Mindful Academy

In the final 2025 episode of Mindful Academy, host Jennifer Askey is joined by consultant and academic life coach Mya Andersen of Student Empowered. The discussion delves into the challenges and transformations faced by first-year college students, emphasizing skills like self-authorship and self-advocacy. Maya shares insights from her work helping students and their families prepare for and thrive in the college environment. They also explore the broader issues of undergraduate education, the pressure of professionalization, and the value of a college degree in today's evolving landscape.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

01:06 Mya Anderson's Background and Approach

02:56 Impact of COVID on Higher Education

05:51 Challenges in Student Services

11:26 The Value of an Undergraduate Degree

16:07 Navigating College and Personal Growth

25:56 Supporting Students Through Challenges

35:37 Mentoring Adolescents for Success

37:53 High Stakes in Higher Education

38:40 Treating College Like a Big Ticket Item

43:41 The Professionalization of Undergraduate Degrees

49:01 The Importance of Coaching and Career Services

52:43 Challenges Faced by Faculty and Students

58:26 Gen Z and the Changing Educational Landscape

01:06:42 Concluding Thoughts and Resources

Resources: 

10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People. A Groundbreaking Approach to Leading the Next Generation – and Making Your Own Life Easier, by David Yeager

https://thestudentempowered.com/

https://www.instagram.com/the_student_empowered/

In this episode of The Mindful Academy, host Jennifer Askey interviews Lisa Leander, the founder and CEO of WiBE. Initially launched as the Women in Business Education Network, WiBE has pivoted to a more inclusive mission focusing on where imagination builds excellence. Leander shares her journey of founding WiBE during the pandemic, growing its membership, and the recent pivot to include both men and women in creative leadership roles. The discussion delves into the importance of leading with curiosity, fostering a supportive and innovative community, and maintaining a sense of joy even in challenging times. They also touch upon the significance of personal branding, creative problem-solving, and the necessity of psychological safety in fostering innovation. Throughout the interview, both Leander and Askey emphasize the value of community, strategic networking, and finding ways to sustain one’s creative spirit in both professional and personal spheres.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:07 Meet Lisa Leander: Founder of WiBE
01:11 The Birth and Evolution of WiBE
02:57 Creative Leadership and Changes in Education
05:15 Leading with Curiosity
09:14 Embracing Creativity and Innovation
17:01 Navigating Challenges in Higher Education
19:52 The Importance of Community and Support
22:48 Inclusivity and Future Directions for WiBE
28:31 Understanding University Budget Models
28:57 The Importance of Inner Circles
29:52 Navigating Leadership Challenges
30:55 Embracing Innovation and Creativity
32:16 Surviving Toxic Work Environments
34:22 Building a Supportive Community
37:11 The Value of Personal Branding
42:08 Leveraging Visibility for Opportunities
49:29 Upcoming Events and Final Thoughts

In this episode of The Mindful Academy, host Jennifer Askey speaks with Dr. Steve Haberlin from the University of Central Florida. Dr. Haberlin discusses his extensive background in meditation and mindfulness, beginning with his martial arts training in the 1980s, and how these practices have influenced his academic journey. The conversation delves into the integration of mindfulness into educational settings, specifically how Dr. Haberlin incorporates meditation into his classroom to help students manage stress and enhance learning. They also explore the connection between mindfulness and the body, and touch on Dr. Haberlin upcoming book, 'Meta-Meditation,' which addresses the intersection of meditation with modern technologies such as neurofeedback, virtual reality, and AI. This episode offers valuable insights for educators and leaders interested in incorporating mindfulness practices into their personal and professional lives.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

00:48 Steve's Journey into Meditation

03:54 The Benefits of Meditation

12:59 Teaching Meditation in the Classroom

18:15 Embodiment and Mind-Body Connection

26:43 Upcoming Book and Future Insights

27:34 Exploring Digital Mindfulness Tools

27:47 Neural Feedback and Meditation

28:46 Virtual Reality Meditation

29:19 Navigating Meditation Technology

30:00 Pedal Assist Bikes and Meditation

31:19 E-Bikes and Meditation Practice

33:31 The Evolution of Meditation Practices

34:09 Challenges in Sustaining Meditation Practices

37:42 Personalizing Meditation Practices

41:56 Meditation for Academics and Professionals

43:46 The Timelessness of Meditation

50:34 Conclusion and Resources

Resources: 

Deepak Chopra’s meditation training

Emily Fletcher and Ziva Meditation

Muse neural feedback headband

Steve Haberlin’s books and articles

In this episode of the Mindful Academy interview series, host Jennifer Askie engages in an illuminating conversation with Dr. LaNysha Adams, author and survivor of sudden cardiac arrest, who joins from Albuquerque. They discuss LaNysha's book, her survival story, and the significant leadership lessons derived from her ordeal. The conversation expands into a broader discussion on the principles of mindful and values-based leadership in higher education, particularly focusing on the year 2025. Jennifer and LaNysha delve into the importance of personal agency, psychological safety in the workplace, and the role of self-reflection in effective leadership. Dr. Adams also shares insights into her current role at Santa Fe Community College, leading the Student Wellness Center, and the innovative practices she employs to maintain wellness among her staff and students. The episode underscores the vital connection between personal wellness and professional effectiveness, offering practical tools and strategies to implement in everyday leadership.

FREE AUDIO BOOK LINK HERE: https://audio.mepowerbooks.com/

Find LaNysha Adams on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lanysha/

And IG: https://www.instagram.com/edlinguist/

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:52 Guest Introduction: Dr. LaNysha Adams

02:12 Navigating Higher Education Challenges

04:45 Personal Identity and Professional Growth

07:59 Surviving Sudden Cardiac Arrest

09:14 Life After Cardiac Arrest

22:06 Writing 'Me Power' During the Pandemic

27:05 Exploring Self-Relationship Post-Cardiac Arrest

27:39 The Concept of 'Me Power' and Self-Awareness

29:42 Practical Empowerment Strategies

30:48 The Importance of Reflection and Self-Care

32:28 Embodiment and Academic Challenges

34:47 The Role of Journaling and Reflection

36:19 Understanding the Body's Intelligence

38:00 Creating Space for Wellness

41:22 Leadership and Wellness Practices

45:17 Top Tools for Personal and Professional Wellness

53:59 Community College Wellness Initiatives

56:27 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Creating Cultures of Safety and Alignment in Academia

In this episode of The Mindful Academy, host Jennifer Askey delves into the importance of psychological safety and alignment within academic institutions. Building on her previous discussion about coaching skills for leaders, Jennifer explores how creating a culture of respect and excellence can enhance psychological safety for staff and faculty members. She emphasizes the roles of academic chairs, shared governance, and the evolving nature of higher education. Key points include strategies for fostering an environment where individuals feel safe to express themselves, the significance of departmental alignment, and the challenges of balancing independence with collaboration. Jennifer also shares insights from her consulting work and offers practical advice for academic leaders aiming to cultivate a supportive and high-achieving culture. The episode includes calls for audience engagement and previews future topics in mindful leadership and academic coaching.

00:00 Introduction to The Mindful Academy

00:36 Building on Coaching Skills: Psychological Safety and Alignment

03:16 Creating a Positive Department Culture

06:50 Navigating Generational Differences in Academia

13:12 Aligning Department Goals and Priorities

21:09 Fostering Psychological Safety through Alignment

22:30 Conclusion and Contact Information

In this episode of Mindful Academy, Jennifer Askey discusses the importance of coaching skills for academic leaders. Drawing on her recent experience with department chairs at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, Jennifer explains how incorporating coaching techniques can alleviate the burden of being the sole problem-solver. She introduces key coaching practices like waiting before responding, asking open-ended questions, and helping to define goals. These methods can help create a collaborative and positive departmental culture, essential for mutual success. Jennifer also previews that future episodes will dive into promoting shared vision and psychological safety within academic departments.

00:00 Welcome to the Mindful Academy

00:07 The Importance of Coaching Skills for Academic Leaders

00:18 Coaching Skills in Practice: A Case Study from Nebraska

03:39 The Role of Department Chairs in Creating a Positive Environment

06:38 The Challenges Faced by Academic Leaders

07:37 Introducing the WAIT Acronym

10:45 The Power of Asking Questions

15:37 Defining Goals and Strategic Thinking

17:45 Conclusion and Next Steps

Stepping into leadership in higher education often comes without a roadmap. In this episode of The Mindful Academy Podcast, host Jennifer speaks with Angela Pashia - coach, former tenured academic librarian, and founder of Lead With Curiosity.

Angela shares why every library leader needs a coach, and how adopting a coaching mindset transforms leadership. From breaking free of “vocational awe” to navigating conflict and burnout, Angela explains how curiosity, listening, and empowering others create healthier, more confident leaders.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why leadership is a skill you must develop, not something you’re born with.
• How “vocational awe” contributes to burnout in higher ed.
• Practical ways coaching skills help leaders navigate change and conflict.
• Why leading with curiosity fosters trust, collaboration, and resilience.

Whether you’re a library leader, faculty member, or anyone navigating the challenges of higher education, this conversation offers insight, encouragement, and practical strategies for sustainable leadership.

Learn more about Angela’s work: leadwithcuriosity.org

In this solo episode of Mindful Academy, Jennifer recaps a series of nine interviews with professionals who have transitioned from traditional academic roles to various supportive and entrepreneurial positions. She discusses the common themes and valuable lessons drawn from these conversations, emphasizing the importance of community, available resources, and the potential for academics to successfully pivot their careers. She also highlights the significance of understanding one's zone of control and making mindful choices to manage challenges in both professional and personal contexts. Special attention is given to practicing acceptance and conversion of adversity into growth opportunities.

Timestamps:

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

00:19 Recap of Past Interviews

04:47 Key Takeaways from Interviews

06:22 Navigating Career Stages

09:56 Exploring Alternative Career Paths

16:07 Current Challenges in Academia

19:35 Zone of Control and Making Choices

38:02 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Topics

In this episode of the Mindful Academy, host Jennifer Askey interviews Michelle Thompson, Esquire, a coach who assists both academics and lawyers in achieving their professional goals without compromising their personal well-being. They discuss the similarities between the challenges faced by academics and lawyers, particularly concerning overwork and the need to please others. Michelle shares her personal journey from practicing law to becoming a coach, emphasizing the importance of building systems to maintain a healthy work-life balance. The conversation covers tools like EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) and planning strategies to manage stress and improve productivity. Additionally, Michelle talks about her passion for woo practices like tarot reading and pendulums, and how they help reduce decision fatigue. The episode provides insights into maintaining a fulfilling professional life while staying connected to one's body and emotional health.

00:00 Welcome to the Mindful Academy

00:06 Introducing Michelle Thompson, Esquire

01:06 Michelle's Dual Coaching Roles

02:17 Challenges Faced by Lawyers and Scholars

04:45 The Pressure to Earn Your Keep

13:10 Michelle's Journey from Law to Academia

19:55 Discovering Coaching and EFT

36:17 The Importance of Embodiment in High-Pressure Jobs

41:14 The Systemic Pressures in Academia and Law

43:13 The Grind of Academic Work

44:00 The Role of Systems in Academic Writing

45:20 The Importance of Community in Academia

48:41 Yoga and Mindfulness for Academics

51:57 Balancing Work and Personal Life

52:41 The Power of Planning and Organization

56:14 Embracing Woo and Alternative Modalities

58:23 Promoting Your Work and Finding Community

23:03 The Reluctance of Lawyers to Embrace Wellness

25:09 Introduction to EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques)

25:48 The Science Behind Stress and Cortisol

28:44 Practical Applications of EFT

34:24 The Importance of Embodiment in High-Pressure Professions

44:02 The Role of Systems in Academic and Professional Success

46:58 The Power of Community and Vulnerability

51:57 Balancing Woo and Practicality in Entrepreneurship

58:23 Conclusion and Contact Information

Resources referenced in the episode: 

Tapping In: A Step-by Step Guide to Activating Your Healing Resources Through Bilateral Stimulation, by Laurel Parnell

My Grandmother’s Hands: Racialized Trauma and the Pathway to Mending Our Hearts and Bodies, by Resmaa Menakem

The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma, by Bessel van der Kolk

Writing Your Journal Article in 12 Weeks: A Guide to Academic Publishing Success, by Wendy Belcher

To get in touch with Michelle: 

[email protected]

Insta: @resistant_vision 

Upcoming Writing Retreat: https://resistantvision.com/academics/

In this episode of The Mindful Academy, host Jennifer converses with Jo Van Every, a veteran in helping academics refine their writing. They discuss Jo's background, career transitions, and her move from Canada to the UK. Jo explains her work with the Academic Writing Studio, emphasizing her methods with neurodivergent clients and her approach to accommodating different writing styles and needs. They also explore the importance of personalized strategies, the value of co-working, and the development of supportive writing routines. Additionally, the episode covers tips on managing long-term projects, the balance between prescribed methods and individual quirks, and the role of enjoyment and self-care in sustaining a successful academic career. Jo offers insights into her new small group program for book writers and touches on her personal practices for maintaining mental and physical well-being.

Learn more about Jo VanEvery

Timestamps:

00:00 Welcome to The Mindful Academy

00:51 Jennifer's Journey into Coaching

01:53 Introducing Jo Van Evry

02:08 Joe's Background and Current Work

03:56 The Academic Writing Studio

05:28 Group Coaching and Neurodivergence

08:41 The Magic of Co-Working

12:44 Writing Challenges and Strategies

20:50 The Importance of Reflecting on Progress

27:23 Balancing Writing with Other Responsibilities

29:56 The Process of Writing a Book

37:03 Finding Motivation and Purpose in Writing

39:47 The Value of Group Support

46:51 Choosing Your Own Path

47:27 Building Long-Term Relationships

49:37 Daily Routines and Community Engagement

55:29 Experimenting with Writing Techniques

01:01:41 The Importance of Regular Practice

01:07:00 Balancing Work and Self-Care

01:17:50 Finding Joy in Simple Pleasures

01:24:43 Final Thoughts and Resources