Dr Melanie Smith

The Academic Edge

Education EN ↓ 36 episodes

Cut through the noise. Write better. Create your academic career on your terms. Welcome to The Academic Edge — the podcast for academics who want to do excellent work without burning out. Hosted by Dr Melanie Smith— published author, academic writing coach, and former academic with 17 years in the sector — this show offers honest, practical insight into how to write, publish, and thrive in today’s academic landscape.🎙 New episodes weekly. Subscribe now to sharpen your thinking, elevate your writing, and reclaim your time.

Author

Dr Melanie Smith

Category

Education

Podcast website

www.academiccoach.info

Latest episode

Jun 12, 2026

Where to listen?

Podcasts in the app Replaio Radio Coming soon

Podcasts are coming to the app soon. Install now and be the first to see a whole new take on podcasts

Get it on Google Play Install for free Android 5M+ downloads · 4.8 rating iOS soon

Episodes

Update on release schedule 12.06.2026

A quick update at the end of season 1

The Academic Superpower: Boundaries 10.06.2026

In this episode, I talk about the critical importance of setting boundaries in academia. I clarify that boundaries are not a sign of personal failure but an essential professional tool that protect cognitive energy and enable academics to focus on their core work. If you're ready to reclaim your writing time, I help academics do this inside my Accelerator ✅ The Accelerator

Navigating Departmental Politics 03.06.2026

In this episode, I talk about navigating departmental politics, particularly for new scholars entering mid to large-sized academic departments.

Choose Admin Wisely 27.05.2026

In this podcast episode, I discuss the critical importance of choosing administrative roles wisely within academia. I emphasize that while administrative duties are a necessary part of academic life, not all roles are equal in terms of their demands and impact on one's capacity for research and writing.

Your Department Has No Memory 20.05.2026

...And What This Means For You. In this episode, I talked about the challenge faced by junior academics in navigating the academic environment, particularly the lack of institutional memory within departments.

Slow Productivity and Seasonality In Academic Life 13.05.2026

In this episode, I talk about the concept of slow productivity, from the book by Cal Newport, Slow Productivity, The Lost Art of Accomplishment Without Burnout. I discuss and apply the idea of working at a natural pace as an academic and what this means for writing and writing productivity.

6 Writing Advice Books To Read 06.05.2026

In this episode, I talk about various writing advice books that have influenced her and her coaching. I emphasize the importance of not adhering strictly to every piece of advice, as different techniques may resonate at different times in a writer's life. The discussion covers key insights from notable books, including Stephen King's 'On Writing', Paul Silvia's 'How to Writ...

What Makes Academic Writing Stylish 29.04.2026

In this conversation, I talk about the components of stylish academic writing. If you want my help in refining your academic writing you can find it here: ✅ Editing for Excellence Where I take you through my 6 stage editing process to refine your papers.

Have You Got Writing Planning All Wrong? 22.04.2026

In this podcast episode, I talk about the critical role of planning in academic writing. I emphasize that planning is often misunderstood and maligned, yet it is essential for productivity and career advancement. The episode outlines four types of planning.

What Makes A Journal Article 4* 15.04.2026

In this episode, I talk about the essential elements that make a journal article transformative, particularly in the context of the UK's REF cycle. If you would like my feedback on your journal articles, you can find information here: ➡️ MASTER JOURNAL ARTICLE WRITING And you can find some free training on getting started here: ➡️ FREE TRAINING

Academic Meetings Destroy Your Productivity 08.04.2026

In this episode, I talk about the inefficacy of academic meetings, highlighting how they often serve as a waste of time rather than a productive use of resources.

The Academic Success Pyramid 01.04.2026

In this episode, I talk about the Academic Success Pyramid, emphasizing the importance of quality writing as the foundation for academic success. I explore the barriers that prevent academics from focusing on their writing and building career capital, such as pseudo productivity and distractions.

Getting Writing Done in Term: 5K in 20 Days 25.03.2026

How to get writing done in term time with my guided academic writing sprint.

Dismantling the Teaching vs Research Narrative In Academic Life 25.03.2026

In this podcast, I talk about the prevalent teaching versus research dichotomy in academia, emphasizing the detrimental mindset that separates the two. I argue that this division creates barriers to academic success and fosters resentment among faculty. Being a great teacher and great researcher are not mutually exclusive. If you want help structuring your academic worklife so you can do both, it...

How to Manage Chronic Illness and Academia 18.03.2026

In this episode, I talk about the complexities of managing chronic illness within the academic environment. I share my personal experiences with chronic illness, particularly endometriosis and MCAS, and explores the fears and challenges faced by academics dealing with health issues.

Are there uncoachable clients or uncoachable problems? 11.03.2026

In this episode, I discuss the nuances of coaching, particularly in the academic context. I explore the distinction between coachable and uncoachable problems and clients, emphasizing the importance of motivation and personal investment in the coaching process. Is coaching for you?

Recovering from Academic Burnout Pt 2 04.03.2026

In this episode, I talk about burnout's manifestations, including physical, emotional, and cognitive symptoms, and emphasizes the importance of recognizing and addressing burnout. The conversation covers practical strategies for recovery.

What Leads To Academic Burnout Pt 1 25.02.2026

In this conversation, I delve into the pervasive issue of academic burnout, exploring its causes, warning signs, and the cultural factors that contribute to it. If you want help with your managing your academic workloads so you can get your writing done without burning out, you can find my free resources here: ➡️ FREE COACHING

5 Reasons Your Article Gets Rejected 18.02.2026

In this episode, I talk about the formula of writing journal articles and the common pitfalls that lead to rejection. I emphasize the importance of understanding this particular genre so you can avoid the 5 big pitfalls of journal article writing to maximise your publication success rates. If you want free training on this, you can find this at: ➡️ Free Training

How to Get Unstuck if your Writing has Stalled 11.02.2026

In this episode, I talk about the common reasons why academic writers feel stuck and presents a four-part framework to help identify and overcome these obstacles.

The Drivers snd Drainers of Your Academic Life 04.02.2026

In this episode I discuss the importance of identifying 'drainers' and 'drivers' in academic writing. I emphasizes the need for a personal audit to recognize what hinders productivity and what supports it.

Writing Advice My Mentors Taught Me 28.01.2026

In this episode I share valuable writing advice derived from my own experiences and the insights of my direct mentors.

Academic Writing and Shame 21.01.2026

In this episode I explore the intricate relationship between academic writing and the feelings of shame that often accompany it. She discusses how shame can prevent academics from seeking help and how it is deeply embedded in the culture of academia.

Stress Versus Time Management 14.01.2026

In this episode, I delve into the complexities of workload management, emphasizing the distinction between stress and time management. The conversation also explores strategies for managing workload and stress, including the necessity of bargaining for control over one's tasks and environment to enhance productivity and mental well-being.

What Academic Success Means to You 31.12.2025

In this episode, I talk about the multifaceted nature of academic success, emphasizing that it is not solely defined by titles or positions. I encourage listeners to define their own version of success while highlighting key characteristics that contribute to a fulfilling academic career.

Listen to the The Academic Edge podcast in Replaio

Radio and podcasts in one app - free, with no sign-up. Install today and do not miss the launch

Get it on Google Play

Replaio is not a podcast publisher; show names, artwork and audio belong to their authors and are distributed through public RSS feeds.