Academic Writing Amplified

Increase your capacity to do MORE without burning out! Yes, it's possible. Join my next LIVE Submit Your Almost-done Article in 3 Days Workshop: https://scholarsvoice.org/submit-in-3/ Join my signature program, Navigate, to publish your backlog of papers: https://scholarsvoice.org/navigate/ Sign up to my FREE email newsletter, In The Pipeline, for weekly emails on academic writing and publishing. Scroll to the form at the bottom of the page: https://scholarsvoice.org/

How losing friction hurts your work. Join my next LIVE Submit Your Almost-done Article in 3 Days Workshop: https://scholarsvoice.org/submit-in-3/ Join my signature program, Navigate, to publish your backlog of papers: https://scholarsvoice.org/navigate/ Sign up to my FREE email newsletter, In The Pipeline, for weekly emails on academic writing and publishing. Scroll to the form at the bottom of the page: https://scholarsvoice.org/

Overcome your roadblocks in academic writing! Join my next LIVE Submit Your Almost-done Article in 3 Days Workshop: https://scholarsvoice.org/submit-in-3/ Join my signature program, Navigate, to publish your backlog of papers: https://scholarsvoice.org/navigate/ Sign up to my FREE email newsletter, In The Pipeline, for weekly emails on academic writing and publishing. Scroll to the form at the bottom of the page: https://scholarsvoice.org/

Don't let this stop you from finishing your paper! Learn to tackle the two biggest obstacles to completion: the hard, complex tasks that overwhelm us and the tedious, repetitive work that bores us. Join my next LIVE Submit Your Almost-done Article in 3 Days Workshop: https://scholarsvoice.org/submit-in-3/ Join my signature program, Navigate, to publish your backlog of papers: https://scholarsvoice.org/navigate/ Sign up to my FREE email newsletter, In The Pipeline, for weekly emails on academic writing and publishing. Scroll to the form at the bottom of the page: https://scholarsvoice.org/

Why do some academic papers seem to move smoothly toward submission, while others get stuck somewhere between research, writing, and revision? One reason might be that you're doing the wrong job for the stage your paper is actually in. In this episode of Academic Writing Amplified, I'm breaking down the different roles you play as a paper moves through your publication pipeline—from researcher and problem-solver to writer, submitter, and reviser. Each transition requires something different from you, and those transitions can create friction, especially when your expectations (or your identity as a scholar) aren't aligned to the stage your paper is in. You'll learn why aligning your expectations around the job you're actually supposed to be doing at each stage of your pipeline will make your publications flow faster - and fix your mindset. If you have papers that seem perpetually stuck in your pipeline, this episode will help you see them—and your job in moving them forward—differently. Join my next LIVE…

If your looking for a quick fix for your stalled-out publication pipeline, Navigate is NOT for you. But if, like guest Katie Starkweather, you're looking for a fundamental change to how you manage your career - starting with your writing and pubs - then Navigate IS for you. Biological Anthropologist Katie Starkweather explains how Navigate helped her anchor her writing, her voice, and her research area through early career transitions - and right on into her dream job! Navigate enrollment closes Friday August 28, 2026! Apply here now.

Navigate helped Jenna find the positive energy in academia! In this episode, you will learn how Navigate changed her relationship with her writing. Enrollment closes August 28. Apply now for Navigate: https://scholarsvoice.org/navigate/ Sign up to my FREE email newsletter, In The Pipeline, for weekly emails on academic writing and publishing. Scroll to the form at the bottom of the page: https://scholarsvoice.org/

Augusta Williams joined Navigate to help ease the transition from a federal job back into academia. Navigate not only helped her do that, it also helped her manage her co-authoring with students more effectively and effficiently. The result? Three published articles and six more under review in ONE YEAR. Join my signature program, Navigate, to publish your backlog of papers: https://scholarsvoice.org/navigate/ Sign up to my FREE email newsletter, In The Pipeline, for weekly emails on academic writing and publishing. Scroll to the form at the bottom of the page: https://scholarsvoice.org/

Surprise! Here's the audio from yesterday's Fall Writing Planning Workshop! It was so much fun, I just had to share it with all of you! In this workshop I walk you through my 3x3x3 writing planning method so that you can sustain your writing even through a busy semester. I also talk all about Navigate, my signature program for publishing your backlog of papers which is open for enrollment NOW! Don't miss the reveal of the AWESOME bonus that you get if you enroll in Navigate by Friday, August 14. Apply today! Fall Writing Planning Handout: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lYC-V-kUgczU1CzAUnbUbFR6ZPasmI9_/view?usp=drive_link Navigate program page: scholarsvoice.org/navigate Navigate application: https://airtable.com/appt68DzgNLGdT6x2/shrQzVF6duBWEG6GS

What do you do with those writing projects that keep hanging around in your publication pipeline, but you never work on them? I call these Zombie Projects, and they are holding you back from submitting more papers. In this episode, I explain what zombie projects are, why they are clogging your pipeline, and what to do about them. Sign up for the Fall Writing Planning Session on August 10: https://scholarsvoice.org/writing-planning Join my next LIVE Submit Your Almost-done Article in 3 Days Workshop: https://scholarsvoice.org/submit-in-3/ Join my signature program, Navigate, to publish your backlog of papers: https://scholarsvoice.org/navigate/ Sign up to my FREE email newsletter, In The Pipeline, for weekly emails on academic writing and publishing. Scroll to the form at the bottom of the page: https://scholarsvoice.org/

Why do projects get stuck? This summer I developed new curriculum around this question, and on today's podcast I'm sharing a concept from that new curriculum: transition friction. Many stuck writing projects can be explained by the resistance we feel transitioning from one phase of the project to another. In this podcast you will learn: Why transition points cause friction. How to get over the friction to keep your writing project moving. How embracing the discomfort of transition friction can liberate you from feeling stuck. Sign up for the Fall Writing Planning Session on August 10: https://scholarsvoice.org/writing-planning Join my next LIVE Submit Your Almost-done Article in 3 Days Workshop: https://scholarsvoice.org/submit-in-3/ Join my signature program, Navigate, to publish your backlog of papers: https://scholarsvoice.org/navigate/ Sign up to my FREE email newsletter, In The Pipeline, for weekly emails on academic writing and publishing. Scroll to the form at the bottom of the page:…

I know you want to submit that almost-done article in three days, so hear me out. Before you join me for my Submit Your Almost-done Article in 3 Days LIVE Workshop, you need to PICK which of your articles is actually "almost done". In this podcast I discuss how to gauge the "almost done-ness" of your paper, and break down what could be holding you back from being DONE. Join my next LIVE Submit Your Almost-done Article in 3 Days Workshop: https://scholarsvoice.org/submit-in-3/ Join my signature program, Navigate, to publish your backlog of papers: https://scholarsvoice.org/navigate/ Sign up to my FREE email newsletter, In The Pipeline, for weekly emails on academic writing and publishing. Scroll to the form at the bottom of the page: https://scholarsvoice.org/

The hardest part about reading while writing is knowing when to stop. When is it enough? When is it too much? In Part 2 of this reading series, I help you diagnose a reading spiral and teach you how to stop it. Join my next LIVE Submit Your Almost-done Article in 3 Days Workshop: https://scholarsvoice.org/submit-in-3/ Join my signature program, Navigate, to publish your backlog of papers: https://scholarsvoice.org/navigate/ Sign up to my FREE email newsletter, In The Pipeline, for weekly emails on academic writing and publishing. Scroll to the form at the bottom of the page: https://scholarsvoice.org/

How should you think about reading as a writer? In part one of this two-part reading series I talk about the role of reading in the process of writing an academic article. If you've ever struggled to manage reading while writing, tune in to hear how the role of reading is unique in the process of composing an academic article. Join my next LIVE Submit Your Almost-done Article in 3 Days Workshop: https://scholarsvoice.org/submit-in-3/ Join my signature program, Navigate, to publish your backlog of papers: https://scholarsvoice.org/navigate/ Sign up to my FREE email newsletter, In The Pipeline, for weekly emails on academic writing and publishing. Scroll to the form at the bottom of the page: https://scholarsvoice.org/

If writing a journal article feels like a sprint, writing a book is a marathon—with changing terrain, unexpected detours, and a whole lot of mental endurance. In this episode of Academic Writing Amplified, Cathy sits down with returning guest Jane Jones to unpack the real differences between managing article projects and managing a book-length manuscript. Together, they explore why books require a completely different relationship to time, planning, revision, and even your own psychology as a writer. Jane shares practical wisdom about scheduling writing sessions, estimating tasks realistically, and why so many academics underestimate what book writing actually demands. They also discuss the emotional side of sustaining a project over multiple years—and why developmental editing early in the process can save you enormous pain later. Whether you're drafting your first academic book or trying to make meaningful progress this summer, this conversation will help you think differently about what book writing…

This week I'm answering all your Navigate Intensive program questions right here on the podcast. Navigate is a program that helps professors publish their backlog of papers. We are accepting applications until May 8. Enrollment ends May 15 and we start May 18! On today's episode I tell you whether you should do Navigate if you're just about ready to collapse after this semester. Apply for the Navigate 2-week Intensive here! www.scholarsvoice.org/navigate

This week I'm answering all your Navigate Intensive program questions right here on the podcast. Navigate is a program that helps professors publish their backlog of papers. We are accepting applications until May 8. Enrollment ends May 15 and we start May 18! On today's episode explain how you can use the Navigate Intensive to work on any writing -- not just an almost-done article. Apply for the Navigate 2-week Intensive here! www.scholarsvoice.org/navigate

Today on the podcast I interview fellow academic coach, doctor, researcher, and now book author Dr. Kemi Doll. Her book A Terrible Strength is available TODAY! Listen to the incredible Dr. Doll deep dive into her writing practice, how she decided to write this book, and what it's like as an academic to write and promote a popular press book. Why This Book Matters (from https://kemidoll.com/book/) "There is a silence in medicine that has cost Black women their health, their dignity, and their lives. This book breaks that silence. Dr. Kemi Doll brings together her personal journey and her years of research to expose the hidden crisis of the Black womb. She speaks the truths many have lived but few have named." Go to https://kemidoll.com/book/ to order your copy today!

This week I'm answering all your Navigate Intensive program questions right here on the podcast. Navigate is a program that helps professors publish their backlog of papers. We are accepting applications until May 8. Enrollment ends May 15 and we start May 18! On today's episode I explain how you will get 100% of the value out of the program even if you miss calls. Apply for the Navigate 2-week Intensive here! www.scholarsvoice.org/navigate

This week I'm answering all your Navigate Intensive program questions right here on the podcast. Navigate is a program that helps professors publish their backlog of papers. We are accepting applications until May 8. Enrollment ends May 15 and we start May 18! On today's episode I tell you all about why I hate the word accountability and what Navigate teaches you instead. Apply for the Navigate 2-week Intensive here! www.scholarsvoice.org/navigate

More like ☀️Summer Writing Planning PARTY 💃🏻 The energy was HIGH! My goal was to get 500 people registered and over 850+ of you did! You all are amazing!! This workshop was like a big party with minds blown ("Let's normalize planning and re-planning" - YES!)... lots of talk about how to recover from derailments… and only a tiny bit of resistance to my "work on writing one thing at a time" idea (it's not a strict "rule", just a gentle suggestion 😉). The workshop lasted 90 minutes and I answered every single question, so you're going to want to listen until the end! In the workshop I also talked about the 3 essentials for publishing your backlog of papers (cause I guessed that if you want to do summer writing…you probably have a little backlog growing), and I introduced my Navigate 2-week Intensive program to help you master those three essentials. The program is enrolling now! You can read all about the program, including dates, times, and tuition here: 🤓READ ALL ABOUT THE 2-WEEK INTENSIVE 🤓 then hit the pink…

Welcome to this series of tiny podcast episodes designed to help you think through the process of reaching new levels of growth in your writing and publishing. ☀️FREE Summer Writing Planning Workshop April 23 ☀️ You're invited to my FREE Summer Writing Planning Workshop on Thursday, April 23 at 1:00 PM EST/10:00 AM PST! In the free 90- minute workshop, I'll walk you through the same method I teach in my signature program Navigate for planning your writing in the context of your real life (The Writing Roadmap). For summer, that "real life" needs to include rest. You'll leave the workshop with: ✅A clear set of achievable publication goals for the summer ✅A marked-up calendar that includes writing AND rest ✅A sense of power and agency over your time so that you can pour into yourself this summer Register for the workshop here: https://scholarsvoice.org/summer-planning-warm/ Navigate 2-week Summer Intensive enrolling now: We're collecting applications for the Navigate 2-week Intensive. You can read all about it…

Welcome to this series of tiny podcast episodes designed to help you think through the process of reaching new levels of growth in your writing and publishing. ☀️FREE Summer Writing Planning Workshop April 23 ☀️ You're invited to my FREE Summer Writing Planning Workshop on Thursday, April 23 at 1:00 PM EST/10:00 AM PST! In the free 90- minute workshop, I'll walk you through the same method I teach in my signature program Navigate for planning your writing in the context of your real life (The Writing Roadmap). For summer, that "real life" needs to include rest. You'll leave the workshop with: ✅A clear set of achievable publication goals for the summer ✅A marked-up calendar that includes writing AND rest ✅A sense of power and agency over your time so that you can pour into yourself this summer Register for the workshop here: https://scholarsvoice.org/summer-planning-warm/ Navigate 2-week Summer Intensive enrolling now: We're collecting applications for the Navigate 2-week Intensive. You can read all about it…

Welcome to this series of tiny podcast episodes designed to help you think through the process of reaching new levels of growth in your writing and publishing. ☀️FREE Summer Writing Planning Workshop April 23 ☀️ You're invited to my FREE Summer Writing Planning Workshop on Thursday, April 23 at 1:00 PM EST/10:00 AM PST! In the free 90- minute workshop, I'll walk you through the same method I teach in my signature program Navigate for planning your writing in the context of your real life (The Writing Roadmap). For summer, that "real life" needs to include rest. You'll leave the workshop with: ✅A clear set of achievable publication goals for the summer ✅A marked-up calendar that includes writing AND rest ✅A sense of power and agency over your time so that you can pour into yourself this summer Register for the workshop here: https://scholarsvoice.org/summer-planning-warm/ Navigate 2-week Summer Intensive enrolling now: We're collecting applications for the Navigate 2-week Intensive. You can read all about it…

Welcome to this series of tiny podcast episodes designed to help you think through the process of reaching new levels of growth in your writing and publishing. ☀️FREE Summer Writing Planning Workshop April 23 ☀️ You're invited to my FREE Summer Writing Planning Workshop on Thursday, April 23 at 1:00 PM EST/10:00 AM PST! In the free 90- minute workshop, I'll walk you through the same method I teach in my signature program Navigate for planning your writing in the context of your real life (The Writing Roadmap). For summer, that "real life" needs to include rest. You'll leave the workshop with: ✅A clear set of achievable publication goals for the summer ✅A marked-up calendar that includes writing AND rest ✅A sense of power and agency over your time so that you can pour into yourself this summer Register for the workshop here: https://scholarsvoice.org/summer-planning-warm/ Navigate 2-week Summer Intensive enrolling now: We're collecting applications for the Navigate 2-week Intensive. You can read all about it…

Welcome to this series of tiny podcast episodes designed to help you think through the process of reaching new levels of growth in your writing and publishing. ☀️FREE Summer Writing Planning Workshop April 23 ☀️ You're invited to my FREE Summer Writing Planning Workshop on Thursday, April 23 at 1:00 PM EST/10:00 AM PST! In the free 90- minute workshop, I'll walk you through the same method I teach in my signature program Navigate for planning your writing in the context of your real life (The Writing Roadmap). For summer, that "real life" needs to include rest. You'll leave the workshop with: ✅A clear set of achievable publication goals for the summer ✅A marked-up calendar that includes writing AND rest ✅A sense of power and agency over your time so that you can pour into yourself this summer Register for the workshop here: https://scholarsvoice.org/summer-planning-warm/ Navigate 2-week Summer Intensive enrolling now: We're collecting applications for the Navigate 2-week Intensive. You can read all about it…

Welcome to this series of tiny podcast episodes designed to help you think through the process of reaching new levels of growth in your writing and publishing. ☀️FREE Summer Writing Planning Workshop April 23 ☀️ You're invited to my FREE Summer Writing Planning Workshop on Thursday, April 23 at 1:00 PM EST/10:00 AM PST! In the free 90- minute workshop, I'll walk you through the same method I teach in my signature program Navigate for planning your writing in the context of your real life (The Writing Roadmap). For summer, that "real life" needs to include rest. You'll leave the workshop with: ✅A clear set of achievable publication goals for the summer ✅A marked-up calendar that includes writing AND rest ✅A sense of power and agency over your time so that you can pour into yourself this summer Register for the workshop here: https://scholarsvoice.org/summer-planning-warm/ Navigate 2-week Summer Intensive enrolling now: We're collecting applications for the Navigate 2-week Intensive. You can read all about it…

Welcome to this series of tiny podcast episodes designed to help you think through the process of reaching new levels of growth in your writing and publishing. ☀️FREE Summer Writing Planning Workshop April 23 ☀️ You're invited to my FREE Summer Writing Planning Workshop on Thursday, April 23 at 1:00 PM EST/10:00 AM PST! In the free 90- minute workshop, I'll walk you through the same method I teach in my signature program Navigate for planning your writing in the context of your real life (The Writing Roadmap). For summer, that "real life" needs to include rest. You'll leave the workshop with: ✅A clear set of achievable publication goals for the summer ✅A marked-up calendar that includes writing AND rest ✅A sense of power and agency over your time so that you can pour into yourself this summer Register for the workshop here: https://scholarsvoice.org/summer-planning-warm/ Navigate 2-week Summer Intensive enrolling now: We're collecting applications for the Navigate 2-week Intensive. You can read all about it…

Welcome to this series of tiny podcast episodes designed to help you think through the process of reaching new levels of growth in your writing and publishing. ☀️FREE Summer Writing Planning Workshop April 23 ☀️ You're invited to my FREE Summer Writing Planning Workshop on Thursday, April 23 at 1:00 PM EST/10:00 AM PST! In the free 90- minute workshop, I'll walk you through the same method I teach in my signature program Navigate for planning your writing in the context of your real life (The Writing Roadmap). For summer, that "real life" needs to include rest. You'll leave the workshop with: ✅A clear set of achievable publication goals for the summer ✅A marked-up calendar that includes writing AND rest ✅A sense of power and agency over your time so that you can pour into yourself this summer Register for the workshop here: https://scholarsvoice.org/summer-planning-warm/ Navigate 2-week Summer Intensive enrolling now: We're collecting applications for the Navigate 2-week Intensive. You can read all about it…

Welcome to this series of tiny podcast episodes designed to help you think through the process of reaching new levels of growth in your writing and publishing. ☀️FREE Summer Writing Planning Workshop April 23 ☀️ You're invited to my FREE Summer Writing Planning Workshop on Thursday, April 23 at 1:00 PM EST/10:00 AM PST! In the free 90- minute workshop, I'll walk you through the same method I teach in my signature program Navigate for planning your writing in the context of your real life (The Writing Roadmap). For summer, that "real life" needs to include rest. You'll leave the workshop with: ✅A clear set of achievable publication goals for the summer ✅A marked-up calendar that includes writing AND rest ✅A sense of power and agency over your time so that you can pour into yourself this summer Register for the workshop here: https://scholarsvoice.org/summer-planning-warm/ Navigate 2-week Summer Intensive enrolling now: We're collecting applications for the Navigate 2-week Intensive. You can read all about it…

Why your emotions feel so overwhelming at work (and what's actually driving them) If you've ever had a disproportionate emotional reaction to something at work—like an email, a decision, or a setback—this episode will help you understand why. You'll see how quickly thoughts and emotions interact, and why that speed makes it feel like you're "just reacting." A simple framework to stop spiraling and start responding This episode introduces a practical coaching model that helps you separate what happened from what you're thinking about it. That distinction alone can reduce overwhelm—and give you back a sense of control in situations that usually feel triggering. How to move from emotional paralysis to meaningful action When strong emotions hit, many academics freeze, avoid, or spiral. This episode shows you how to trace your emotions back to the thoughts causing them—and how shifting those thoughts can unlock more productive, intentional action. Why "just getting over it" doesn't work (and what to do instead)…

The hidden stories shaping your academic career You might think your habits, stress, and writing patterns are just "how things are." This episode will show you how they're actually driven by invisible narratives you absorbed in grad school—and once you see them, you can start to change them. Why academia trains you into scarcity (and how that affects your writing) If you've ever felt like there's never enough time—or never enough money—this episode explains why that feeling is so persistent. You'll see how academia normalizes scarcity thinking and how that mindset quietly shapes your decisions, productivity, and even your willingness to invest in your own growth. The burnout cycle you didn't choose—but might still be living This episode connects the dots between grad school culture and long-term burnout. If you struggle to rest without guilt or feel like you should always be working, you'll recognize exactly where that came from—and why it's not actually serving you anymore. A powerful reframe that could…

The real reason you're "procrastinating" If you've ever told yourself you "just don't have time" to write, this episode will gently call you out—in the best way. You'll discover what's actually underneath procrastination and perfectionism (hint: it's emotional, not logistical), and why understanding that changes everything about how you approach your writing. A simple question that can instantly unlock stuck projects What if the thing keeping you stuck isn't the task—but the feeling you're trying to avoid? This episode gives you a deceptively simple question that can cut through resistance fast. Once you see it, you won't be able to unsee it—and it might be the key to finally opening that draft you've been avoiding. The mindset shift to move past fear If fear of rejection, failure, or judgment is slowing you down, this episode introduces a question that flips your perspective completely. You'll learn how to recognize when your "worst-case scenario" is already happening—and how that realization can free you…

About the Self-Coaching for Academics Series This special podcast series is a practical introduction to self-coaching—designed specifically for academics. Across these episodes, you'll learn how to examine your thinking, untangle emotional reactions, and make clearer, more aligned decisions about your writing and career. Instead of more productivity hacks, you'll gain tools to shift beliefs, reduce false urgency, and build real confidence from the inside out. If you're ready to think differently about your academic life, start with this series. In this first episode of my Self-Coaching for Academics series, I unpack what coaching really is—and why it's different from teaching, mentoring, or consulting. If you've ever: Felt stuck in your writing but couldn't explain why Overcommitted and resented it later Second-guessed your own decisions Looked for the "right" answer outside yourself This episode will help you understand a different path forward. Coaching isn't about someone telling you what to do. It's…

Many early-career academics believe that once they secure tenure, the pressure eases, writing gets easier, and work magically fits into a reasonable workday. In this episode, I explain why that belief doesn't hold up and how to take control of your career before a major milestone or promotion. Tenure is an impressive achievement. While it is a big step in your career, it doesn't automatically undo years of overwork, binge-and-bust work patterns, or unsustainable writing and publishing habits. That's why I invited Dr. Filomena Garcia to join me for a candid conversation about her experience as a mid-career academic and why she chose to join Navigate. Filomena and I discuss her journey navigating institutional change while parenting three young children, and her realization that "being mid-career" wasn't enough to give her the academic life she wanted. You'll hear how she used Navigate to gain new skills, publish stalled work, and take back control of her time, without relying on nights and weekends. If you're…

What happens when your research agenda is disrupted by forces completely outside your control? In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Lauren Woodard, an assistant professor of anthropology in the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University, for a thoughtful conversation about career pivots, research transitions, and writing through uncertainty. After a year marked by funding instability, forced pivots, and shifting academic priorities, this conversation feels especially timely. Lauren shares her experience overcoming major transitions in her career and inspired her to join Navigate. We talk candidly about what it looks like to continue writing and publishing during periods of disruption, how to manage book and article projects simultaneously, and how Navigate supported Lauren as she clarified her publication pipeline and planned her next season of academic work. We also explore how parenting, caregiving, and seasonality shape writing practices, particularly during the early career…

Are you committed to making 2026 an academic writing year? In this episode, I share information on the upcoming Navigate cohort, my 12-week writing and publishing program for academics who are ready to finally move their backlog of papers toward submission, without burnout. If you've been telling yourself that you just need more time, more motivation, or fewer collaborators to publish consistently, this episode challenges those assumptions. I walk you through the single biggest mindset shift that unlocks publication progress, the most common mistakes academics make when trying to "fix" their writing problems, and what actually works instead. Then, I share how the tools and skills you will learn in Navigate provide a clearer framework for designing a more intentional academic career and sustainable writing practice. Learn how publication pipelines, decision-making, and sustainable writing practices fit together, especially for scholars juggling leadership roles, caregiving, and increasing demands on their…

What if 2026 wasn't the year you tried to do everything, but the year you finally did the thing that most aligns with your academic mission statement? In this episode, I'm officially inviting you to make 2026 your writing year. I've been planting this seed for a while now, especially as we collectively move through ongoing funding uncertainty and career volatility. Today, I want to slow down and really explain what I mean by a "writing year," why so many scholars are choosing this path right now, and how you can begin making this shift in a practical and sustainable way. I walk you through what a writing year looks like, how it can become a powerful decision-making framework, and how I'll be supporting scholars throughout 2026 with free workshops, coaching series, and a newly redesigned podcast format. I also share details about my Navigate program. If you're ready to lead your academic career with intention and make real progress on the academic papers that matter most, this episode is your starting point…

Today we're celebrating a milestone: Episode 300. Instead of doing a big party episode, I wanted to share a more grounded, honest reflection as we wrap up 2025, a year that has been one of the most professionally disruptive years for academics. This episode is all about wrapping up, embracing seasonality, and entering winter break with a mindset of restoration rather than burnout, guilt, or the urge to "catch up." If you've been feeling behind, overwhelmed, stretched thin, or like your writing has been pushed into the margins of your life, this is for you. I walk you through the metaphors and practices I use to design an intentional pause rather than defaulting into the binge-and-bust cycle that academia encourages. You'll also hear how I'm thinking about 2026, a sneak peek of my new approach to the podcast, and why restoration is an essential part of your writing system. For full show notes visit scholarsvoice.org/podcast. We're receiving applications for our next cohort of Navigate: Your Writing Roadmap®.…

2025 has been a year of funding uncertainty in academia, and I know many of you have been asking yourself how to keep your research moving forward when grant opportunities are unpredictable. Today, I'm pulling back the curtain on a mini-lesson from my Round 2+ Navigate program: Scaling Research Through Writing. I make the case for why 2026 should be a writing year for you. I walk you through how writing and publishing help expand your research's reach, deepen collaborations, and even enhance your mentorship. I also share practical strategies for working with grad students, post-docs, and early-career faculty to develop their writing skills, because when you teach writing, you multiply the impact of your research and your team. If you've been thinking about how to make your scholarly work matter more, this episode is full of ideas to help you scale your research program without waiting for grants to come through. Tune in to learn how to shift your mindset about academic writing and how to leverage it as a…

Guilt, shame, and fear around academic writing show up far more often than we admit. And for many academics, those emotions become so intertwined with our identity that even seeing the phrase "making time to write" can trigger a full-body "Nope!" I was reminded of this last week during the National Women's Studies Association conference in Puerto Rico. The conference was beautifully integrated with local scholars, activists, and artists, creating a powerful space for community and reflection. What surprised me most, though, was the range of reactions people had when they walked by our booth and saw my book. Some people laughed; some avoided eye contact and literally walked (or ran!) away; others said, "You're making me feel so bad." That emotional recoil is exactly why today's episode exists. This week, I'm diving deep into what guilt, shame, and overwhelm around writing really reveal—not about you as an individual, but about the sociocultural and institutional contexts you're working within. If you've…

The holiday season is here, and what better way to celebrate than with some great books? In this special 2025 holiday book review episode, I'm sharing some of my favorite reads from the past year, plus one highly anticipated pre-order for 2026. Reading has always been a way for me to pause, reflect, and explore worlds beyond my own, whether through nonfiction that deepens understanding of our shared humanity, literary fiction that transports you across time and place, or romance and fantasy that just makes your heart smile. I'll give you a quick overview of each book, why it stood out to me, and what makes it worth adding to your own bookshelf. You'll find titles that challenge your thinking, invite empathy, and offer unforgettable stories, including books that span genres from historical fantasy to creative nonfiction. And I'll highlight one pre-order that I'm particularly excited about, a timely, important, and deeply engaging book that I know will resonate with a wide audience. So grab your cup of tea,…

When you reach mid-career in academia, it can feel like you should have everything figured out. But often, that's when the real questions begin. In this episode, I sit down with Michelle, a mid-career scholar and second-round participant in our Navigate program, to talk about what happens after tenure and how she's redefining success on her path to full professorship. Michelle shares how Navigate helped her regain her sense of freedom, recalibrate her time and energy, and reconnect to her purpose as a scholar and leader. If you have considered applying to Navigate or if you feel frustrated on the path to tenure, this episode is for you. Listen in to hear how Michelle is creating a more human, grounded, and community-centered version of academic success. 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 here. CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Our 12-week Navigate:…

After tenure, it can feel like everyone is depending on you, from students to your junior colleagues, your co-authors, and even your family. In this episode, I explore what it really means to lead for legacy at this stage in your academic career. Leadership isn't about taking on more work or moving into administration. It's about how you show up for others while also taking care of yourself. I'll share how to lead in a way that sustains both you and the people who look to you for guidance. Then, I break down why it is okay to focus your energy on your academic mission and cementing your legacy, even if that means saying no to people who helped you reach tenure. From prioritizing your wellbeing to reshaping your career to be what you want, I challenge you to shift your mindset on leadership. Listen in to learn how to lead for legacy without burning out, and how to model a new kind of success in academia. For full show notes visit scholarsvoice.org/podcast. We're receiving applications for our next cohort of…

Have you been told to "step into leadership" on your campus, only to realize what they really meant was taking on more admin work? In this episode, I'm breaking down one of academia's biggest myths: that leadership and administration are the same thing. They're not, and understanding the difference can transform how you approach your academic career. As part of our Mid-Career Series, this episode explores what real leadership looks like beyond the tenure track. I share what I've learned about leading without losing yourself to bureaucracy and why leadership is less about hierarchy and more about vision, collaboration, and identity. You'll also hear what I learned firsthand from stepping briefly into administration and how it reshaped my understanding of what academic leadership really is. Tune in now to learn how to leverage your leadership to build influence, impact, and a meaningful legacy without getting lost in admin work. For full show notes visit scholarsvoice.org/podcast. We're receiving applications…

Are you feeling stuck, unmotivated, or wondering what happened to the joy you once felt in your academic work? You're not alone. Today, I'm tackling one of the most common and least discussed challenges in the scholarly journey: the mid-career slump. This episode is part of our Mid-Career Series, where I am exploring what it really takes to thrive after tenure. If you've hit that milestone and expected relief, only to feel even more frustrated and overwhelmed, this conversation is for you. I unpack how the academic system sets you up to sprint toward tenure, pushing yourself harder and harder in pursuit of safety and validation, and why, when you finally get there, that safety often feels like an illusion. You'll hear why the habits, mindsets, and patterns that got you to tenure can easily lead to burnout afterward, and how to shift them now, whether you're pre-tenure and want to avoid the slump, or mid-career and ready to reclaim joy, purpose, and balance in your work. If you've ever thought, "Is this…

My Mid-Career Series is all about redefining success after tenure and building a career that feels as meaningful as it looks on paper. In this segment, I share one of the hardest truths about the academic journey — what got you here won't get you there. I explore how the habits, priorities, and systems that helped you earn tenure may actually hold you back from becoming a full professor or advancing in new directions. If you've been feeling like you're working just as hard but not making meaningful progress. Or, if you're wondering why your post-tenure years feel less clear than the path that got you here, this episode is for you. I share insights from my own experience and from coaching hundreds of scholars through this exact phase of their careers, helping you see where your energy might be better spent and what needs to evolve as you move forward. It's time to rethink your mid-career strategy, make space for the next stage of your scholarly life, and get clear on how to achieve your academic mission…

Many post-tenure professors find themselves more exhausted than ever, despite achieving what they thought would finally bring balance. In this segment of the Mid-Career Podcast Series, I unpack why you're still so dang tired and what you can do to reclaim your energy, focus, and purpose in your academic career. I'll dive into what exhaustion really looks like for scholars who've spent years pushing toward tenure, only to find that the same habits and overbooked schedules have followed them into the next chapter of their careers. From managing others' fires to working without time for real thinking and writing, we'll talk about the deep structural and emotional reasons behind mid-career fatigue, and how to change them. If you've been running on empty, constantly giving your time to everyone else's priorities, this conversation is your permission slip to slow down, reevaluate, and rebuild your career from a place of power and purpose. Listen now to learn why exhaustion isn't a personal failing. It's a sign…

When you finally receive that long-awaited email announcing tenure, you expect it to change everything—less stress, more freedom, and the chance to finally pursue the big dreams you've been putting on hold. But what happens when the reality doesn't live up to the hype? In this episode of the Mid-Career Series, I share my own post-tenure story. From the anticlimactic certification letter to the realization that tenure didn't automatically bring clarity, impact, or balance. Instead, I found myself stuck at the top of the promotion ladder in the middle of a financial crisis, still overworked and unsure of what was next. If you've ever thought tenure would be the turning point that finally allowed you to regain control of your academic career, this conversation may feel uncomfortably familiar. But it also opens the door to imagining something bigger for your career, on your own terms. Listen now to hear my story about securing tenure and discover how you can start building the academic career you truly want now,…

Have you ever done professional development? So often, it feels like academics get professional development wrong. Usually, it's done with a one-off training, but the problem is that there's no follow through or follow up. There's no relationship with the leader or the participants. I want to help transform professional development for academic women. I've been in academia since 1998, and in all those years, I don't remember any content from one-off trainings. Instead, I remember the relationships I developed along the way. In this episode I'm talking about good professional development and the benefits that come from combining training, coaching and community. "The way you are going to change your professional life is through the development of relationships, not through training or teachings you receive." Training One-off trainings sound appealing because we think that if we just know a certain skill, we'll be able to change the way we integrate writing into our career. In my coaching programs, the content…