Guilt, shame, and fear around academic writing show up far more often than we admit. And for many academics, those emotions become so intertwined with our identity that even seeing the phrase "making time to write" can trigger a full-body "Nope!" I was reminded of this last week during the National Women's Studies Association conference in Puerto R…

The holiday season is here, and what better way to celebrate than with some great books? In this special 2025 holiday book review episode, I'm sharing some of my favorite reads from the past year, plus one highly anticipated pre-order for 2026. Reading has always been a way for me to pause, reflect, and explore worlds beyond my own, whether through…

When you reach mid-career in academia, it can feel like you should have everything figured out. But often, that's when the real questions begin. In this episode, I sit down with Michelle, a mid-career scholar and second-round participant in our Navigate program, to talk about what happens after tenure and how she's redefining success on her path to…

After tenure, it can feel like everyone is depending on you, from students to your junior colleagues, your co-authors, and even your family. In this episode, I explore what it really means to lead for legacy at this stage in your academic career. Leadership isn't about taking on more work or moving into administration. It's about how you show up fo…

Have you been told to "step into leadership" on your campus, only to realize what they really meant was taking on more admin work? In this episode, I'm breaking down one of academia's biggest myths: that leadership and administration are the same thing. They're not, and understanding the difference can transform how you approach your academic caree…

Are you feeling stuck, unmotivated, or wondering what happened to the joy you once felt in your academic work? You're not alone. Today, I'm tackling one of the most common and least discussed challenges in the scholarly journey: the mid-career slump. This episode is part of our Mid-Career Series, where I am exploring what it really takes to thrive …

My Mid-Career Series is all about redefining success after tenure and building a career that feels as meaningful as it looks on paper. In this segment, I share one of the hardest truths about the academic journey — what got you here won't get you there. I explore how the habits, priorities, and systems that helped you earn tenure may actually hold …

Many post-tenure professors find themselves more exhausted than ever, despite achieving what they thought would finally bring balance. In this segment of the Mid-Career Podcast Series, I unpack why you're still so dang tired and what you can do to reclaim your energy, focus, and purpose in your academic career. I'll dive into what exhaustion really…

When you finally receive that long-awaited email announcing tenure, you expect it to change everything—less stress, more freedom, and the chance to finally pursue the big dreams you've been putting on hold. But what happens when the reality doesn't live up to the hype? In this episode of the Mid-Career Series, I share my own post-tenure story. From…

Earning tenure is often treated as the finish line of an academic career—but what if it's actually the start of a whole new set of challenges? This episode is part of our Mid-Career Series, where I discuss what life really looks like post-tenure. Too often, scholars expect tenure to mean lighter workloads, more freedom, and clearer direction. In re…

I am excited to kick off the brand-new Mid-Career Podcast Series, where I dive into the realities of academic life after tenure. Mid-career is the longest stretch of the academic journey, often 15 to 20 years, and while it brings stability and experience, it can also feel like uncharted territory. Many academics discover that the freedoms they imag…

What should take priority in your academic career right now: rewriting grant proposals or getting your papers published? In this episode, I offer a hot take that might make you pause—and rethink – how you're spending your precious writing time. Grants are, of course, essential for research. They fund our projects, sustain our labs, and provide the …

Have you ever sat down to write and felt completely stuck, frustrated, or drained—wondering why it feels so much harder than any other part of your academic work? In this episode, I dive into the reality that writing is hard because it's meant to be. The intellectual work of interpreting data, structuring arguments, and expressing your ideas clearl…

Have you ever found yourself buried under the weight of the very success you worked so hard to achieve? Winning a giant grant or getting the opportunity to head your own research center are amazing accomplishments. With success comes new responsibilities that demand unique skillsets – good problems to have, but ones you need to manage to avoid burn…

What happens when the most challenging part of leadership isn't the work, but the weight of emotions you're expected to carry? In this episode, I dive into the hidden emotional labor of leadership, sharing stories from my own life—both at home and in professional settings—to explore how leaders, especially women, navigate the delicate balance of aw…

In today's special episode, I share a conversation with my friend and fellow writing coach, Dr. Anna Clemens. Anna helps scientists write their articles, and she invited me to join a live stream on her YouTube channel to discuss the benefits of creating an intentional writing season. Anna and I explore how to transform writing from a source of anxi…

If you've ever thought "it's not just about time—I don't have the energy" when it comes to your writing, you are not alone. In this episode, Dr. Abigail Hogan joins me to talk about how she's learned to align her writing practice with her energy patterns, and why doing so has been transformational for both her scholarship and her well-being. Dr. Ho…

If you've ever said, "I'd love to join Navigate, but I just don't have the time," this episode is for you. Today, I'm joined by Dr. Janet McCabe, who brings honesty and real-world insight into what it looks like to invest in your writing during a busy and emotionally challenging season. We talk about her initial hesitation to join Navigate, the fea…

Do you want to take on new projects or tackle more writing and publications but feel like the number one thing holding you back is time? What if I told you capacity isn't fixed, you can build it? Today, I'm sharing what capacity building means and how intentionally growing your capacity can help you do more of the work that matters without burning …

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…

Are you struggling to get back into academic writing after a break? Or maybe you're afraid to change your writing schedule because you think you'll lose momentum. In this episode, I'll show you how to step away from your writing without derailing your progress and how to return to it without losing your rhythm. In this episode, I explore the concep…

Do you feel like you are behind on your summer writing goals? You're not alone, and you're not failing. It's time to normalize readjusting your summer writing plans without shame. In this episode, I guide you through a midsummer writing check-in. This flexible process will help you reassess your academic writing goals and realign them with your cur…

Are you constantly being asked to do more than your role requires because others around you aren't stepping up? You might be getting pulled into a leadership vacuum. In this final episode of the Leadership Series, I define what a leadership vacuum is and explain why so many mid-career academics—especially those in middle-management roles—get pulled…

We're in the middle of a series on academic leadership, and today, I focus on the foundation: leading yourself. In this episode, I unpack what self-leadership really means: making decisions grounded in your mission and values that shape who you become, not just what you produce. I'll explain why embracing seasonality—intentionally focusing on writi…

Writing and publishing might feel like individual, behind-the-scenes tasks. But what if your ability to lead in academia starts with how you show up for your own writing? In this episode, I discuss why taking control of your writing and publishing is not merely about checking off boxes for tenure or seeking validation. It's about developing the lea…

Do you cringe at the idea of being a manager in academia? You're not alone, but it's time for a mindset shift. In this new podcast series on leadership in academia, I'm making the case that becoming a manager isn't just likely -- it's inevitable. In fact, it's a sign that your academic career is growing, your influence is expanding, and your work i…

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…

Have you ever looked at your calendar, blocked out a few hours to write, and then… nothing? The blank screen stares back, your cursor blinks mockingly, and you start wondering—how long should this take? Why is this so hard to estimate? In this episode, I'm talking all about one of the biggest hidden obstacles to academic writing success: estimating…

You've developed the project management skills, but now the question is: how do you know when it's time to introduce a project management tool into your workflow? In this episode, I guide you through determining when you're ready for a project management tool. I discuss what to look for, how to choose one that addresses your specific needs, and the…

Are you stuck in a cycle of trying out new project management tools—Trello, Asana, Notion—only to abandon them weeks later? You're not alone. No tool will save your writing or publication pipeline if you haven't first developed core project management skills. In this episode, I explain why building project management skills must come before adoptin…

Welcome to a brand-new series on Academic Writing Amplified - project management for academic writing! Over the next few episodes, I'll guide you through how to treat your writing like the complex, ongoing project it truly is. I'll show you how to build systems that help you manage multiple due dates, balance competing responsibilities, and stay in…

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. C…

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 ex…

Katelyn joined Navigate under unusual circumstances: she was trying to figure out the transition into her assistant professor role, after having been a doctoral student and a full-time researcher at the same institution. She wanted support figuring out her academic mission (especially how it would be different from her advisor's and P.I.'s), and ho…

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 fo…

Universities have been around for over a thousand years. They've persisted through war, famine, plague, natural disasters, vast shifts in people's beliefs about them and what they are for. That's because universities are self-preserving. They adapt. Look right now at how your university is adapting. Are they partnering with you to solve problems? A…

In this bonus episode, I share a featured interview with Navigate program alumni, Dr. Anne Vo. She reflects on her experience transitioning from an administrative role to faculty and how the Navigate program helped her rediscover her academic focus. Anne's story is a powerful reminder that career transitions—whether leaving or returning to academic…

In this episode, I dive deeper into the ongoing impact of the current U.S. administration on higher education, particularly focusing on the financial pressures universities face due to federal funding freezes. I discuss how these cuts are threatening the foundation of academic research and what academics can do to take charge of their careers amid …

In the concluding episode of the podcast series, Should I Quit Academia, I address how the current US president and administration are impacting higher education. From federal cuts affecting grants and research to reductions in funding to institutions and students, a lot of disruption is happening in academia. During this time of uncertainty, it ma…

Have you ever wondered about careers outside of academia? Or are you considering leaving the world of research and teaching behind? Transitioning from academia to a writing-focused career or exploring new ways to get your voice into your industry can be exciting and overwhelming. In today's episode, I am joined by Jennie Nash. Jennie is the CEO of …

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 p…

Ready to discover alternative career paths in academia? My latest podcast series celebrates the inspiring journeys of diverse academic women who have created success on their terms. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Jane Jones, and she shares her journey from academia to becoming a successful writing coach. With a Ph.D. in sociology, Jane secure…

Higher education is in crisis! In today's episode, I explore how academia has been entangled in a fast-paced capitalist model, exploiting faculty and prioritizing output over meaningful academic work. I challenge professors to confront these unsustainable practices and take action to remake and reform their careers. As a scholar, you can break free…

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 th…

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…

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 pla…

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…

In today's episode, I welcome Dr. Becky Dawson back to the podcast. Dr. Becky has chosen to direct her academic work to public scholarship. She's one of my most inspiring clients, and her journey shows how public-facing scholarship can be a career-defining move and a way to make real, tangible impacts on the community. From regular TV segments to h…

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, y…

Academia is evolving, and the upcoming administrative and political shifts in 2025 can lead to feelings of fear and uncertainty. While we don't know the impact of these changes yet, it's important to acknowledge that your relationship with academia and your career may look different over the next four years. Whether you're a researcher, a professor…