This week on the podcast, I’m joined by an incredible guest: a Zimbabwean-born academic, content creator, and mother - Dr Nonhlanhla Dube (a.k.a. Dr Noni) - whose path to a PhD took her across continents, through two undergrad degrees, a prestigious scholarship, and finally, a research post in the Netherlands. We talk about: How rejection redirected her toward purpose What it was really like finishing a PhD as a new Mama Why she’s now showing up on TikTok to help others find joy in academic writ...
Jul 14, 2025•1 hr 43 min•Season 3Ep. 121
In this episode, I’m sharing (and discussing) 10 powerful affirmations specifically for Scholarly Mamas®—words to ground you when the workload is heavy, the juggle-struggle gets tricky, the guilt creeps in, or the doubt gets loud. Whether you’re deep in PhD mode while juggling little ones, or just trying to hold it all together, these affirmations are here to remind you: you are not alone, and you are more capable than you think! Tune in now—and don’t forget to grab your FREE printable copy of a...
Jul 07, 2025•32 min•Season 3Ep. 120
Ever wondered if there was a perfect formula or set of steps for navigating your PhD journey well as a Mama? If you’ve tried all the time management hacks and productivity tools but still feel like something’s missing… you are not alone. In this episode, we’re unpacking a big question: Is scholarly motherhood an art or a science? Spoiler — it’s not what most productivity advice would have you believe. Join me as I share real stories from my own PhD journey — the messy days, the surprising wins, ...
Jun 30, 2025•26 min•Season 3Ep. 119
What happens when a sustainability policy analyst decides to pursue a PhD (while juggling family life)? Most people would call it impossible. Dr Blessing Adeniyi called it her PhD Race. Fresh off completing her PhD in Sustainability Management, Dr Blessing joins us for an honest conversation about doing her PhD as a Mama. Through The PhD Race , she's been documenting the unfiltered reality of navigating a PhD journey and in her case, juggling that with research, full-time work, and motherhood. Y...
Jun 23, 2025•54 min•Season 3Ep. 118
What does it really take to achieve success— and is it worth the cost? In this episode, I reflect on a recent video I saw on YouTube , by a former doctor turned entrepreneur who suggested that financial success requires an “unhealthy obsession” and intense personal sacrifice. Join me as I unpack his perspective and why it may not apply to other types of success pursuits, why this mindset won't work for Scholarly Mamas® and why there are several unhelpful assumptions unpinning this thinking. I of...
Jun 16, 2025•35 min•Season 3Ep. 117
What does it really take to pursue a PhD while raising two children, juggling work life, and living through a global pandemic? In this special guest episode, I sit down with Dr Milensu Shanyinde from the Work Academic Mum blog, a Zambian-born, now UK-based Lead Medical Statistician whose journey through academia has been anything but conventional. From unexpected detours to quiet triumphs, Milensu shares how she navigated life, learning, and identity in spaces where she often stood out—and stood...
Jun 09, 2025•49 min•Season 3Ep. 116
What if we've been conditioned to say ' no' by defalut, and this the thing that's holding us back? In this revolutionary episode, we explore the unexpected power of a well-placed yes —not the kind that drains you, but the kind that expands you. For Scholarly Mamas® navigating academia, parenting, and ambition, this conversation reimagines what’s possible when you stop shrinking your life to fit your well-defined 'boxes'—and start saying yes to what actually lights you up. In this episode, I shar...
Jun 02, 2025•31 min•Season 3Ep. 115
Reflective Replay: 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 whi...
May 26, 2025•22 min•Season 3Ep. 114
What happens when the academic dream and motherhood collide? In this eye-opening episode, former political science academic Dr Paulina Cossette reveals her journey from working seven exhausting days a week as a tenure track professor to becoming an entrepreneur with a thriving six-figure business that allows her the freedom and joy she needed. Tune in to discover: The moment Dr Cossette realised academia's definition of success wasn't working for her life How she found the courage to explore opt...
May 19, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Season 3Ep. 113
What if the version of success you’ve been chasing isn’t actually yours ? In this episode, we crack open the myth of the “ideal Scholarly Mama®” and ask a bold question: What does real freedom look like for Mamas juggling PhD life, careers, and family life in 2025? If you’ve ever felt like you’re performing instead of living, this conversation will invite you to step out of the box, drop the guilt, and start defining success on your own terms. Tune in to explore why rigid roles don’t serve us an...
May 12, 2025•27 min•Season 3Ep. 112
Who are you beyond “Mum,” “Dr,” “Wife,” "Daughter", or “Manager”? In this soul-stirring episode, we explore what happens when we strip away the titles, roles, and responsibilities we carry—and come face-to-face with the essence of who we truly are. If you’ve ever felt lost beneath your labels or longed to reconnect with the woman within, this conversation is your gentle nudge home. Tune in to rediscover the power of your presence, the depth of your identity, and the beauty of being more than wha...
May 05, 2025•30 min•Season 3Ep. 111
When life throws you a curveball — a sick child with work commitments, looming deadlines, a mountain of shifting responsibilities — how do you keep going without losing yourself? This week, I'm sharing a behind-the-scenes look at how everything in my carefully planned schedule unravelled when our youngest came down with chickenpox... and the powerful reminders that came through the chaos. If you're a Mama juggling dreams, deadlines, and duties — this one’s for you. Tune in to find strength, stra...
Apr 28, 2025•16 min•Season 3Ep. 110
What if the season you’re in — the slow, silent, in-between of this journey — is not a detour or hindrance to your success, but part of navigating Scholarly Motherhood by design? In this special Easter-themed episode, we step away from the hustle and into a moment of reflection. Drawing gentle inspiration from the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus that we remember in this Easter season, this is a soul-level reminder for every Scholarly Mama® feeling tired, hidden, or unsure if she’s still o...
Apr 21, 2025•29 min•Season 3Ep. 109
In this episode, we explore why rest is essential—not optional—for Scholarly Mamas®. Academic culture often glorifies constant productivity, leaving Mamas on doctoral journeys caught between scholarly demands and family responsibilities. We discuss how intentional breaks enhance your academic work, strategies for incorporating rest without guilt, and why allowing yourself to pause is a revolutionary act of self-care. Discover how prioritising rest can transform both your scholarly journey and fa...
Apr 14, 2025•25 min•Season 3Ep. 108
In this special reflective episode, I celebrate two years of the Mrs Mummy PhD® podcast by sharing the journey from recording my first episode to building a community of Scholarly Mamas®. Join me as I reflect on how we can blend academic excellence with present motherhood and share my vision for the next chapter of our growing movement of Scholarly Mamas®. Whether you've been listening from day one or this is your first episode, I hope this episode reminds you of the power of community and conne...
Apr 07, 2025•22 min•Season 3Ep. 107
Are you fishing for big, quick wins, or are you farming for lasting growth? In this episode, we dive into a powerful shift in mindset: the difference between chasing immediate results (fishing) and patiently nurturing long-term success (farming). The initial spark for this conversation came from a casual chat with my friend Dra Yvette from Grad School Femtoring . What happens when we stop looking for the “big catch” and instead focus on planting seeds, experimenting, and trusting the process—whe...
Mar 31, 2025•28 min•Season 2Ep. 106
Are you feeling stretched thin between your PhD, your family, and everything in between? In this episode, we’re diving into why filling your own cup first is essential—not just for your well-being, but for your success as a Scholarly Mama® leader. We’ll talk about: Why filling your cup first isn’t selfish—it’s leadership How imposter syndrome and guilt hold us back from stepping into our full potential The power of setting boundaries and reclaiming your identity A simple exercise to help you sta...
Mar 24, 2025•33 min•Season 2Ep. 105
Are you constantly feeling weighed down by others' expectations while trying to blend motherhood and doctoral study? In this powerful episode, we explore how to let go of what's holding you back in your Scholarly Mama® journey. We address the paradox of having hope and expectation without being constrained by unrealistic expectations of others, with a practical approach to identifying and releasing the excess baggage that's keeping you grounded. Whether you're just beginning your PhD or nearing ...
Mar 17, 2025•29 min•Season 2Ep. 104
Who are you becoming on your PhD journey? Although a PhD journey can feel all-consuming, it's worth pausing now and again and giving some thought to life beyond the PhD and the impact you can and will create once you have finished your PhD. This episode is a timely reminder of why the 'becoming' matters so much and how you can begin to think beyond your PhD now. Who will she become? Who is she becoming? Becoming her starts now. She is you... Tune in for the insights! Related blog post: COMING SO...
Mar 10, 2025•17 min•Season 2Ep. 103
It's so interesting to reflect now and again! Today I'm reflecting on the episode where I recorded my raw emotional response to submitting my PhD thesis after 8 years and what that felt like back in May 2023! I hope re-listening to this reflective replay will be helpful for you in visualising your own 'successful submission moment' when it comes. I can't wait to support you in reaching that milestone! On Saturday, 8th March 2025 at 7pm I'll be hosting my next PhD with Purpose 'Mamanar' where you...
Mar 03, 2025•37 min•Season 2Ep. 102
Want to transform your writing from a source of stress to a source of joy? In this episode, we sit down with Natalya Androsova PhD, an award-winning writing coach who has helped many writers complete their PhD theses, dissertations, books, and articles over her career thus far. But what makes Natalya's approach unique is her deep understanding of how our relationship with writing mirrors our relationship with ourselves. Drawing from her own journey and academic experiences - including multiple M...
Feb 24, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Season 2Ep. 101
Mama, we've made it to 100 episodes! Can you believe it? This is indeed a milestone worthy of celebration! Come, tune in and join in the celebrations :-) In addition to that, we go deep in this episode too! It's truly how we roll around here... Because sometimes as a Scholarly Mama® it can feel like this whole real life juggling act feels 'peripheral' to what matters most in the PhD journey and academic circles. But in this episode, we challenge that very assumption and get into why it's essenti...
Feb 17, 2025•20 min•Season 2Ep. 100
Ready to know how you can consistently show up for your Scholarly Mama® dreams? In this episode, we're diving into the powerful mindset shifts that can help you achieve your PhD goals while embracing the joy of Motherhood. Discover why your unique path as a Scholarly Mama® isn't just valid – it might be your secret superpower. We explore key game-changing mindset principles that will help you move from "someday" to "reality" on your goals. Plus, learn simple but powerful practices for banishing ...
Feb 10, 2025•34 min•Season 2Ep. 99
In this insightful episode, we explore why purpose matters more than perfection when navigating your PhD journey as a Mama. We dive deep into five hidden traps that often sabotage progress toward your goals as a Scholarly Mama®. Learn practical strategies for managing these common challenges and discover why focusing on consistent, purposeful progress, rather than perfection, is key to achieving your academic goals while enjoying family life. Tune in for all the insights :-) Read the related blo...
Feb 03, 2025•41 min•Season 2Ep. 98
In this episode, I discuss some of the challenges of navigating PhD life as a Mama and the emotional toll this can take on us all. I also take you back to one of the pivotal moments in my journey when I was deep in the throes of the juggle-struggle and how I was able to reconnect with my vision for academic success. Not only did I finish my PhD as a proud Mama of three, but I finished it well! If you want to transform your juggle-struggle into your purposeful success and break generational patte...
Jan 27, 2025•13 min•Season 2Ep. 97
In this episode, I challenge the common belief that more productivity hacks are the answer to succeeding in your PhD journey as a Mama. Drawing from lived experiences, I explain why traditional productivity approaches often fall short for Scholarly Mamas®. I share what Scholarly Mamas® actually need instead of more productivity hacks! Remember Mama, you're not just working on a PhD - you're raising children who will grow up knowing that Mamas are powerful, intelligent, and capable of amazing thi...
Jan 20, 2025•28 min•Season 2Ep. 96
In this deeply personal episode, I'm taking you back to January 2022 when I was returning from maternity leave with our third son and facing what felt like an impossible task - completing my 100k-worded PhD thesis in 16 months on part-time hours. I share how I went from nearly quitting to creating " Operation PhD Thesis ," the strategic approach that not only helped me submit on time but led to an award-winning thesis and passing my PhD viva with no compulsory amendments. If you're a Scholarly M...
Jan 13, 2025•29 min•Season 2Ep. 95
Happy New Year 2025! Let's start 2025 strong with practical strategies for creating focused, intentional progress in both your PhD journey and family life. Learn how to create sacred spaces for your academic work, maximise "micro-progress" moments, and develop family-friendly boundaries that honour both your studies and your loved ones. Key Takeaways: Create dedicated distraction-free spaces for maximum productivity Make the most of short, focused work sessions Establish visible boundaries that ...
Jan 06, 2025•16 min•Season 2Ep. 94
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...
Dec 30, 2024•28 min•Season 2Ep. 93
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 experien...
Dec 23, 2024•17 min•Season 2Ep. 92
