Academic Woman Amplified

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

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