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 cultureIf 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: @laurenfindsawayWebsite: https://www.laurenfindsaway.com/__________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]