In this episode of The Mindful Academy Podcast, Jennifer chats with career coach Jen Polk of From PhD to Life. Together, they unpack the evolving landscape of academic careers and explore the challenges and opportunities facing faculty, postdocs, and PhDs considering a pivot out of academia. 

Jen shares insights from over a decade of coaching scholars as they clarify their values, redefine success, and navigate identity shifts in their professional lives. From the emotional toll of academic culture to the practical tools for career transition, this episode is a must-listen for anyone wondering, “What’s next?” after the academy. 

Whether you’re feeling burnt out, curious about new paths, or simply seeking greater alignment between your work and your values, this conversation offers empathy, encouragement, and actionable wisdom. 

Show Notes:

Jen's free webinar for Career Clarity

How do you bring your whole self into the academy?

In this episode, Dr. Raquel Wright-Mair—associate professor, scholar of higher ed equity, and yoga teacher—joins Jennifer to talk about the intersections of justice, leadership, and embodied wellness in academic spaces.

They discuss:

• The realities of navigating higher education as a racially minoritized scholar
• Why burnout, grief, and stress must be addressed somatically—not just intellectually
• How Raquel integrates yoga philosophy into her teaching, research, and service
• What "retreat" can really mean for academics looking to reclaim themselves

Plus, hear the story of how one Instagram post led to a transformative yoga retreat in Costa Rica—and what’s next in Belize 2026.

Listen in to explore a new model of heart-centered leadership and healing in higher education.

Show Notes:

Learn more about Dr. Raquel

Inna Satyah Yoga & Well-Being

Belize 2026 Yoga Retreat

The Slow Professor, by Maggie Berg & Barbara Seeberg

The Caring University, by Kevin McClure

Spiritual Intelligence: Going Beyond IQ and EQ to Develop Resilient Leaders, by Stephen K. Hacker and Marvin Washington 

In this inspiring conversation, coach and creative professional Chris Mitchell joins Jennifer to explore how creatives—especially those also working in academia—can better support and sustain their creative practices. From designing personalized structure to redefining professional identity beyond institutional roles, Chris shares her experience working with artists, performers, designers, and academics to help them create meaningful, balanced lives. Tune in to hear how small shifts in mindset, daily practices, and boundaries can have a transformative impact—and why you don’t have to choose between structure and creativity.

About Chris Mitchell:
Chris Mitchell is a Life, Career, and Professional Development Coach with over three decades of experience in leadership roles across the arts and creative industries. She is an Internationally Accredited Professional Certified Coach (PCC), a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach (CPCC), and a practicing creative herself. Chris supports artists, creative entrepreneurs, and cultural leaders in gaining clarity, building confidence, and moving forward with purpose in their creative practices, businesses, and careers. Chris has spent her career working alongside creatives—and loves helping them thrive. She understands the real-world challenges and opportunities of building a fulfilling, sustainable life as a creative professional —and brings this insight into every coaching relationship

Demo Podcast

In this episode of The Mindful Academy Podcast, host Jennifer sits down with Lisa Munro, 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.

Episode Details

Resources:

Learn more about Lisa

Writing 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 Anna
• Anna's Podcast on bullet journaling
• Unstressable, the book 

Episode Details

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

Episode Details

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/rolecall

The Art of Gathering book https://www.priyaparker.com/book-art-of-gathering

The book on meetings from Harvard Jennifer referenced: https://hbr.org/1976/03/how-to-run-a-meeting

Episode Details

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/about

Kate Linder's coaching program: https://www.higheredcoaches.com/

Episode Details

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/

Episode Details