Welcome to the second episode of the ‘Emotions and Writing’ podcast series. Today, we are tackling procrastination. Procrastination is usually associated with negative self-talk, like laziness or ineptitude. But the real reason behind it is emotional. I start the episode by discussing how academics think about procrastination and why that mindset b…

I am launching a new podcast series,' Emotions and Writing.' In this series, we will cover the most common emotions people struggle with when writing in their academic careers. After the strong response to our episode, 'You Can't Write When You're Mad,' I was inspired to delve deeper into how emotions influence writing practice. In today's episode,…

On today's bonus episode I'm addressing a thought that might be keeping you from applying or enrolling in Navigate. Fear that you may fail at Navigate? Join me as I address this common fear. We're receiving applications for our next cohort of Navigate: Your Writing Roadmap®! Check out the program details and start your application process here. CON…

The Navigate program takes about two hours per week over the course of 12 weeks: one hour to watch the recorded material and do the exercises, and one hour to attend the live call. Instead of investing in the program, should you just write for two more hours a week? Catch today's bonus episode to hear more about this. We're receiving applications f…

You deserve to have the best career possible. If you are struggling with writing and a clogged pipeline, don’t wait for it to get better. In today’s episode, I discuss why academics don’t get professional development or writing help because they wait for circumstances to change. When you say, “I’ll wait until it gets better,” you are really saying,…

Working closely with Navigate clients in both Round 1 and Round 2 of the program, breaking writing projects into tasks and estimating how long it will take to finish those tasks has been a consistent sticking point. And finally, a few months ago, I had an “ah-ha” breakthrough to address this sticking point. In today’s bonus episode I explain the la…

In today’s bonus episode I answer the most frequently asked questions about our Navigate program. I explain the structure, content, and benefits of Navigate, including the coaching sessions, writing support, and the application process. If you're considering joining, I'll guide you through what to expect and how to make the most of the program. Joi…

In this next segment of the co-authoring series, I address common thoughts and problems academics have when writing with students. Working with students is a learning process, a part of the professorship that no one teaches you how to do. The guidelines for co-authoring with students are the same as for co-authoring with colleagues. The main differ…

If you’re a long-time listener, you might be considering the Navigate program, but also wondering, “What else could you possibly have to teach me, Cathy?” In today’s bonus episode I explain why Navigate is right for you even if you have heard every podcast episode. We're receiving applications for our next cohort of Navigate: Your Writing Roadmap®!…

In today’s bonus podcast episode, hear Dr. Noor Sayed as she reflects on the connections she made during the Navigate program and how they helped her face some of the most difficult moments in her career so far. If you are looking for other academics who share your desire to publish your backlog of papers and to live a fulfilling life and career, N…

Today’s episode is another segment in the co-authoring series. Many academics attribute a clogged pipeline to working on a project with a co-author. This episode is dedicated to discussing the potential obstacles of co-authoring with a colleague and how to avoid delays in publishing team projects. First, I will give an overview of the definition of…

Welcome to the new podcast series on co-authoring! Each week, I will tackle a new topic related to co-authoring so you can confidently navigate collaborations and avoid publication backlogs. Today's episode is the cornerstone of our series, Co-Authoring 101. I provide a 'co-author checklist' and detail essential steps you should take before writing…

Are you overwhelmed by your backlog of papers? Today’s episode is a master class in clearing your pipeline. Most academics get trapped in a cycle of fear and blame that stalls their writing process and keeps them from creating the career they want. My master class on publishing your backlog of papers addresses the critical mindset shift you need to…

Today, I am spotlighting a problem so many academics cite as the reason they are delayed in submitting articles or books for publication: perfectionism and self-editing. Specifically, I am addressing the writing stage, where the project is nearly done, but something beyond formatting or copyediting is holding you back from submitting it for review.…

Today's topic—You Can't Write When You're Mad—came to me after a conversation with my friend. We have all experienced how emotions, especially anger, can seriously impact our writing ability. Whether it's dealing with unfair treatment at work, frustrating feedback from reviewers, or just the general stress of academic life, these emotional hurdles …

Today, I welcome Jane Jones back to the podcast! Jane is a development editor and writing coach specializing in supporting women and non-binary scholars in academia. She focuses on developing sustainable book-writing practices to prevent burnout and overwhelm. Join us for a conversation about replicating hierarchies when seeking or responding to fe…

Today's episode concludes the podcast series focused on outlining the real stages of the academic career. The final career stage in academia is 'Enjoying Your Legacy.' Now that you have established a foundation for others to continue your work, it is time to enjoy the relaxed institutional pressure and uplift other individuals in your field. The En…

We are progressing through the podcast series focused on the real stages of the academic career based on your development as a professional. In today's episode, I introduce the fourth career stage: Building Your Legacy. Building Your Legacy comes post-tenure. It is the most challenging career stage in academics because it demands a radical shift an…

Welcome to episode three of my podcast series, The Real Stages of the Academic Career. Today, I am discussing the 'Planting Your Flag' stage closely linked to tenure. Planting Your Flag is a crucial stage because it revolves around declaring your academic mission and showing why you're indispensable to your institution. This stage can be high-stake…

Welcome back to the ongoing series on the real stages of the academic career! In the last episode, I introduced the apprenticeship stage. Today, I am focusing on "Stepping Into Your Own," a pivotal phase where scholars begin to carve out their unique identities separate from their advisors. The 'Stepping Into Your Own' stage is complex, demanding, …

Welcome to the first episode of my new podcast series, Understanding the Real Stages of the Academic Career. I will discuss writing, relationships, research, and time management strategies for each stage and share best practices from my experience as an academic writing coach. Today’s episode focuses on the first career stage, learning/apprenticesh…

The "received" stages of an academic career are very linear and do not capture the true responsibilities, workload, or goals within an academic career. I have worked with hundreds of women and nonbinary professors, so I have a unique perspective on the academic career–one built through observation of many different scholars in many different types …

In today's episode, I introduce special guest Karen Grace-Martin, the owner of The Analysis Factor, a statistical support business. Karen's company is a resource every academic should lean on. Regardless of your field, The Analysis Factor will help with quantitative data analysis. Every researcher needs statistical support, and utilizing statistica…

In this episode, I discuss publishing for promotion within academia. As you navigate and plan your academic career, it's essential to understand how publishing intersects with each stage of a professorship. From the early years leading up to the first promotion to the later stages of tenure and beyond, strategic publishing plays a crucial role in s…

Today's podcast episode is designed to help you figure out your summer writing plan while you listen. If you have a backlog of papers and you want to maximize your summer writing, start with this podcast episode. Then, if you like my style of teaching, apply for this summer’s cohort of Navigate, where you’ll experience the training, co-writing, and…

Kirstie McAllum is an alumna of our Navigate: Your Writing Roadmap® 12-week program. On today's episode, Kirstie shares her experience in Navigate. In Navigate, Kirstie worked to develop her decision-making skills through mission-driven time and project management (which–spoiler alert!–is the REAL way you will learn to say “no,” cut back on overwor…

You have the deep-rooted knowledge and experience to create the career and life that you want! But first, you must filter through all the messages about what work looks like and the social and cultural nuances in academia so you can act on your self-trust. In today's episode, I explore the importance of trusting oneself amidst the bombardment of so…

On today’s bonus podcast episode, I’m revisiting the Ideal Week and explaining an up-leveled way to use it to create the career (and life) you want. If you want spaciousness in your calendar, time to think and read and write, then this bonus podcast episode is for you! When you create your Ideal Week in our Navigate program, you do so after you hav…

Michelle Espino is an alumna of our Navigate: Your Writing Roadmap® 12-week program. On today's episode, Michelle shares her experience in the Navigate! More about Michelle: Dr. Michelle M. Espino (she/ella) is a first-generation college student and an associate professor in the Higher Education, Student Affairs, and International Education Policy …

In today's episode, I review Cal Newport's latest book, Slow Productivity: The Lost Art of Accomplishment Without Burnout. I loved his book Deep Think and recommend it often. I was excited to read his newest work and wanted to relay my thoughts and insights to you! In Slow Productivity: The Lost Art of Accomplishment Without Burnout, Cal addresses …

In the age of “productivity hacks” and “there’s an app for that,” you might be pursuing tools for time and project management instead of the actual skills needed for better time and project management. In Navigate, we teach mission-guided time and project management skills. You will refine your self-trust, self-knowing, and academic mission. These …

Cindy Cordoba Arroyo is an alumna of our Navigate: Your Writing Roadmap® 12-week program. On today's episode, Cindy shares her experience in the Navigate August 2023 Cohort. More about Cindy: Cindy Cordoba Arroyo, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor in the Apparel Merchandising and Management (AMM) Department at California State Polytechnic University…

Today's episode tackles a topic weighing on my mind: how the sale of attention impacts our writing and publishing endeavors. I delve into the intricate ways social media platforms and apps are designed to capture and retain our attention, often at the expense of our productivity and focus. Smartphones and streaming services have made access to cont…

In today's episode, I discuss embracing seasonality in academia. As academics, we are so lucky that our careers have a natural seasonality, and it's time to leverage it! Whether it's the slow beginnings of a new term or the whirlwind of activity leading up to finals - instead of seeing these ebbs and flows as obstacles, I share why we should embrac…

The waitlist for the next cohort of Navigate opens on March 25th! If you have been a frequent podcast listener or are a professor ready to change your relationship with writing and publications, now is the time to get on the Navigate waitlist so that you can be the first to apply to our next cohort! Today’s episode is a Navigate information session…

In this episode, I explore the universal struggle of managing writing time in academia. Learning how to accurately estimate how long it takes to complete a paper is one obstacle academics must overcome to publish more. First, I highlight the two non-negotiables for effective writing project management. Then, I present two distinct methods to help y…

In a previous episode, I underscored the importance of cultivating project management skills before investing in a project management tool. Today, I shift focus to those who need to implement a tool into their workflow. I give tips on how to know if you are ready to use a tool and guidelines for selecting the right tool for your needs. A project ma…

Have you ever found yourself on autopilot, cruising through familiar roads without consciously realizing it? I recently had one of those moments, and it got me thinking about the power of default mode. Our brains love defaults – those ingrained habits and routines that save energy and reduce decision-making. But here's the catch – default mode isn'…

I am back to working as the primary writing coach in our Navigate Program, and that shift has sparked some new thoughts about writing and academic writing practice. In today's episode, I cover everything from defining the components of an enduring writing practice to the role of writing retreats in clearing out your backlog of papers. So tune in to…

In today’s episode, I share the role of writing retreats within the context of the Soaring System—a method I've developed for cultivating a sustainable and relationship-based writing practice. I highlight the significance of writing retreats in the Soaring writing system, addressing common misconceptions and showcasing how they can be a powerful ca…

I am officially launching my new mission statement for Scholar’s Voice™! After reflecting on my experiments and expertise over the past seven years, I decided it was time to redefine the purpose, goals, and future of Scholar’s Voice™ so I can make long-lasting and impactful changes to the culture of academia. So, here it is - My mission is to chang…

Peer-reviewed publications can propel your career. What you choose to publish directly affects your impact on your field. However, the number one problem early academics and tenure-track professors face is pressure to publish as much as possible. Lack of discernment causes overwork and burnout and dilutes your impact. In today's episode, I'm unlock…

Whether it's funding for our Summer Retreat or the upcoming Navigate Program, asking your university to invest in your professional development isn't just about finances – it's about unlocking a world of possibilities for your growth and success as an academic. Too often, professors view asking for funding as a weakness, but I want you to consider …

In today's episode, I'm serving up some tough love. Too many academics are drenched in victimhood, and in 2024, victimhood isn't the place to be! So, I am exposing those negative thoughts that keep academics trapped in a victim mentality and sharing ways to transform them into empowering agentive beliefs. We only get to have one working life, and w…

Finding more time to write will not solve your publication pipeline problem! If you struggle to balance writing and publications, this episode is for you! Today, I talk about the relationship between writing and your career. There is a strong correlation between publication count and career advancement in academia. If you are listening to this podc…

Happy New Year! As we enter 2024, it is the perfect time to revisit my philosophy about creating a 90% awesome career. I accept nothing less than a fantastic career, and this is a privilege available to all professors. Everyone deserves the best career possible, and I want you to be inspired to create a great academic career. In today’s episode, I …

Welcome to the final podcast episode of 2023! Today, I wanted to connect the podcast’s focus on professional development, project management skills, and writing practice development to holiday gift giving. Whether you are searching for the perfect gift for a colleague, graduate student, friend, or family member, my shortlist of book reviews has you…

Have you tried project management tools like Trello, Asana, or Monday but still struggle to get publications out on time? Project management tools will not solve your project management problems. First, you need to develop a robust set of project management skills. In today’s episode, I break down the difference between project management skills an…

Are you an academic who is struggling to get articles published? You only need to spend two hours per week writing to clear your publication pipeline. I know two hours doesn’t seem like enough time, but trust me - this method is more effective than your current writing strategy! In this episode, I share why two hours of writing a week is enough. Fi…

Academics come to Scholar’s Voice™ and the Navigate program seeking a solution to escape a binge-and-bust writing cycle, redefine their academic mission statement, and clear out their publication pipeline. Writing every day or in long panicked stretches is not sustainable and makes consistent publications impossible. But today, I want to share how …