The Social Academic | Online Presence for Professors with Jennifer van Alstyne

It's okay to feel discomfort. Learn why it's necessary to practice 'civic courage,' a term coined by my podcast guest, Dr. Brielle Harbin.This is The Social Academic podcast with Jennifer van Alstyne.Dr. Brielle Harbin is a political scientist, award-winning educator, and keynote strategist who helps colleges and faculty cultivate civic courage and sustainable academic systems.As the founder of Your Cooperative Colleague LLC, Brielle partners with higher education leaders to move their institutions from compliance and burnout toward belonging, creativity, and care.Her work centers nervous-system-aligned writing, ethical leadership, and faculty well-being as catalysts for innovation. Through her flagship programs—Faculty Writing Rituals Unlocked, Steady Strides, and Steady in the Storm—she helps educators build restorative, purpose-driven writing practices that last beyond the semester.A former tenured associate professor and public scholar, Brielle’s research and consulting focus on civic courage as a framework for leading change inside systems not built for everyone’s thriving. Her weekly newsletter, Notes From a Work Friend, offers practical and soulful reflections for faculty navigating the realities of academic life.You can learn more about her work at YourCooperativeColleague.com Substack NotesFromAWorkFriend.substack.comThis is The Social Academic, a podcast about online presence for faculty, researchers, and graduate students. I’m Jennifer van Alstyne (@HigherEdPR). I help academics like you feel confident when you show up online. You have agency in creating a stronger online presence for yourself. Let's build a strong digital footprint through your academic website, social media, and bio writing.Websitehttps://TheAcademicDesigner.comThe Social Academic blog https://TheSocialAcademic.com/blog/Thank you for watching! Please subscribe for more videos for your online presence in academia.Want to support The Social Academic? Buy Jennifer a matcha or tea 🍵: https://buymeacoffee.com/higheredpr-----------------------------------------Schedule your no pressure Zoom call with Jennifer to talk about working together on your online presence for academics 🌟https://higheredpr.as.me/meet-with-jenniferHere's how we can work together, view services https://theacademicdesigner.com/services/___ Let’s connect on social media ___LinkedIn https://linkedin.com/in/jennifervanalstyne/Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/jenvanalstyne.bsky.socialInstagram https://instagram.com/HigherEdPRX https://x.com/HigherEdPRFacebook https://facebook.com/higheredprThreads https://www.threads.net/@higheredprYouTube https://youtube.com/@higheredpr

How do you house the resources you want to share online, academics? Dr. Ben Railton and Dr. Vaughn Joy are featured in this episode of The Social Academic podcast about Public Scholarship. Jennifer van Alstyne asks them about their just-launched public website collaboration, Black and White and Read All Over. Who do you hope visits your website? How do you hope they engage with what you share with them? When this married couple wanted a permanent space for their public scholarship, they chose to create it together.A special thank you to Dr. Walter Greason for sharing that #ScholarSunday would make for a great podcast episode! I'm delighted to have these two on the show for you just in time for the launch of their new website. Congratulations!https://theacademicdesigner.com/2025/public-scholarship-with-ben-railton-and-vaughn-joy/Visit their website: Black and White and Read All Overhttps://BlackWhiteAndRead.com/This episode was streamed live on September 29, 2025.Dr. Ben Railton is Professor of English Studies, Director of Graduate English, and Coordinator of American Studies at Fitchburg State University. He's the author of six books, most recently Of Thee I Sing: The Contested History of American Patriotism (2021). He also contributes the bimonthly Considering History column to the Saturday Evening Post. He's most proud to be Dad to two college student sons, Aidan and Kyle; and husband to his badass wife and website co-host Vaughn.https://bsky.app/profile/americanstudier.bsky.socialDr. Vaughn Joy is an independent researcher and recent graduate with a PhD in History from University College London. Her first book, Selling Out Santa: Hollywood Christmas Films in the Age of McCarthy, explores how Hollywood manipulated the American Christmas holiday for socially conservative ends in the post-war, early Cold War period in response to federal pressures on the motion picture industry. Her other work concerns McCarthyism, Hollywood business practices and politics, and media literacy of pop culture.https://bsky.app/profile/gvaughnjoy.bsky.socialBen and Vaughn have recently launched a shared website, Black and White and Read All Over, that hosts Ben's daily AmericanStudier blog and weekly round up of public scholarship in his #ScholarSunday threads, as well as Vaughn's weekly film review newsletter, Review Roulette. The site, called Black and White and Read All Over, also welcomes announcements from other scholars to share their achievements, upcoming events, and forthcoming publications to promote academic pride and joy in our community.This is The Social Academic, a podcast about online presence for faculty, researchers, and graduate students. I’m Jennifer van Alstyne (@HigherEdPR). I help academics like you feel confident when you show up online. You have agency in creating a stronger online presence for yourself. Let's build a strong digital footprint through your academic website, social media, and bio writing.https://theacademicdesigner.comThe Social Academic blog https://TheSocialAcademic.com/blog/Thank you for watching! Please subscribe for more videos for your online presence in academia.Want to support The Social Academic? Buy Jennifer a matcha or tea 🍵: https://buymeacoffee.com/higheredpr-----------------------------------------Schedule your no pressure Zoom call with Jennifer to talk about working together on your online presence for academics 🌟https://higheredpr.as.me/meet-with-jenniferHere's how we can work together, view services https://theacademicdesigner.com/services/___ Let’s connect on social media ___LinkedIn https://linkedin.com/in/jennifervanalstyne/Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/jenvanalstyne.bsky.socialInstagram https://instagram.com/HigherEdPRTwitter https://x.com/HigherEdPRFacebook https://facebook.com/higheredprThreads https://www.threads.net/@higheredprYouTube https://youtube.com/@HigherEdPR

How do you know your podcast isn't just a dream, it's time to make it happen? Zori Paul, PhD, LPC, NCC and Natalie Jeung, LCPC, NCC are live with host, Jennifer van Alstyne on The Social Academic Podcast.We're talking about what it's like to start a podcast with your friend. Do you want a podcast as a faculty, researcher, or grad student?Zori and Natalie started the Therapy on a Tangent podcast: two therapists nerding out about their geeky passions and mental health. Join us for this live conversation about online presence, podcasting, and talking about mental health.Hi, I'm Jennifer van Alstyne. This is The Social Academic podcast. Please like and subscribe. To get a notification next time we're live, hit the bell icon above. Thank you!BiosDr. Zori Paul (she/her) is a Chicago native, licensed professional counselor, counselor educator, and researcher. She is also the co-host of Therapy on a Tangent, a podcast where two therapists nerd out about their geeky passions and mental health. Dr. Paul received her Ph.D. in counseling from the University of Missouri – St. Louis, her M.A. in clinical mental health counseling from Northwestern University, and her B.A. in comparative human development and minor in gender and sexuality studies from the University of Chicago. Her research focuses on the mental health and stressors of individuals with multiple marginalized identities, specifically bisexual+/queer people of color; cross-cultural mentorship in counseling programs; and the ethical use of social media and AI by counselors and other mental health professionals.Natalie Jeung, LCPC, NCC, is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. She is the owner of Side Quest Counseling Services, which provides counseling services in Illinois, Indiana, and Iowa. She enjoys doing life with people and destigmatizing gamers and geeks in the mental health space. Her passion for working with video gamers came from her journey as a video gamer and desire to bring inclusive care to those who feel marginalized by society. Her clinical work also includes working with people navigating their different identities, family systems and family of origin issues, parenting, and inner child work. When she is not wearing her therapist hat, she enjoys hanging out with her cat, playing video games, being a foodie, and going on random adventures.Professors! Welcome to The Social Academic. I’m Jennifer van Alstyne (@HigherEdPR). I help academics like you feel confident when you show up online. You have agency in creating a stronger online presence for yourself. Let's build a strong digital footprint through your academic website, social media, and bio writing.Visit my website https://theacademicdesigner.comThe Social Academic blog https://TheSocialAcademic.com/blog/Thank you for watching! Please subscribe for more videos for your online presence in academia.Want to support The Social Academic? Buy Jennifer a matcha or tea 🍵: https://buymeacoffee.com/higheredpr-----------------------------------------Schedule your no pressure Zoom call with Jennifer to talk about working together on your online presence for academics 🌟https://higheredpr.as.me/meet-with-jenniferHere's how we can work together, view services https://theacademicdesigner.com/services/Let’s connect on social mediaLinkedIn https://linkedin.com/in/jennifervanalstyne/Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/jenvanalstyne.bsky.socialInstagram https://instagram.com/HigherEdPRX https://x.com/HigherEdPRFacebook https://facebook.com/higheredprThreads https://www.threads.net/@higheredprYouTube https://youtube.com/@HigherEdPR

Dr. Makella Coudray joins me to talk about the SHEER Lab and visual branding for academics. She has a research lab website and a personal academic website. By sharing her research projects, story, and visual elements such as her logo, Dr. Coudray has an online presence she's proud of.Hi, I'm Jennifer van Alstyne. The Social Academic podcast is all about your digital presence as an academic or researcher. Thank you for joining us. I hope you find this conversation with Dr. Makella Coudray helpful as you approach your own digital presence.https://theacademicdesigner.com/2025/lab-logos-visual-branding-for-your-research-with-dr-makella-coudray/Links for youFree resources to help you: https://TheSocialAcademic.com/blog/Website how-to's if you want to do it yourself https://theacademicdesigner.com/category/websites-for-academics/Faculty Development Accelerator program from Jasmine Abrams, PhD of the Thrive Institutes for Professional Development https://thrive-institutes.mykajabi.com/a/2148156318/pXVC2XgKWebsite VIP Day service with Jennifer https://theacademicdesigner.com/services/website-design-for-professors/#vip Want to support The Social Academic? Buy Jennifer a matcha or tea 🍵: https://buymeacoffee.com/higheredprBioMakella Coudray, PhD, MPH, CPH is an Assistant Professor of Medicine in the Department of Population Health Sciences at the University of Central Florida (UCF). She is the Director and Principal Investigator of the Sexual Health, Equity, and Empowerment Research (SHEER) Lab. She is an epidemiologist and implementation scientist whose work focuses on improving sexual and reproductive health outcomes for communities historically underserved by healthcare systems. Her research prioritizes STI prevention and access to care, especially in populations facing barriers to care. Through the SHEER Lab, she leads efforts to design practical, evidence-informed solutions. Her STRiP project explores innovative testing approaches to reduce STI burden and improve access.Dr. Makella Coudray has a PhD in Public Health (Epidemiology) from Florida International University. She has a CPH (Certified in Public Health) credential from the National Board of Public Health Examiners (NBPHE). She got her Masters in Public Health (MPH) and Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Biology from St. George’s University in Grenada. She was born and raised in Trinidad and Tobago. https://MakellaSCoudray.comhttps://TheSHEERLab.com/-----------------------------------------Schedule your no pressure Zoom call with Jennifer van Alstyne to talk about working together on your online presence for academics 🌟https://higheredpr.as.me/meet-with-jenniferHere's how we can work together, view services https://theacademicdesigner.com/services/Let’s connect on social mediaLinkedIn https://linkedin.com/in/jennifervanalstyne/Blueskyhttps://bsky.app/profile/jenvanalstyne.bsky.socialInstagram https://instagram.com/HigherEdPRTwitter https://x.com/HigherEdPRFacebook https://facebook.com/higheredprThreads https://www.threads.net/@higheredprYouTube https://youtube.com/@higheredpr

What does it mean to be a mindful academic? Jennifer Askey, PhD asked me about mindful practices when I was a guest on her podcast. While I went to a graduate program for creative writing where that was a focus, the mindful practices I've kept are simple. The one I shared with Jennifer? My favorite room spray, a ritual spritz I use just before meetings. Lavender, apple blossom, clover. It got me thinking how just talking about mindfulness can help us be more intentional with the care we give to ourselves. And, the spaces we create for other people. Not just mindfulness for self-care. When academics are more intentional about their thoughts and actions it makes a difference for all areas of your life. Join me and executive leadership and mindfulness coach, Dr. Jennifer Askey in this live conversation. https://theacademicdesigner.com/2025/mindfulness-for-your-life-in-academia-with-jennifer-askey/BioDr. Jennifer Askey is an executive leadership and mindfulness coach who works with higher education leaders all over North America. She leverages assessments, mindfulness practices, and powerful coaching conversations to help her clients build the career impact they want to see. In her coaching, the client’s own journey of self-awareness comes to the forefront, so that their personal and professional decisions are rooted in their values, their awareness of their skills and assets, and their commitments to community, organization, and family.Jennifer is also a sought-after workshop leader and team alignment facilitator. She works with units to establish a solid connection between their success parameters and their strategic and operational tactics. Her clients appreciate her sense of humour, her dedication to their growth, and her willingness to share resources, ideas, and inspiration with them. She is currently pursuing certification in the Sustained Dialogue methodology and Next-Stage Facilitation.Dr. Askey hasn’t always been a coach. She came to coaching first as a client in 2016, when she was seeking a career change. In her first career, she was a professor of German literature, language, and culture, specializing in young adult literature in German and comparative literature studies of Holocaust fiction. She holds a PhD in German Studies from Washington University in St Louis, is a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach, a Certified Positive Intelligence Coach, and a Professional Certified Coach through ICF.Website http://jenniferaskey.com/LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferaskeycoach/YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@TheMindfulAcademyInstagram https://www.instagram.com/jennifer_askey/Facebook https://www.facebook.com/jenniferaskeycoach/Professors! Welcome to The Social Academic. I’m Jennifer van Alstyne (@HigherEdPR). I help academics like you feel confident when you show up online. You have agency in creating a stronger online presence for yourself. Let's build a strong digital footprint through your academic website, social media, and bio writing.https://theacademicdesigner.comThank you for watching! Please subscribe for more videos for your online presence in academia.Want to support The Social Academic? Buy Jennifer a matcha or tea 🍵: https://buymeacoffee.com/higheredpr-----------------------------------------Schedule your no pressure Zoom call with Jennifer to talk about working together on your online presence for academics 🌟https://higheredpr.as.me/meet-with-jenniferHere's how we can work together, view services https://theacademicdesigner.com/services/Let’s connect on social mediaLinkedIn https://linkedin.com/in/jennifervanalstyne/Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/jenvanalstyne.bsky.socialInstagram https://instagram.com/HigherEdPRTwitter https://x.com/HigherEdPRFacebook https://facebook.com/higheredprThreads https://www.threads.net/@higheredprYouTube https://www.youtube.com/@HigherEdPR

Science communicator and octopus researcher Meg Mindlin joins me live on The Social Academic podcast.We talk about art and social media. Especially the ways creativity help her share her science story.I hope you'll listen to this one. Because art can spark such meaningful engagement with your research. And also because Meg is open about her social media journey in a beautiful way. This one is great for grad students especially!!https://theacademicdesigner.com/2025/octopus-researcher-meg-mindlin-on-science-art-and-video-for-social-media/Meg Mindlin is a molecular biologist and science communicator. She combines her background in art with an ability to communicate complex science in an engaging manner. She received her Masters in Biology studying octopuses and how ocean acidification effects a molecular process known as RNA editing.http://megmindlin.com/https://www.instagram.com/in.vertebabehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/meg-mindlin-b06207221/https://www.tiktok.com/@invertebabehttps://x.com/invertebabe#ScienceCommunication #ScienceArt #gradschooltips Hi there, welcome to The Social Academic. I’m Jennifer van Alstyne (@HigherEdPR). I help academics like you feel confident when you show up online. You have agency in creating a stronger online presence for yourself. Let's build a strong digital footprint through your academic website, social media, and bio writing.https://theacademicdesigner.comThank you for watching! Please subscribe for more videos for your online presence in academia.Want to support The Social Academic? Buy Jennifer a matcha or tea 🍵: https://buymeacoffee.com/higheredpr-----------------------------------------Schedule your no pressure Zoom call with Jennifer to talk about working together on your online presence for academics 🌟https://higheredpr.as.me/meet-with-jenniferHere's how we can work together, view services https://theacademicdesigner.com/services/Social mediaLinkedIn https://linkedin.com/in/jennifervanalstyne/Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/jenvanalstyne.bsky.socialInstagram https://instagram.com/HigherEdPRTwitter https://x.com/HigherEdPRFacebook https://facebook.com/higheredprThreads https://www.threads.net/@higheredprYouTube https://youtube.com/@higheredpr

Dr. Toyin Alli returns to The Social Academic podcast to talk about showing up online for yourself and your business as an academic. As an entrepreneur herself, Toyin has balanced full time academic life with her business. Now, she helps academics like you create a semester-proof business that works for your full time academic life.In this episode: finding community, video for YouTube, and running a business in 5 hours a week or less https://theacademicdesigner.com/2025/academic-entrepreneurship-with-toyin-alli-phd/0:00 Professorpreneurship with Dr. Toyin Alli3:48 What can a professor business look like?8:46 Creating content for your academic business15:44 It’s like building an airplane while it’s already in the air22:47 Six Figure Professor Program28:15 Think of it as teachingBioDr. Toyin Alli is a math professor, business strategist, and the founder of The Academic Society, where she helps grad students with time management, productivity, self-care and grad school success strategies.After building her own six-figure business while teaching full-time, Toyin now mentors other professors through her signature program Six Figure Professor and her community, The Secret Society of Academic Entrepreneurs.She’s been featured on various academic podcasts and has spoken at universities across the country.Whether she’s teaching in the classroom, facilitating a virtual workshop, or coaching behind the scenes, Dr. Toyin Alli is on a mission to help academics reclaim their time, expand their influence, and redefine success on their own terms.https://www.drtoyinalli.com/Professors! Welcome to The Social Academic. I’m Jennifer van Alstyne (@HigherEdPR). I help academics like you feel confident when you show up online. You have agency in creating a stronger online presence for yourself. Let's build a strong digital footprint through your academic website, social media, and bio writing.https://theacademicdesigner.comThank you for watching! Please subscribe for more videos for your online presence in academia.Want to support The Social Academic? Buy Jennifer a matcha or tea 🍵: https://buymeacoffee.com/higheredpr-Schedule your no pressure Zoom call with Jennifer to talk about working together on your online presence for academics 🌟https://higheredpr.as.me/meet-with-jenniferHere's how we can work together, view services https://theacademicdesigner.com/services/___ Let’s connect on social media ___LinkedIn https://linkedin.com/in/jennifervanalstyne/Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/jenvanalstyne.bsky.socialInstagram https://instagram.com/HigherEdPRTwitter https://x.com/HigherEdPRFacebook https://facebook.com/higheredprThreads https://www.threads.net/@higheredprYouTube https://www.youtube.com/@HigherEdPR

Cheryl Lau, a podcast content strategist and producer, shares her expertise on becoming a standout podcast guest. She offers practical tips like understanding a show's format, communicating effectively with hosts, and enhancing audio quality. Cheryl emphasizes the importance of engaging conversations and sharing resources beforehand. She also encourages academics to showcase their unique stories, whether through personal podcasts or guest appearances, and discusses strategies for maximizing impact after the recording ends.

Join Brittany Trinh, a Ph.D. candidate in chemistry and host of the Beyond Your Science podcast, and Ian Li, the brains behind Owlstown, as they unravel the secrets of personal academic websites. Discover the importance of authenticity in storytelling and how to present your academic journey effectively. They share tips on choosing the right website builder, the balance between aesthetics and functionality, and why showcasing a diverse range of works is crucial for a compelling online presence. Get inspired to elevate your academic digital footprint!

Dr. Lily Rosewater, a science communicator and neuroscientist, runs Pitch Science to help scientists amplify their online presence. She discusses barriers early career researchers face, like imposter syndrome, and the shift from hidden experts to visible advocates. Lily emphasizes the importance of personal branding and high-quality social media content in reaching audiences. She shares insights on transforming research into impactful stories and fostering community among scientists to navigate the nuances of effective science communication.