

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

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

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.

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

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.

Jan 16, 2025 • 14min
Bonus: Humanize Your Approach To Academia
Often, the career of academia can be dehumanizing. Listen to catch the tools that we use in Navigate to humanize your experience in academia. 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

7 snips
Jan 14, 2025 • 23min
252: How To Set Your Own Due Dates
Struggling with writing deadlines? Discover common pitfalls and learn how to set self-imposed due dates effectively. This conversation emphasizes the importance of realistic timelines based on personal habits. By reflecting on your writing practice, you can improve your skills and boost your confidence. Dive into strategies that transform your approach to deadlines, ensuring that your work is not only completed but done with pride. Empower yourself to achieve your writing goals!

Jan 9, 2025 • 43min
Bonus: Navigate Info Session Replay
Navigate is designed for tenure-track women and nonbinary professors with a disruptive perspective on their field. In the 12-week program, you will learn how to write and publish more using our mission-guided time and project management processes. Navigate is a twelve-week coaching program that combines recorded modules with high-touch coaching and community, which will help you get results in just 12 weeks. During this info session I taught about: The three mistakes that most academics make when they try to publish their backlog of papers The biggest mindset shift that is holding you back from making progress in publication How to apply to our next cohort of Navigate, the 12-week program that teaches you how to clear your backlog of papers–for good. I also talked about our upcoming enrollment for our 12-week Navigate program and answered all of your questions about how it works, how we support our participants, our clients’ success, and what you can expect when you join us. 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

Jan 7, 2025 • 43min
251: Write Your New Year’s Story
Happy New Year! In today’s episode, I share how to write your New Year’s story. I use my experiences from 2024 to guide you through creating your vision for 2025. From agency to decision-making, I break down the ups and downs of identity and mindset shifts that happen as our goals change and evolve. Reflecting on the past year is an essential step in shaping what you want your future to look like. This discussion applies to both personal and professional ambitions. As you consider what you want to focus on in 2025, I want to remind you that you have the knowledge and skills to solve any problems or challenges that come your way. We are constantly in a state of change and creation, so embrace it! There is always another goal on the horizon, and I wish you the very best as we move into 2025. For full show notes visit scholarsvoice.org/podcast/251. 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

Dec 31, 2024 • 23min
250: [Writing Practice Series] Why 2 Hours A Week Is Enough Writing Time [RE-RELEASE 197]
Discover why dedicating just two hours a week can dramatically enhance your writing productivity. The discussion debunks the myth that more time is necessary, emphasizing quality over quantity in writing sessions. Learn practical strategies to fit consistent writing into your busy life, as well as insights on adjusting your mindset for sustainable progress. If you're feeling overwhelmed by the writing process, this conversation offers valuable tips to help you regain control and boost your academic output.

7 snips
Dec 24, 2024 • 34min
249: [Writing Practice Series] When Your Writing Practice Is Resilient You Don’t Have To Be [RE-RELEASE EP 191]
Explore how a resilient writing practice can save you from the pressures of guilt and stress. Discover ways to embrace life's inevitable disruptions without losing your momentum. Learn to set realistic expectations and nurture a positive relationship with your writing. Understand the impact of both predictable academic duties and unexpected challenges. With practical strategies, cultivate consistency and fulfillment in your creative process!