Moms, Mats and Manuscripts

E48 - “There is never a right time to have kids in academia”: career, motherhood and choosing what comes first

Catarina Nabais, scientist, mom of two, and former academic, joins Moms, Mats and Manuscripts to talk about leaving the traditional academic career path, finding her place in science, and building a life that doesn't revolve around her career. We get into the academic guilt that never seems to go away - whether you're working late, taking a weekend off, or thinking about having kids. Catarina shares how she realised she didn't want to become a group leader, why she felt motherhood would make her less competitive, and how moving into a bioimaging facility gave her a different relationship with science. We also talk about the pressure to postpone having children until the “right time” (spoiler: it never comes), the reality of becoming a mother without a village, the challenges of returning to work postpartum, and what happens when you finally stop trying to control everything. And, of course, we rant a little about academic culture, productivity, and the expectations placed on women in science. If you're a PhD student, postdoc, or researcher wondering whether there's a way to have a career in science without sacrificing everything else you care about, this conversation is for you. This is Part 1 of our conversation. In Part 2, we dive into intuition and how it can inform career decisions in science. Support the show Let's hang out! 🎙️ Follow Moms, Mats, and Manuscripts for more conversations on academia, motherhood, and mindful living. And if this episode sparked something in you, don't forget to like and share the podcast so that more people can join our coffee-fueled chats! I'd also love to hear your thoughts and questions, and if you have ideas for future episodes, drop me a line. We're also on Instagram: @moms.mats.manuscripts @shantiscience_yoga Reach out: moms.mats.manuscripts@gmail.com

E47 - “I had a panic attack": becoming a mom as an assistant professor (with Dr Liz Berry)

Dr. Elizabeth Berry, Assistant Professor at New York Medical College, returns to Moms, Mats and Manuscripts pregnant and really honest about all of it: the panic attack over due-date math, the fear that visible pregnancy would affect how colleagues saw her ambition, and the uncertainty of how the "mom" label would land on top of scientist and professor. We also go on a couple of rants neither of us saw coming - about childcare costs, people's desire to share horror stories instead of positive ones, and about a medical system that doesn't know what to do with patients who actually want to understand what's happening to them. If you are a woman in STEM wondering how to combine passion, ambition and a dream to have a family - this conversation is for you. _________ Dr Liz Berry info: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.lizberry/ Website: https://razberryscience.my.canva.site/dr-lizberry?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAacrlKL1MrpxJTEdEKyr3R8s9ylEAfShvD_cE2UNsvp9tYkz1FWUjnOwKlfz-w_aem_iqHk0JglI6ZBO24h96kF7Q _________ Support the show Let's hang out! 🎙️ Follow Moms, Mats, and Manuscripts for more conversations on academia, motherhood, and mindful living. And if this episode sparked something in you, don't forget to like and share the podcast so that more people can join our coffee-fueled chats! I'd also love to hear your thoughts and questions, and if you have ideas for future episodes, drop me a line. We're also on Instagram: @moms.mats.manuscripts @shantiscience_yoga Reach out: moms.mats.manuscripts@gmail.com

E46 - Due dates & deadlines: pregnancy in the last year of a PhD and figuring out who you are after (with Dr Katerina Danezi)

In this episode of Moms, Mats, and Manuscripts, I sit down with my friend Katerina Danezi. Katerina finished her PhD with a baby on her hip, literally. She wrote 330 pages of her thesis in mere weeks, eight months postpartum, while breastfeeding and running on almost no sleep. In this episode, we talk about what it actually looks like to navigate pregnancy in the last year of a PhD: the lab politics, the guilt, the colleagues, the supervisor, and everything in between. We also get into the part nobody really prepares you for - the job search after. The identity loss, the depression of feeling like "just a mom," and what it took to find her footing again professionally and personally. If you're somewhere in your PhD with a positive pregnancy test, or you're postpartum and wondering who you even are now, this one's for you. __________ Connect with Katerina: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danezik/ __________ Support the show Let's hang out! 🎙️ Follow Moms, Mats, and Manuscripts for more conversations on academia, motherhood, and mindful living. And if this episode sparked something in you, don't forget to like and share the podcast so that more people can join our coffee-fueled chats! I'd also love to hear your thoughts and questions, and if you have ideas for future episodes, drop me a line. We're also on Instagram: @moms.mats.manuscripts @shantiscience_yoga Reach out: moms.mats.manuscripts@gmail.com

E45 - Not lost - becoming: matrescence, postpartum recovery, and radical rest (with Munirah Razak)

After an emotionally challenging birth and a postpartum recovery marked by chronic pain, relationship breakdown, and identity crisis, my guest Munirah Razak, a yoga teacher, postpartum massage therapist, and matrescence coach, found her footing. Now she helps other mothers do the same. In this conversation, we explored matrescence - the profound, multi-dimensional transformation of becoming a mother, and why most of us are navigating it without a map, a village, or even a word for what we're going through. We talked about radical rest as a path back to yourself, the myth of bouncing back, the identity earthquake of early motherhood, and how to find your people when everyone around you seems to be doing just fine. Vulnerable, warm, and genuinely useful - this one is for any mother, whether in academia or not, who has ever felt not quite like herself, and needed someone to tell her that's not a problem to fix. It's a becoming. __________ Connect with Munirah: Instagram: @luminousyogalife Website: https://luminousyogalife.com/ FREE RESOURCE: A 5-minute Breathwork for Exhausted Moms https://tinyurl.com/luminousyogalife-breathwork Support the show Let's hang out! 🎙️ Follow Moms, Mats, and Manuscripts for more conversations on academia, motherhood, and mindful living. And if this episode sparked something in you, don't forget to like and share the podcast so that more people can join our coffee-fueled chats! I'd also love to hear your thoughts and questions, and if you have ideas for future episodes, drop me a line. We're also on Instagram: @moms.mats.manuscripts @shantiscience_yoga Reach out: moms.mats.manuscripts@gmail.com

E44 - From PhD to parenthood: on identity, becoming unapologetic and letting go of control (With Dr Lauren A. Mason)

What happens when you try to build a career and a family at the same time? In this episode, I’m joined by Dr Lauren Mason - research scientist, higher education consultant, and creator of Lauren Finds a Way - to talk about motherhood in and around academia. We explore the realities of pregnancy during an academic career, including the feeling of being an “inconvenience,” navigating identity shifts, and learning to become more unapologetic about your needs. Lauren also shares her experience of losing a twin during pregnancy, and what it was like to hold both grief and gratitude while continuing to work. This conversation goes beyond logistics and into the emotional and psychological layers of academia: perfectionism, people-pleasing, lack of support, and the deep personal growth that often goes unspoken. We also talk about: – Why there’s never a “perfect time” to have a child in academia – Letting go of control and perfectionism – Asking for help (and why it’s so hard for high-achievers) – The role of community and visibility in navigating academia – What needs to change in academic culture If you’re a PhD student, postdoc, or academic thinking about family, or navigating big identity shifts, this conversation is for you 💛 Connect with Lauren: Instagram: @laurenfindsaway Website: https://www.laurenfindsaway.com/ __________ Support the show Let's hang out! 🎙️ Follow Moms, Mats, and Manuscripts for more conversations on academia, motherhood, and mindful living. And if this episode sparked something in you, don't forget to like and share the podcast so that more people can join our coffee-fueled chats! I'd also love to hear your thoughts and questions, and if you have ideas for future episodes, drop me a line. We're also on Instagram: @moms.mats.manuscripts @shantiscience_yoga Reach out: moms.mats.manuscripts@gmail.com

E43 - From vague goals to real life: A seasonal reset (and what I'm learning along the way)

What if the problem isn't that you're bad at goals... it's that the way we're told to set them is kind of broken? In this solo episode, I'm sharing how I've been doing goal-setting differently. Instead of the classic New Year's resolution that dies by mid-January, I've been doing quarterly check-ins - basically, sitting down every three months to look at what's working, what's not, and what I actually want next. It's changed everything about how I work, how I show up, and how I trust myself to follow through. I talk about: - Why yearly goals tend to fizzle out (and what actually sticks instead) - How seasonal energy affects your motivation more than you think - Why productivity is really about managing your energy, not grinding harder - The shift from vague wishes to concrete, doable steps - Celebrating yourself, even when it feels awkward (I'm terrible at this) - Identity, habits, and becoming the version of yourself you're aiming for If you're a PhD student, researcher, or just someone who feels stuck or disconnected from what you're supposedly "working toward," this might give you a gentler way in. No pressure. Just an invitation to pause, reflect, and figure out what you actually need right now. ___________ Episodes I mentioned: E38 - When you're ambitious but exhausted: a gentler approach to goals E27 - Hormone health, cycle-informed leaving and productivity ___________ 🔗 Work with me / resources mentioned: Researcher Reset power hour Free Leave your work at work bundle: subscribepage.io/leaveworkatworktraining Support the show Let's hang out! 🎙️ Follow Moms, Mats, and Manuscripts for more conversations on academia, motherhood, and mindful living. And if this episode sparked something in you, don't forget to like and share the podcast so that more people can join our coffee-fueled chats! I'd also love to hear your thoughts and questions, and if you have ideas for future episodes, drop me a line. We're also on Instagram: @moms.mats.manuscripts @shantiscience_yoga Reach out: moms.mats.manuscripts@gmail.com

E42 - Freelance career after leaving academia: freedom, insecurity and finding balance

In this second part of my conversation with scientific writer and science communicator Sónia Gomes Pereira on Moms, Mats, and Manuscripts, we move beyond leaving academia and into what comes next: building a freelance career, and a life that actually feels aligned. Sónia shares how she transitioned into freelance scientific and medical writing, how she found her first clients, and what it really takes to navigate self-employment without a clear roadmap. We talk about the realities of freelancing - from flexibility and autonomy to financial uncertainty, difficult clients, and learning to set (and enforce) boundaries. But this conversation goes deeper than career paths. We explore how academia shapes our identity, and what it means to grieve not just a career, but a version of yourself. Sónia reflects on the skills she brought from academia (discipline, persistence, adaptability), as well as the patterns she had to unlearn, like overworking, people-pleasing, and tying self-worth to external validation. We also talk about: choosing your time and designing your days privilege, security, and the reality behind “freedom” building a portfolio and getting your first opportunities outside academia volunteering, networking, and creating your own path reconnecting with life outside of work And finally, Sónia shares honest advice for PhD students who feel lost, overwhelmed, or unsure about their future - including the importance of self-compassion, having a life outside academia, and not postponing your happiness. This is a deeply human conversation about work, identity, and what it means to choose a life that fits you. _____________ Sónia's info: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/soniagomespereira/ Website: https://www.soniagomespereira.com/ Support the show Let's hang out! 🎙️ Follow Moms, Mats, and Manuscripts for more conversations on academia, motherhood, and mindful living. And if this episode sparked something in you, don't forget to like and share the podcast so that more people can join our coffee-fueled chats! I'd also love to hear your thoughts and questions, and if you have ideas for future episodes, drop me a line. We're also on Instagram: @moms.mats.manuscripts @shantiscience_yoga Reach out: moms.mats.manuscripts@gmail.com

E41 - Academia wasn't worth my life: Leaving academia, not-so-alternative careers and redefining success

In this episode of Moms, Mats, and Manuscripts, I’m joined by scientific writer and science communicator Sónia Gomes Pereira to talk about the moment she realised that the traditional academic path simply wasn’t worth the cost. Sónia shares her journey from a curious science-loving kid to a PhD in integrative biology and biomedicine, navigating a complex interdisciplinary PhD project, and eventually deciding to leave academia behind. Along the way, we talk about the hidden pressures of academic life, the discipline it takes to survive a PhD, and the personal events that can force us to reconsider what really matters. We also explore what happens after academia: realising that there are countless possible alternative (or not-so-alternative!) paths beyond academia, and figuring out next steps despite overwhelm. This conversation touches on: The emotional and practical challenges of a PhD discipline, burnout, and compartmentalising work and life leaving academia and redefining success finding many possible paths beyond academia building a life that actually aligns with your values If you’ve ever questioned whether the academic path is really the right one for you, this episode will feel very familiar. __________ Sónia's info: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/soniagomespereira/ Website: https://www.soniagomespereira.com/ __________ Support the show Let's hang out! 🎙️ Follow Moms, Mats, and Manuscripts for more conversations on academia, motherhood, and mindful living. And if this episode sparked something in you, don't forget to like and share the podcast so that more people can join our coffee-fueled chats! I'd also love to hear your thoughts and questions, and if you have ideas for future episodes, drop me a line. We're also on Instagram: @moms.mats.manuscripts @shantiscience_yoga Reach out: moms.mats.manuscripts@gmail.com

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E40 - Leaving academia without burnout (with Dr Ana Amaral)

The story of our today's guest, Ana Amaral, challenges the typical "I left academia because I burned out" narrative. With a biochemistry PhD, postdocs at Cambridge and Karolinska Institute, and an incredibly supportive boss, she had everything needed for academic success. Yet something was missing - so she decided to leave and look for it elsewhere. This episode explores how body wisdom and intuition can guide major career decisions, even when logic says to stay put. Ana shares how yoga, self-awareness, and emotional intelligence helped her recognise that safety isn't the same as fulfilment. We talked about: Why following joy mattered more than following a predetermined path How to recognise when your body is telling you it's time to change Transferable skills from PhD to entrepreneurship The role of emotional intelligence in scientific environments Redefining success on your own terms Whether you're questioning your academic path or simply curious about alternative careers after a PhD, this conversation offers a refreshing perspective on leaving academia with clarity rather than desperation. Topics: career transition, leaving academia, PhD journey, postdoc experience, entrepreneurship, leadership coaching, intuition, body awareness, emotional intelligence, work-life balance, academic culture, career fulfilment Support the show Let's hang out! 🎙️ Follow Moms, Mats, and Manuscripts for more conversations on academia, motherhood, and mindful living. And if this episode sparked something in you, don't forget to like and share the podcast so that more people can join our coffee-fueled chats! I'd also love to hear your thoughts and questions, and if you have ideas for future episodes, drop me a line. We're also on Instagram: @moms.mats.manuscripts @shantiscience_yoga Reach out: moms.mats.manuscripts@gmail.com

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E39 - I thought I'd be further ahead by now

Four years into self-employment, almost two years of this podcast... and instead of feeling settled, I’ve been sitting with a lot of mixed emotions. In this birthday reflection episode, I talk honestly about the thought many of us carry: “I should be further ahead by now.” I reflect on academic conditioning, linear timelines, grief around identity shifts, motherhood and building a business in “hard mode,” and the pressure to measure ourselves by standards that were never designed for our lives. This episode is a somewhat rambling, vulnerable pause before we move into upcoming conversations about non-linear and so-called “alternative” career paths out of academia. It’s about redefining success, following curiosity instead of hustle, and learning to sit with uncertainty without immediately trying to fix it. If you’re feeling behind, conflicted, or pulled between wanting more and honouring where you are, I’m right there with you, and I hope you feel less alone after listening to this birthday reflection. Support the show Let's hang out! 🎙️ Follow Moms, Mats, and Manuscripts for more conversations on academia, motherhood, and mindful living. And if this episode sparked something in you, don't forget to like and share the podcast so that more people can join our coffee-fueled chats! I'd also love to hear your thoughts and questions, and if you have ideas for future episodes, drop me a line. We're also on Instagram: @moms.mats.manuscripts @shantiscience_yoga Reach out: moms.mats.manuscripts@gmail.com

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E38 - When you're ambitious but exhausted: a gentle approach to goals

Struggling with New Year’s resolutions, goal setting, or motivation as a PhD student, academic, or ambitious parent? In this solo episode of Moms, Mats & Manuscripts, I talk about what is not working with traditional goal setting when you’re exhausted, and how to approach goals more gently and sustainably. We explore goals without burnout, realistic planning for busy seasons of life, and how to stay ambitious without falling into perfectionism or all-or-nothing thinking. This episode covers gentle goals, self-compassion, productivity for academics (or parents of young kids!), and planning the year ahead when your capacity is limited. Perfect for: PhD students and early-career researchers Academic mums and parents Ambitious women feeling tired, overwhelmed, or stuck Anyone rethinking productivity, discipline, and success _________ If you resonate with this topic, I'm hosting a Gentle Goals online event on February 15th. Join the waitlist here: https://shantiscienceyoga.lpages.co/gentlegoals-waitlist/ Support the show Let's hang out! 🎙️ Follow Moms, Mats, and Manuscripts for more conversations on academia, motherhood, and mindful living. And if this episode sparked something in you, don't forget to like and share the podcast so that more people can join our coffee-fueled chats! I'd also love to hear your thoughts and questions, and if you have ideas for future episodes, drop me a line. We're also on Instagram: @moms.mats.manuscripts @shantiscience_yoga Reach out: moms.mats.manuscripts@gmail.com

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E37 - New Year, new podcast (kind of)

Welcome to the new chapter! In this solo episode of Moms, Mats, and Manuscripts, I share what’s changing on the podcast in 2026 and my vision for the year ahead. I talk about the upcoming episode series focused on motherhood in and around academia, including family planning during a PhD, parenting as a postdoc or researcher, identity shifts after becoming a mother, and balancing ambition with care. I also introduce a series on alternative careers after academia, exploring non-linear career paths, leaving academia, and creating meaningful work beyond the traditional academic track. If you’re looking for a podcast for PhD students, women in academia, academic mothers, or scientists questioning the traditional academic career path, this episode offers a preview of the conversations coming next - so I hope you stick around! Support the show Let's hang out! 🎙️ Follow Moms, Mats, and Manuscripts for more conversations on academia, motherhood, and mindful living. And if this episode sparked something in you, don't forget to like and share the podcast so that more people can join our coffee-fueled chats! I'd also love to hear your thoughts and questions, and if you have ideas for future episodes, drop me a line. We're also on Instagram: @moms.mats.manuscripts @shantiscience_yoga Reach out: moms.mats.manuscripts@gmail.com

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E36 - (S3E16) Starting a family in academia: a conversation on fears, ambitions and the myth of perfect timing (with Dr Asya Martirosyan)

In this honest and beautifully chaotic episode, Dr Asya Martirosyan joins me once again for a vulnerable conversation about starting a family in academia: the fears, ambitions, cultural expectations, and the persistent myth of “perfect timing.” We dive into the pressures placed on women in STEM to excel at everything: building a career, being a present mother, running a household, staying balanced and ambitious… often without any real support or open discussion. We talk about: • fears around motherhood and “ruining” our kids • cultural influences on how we imagine parenting • the myth that children limit success • why academia makes family planning feel impossible • why mothers are expected to sacrifice everything • and how kids can also bring a different kind of motivation. I hope this episode will be the start of a recurring series on motherhood in academia - because these conversations are deeply needed, and I plan to bring more guests to share their stories. Support the show Let's hang out! 🎙️ Follow Moms, Mats, and Manuscripts for more conversations on academia, motherhood, and mindful living. And if this episode sparked something in you, don't forget to like and share the podcast so that more people can join our coffee-fueled chats! I'd also love to hear your thoughts and questions, and if you have ideas for future episodes, drop me a line. We're also on Instagram: @moms.mats.manuscripts @shantiscience_yoga Reach out: moms.mats.manuscripts@gmail.com

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E35 - (S3E15) Science, startups, and sanity: finding balance while wearing many hats with Dr Asya Martirosyan

In this episode of Moms, Mats, and Manuscripts, Ksenia sits down with Dr Asya Martirosyan to explore the highs and lows of life in academia, the pressures of PhD and postdoc work, and how she rediscovered her love for science when freed from external expectations. We dive into: The mental and emotional toll of PhD life and academic pressure; How cultural factors affect the way we work, perceive criticism and show up in academia; Rediscovering curiosity and doing science for the sake of science; Transitioning from academia to entrepreneurship while staying grounded in rigorous research; Dr Asya’s journey with her startup, AuroraFit, and how she’s bringing safe, science-backed longevity treatments to people; Balancing passion projects, career, and personal life while protecting mental health. If you’re an early-career researcher struggling with stress, self-worth, or imposter syndrome, or wondering what's next, this episode offers insight, encouragement, and inspiration from someone who has lived through it and come out thriving. _____________ Asya's info: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-asya-martirosyan/ Aurora Fit: https://aurorafit.de/ _____________ Support the show Let's hang out! 🎙️ Follow Moms, Mats, and Manuscripts for more conversations on academia, motherhood, and mindful living. And if this episode sparked something in you, don't forget to like and share the podcast so that more people can join our coffee-fueled chats! I'd also love to hear your thoughts and questions, and if you have ideas for future episodes, drop me a line. We're also on Instagram: @moms.mats.manuscripts @shantiscience_yoga Reach out: moms.mats.manuscripts@gmail.com

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E34 - (S3E14) Speak up: A conversation on finding your voice and confidence with Emma Gaskin

Public speaking, whether in a conference room or on stage, can feel absolutely terrifying. For many scientists, it’s part of the job, yet few of us are ever taught how to really do it: how to command a room, connect with an audience, and share our message with confidence and authenticity. In this episode, Ksenia talks with Emma Gaskin, a former speech therapist and founder of The Speaking Hub, who now helps women in business and leadership find their voice and speak with impact. We dive into: - Why public speaking feels so scary (and how to move through that fear) - The power of storytelling - even in data-heavy, scientific talks - How posture, breath, and nervous system regulation affect your voice - How to recover gracefully when you freeze or lose your train of thought - Why being human, imperfect, and relatable makes you a better speaker Whether you’re a scientist preparing for your next conference talk, a professional learning to lead meetings, or someone who simply wants to feel more confident being heard, this conversation is full of practical tools and mindset shifts to help you speak up with courage and clarity. ____________ Emma's information: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thespeakinghub/ Instagram: @emmajgaskin Support the show Let's hang out! 🎙️ Follow Moms, Mats, and Manuscripts for more conversations on academia, motherhood, and mindful living. And if this episode sparked something in you, don't forget to like and share the podcast so that more people can join our coffee-fueled chats! I'd also love to hear your thoughts and questions, and if you have ideas for future episodes, drop me a line. We're also on Instagram: @moms.mats.manuscripts @shantiscience_yoga Reach out: moms.mats.manuscripts@gmail.com

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E33 - (S3E13) Becoming the mentor you needed: a conversation with Dr Liz Berry about mental health, mentorship and changing academic culture

What makes a great mentor, and how can we create a healthier, more compassionate academic culture? In this episode of Moms, Mats, and Manuscripts, we talk with Dr Liz Berry, assistant professor at New York Medical College and creator behind @dr.lizberry on Instagram and TikTok. Liz shares her honest experiences moving from PhD student to educator, how burnout shaped her approach to mentorship, and why she believes rest and compassion belong in every lab and lecture hall. We explore: The difference between supportive and harmful mentorship (and how mentorship can make or break one's experience) How academic culture often rewards overwork (and what needs to change) Why rest, boundaries, and vulnerability make us better teachers and scientists How Liz models sustainable success for her students and teaches with compassion - without lowering standards If you’ve ever struggled with burnout, imposter syndrome, or the pressure to “do it all,” this conversation will remind you that you’re not alone, and that change in academia starts with how we care for ourselves and each other. _______________ Dr Liz Berry links: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.lizberry/ Website: https://razberryscience.my.canva.site/dr-lizberry?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAacrlKL1MrpxJTEdEKyr3R8s9ylEAfShvD_cE2UNsvp9tYkz1FWUjnOwKlfz-w_aem_iqHk0JglI6ZBO24h96kF7Q Support the show Let's hang out! 🎙️ Follow Moms, Mats, and Manuscripts for more conversations on academia, motherhood, and mindful living. And if this episode sparked something in you, don't forget to like and share the podcast so that more people can join our coffee-fueled chats! I'd also love to hear your thoughts and questions, and if you have ideas for future episodes, drop me a line. We're also on Instagram: @moms.mats.manuscripts @shantiscience_yoga Reach out: moms.mats.manuscripts@gmail.com

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E32 - (S3E12) What 2 years of motherhood taught me about life, work and growth

In this solo episode, Ksenia is reflecting on two years of motherhood and the 7 powerful lessons it has taught her about life, work, and growth. These are not just parenting lessons; they’re insights anyone can apply in their career, studies, or personal life, especially if you’ve ever struggled with boundaries, perfectionism, or identity in your work. She talks about: 🌱 The importance of mentorship and guidance 🌱 Why community and friendships matter (even when life feels overwhelming) 🌱 Living and acting from your values 🌱 Protecting your boundaries 🌱 Not letting motherhood - or academia - become your whole identity 🌱 Banishing perfectionism and comparison 🌱 Remembering that growth is not linear If you’re a scientist, academic, or young professional trying to balance ambition with wellbeing, this episode is for you - tune in for some honest reflections, gentle encouragement, and practical takeaways from Ksenia's journey. ___________ 💡 If you resonated with these lessons about boundaries and balance, you’ll love Ksenia's free Leave Work at Work private pod + guided meditation designed to help you switch off after work, release guilt around rest, and protect your energy for the things (and people) that really matter. Get it here: subscribepage.io/leaveworkatworktraining Support the show Let's hang out! 🎙️ Follow Moms, Mats, and Manuscripts for more conversations on academia, motherhood, and mindful living. And if this episode sparked something in you, don't forget to like and share the podcast so that more people can join our coffee-fueled chats! I'd also love to hear your thoughts and questions, and if you have ideas for future episodes, drop me a line. We're also on Instagram: @moms.mats.manuscripts @shantiscience_yoga Reach out: moms.mats.manuscripts@gmail.com

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E31 - (S3E11) You can't fail at rest: a solo reflection on letting go of "perfect" self-care

Do you ever feel like rest and self-care have become just another task on your never-ending to-do list? In this solo episode, Ksenia wraps up her 3-part series on rest and slowing down. She shares why so many of us turn self-care into another chore, why hustle culture and perfectionism convince us that we can “fail” at rest, and what that mindset is really costing us. From holidays that feel like assignments to meditation routines that become another checklist item, Ksenia explores the importance of reclaiming rest as something light, joyful, and deeply restorative and not another productivity hack, and shares a few practical strategies to help you recharge in a way that works for *you* with no guilt. ✨ Free resource: If switching off feels hard, get my Leave Your Work at Work mini-bundle - a private podcast pep talk + short guided meditation to help you rest without guilt here subscribepage.io/leaveworkatworktraining Support the show Let's hang out! 🎙️ Follow Moms, Mats, and Manuscripts for more conversations on academia, motherhood, and mindful living. And if this episode sparked something in you, don't forget to like and share the podcast so that more people can join our coffee-fueled chats! I'd also love to hear your thoughts and questions, and if you have ideas for future episodes, drop me a line. We're also on Instagram: @moms.mats.manuscripts @shantiscience_yoga Reach out: moms.mats.manuscripts@gmail.com

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E30 - (S3E10) Rest as rebelllion: a solo reflection on how rest is an act of resistance

In this episode, Ksenia is diving deeper into the idea that rest is an act of rebellion. We've all been there: the pressure to constantly hustle, especially in fields like academia and other demanding careers, can be overwhelming. But what if slowing down and prioritising rest wasn't a sign of weakness, but a powerful act of resistance against a system that glorifies burnout? Ksenia shares bits of her personal journey and observations from her time in academia, as well as: Why true resilience isn’t found in endless work, but in the courage to step back and restore your energy. How modelling healthy work habits can create a ripple effect for friends, colleagues and future generations. Practical, small ways to start rebelling with rest today. Whether you're a student, a researcher, a parent, a mentor, or navigating a demanding job, this episode is a call to action. Let’s redefine what it means to be dedicated and successful by putting our well-being first. Resources: Leave Your Work at Work Mini-Bundle: This resource helps you tackle "rest guilt" with a private audio training and a 10-minute meditation. You can get it here: subscribepage.io/leaveworkatworktraining Recharge and Restore: A brief PDF guide to stretches and movements you can do right at your desk to help your body (and mind!) feel more relaxed. Find it here: subscribepage.io/c1w1x6 Support the show Let's hang out! 🎙️ Follow Moms, Mats, and Manuscripts for more conversations on academia, motherhood, and mindful living. And if this episode sparked something in you, don't forget to like and share the podcast so that more people can join our coffee-fueled chats! I'd also love to hear your thoughts and questions, and if you have ideas for future episodes, drop me a line. We're also on Instagram: @moms.mats.manuscripts @shantiscience_yoga Reach out: moms.mats.manuscripts@gmail.com

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E29 - (S3E9) The courage to slow down: a solo reflection on finding your pace in a world that won't stop rushing

What if slowing down was not a weakness, but a skill? In this solo reflection, Ksenia talks about how she went from constantly rushing (and feeling like rest was something she had to “earn”) to slowly learning the courage it takes to pause, breathe, and choose a different pace, even when the world (and her mind) is screaming “go faster.” She shares: - Why slowing down often feels so uncomfortable - The sneaky guilt that comes with resting or moving slowly - Moments from her own life when the rush nearly took over - Gentle, doable ways to start listening to your body and mind and slowing down before burnout forces you to stop If you’ve ever wondered why it feels so hard to rest or worried that slowing down will make you fall behind, this episode is your reminder: rest is not “wasting time” or being lazy. Slowing down is a skill you can learn and practice, one that will enrich your life and, in the long run, make you more focused and productive. ______________ LEAVE YOUR WORK AT WORK: Free audio training + guided meditation Get it here >>> https://subscribepage.io/leaveworkatworktraining Support the show Let's hang out! 🎙️ Follow Moms, Mats, and Manuscripts for more conversations on academia, motherhood, and mindful living. And if this episode sparked something in you, don't forget to like and share the podcast so that more people can join our coffee-fueled chats! I'd also love to hear your thoughts and questions, and if you have ideas for future episodes, drop me a line. We're also on Instagram: @moms.mats.manuscripts @shantiscience_yoga Reach out: moms.mats.manuscripts@gmail.com

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