Mrs Mummy PhD®

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 triumph of rediscovery of a new, fierce identity as a Scholarly Mama. This episode isn't just about tactics to beat the procrastination beast; it's a heart-to-heart on embracing the precious early moments with your baby while gently but firmly guiding yourself back to the rigour of PhD life.

The second chapter of our conversation takes a realistic look at the perpetual merry-go-round of childhood sickness and its impact on maintaining academic excellence. I open up about my own battles with my children's illnesses and offer a beacon of hope and practical advice for navigating these turbulent waters. Listen for a compassionate perspective on setting realistic expectations, prioritising tasks, and the art of juggling work-life with parenting. It's about more than just surviving; it’s about thriving, adjusting, and celebrating the small victories that each day brings. This episode is an affirmation that you're not alone, and with the right mindset, tools and a purposeful community, you can emerge as a more resilient scholar and parent.

Related Blog Post: How to Overcome PhD Procrastination After Maternity Leave

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Want more?

1.  Check out the Mrs Mummy PhD® website.
2. Book your free SEED call.
3.  Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Threads, Pinterest or TikTok.
4.  Join the newsletter family at Scholarly Mamas® - The Letter
5. Check out my Doodle Dozen® children's book series

These are our journeys of becoming.

Disclaimer: All views are my own. Nothing shared on this podcast should be considered a substitute for medical/clinical advice or mental health support. Please seek assistance from a qualified professional who can help you if you are struggling or in need of advice/intervention.

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 and evictions to the triumph of a successful PhD defence.

We capture Nicki's candid reflections on the complex interplay between prioritising a family and a PhD, a dance often shadowed by societal pressures and internal guilt. The support from her stay-at-home husband, and her unwaveringly supportive supervisors, shines as a beacon of hope, illustrating the immense power of a strong support system. Nicki's journey is not a solitary one, and her story emanates a comforting solidarity for all who struggle to balance personal aspirations with the obligations of family life.

As we wrap up, Nicki eloquently reinforces the importance of self-care and the courage to seek help when the tides rise against us. Her experiences serve as poignant lessons that every hurdle can lay the foundation for empowerment and growth. You'll be left inspired by the resilience of this remarkable mother, who turned her dreams into reality while nurturing her family and finding strength in her own vulnerability.

Join us for a heartfelt celebration of Nicki's academic and personal victories, a story that will resonate with anyone steering through the stormy seas of Scholarly Mama life's commitments.

Follow Dr Nicki on LinkedIn or on X (formerly Twitter).

Send me a text message.

Support the show

Want more?

1.  Check out the Mrs Mummy PhD® website.
2. Book your free SEED call.
3.  Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Threads, Pinterest or TikTok.
4.  Join the newsletter family at Scholarly Mamas® - The Letter
5. Check out my Doodle Dozen® children's book series

These are our journeys of becoming.

Disclaimer: All views are my own. Nothing shared on this podcast should be considered a substitute for medical/clinical advice or mental health support. Please seek assistance from a qualified professional who can help you if you are struggling or in need of advice/intervention.

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 terms, favouring a sustainable pace over the frenetic hustle glorified in our overworked culture.

Embark on a journey of radical acceptance and intentional prioritisation with fellow Scholarly Mamas in a conversation that's both a call to action and a soothing balm. We'll explore the importance of building a support network and becoming the captain of your own destiny, steering through the complex waters of motherhood and academia. Together, we'll navigate the challenging decisions of what to sacrifice for the greater goal of purposeful success, forging a path that feels as rewarding on the inside as it appears on the outside. Join us in this episode for insights and strategies that promise to light the way for a fulfilling journey through scholarly motherhood.

Related Blog Post: The Truth About Work-Life Balance: 10 Shifts For Scholarly Mama Success

Send me a text message.

Support the show

Want more?

1.  Check out the Mrs Mummy PhD® website.
2. Book your free SEED call.
3.  Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Threads, Pinterest or TikTok.
4.  Join the newsletter family at Scholarly Mamas® - The Letter
5. Check out my Doodle Dozen® children's book series

These are our journeys of becoming.

Disclaimer: All views are my own. Nothing shared on this podcast should be considered a substitute for medical/clinical advice or mental health support. Please seek assistance from a qualified professional who can help you if you are struggling or in need of advice/intervention.

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 parenting.

In a candid heart-to-heart, I delve into the additional layers of complexity that minority ​Scholarly Mamas grapple with. We confront the critical inner voice that speaks a little too loudly at times, the hefty responsibility of wearing multiple identity hats, and the high bars we set for ourselves and which others set for us. But it's not all about challenges; I'll also take you through my embrace of the 'three C's'—a strategy that's as helpful for our kids as it is for us—to foster self-compassion and craft a nurturing approach to our multifaceted lives.

We wrap up with actionable advice for making tangible progress in our work without succumbing to the perfectionism trap. By adopting techniques like free writing and time blocking, and reminding ourselves that "done is better than perfect," we can redefine our measures of success and take decisive, albeit imperfect, steps forward. Remember, investing in our self-improvement isn't selfish; it's essential for becoming the compassionate, fulfilled parents we strive to be, and in doing so, we set a shining example for the next generation.

Related Blog Post: Breaking the Self-Doubt Cycle: Practical Strategies for Scholarly Mamas

Send me a text message.

Support the show

Want more?

1.  Check out the Mrs Mummy PhD® website.
2. Book your free SEED call.
3.  Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Threads, Pinterest or TikTok.
4.  Join the newsletter family at Scholarly Mamas® - The Letter
5. Check out my Doodle Dozen® children's book series

These are our journeys of becoming.

Disclaimer: All views are my own. Nothing shared on this podcast should be considered a substitute for medical/clinical advice or mental health support. Please seek assistance from a qualified professional who can help you if you are struggling or in need of advice/intervention.

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 in the camaraderie with fellow researchers. We delve into the nuances of creating a robust support system and the influence of Spain's sunlit environment on her scholarly endeavours, all while weaving the fibres of family life into her tapestry of learning.

Navigating the academic currents amidst a global health storm, Dr. Iftikhar shares the intimate details of balancing childcare with doctoral studies during the pandemic-induced lockdown. We uncover the emotional landscape of motherly guilt, the linguistic blossoms in her daughter's multilingual growth, and the smart strategies that kept the wheels of education turning in Barcelona's schools. This conversation serves as a testament to the unyielding human spirit, highlighting how support systems become lifelines and how adversity can fuel adaptation and time mastery.

We round out this inspiring episode by celebrating the small yet significant milestones of research life and the personal evolution it sparks. Dr. Iftikhar and I reflect on the beauty of cultivating friendships across cultural borders, the courage it takes to tackle bureaucratic mazes, and the enriching impact of raising children in a multicultural ecosystem. Her narrative sends a powerful ripple of encouragement to all scholarly parents navigating their own voyages, showing that with determination, mental well-being, and a community of support, the dual callings of academia and parenthood can indeed flourish together.

Send me a text message.

Support the show

Want more?

1.  Check out the Mrs Mummy PhD® website.
2. Book your free SEED call.
3.  Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Threads, Pinterest or TikTok.
4.  Join the newsletter family at Scholarly Mamas® - The Letter
5. Check out my Doodle Dozen® children's book series

These are our journeys of becoming.

Disclaimer: All views are my own. Nothing shared on this podcast should be considered a substitute for medical/clinical advice or mental health support. Please seek assistance from a qualified professional who can help you if you are struggling or in need of advice/intervention.

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 raw edges of thesis writing, the battles with imposter syndrome, and for me, the nervous elation of sharing my voice, stories and perspectives with the world. This episode isn't just a nod to the milestones we've hit; it's a heartfelt thank-you to the community that's bolstered Scholarly Mamas everywhere.

Revel in the tales of perseverance and the victories of embracing our perfectly imperfect paths. With each episode of this podcast, we've built a sanctuary for those navigating the rigorous tides of PhD Motherhood.

This time around, I'm opening up about the early days of doubt, how I overcame the siren call of perfectionism, and the importance of nurturing my well-being and familial bonds.

Join us as we continue to shape a future where scholarly pursuits and motherhood don't just coexist but thrive in unison.

Read the related blog post: Marriage, Motherhood & a PhD: Why I Started the Mrs Mummy PhD Blog.

Send me a text message.

Support the show

Want more?

1.  Check out the Mrs Mummy PhD® website.
2. Book your free SEED call.
3.  Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Threads, Pinterest or TikTok.
4.  Join the newsletter family at Scholarly Mamas® - The Letter
5. Check out my Doodle Dozen® children's book series

These are our journeys of becoming.

Disclaimer: All views are my own. Nothing shared on this podcast should be considered a substitute for medical/clinical advice or mental health support. Please seek assistance from a qualified professional who can help you if you are struggling or in need of advice/intervention.

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?

1.  Check out the Mrs Mummy PhD® website.
2. Book your free SEED call.
3.  Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Threads, Pinterest or TikTok.
4.  Join the newsletter family at Scholarly Mamas® - The Letter
5. Check out my Doodle Dozen® children's book series

These are our journeys of becoming.

Disclaimer: All views are my own. Nothing shared on this podcast should be considered a substitute for medical/clinical advice or mental health support. Please seek assistance from a qualified professional who can help you if you are struggling or in need of advice/intervention.

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 message.

Support the show

Want more?

1.  Check out the Mrs Mummy PhD® website.
2. Book your free SEED call.
3.  Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Threads, Pinterest or TikTok.
4.  Join the newsletter family at Scholarly Mamas® - The Letter
5. Check out my Doodle Dozen® children's book series

These are our journeys of becoming.

Disclaimer: All views are my own. Nothing shared on this podcast should be considered a substitute for medical/clinical advice or mental health support. Please seek assistance from a qualified professional who can help you if you are struggling or in need of advice/intervention.

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 goals with less stress and more joy.

Mama, let's get into it!

Read the related blog post here: "Mama, Take a Break!": The Power of The Reflective Pause

Send me a text message.

Support the show

Want more?

1.  Check out the Mrs Mummy PhD® website.
2. Book your free SEED call.
3.  Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Threads, Pinterest or TikTok.
4.  Join the newsletter family at Scholarly Mamas® - The Letter
5. Check out my Doodle Dozen® children's book series

These are our journeys of becoming.

Disclaimer: All views are my own. Nothing shared on this podcast should be considered a substitute for medical/clinical advice or mental health support. Please seek assistance from a qualified professional who can help you if you are struggling or in need of advice/intervention.

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 important words of wisdom to take with you at the end of the episode which you won't want to miss!

Mama, let's get into it!

Send me a text message.

Support the show

Want more?

1.  Check out the Mrs Mummy PhD® website.
2. Book your free SEED call.
3.  Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Threads, Pinterest or TikTok.
4.  Join the newsletter family at Scholarly Mamas® - The Letter
5. Check out my Doodle Dozen® children's book series

These are our journeys of becoming.

Disclaimer: All views are my own. Nothing shared on this podcast should be considered a substitute for medical/clinical advice or mental health support. Please seek assistance from a qualified professional who can help you if you are struggling or in need of advice/intervention.