

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

Jun 3, 2025 • 12min
272: [Project Management Series] Writing Problems versus Writing Tasks (Re-Release BONUS)
Ever feel like you should know how long a writing task will take, but somehow, it always takes longer (or shorter) than you expected? If so, this bonus episode is for you! After coaching dozens of academics one-on-one in our Navigate program this past year, I’ve developed a brand-new concept that’s transforming how academic writers plan, prioritize, and stick to their writing timelines: the difference between writing problems and writing tasks. I’m so excited to bring this concept into the curriculum of our Navigate program. We’ll not only teach you how to distinguish between problems and tasks but also how to manage each with clarity and confidence. Want your own lightbulb moment? Tune in and learn how to take your academic writing process to the next level. 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

15 snips
May 27, 2025 • 29min
271: [Project Management Series] Deciding Time to Task (Re-Release EP 210)
Are you struggling to estimate how long your writing tasks will take? Dive into the challenges of academic writing and learn why time estimation is a hidden obstacle to success. Discover effective project management techniques that enhance your writing practice. Gain insights on creating productive task lists and adopting a proactive mindset. Stop feeling overwhelmed and start making progress on your publications without burning out!

May 20, 2025 • 21min
270: [Project Management Series] Project Management Skills Versus Tools Part 2 (Re-Release EP 209)
Learn when to introduce a project management tool into your writing workflow. Discover how to choose a tool that meets your specific needs and enhances your productivity. Get tips on navigating the link between project management skills and tools, ensuring a smoother writing process. If juggling multiple projects feels overwhelming, this is your guide to finding the perfect solution for your academic writing journey!

17 snips
May 13, 2025 • 31min
269: [Project Management Series] Project Management Skills Versus Tools Part 1 (Re-Release EP 209)
Feeling stuck with project management tools? You're not alone! This discussion reveals that no tool can compensate for lacking core skills like discernment and time management. Before you dive into the latest software, it’s crucial to develop foundational skills. Discover how to enhance your academic project management abilities, allowing you to choose tools that truly support your writing and workflow. A strategic approach could be your key to successful publication.

13 snips
May 6, 2025 • 28min
268: [Project Management Series] How To Approach Your Writing Like A Project Manager (Re-Release EP 3)
Discover how to manage your academic writing like a pro! Learn essential project management skills, from breaking down big goals into bite-sized tasks to estimating how long those tasks will take. Gain insights into creating effective systems that keep your writing projects on track, even during the busiest times. Say goodbye to stress and hello to real progress as you streamline your writing process and boost productivity!

May 1, 2025 • 29min
Bonus: The Importance Of Navigate In Late Career With Lauren McCubbins
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 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

Apr 29, 2025 • 16min
267: Community In The Midst Of Chaos
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 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

Apr 24, 2025 • 17min
Bonus: "My Situation Is Unique But Our Problems Are The Same”: Finding Community In Navigate
Katelyn Carr, an Assistant Professor at the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, dives into her transition from doctoral student to tenure-track faculty. She candidly discusses the challenges of defining her academic mission and the struggle to publish her work. Through the Navigate program, she found community support that helped her tackle common academic hurdles like writing tasks and maintaining boundaries. Katelyn emphasizes the importance of collaboration and shared experiences in overcoming feelings of isolation in academia.

Apr 22, 2025 • 29min
266: You Are Equipped To Meet This Moment
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 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

Apr 17, 2025 • 33min
Bonus: Your Relationship With Your Institution In 2025
Universities have survived countless crises by adapting to changing times. As 2025 approaches, it’s crucial for academics to assess their relationships with institutions. Fund cuts and political pressures highlight the importance of personal agency. Participants are encouraged to evaluate their values against those of their schools. The Navigate program offers structured support to enhance academic careers and management skills. In this turbulent landscape, individuals must determine how much effort to invest in their institutions.