The PhD Mommy's Journey: Discipline, faith and motherhood for ambitious women

Bridgette Ojo
  • 4.9 (35)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT

Military mom. PhD candidate. Transformation in motion. The PhD Mommy's Journey is where discipline, faith, and motherhood meet ambition. Hosted by Bridgette Ojo — a Navy Sailor, PhD Candidate, and mom of two — this podcast empowers high-achieving women to rise above excuses and thrive in every area of life. Bridgette shares her own transformation story of losing 140+ pounds, balancing military service with a doctorate, and raising her daughters while chasing big dreams. Each episode delivers raw stories, practical strategies, and faith-driven motivation to help you build confidence, stay consistent, and create the life you were called to live.

  1. DEC 6

    Mindset: The Bold Truth Will Set You Free

    Introducing The PhD Mommy's Journey Podcast: The Bold Truth Will Set You Free In Episode 22 of The PhD Mommy's Journey, Bridgette cracks open the raw, unfiltered truth behind Rule 8 from Jordan Peterson's 12 Rules for Life: "Tell the truth – or, at least, don't lie." This episode isn't about surface-level affirmations—it's about radical self-honesty. It's about the lies we quietly tell ourselves just to survive… and how they silently rob us of the life we were born to lead. Bridgette unpacks the internal weight of pretending—how body dysmorphia, mom guilt, and fear of outshining others can keep us stuck, small, and silent. She shares what it looks like to finally stop shrinking, start owning your power, and be bold enough to tell the truth about who you are—even when that truth is messy. Expect hard truths, fierce compassion, and the mindset shifts that helped her go from lose over 140+ pounds, from self-doubt to self-command, and from hiding her light to leading boldly as a Navy Sailor, PhD candidate, and devoted mom. This episode is for the woman who's tired of faking it. Who's done downplaying her greatness. Who's ready to be real so she can be free. In this episode, you'll hear: 1. The Hidden Weight of Lying to Yourself Bridgette reveals how the lies we tell ourselves—about not being good enough, fit enough, worthy enough—pile up like emotional clutter. The truth? They're heavier than any burden the truth will ever bring. 2. How Not Telling the Truth Creates Mental + Physical Fatigue There's nothing more exhausting than living out of alignment. Bridgette shares how this shows up in burnout, bitterness, and self-betrayal—and how telling the truth restored her energy and clarity. 3. Boldness Isn't Arrogance. It's Alignment. She breaks down the difference between ego and embodiment—and why dimming your light to keep others comfortable is spiritual sabotage. It's time to stop apologizing for your greatness. 4. The Lies That Keep Us Small From body dysmorphia to mom guilt to imposter syndrome, Bridgette unpacks the inner stories that almost stole her identity—and how she rewrote the script by facing herself. 5. The Discipline of Truth in Daily Life She shares how journaling, her 30-item gratitude practice, and self-talk rituals help her stay honest—even on days where it's hard to see herself clearly through the fog of pressure. 6. Military Mom Guilt & Dual Realities Bridgette opens up about what it's like to serve her country while raising daughters from afar—and how she's learning that being an amazing mom doesn't mean being physically present 24/7. It means showing up with integrity, love, and purpose. 7. Body Dysmorphia After Weight Loss After losing over 140+ pounds, Bridgette still had to face the truth: her mind hadn't caught up with her transformation. She shares how affirming her new reality was a war she had to fight with truth, not just mirrors. 8. Why Telling the Truth Reclaims Your Power The truth activates alignment. Bridgette explains how living in truth rebuilds trust with yourself, your Creator, and your future. And how lying to yourself—even subtly—is spiritual warfare. 💡 Key Takeaways Lying to yourself is the real weight—truth sets you free. Boldness is holy. Stop dimming to make others comfortable. Body dysmorphia is real, but truth heals perception. Mom guilt doesn't make you more loving—alignment does. Truth isn't always pretty, but it's always powerful. 🎁 Free Resource for Listeners: Download your 30-Day Gratitude & Goal-Setting Journal—the same tool Bridgette uses daily to stay grounded in every season of life. 📝 Click here to grab your free copy. 🎧 Listen and Subscribe to The PhD Mommy's Journey Podcast on 🎧 Apple Podcasts • Spotify • Google Podcasts • YouTube  📬 Contact & Connect with Bridgette 🌐 Website: https://thephdmommy.com/  📸 Instagram @Thephdmommylife • https://www.instagram.com/thephdmommylife 💌: thephdmommylife@gmail.com | hi@thephdmommy.com 🤝 Sponsorship & Collaborations: Want to sponsor an episode, send products, or collaborate with Bridgette? Please reach out to thephdmommylife@gmail.com with the subject line: Sponsorship Opportunity. 📣 Share Your Story: If you would like to be a guest and share your story on The PhD Mommy's Journey Podcast, please fill out this form. 📚 Resource Mentioned: Link to Dr. Peterson's Book, 12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos

    13 min

  2. OCT 21

    Mindset: Discipline Over Drama — Choosing Meaning Over the Mess

    Introducing The PhD Mommy's Journey Podcast: Discipline Over Drama — Choosing Meaning Over the Mess In Episode 21 of The PhD Mommy's Journey, Bridgette dives into the gritty, soul-defining truth of Rule 7 from Jordan Peterson's 12 Rules for Life: "Pursue what is meaningful, not what is expedient." This episode isn't about chasing comfort—it's about choosing legacy. It's about doing the hard, monotanous, inconvenient work… on purpose. Bridgette shares what it means to stay ready so you never have to get ready—especially as a Navy Sailor, PhD candidate, and mother of two. She unpacks how writing 30 things she's grateful for every single day for the past two years helped establis a foundation of resilience and helped her reclaim her mindset during those seasons of pressure, pain, and purpose. Through personal stories and fierce insight, Bridgette explains why it's worth it to suffer for something meaningful—and how she learned to stop outsourcing her power. Expect tough love, faith-fueled reflection, and a roadmap to becoming the most disciplined, aligned version of yourself. This episode is for the woman who's tired of circling the drain of quick fixes and is ready to walk boldly into the life she was born to build. In this episode, you'll hear: Why You're Still Going to Suffer Either Way Bridgette breaks down the truth: both paths come with pain—so choose the pain that actually builds you. Because regret costs more than discipline ever will. Chasing Meaning vs. Chasing Noise Jordan Peterson says it plainly: don't chase the expedient. Bridgette explains why being "busy" isn't the same as being "in purpose"—and how to tell the difference. The Pain of Not Showing Up That moment when you know you were called to rise… and you didn't. That's the pain that lingers. Bridgette explains how she learned to show up—especially on the days she wanted to check out. Daily Disciplines That Ground Her From waking up early to training like her life depends on it (because it does), Bridgette shares the routines that sharpen her spirit and anchor her mind—even in chaos. Boss Babe Energy Meets Grit The divine feminine flow meets military-level focus. This is what it looks like to embody both softness and steel—and to live like your future is already watching. Tools for Emotional Toughness and Fierce Focus Journaling, silence, gratitude lists, physical challenge, and spiritual devotion—this section is all about building your internal war chest so you stop quitting on yourself. Redefining Identity Through Meaningful Sacrifice The version of you you're becoming? She requires sacrifice. Bridgette lays it out: you reclaim your identity by choosing structure over chaos—and meaning over the mess. 💡 Key Takeaways: Suffer with purpose—you're going to feel pain either way, so make it count. Discipline is devotion, not deprivation—it's how you prove you're committed to your calling. Busy is noise. Purpose is clarity. Choose meaning over motion. Gratitude and structure are your armor—they protect your mind, energy, and identity. You don't need to feel ready—just stay ready. Show up anyway, especially when it's hard. 🎁 Free Resource for Listeners: Download your 30-Day Gratitude & Goal-Setting Journal—the same tool Bridgette uses daily to stay grounded in every season of life. 📝 Click here to grab your free copy. 🎧 Listen and Subscribe to The PhD Mommy's Journey Podcast on 🎧 Apple Podcasts • Spotify • Google Podcasts • YouTube  📬 Contact & Connect with Bridgette 🌐 Website: https://thephdmommy.com/  📸 Instagram @Thephdmommylife • https://www.instagram.com/thephdmommylife 💌: thephdmommylife@gmail.com | hi@thephdmommy.com 🤝 Sponsorship & Collaborations: Want to sponsor an episode, send products, or collaborate with Bridgette? Please reach out to thephdmommylife@gmail.com with the subject line: Sponsorship Opportunity. 📣 Share Your Story: If you would like to be a guest and share your story on The PhD Mommy's Journey Podcast, please fill out this form. 📚 Resource Mentioned: Link to Dr. Peterson's Book, 12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos

    11 min

  3. SEP 15

    Mindset: Make Your Bed, Make Your Life

    Introducing The PhD Mommy's Journey Podcast: Make Your Bed, Make Your Life (The Power of Small Wins) In Episode 20 of The PhD Mommy's Journey, Bridgette dives into the unfiltered, soul-shifting wisdom of Rule 6 from Jordan Peterson's 12 Rules for Life: "Set your house in perfect order before you criticize the world." This episode isn't about being perfect—it's about taking radical ownership of your life, starting with the small things that build trust with yourself: making your bed, taking your vitamins, brushing your teeth… even when no one's watching. Bridgette opens up about how writing 30 things she's grateful for every single day for the past two years transformed her mindset—and how keeping that commitment anchored her through Navy boot camp, mom guilt, and PhD pressures. She also draws lessons from Make Your Bed by Admiral William McRaven and Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink to show how order, routine, and responsibility aren't just military principles—they're survival tools for every woman trying to rise. In this episode, you'll hear: 1. The Power of Small Wins How making your bed each morning isn't just symbolic—it's a statement. It tells your mind: "We're in control now." And how this one habit can reset your day, even if everything else goes off track. 2. Gratitude as a Discipline Bridgette explains the real reason she writes 30 things she's grateful for every day—and how that small act has kept her grounded through trauma, distance parenting, and self-doubt. 3. The Navy, Routine, and Mental Clarity What being a warfighter taught her about staying ready—and how that mindset helps her "keep her house in order" physically, mentally, and emotionally. 4. Extreme Ownership in Everyday Life Borrowing from Jocko Willink's approach, Bridgette shares why owning everything in your life (even what's not your fault) is the key to building self-respect and personal power. 5. Why Criticizing the World Without Cleaning Your Room Doesn't Work A bold message on accountability, emotional leadership, and the trap of blaming systems without building structure within yourself. 6. Order Before Ambition Why the next level of your life requires more structure, not just more vision—and how to clean up the mess inside before you try to change the world outside. 💡 Key Takeaways: Making your bed = micro-habit, macro-shift. Order creates safety. Structure creates sanity. Daily gratitude isn't a vibe. It's a weapon. You can't change the world if your mind, heart, and habits are in chaos. Start where you are. Control what you can. Clean your space. Own your choices. 🎁 Free Resource for Listeners: Download your 30-Day Gratitude & Goal-Setting Journal—the same tool Bridgette uses daily to stay grounded in every season of life. 📝 Click here to grab your free copy. 🎧 Listen and Subscribe to The PhD Mommy's Journey Podcast on 🎧 Apple Podcasts • Spotify • Google Podcasts • YouTube  📬 Contact & Connect with Bridgette 🌐 Website: https://thephdmommy.com/  📸 Instagram @Thephdmommylife • https://www.instagram.com/thephdmommylife 💌: thephdmommylife@gmail.com | hi@thephdmommy.com 🤝 Sponsorship & Collaborations: Want to sponsor an episode, send products, or collaborate with Bridgette? Please reach out to thephdmommylife@gmail.com with the subject line: Sponsorship Opportunity. 📣 Share Your Story: If you would like to be a guest and share your story on The PhD Mommy's Journey Podcast, please fill out this form. 📚 Resource Mentioned: Link to Dr. Peterson's Book, 12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos

    20 min

  4. AUG 13

    Mindset: Raise Children You Can Respect (And Who Can Respect You Back)

    Introducing The PhD Mommy's Journey Podcast: Raise Children You Can Respect (And Who Can Respect You Back) In Episode 19 of The PhD Mommy's Journey, Bridgette dives into the fierce, honest, and heartfelt truth behind Rule 5 of Jordan Peterson's 12 Rules for Life: "Do not let your children do anything that makes you dislike them." This powerful conversation isn't just about parenting—it's about responsibility, emotional regulation, leadership, and legacy. As a service member and a mom, Bridgette shares what it looks like to raise daughters with love and structure—even when she's thousands of miles away chasing her goals in the Navy and finishing her PhD. She unpacks the weight of generational healing, the pull to overcompensate, and how self-respect and boundaries shape how we parent and who we become. Episode 19 challenges listeners to rethink what it means to raise children and raise themselves—with fierce love, intentional limits, and emotional maturity. You'll hear real talk on: 1. Parenting Without Apology Why loving your kids doesn't mean pleasing them—and how to break free from guilt-based parenting. 2. Emotional Discipline in Leadership and Motherhood The difference between reacting and responding—and how discipline, not domination, builds trust and growth. 3. Respect is a Two-Way Street How raising children you admire starts with becoming someone you admire—and why the example you set matters more than the rules you enforce. 4. Overcompensation as a Military Mom What it feels like to parent from a distance—and how Bridgette wrestles with (and redefines) what it means to be enough. 5. The Power of Support Systems From family to school systems—how the right village makes it possible to chase your purpose while your children thrive too. 6. Leadership at Home and in the World Parenting as a leadership model: cultivating self-respect, authority, and strength—both in your home and in your own life. Key Takeaways: You're not failing if you're not always present—your presence is also in your purpose. Parenting with structure and boundaries is a gift, not a punishment. Emotional regulation is one of the greatest leadership tools you can model for your children. Overcompensation isn't the answer—trust, discipline, and support are. Respectful parenting starts with self-respect.   🎧 Listen and Subscribe to The PhD Mommy's Journey Podcast on 🎧 Apple Podcasts • Spotify • Google Podcasts • YouTube  To Contact Bridgette: Instagram @Thephdmommylife • https://www.instagram.com/thephdmommylife Email: thephdmommylife@gmail.com  If you would like to be a guest and share your story on The PhD Mommy's Journey Podcast, please fill out this form. Link to Dr. Peterson's Book, 12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos

    13 min

  5. JUN 29

    Mindset: Building a Life with Strategy, Self-Worth, and the 1% Rule

    Introducing The PhD Mommy's Journey Podcast: Building a Life with Strategy, Self-Worth, and the 1% Rule In Episode 18, "How to Elevate Your Life — Strategy, Self-Confidence & the 1% Rule," Bridgette unpacks what it truly means to stop comparing yourself to others and start becoming the kind of woman who leads her life with clarity, discipline, and purpose. Inspired by Rule 4 from Jordan Peterson's 12 Rules for Life, this episode explores how small daily improvements can lead to massive personal transformation. Bridgette reflects on her powerful journey—from not being able to run a quarter of a mile to crushing her fitness goals in Navy training—and how embracing the 1% better mindset has helped her step into alignment, confidence, and purpose-driven living. Episode 18 helps listeners take radical ownership of their journey through: 1. Turning Comparison into Strategy Why the only person you should compare yourself to is who you were yesterday—and how that mindset unlocks consistent growth. 2. The Power of the Inner Audit How to use your internal critic as a feedback tool instead of a source of shame—just like inspecting a home before buying it. 3. Discipline Over Perfection Why small, sustainable efforts matter more than dramatic overhauls—and how they create real momentum. 4. From Lost to Aligned Bridgette shares how leaving behind a teaching career, joining the Navy, and facing herself changed everything—from her body to her mindset and her mothering. 5. Focus, Aim, and Alignment How narrowing your focus helps you see what really matters—and why aiming higher brings deeper meaning to your life. 6. The Self-Responsibility Revolution What happens when you stop waiting to feel ready and start taking the small steps anyway—no matter how imperfect they feel. 7. Legacy, Alignment, and the Highest Good How choosing to aim high—beyond superficial desires—shifts your relationship with yourself, others, and the world around you.  Key Takeaways: Small steps lead to lasting change. Growth comes from alignment, not pressure.  You have the power to elevate—right now, right where you are.   🎧 Listen and Subscribe to The PhD Mommy's Journey Podcast on 🎧 Apple Podcasts • Spotify • Google Podcasts • YouTube  To Contact Bridgette: Instagram @Thephdmommylife • https://www.instagram.com/thephdmommylife Email: thephdmommylife@gmail.com  If you would like to be a guest and share your story on The PhD Mommy's Journey Podcast, please fill out this form. Link to Dr. Peterson's Book, 12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos

    20 min

  6. MAY 25

    Mindset: Cultivating Aligned Relationships and Personal Power

    Introducing The PhD Mommy's Journey Podcast: Cultivating Aligned Relationships and Personal Power In Episode 17, "Make Friends with People Who Want the Best for You," Bridgette explores how powerful it is to intentionally elevate your relationships in a season of personal growth. Inspired by Rule 3 from Jordan Peterson's 12 Rules for Life, this episode unpacks how friendships rooted in alignment—not obligation—can shift your entire mindset, discipline, and direction. Bridgette shares what it's looked like to walk away from draining relationships, build powerful new friendships during Navy training, and protect her peace while leveling up in her fitness, education, and personal life. Episode 17 helps listeners reflect on how to protect their energy and embrace aligned connections through: Toxic Loyalty vs. Healthy Connection Recognizing when history is holding you hostage—and how to shift into relationships that honor your evolution. Alignment as the New Standard Choosing friends who match your values, goals, and growth mindset. Letting Go Without Guilt Why outgrowing people doesn't mean abandoning them—it means honoring who you're becoming. Building an Empowered Circle How to intentionally attract supportive, growth-minded relationships that speak life into your next level. 7-Day Relationship Audit Challenge A guided journaling challenge to evaluate your inner circle and make room for alignment. This bold and freeing episode empowers listeners to honor their boundaries, protect their purpose, and walk boldly into relationships that reflect who they are becoming—not who they were. Key Takeaways: Your circle is either nurturing your power—or draining it. You're allowed to grow beyond what's familiar. Relationships that align with your peace, purpose, and power are worth prioritizing. 🎧 Listen and Subscribe to The PhD Mommy's Journey Podcast on 🎧 Apple Podcasts • Spotify • Google Podcasts • YouTube  To Contact Bridgette: Instagram @Thephdmommylife • https://www.instagram.com/thephdmommylife Email: thephdmommylife@gmail.com  If you would like to be a guest and share your story on The PhD Mommy's Journey Podcast, please fill out this form. Link to Dr. Peterson's Book, 12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos

    10 min

  7. MAR 29

    Mindset: Prioritizing Self-Care and Personal Growth

    Introducing "The PhD Mommy's Journey Podcast": Prioritizing Self-Care and Personal Growth  In Episode 16, "Treat Yourself Like Someone You Are Responsible for Helping," Bridgette shares how radical self-care, discipline, and daily intentionality can change your life. Drawing inspiration from Rule 2 of Dr. Jordan Peterson's 12 Rules for Life, Bridgette opens up about her personal transformation—including completing Navy boot camp, losing over 100 pounds, and progressing toward her PhD proposal defense. She encourages listeners to reframe self-care as a personal responsibility rooted in self-worth and purpose. Episode 16 helps listeners explore the power of showing up for themselves through: Understanding Self-Neglect Unpacking why we often extend more care to others than ourselves, and how to reverse that pattern through self-worth and intentional living. The Psychological Impact Highlighting research on self-compassion and emotional resilience, and sharing how Bridgette's mindset shifted after embracing her own worth. Implications for Personal Growth and Leadership Discussing how prioritizing self-care empowers leadership, strengthens relationships, and models a healthier lifestyle for others. Practical Tips for Implementation Offering actionable ways to integrate self-care into your life, including boundaries, daily rituals, and compassionate self-talk. 30-Day Self-Care Challenge Inviting listeners to commit to one intentional act of self-care each day for the next 30 days to build habits that honor their value and growth. This empowering episode highlights the connection between physical stance and mental state, encouraging listeners to stand tall, both physically and mentally, to navigate life's challenges with confidence, grace and resilience. Key Takeaways: Standing up straight with your shoulders back is not just about physical appearance; it's a mindset. Adopting a confident posture can improve your mental state and how others perceive you. Practical tips for maintaining good posture include regular check-ins, exercise routines, mental rehearsal, and positive affirmations. 🎧 Listen and Subscribe to The PhD Mommy's Journey Podcast on 🎧 Apple Podcasts • Spotify • Google Podcasts • YouTube  To Contact Bridgette: Instagram @Thephdmommylife • https://www.instagram.com/thephdmommylife Email: thephdmommylife@gmail.com  If you would like to be a guest and share your story on The PhD Mommy's Journey Podcast, please fill out this form. Link to Dr. Peterson's Book, 12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos

    15 min

  8. 06/21/2024

    Mindset: Embracing Confidence and Strength

    Introducing "The PhD Mommy's Journey Podcast": Embracing Confidence and Strength In Episode 15, "Stand Up Straight with Your Shoulders Back," Bridgette highlights the importance of adopting a confident posture to transform your mental and emotional well-being. Bridgette delves into the significance of physical posture, drawing from Dr. Jordan Peterson's book "12 Rules for Life," and connecting its role in personal growth, leadership and self-care. Episode 15 helps listeners understand how adopting a strong and confident posture can positively impact their life by focusing on: The Biological Perspective Exploring how posture affects social status and behavior, with insights from the animal kingdom. The Psychological Impact Discussing the benefits of an assertive posture, supported by research, including a study by Patty Van Cappellen and colleagues showing how expansive and upward postures enhance positive affect. Implications for Personal Growth and Leadership Understanding how a confident posture can improve interactions and set a positive example in leadership roles. Practical Tips for Implementation Providing actionable advice on how to maintain good posture and incorporate self-care into daily routines. This empowering episode highlights the connection between physical stance and mental state, encouraging listeners to stand tall, both physically and mentally, to navigate life's challenges with confidence, grace and resilience. Key Takeaways: Standing up straight with your shoulders back is not just about physical appearance; it's a mindset. Adopting a confident posture can improve your mental state and how others perceive you. Practical tips for maintaining good posture include regular check-ins, exercise routines, mental rehearsal, and positive affirmations. 🎧 Listen and Subscribe to The PhD Mommy's Journey Podcast on 🎧 Apple Podcasts • Spotify • Google Podcasts • YouTube  To Contact Bridgette: Instagram @Thephdmommylife • https://www.instagram.com/thephdmommylife Email: thephdmommylife@gmail.com  If you would like to be a guest and share your story on The PhD Mommy's Journey Podcast, please fill out this form. Link to Dr. Peterson's Book, 12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos

    14 min
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4.9
out of 5
35 Ratings

About

Military mom. PhD candidate. Transformation in motion. The PhD Mommy's Journey is where discipline, faith, and motherhood meet ambition. Hosted by Bridgette Ojo — a Navy Sailor, PhD Candidate, and mom of two — this podcast empowers high-achieving women to rise above excuses and thrive in every area of life. Bridgette shares her own transformation story of losing 140+ pounds, balancing military service with a doctorate, and raising her daughters while chasing big dreams. Each episode delivers raw stories, practical strategies, and faith-driven motivation to help you build confidence, stay consistent, and create the life you were called to live.

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