PUBLISHING ACADEMIC RESEARCH | Writing, Mental Health, and Productivity Tips for Your Scholarship, Thesis, or Dissertation

Do you ever walk into an academic conference and feel a knot in your stomach because of the pressure to sound brilliant, network flawlessly, and not accidentally embarrass yourself in front of your field’s big names? You’re not alone. Hey co-authors! In this episode, we’re unpacking how to make a strong, authentic impression at academic conferences without losing your mind. From your presentation style to hallway conversations, we’ll talk about how to replace performance anxiety with purpose and how to connect with others in ways that actually matter. In this episode, you’ll learn how to: Prepare presentations that communicate clearly and confidently (including the 10/20/70 rule for balance). Navigate the social side with authenticity and grace. Make a lasting impression by being curious, kind, and collaborative and not just performative. The goal isn’t to be the smartest person in the room, it’s to leave people thinking, “I’d love to talk to them again.” Tune in to learn how to show up as your authentic self, share your work with confidence, and walk away from your next conference feeling connected. Want to Connect? Email: publishingacademicresearch@gmail.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/c-kyle-rudick-59a040a7 Schedule a Free, 30-Minute Consultation: https://calendly.com/publishingacademicresearch/30min

Do you ever worry that your qualitative research results section just isn’t doing justice to your participants’ stories? Or that your analysis ends up being either too thin, too cluttered, or scattered for your readers to make sense of? Hey co-authors! In this episode, we’re talking about how to write a rigorous and evocative qualitative research results section, one that captures peoples’ lived experiences with rigor, empathy, and clarity. We’ll discuss how to turn raw data into a compelling, credible, and human-centered narrative. In this episode, you’ll learn how to: Build results sections that balance participants’ voices with your analytical insight. Avoid the common pitfalls of over-quoting, over-telling, or drifting from your research question. Organize themes and subthemes in ways that show depth, coherence, and theoretical saturation. Honor your ethical responsibility as a caretaker of others’ stories through strategies like member checks and reflexive writing. Tune in to learn how to craft qualitative results that reveal, resonate, and respect—the kind of work that lets your participants’ voices shine while showing your readers what it truly means to see through data. Want to Connect? Email: publishingacademicresearch@gmail.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/c-kyle-rudick-59a040a7 Schedule a Free, 30-Minute Consultation: https://calendly.com/publishingacademicresearch/30min

Have you ever looked at your CV and thought, “I did all that…but who was it all for?” Have you chased deadlines, won awards, and met every metric, but feel further from the ideas that first inspired you? Hey co-authors! In this episode, we’re talking about how to protect your academic identity and purpose in a system that all-too-often rewards output over authenticity. We’ll unpack the pressures that push scholars to toward unfulfilling productivity and how to resist them without losing your momentum. In this episode, you’ll learn how to: Reconnect with your intellectual identity and rediscover what drew you to research in the first place. Set “aligned output” goals that track progress in ideas, not just publication counts. Say “no” strategically to projects that don’t serve your long-term scholarly purpose. Define what enough looks like for you, so your academic path reflects who you are—not just what’s rewarded. Tune in to learn how to preserve your purpose, realign your goals, and keep your scholarship centered on what truly matters to you. Want to Connect? Email: publishingacademicresearch@gmail.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/c-kyle-rudick-59a040a7 Schedule a Free, 30-Minute Consultation: https://calendly.com/publishingacademicresearch/30min

Do you feel like everyone around you is getting published, winning grants, and stacking accolades? Have you seen colleagues celebrate on social media and felt that quiet sting of “why not me?” Hey co-authors! In this episode, I talk about the culture of comparison in academia and how it can drain joy from our work and even turn colleagues against each other. We’ll discuss why this culture exists and how it harms us, but more importantly, how we can resist it.  We’ll explore: Why academic comparison is so pervasive. How comparison can become toxic, both to our own well-being and our community. How to reframe envy into motivation and make candid choices about what success means to you. At the end of the day, scholarship should be a refuge and a way to pursue curiosity, connect with others, and build meaningful conversations. Let’s talk about how to safeguard joy in your work, even when the culture around you feels competitive or harsh. Want to Connect? Email: publishingacademicresearch@gmail.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/c-kyle-rudick-59a040a7 Schedule a Free 30-minute Consultation: https://calendly.com/publishingacademicresearch/30min

Do you feel crushed when a rejection email lands in your inbox? Do you spiral into self-doubt, avoidance, or shame, unable to moving forward? Hey co-authors! In this episode, we dive into dealing with rejection in academic publishing. We’ll unpack why rejection cuts so deeply and how you can respond in healthier, more productive ways. In this episode, you’ll learn how to: Recognize and interrupt unhelpful reactions like catastrophizing, avoidance, or over-personalizing feedback. Reframe reviewer comments so you can find opportunities for growth instead of shame spirals. Assess whether rejection is about your project or simply the wrong journal—and adjust your path forward. Tune in to learn how to navigate rejection without losing your confidence, your voice, or your joy in scholarship.  Want to Connect? Email: publishingacademicresearch@gmail.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/c-kyle-rudick-59a040a7 Schedule a Free, 30-Minute Consultation: https://calendly.com/publishingacademicresearch/30min  

Have you ever read a research article where the findings seemed interesting, but the method section left you with more questions than answers? Have you ever wondered how much detail is really necessary to convince readers that your qualitative research is rigorous and credible? Hey co-authors! In this episode, we’re diving into one of the most important but often overlooked parts of qualitative research writing: the method section. We’ll unpack why a clear, detailed, and transparent methods section is essential in building trust with your reader. I’ll walk you through what reviewers and editors are looking for and how to avoid the common traps that weaken good qualitative work. In this episode, you’ll learn how to: Write method sections that build trust and credibility with your readers. Recognize how to include context and reflexivity. Avoid the pitfalls of vague or incomplete descriptions that can sink your article. Tune in to learn how to strengthen your qualitative methods, demonstrate rigor, and give your findings the solid foundation they deserve.  Want to Connect? Email: publishingacademicresearch@gmail.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/c-kyle-rudick-59a040a7 Schedule a Consultation: https://calendly.com/publishingacademicresearch/30min

Do you ever find yourself with a paper you’re excited about, only to realize there’s no journal where it quite fits? Have you felt the frustration of pouring your energy into an idea, only to shelve it because you couldn’t find the right scholarly home? Hey co-authors! In this episode, we talk about how to find journals that are a good fit for your work. We’ll walk through how you can avoid the traps that keep you from finding your scholarly community and start publishing with intention. In this episode, you’ll learn how to: Develop your scholarship to align with the communities the journal serves. Identify journals that reflect the communities you want to join. Build fulfilling relationships with scholarly communities instead of chasing prestige. Tune in to learn how to match your work with the right outlets, invest in communities that will support your scholarship, and find joy (yes, joy!) in the process of publishing. Want to Connect? Email: publishingacademicresearch@gmail.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/c-kyle-rudick-59a040a7 Schedule a Consultation: https://calendly.com/publishingacademicresearch/30min               

Have you ever sat down at your desk, opened your laptop, and felt like you had absolutely nothing left to give? Do you find yourself staring at the screen, exhausted because you’ve been running on empty for too long? Hey co-authors! In this episode, we’re going to talk about writer’s block: what it looks like, why it happens, and how to restore the energy you need to keep moving forward. We’ll explore how a lack a clarity may be killing your writing momentum and practical strategies for recharging your creativity when it feels completely drained. In this episode, you’ll learn: How a lack a clarity may be killing your writing momentum. How exhaustion and overwhelm stop you from writing. How to restart your writing and build momentum again. By the end of this episode, you’ll have a clearer understanding of how to protect your energy, recognize the warning signs of writer’s block, and create sustainable writing habits that help you finish strong. Want to Connect? Email: publishingacademicresearch@gmail.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/c-kyle-rudick-59a040a7 Schedule a Consultation: https://calendly.com/publishingacademicresearch/30min

Have you ever felt like you’re your own worst critic? Do you read your own work and only think about why it’s not good enough? Hey co-authors! In this episode, we’ll talk about identifying when your inner negative critic rears its ugly head and how to manage and overcome it. We’ll talk about how to recognize the voice of self-doubt, manage it, and move forward with clarity and focus in your writing. By understanding and addressing your inner critic, you can create space for consistent, confident, and productive writing In this episode, you'll learn how to: Recognize the signs that your inner critic is holding you back from writing effectively Separate your self-worth from your writing output to reduce anxiety and self-doubt Use practical techniques to quiet negative self-talk and maintain momentum By the end of this episode, you’ll have actionable tools to transform self-criticism into constructive feedback and keep moving forward with your writing projects. Transform the tension of self-criticism into actionable strategies that help you make steady progress on your work. Want to Connect? Email: publishingacademicresearch@gmail.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/c-kyle-rudick-59a040a7 Schedule a Consultation: https://calendly.com/publishingacademicresearch/30min

Do you keep getting desk rejections? Does it feel like your best ideas never make it past the editor’s decision? Hey co-authors! In this episode, we’ll dig into the most common reasons submissions get desk rejected and, more importantly, what you can do to fix them. Along the way, I’ll also share some behind-the-scenes insights from the editor’s chair and practical strategies to get your work past the editor’s desk and into the review pipeline. In this episode, you'll learn how to: Spot the hidden differences between a solid paper and a publishable article Avoid the five most common pitfalls that lead to instant desk rejection Position your work so editors and reviewers see its value from the start Desk rejections can feel like a gut punch, but they can also but they’re also an opportunity to improve.  If you’ve ever felt stuck at the desk-reject stage, this episode will help you understand what’s going on, how to adjust your approach, and how to position your writing so that it gets the attention it deserves. Want to Connect? Email: publishingacademicresearch@gmail.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/c-kyle-rudick-59a040a7 Schedule a Consultation: https://calendly.com/publishingacademicresearch/30min  

What if I told you your literature review should be the most compelling part of your paper? How would you change your writing or citation? Hey co-authors! In this episode, we explore the three most common pitfalls in literature reviews and show you how to transform your review into a focused, engaging narrative. You’ll learn why tone and structure matter just as much as content, and discover practical tools to map the scholarly conversation, stay organized, and guide your reader from big-picture problem to specific research questions. In this episode, you'll learn how to: Avoid turning your review into an endless series of standalone summaries Establish a clear through-line that connects introduction, theory, and research purpose Structure your review and keep each section concise, coherent, and engaging. Ready to elevate your literature review from rote survey to persuasive argument? Tune in now, subscribe for more academic writing insights, and share your biggest lit-review win with us in the comments! Want to Connect? Email: publishingacademicresearch@gmail.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/c-kyle-rudick-59a040a7 Schedule a Consultation: https://calendly.com/publishingacademicresearch/30min  

Are you knee-deep in your thesis or dissertation and wondering how you’ll make it through? Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the process whether it’s navigating formatting rules, managing technology, or just finding the motivation to keep going? Hey co-authors! In this episode, I sit down with Kellen Schmidt, our university’s Thesis and Dissertation Services Coordinator, to unpack what really goes on behind the scenes of finishing graduate-level work. Kellen shares the most common struggles students face and dive into the emotional that too often accompany graduate study. In this episode, you’ll learn how to: Navigate the technical hurdles of formatting, citations, and file types. Use AI responsibly (and cautiously) in your academic writing. Build a support network that will advocate for you through the hardest stretches. Protect your well-being while staying on track with your degree. Tune in for a candid conversation about what it really takes to finish strong and why finding your people, giving yourself grace, and even treating yourself once a day might be the best academic advice you’ll ever get. Want to Connect? Email: publishingacademicresearch@gmail.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/c-kyle-rudick-59a040a7 Schedule a Consultation: https://calendly.com/publishingacademicresearch/30min

Do you find that you are rewriting yourself out of your work just to get published? Can you handle harsh reviews and hold onto your purpose? Hey co-authors! In this episode, we unpack the challenges you face in the review and editorial process and then share concrete practices to turn feedback into forward momentum. We'll talk about how to develop the ability to handle productive, but uncomfortable, feedback while not giving up your voice or your passion. In this episode, you'll learn how to: Cope with the pressure to alter your tone and content to match reviewers’ or editors’ feedback. Bounce back when long-term projects fall short. Reconcile contradictory reviewer comments without losing your passion or your voice. Tune in to learn how to protect your vision, harness feedback, and stay motivated through the ups and downs of academic publishing. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if these tips help you advance your next submission. Want to Connect? Email: publishingacademicresearch@gmail.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/c-kyle-rudick-59a040a7 Schedule a Consultation: https://calendly.com/publishingacademicresearch/30min  

Is academic writing supposed to feel this lonely…or have we just accepted it as normal? What if the real barrier to writing isn’t motivation, but isolation? Hey co-authors! In this episode, we explore why so many scholars feel cut off from others when writing and how that loneliness undercuts our productivity, passion, and well-being. We uncover the social, institutional, and cultural forces that keep us isolated—and share concrete strategies to build connections, boost mental health, and reignite your joy in academic writing. In this episode, you’ll discover: Identifying and understanding root causes of loneliness in academia. Structuring you life in ways that make room for your writing and for others. Developing concrete actions for connecting with others through our writing. Breaking the loneliness cycle isn’t just good for your mental health, but a secret weapon for more productive, fulfilling writing.Ready to transform your writing life? If you find this podcast helpful, subscribe and leave a review!  Want to Connect? Email: publishingacademicresearch@gmail.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/c-kyle-rudick-59a040a7 Schedule a Consultation: https://calendly.com/publishingacademicresearch/30min  

Do you struggle writing that first sentence of your project? Does it seem like your introductions are messy or unfocused no matter what you do? Hey co-authors! In this episode, we unpack the art of crafting an introduction that  informs your reader of what your research is as well as convinces them it impact and value. You’ll learn to avoid the most common pitfalls and discover a clear, discipline-flexible structure to draw readers in from the very first line. What You’ll Learn Why your introduction must convince readers that your research matters. How to replace filler phrases with meaningful, context-rich hooks. A flexible, structure that adapts to any academic discipline Tune in now to transform your introductions into powerful openers that spark engagement, drive impact, and set the stage for your entire paper. If you find these strategies helpful, subscribe and leave a review!  Want to Connect? Email: publishingacademicresearch@gmail.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/c-kyle-rudick-59a040a7 Schedule a Consultation: https://calendly.com/publishingacademicresearch/30min  

Do you find yourself agonizing over every paragraph, sentence, or word as you write? Do you get so exhausted writing your first draft that you can't bring yourself to go back and edit? Hey co-authors! In this episode, we explore how to transform a fledgling draft into a polished, compelling manuscript that guides readers effortlessly through your arguments and insights. Join us as we dive deep into the art of editing and uncover why the real magic happens after the first draft. We break down the essential levels of editing and reveal the telltale signs your work needs attention at each stage. What you’ll discover in this episode: How to ensure your literature review and discussion flow into a unified argument Techniques for writing clear, focused paragraphs with strong topic sentences and seamless transitions Strategies to connect assertions with evidence and keep your voice firmly in the spotlight. We'll also discuss ways to level up your editing process so you can get the most out of your time. If you find this podcast helpful, subscribe and leave a review!  Want to Connect? Email: publishingacademicresearch@gmail.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/c-kyle-rudick-59a040a7 Schedule a Consultation: https://calendly.com/publishingacademicresearch/30min  

Are you still waiting for imposter syndrome to disappear before you write? What if you didn’t have to? Hey co-authors! In this episode, we take a hard look at how imposter syndrome shows up in academic writing—not just as a feeling, but as behaviors that sabotage your progress. Changing our reactions with imposter syndrome is the first step to taking control of our writing and protecting our mental health.  If imposter syndrome is something you struggle with, then tune in to learn: Why overreading, overediting, and overcleaning are forms of self-sabotage How comparing yourself to more experienced scholars shuts down your voice What really keeps people from finishing—and submitting—their writing How to reframe writing as a growth process, not a test of your worth If you’ve ever delayed a project, changed your topic, or felt like everyone else has it figured out—this one’s for you. Imposter syndrome is common. But with the right strategies, it doesn’t have to be in charge. If you find this podcast helpful, subscribe and leave a review!  Want to Connect? Email: publishingacademicresearch@gmail.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/c-kyle-rudick-59a040a7 Schedule a Consultation: https://calendly.com/publishingacademicresearch/30min  

What if writing wasn’t something to dread—but something to look forward to? Hey co-authors! In this episode, we explore the often-overlooked joys of academic writing. We’ll uncover three powerful ways researchers find meaning, motivation, and even delight in the writing process—from discovery and curiosity, to community and sharing, to the deep satisfaction of publication and recognition. You’ll learn how to: Reframe writing as a tool for thinking and learning Share your research in ways that build connection and pride Embrace the joy that comes with seeing your work recognized and valued We’ll also share simple habits and writing rituals you can use to make writing more intentional, more rewarding, and more grounded in gratitude. If you're struggling with writing fatigue, rejection, or self-doubt, this episode offers a refreshing reminder: writing can be hard, but it can also be deeply joyful. If you find this podcast helpful, subscribe and leave a review!  Want to Connect? Email: publishingacademicresearch@gmail.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/c-kyle-rudick-59a040a7 Schedule a Consultation: https://calendly.com/publishingacademicresearch/30min  

Welcome to the Publishing Academic Research Podcast, a space for scholars who want to turn strong ideas into published work. Whether you're working on a thesis, finishing a dissertation, building your CV, or aiming for tenure and promotion, this podcast offers practical strategies to help you write with purpose, publish with confidence, and thrive in the process. Join me in this podcast to learn about: – Developing a sustainable research and writing practice – Understanding what makes scholarly writing publishable – Elevating your writing to practices, rituals, and habits – Navigating feedback, reviewer comments, and revision – Building a writing life that supports both productivity and well-being If you're looking for honest insights, actionable advice, and a community that gets the highs and lows of academic writing, you're in the right place. This podcast is here to help you do the hard work of publishing—without losing your motivation, your voice, or your mind. Subscribe now and start writing toward impact, clarity, and publication. Want to Connect? Email: publishingacademicresearch@gmail.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/c-kyle-rudick-59a040a7 Schedule a Consultation: https://calendly.com/publishingacademicresearch/30min