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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
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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.
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, and 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
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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.
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 relationships.
In this episode, we unpack:
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!
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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.
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:
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 To Do When Your Best Doesn't Feel Good Enough
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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.
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'
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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.
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
Send me a text message.
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Want more?
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.
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 1 of a 2-part episode (you'll find PART 2 in Episode 84).
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
Send me a text message.
Support the show
Want more?
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 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 stronger than you think :-).
Read the related blog post: You're Stronger Than You Think Mama: 10 Powerful Reasons Why
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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.
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't want to miss!
Read the related blog post: Stop Waiting for Your PhD to Be Done: Why Scholarly Mamas Need To Embrace the Journey Now
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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 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 show today.
Lynn is a Mama of one, she's recently had her beautiful daughter… she's also a wife, a nurse by professional background, an academic coach and a PhD student. She's just returned to her PhD after a period of maternity leave and so that's what we focus on in today's episode.
Tune in to hear her amazing story and PhD maternity leave journey.
If you are about to go on maternity leave or you're just coming back to your PhD from maternity leave, then this is the episode for you!
Happy listening! Follow Lynn on Instagram, Threads or TikTok!
Send me a text message.
Support the show
Want more?
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.
From the publisher's feed
This podcast is for ambitious mothers who refuse to choose between their careers and their families.
Hosted by Dr Michelle Gibbs — a wife, Mama of 3, RD and Dr (the PhD kind) — the…
And here's what I've learned: You don't have to sacrifice one for the other. You can design both.
Through thoughtful conversations and reflections, this podcast invites you to get clear on what actually matters, make intentional decisions about your career, and build a life where impact doesn't require self-sacrifice.
Rather than quick fixes or productivity promises, it offers perspective, permission, and a framework for designing a self-kind, family-friendly career you can actually thrive in.
Because meaningful work exists alongside family life, not in opposition to it.
If you're navigating intellectually demanding work (in academia or beyond) and want to advance your career without abandoning what matters most, this space is for you.
Welcome to scholarly motherhood. One intentional milestone at a time. 🦋
So Mama, are you in?
Fabulous!
Let's begin...
These are our journeys of becoming — and you’re welcome here.