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 Scholarly Mama® or just starting your academic motherhood adventure, this episode offers encouraging perspectives to help you design a more fulfilling 2025.

Join me as we explore how embracing both unexpected wins and losses can lead to our greatest lessons and experiences.

Wishing you every success on your 2025 journeys of becoming!

Read the related blog post here: 7 Surprising Things That Made My Year in 2024

Looking for 1:1 coaching? Book your free OPTIMUM discovery call today and let's explore how we can work together to get you closer to your Scholarly Mama goals!

To learn more about Scholarly Mamas®, please follow the link and sign up for our FREE community.

You can also take the Purposeful Scholarly Mama trait quiz and I'll send you some personalised tips for becoming a more purposeful Scholarly Mama!

Want more?

1. Check out the Mrs Mummy PhD® blog.
2. Shop our Scholarly Mama® Merch.
3. Purchase our Downloadable Resources.
4. Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Tik Tok or Threads
5. Join us inside Scholarly Mamas®!
6. Check out my Doodle Dozen® children's book series!

These are our journeys of becoming!

Send me a text message.

Discover your Overwhelm-Crushing Scholarly Mama® Superpower with our fun 3-min quiz!

Support the show

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, I discuss:

• Why the "you are your academic output" mindset is fundamentally flawed
• How life experiences and ageing shift our perspective on what truly matters
• A reminder of and signpost to practical strategies for creating meaningful connections this holiday season
• More purposeful ways to measure success

This episode offers a gentle reminder that while academic achievements are important and desirable, they shouldn't come at the cost of life's most precious moments. Whether you're struggling with guilt about taking time off or feeling pressured to work through the holidays, this conversation will help you prioritise what really matters this Christmas season and beyond.

The episode is perfect for PhD students, Scholarly Mamas®, or anyone struggling to juggle academic ambitions and family life during the holidays.

You won't want to miss this one...

Let me also take this opportunity to wish you and your family a wonderful Christmas!

Read the related blog post here: All I Want For Christmas Is...

Looking for 1:1 coaching? Book your free OPTIMUM discovery call today and let's explore how we can work together to get you closer to your Scholarly Mama goals!

To learn more about Scholarly Mamas®, please follow the link and sign up for our FREE community.

You can also take the Purposeful Scholarly Mama trait quiz and I'll send you some personalised tips for becoming a more purposeful Scholarly Mama!

Want more?

1. Check out the Mrs Mummy PhD® blog.
2. Shop our Scholarly Mama® Merch.
3. Purchase our Downloadable Resources.
4. Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Tik Tok or Threads
5. Join us inside Scholarly Mamas®!
6. Check out my Doodle Dozen® children's book series!

These are our journeys of becoming!

Send me a text message.

Support the show

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 story, I challenge all Scholarly Mamas® to release perfectionistic holiday expectations and instead focus on presence, connection, and the profound love that truly defines our most precious family moments.

A must-listen reminder about finding peace amidst the holiday chaos! Tune in :-)

Read the related blog post here: Holiday Chaos: A Powerful Reminder of What Really Matters

Looking for 1:1 coaching? Book your free OPTIMUM discovery call today and let's explore how we can work together to get you closer to your Scholarly Mama goals!

To learn more about Scholarly Mamas®, please follow the link and sign up for our FREE community.

You can also take the Purposeful Scholarly Mama trait quiz and I'll send you some personalised tips for becoming a more purposeful Scholarly Mama!

Want more?

1. Check out the Mrs Mummy PhD® blog.
2. Shop our Scholarly Mama® Merch.
3. Purchase our Downloadable Resources.
4. Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Tik Tok or Threads
5. Join us inside Scholarly Mamas®!
6. Check out my Doodle Dozen® children's book series!

These are our journeys of becoming!

Send me a text message.

Support the show

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 technique to capture meaningful family moments
• Ways to protect and honour family time like the most important meeting on your calendar

Bonus: Discover our exclusive Scholarly Mama® merch to help you embrace rest without guilt.

So grab your favourite holiday beverage, take a deep breath, and get ready to give yourself the grace you deserve. Let's dive in!

Read the full blog post here: Unwrapping Grace: A Scholarly Mama's Guide to a Restful Holiday Season

Looking for 1:1 coaching? Book your free OPTIMUM discovery call today and let's explore how we can work together to get you closer to your Scholarly Mama goals!

To learn more about Scholarly Mamas®, please follow the link and sign up for our FREE community.

You can also take the Purposeful Scholarly Mama trait quiz and I'll send you some personalised tips for becoming a more purposeful Scholarly Mama!

Want more?

1. Check out the Mrs Mummy PhD® blog.
2. Shop our Scholarly Mama® Merch.
3. Purchase our Downloadable Resources.
4. Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Tik Tok or Threads
5. Join us inside Scholarly Mamas®!
6. Check out my Doodle Dozen® children's book series!

These are our journeys of becoming!

Send me a text message.

Support the show

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.

I finally unveil some personal hacks that have kept me going over the years as a Scholarly Mama®. Most excitedly though, this episode also breaks some exciting news—the launch of the ​Scholarly Mama® Shop!​ You are invited to explore a new merchandise line that celebrates the unique journey of Scholarly Motherhood. Our ​shop​ features an array of products including hoodies, mugs, t-shirts, mouse pads, tote bags, and more, all designed to inspire and support Scholarly Mamas®. Tune into the episode to learn more and head on over to our brand new shop to check out the merchandise!​

Examples of items mentioned in the episode (NB: Please be aware that this does not constitute advice, please seek medical advice from your physician, if needed, before making your own decisions about using any of these items. Please be aware that some of the links below are affiliate links.):

1. Whole Body Vibration Plate
2. Under Desk Walking Pad / Treadmill
3. Insulated Water Bottle
4. Remarkable 2 / Kindle Scribe
5. Sit / Stand Desk

Looking for 1:1 coaching? Book your free OPTIMUM discovery call today and let's explore how we can work together to get you closer to your Scholarly Mama goals!

To learn more about Scholarly Mamas®, please follow the link and sign up for our FREE community.

You can also take the Purposeful Scholarly Mama trait quiz and I'll send you some personalised tips for becoming a more purposeful Scholarly Mama!

Want more?

1. Check out the Mrs Mummy PhD blog.
2. Download our Resources.
3. Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Tik Tok or Threads
4. Join us inside Scholarly Mamas!
5. Check out my Doodle Dozen children's book series!

These are our journeys of becoming!

Send me a text message.

Support the show

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

This episode is a concentrated dose of inspiration and challenge, speaking to the heart of what it means to be a purposeful Scholarly Mama. I reflect on my own journey, the unrealistic pressures that led me to the valley of overwhelm. Join me as I redefine success, encouraging a life that resonates with fulfilment from within, and learn how to navigate the diverse dimensions of Scholarly Motherhood with grace and self-compassion.

Related Blog Post: Why Doing It All Is Keeping You Stuck and How to Break Free

Looking for 1:1 coaching? Book your free OPTIMUM discovery call today and let's explore how we can work together to get you closer to your Scholarly Mama goals!

To learn more about Scholarly Mamas®, please follow the link and sign up for our FREE community.

You can also take the Purposeful Scholarly Mama trait quiz and I'll send you some personalised tips for becoming a more purposeful Scholarly Mama!

Want more?

1. Check out the Mrs Mummy PhD blog.
2. Download our Free Resources.
3. Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Tik Tok or Threads
4. Join us inside Scholarly Mamas!
5. Check out my Doodle Dozen children's book series!

These are our journeys of becoming!

Send me a text message.

Support the show

Can high-achieving Scholarly Mamas® really 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 wellbeing or family relationships.

In this episode we unpack:

• Recognising burnout signals before they become critical
• Breaking free from perfectionism and people-pleasing in academia
• Practical strategies for balancing research demands with family life
• Converting overwhelming expectations into sustainable success
• The mindset shifts that enable genuine work-life integration

Whether you're deep in your doctoral journey or contemplating taking that leap while managing family life, Unyime's approach to conscious achievement will revolutionise how you think about success in academia and beyond.

Connect with Unyime on Instagram here or via her website here.

A powerful episode you won't want to miss!

Looking for a co-working space? Read all the details here about Scholarly Mamas® FOCUS!

Looking for 1:1 coaching? Book your free OPTIMUM discovery call today and let's explore how I can help you reach your Scholarly Mama® goals!

To learn more about Scholarly Mamas®, please follow the link and sign up for our FREE community.

You can also take the Purposeful Scholarly Mama® trait quiz and I'll send you some personalised tips for becoming a more purposeful Scholarly Mama®!

Want more?

1. Check out the Mrs Mummy PhD® blog.
2. Download our Free Resources.
3. Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Tik Tok or Threads
4. Join us inside Scholarly Mamas®!
5. Check out my Doodle Dozen® children's book series!

These are our journeys of becoming!

Send me a text message.

Discover your Overwhelm-Crushing Scholarly Mama® Superpower with our fun 3-min quiz!

Support the show

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 permission slip to be beautifully in-progress.

We dive into:

• The unique sting of academic rejection while juggling motherhood
• Why "not good enough" is a story we tell ourselves (and how to rewrite it)
• Practical strategies for bouncing back when your confidence takes a hit
• The power of the word "yet" in your academic journey
• How to model resilience for your kids while building it yourself

Plus, learn why treating yourself with the same grace you'd show your child's imperfect art might be the key to your academic success.

A powerful episode you won't want to miss!

Read the related blog post: What Do When Your Best Doesn't Feel Good Enough?

Looking for a co-working space? Read all the details here about Scholarly Mamas® FOCUS!

Looking for 1:1 coaching? Book your free OPTIMUM discovery call today and let's explore how I can help you reach your Scholarly Mama® goals!

To learn more about Scholarly Mamas®, please follow the link and sign up for our FREE community.

You can also take the Purposeful Scholarly Mama® trait quiz and I'll send you some personalised tips for becoming a more purposeful Scholarly Mama®!

Want more?

1. Check out the Mrs Mummy PhD® blog.
2. Download our Free Resources.
3. Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Tik Tok or Threads
4. Join us inside Scholarly Mamas®!
5. Check out my Doodle Dozen® children's book series!

These are our journeys of becoming!

Send me a text message.

Support the show

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... but here you are... still...

If this sounds like you, I want to share some insights from a TEDx talk by Dr Carol Dweck on the Power of Yet that could transform your perspective of 'failure', particularly as a Scholarly Mama®.

You won't want to miss this one!

Read the related blog post: The Power of Yet: Revolutionary Permission To Be 'In Progress'

Looking for a co-working space? Read all the details here about Scholarly Mamas® FOCUS!

Looking for 1:1 coaching? Book your free OPTIMUM discovery call today and let's explore how I can help you reach your Scholarly Mama® goals!

To learn more about Scholarly Mamas®, please follow the link and sign up for our FREE community.

You can also take the Purposeful Scholarly Mama® trait quiz and I'll send you some personalised tips for becoming a more purposeful Scholarly Mama®!

Want more?

1. Check out the Mrs Mummy PhD® blog.
2. Download our Free Resources.
3. Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Tik Tok or Threads
4. Join us inside Scholarly Mamas®!
5. Check out my Doodle Dozen® children's book series!

These are our journeys of becoming!

Send me a text message.

Support the show

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 more than speed!

This is PART 2 of a 2-part episode (you'll find PART 1 in Episode 83).

It's an episode won't want to miss!

Read the related blog post here: Writing Your PhD Thesis: Why Consistency Matters More Than Speed

Looking for a co-working space? Read all the details here about Scholarly Mamas® FOCUS!

Looking for 1:1 coaching? Book your free OPTIMUM discovery call today and let's explore how I can help you reach your Scholarly Mama® goals!

To learn more about Scholarly Mamas®, please follow the link and sign up for our FREE community.

You can also take the Purposeful Scholarly Mama® trait quiz and I'll send you some personalised tips for becoming a more purposeful Scholarly Mama®!

Want more?

1. Check out the Mrs Mummy PhD® blog.
2. Download our Free Resources.
3. Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Tik Tok or Threads
4. Join us inside Scholarly Mamas®!
5. Check out my Doodle Dozen® children's book series!

These are our journeys of becoming!

Send me a text message.

Discover your Overwhelm-Crushing Scholarly Mama® Superpower with our fun 3-min quiz!

Support the show