Mindful Academy

Jennifer Drake Askey
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If you work in academia--as a professor, administrator, instructor, etc.--your personal development IS your professional development. Join me to explore how you can maximize your potential and support your wellbeing!

  1. 19/12/2025

    4.19 Becoming College Ready: Navigating Higher Education with Mya Andersen

    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/

    1h 11m

  2. 12/12/2025

    4.18 Embracing Curiosity and Creative Leadership in Business Education with Lisa Leander

    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

    53 min

  3. 28/11/2025

    4.17 Exploring Mindfulness in Academia with Dr. Steve Haberlin

    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

    1h 45m

  4. 14/11/2025

    4.16 Empowering Leadership and Wellness: An Interview with Dr. LaNysha Adams

    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

    57 min

  5. 31/10/2025

    4.15 Creating Cultures of Safety and Alignment in Academia

    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

    23 min

  6. 17/10/2025

    4.14 Coaching for Academic Leaders

    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

    20 min

  7. 03/10/2025

    4.13 Angela Pashia: Every Library Leader Needs A Coach

    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

    1h 5m

  8. 18/07/2025

    4.12 Reflections on Resilience: Insights from the Interviews

    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

    40 min
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About

If you work in academia--as a professor, administrator, instructor, etc.--your personal development IS your professional development. Join me to explore how you can maximize your potential and support your wellbeing!

Information

  • Creator
    Jennifer Drake Askey
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    79
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Mindful Academy
  • Show Website
    Mindful Academy