E15 - (S2E5) Ksenia's journey through PhD, burnout and starting over

In this raw and honest episode of Moms, Mats & Manuscripts, Ksenia opens up about her bold decision to quit her PhD program and walk away from academia. In conversation with co-host Ivna, she shares the deep burnout, physical symptoms, and intuitive nudges that led her to realise: continuing was no longer sustainable.This isn’t your typical “I left my PhD” story. Ksenia dives into the emotional complexity of making such a choice, the fear of disappointing others, and the surprising relief she found in finally listening to her inner voice. We talk about how academic pressure and perfectionism can mask chronic unhappiness - and how yoga became a compass for rebuilding a purposeful, fulfilling life outside of the lab.Whether you're a struggling PhD student, burned-out postdoc, or someone questioning your path, this episode is a compassionate, real-life reflection on redefining success, honouring your mental health, and following your intuition.Support the showLet'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_yogaReach out: [email protected]