Academic Writing Amplified

What happens when the most challenging part of leadership isn’t the work, but the weight of emotions you’re expected to carry? In this episode, I dive into the hidden emotional labor of leadership, sharing stories from my own life—both at home and in professional settings—to explore how leaders, especially women, navigate the delicate balance of awareness, empathy, and action.  I reflect on moments when stress and frustration threatened to derail me, and I show how cultivating self-coaching and grounding practices can help turn emotional turmoil into clarity and calm.  If you’ve ever felt the weight of others’ emotions in your work or questioned how to stay centered while guiding a team, this episode offers both validation and practical insight into leading with presence, perspective, and poise. 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: Your Writing Roadmap® program helps tenure-track womxn and nonbinary professors to publish their backlog of papers so that their voice can have the impact they know is possible. Apply here! Cathy’s book, Making Time to Write: How to Resist the Patriarchy and Take Control of Your Academic Career Through Writing is available in print! Learn how to build your career around your writing practice while shattering the myths of writing every day, accountability, and motivation, doing mindset work that’s going to reshape your writing,and changing academic culture one womxn and nonbinary professor at a time. Get your print copy today or order it for a friend here! If you would like to hear more from Cathy for free, please subscribe to the weekly newsletter, In the Pipeline, at scholarsvoice.org. It’s a newsletter that she personally writes that goes out once a week with writing and publication tips, strategies, inspiration, book reviews and more.   CONNECT WITH ME:  LinkedIn Facebook YouTube

In this lively discussion, Dr. Anna Clemens, an online writing coach dedicated to helping scientists publish their work, shares valuable insights about transforming writing from a source of anxiety into a pleasurable experience. They tackle the importance of creating intentional writing seasons to align productivity with academic rhythms, and explore practical strategies for nurturing a positive writing habit while juggling personal responsibilities. Tune in for fresh perspectives on reclaiming your passion for writing and enhancing your scholarly career!

Dr. Abby Hogan, an assistant professor at the University of South Carolina, focuses on understanding anxiety in autistic children. In this discussion, she reveals how aligning her writing practice with her energy patterns has transformed her well-being and scholarship. Abby opens up about overcoming perfectionism and the emotional hurdles of publishing, sharing insights from her experience in the Navigate program. Her reflections encourage listeners to approach writing with intention, clarity, and self-compassion.

Dr. Janet McCabe, an associate professor at Ontario Tech University, bravely discusses her struggles with time management amidst personal and professional challenges. She candidly shares her initial fears about committing to academic writing and how she overcame burnout through structured approaches. Janet emphasizes the importance of mission statements in guiding decision-making, offering inspiration for balancing writing with other responsibilities. Her journey highlights that meaningful writing requires attention and a willingness to embrace the process, even in busy times.

Discover how to expand your writing and publishing capacity without burning out. The discussion highlights the transformative power of capacity building through personal anecdotes of balancing parenting and a farm business. Learn to challenge the myth that you need to wait for the perfect moment to grow your career. Shift your mindset to embrace growth now, and explore practical strategies to achieve your goals. Get inspired to take the leap and push forward with your creative pursuits!

Is the next academic year a writing season for you? A mentoring season? An administrative season? Too often, scholars fall into the trap of trying to do everything at once—writing, grant-getting, mentoring, teaching, program-building—on full blast. But sustainable success comes from focused seasons, not constant hustle. In this episode, I introduce the concept of “academic seasonality” and walk you through how to select your next season with purpose. Whether you're heading into a writing-intensive fall, supporting graduate students, or bracing for a new admin role, this mindset shift will help you take control of your academic path without burning out. If you’re ready to move into your next academic season with clarity and intention, this episode is for you. Tune in now to reframe how you approach your year and discover a more sustainable way to thrive in your academic career. For full show notes visit scholarsvoice.org/podcast. We’ve opened the waitlist for our next cohort of Navigate: Your Writing Roadmap®. Check out the program details and get on the waitlist here. CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Our 12-week Navigate: Your 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. Get on the waitlist here! Cathy’s book, Making Time to Write: How to Resist the Patriarchy and Take Control of Your Academic Career Through Writing is available in print! Learn how to build your career around your writing practice while shattering the myths of writing every day, accountability, and motivation, doing mindset work that’s going to reshape your writing,and changing academic culture one womxn and nonbinary professor at a time. Get your print copy today or order it for a friend here! If you would like to hear more from Cathy for free, please subscribe to the weekly newsletter, In the Pipeline, at scholarsvoice.org. It’s a newsletter that she personally writes that goes out once a week with writing and publication tips, strategies, inspiration, book reviews and more. CONNECT WITH ME:  LinkedIn Facebook YouTube

Struggling to return to your writing after a break? Discover how to gracefully step away and seamlessly re-engage with your work. The discussion dives into the concept of writing on- and off-ramps, providing practical strategies to maintain momentum during transitional periods. Learn to leave strategic notes for your future self, ensuring you can pick up where you left off with ease. Transform your writing pauses into powerful pivots, fostering a sustainable and empowering writing practice.

Feeling behind on your summer writing goals? You’re not alone! This discussion emphasizes the importance of readjusting your writing plans without guilt. Learn to evaluate your progress and manage tasks with practical tips. Discover how to transition from unrealistic expectations to sustainable writing practices. Say goodbye to burnout and shame, and hello to a clearer path for publication success!

Are you feeling overwhelmed in your academic role? You might be trapped in a leadership vacuum, where weak leadership above pulls you into taking on too much. This discussion reveals how mid-career academics can recognize and navigate these gaps, emphasizing the importance of setting boundaries. Learn strategies to protect your energy and maintain focus on your mission. Plus, discover a new program designed to support leaders and get a sneak peek at exciting upcoming writing topics!

Discover the power of self-leadership in academic writing. Learn to align your writing goals with your personal mission and values. Embrace seasonality by designating specific writing periods, allowing you to focus deeply while juggling other responsibilities. Master time management techniques like time blocking to enhance productivity. This discussion emphasizes personal growth through writing, equipping you with tools to lead yourself effectively and become more intentional in your academic career.