In this return episode of the Mrs Mummy PhD® podcast, Dr Michelle Gibbs reflects on burnout in high-achieving mothers and why survival mode is not the same as success.

After stepping away from the mic for 6 months, Michelle shares what led her from constant striving to a season of restoration — and how self-leadership, not self-sacrifice, became the turning point.

This episode marks an evolution of Mrs Mummy PhD®, expanding beyond the PhD journey to support mother scholars at any stage — pre-PhD, PhD, or postdoctoral — who want more sustainable ways of learning, leading, and living.

If you’re ambitious, thoughtful, and quietly exhausted, this conversation invites you to pause, reflect, and redefine success on your own terms.

If you'd prefer to read the related blog post, you can here:

Burnout in High-Achieving Mothers: From Survival to Restoration

You're also invited to join Scholarly Mamas® - The Letter, a monthly newsletter for thoughtful reflections on ambition, motherhood, and leading yourself first as a purposeful Scholarly Mama®.

Send me a text message.

Support the show

Want more?

1. Check out the Mrs Mummy PhD website.
2. Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Threads, Pinterest or TikTok.
3. Join the newsletter family at Scholarly Mamas® - The Letter
4. 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.

ANNOUNCEMENT: We're on break!

Tune into the episode to find out why!

While I'm on break, be sure to tune into the archives - I'm sure there's an episode there with your name on it!

Make sure you also subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss when my next new episode drops!

You can also sign up here to receive periodical check-ins from me by email as I will be touching base there in between...

See you soon!

Send me a text message.

Support the show

Want more?

1. Check out the Mrs Mummy PhD website.
2. Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Threads, Pinterest or TikTok.
3. Join the newsletter family at Scholarly Mamas® - The Letter
4. 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.

Thinking about quitting your PhD? You’re not alone—I've been there.

But before you make that call, this episode walks you through 7 powerful questions and mindset shifts that could change everything...

What if there’s still a way forward that honours both your ambition and your motherhood?

In this episode, I’m sharing what I wish someone had told me when I was ready to give it all up. Whether you decide to stay or go, let’s make sure it’s your choice—not one made in exhaustion or isolation.

Tune in and let’s talk about the real stuff behind the decision.

Plus, if you'd like support from someone who’s lived this journey, I'd love to help you finish well—join me inside Scholarly Mamas® to find out how.

Send me a text message.

Support the show

Want more?

1. Check out the Mrs Mummy PhD website.
2. Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Threads, Pinterest or TikTok.
3. Join the newsletter family at Scholarly Mamas® - The Letter
4. 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.