The story of our today's guest, Ana Amaral, challenges the typical "I left academia because I burned out" narrative. With a biochemistry PhD, postdocs at Cambridge and Karolinska Institute, and an incredibly supportive boss, she had everything needed for academic success. Yet something was missing - so she decided to leave and look for it elsewhere.

This episode explores how body wisdom and intuition can guide major career decisions, even when logic says to stay put. Ana shares how yoga, self-awareness, and emotional intelligence helped her recognise that safety isn't the same as fulfilment.

We talked about:

• Why following joy mattered more than following a predetermined path
• How to recognise when your body is telling you it's time to change
• Transferable skills from PhD to entrepreneurship
• The role of emotional intelligence in scientific environments
• Redefining success on your own terms

Whether you're questioning your academic path or simply curious about alternative careers after a PhD, this conversation offers a refreshing perspective on leaving academia with clarity rather than desperation.

Topics: career transition, leaving academia, PhD journey, postdoc experience, entrepreneurship, leadership coaching, intuition, body awareness, emotional intelligence, work-life balance, academic culture, career fulfilment

Let's hang out! 🎙️ Follow Moms, Mats, and Manuscripts for more conversations on academia, motherhood, and mindful living. And if this episode sparked something in you, don't forget to like and share the podcast so that more people can join our coffee-fueled chats!

I'd also love to hear your thoughts and questions, and if you have ideas for future episodes, drop me a line.

We're also on Instagram:
@moms.mats.manuscripts
@shantiscience_yoga

Reach out: [email protected]

Four years into self-employment, almost two years of this podcast... and instead of feeling settled, I’ve been sitting with a lot of mixed emotions.

In this birthday reflection episode, I talk honestly about the thought many of us carry: “I should be further ahead by now.” I reflect on academic conditioning, linear timelines, grief around identity shifts, motherhood and building a business in “hard mode,” and the pressure to measure ourselves by standards that were never designed for our lives.

This episode is a somewhat rambling, vulnerable pause before we move into upcoming conversations about non-linear and so-called “alternative” career paths out of academia. It’s about redefining success, following curiosity instead of hustle, and learning to sit with uncertainty without immediately trying to fix it.

If you’re feeling behind, conflicted, or pulled between wanting more and honouring where you are, I’m right there with you, and I hope you feel less alone after listening to this birthday reflection.

Let's hang out! 🎙️ Follow Moms, Mats, and Manuscripts for more conversations on academia, motherhood, and mindful living. And if this episode sparked something in you, don't forget to like and share the podcast so that more people can join our coffee-fueled chats!

I'd also love to hear your thoughts and questions, and if you have ideas for future episodes, drop me a line.

We're also on Instagram:
@moms.mats.manuscripts
@shantiscience_yoga

Reach out: [email protected]

Struggling with New Year’s resolutions, goal setting, or motivation as a PhD student, academic, or ambitious parent? In this solo episode of Moms, Mats & Manuscripts, I talk about what is not working with traditional goal setting when you’re exhausted, and how to approach goals more gently and sustainably.

We explore goals without burnout, realistic planning for busy seasons of life, and how to stay ambitious without falling into perfectionism or all-or-nothing thinking. This episode covers gentle goals, self-compassion, productivity for academics (or parents of young kids!), and planning the year ahead when your capacity is limited.

Perfect for:

• PhD students and early-career researchers
• Academic mums and parents
• Ambitious women feeling tired, overwhelmed, or stuck
• Anyone rethinking productivity, discipline, and success

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If you resonate with this topic, I'm hosting a Gentle Goals online event on February 15th.

Join the waitlist here: https://shantiscienceyoga.lpages.co/gentlegoals-waitlist/

Let's hang out! 🎙️ Follow Moms, Mats, and Manuscripts for more conversations on academia, motherhood, and mindful living. And if this episode sparked something in you, don't forget to like and share the podcast so that more people can join our coffee-fueled chats!

I'd also love to hear your thoughts and questions, and if you have ideas for future episodes, drop me a line.

We're also on Instagram:
@moms.mats.manuscripts
@shantiscience_yoga

Reach out: [email protected]

Welcome to the new chapter! In this solo episode of Moms, Mats, and Manuscripts, I share what’s changing on the podcast in 2026 and my vision for the year ahead. 

I talk about the upcoming episode series focused on motherhood in and around academia, including family planning during a PhD, parenting as a postdoc or researcher, identity shifts after becoming a mother, and balancing ambition with care. I also introduce a series on alternative careers after academia, exploring non-linear career paths, leaving academia, and creating meaningful work beyond the traditional academic track.

If you’re looking for a podcast for PhD students, women in academia, academic mothers, or scientists questioning the traditional academic career path, this episode offers a preview of the conversations coming next - so I hope you stick around!

Let's hang out! 🎙️ Follow Moms, Mats, and Manuscripts for more conversations on academia, motherhood, and mindful living. And if this episode sparked something in you, don't forget to like and share the podcast so that more people can join our coffee-fueled chats!

I'd also love to hear your thoughts and questions, and if you have ideas for future episodes, drop me a line.

We're also on Instagram:
@moms.mats.manuscripts
@shantiscience_yoga

Reach out: [email protected]

In this honest and beautifully chaotic episode, Dr Asya Martirosyan joins me once again for a vulnerable conversation about starting a family in academia: the fears, ambitions, cultural expectations, and the persistent myth of “perfect timing.”

We dive into the pressures placed on women in STEM to excel at everything: building a career, being a present mother, running a household, staying balanced and ambitious… often without any real support or open discussion.

We talk about:
 • fears around motherhood and “ruining” our kids
 • cultural influences on how we imagine parenting
 • the myth that children limit success
 • why academia makes family planning feel impossible
 • why mothers are expected to sacrifice everything
 • and how kids can also bring a different kind of motivation.

I hope this episode will be the start of a recurring series on motherhood in academia - because these conversations are deeply needed, and I plan to bring more guests to share their stories.

Let's hang out! 🎙️ Follow Moms, Mats, and Manuscripts for more conversations on academia, motherhood, and mindful living. And if this episode sparked something in you, don't forget to like and share the podcast so that more people can join our coffee-fueled chats!

I'd also love to hear your thoughts and questions, and if you have ideas for future episodes, drop me a line.

We're also on Instagram:
@moms.mats.manuscripts
@shantiscience_yoga

Reach out: [email protected]

In this episode of Moms, Mats, and Manuscripts, Ksenia sits down with Dr Asya Martirosyan to explore the highs and lows of life in academia, the pressures of PhD and postdoc work, and how she rediscovered her love for science when freed from external expectations.

We dive into:

The mental and emotional toll of PhD life and academic pressure;

How cultural factors affect the way we work, perceive criticism and show up in academia;

Rediscovering curiosity and doing science for the sake of science;

Transitioning from academia to entrepreneurship while staying grounded in rigorous research;

Dr Asya’s journey with her startup, AuroraFit, and how she’s bringing safe, science-backed longevity treatments to people;

Balancing passion projects, career, and personal life while protecting mental health.

If you’re an early-career researcher struggling with stress, self-worth, or imposter syndrome, or wondering what's next, this episode offers insight, encouragement, and inspiration from someone who has lived through it and come out thriving.

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Asya's info:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-asya-martirosyan/
Aurora Fit: https://aurorafit.de/
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Let's hang out! 🎙️ Follow Moms, Mats, and Manuscripts for more conversations on academia, motherhood, and mindful living. And if this episode sparked something in you, don't forget to like and share the podcast so that more people can join our coffee-fueled chats!

I'd also love to hear your thoughts and questions, and if you have ideas for future episodes, drop me a line.

We're also on Instagram:
@moms.mats.manuscripts
@shantiscience_yoga

Reach out: [email protected]

Public speaking, whether in a conference room or on stage, can feel absolutely terrifying. For many scientists, it’s part of the job, yet few of us are ever taught how to really do it: how to command a room, connect with an audience, and share our message with confidence and authenticity.

In this episode, Ksenia talks with Emma Gaskin, a former speech therapist and founder of The Speaking Hub, who now helps women in business and leadership find their voice and speak with impact. We dive into:

- Why public speaking feels so scary (and how to move through that fear)

- The power of storytelling - even in data-heavy, scientific talks

- How posture, breath, and nervous system regulation affect your voice

- How to recover gracefully when you freeze or lose your train of thought

- Why being human, imperfect, and relatable makes you a better speaker

Whether you’re a scientist preparing for your next conference talk, a professional learning to lead meetings, or someone who simply wants to feel more confident being heard, this conversation is full of practical tools and mindset shifts to help you speak up with courage and clarity.

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Emma's information:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thespeakinghub/
Instagram: @emmajgaskin

Let's hang out! 🎙️ Follow Moms, Mats, and Manuscripts for more conversations on academia, motherhood, and mindful living. And if this episode sparked something in you, don't forget to like and share the podcast so that more people can join our coffee-fueled chats!

I'd also love to hear your thoughts and questions, and if you have ideas for future episodes, drop me a line.

We're also on Instagram:
@moms.mats.manuscripts
@shantiscience_yoga

Reach out: [email protected]

What makes a great mentor, and how can we create a healthier, more compassionate academic culture?

In this episode of Moms, Mats, and Manuscripts, we talk with Dr Liz Berry, assistant professor at New York Medical College and creator behind @dr.lizberry on Instagram and TikTok. Liz shares her honest experiences moving from PhD student to educator, how burnout shaped her approach to mentorship, and why she believes rest and compassion belong in every lab and lecture hall.

We explore:

• The difference between supportive and harmful mentorship (and how mentorship can make or break one's experience)
• How academic culture often rewards overwork (and what needs to change)
• Why rest, boundaries, and vulnerability make us better teachers and scientists
• How Liz models sustainable success for her students and teaches with compassion - without lowering standards

If you’ve ever struggled with burnout, imposter syndrome, or the pressure to “do it all,” this conversation will remind you that you’re not alone, and that change in academia starts with how we care for ourselves and each other.

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Dr Liz Berry links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.lizberry/

Website: https://razberryscience.my.canva.site/dr-lizberry?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAacrlKL1MrpxJTEdEKyr3R8s9ylEAfShvD_cE2UNsvp9tYkz1FWUjnOwKlfz-w_aem_iqHk0JglI6ZBO24h96kF7Q

Let's hang out! 🎙️ Follow Moms, Mats, and Manuscripts for more conversations on academia, motherhood, and mindful living. And if this episode sparked something in you, don't forget to like and share the podcast so that more people can join our coffee-fueled chats!

I'd also love to hear your thoughts and questions, and if you have ideas for future episodes, drop me a line.

We're also on Instagram:
@moms.mats.manuscripts
@shantiscience_yoga

Reach out: [email protected]

In this solo episode, Ksenia is reflecting on two years of motherhood and the 7 powerful lessons it has taught her about life, work, and growth. These are not just parenting lessons; they’re insights anyone can apply in their career, studies, or personal life, especially if you’ve ever struggled with boundaries, perfectionism, or identity in your work.

She talks about:

🌱 The importance of mentorship and guidance
🌱 Why community and friendships matter (even when life feels overwhelming)
🌱 Living and acting from your values
🌱 Protecting your boundaries
🌱 Not letting motherhood - or academia - become your whole identity
🌱 Banishing perfectionism and comparison
🌱 Remembering that growth is not linear

If you’re a scientist, academic, or young professional trying to balance ambition with wellbeing, this episode is for you - tune in for some honest reflections, gentle encouragement, and practical takeaways from Ksenia's journey.

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💡 If you resonated with these lessons about boundaries and balance, you’ll love Ksenia's free Leave Work at Work private pod + guided meditation designed to help you switch off after work, release guilt around rest, and protect your energy for the things (and people) that really matter. Get it here: subscribepage.io/leaveworkatworktraining

Let's hang out! 🎙️ Follow Moms, Mats, and Manuscripts for more conversations on academia, motherhood, and mindful living. And if this episode sparked something in you, don't forget to like and share the podcast so that more people can join our coffee-fueled chats!

I'd also love to hear your thoughts and questions, and if you have ideas for future episodes, drop me a line.

We're also on Instagram:
@moms.mats.manuscripts
@shantiscience_yoga

Reach out: [email protected]

Do you ever feel like rest and self-care have become just another task on your never-ending to-do list? In this solo episode, Ksenia wraps up her 3-part series on rest and slowing down. She shares why so many of us turn self-care into another chore, why hustle culture and perfectionism convince us that we can “fail” at rest, and what that mindset is really costing us.

From holidays that feel like assignments to meditation routines that become another checklist item, Ksenia explores the importance of reclaiming rest as something light, joyful, and deeply restorative and not another productivity hack, and shares a few practical strategies to help you recharge in a way that works for *you* with no guilt.

✨ Free resource: If switching off feels hard, get my Leave Your Work at Work mini-bundle - a private podcast pep talk + short guided meditation to help you rest without guilt here subscribepage.io/leaveworkatworktraining

Let's hang out! 🎙️ Follow Moms, Mats, and Manuscripts for more conversations on academia, motherhood, and mindful living. And if this episode sparked something in you, don't forget to like and share the podcast so that more people can join our coffee-fueled chats!

I'd also love to hear your thoughts and questions, and if you have ideas for future episodes, drop me a line.

We're also on Instagram:
@moms.mats.manuscripts
@shantiscience_yoga

Reach out: [email protected]