Moms, Mats and Manuscripts

Ksenia Volkova Tomaz
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Moms, Mats and Manuscripts is a podcast hosted by Ksenia Volkova Tomaz, a former molecular biologist, yoga teacher and mindset coach for scientists, and mom. This is a space for honest, unpolished conversations about the parts of academia and ambition we don’t talk about enough. Here, we explore the mental and emotional load of being a young scientist or high-achieving woman: the pressure to constantly produce, the identity crises, the inner critic, the fear of slowing down, the guilt around rest, the invisible labour of motherhood, and the messy process of redefining success on your own terms. I share personal stories, science-backed insights, and yoga-psychology tools to help you navigate burnout, self-worth, boundaries, and the overwhelming push to “do more.” Think of this space as a friend's couch, where you can have a cup of coffee, relax, exhale and be seen.

  1. 31. MÄRZ

    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 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

    29 Min.

  2. 17. MÄRZ

    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 daysprivilege, security, and the reality behind “freedom”building a portfolio and getting your first opportunities outside academiavolunteering, networking, and creating your own pathreconnecting with life outside of workAnd 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/ 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

    1 Std. 13 Min.

  3. 5. MÄRZ

    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 PhDdiscipline, burnout, and compartmentalising work and lifeleaving academia and redefining successfinding many possible paths beyond academiabuilding a life that actually aligns with your valuesIf 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/ __________ 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

    45 Min.

  4. 17. FEB.

    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 pathHow to recognise when your body is telling you it's time to changeTransferable skills from PhD to entrepreneurshipThe role of emotional intelligence in scientific environmentsRedefining success on your own termsWhether 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 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

    1 Std. 12 Min.

  5. 6. FEB.

    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. 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

    23 Min.

  6. 20. JAN.

    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 researchersAcademic mums and parentsAmbitious women feeling tired, overwhelmed, or stuckAnyone 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/ 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

    28 Min.

  7. 9. JAN.

    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! 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

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

    03.12.2025

    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. 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

    1 Std. 32 Min.
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Info

Moms, Mats and Manuscripts is a podcast hosted by Ksenia Volkova Tomaz, a former molecular biologist, yoga teacher and mindset coach for scientists, and mom. This is a space for honest, unpolished conversations about the parts of academia and ambition we don’t talk about enough. Here, we explore the mental and emotional load of being a young scientist or high-achieving woman: the pressure to constantly produce, the identity crises, the inner critic, the fear of slowing down, the guilt around rest, the invisible labour of motherhood, and the messy process of redefining success on your own terms. I share personal stories, science-backed insights, and yoga-psychology tools to help you navigate burnout, self-worth, boundaries, and the overwhelming push to “do more.” Think of this space as a friend's couch, where you can have a cup of coffee, relax, exhale and be seen.

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  • Erstellt von
    Ksenia Volkova Tomaz
  • Jahre aktiv
    2024 - 2026
  • Folgen
    44
  • Bewertung
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  • Copyright
    © 2026 Moms, Mats and Manuscripts
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    Moms, Mats and Manuscripts