Mrs Mummy PhD®
This podcast is a reflective space for high-achieving mothers navigating scholarly work, home, and identity.
Hosted by Dr Michelle Gibbs — a wife, boy Mama of 3 and doctor/scholar (of the PhD kind) — the Mrs Mummy PhD® podcast is shaped by lived experience of holding ambition alongside family life, responsibility, and seasons of change. It speaks to the reality that meaningful work does not exist in isolation from the rest of our lives.
Scholarly motherhood is complex and deeply human. It is marked by transitions, pressure, and continual becoming — and without intention, it can quietly pull us away from ourselves.
Through thoughtful conversations and reflections, this podcast invites you to slow down, lead yourself first, and reconsider what sustainable impact looks like in this season of life. Rather than offering quick fixes or productivity promises, it offers insight, perspective, and permission to build a life that includes your work, your family, and yourself.
If you are a mother navigating intellectually demanding work — in academia or beyond — and are seeking steadiness, clarity, and a way forward that does not require self-sacrifice, this space is for you.
So Mama, are you in?
Fabulous!
Let's begin...
These are our journeys of becoming — and you’re welcome here.
Mrs Mummy PhD®
119. Is PhD Motherhood An Art or A Science?
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, and the mindset shift that changed everything. You’ll walk away with permission to ditch the impossible pursuit of perfect balance and embrace a more sustainable, creative approach to navigating both academia and motherhood.
Tune in to discover why embracing the art of scholarly motherhood might be the key to finishing well — without sacrificing yourself or your family.
Want more?
- Check out the Mrs Mummy PhD website.
- Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Threads, Pinterest or TikTok.
- Join the newsletter family at Scholarly Mamas® - The Letter
- 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.