilment still seems elusive? In this episode, we approach this conundrum with honest introspection. We're conditioned to celebrate our roles as mothers and scholars, yet many of us harbour a quiet dissatisfaction that undermines our accomplishments. I share some wisdom from my grandmother th...

61. Why Doing It All Is Keeping You Stuck and How to Break Free 20.05.2024

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. In this episode, I share why doing it all is keeping you stuck and how to break free from this trap. This episode is...

60. Unravelling The Hidden Joys of Being A Scholarly Mama 13.05.2024

In juggling the rigours of academia with the tenderness of motherhood, I've walked the intricate path of Scholarly Motherhood . It's a story of resilience and triumph, in which I share the wisdom I've gathered from my own experience as a Mama of 3 who also navigated a PhD journey.  In this inspiring episode, we celebrate every Scholarly Mama navigating the monumental task of nurturi...

59. Research and Rattles: How to Overcome PhD Procrastination After Maternity Leave 06.05.2024

As a Scholarly Mama who's weathered the storm of returning to PhD life post-maternity leave, I'm no stranger to the siren song of procrastination. In an intimate sharing of my journey, I reveal the strategies that helped me stay the course amidst the chaos of new motherhood. It's a road filled with sleepless nights and the guilt of time away from your little one, but also with the t...

58. Triumph Through Turmoil: A Journey of Motherhood and PhD Resilience with Dr Kristine Nicki Annunziata 29.04.2024

In this very special guest episode, Dr Kristine Nicki Annunziata, a nurse with a PhD in addiction studies, graces the podcast with her extraordinary tale, one that marries the rigorous demands of academic research with the unpredictable whirlwind of motherhood. Nicki, a mother to three, including twins, peels back the curtain on her life's compelling narrative, from combating health setbacks...

57. The Truth About Work-Life Balance: 10 Shifts For Scholarly Mama Success 22.04.2024

Discover my 10-step formula for Scholarly Mamas seeking harmony between their academic pursuits and personal lives. In this episode, I tackle the myth of work-life balance head-on, offering a new narrative that celebrates mindful intention and aligns with your deepest values. This episode is a treasure trove of wisdom for those academic matriarchs who are looking to redefine success on their own t...

56. Breaking the Self-Doubt Cycle: Practical Strategies for Scholarly Mamas 15.04.2024

Struggling with the ever-present spectre of self-doubt while trying to juggle the hats of scholarly life and motherhood, I know the internal battle all too well. Join me as I share my own experiences with procrastination and last-minute pressure, and let's unravel the strategies to bolster our confidence and march forward in our scholarly pursuits, even amidst the delightful pandemonium of pa...

55. Moving My Family Abroad To Do A PhD with Dr Sidra Iftikhar 08.04.2024

Imagine embarking on the rigorous path of a PhD journey while cradling the joys and challenges of motherhood. Dr. Sidra Iftikhar did just that - stretching her academic wings in Spain, nurturing her family, and diving into the world of e-learning research. Her compelling story unfolds in our latest episode, where she reveals the motivations for her overseas academic pursuit and the strength found...

54. Reflective Replay of 'Journeys of Becoming - Why I Started Mrs Mummy PhD' 01.04.2024

Enjoy this reflective replay of the first ever Mrs Mummy PhD® podcast episode! I invite you to join me in celebrating a year of shared growth and empowerment on the Mrs Mummy PhD® podcast. Imagine a place where academic aspirations and the art of motherhood don't just coexist but flourish - that's the journey we've embarked on together. Throughout this time, we've tackled the r...

53. 10 Things That Made PhD Motherhood Easier 25.03.2024

Have you ever wished you were a fly on the wall in someone else's PhD Motherhood journey to see what they did to make it easier? Well, here you go! Don't miss this front-row seat to 10 things that made my PhD Motherhood journey more doable. Send me a text message. Support the show Want more?  Check out the Mrs Mummy PhD ® website. Book your  free SEED call.  Follow me on Instagram , Face...

52. "We made it!" Toll Roads and A Whole Year of Podcasting 18.03.2024

It's been a whole year of the Mrs Mummy PhD® podcast! Join me in this celebratory episode where we reflect on the past year of podcasting plus navigating a PhD as a Mama. And if you're wondering what any of that has to do with toll roads, you'll have to tune in to find out! If you're a Mama on a scholarly journey, this episode is one you won't want to miss!  Send me a text...

51. "Mama, Take a Break!" The Power of The Reflective Pause 11.03.2024

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 you navigate this challenging journey. In this episode, we'll discuss the power of the reflective pause when Scholarly Mama® life gets overwhelming and how it can help us reach our...

50. Nurturing Brilliance: Celebrating the Remarkable Beauty of PhD Motherhood 04.03.2024

Are you a mother pursuing a PhD?  Balancing the demands of motherhood and academia is no small feat, but it's an incredible journey that deserves recognition and admiration.  In this episode, we'll explore the unique challenges, triumphs, and experiences that come with being a PhD mother. If you are on this Scholarly Mama® journey, or thinking about starting yours, I also share some impo...

49. How Burnout and A Cancer Diagnosis Led To Prioritising Self-Care - with 'Wellthy Mama' Melissa K Lowe 26.02.2024

This week, we are continuing our self-love awareness with an inspiring guest, Melissa K Lowe, from 'The Wellthy Mama'. After experiencing corporate burnout and receiving a life-altering cancer diagnosis, Melissa is now on a mission to help busy Mamas prioritise themselves. Melissa, a self-care coach for busy, working mothers, is also the brains behind the amazing 'Wealthy Mama'...

48. Self-Love As a Revolutionary Success Strategy 19.02.2024

With Valentine's Day widely celebrated, February is often perceived as a month of love. However, how many of us take the time to love ourselves? And not just once per year, but as often as we can :-). Self-love may look different for everyone but in this timely episode, I break down how self-love can be your revolutionary strategy for success! You don't want to miss this one... let'...

47. Navigating Your PhD Journey as a Mother with 3 Actionable Steps 12.02.2024

I always try to find lessons in everyday life and as a Mum of three boys, I am constantly navigating my way through fields of toys, which I've realised is not too dissimilar from navigating a PhD journey! So in this episode, I share a recent experience of this and the three actionable steps I extrapolated, which you can easily apply to your PhD journey as a mother. Tune in to hear more about...

46. The Hardest Part of Navigating a Scholarly Journey as a Mama 05.02.2024

One day it just hit me... Despite all of the challenges I was facing on my Scholarly Mama® journey, this one was the hardest of them all.  If you're a Mama on a scholarly journey, many of the challenges discussed in this episode will hit home for you, but I'd love to know what you think about the one that I decided was the hardest for me! Tune in to find out :-). Send me a text message....

45. Reflective Replay of 'What's Holding You Back Mama?' 29.01.2024

Enjoy this reflective replay of a previous episode on the podcast. A few years ago, as I waited to board the tube (train) in the hustle and bustle of the evening rush hour, I had a teachable moment that spoke to me in such a way that I felt compelled to share it with you.  Tune in to find out! Send me a text message. Support the show Want more?  Check out the Mrs Mummy PhD ® website. Book your  fr...

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