Academic Woman Amplified

Are you struggling to get back into academic writing after a break? Or maybe you’re afraid to change your writing schedule because you think you’ll lose momentum. In this episode, I’ll show you how to step away from your writing without derailing your progress and how to return to it without losing your rhythm. In this episode, I explore the concept of writing off-ramps and on-ramps—a metaphor (and practical toolset) for how to put your writing down with intention and pick it back up with ease. Whether you’re heading into a planned vacation or returning from an unexpected pause, learning to manage transitions is a key part of building a sustainable academic writing practice. You’ll learn how to exit your writing flow gently, leave strategic breadcrumbs for your future self, and design a smooth, flexible re-entry that supports your long-term goals without burnout or self-judgment. If you're craving a writing practice that feels stable, resilient, and empowering, this episode is a must-listen. Stop treating bre

Do you feel like you are behind on your summer writing goals? You’re not alone, and you’re not failing. It’s time to normalize readjusting your summer writing plans without shame. In this episode, I guide you through a midsummer writing check-in. This flexible process will help you reassess your academic writing goals and realign them with your current capacity. Whether you mapped out a detailed summer writing plan back in May or are just now trying to make progress, I will walk you through how to revisit your calendar, evaluate your remaining time, and match it with what’s left on your writing to-do list. Re-planning isn’t a failure; it’s a core skill that every academic writer needs to learn. Tune in to learn how to move from unrealistic expectations to a sustainable academic writing progress without burnout, shame, or overwhelm. If you’re ready to improve your academic writing practice and finally clear your publication backlog, enrollment for the next round of my Navigate program opens soon! Get on the wa

Are you constantly being asked to do more than your role requires because others around you aren’t stepping up? You might be getting pulled into a leadership vacuum. In this final episode of the Leadership Series, I define what a leadership vacuum is and explain why so many mid-career academics—especially those in middle-management roles—get pulled into these gaps. Whether you’re a department chair, PI, or program director, it’s easy to start taking on responsibilities that aren’t technically yours, particularly when leadership above you is weak or absent. I share how to recognize the vacuum, why scholars are especially vulnerable to it, and, most importantly, how to set boundaries that preserve your energy, time, and mission-driven focus. If you’ve ever felt overextended in your academic role, this episode is for you. Learn how to define your position and hold your boundaries with clarity and confidence. For full show notes visit scholarsvoice.org/podcast. We’ve opened the waitlist for our next cohort of Nav

We’re in the middle of a series on academic leadership, and today, I focus on the foundation: leading yourself.  In this episode, I unpack what self-leadership really means: making decisions grounded in your mission and values that shape who you become, not just what you produce. I’ll explain why embracing seasonality—intentionally focusing on writing during specific periods while scaling back other commitments—is a powerful way to adapt to the challenges many academics face today, like frozen grant programs and shifting research priorities. Finally, I share practical tools and mindset shifts you need to lead yourself through a writing season with clear boundaries, effective time management, and focused energy. If you’re ready to take control of your writing and academic career by mastering self-leadership, this episode is for you. Tune in to learn how leading yourself is the secret to writing more intentionally and productively. For full show notes visit scholarsvoice.org/podcast. We’ve opened the waitlist f

Writing and publishing might feel like individual, behind-the-scenes tasks. But what if your ability to lead in academia starts with how you show up for your own writing? In this episode, I discuss why taking control of your writing and publishing is not merely about checking off boxes for tenure or seeking validation. It’s about developing the leadership skills necessary for success in academia—regardless of whether you have an official title. I examine how consistently committing to your writing fosters self-trust, boosts confidence, clarifies decision-making, and enhances project management skills—all of which are crucial for effective leadership. Regardless of your administrative position, your capacity to lead yourself is what truly defines you as a leader in academia. Tune in to discover why academic leadership extends beyond administrative roles. If you're looking to grow both as a scholar and a leader, this episode will provide you with a powerful new perspective on your writing practice. For full sho

Do you cringe at the idea of being a manager in academia? You’re not alone, but it’s time for a mindset shift.  In this new podcast series on leadership in academia, I’m making the case that becoming a manager isn’t just likely -- it’s inevitable. In fact, it’s a sign that your academic career is growing, your influence is expanding, and your work is making an impact. In this first episode, I’m laying the groundwork for the series by diving into why academic leadership must include management—and why that’s a good thing. Whether you’ve just landed your tenure-track role or you’re directing a major research center, you’re already managing people, even if it doesn’t feel like it. If you are a professor seeking to grow as a scholar, leader, and mentor, this series is for you. Tune in to shift your perspective on leadership in academia. For full show notes visit scholarsvoice.org/podcast. We’ve opened the waitlist for our next cohort of Navigate: Your Writing Roadmap®. Check out the program details and get on the

Ever feel like you should know how long a writing task will take, but somehow, it always takes longer (or shorter) than you expected? If so, this bonus episode is for you! After coaching dozens of academics one-on-one in our Navigate program this past year, I’ve developed a brand-new concept that’s transforming how academic writers plan, prioritize, and stick to their writing timelines: the difference between writing problems and writing tasks. I’m so excited to bring this concept into the curriculum of our Navigate program. We’ll not only teach you how to distinguish between problems and tasks but also how to manage each with clarity and confidence. Want your own lightbulb moment? Tune in and learn how to take your academic writing process to the next level. For full show notes visit scholarsvoice.org/podcast. We’ve opened the waitlist for our next cohort of Navigate: Your Writing Roadmap®. Check out the program details and get on the waitlist here.   CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Our 12-week Navigate: Your W

Have you ever looked at your calendar, blocked out a few hours to write, and then… nothing? The blank screen stares back, your cursor blinks mockingly, and you start wondering—how long should this take? Why is this so hard to estimate? In this episode, I’m talking all about one of the biggest hidden obstacles to academic writing success: estimating how long writing tasks actually take. Whether it’s a book chapter, a literature review, or a single figure caption, understanding time-to-task is crucial if you want to make real progress on your publications without burning out. If you're tired of missing due dates, underestimating tasks, and wondering why academic writing feels like pushing a boulder uphill, this episode is for you. Listen now, and let’s reframe how you think about your time and writing. For full show notes visit scholarsvoice.org/podcast. We’ve opened the waitlist for our next cohort of Navigate: Your Writing Roadmap®. Check out the program details and get on the waitlist here.   CONTINUE THE CO

You’ve developed the project management skills, but now the question is: how do you know when it’s time to introduce a project management tool into your workflow? In this episode, I guide you through determining when you’re ready for a project management tool. I discuss what to look for, how to choose one that addresses your specific needs, and the essential steps to ensure your writing process will benefit from the tool. Building on the skills I covered last week in part one, I’ll help you understand how to select and integrate a system that will keep you organized and productive. If you’ve been feeling the pressure of managing multiple projects and collaborations, and you’re wondering how to take that next step, this episode is for you. Tune in to discover how to find the perfect project management tool for your academic writing. For full show notes visit scholarsvoice.org/podcast.   We’ve opened the waitlist for our next cohort of Navigate: Your Writing Roadmap®. Check out the program details and get on th

Are you stuck in a cycle of trying out new project management tools—Trello, Asana, Notion—only to abandon them weeks later? You're not alone. No tool will save your writing or publication pipeline if you haven't first developed core project management skills. In this episode, I explain why building project management skills must come before adopting a project management tool. If you're feeling overwhelmed with your writing tasks, due dates, or collaborative projects, it’s not because you haven’t found the “right” app—it’s because foundational skills like discernment and time management aren’t fully developed yet. Before you invest energy (and money) in the latest software, you need clarity on how you work and how to support your writing with solid workflows. Tune in to learn how to build the academic project management skills that will advance your writing and publication projects, allowing you to select a project management tool that works with you, not against you. For full show notes visit scholarsvoice.or

Welcome to a brand-new series on Academic Writing Amplified - project management for academic writing!  Over the next few episodes, I’ll guide you through how to treat your writing like the complex, ongoing project it truly is. I’ll show you how to build systems that help you manage multiple due dates, balance competing responsibilities, and stay in control of your writing pipeline—without burning out or constantly reinventing the wheel. In this first segment, I’m laying the foundation. I walk you through the two most important building blocks of academic writing project management: Learning the core skills—like breaking big writing goals into manageable tasks and estimating how long those tasks take. Creating a system that works—including templates, scheduling practices, and simple routines to keep your projects moving, even when your calendar is packed. If you’ve ever felt like your writing is always on the back burner or you're constantly busy but never finishing anything, this episode is for you. St

Dr. Lauren McCubbins shares her journey inside the Navigate: Your Writing Roadmap® 12-week program. She discusses the importance of continuous learning and the value of a supportive community. We're receiving applications for our next cohort of Navigate: Your Writing Roadmap®! Check out the program details and start your application process here.   CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Our 12-week Navigate: Your Writing Roadmap® program helps tenure-track womxn and nonbinary professors to publish their backlog of papers so that their voice can have the impact they know is possible. Apply here! Cathy’s book, Making Time to Write: How to Resist the Patriarchy and Take Control of Your Academic Career Through Writing is available in print! Learn how to build your career around your writing practice while shattering the myths of writing every day, accountability, and motivation, doing mindset work that’s going to reshape your writing,and changing academic culture one womxn and nonbinary professor at a time. Get your pri

If academia has ever made you feel isolated, overwhelmed, or like you are the only one struggling to "figure it all out," you're not alone. In this episode, I dive into the deep-rooted loneliness that many academics experience, particularly around writing and publishing. With years of experience coaching academic women and non-binary scholars, I explore how vulnerability and community are essential for sustainable success in academia. If you’ve ever felt like you’re drowning in writing due dates, unsure how to unclog your publication pipeline, or just tired of doing it all alone, this episode is your invitation to reimagine what’s possible when scholars come together. Community is closer than you think. Tune in to discover how building connections in academia is essential for creating the career you want.  For full show notes visit scholarsvoice.org/podcast.   We're receiving applications for our next cohort of Navigate: Your Writing Roadmap®. Check out the program details and start your application process h

Katelyn joined Navigate under unusual circumstances: she was trying to figure out the transition into her assistant professor role, after having been a doctoral student and a full-time researcher at the same institution. She wanted support figuring out her academic mission (especially how it would be different from her advisor’s and P.I.’s), and how she could publish her backlog of papers while carving out her own research area. Within the supportive Navigate group, she found that. Though her circumstances were different, her core problems were the same as the other in her cohort: clarity of mission, holding boundaries, and solving writing problems versus tasks.   More about Katelyn: Katelyn Carr is an Assistant Professor at the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo. She studies eating behaviors and motivation in parents and children.   We're receiving applications for our next cohort of Navigate: Your Writing Roadmap®! Check out the program details and start your applicatio

In a time when higher ed feels like it’s unraveling—when grant freezes, ideological pressures, and job insecurity are shaking the foundations of academia—it’s easy to feel helpless. But you are not powerless. You are equipped for this moment, even if it doesn’t feel like it yet. In this episode, I offer a grounded, honest, and empowering message for academics navigating today’s tumultuous social and political climate. This isn’t about toxic positivity—it’s about recognizing the real threats facing our institutions and careers while reclaiming our agency, skills, and purpose. I unpack how your past experiences, values, and professional expertise prepare you to move forward—deliberately, powerfully, and with integrity. If you’re feeling stuck, discouraged, or unsure how to move forward, this episode is for you. Listen in to reconnect with your academic mission, clarify your values, and remember just how much strength you already carry. For full show notes visit scholarsvoice.org/podcast.   CONTINUE THE CONVERSA

Universities have been around for over a thousand years. They’ve persisted through war, famine, plague, natural disasters, vast shifts in people’s beliefs about them and what they are for.  That’s because universities are self-preserving. They adapt.   Look right now at how your university is adapting. Are they partnering with you to solve problems? Are they saying “keep your heads down and pivot”? Are they saying “don’t worry we’ve got this” but aren’t actually in conversation with you about how? Are they placing the burden of adapting squarely on YOUR shoulders? In 2025, you need to think carefully about your relationship to your institution and DECIDE what it is going to be. Here are some questions to help you get started: What is my responsibility to my institution, and what is its responsibility to me? What are my values? What are my institution's values (the ones it is showing you right now, not the ones in the strategic plan)? How are these aligned or misaligned? If your institution is not bendin

In this bonus episode, I share a featured interview with Navigate program alumni, Dr. Anne Vo. She reflects on her experience transitioning from an administrative role to faculty and how the Navigate program helped her rediscover her academic focus. Anne’s story is a powerful reminder that career transitions—whether leaving or returning to academic life—can be challenging but incredibly rewarding when supported with structure, community, and tools for success. Anne shares her personal insights on overcoming fears, setting boundaries, and reclaiming time for scholarly work. If you’re considering a career shift or simply want to boost your productivity and reclaim your academic time, this conversation is a must-listen! Tune in and hear more about Anne's journey and how the tools she learned in Navigate empowered her to thrive in her academic career. For full show notes visit scholarsvoice.org/podcast.   CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Our 12-week Navigate: Your Writing Roadmap® program helps tenure-track womxn and

In this episode, I dive deeper into the ongoing impact of the current U.S. administration on higher education, particularly focusing on the financial pressures universities face due to federal funding freezes. I discuss how these cuts are threatening the foundation of academic research and what academics can do to take charge of their careers amid this uncertainty. Rather than fueling fear, I aim to provide practical strategies for overcoming these challenges. I encourage you to stay connected to your purpose and mission in academia, even if it means adapting to new ways of doing your work. Are you ready to regain control of your academic career and navigate these tumultuous times with confidence? Tune in for valuable insights and actionable advice. For full show notes visit scholarsvoice.org/podcast.   CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Our 12-week Navigate: Your Writing Roadmap® program helps tenure-track womxn and nonbinary professors to publish their backlog of papers so that their voice can have the impact the

In the concluding episode of the podcast series, Should I Quit Academia, I address how the current US president and administration are impacting higher education. From federal cuts affecting grants and research to reductions in funding to institutions and students, a lot of disruption is happening in academia.  During this time of uncertainty, it may seem like quitting academia is more appealing than ever. I give you a series of questions to ask yourself to see if a career pivot is the right choice. My goal is to help you make a decision based on a belief in your value, not fear. The stability of academia is an illusion, and recognizing it will help you protect yourself and move forward with clarity and intention.  Do I think higher ed is going anywhere? No. However, it is clear that significant changes are happening and will continue to happen during this presidential term. I encourage you to reflect on my questions in this episode and think about how you want to impact your field and get your voice out into

Have you ever wondered about careers outside of academia? Or are you considering leaving the world of research and teaching behind?  Transitioning from academia to a writing-focused career or exploring new ways to get your voice into your industry can be exciting and overwhelming. In today's episode, I am joined by Jennie Nash. Jennie is the CEO of Author Accelerator, a book coaching certification program that works with coaches and writers all over the world.  We delve into the power of writing—whether for academic papers, books, or other forms of storytelling—and the importance of defining your purpose and audience. We also explore the role of a book coach, offering insights into how they help writers shape their ideas, navigate challenges, and find their voice.  If you’re looking to refine your writing and connect with your reader more effectively, this episode is for you. Listen in to discover how to turn your ideas into impactful publications. For full show notes visit scholarsvoice.org/podcast.   CONTIN