Academic Woman Amplified

Are you struggling with publications and wondering if changing universities will solve your writing problems? Think again! In this episode, I dive into the truth behind the misconception that a new university position will magically unclog your publication pipeline. I’ve worked with professors from various institutions who have held every type of position. I’ve seen first-hand that the real key to unlocking your writing success is not in your external circumstances but in how you approach your writing practice and time management. Lessening your teaching load or switching to a more research-focused position isn't going to help you publish more. If you don't address your writing practice, your issues will follow you no matter what job you take.  If you’re tired of struggling with a clogged pipeline and are ready to regain control of your academic writing, this episode is for you. Learn how building a sustainable writing practice and focusing on professional development will make it easier to get your voice out

Ready to discover alternative career paths in academia? My latest podcast series celebrates the inspiring journeys of diverse academic women who have created success on their terms. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Jane Jones, and she shares her journey from academia to becoming a successful writing coach.  With a Ph.D. in sociology, Jane secured a tenure-track position, but after facing several challenges in academia, she decided to leave. Today, she runs a thriving writing coaching business specializing in helping scholars write books. Her story highlights the realities of academia, particularly for marginalized individuals, and the process of transitioning out of it to pursue a more fulfilling career path. Throughout our conversation, we break down the importance of self-awareness, identifying harmful institutional policies, and support for academics at all stages of their career. Whether you are writing a book, navigating the pressures of academia, or simply wanting to manage your time more effectivel

Higher education is in crisis! In today's episode, I explore how academia has been entangled in a fast-paced capitalist model, exploiting faculty and prioritizing output over meaningful academic work. I challenge professors to confront these unsustainable practices and take action to remake and reform their careers.  As a scholar, you can break free from the constraints and burnout cycle, redefine your academic mission, and focus on the creation of knowledge rather than institutional requirements. I encourage you to reflect on your values and focus on developing systems that align with the direction you want your academic career to take. If you feel like you are constantly being shouldered with more tasks and are tired of feeling overworked and overwhelmed, this episode is for you.  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 t

In today's episode, I want to challenge how we think about our academic careers. For many of us, our professional lives are heavily defined by the rules of the institution or "container" through which we work—whether it's a graduate program, a tenure-track position, or unreasonable requirements from the university. I want you to flip that way of thinking altogether. Instead of letting your institution or the promise of tenure dictate your path, you can apply your scholarly work to a container that better suits your academic mission statement and career goals. You are not the container, and your knowledge, skills, and research can be leveraged in multiple ways so that you can create a career that is fulfilling and truly aligns with who you are and what you value.  If you are frustrated with your current position or are curious about quitting academia, this episode is for you. Tune in to learn how to separate your work from the container and the benefits of pursuing a different career path. For full show notes

If you're feeling burnt out, overwhelmed, or questioning your place in the academic world, you may have thought about quitting. But you worked so hard and invested so much time into becoming a professor. Are you really ready to move on to a new career? In this episode, I discuss the challenges of deciding whether it's time to quit academia. I share how to assess your current situation, identify the root causes of your dissatisfaction, and explore if there’s a way to make your academic career more enjoyable. Whether you’re a professor on a tenure track or are already a permanent faculty member, this episode guides you through the self-reflection process to help you make an informed decision about the future of your 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 nonbinary professors to publish their backlog of papers so that their voice can have the impact they know is possible. G

In this episode, I explain how pipeline + practice = flow. Learn how having a clear, organized publication pipeline and a well-defined writing practice can help you consistently move your projects forward and get them out into the world. I’ll dive into why both of these elements are crucial for academic scholars to master and how having a clear plan for your projects alongside an intentional approach to your writing can unlock productivity and creativity. I’ll also talk about an exciting opportunity, my Spacious Writing Retreat. This intimate retreat is designed to help you refine your publication pipeline and writing practice in a supportive, immersive setting. If you’re a professor struggling to balance multiple projects, feeling stuck in your writing routine, or looking to bring more flow and consistency to your work, this episode is for you. Whether you’re looking for actionable strategies or are curious about the writing retreat experience, I will give you the tools and inspiration to address the problem

Retreating and binge-writing may seem similar at first glance, but one supports your creative flow, while the other can derail it. So, what's the real difference between these two approaches, and why is one a tool while the other is a crutch? In this episode, I break down the key distinctions between binge-writing and writing retreats. I'll explore the deeper implications of each, explaining why binge-writing often leads to burnout while retreats provide the spaciousness and support needed for sustainable progress. Whether you're struggling with the binge-and-bust cycle or just looking to create more balance in your writing practice, this episode offers valuable insights into why retreating might be the solution. If you're ready to experience the transformative power of a writing retreat, I invite you to join our next Spacious Writing Retreat. Tune in and learn how retreating can revolutionize your writing practice and break you out of the binge-bust cycle. For full show notes visit scholarsvoice.org/podcast/

In today's episode, I welcome Dr. Becky Dawson back to the podcast. Dr. Becky has chosen to direct her academic work to public scholarship. She's one of my most inspiring clients, and her journey shows how public-facing scholarship can be a career-defining move and a way to make real, tangible impacts on the community. From regular TV segments to hosting live Q&A sessions on social media, Dr. Becky has built a reputation as a trusted voice in epidemiology and public health. Dr. Becky shares her transition from traditional academic work to public scholarship, exploring how she successfully pitches this work to her university by aligning her efforts with her academic mission. If you are considering stepping into public scholarship, this conversation offers practical advice on juggling impact, visibility, and university dynamics. Tune in to hear Becky's inspiring story and learn how you can get your academic work and academic vision to the people whose lives you will make better through your work. For full s

If you have been eyeing Navigate but thinking “I did NCFDD, I should have solved my writing and publishing problem by now!” you are not alone.  NCFDD offers an introduction to managing your academic career. Navigate is a deeper dive, based on a philosophy of self-compassion, self-trust, and sustainability. To transform your writing and publishing, you are never “done” or “fixed.” Writing is a practice, and publication pipeline management changes as YOU change and mature in your career. In fact, even though Navigate is a 12-week program, we don’t expect you to magically have a clear pipeline in 12 weeks. It is normal for career development around writing and publishing to be a journey!  So, if you have taken NCFDD you have a great start. Navigate is the right next-step for you. (If you haven’t taken NCFDD, no worries! You are also ready to start Navigate.)   We're receiving applications for our next cohort of Navigate: Your Writing Roadmap®! Check out the program details and start your application process here

Academia is evolving, and the upcoming administrative and political shifts in 2025 can lead to feelings of fear and uncertainty. While we don't know the impact of these changes yet, it's important to acknowledge that your relationship with academia and your career may look different over the next four years. Whether you're a researcher, a professor, or in another academic role, how you relate to your work—and how you take care of yourself in the process—will be key to adapting to these changes. In today's episode, I discuss the importance of understanding why you entered academia in the first place. As external pressures intensify and academia transforms, it's essential to center yourself and define your purpose. This clarity can help you craft a sustainable, fulfilling career and navigate the potential challenges ahead. Whether you are worried about budget cuts, defunding, or other vulnerabilities, I encourage you to embrace your purpose and take control by designing the academic career you want.  For full s

Often, the career of academia can be dehumanizing. Listen to catch the tools that we use in Navigate to humanize your experience in academia.  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 print copy today or order it for a friend here! If yo

Do you struggle to keep to your writing or project due dates? In today’s episode, I discuss the common problems academics have with setting and meeting due dates. Then, I outline how to set due dates more effectively. By building confidence around these skills, you will get better at setting due dates based on facts and data, not just when you want to turn something in.  I encourage you to take the time to reflect on your writing practice. Think about the areas you can develop and get better at in the New Year. Tune in to learn the tools you need to set a due date and get the satisfaction of achieving it. For full show notes visit scholarsvoice.org/podcast/252. 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 Throu

Navigate is designed for tenure-track women and nonbinary professors with a disruptive perspective on their field. In the 12-week program, you will learn how to write and publish more using our mission-guided time and project management processes. Navigate is a twelve-week coaching program that combines recorded modules with high-touch coaching and community, which will help you get results in just 12 weeks.  During this info session I taught about: The three mistakes that most academics make when they try to publish their backlog of papers The biggest mindset shift that is holding you back from making progress in publication How to apply to our next cohort of Navigate, the 12-week program that teaches you how to clear your backlog of papers–for good. I also talked about our upcoming enrollment for our 12-week Navigate program and answered all of your questions about how it works, how we support our participants, our clients’ success, and what you can expect when you join us. We're receiving applicati

Happy New Year! In today’s episode, I share how to write your New Year’s story. I use my experiences from 2024 to guide you through creating your vision for 2025. From agency to decision-making, I break down the ups and downs of identity and mindset shifts that happen as our goals change and evolve.  Reflecting on the past year is an essential step in shaping what you want your future to look like. This discussion applies to both personal and professional ambitions. As you consider what you want to focus on in 2025, I want to remind you that you have the knowledge and skills to solve any problems or challenges that come your way. We are constantly in a state of change and creation, so embrace it! There is always another goal on the horizon, and I wish you the very best as we move into 2025.  For full show notes visit scholarsvoice.org/podcast/251. CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Our 12-week Navigate: Your Writing Roadmap® program helps tenure-track womxn and nonbinary professors to publish their backlog of paper

If you are a frequent podcast listener, you know I advocate for writing just two hours per week to make significant progress on your writing and publications. However, many scholars struggle with the idea that such small blocks of time will make a difference.  In today's episode, I discuss why two hours of writing per week is not only sufficient but often preferable to trying to carve out large blocks of time. I challenge common beliefs that more time is necessary to make progress on writing projects and offer insights on how to adjust your mindset and foster a more sustainable writing practice.  If you are struggling to find time to write or feel overwhelmed by your publication pipeline, this episode is for you. Tune in for practical tips to boost your academic writing and productivity within a two-hour weekly time block. For full show notes visit scholarsvoice.org/podcast/250. CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Our 12-week Navigate: Your Writing Roadmap® program helps tenure-track womxn and nonbinary professors t

If you want to unclog your publication pipeline and get more consistent with your writing and publishing, you must develop a resilient writing practice. In this episode, I discuss how a resilient writing practice allows you to navigate life's inevitable derailments so you don't have to be resilient yourself. Rather than writing from guilt or pressure, a resilient practice lets you pause and return to your work. I explain how predictable challenges, like academic responsibilities, and unpredictable ones, like illness, can impact your writing.  Then, I share the essential components of a resilient practice and how to foster a more positive relationship with your writing. From embracing disruptions to accepting your humanity and setting realistic expectations, I guide you through the process of maintaining consistency and finding fulfillment in your writing.  For full show notes visit scholarsvoice.org/podcast/249.   CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Our 12-week Navigate: Your Writing Roadmap® program helps tenure-tr

From the moment you first picked up a crayon, pencil, or pen, you started building your experience as an academic writer. Your writing practice has evolved and adapted as you've progressed through different stages of life and career. In today’s episode, I dive into how long it really takes to transform your writing practice as an academic. I explore how your approach to writing shifts throughout your career and share my timeline for building a more sustainable writing routine that supports consistent writing and increases your publications. I also highlight the tools and skills you can develop in our Navigate program, showing the impact it will have on your writing practice and career forever. If you are ready to put writing at the center of your career or need help clearing your publication pipeline and know that improving your writing practice is an essential step in that process, this episode is for you. Tune in to learn how long it takes to change your academic writing habits and how Navigate can help you

In today's episode, I discuss why writing and publishing are the catalyst for change in your career. An obvious benefit of changing your writing practice is that you publish more and get your unique perspective out into the world in an impactful way. But that's just the beginning. Shifting your focus to writing doesn't just improve your output—it can transform how you approach your entire career. I'll explore the most powerful results of nurturing your writing practice, such as enhancing your self-trust, encouraging better decision-making, and establishing a work-life balance. If you're an academic, this episode will shed light on why so many professors struggle with writing and publishing, and how changing your writing practice can lead to a more fulfilling and joyful career. Tune in for insights into the real, lasting impact that focusing on your writing has on building the academic career and life you want. For full show notes visit scholarsvoice.org/podcast/247.   CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Our 12-week

Welcome back to another segment of the podcast series about writing practices. Today, I discuss two extreme writing practices: writing every day and binge writing.  If you've been struggling with your publication pipeline, chances are you've tried one of these methods. While it might sound logical that writing daily or cramming during off-times will help you reach your publication goals, it won't. I break down why these approaches ultimately fail and how you can build a more sustainable, relationship-based writing practice that supports your academic career. I hope this episode helps you rethink your approach to academic writing and inspires you to start building a more positive relationship with your writing so you can get your unique message out into the world.  For full show notes visit scholarsvoice.org/podcast/246.   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

Welcome back to another segment of the podcast series about academic writing practices. In today’s episode, I tackle a major challenge many academics face in their writing: breaking the binge and bust cycle. Many professors look forward to summer, winter, or semester breaks as an opportunity to catch up on all the publications they have put off during regular working hours. You think, “I’ll get so much done!” But then, the workload catches up with you, you burn out, and the break ends up being a time of exhaustion, not productivity. This cycle creates guilt and frustration and reinforces the negative thoughts you have about your writing and writing practice.  I offer alternative strategies that help you foster a more positive relationship with your writing. Learn the benefits of making writing the center of your career and how setting realistic, achievable goals will shift your mindset and ultimately boost productivity.  If you are gearing up for a summer or winter break and plan on using that time to get thr