Stay ConnectedThe 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.
Copyright: © Cathy Mazak
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 explore how vulnerability and community are essential for sustainable success in academia.
If you've ever felt like you're drowning in writing due dates, unsure how to unclog your publication pipeline, or just tired of doing it all alone, this episode is your invitation to reimagine what's possible when scholars come together. Community is closer than you think. Tune in to discover how building connections in academia is essential for creating the career you want.
For full show notes visit scholarsvoice.org/podcast.
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.
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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 how she could publish her backlog of papers while carving out her own research area. Within the supportive Navigate group, she found that. Though her circumstances were different, her core problems were the same as the other in her cohort: clarity of mission, holding boundaries, and solving writing problems versus tasks.
More about Katelyn:Katelyn Carr is an Assistant Professor at the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo. She studies eating behaviors and motivation in parents and children.
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.
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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 for academics navigating today's tumultuous social and political climate. This isn't about toxic positivity—it's about recognizing the real threats facing our institutions and careers while reclaiming our agency, skills, and purpose. I unpack how your past experiences, values, and professional expertise prepare you to move forward—deliberately, powerfully, and with integrity.
If you're feeling stuck, discouraged, or unsure how to move forward, this episode is for you. Listen in to reconnect with your academic mission, clarify your values, and remember just how much strength you already carry.
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. 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:
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? Are they saying "keep your heads down and pivot"? Are they saying "don't worry we've got this" but aren't actually in conversation with you about how? Are they placing the burden of adapting squarely on YOUR shoulders?
In 2025, you need to think carefully about your relationship to your institution and DECIDE what it is going to be.
Here are some questions to help you get started:
What is my responsibility to my institution, and what is its responsibility to me?
What are my values? What are my institution's values (the ones it is showing you right now, not the ones in the strategic plan)? How are these aligned or misaligned?
If your institution is not bending over backwards to save you, how much energy should you be using to save it?
There is no one "right" way to relate to your university. YOU get to decide. The university and your position in it is just one container through which to do the work. YOU get to decide your relationship to the container.
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:
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 life—can be challenging but incredibly rewarding when supported with structure, community, and tools for success. Anne shares her personal insights on overcoming fears, setting boundaries, and reclaiming time for scholarly work.
If you're considering a career shift or simply want to boost your productivity and reclaim your academic time, this conversation is a must-listen! Tune in and hear more about Anne's journey and how the tools she learned in Navigate empowered her to thrive in her 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. 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:
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 this uncertainty.
Rather than fueling fear, I aim to provide practical strategies for overcoming these challenges. I encourage you to stay connected to your purpose and mission in academia, even if it means adapting to new ways of doing your work.
Are you ready to regain control of your academic career and navigate these tumultuous times with confidence? Tune in for valuable insights and actionable advice.
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:
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 may seem like quitting academia is more appealing than ever. I give you a series of questions to ask yourself to see if a career pivot is the right choice. My goal is to help you make a decision based on a belief in your value, not fear. The stability of academia is an illusion, and recognizing it will help you protect yourself and move forward with clarity and intention.
Do I think higher ed is going anywhere? No. However, it is clear that significant changes are happening and will continue to happen during this presidential term. I encourage you to reflect on my questions in this episode and think about how you want to impact your field and get your voice out into the world.
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:
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 Author Accelerator, a book coaching certification program that works with coaches and writers all over the world.
We delve into the power of writing—whether for academic papers, books, or other forms of storytelling—and the importance of defining your purpose and audience. We also explore the role of a book coach, offering insights into how they help writers shape their ideas, navigate challenges, and find their voice.
If you're looking to refine your writing and connect with your reader more effectively, this episode is for you. Listen in to discover how to turn your ideas into impactful publications.
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:
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:
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 secured a tenure-track position, but after facing several challenges in academia, she decided to leave. Today, she runs a thriving writing coaching business specializing in helping scholars write books. Her story highlights the realities of academia, particularly for marginalized individuals, and the process of transitioning out of it to pursue a more fulfilling career path.
Throughout our conversation, we break down the importance of self-awareness, identifying harmful institutional policies, and support for academics at all stages of their career. Whether you are writing a book, navigating the pressures of academia, or simply wanting to manage your time more effectively, this episode delivers key insights into what can be possible when you pivot from professorship.
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:
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