Academic Writing Amplified

Cathy Mazak, PhD
undefined
Mar 18, 2025 • 23min

261: [Should I Quit Academia Series] Why Changing Universities Isn’t The Answer To Your Publishing Problems (Re-Release EP 163)

Are you struggling with publications and wondering if changing universities will solve your writing problems? Think again! In this episode, I dive into the truth behind the misconception that a new university position will magically unclog your publication pipeline. I’ve worked with professors from various institutions who have held every type of position. I’ve seen first-hand that the real key to unlocking your writing success is not in your external circumstances but in how you approach your writing practice and time management. Lessening your teaching load or switching to a more research-focused position isn't going to help you publish more. If you don't address your writing practice, your issues will follow you no matter what job you take.  If you’re tired of struggling with a clogged pipeline and are ready to regain control of your academic writing, this episode is for you. Learn how building a sustainable writing practice and focusing on professional development will make it easier to get your voice out into the world so you can influence your field. 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. 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  
undefined
Mar 11, 2025 • 1h 2min

260: [Should I Quit Academia Series] Choosing to Leave Academia and Create Something New: An Interview with Jane Jones (Re-Release EP 40)

Dr. Jane Jones, a sociology PhD and a successful writing coach, shares her inspiring journey transitioning from a tenure-track position to entrepreneurship. She discusses the harsh realities of academia, especially for marginalized individuals, and highlights the emotional challenges faced during this shift. Jane emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and the need for supportive structures for academics at different career stages. Her insights into productivity and the coaching process offer valuable guidance for those contemplating their own career pivots.
undefined
4 snips
Mar 4, 2025 • 29min

259: [Should I Quit Academia Series] Higher Ed Is In Crisis - It’s Time To Make Your Move [Re-Release EP 56]

Higher education is facing a critical crisis as profit motives overshadow meaningful academic work. The conversation urges academics to reevaluate their identities and move beyond institutional expectations. It emphasizes the importance of reforming academic systems to support personal values and achievements. Listeners are encouraged to develop better time management and planning strategies, enabling them to escape the burnout cycle while contributing significantly to knowledge creation.
undefined
Feb 25, 2025 • 26min

258: [Should I Quit Academia Series] You Are Not the Container [RE-RELEASE 50]

In today's episode, I want to challenge how we think about our academic careers. For many of us, our professional lives are heavily defined by the rules of the institution or "container" through which we work—whether it's a graduate program, a tenure-track position, or unreasonable requirements from the university. I want you to flip that way of thinking altogether. Instead of letting your institution or the promise of tenure dictate your path, you can apply your scholarly work to a container that better suits your academic mission statement and career goals. You are not the container, and your knowledge, skills, and research can be leveraged in multiple ways so that you can create a career that is fulfilling and truly aligns with who you are and what you value.  If you are frustrated with your current position or are curious about quitting academia, this episode is for you. Tune in to learn how to separate your work from the container and the benefits of pursuing a different career path. 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. 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  
undefined
Feb 18, 2025 • 25min

257: [Should I Quit Academia Series] How To Know If It's Time To Quit Academia [RE-RELEASE 176]

If you're feeling burnt out, overwhelmed, or questioning your place in the academic world, you may have thought about quitting. But you worked so hard and invested so much time into becoming a professor. Are you really ready to move on to a new career? In this episode, I discuss the challenges of deciding whether it's time to quit academia. I share how to assess your current situation, identify the root causes of your dissatisfaction, and explore if there’s a way to make your academic career more enjoyable. Whether you’re a professor on a tenure track or are already a permanent faculty member, this episode guides you through the self-reflection process to help you make an informed decision about the future of your academic career. 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. 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
undefined
8 snips
Feb 11, 2025 • 19min

256: Pipeline + Practice = Flow

In this episode, I explain how pipeline + practice = flow. Learn how having a clear, organized publication pipeline and a well-defined writing practice can help you consistently move your projects forward and get them out into the world. I’ll dive into why both of these elements are crucial for academic scholars to master and how having a clear plan for your projects alongside an intentional approach to your writing can unlock productivity and creativity. I’ll also talk about an exciting opportunity, my Spacious Writing Retreat. This intimate retreat is designed to help you refine your publication pipeline and writing practice in a supportive, immersive setting. If you’re a professor struggling to balance multiple projects, feeling stuck in your writing routine, or looking to bring more flow and consistency to your work, this episode is for you. Whether you’re looking for actionable strategies or are curious about the writing retreat experience, I will give you the tools and inspiration to address the problems with your writing practice and publications head-on. Click here to get all the retreat details and submit an interest form! 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    
undefined
Feb 4, 2025 • 27min

255: Writing Retreats Versus Binge Writing

Retreating and binge-writing may seem similar at first glance, but one supports your creative flow, while the other can derail it. So, what's the real difference between these two approaches, and why is one a tool while the other is a crutch? In this episode, I break down the key distinctions between binge-writing and writing retreats. I'll explore the deeper implications of each, explaining why binge-writing often leads to burnout while retreats provide the spaciousness and support needed for sustainable progress. Whether you're struggling with the binge-and-bust cycle or just looking to create more balance in your writing practice, this episode offers valuable insights into why retreating might be the solution. If you're ready to experience the transformative power of a writing retreat, I invite you to join our next Spacious Writing Retreat. Tune in and learn how retreating can revolutionize your writing practice and break you out of the binge-bust cycle.  Click here to get all the retreat details and submit an interest form! 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  
undefined
Jan 28, 2025 • 42min

254: Pivoting to Public Scholarship with Dr. Becky Dawson

Dr. Becky Dawson, an epidemiologist turned advocate for public scholarship, shares her inspiring journey from traditional academia to engaging directly with communities. She highlights her work during the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the need for clear communication about public health. Becky discusses balancing academic responsibilities with public engagement and offers tips for academics transitioning to media appearances. She reflects on the impact of public scholarship on health policies and advocates for addressing health disparities through education and strategic planning.
undefined
Jan 22, 2025 • 9min

Bonus: I've Done NCFDD, Should I Do Navigate?

If you have been eyeing Navigate but thinking “I did NCFDD, I should have solved my writing and publishing problem by now!” you are not alone.  NCFDD offers an introduction to managing your academic career. Navigate is a deeper dive, based on a philosophy of self-compassion, self-trust, and sustainability. To transform your writing and publishing, you are never “done” or “fixed.” Writing is a practice, and publication pipeline management changes as YOU change and mature in your career. In fact, even though Navigate is a 12-week program, we don’t expect you to magically have a clear pipeline in 12 weeks. It is normal for career development around writing and publishing to be a journey!  So, if you have taken NCFDD you have a great start. Navigate is the right next-step for you. (If you haven’t taken NCFDD, no worries! You are also ready to start Navigate.)   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  
undefined
Jan 21, 2025 • 31min

253: Your Relationship to Academia in 2025

As academia braces for changes in 2025, feelings of fear and uncertainty loom large. The importance of self-awareness and defining personal purpose amid external pressures is crucial for a fulfilling career. Researchers and professors are encouraged to reflect on their motivations for entering the field. By embracing their purpose, they can navigate potential challenges, including budget cuts and defunding. Ultimately, this emphasis on intention can empower individuals to craft a sustainable and impactful academic journey.

The AI-powered Podcast Player

Save insights by tapping your headphones, chat with episodes, discover the best highlights - and more!
App store bannerPlay store banner
Get the app