Best Host Dr. Michelle Gibbs Podcasts (2025)

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113. Editing the Script and Leaving Academia: How Dr Paulina Cossette Redefined Success 1:02:17

1d ago1:02:17

1:02:17

What happens when the academic dream and motherhood collide? In this eye-opening episode, former political science academic Dr Paulina Cossette reveals her journey from working seven exhausting days a week as a tenure track professor to becoming an entrepreneur with a thriving six-figure business that allows her the freedom and joy she needed. Tune…

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112. Becoming More of You in Scholarly Motherhood 27:06

9d ago27:06

27:06

What if the version of success you’ve been chasing isn’t actually yours? In this episode, we crack open the myth of the “ideal Scholarly Mama®” and ask a bold question: What does real freedom look like for Mamas juggling PhD life, careers, and family life in 2025? If you’ve ever felt like you’re performing instead of living, this conversation will …

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111. Rediscovering Self: Who Were You Before The World Gave You Labels? 29:46

16d ago29:46

29:46

Who are you beyond “Mum,” “Dr,” “Wife,” "Daughter", or “Manager”? In this soul-stirring episode, we explore what happens when we strip away the titles, roles, and responsibilities we carry—and come face-to-face with the essence of who we truly are. If you’ve ever felt lost beneath your labels or longed to reconnect with the woman within, this conve…

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110. When The Plan Falls Apart... 16:07

23d ago16:07

16:07

When life throws you a curveball — a sick child with work commitments, looming deadlines, a mountain of shifting responsibilities — how do you keep going without losing yourself? This week, I'm sharing a behind-the-scenes look at how everything in my carefully planned schedule unravelled when our youngest came down with chickenpox... and the powerf…

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109. Purpose in the Pause: An Easter Reflection 29:24

30d ago29:24

29:24

What if the season you’re in — the slow, silent, in-between of this journey — is not a detour or hindrance to your success, but part of navigating Scholarly Motherhood by design? In this special Easter-themed episode, we step away from the hustle and into a moment of reflection. Drawing gentle inspiration from the life, death, and resurrection of J…

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108. Reframing Breaks: How to Rest Without Guilt 25:28

1M ago25:28

25:28

In this episode, we explore why rest is essential—not optional—for Scholarly Mamas®. Academic culture often glorifies constant productivity, leaving Mamas on doctoral journeys caught between scholarly demands and family responsibilities. We discuss how intentional breaks enhance your academic work, strategies for incorporating rest without guilt, a…

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107. Two Years of Podcasting: Looking Back & Moving Forward 22:22

1M ago22:22

22:22

In this special reflective episode, I celebrate two years of the Mrs Mummy PhD® podcast by sharing the journey from recording my first episode to building a community of Scholarly Mamas®. Join me as I reflect on how we can blend academic excellence with present motherhood and share my vision for the next chapter of our growing movement of Scholarly…

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106. Are You Fishing for Success or Cultivating Growth? 28:22

2M ago28:22

28:22

Are you fishing for big, quick wins, or are you farming for lasting growth? In this episode, we dive into a powerful shift in mindset: the difference between chasing immediate results (fishing) and patiently nurturing long-term success (farming). The initial spark for this conversation came from a casual chat with my friend Dra Yvette from Grad Sch…

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105. Running on Empty? Do This First If You Want to Lead Well... 33:24

2M ago33:24

33:24

Are you feeling stretched thin between your PhD, your family, and everything in between? In this episode, we’re diving into why filling your own cup first is essential—not just for your well-being, but for your success as a Scholarly Mama® leader. We’ll talk about: Why filling your cup first isn’t selfish—it’s leadership How imposter syndrome and g…

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104. Expectation without Expectations: How to Thrive As a Scholarly Mama 29:28

2M ago29:28

29:28

Are you constantly feeling weighed down by others' expectations while trying to blend motherhood and doctoral study? In this powerful episode, we explore how to let go of what's holding you back in your Scholarly Mama® journey. We address the paradox of having hope and expectation without being constrained by unrealistic expectations of others, wit…

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103. Thinking Beyond the PhD 16:42

2M ago16:42

16:42

Who are you becoming on your PhD journey? Although a PhD journey can feel all-consuming, it's worth pausing now and again and giving some thought to life beyond the PhD and the impact you can and will create once you have finished your PhD. This episode is a timely reminder of why the 'becoming' matters so much and how you can begin to think beyond…

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102. Reflective Replay of "I've Submitted My PhD Thesis: Raw Reflections On The Remarkable Moment" 36:45

3M ago36:45

36:45

It's so interesting to reflect now and again! Today I'm reflecting on the episode where I recorded my raw emotional response to submitting my PhD thesis after 8 years and what that felt like back in May 2023! I hope re-listening to this reflective replay will be helpful for you in visualising your own 'successful submission moment' when it comes. I…

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101. "Coming to the Page..." How to Love the Writer Within & Write With Joy with Natalya Androsova, PhD 1:03:41

3M ago1:03:41

1:03:41

Want to transform your writing from a source of stress to a source of joy? In this episode, we sit down with Natalya Androsova PhD, an award-winning writing coach who has helped many writers complete their PhD theses, dissertations, books, and articles over her career thus far. But what makes Natalya's approach unique is her deep understanding of h…

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100. Celebrating 100 Episodes & Permission to Think Differently 19:46

3M ago19:46

19:46

Mama, we've made it to 100 episodes! Can you believe it? This is indeed a milestone worthy of celebration! Come, tune in and join in the celebrations :-) In addition to that, we go deep in this episode too! It's truly how we roll around here... Because sometimes as a Scholarly Mama® it can feel like this whole real life juggling act feels 'peripher…

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99. How to Consistently Show Up For Your Dreams 33:56

3M ago33:56

33:56

Ready to know how you can consistently show up for your Scholarly Mama® dreams? In this episode, we're diving into the powerful mindset shifts that can help you achieve your PhD goals while embracing the joy of Motherhood. Discover why your unique path as a Scholarly Mama® isn't just valid – it might be your secret superpower. We explore key game-c…

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98. The 5 Hidden Traps Scholarly Mamas Fall Into and How to Spot Them 40:35

4M ago40:35

40:35

In this insightful episode, we explore why purpose matters more than perfection when navigating your PhD journey as a Mama. We dive deep into five hidden traps that often sabotage progress toward your goals as a Scholarly Mama®. Learn practical strategies for managing these common challenges and discover why focusing on consistent, purposeful progr…

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97. From Overwhelmed to Award-Winning: How I Finished My PhD Well 13:16

4M ago13:16

13:16

In this episode, I discuss some of the challenges of navigating PhD life as a Mama and the emotional toll this can take on us all. I also take you back to one of the pivotal moments in my journey when I was deep in the throes of the juggle-struggle and how I was able to reconnect with my vision for academic success. Not only did I finish my PhD as …

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96. Why Scholarly Mamas Don't Need More Productivity Hacks (+ What They Need Instead) 28:04

4M ago28:04

28:04

In this episode, I challenge the common belief that more productivity hacks are the answer to succeeding in your PhD journey as a Mama. Drawing from lived experiences, I explain why traditional productivity approaches often fall short for Scholarly Mamas®. I share what Scholarly Mamas® actually need instead of more productivity hacks! Remember Mama…

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95. From Stuck and Stressed To Submitted: How I Finished My PhD Thesis As a Mama of 3 28:43

4M ago28:43

28:43

In this deeply personal episode, I'm taking you back to January 2022 when I was returning from maternity leave with our third son and facing what felt like an impossible task - completing my 100k-worded PhD thesis in 16 months on part-time hours. I share how I went from nearly quitting to creating "Operation PhD Thesis," the strategic approach that…

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94. Making Space for Progress: The Amazing Power of Focused Effort 16:01

4M ago16:01

16:01

Happy New Year 2025! Let's start 2025 strong with practical strategies for creating focused, intentional progress in both your PhD journey and family life. Learn how to create sacred spaces for your academic work, maximise "micro-progress" moments, and develop family-friendly boundaries that honour both your studies and your loved ones. Key Takeawa…

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93. 7 Surprising Things That Made My Year in 2024 27:56

5M ago27:56

27:56

In this timely, year-end episode, I reflect on the year 2024 and share 7 surprising things that made my year. This wasn't a year of obvious HUGE wins but when I gave it some thought I realised that the things that made my year were indeed quite significant because perspective is everything... I can't wait to share them with you in this reflective e…

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92. All I Want For Christmas Is... 17:02

5M ago17:02

17:02

In this heartfelt episode, I challenge the conventional academic mindset that prioritises publications, citations, and grants above all else. Partly inspired by a thought-provoking Instagram reel, by testimonies and lived experiences, I explore why pursuing external measures of academic success at the expense of what truly matters can lead to burno…

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91. Caught Up In The Holiday Chaos? This Stopped Me In My Tracks! 16:58

5M ago16:58

16:58

In this powerful episode, I share a transformative moment witnessed in a crowded festive shopping scene – where a Mama shopper's unexpected blackout reveals the raw, vulnerable truth about what really matters during the Christmas holiday season. *Warning: Some listeners may find the details shared in this episode upsetting, please look after your m…

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90. Unwrapping Grace: A Scholarly Mama's Guide To A Restful Holiday Season 16:52

5M ago16:52

16:52

Are you a Scholarly Mama® preparing for the holiday season and already feeling like you're drowning in PhD guilt? Well, if so, this episode is for you! Join us as we break down three powerful strategies to help you prioritise what truly matters: your family and your well-being. In this heartfelt episode, we discuss: How to set strategic academic bo…

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89. From Breakdowns to Launch: Introducing Scholarly Mama® Merch 19:30

6M ago19:30

19:30

In this episode, we dive deep into the realities of Scholarly Motherhood, exploring how unexpected setbacks can remind us of what truly matters and can also become a catalyst for creating something new. Drawing from personal experiences, the episode offers a timely reminder of the importance of being grateful for the little things as we navigate Sc…

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88. Reflective Replay of 'Why Doing It All Is Keeping You Stuck And How To Break Free' 13:06

6M ago13:06

13:06

This is a Reflective Replay of Episode 61: 'Why Doing It All Is Keeping You Stuck and How to Break Free'. As a Scholarly Mama myself, I understand the challenges of juggling motherhood with the demands of PhD life. But I'm here to share the raw truths of this juggle, the pitfalls of the "do it all" mentality, and the power of embracing our authenti…

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87. From Burnout to Breakthrough: Transformational Tips for High-Achieving Mamas with Unyime Oguta 1:08:00

6M ago1:08:00

1:08:00

Can high-achieving Scholarly Mamas® have it all? In this powerful guest episode, Transformational Coach Unyime Oguta shatters the myth that women must choose between academic success and family life. Drawing from her own journey through burnout while pursuing her second degree, Unyime shares game-changing insights on creating space for your dreams …

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86. What To Do When Your Best Doesn't Feel Good Enough 21:16

6M ago21:16

21:16

Ever held back the tears after receiving a rejection letter, email or phone call so your kids wouldn't see you cry? In this raw and real episode, we're tackling the gut-punch moments of academic life as a Mama – from grant rejections to viva struggles. Whether you're questioning your place in academia or wondering how to pick yourself up after a se…

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85. The Power of Yet: Revolutionary Permission To Be 'In Progress' 21:06

7M ago21:06

21:06

Ever wondered why some individuals seem to achieve success so effortlessly and others struggle to pick up the peices after not achieving a goal first time round? Have you ever felt like you'll never have success in your PhD or academic career because you didn't achieve a scholarly or personal goal or two by a certain time? Perhaps you thought you'd…

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84. Writing Your Thesis: Why Consistency Matters More Than Speed (PART 2) 37:46

7M ago37:46

37:46

Do you feel pressured to get your PhD done, but somehow struggle to keep up the pace as a Scholarly Mama®? Do you ever feel like you never have enough time to get into deep work as you navigate your PhD with kids in tow? If you're navigating your PhD with little ones, I want to help you finish well. If this is your goal, allow me to share with you,…

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83. Writing Your Thesis: Why Consistency Matters More Than Speed (PART 1) 20:20

7M ago20:20

20:20

Do you feel pressured to get your PhD done, but somehow struggle to keep up the pace as a Scholarly Mama®? Do you ever feel like you never have enough time to get into deep work as you navigate your PhD with kids in tow? If you're navigating your PhD with little ones, I want to help you finish well. If this is your goal, allow me to share with you,…

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82. Mama, You're Stronger Than You Think! Here Are 10 Powerful Reasons Why 26:56

7M ago26:56

26:56

Have you ever felt like an imposter on your PhD journey as a Scholarly Mama®? If you're navigating your PhD with kids, I'm sure you've experienced those feelings of not belonging or feeling like you're not enough to see this journey through and finish well. If this sounds like you, then this is the episode won't want to miss! Tune in for 10 powerfu…

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81. Stop Waiting for Your PhD to be Done: It's The Journey, Not The Destination! 29:34

8M ago29:34

29:34

As a Mama pursuing a PhD, have you ever heard someone say it's the journey, not the destination? What comes up for you when you hear it? Maybe you think, 'Oh, surely they don't understand...' or maybe 'That doesn't apply to me or PhD Motherhood'. In this episode, we will explore what this means for Scholarly Mamas®. A truly thought-provoking episod…

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80. A Purposeful Pause: Navigating Maternity Leave as a PhD Student with Lynn from 'Research With Lynn' 1:07:43

8M ago1:07:43

1:07:43

In this episode, we welcome special guest Lynn from researchwithlynn.com to share her story of navigating maternity leave as a PhD student. Lynn and I met on Instagram a few years back and have been following each other ever since so I am so grateful that we have made this episode happen…. we've wanted to do this for quite some time and I'm just so…

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79. From PhD Panic to Purposeful Progress on Part-time Hours 28:42

8M ago28:42

28:42

In this episode, we dive into the challenges and triumphs of pursuing a PhD while juggling the demands of motherhood. I share my personal journey of transforming PhD panic into purposeful progress on part-time hours, offering invaluable insights for Scholarly Mamas® everywhere. Whether you're considering a PhD, in the thick of your doctoral studies…

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78. Breaking Through: 7 Practical Tips for Overcoming A Creative Block 16:40

8M ago16:40

16:40

Are you feeling stuck in your PhD research, grappling with writer's block, or struggling to generate fresh ideas? In this episode, we tackle the common challenge of creative block in doctoral studies. Join us as we explore 7 practical tips tailored specifically for mothers juggling family life with their PhD journey. From embracing micro-productivi…

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77. Conquering the New Academic Year as a Scholarly Mama®: Your Ultimate Guide to Success 40:03

8M ago40:03

40:03

In this episode, I share valuable strategies for Scholarly Mamas® to thrive in this new academic year. Key topics include: Creating realistic schedules and maximising productivity Setting priorities and maintaining healthy boundaries The importance of self-care and stress management Building a support network and utilising available resources Pract…

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76. The Simple Scholarly Mama® Guide to Travelling with Kids 45:48

9M ago45:48

45:48

In this episode of the Mrs Mummy PhD® podcast, we dive into the world of holiday travel with kids for Scholarly Mamas®. Perfect for PhD or academic mothers looking to balance family time with their studies, we cover: The benefits of taking breaks from your research for a family break Practical tips for planning budget-friendly trips around academic…

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75. My PhD Graduation PLOG - 'The Dr's In' Celebration Dinner 17:01

9M ago17:01

17:01

Welcome back to another PhD Graduation Celebration PLOG! This is my third and final PhD Graduation PLOG and it's all about my PhD Graduation Celebration Party/Dinner which was affectionately called 'The Dr's In'! What a moment of celebration on the beautiful island of Barbados with family and friends :-). If you've enjoyed the previous two 'PhD Gra…

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74. Motherhood, Family Life, PhD Research and Disability Advocacy - Insights from Dr. Amy Camilleri Zahra 59:12

9M ago59:12

59:12

This episode features guest Dr Amy Camilleri Zahra, a remarkable individual who balances multiple roles as a mother, wife, disability rights activist, academic, and public speaker. Amy shares her inspiring journey from surviving a life-threatening illness that led to amputations, to pursuing a PhD and becoming a powerful advocate for disability rig…

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73. My PhD Graduation Celebration PLOG - Graduation Day 29:09

9M ago29:09

29:09

In this episode, I share my second PhD graduation PLOG (think vlog but for podcasts!) which details my actual graduation day! What an AMAZING day it was indeed, with lots of memories made and so much fun! So come along with me for my PhD graduation day PLOG :-). Thank you for sharing this journey with me, if you've been a regular listener for a whi…

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72. My PhD Graduation Celebration PLOG - Pre-Ceremony Preparations 19:22

10M ago19:22

19:22

In this episode, I share my PhD graduation PLOG (think vlog but for podcasts!) all about my pre-graduation ceremony preparations! Yes, Mama, 5 whole degrees and this is only my second graduation ceremony as I didn't attend my three postgrad graduation ceremonies! So come along with me for the journey of my PhD graduation over the next couple of epi…

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71. Reflective Replay of ' "Mama Take A Break!" - The Power Of The Reflective Pause' 31:06

10M ago31:06

31:06

In this reflective replay, we discuss the power of the reflective pause when Scholarly Mama® life gets overwhelming and how it can help us reach our goals with less stress and more joy. Navigating PhD life as a Mama can feel overwhelming at the best of times. As a Mama doing a PhD, you can't simply 'believe' your way through the juggle-struggle! Yo…

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70. PhD Mum Guilt: 10 Effective Ways To Quiet It 32:44

10M ago32:44

32:44

In this heartfelt episode, host Dr Michelle Gibbs breaks down 10 ways you can keep mum guilt at bay as an ambitious Scholarly Mama® who is juggling both academic pursuits and family life. Infused with personal stories, this episode is filled with practical tips to help you pursue your scholarly ambitions with confidence and purpose, without sacrifi…

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69. Personal Branding and Career Design for Scholarly Mamas with Dr Gertrude Nonterah 50:29

10M ago50:29

50:29

In this thought-provoking episode, guest Dr Gertrude Nonterah aka Dr Gee from The Bold PhD, bestows her wisdom about all things personal branding, networking and careers by design and highlights how important this is for Scholarly Mamas®. Dr Gee completed her PhD in Microbiology and Immunology and now works as a Medical Communications professional,…

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68. How To Reach Your Full Potential in Scholarly Motherhood 30:18

11M ago30:18

30:18

In this episode, I share another deep reflection from my recent travels to an academic conference in my field. Tune in to hear my travel musings and learn how to reach your full potential in Scholarly Motherhood. Read the related blog post here: How To Reach Your Full Potential in Scholarly Motherhood Want more? 1. Check out the Mrs Mummy PhD® blog…

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67. Conference Musings and Why It's Time to Stop Navigating PhD Motherhood Alone 20:17

11M ago20:17

20:17

In this episode, I share one of many reflections from an academic conference I recently attended in my field. Tune in to learn why it's time to stop navigating PhD Motherhood alone and begin building meaningful connections with other Scholarly Mamas® who 'get it'. Read the related blog post here: Why It's Time to Stop Navigating PhD Motherhood Alon…

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66. Navigating Graduate School as a First Generation PhD and BIPOC Mother with Dra Yvette Martínez-Vu 59:16

11M ago59:16

59:16

In this inspiring episode, guest Dra Yvette Martínez-Vu from Grad School Femtoring recollects her experience of navigating academia as a first-generation PhD student and BIPOC (Black/ Indigenous/ People of Colour) Mother with amazing insights on her femtoring services, her Chicana m(other)work, and her commitment to empowering first-gen scholars. S…

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65. Reflective Replay of 'Father's Day Special: How My Dad's Fatherhood Shaped My Motherhood' 16:28

11M ago16:28

16:28

In this week's episode, we're reflecting on Father's Day and an extraordinary guy who shaped my motherhood through his fatherhood! Tune in to listen to this very special 'Reflective Replay' of a previous episode :-). Read the related blog post: Father's Day Special: How My Dad's Fatherhood Shaped My Motherhood You can also take the Purposeful Schol…

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64. 6 Key Reasons Why Dads Should Prioritise Self-care 15:52

11M ago15:52

15:52

Self-care has become the new buzzword. The internet and social media are inundated with self-care messages. As busy Mamas, it's great that we don't have to look far for reminders about the importance of self-care. But what about Dads? Don't they need to practice self-care too? In this episode, I want to talk about why self-care matters for Dads too…

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Host Dr. Michelle Gibbs Podcasts

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