Academic Writing Amplified
239 episodes - English - Latest episode: 7 days ago - ★★★★★ - 45 ratingsThe podcast for academic womxn who want to write and publish more while rejecting the culture of overwork in academia.
Cathy Mazak, PhD, helps you create the career (and life) you want by centering your writing. Kick guilt and overwhelm to the curb and amplify your voice to make a real impact on your field--without breaking down or burning out.
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Episodes
216: Publishing for Promotion
April 23, 2024 07:00 - 28 minutes - 32.3 MBIn this episode, I discuss publishing for promotion within academia. As you navigate and plan your academic career, it's essential to understand how publishing intersects with each stage of a professorship. From the early years leading up to the first promotion to the later stages of tenure and beyond, strategic publishing plays a crucial role in shaping our professional trajectory. I emphasize the importance of cultivating a mindset that prioritizes quality over quantity in our public...
BONUS: Choose Your Summer Writing Project
April 18, 2024 07:00 - 32 minutes - 21.7 MBToday's podcast episode is designed to help you figure out your summer writing plan while you listen. If you have a backlog of papers and you want to maximize your summer writing, start with this podcast episode. Then, if you like my style of teaching, apply for this summer’s cohort of Navigate, where you’ll experience the training, co-writing, and coaching that will help you clear your backlog of papers so that your voice is out there in the world, working for you. Check out the ...
BONUS: Using Navigate to Find Joy and Balance Post-Tenure: Client Case Study with Kirstie McAllum
April 17, 2024 07:00 - 27 minutes - 31.9 MBKirstie McAllum is an alumna of our Navigate: Your Writing Roadmap® 12-week program. On today's episode, Kirstie shares her experience in Navigate. In Navigate, Kirstie worked to develop her decision-making skills through mission-driven time and project management (which–spoiler alert!–is the REAL way you will learn to say “no,” cut back on overwork, and reclaim your weekends). If you are ready to refine your decision-making skills so that you can make time to write and publish–before OR...
215: Experiments in Self-Trust
April 16, 2024 07:00 - 26 minutes - 30.2 MBYou have the deep-rooted knowledge and experience to create the career and life that you want! But first, you must filter through all the messages about what work looks like and the social and cultural nuances in academia so you can act on your self-trust. In today's episode, I explore the importance of trusting oneself amidst the bombardment of societal and cultural expectations. I present five experiments aimed at nurturing self-trust. By engaging in these experiments, academics wi...
BONUS: Revisiting the Ideal Week
April 11, 2024 07:00 - 22 minutes - 25.8 MBOn today’s bonus podcast episode, I’m revisiting the Ideal Week and explaining an up-leveled way to use it to create the career (and life) you want. If you want spaciousness in your calendar, time to think and read and write, then this bonus podcast episode is for you! When you create your Ideal Week in our Navigate program, you do so after you have worked through our Activities Alignment process that clears the off-mission obligations from your plate. Ideal Week helps you make s...
BONUS: Using Navigate to plan for Full: Client Case Study with Michelle Espino
April 10, 2024 07:00 - 27 minutes - 31.2 MBMichelle Espino is an alumna of our Navigate: Your Writing Roadmap® 12-week program. On today's episode, Michelle shares her experience in the Navigate! More about Michelle: Dr. Michelle M. Espino (she/ella) is a first-generation college student and an associate professor in the Higher Education, Student Affairs, and International Education Policy program at the University of Maryland. She investigates factors influencing educational attainment for racially and ethnically minoritized co...
214: Book Review of Slow Productivity by Cal Newport
April 09, 2024 07:00 - 50 minutes - 57.3 MBIn today's episode, I review Cal Newport's latest book, Slow Productivity: The Lost Art of Accomplishment Without Burnout. I loved his book Deep Think and recommend it often. I was excited to read his newest work and wanted to relay my thoughts and insights to you! In Slow Productivity: The Lost Art of Accomplishment Without Burnout, Cal addresses the challenges knowledge workers face surrounding productivity. I compare his advice to the teachings in Navigate and share which of his princi...
BONUS: Mission-guided Time and Project Management
April 04, 2024 07:00 - 29 minutes - 34.3 MBIn the age of “productivity hacks” and “there’s an app for that,” you might be pursuing tools for time and project management instead of the actual skills needed for better time and project management. In Navigate, we teach mission-guided time and project management skills. You will refine your self-trust, self-knowing, and academic mission. These are the basis for the skills you will build in Navigate that will unclog your publication pipeline and help you publish to the level that re...
BONUS: Using Navigate To Build Publishing Power: Client Case Study With Cindy Cordoba-Arroyo
April 03, 2024 07:00 - 14 minutes - 16.5 MBCindy Cordoba Arroyo is an alumna of our Navigate: Your Writing Roadmap® 12-week program. On today's episode, Cindy shares her experience in the Navigate August 2023 Cohort. More about Cindy: Cindy Cordoba Arroyo, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor in the Apparel Merchandising and Management (AMM) Department at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. Holding a Ph.D. in Fiber Science and Apparel Design from Cornell University, her expertise bridges the fields of material scien...
213: How the Sale of Your Attention Affects Your Writing and Publishing
April 02, 2024 07:00 - 45 minutes - 52.1 MBToday's episode tackles a topic weighing on my mind: how the sale of attention impacts our writing and publishing endeavors. I delve into the intricate ways social media platforms and apps are designed to capture and retain our attention, often at the expense of our productivity and focus. Smartphones and streaming services have made access to content constant, posing significant challenges when concentrating on writing tasks. The pervasive attention economy is an obstacle to high-lev...
212: Embracing (and Creating) Seasonality
March 26, 2024 07:00 - 35 minutes - 40.5 MBIn today's episode, I discuss embracing seasonality in academia. As academics, we are so lucky that our careers have a natural seasonality, and it's time to leverage it! Whether it's the slow beginnings of a new term or the whirlwind of activity leading up to finals - instead of seeing these ebbs and flows as obstacles, I share why we should embrace them as opportunities for growth and success. Let's explore practical strategies for managing the inevitable fluctuations in workload that...
211: Navigate Info Session Replay
March 19, 2024 07:00 - 51 minutes - 58.9 MBThe waitlist for the next cohort of Navigate opens on March 25th! If you have been a frequent podcast listener or are a professor ready to change your relationship with writing and publications, now is the time to get on the Navigate waitlist so that you can be the first to apply to our next cohort! Today’s episode is a Navigate information session. I cover everything from program eligibility to how to apply, what to expect during and after Navigate, and how to take the next step in gr...
210: Deciding Time To Task
March 12, 2024 07:00 - 30 minutes - 21.1 MBIn this episode, I explore the universal struggle of managing writing time in academia. Learning how to accurately estimate how long it takes to complete a paper is one obstacle academics must overcome to publish more. First, I highlight the two non-negotiables for effective writing project management. Then, I present two distinct methods to help you estimate the time required to complete a task. I share real-life examples to help you decide which task management method aligns with ho...
209: Project Management Tools vs. Skills (Part 2)
March 05, 2024 08:00 - 20 minutes - 23.8 MBIn a previous episode, I underscored the importance of cultivating project management skills before investing in a project management tool. Today, I shift focus to those who need to implement a tool into their workflow. I give tips on how to know if you are ready to use a tool and guidelines for selecting the right tool for your needs. A project management tool can be instrumental if you oversee multiple projects with diverse collaborators. It provides a centralized platform for communicat...
208: Interrupting Default Practices To Create Sustainable Change
February 27, 2024 08:00 - 24 minutes - 27.6 MBHave you ever found yourself on autopilot, cruising through familiar roads without consciously realizing it? I recently had one of those moments, and it got me thinking about the power of default mode. Our brains love defaults – those ingrained habits and routines that save energy and reduce decision-making. But here's the catch – default mode isn't just about driving; it extends to our writing practices. Many academics operate in default mode when it comes to their writing, and this can ...
207: Your Writing Practice Fuels Your Pipeline
February 20, 2024 08:00 - 40 minutes - 46 MBI am back to working as the primary writing coach in our Navigate Program, and that shift has sparked some new thoughts about writing and academic writing practice. In today's episode, I cover everything from defining the components of an enduring writing practice to the role of writing retreats in clearing out your backlog of papers. So tune in to hear new ideas on: Defining and developing a writing practice Why an enduring writing practice is critical for academic success Writing pra...
206: The Role of Writing Retreats in the Soaring System
February 13, 2024 08:00 - 43 minutes - 24.3 MBIn today’s episode, I share the role of writing retreats within the context of the Soaring System—a method I've developed for cultivating a sustainable and relationship-based writing practice. I highlight the significance of writing retreats in the Soaring writing system, addressing common misconceptions and showcasing how they can be a powerful catalyst for deep, focused work. I emphasize the benefits of physically removing yourself from everyday surroundings, reducing decision-making fatig...
205: My Mission
February 06, 2024 08:00 - 54 minutes - 38.3 MBI am officially launching my new mission statement for Scholar’s Voice™! After reflecting on my experiments and expertise over the past seven years, I decided it was time to redefine the purpose, goals, and future of Scholar’s Voice™ so I can make long-lasting and impactful changes to the culture of academia. So, here it is - My mission is to change the culture of academia by radically altering the experience of 1000 women and non-binary professors by 2030. In today's episode, I ...
204: Creating Career Impact Through Writing
January 30, 2024 08:00 - 22 minutes - 26.3 MBPeer-reviewed publications can propel your career. What you choose to publish directly affects your impact on your field. However, the number one problem early academics and tenure-track professors face is pressure to publish as much as possible. Lack of discernment causes overwork and burnout and dilutes your impact. In today's episode, I'm unlocking the secrets to creating a powerful career impact through writing. Discover the key to securing grants, unlocking mobility, and creating ...
203: The Power of Asking
January 23, 2024 08:00 - 15 minutes - 17.4 MBWhether it's funding for our Summer Retreat or the upcoming Navigate Program, asking your university to invest in your professional development isn't just about finances – it's about unlocking a world of possibilities for your growth and success as an academic. Too often, professors view asking for funding as a weakness, but I want you to consider how asking can be powerful. In this episode, I reveal the power of asking for professional development funds. Discover why the process of a...
202: Victim vs. Agent In Academia
January 16, 2024 08:00 - 24 minutes - 27.8 MBIn today's episode, I'm serving up some tough love. Too many academics are drenched in victimhood, and in 2024, victimhood isn't the place to be! So, I am exposing those negative thoughts that keep academics trapped in a victim mentality and sharing ways to transform them into empowering agentive beliefs. We only get to have one working life, and what a privilege it is to do something we are well educated for and enjoy. So, instead of wallowing in negativity and victimology, let's beco...
201: Your Clogged-Up Pipeline Is A Symptom Of A Bigger Problem
January 09, 2024 08:00 - 24 minutes - 27.8 MBFinding more time to write will not solve your publication pipeline problem! If you struggle to balance writing and publications, this episode is for you! Today, I talk about the relationship between writing and your career. There is a strong correlation between publication count and career advancement in academia. If you are listening to this podcast, you were probably looking for a writing coach or a way to make more time to write. But clearing your publication pipeline isn’t about f...
200: Revisiting The 90% Awesome Career
January 02, 2024 08:00 - 29 minutes - 22.1 MBHappy New Year! As we enter 2024, it is the perfect time to revisit my philosophy about creating a 90% awesome career. I accept nothing less than a fantastic career, and this is a privilege available to all professors. Everyone deserves the best career possible, and I want you to be inspired to create a great academic career. In today’s episode, I share the five things that need to be in place for you to craft a 90% awesome career. I explain how to work through these steps and give ex...
199: Book Recommendations For The New Year
December 19, 2023 08:00 - 40 minutes - 46.4 MBWelcome to the final podcast episode of 2023! Today, I wanted to connect the podcast’s focus on professional development, project management skills, and writing practice development to holiday gift giving. Whether you are searching for the perfect gift for a colleague, graduate student, friend, or family member, my shortlist of book reviews has you covered! Tune in as I share my five favorite books I read this year. A mix of fiction and non-fiction, each book involves academia on some ...
198: Project Management Skills Versus Tools
December 12, 2023 08:00 - 29 minutes - 19.2 MBHave you tried project management tools like Trello, Asana, or Monday but still struggle to get publications out on time? Project management tools will not solve your project management problems. First, you need to develop a robust set of project management skills. In today’s episode, I break down the difference between project management skills and project management tools. I highlight five essential project management skills every academic needs. Then, I explain ways that workflow a...
197: Why 2 Hours a Week is Enough Writing Time
December 05, 2023 08:00 - 22 minutes - 26.1 MBAre you an academic who is struggling to get articles published? You only need to spend two hours per week writing to clear your publication pipeline. I know two hours doesn’t seem like enough time, but trust me - this method is more effective than your current writing strategy! In this episode, I share why two hours of writing a week is enough. First, I demystify common beliefs about writing that hold academics back from moving the needle on their publication pipeline. Then, I explain...
196: The Kind Of Binging That Is Good For Your Writing
November 28, 2023 08:00 - 24 minutes - 28.3 MBAcademics come to Scholar’s Voice™ and the Navigate program seeking a solution to escape a binge-and-bust writing cycle, redefine their academic mission statement, and clear out their publication pipeline. Writing every day or in long panicked stretches is not sustainable and makes consistent publications impossible. But today, I want to share how binging can help your writing practice! Scholar’s Voice™ offers an exclusive bonus on the Navigate program each year. In 2023, we are introd...
195: Breaking The Binge And Bust Cycle In Academic Writing [RE-RELEASE EP 164]
November 21, 2023 08:00 - 26 minutes - 30.3 MBAre you looking forward to the upcoming break to catch up on writing? Many overwhelmed professors imagine the break between semesters as a chance to push through their publication pipeline. But avoiding rest by committing to full days of writing is unrealistic and unsustainable. This episode is a re-release of episode 164 of the podcast and in this episode, I talk about what you can do to eliminate the binge and bust writing cycle while also honoring the energy that many of us get in t...
194: Relational Drama Of Academia Getting You Down?
November 14, 2023 08:00 - 23 minutes - 27.3 MBDealing with relational drama and toxic relationships is a drain on your energy and inevitably slows your writing and publications. Unfortunately, managing toxicity is a common challenge for professors because the sociocultural structures within academia reward relational drama. In today’s episode, I address the common causes of relational drama in academia. I explain how transitioning from apprenticeship to early career professorship can cause toxicity in relationships with mentors a...
193: What To Do After A Sleepless Night
November 07, 2023 08:00 - 24 minutes - 27.9 MBThe end of October/beginning of November is a stressful time for academics. You are grading, preparing for finals, applying for grants, and writing and publishing. It is expected to feel overwhelmed and exhausted. In today’s episode, I share two coping mechanisms to help you navigate high-stress periods. Whether at work or home, it is inevitable to enter a season in life that feels transitional. This often comes with a hefty to-do list and pressure that negatively affects your sleep, e...
192: On The Other Side Of Mastering Writing And Publishing
October 31, 2023 07:00 - 18 minutes - 21.1 MBIt’s time to talk about what happens after mastering writing and publishing. In past episodes, we have discussed the importance of creating a sustainable relationship-based writing practice and how impactful intentional action can be in clearing your publication pipeline and boosting your academic career. But what happens once you have mastered publications? In today’s episode, we talk about the world of opportunities that become available once you are a pro at writing and publishing. ...
191: When Your Writing Practice Is Resilient, You Don’t Have To Be
October 24, 2023 07:00 - 31 minutes - 36.5 MBNo matter how much we prioritize writing and publications, writing gets derailed. Sometimes it's because of professional obligations like grading or committee events. Other times derailments are unpredictable like illness. It is impossible to avoid derailment, so don’t fight it. Instead, work on creating a resilient writing practice! In today’s episode I cover a key topic in the Navigate program: the importance of a resilient writing practice. It is crucial that you have a positive rel...
190: The Stages Of The Academic Career (They're Not What You Think)
October 17, 2023 07:00 - 18 minutes - 21.4 MBThe perceived stages of an academic career are very linear and do not capture the responsibilities, workload, or goals within a professorship. I have worked with hundreds of professors, so I have a unique perspective on the academic career. So, in today's episode, I explain the REAL stages of a professorship. Tune in as I compare and contrast the perceived stages of an academic career to the real stages. My goal is to shift your perspective about how you think about your professorship....
189: How Long Does It Take To Change Your Writing Practice?
October 10, 2023 07:00 - 25 minutes - 29.1 MBAs an academic writer, the ultimate goal is to have a flowing publication pipeline to build influence and notoriety in your industry. However, you won’t consistently publish articles or write books without a sustainable, relationship-based writing practice. In today’s episode, I share how long it takes to change your writing practice from binge writing and procrastination to consistency and productivity. You have been a writer your entire life, so creating long-lasting change won’t be fast...
188: You Are Too Precious For A Mediocre Career
October 03, 2023 07:00 - 36 minutes - 33 MBAre you an academic who feels too exhausted to tackle the work you are truly passionate about? Do you struggle with an overwhelming schedule of obligations and feel there must be a better way to have a successful academic career? This episode is for you! In today’s episode, I explain how you can take your career from mediocre to magical. Get inspiration from Becky, an Elevate e graduate, who was able to find clarity on what she wanted her career to look like and how that focused approa...
187: What The Curated Pipeline Unlocks For You
September 26, 2023 07:00 - 16 minutes - 18.4 MBDeveloping a strong publication pipeline is vital for academics looking to advance their careers, increase publications, and establish a healthy work-life balance. Previous podcast episodes have explained how publication pipelines can help you stay on mission, improve your relationship with writing, and get articles to submission faster. Today, I share what a curated publication can unlock for you. Carefully and intentionally selecting which projects to dedicate your time and energy t...
186: Calming The Vicious Cycle Of Pubs And Grants
September 19, 2023 07:00 - 14 minutes - 16.5 MBIf you want to get grants, you need to have publications, but if you want to complete a publication, you need a grant. It is so frustrating when you feel stalled in a project. How do you get out of this vicious cycle? Today’s episode explains how you can successfully move publications and grants forward without binge-writing, feeling overwhelmed, or overworking. Too often, academics look at the seasons of their career in terms of months or semesters. But professorship is decades long. ...
185: "But If I Don't Do It, Who Will?" With Guest Natalie Miller
September 12, 2023 07:00 - 34 minutes - 38.9 MBMeet my coach, Natalie Miller! Natalie is a professional coach who helps people with exceptionally high standards navigate life. Like myself, most of Natalie's clients are also coaches. In today's episode, we discuss the consequences of hyper-responsibility. We explore how high standards can push us into overwork and why institutions support a "do it myself" work ethic. We talk about this issue from multiple angles and through the lens of academia and life at home. You can be a succes...
184: The Real (More Awesome) Result Of Changing Your Writing Practice
September 05, 2023 07:00 - 20 minutes - 22.9 MBWriting and publishing is the catalyst for change in your academic career! So today, we are talking about the real and amazing results changing your writing practice can have. When you work on creating a sustainable relationship-based writing practice, fantastic things start to happen! Not only will you get more publications out, but you will gain confidence in yourself, develop a better work-life balance, and write more impactful content. Are you ready to learn how writing can jumpst...
183: Two Writing Practice Extremes And Why They Don’t Work
August 29, 2023 07:00 - 14 minutes - 16.8 MBExtreme writing practices can sound appealing. But unfortunately, they don't work! The two most common extreme writing practices academics struggle with are: Writing everyday Binge writing In today's episode, I discuss the flaws in following extreme writing practices and share an alternative method that will help you improve your relationship with writing, unclog your publication pipeline, and avoid burnout. If you are an academic struggling to stick to a daily commitment to wri...
182: You Don’t Have To Do The Mid-Career Burnout (Like Everyone Else In Academia)
August 22, 2023 07:00 - 29 minutes - 34.3 MBRegardless of which academic system you work in, professors all strive for tenure or the promotional equivalent, that brings safety and stability to their position at their institution. But getting tenure will not solve feelings of overwork or a clogged publication pipeline. Anything you are struggling with pre-tenure will follow you through the course of your career if you don’t intervene now! In today’s episode, I dig into how the mid-career slump happens and what to do about it depe...
181: Why We’re Retiring Our Elevate Mid-Career Program
August 15, 2023 07:00 - 28 minutes - 32.3 MBThe Elevate program is retiring! Elevate was designed to help post-tenure academics, but these clients needed help with the same writing and publication issues as pre-tenure professors. Despite the success of this program since its inception in 2019, it has become clear that the skills addressed in Navigate are essential to every career stage. So, to tighten up the mission of our business and better align our coaching programs with my goals, it is necessary to consolidate our offering...
180: The Relationship Between Rest And Writing
August 08, 2023 07:00 - 27 minutes - 31.5 MBToday’s episode highlights the relationship between rest and writing. This concept is something I have learned from my coach, and she learned from her coach, and I am thrilled to pass it on to you! Many academics operate on a binge-and-bust writing cycle. They save up their writing tasks to get done over the summer, leading to overwork, stress, and a negative relationship with writing and publications. Binge-writing cycles are unsustainable and eventually lead to resentment. The only w...
179: The Consequences Of Delaying The Right Decision
August 01, 2023 07:00 - 39 minutes - 45.5 MBSome might say there are no failures, only learning experiences. However, accepting something as a failure is important to growth, development, and establishing a path forward. Today’s episode is about the consequences of delaying the right decision. I will talk very personally, specifically about what has happened in my business over the past year and how the consequences of delaying the right decisions cost me emotionally and financially. So today’s podcast will get very real because...
178: The Good Thing That A Lack Of Publications Is Telling You About Your Career
July 25, 2023 07:00 - 15 minutes - 14 MBToday is an episode dedicated to appreciating the upside of things you may be harboring stress or disappointment over. Many academics have lots of partially done publications, and their record of published writing doesn’t accurately reflect their impact on academia. As a result, obstacles in writing and publishing can lead to negative self-talk around productivity and an unbearable pressure to work harder. Instead of allowing negative thoughts to hold back your career, I encourage you...
177: When Your Academic Mission Statement Is Too Broad It’s Time To Do This
July 18, 2023 07:00 - 19 minutes - 22.7 MBToday’s episode highlights frequently asked questions or problems that we find our clients have while they are trying to write their academic mission statement. Academic mission statements are tools to help focus your career. There are ways to integrate multifaceted interests and talents while maintaining a cohesive vision for your work. The academic mission statement is an essential part of our work in the Navigate program. This work is the key to overcoming cycles of burnout and fru...
176: How To Know If It's Time To Quit Academia
July 11, 2023 07:00 - 24 minutes - 28.5 MBToday's topic is how do you know if it's time to quit academia. More and more people are joining our coaching programs because they are trying to determine if academia is still right for them. So if you are a professor with a tenure track or full-time position and thinking about quitting, this episode is for you! Listen in as I share ways to analyze what makes you want to quit and what you can do to improve your quality of life as an academic. It might be time to quit…or it might not....
175: Making Sure Academia Is Sustainable: Interview With Navigate Client Dr. Megan Evans
July 04, 2023 07:00 - 20 minutes - 23.1 MBOur twelve-week Navigate program has concluded! To celebrate, I have invited Megan Evans as a guest speaker for this week’s podcast episode. Megan just graduated from the twelve-week Navigate program! Join me as I pick her brain about life before and after Navigate. Megan is just starting her academic career and shares what made her decide to apply for Navigate. In addition, she candidly shares what her experience was like in the program and how the strategies she learned will benefit ...
174: How You Know It’s Time To Revise Your Academic Mission Statement
June 27, 2023 07:00 - 17 minutes - 20.4 MBAcademic mission statements are powerful tools that guide your career. It helps you set boundaries around your time, clarify your pipeline map, and qualify opportunities. But careers in academia last decades. How do you know when it is time to change your academic mission statement? You will change and evolve throughout your career. It is common for professors to make pivots or shift focus. When this happens, aspects of your mission will also change. Embrace that change! Change is good...
173: There Are No "Bad" Habits
June 20, 2023 07:00 - 18 minutes - 16.7 MBDo you blame “bad” habits for your clogged publication pipeline? Whether you struggle with avoidance, multi-tasking, or poor project management, our Navigate program is designed to help you make lasting changes to your writing process. The first step is to outline your current “bad” habits and what purpose those actions serve. Today, I discuss “bad” habits. Most productivity advice says procrastination is a writer’s kryptonite. However, I look at procrastination differently. Every pers...