Mindful Academy

In this episode of The Mindful Academy Podcast, host Jennifer sits down with Lisa Monro, an academic publication consultant, to discuss the essential yet often overlooked skill of academic writing. Lisa shares her journey from historian to writing coach and dives into the structural challenges of publishing, particularly for women and scholars of color. They explore argument formation, the intricacies of peer review, and the importance of fostering a supportive writing community. Whether you’re a scholar looking to refine your work or someone navigating the complexities of academia, this episode offers valuable insights into making the publication process smoother and more successful.Resources:Learn more about LisaWriting Your Journal Article in Twelve Weeks: A Guide to Academic Publishing Success (second edition)

In this insightful episode, Jennifer talks with Anna Clemens, a PhD chemist turned writing coach, about her journey from science journalism to founding the Researchers’ Writing Academy. Anna shares how her love of writing during her challenging PhD years inspired her to help other academics write and publish more efficiently—particularly those aiming for high-impact journals. Show Notes:Learn more about AnnaAnna's Podcast on bullet journalingUnstressable, the book 

In this episode of the Mindful Academy podcast, Jennifer Askey chats with Jennifer Van Alstyne, an expert who helps academics enhance their online presence. They discuss moving beyond the typical, bland faculty website to create dynamic and authentic online spaces that reflect individual research and personalities. Jennifer Van Alstyne shares her entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing mindful self-promotion and effective social media strategies without feeling overwhelmed. The conversation also touches on the personal journeys of academics, including themes of healing, self-authorship, and balancing professional demands with personal well-being. Jennifer Van Alstyne provides valuable resources and advice, including her website, The Academic Designer, and information about an upcoming website contest, to help academics improve their online visibility and share their stories effectively.Resources:The Social Academic blog https://theacademicdesigner.com/blog/Free online presence course https://higheredpr.teachable.com/p/free-online-presence-course

As we transition from the Year of the Dragon to the Year of the Snake, we embrace what my friend calls the Do-Over New Year—a second chance to realign our goals and intentions. In this episode, we dive into the idea of alignment—ensuring that the work we do and the ways we spend our time truly reflect our values and desired impact. Joining me is Carole Chabries who is crystal clear about their business goals, the clients they serve, and the impact they want to make. Together, we explore how to stay in alignment and create meaningful work that feels right. Carole's Role Call deck: https://theclareogroup.com/rolecallThe Art of Gathering book https://www.priyaparker.com/book-art-of-gatheringThe book on meetings from Harvard Jennifer referenced: https://hbr.org/1976/03/how-to-run-a-meeting

In our latest Mindful Academy podcast episode, we explore the critical need for institutional change in higher education with Rebecca Pope, author and faculty development expert. Learn about her appreciative inquiry programs and her books, including 'Unraveling Faculty Burnout.' Rebecca's books: https://theagileacademic.com/books/Nick Petrie on Burnout: https://nicholaspetrie.com/aboutKate Linder's coaching program: https://www.higheredcoaches.com/

In this episode of The Mindful Academy, Carol Chabries and Jennifer discuss academic leadership. Carol is the founder of the Clario Group, which supports leaders in higher education. They talk about originality and the need for leaders to embrace templates and simplicity. They also discuss the post-pandemic world and the need for leaders to interrupt themselves and give themselves space to think. Carol and Jennifer also announce two upcoming events they are doing together: Impact 2025, a half-day online workshop on February 11th, and a workshop in September.Show Notes:Clareo Group, Carole Chabries: https://theclareogroup.com/From PhD to Life, Jen Polk: https://fromphdtolife.com/Create the Future, Jenny Mehmedovic: https://www.createthefuture.online/Books by Lisa Feldman Barret:https://lisafeldmanbarrett.com/books/how-emotions-are-made/https://lisafeldmanbarrett.com/books/seven-and-a-half-lessons-about-the-brain/

In this episode of The Mindful Academy, I dive into the critical topic of mental health in academia, inspired by a recent Nature article that sheds light on the struggles PhD students face. Drawing on my experiences as a coach and former professor, I reflect on how systemic challenges—like financial pressures, isolation, competitiveness, and difficult supervisor relationships—can lead to anxiety, burnout, and depression. These challenges don’t just affect students; they ripple out, influencing academics at all career stages.I also share some of my favorite strategies for maintaining mental health hygiene, including mindfulness, movement, connecting with a supportive community, and staying grounded in your personal values. Plus, I discuss the importance of seeking help through resources like employee assistance programs, coaching, and peer support. Whether you’re a graduate student, a postdoc, or an established academic, this episode is a reminder that your well-being matters—and that you’re not alone in facing these challenges.

In this episode of The Mindful Academy, we explore insights from Dr. Amy Edmondson’s book, The Right Kind of Wrong, on embracing intelligent failure in volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) environments. Learn how persistence, reflection, accountability, and apology can transform failure into growth and foster compassionate leadership. Perfect for leaders, learners, and anyone navigating today’s challenges—tune in to discover how to fail wisely and lead better. 

In this episode, I share insights from the Institute of Coaching Conference in Boston, featuring Dr. Alicia Moreland-Capuia's impactful work on trauma-aware organizations. Dr. Moreland-Capuia, a neuroscientist, emphasizes the need for compassion in healthcare and leadership, offering a powerful takeaway: trauma-informed support means "hear me, protect me, prepare me, support me, care for me." She explores how fear-based policies can be limiting, advocating instead for policies rooted in hope to build equitable, supportive workplaces. Join me as we dive into creating healing-centered, compassionate environments for lasting change. 

In this episode of The Mindful Academy, I discuss the role of a coach as a facilitator, specifically focusing on how coaches can assist teams and departments in academia. Drawing on a recent Mayo Clinic Proceedings study, I outline how facilitative coaching differs from traditional corporate training, emphasizing collaboration and mutual growth.The episode explores three key ways coaches can facilitate group progress:Assessments: Tools like DISC, MBTI, and emotional intelligence inventories help individuals and teams understand their working styles and foster shared vocabulary, which can improve collaboration.Workshops & Strategic Planning: Customized workshops based on team needs, such as vision-building or resilience training, allow groups to align their goals and processes, particularly in response to new leadership or changing mandates.Professional Development: Offering specialized development opportunities for academic teams, often overlooked in universities, can provide much-needed growth in areas like leadership, resilience, and imposter syndrome.The episode concludes with a reminder that bringing in an outside facilitator offers fresh perspectives, neutral guidance, and allows academic leaders to be active participants in team development. I encourage listeners to reach out for more information about coaching and facilitation in academic settings.