

Academic Writing Amplified
Cathy Mazak, PhD
The 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.
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 12, 2025 • 20min
282: Matching Energy To Tasks with Dr. Abby Hogan
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.

Aug 5, 2025 • 16min
281: "I'm Afraid I Won't Make Time"
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.

Jul 29, 2025 • 30min
280: Increasing Your Capacity For Writing And Publishing
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!

Jul 22, 2025 • 14min
279: Choosing Your Next Season
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

Jul 15, 2025 • 21min
278: Writing On- and Off- Ramps
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.

Jul 8, 2025 • 16min
277: Summer Writing Check-In
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!

Jul 1, 2025 • 19min
276: [Leadership Series] Avoid Being Sucked Into A Leadership Vacuum
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!

4 snips
Jun 24, 2025 • 20min
275: [Leadership Series] Leading Yourself Through A Writing Season
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.

Jun 17, 2025 • 16min
274: [Leadership Series] Why Control Of Your Writing And Publishing Is Key For Leaders
Discover how taking charge of your writing and publishing can transform your leadership potential in academia. It's not just about checking boxes for tenure; it's about building self-trust and confidence essential for effective leadership. Engagement in writing sharpens decision-making and project management skills, paving the way for personal and professional growth. Learn why academic leadership transcends titles and how nurturing your writing practice can empower you as a scholar and leader.

Jun 10, 2025 • 22min
273: [Leadership Series] Becoming a Manager is Inevitable
Feeling apprehensive about becoming a manager in academia? You're not alone! Embrace the idea that management is an essential part of academic growth and influence. This insightful discussion emphasizes that academic leadership isn't just about independent work; collaboration and mentorship are key. Whether you’re new to academia or already directing a research center, understanding management is crucial. Shift your perspective and prepare to lead with confidence!