Not A Lonely Coffee Break

This week on Not a Lonely Coffee Break, Maddie and Meaghan are entering their new job era. After months of job searching, interviews, and uncertainty, our hosts are finally sharing some exciting life updates. But starting over also has us reflecting on what today's hiring process looks like—and it's changing fast. We dive into the growing role of AI in hiring, including the groundbreaking...

In this episode of Not a Lonely Coffee Break, Maddie and Meaghan sit down with psychologist Dr. Steffanie Grossman for an honest conversation about body image, self-acceptance, and mental health—especially within LGBTQ+ communities. Together, we explore how social media, societal expectations, diet culture, and internalized beliefs shape the way we see ourselves. Dr. Grossman helps us unpack the d...

Happy Pride Month, Coffee Breakers! 🌈In this Pride-themed episode, Maddie and Meaghan reflect on the queer representation that shaped their lives—from growing up in conservative environments to finally finding community, belonging, and authentic stories that felt like home. Together, they explore how their experiences with LGBTQ+ representation in television, music, and film have evolved over the...

In this episode of Not A Lonely Coffee Break, Maddie and Meaghan wrap up Mental Health Awareness Month with a conversation about workplace wellness, community care, burnout, and navigating life during overwhelming times. From mental health in the workplace to building healthy support systems, they reflect on the importance of slowing down, setting boundaries with technology, finding your people, a...

In this episode of Not a Lonely Coffee Break, Maddie and Meaghan sit down with Megan Valdez and Tarrah Lantz from Hope's Door New Beginnings Center for an honest and important conversation about domestic violence, survivor support, and the misconceptions that often keep people from understanding the realities survivors face. Together, they unpack some of the biggest myths surrounding domestic...

In this episode, Maddie and Meaghan kick off Mental Health Awareness Month with a big announcement: a special tattoo flash collaboration with True Self Ink in Plano, Texas, benefiting Hope’s Door New Beginning Center. They sit down with Byanka and Carly from True Self Ink to talk about tattooing as a form of healing, identity, self-expression, and body autonomy. Together, they explore what it mean...

Join our hosts as they sit down with Amanda Esquivel, founder and lead counselor at Room For Change and Clinical Director at Camp Haven to reimagine how we think about mental health and therapy and the role that mental health plays in navigating workplace stress, trauma, and living our true selves. We also dive into misconceptions about affirming therapy and how vital it is in supporting queer you...

Join Maddie and Meaghan for a conversation about workplace red flags, the things people often notice but do not always know how to name. Through personal experiences, stories from different industries, and candid discussions, they explore how workplace culture, communication, expectations, and boundaries can shape how supported or stressed people feel in their jobs. The episode balances humor with...

In this episode of Not a Lonely Coffee Break, hosts Maddie and Meaghan sit down with the founder of Parents of Trans Youth, Mandy Giles, to talk about what it means to parent, support, and advocate for transgender and gender-diverse children in today’s social and political climate. Through both personal experience and advocacy work, the conversation explores how families navigate questions, fear,...

In this episode of the Not a Lonely Coffee Break podcast, hosts Maddie and Meaghan discuss a variety of topics ranging from personal updates about skunks invading Maddie's home to the challenges of job searching and teaching in today's educational climate. They delve into the complexities of citing social media in academic work, share a listener's email about navigating a toxic work en...

In today’s digital hiring world, applying for jobs can feel less like an opportunity and more like shouting into the void. On this episode, we unpack the emotional rollercoaster of job searching. The hosts talk candidly about how job searching has changed over time. What used to be a more human, relationship-based process has evolved into a system often mediated by online platforms, automated filt...

In this episode, hosts Maddie and Meaghan discuss the implications of corporate responsibility in social issues. The conversation delves into the challenges companies face in navigating public statements, the impact of social media, and the importance of authenticity in corporate activism. The conversation emphasizes the need for businesses to engage with their employees and communities to foster...

We are BACK and ready to talk coffee and work... but make it queer! In this season premiere of "Not a Lonely Coffee Break," Maddie and Meaghan kick off Season 2 with a lively discussion about their holiday experiences and the challenges of job searching in the current economic climate. They reflect on their time off, share personal anecdotes, and introduce a fun twist for the new year: a...

Join Maddie and Meaghan for the season finale of Not a Lonely Coffee Break! ☕✨In this reflective and heartwarming episode, the hosts look back on the moments that shaped the season — from candid conversations about holidays and PTO to personal stories that highlight the power of connection. They also dive into cultural representation in the media and revisit some of their most memorable discussi...

In this episode of Not a Lonely Coffee Break, hosts Maddie and Meaghan reflect on the past year, discuss the importance of creating inclusive spaces in the workplace, and emphasize the role of individuals in fostering inclusivity. They explore the concepts of self-awareness, allyship, and the difference between equality and equity, while encouraging listeners to take actionable steps towards creat...

In this conversation, Meaghan and Maddie explore the psychological aspects of belonging and self-identification, particularly in relation to personality tests and how workplaces should be using them appropriately, not just as a one-and-done. They discuss how these tests can provide individuals, workplaces, and teammates with a sense of being seen and understood, fulfilling a fundamental human need...

** Listeners of this episode can receive 15% off of any listed service from Lotus and The Snake when they use the code: NALP15 or NALCB15 In this special extended episode, Maddie and Meaghan dive into the mystical, spooky, and insightful intrigue of energy work. Logan Smith (Shane), founder of Lotus and the Snake, joins us for the first time to share insights into tarot reading, its purpose, and t...

In this exciting new episode, hosts Maddie and Meaghan welcome Shannon Walker, a passionate advocate for the trans community. Shannon shared with us her journey, the challenges faced by trans individuals, and the importance of community support. We also made sure to highlight the work of the NuTrans Movement, which aims to provide resources and advocacy for marginalized trans people. Shannon share...

Grab your coffee and check out the brand new episode, as hosts Maddie and Meaghan discuss various themes surrounding the workplace, including updates on Baylor's School of Social Work, the upcoming Pride Kel-So event, and the importance of being kind to yourself. The conversation explores the concepts of imposter syndrome and perfectionism, and Maddie and Meaghan even share their own experienc...

In this episode, hosts Maddie and Meaghan talk about some recent experiences of queer joy and discuss personal experiences at concerts that highlight the need for safe spaces, and how these principles can be applied to work environments. The conversation delves into strategies for building positive relationships with coworkers, the role of fun in enhancing workplace culture. We emphasize the need...

In this engaging conversation, Maddie and Meaghan chat with The Dreyson business owners, April and Shaina, who share their journey of starting a business together, the challenges they faced as a queer couple, and their exciting plans for the first annual Pride Kelso event. They discuss the importance of authenticity, community support, and the impact of their queer identity on their business decis...

Grab your coffee and join us as we explore the intricate dynamics of employee-manager relationships, emphasizing the critical role of manager engagement in fostering a productive and supportive work environment. Maddie and Meaghan share examples from their own experiences with poor manager-employee relationships and what research says about it all! We highlight the impact of health and wellness on...

In this episode, we explore the complexities of workplace relationships, particularly focusing on romantic entanglements and their implications in professional settings. Maddie and Meaghan share their thoughts and discuss recent events involving the Dallas Wings and the viral Coldplay/CEO scandal, highlighting the ethical considerations and HR policies surrounding workplace romance. The conversati...

In this episode of Not a Lonely Coffee Break, Maddie and Meaghan open with a heartfelt acknowledgment of the recent flooding in Texas and how their community can support those affected. The conversation shifts to a powerful and emotional discussion about Baylor University’s decision to return a $600,000 research grant intended to explore LGBTQ+ inclusion and religious trauma in faith communities....

In this episode of Not a Lonely Coffee Break, hosts Maddie and Meaghan celebrate the growth of their podcast and delve into the life and legacy of Marsha P. Johnson, a pivotal figure in LGBTQ+ activism. They explore her early life, struggles, and the significant role she played in the Stonewall Uprising and the founding of the Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries (STAR). The conversation hig...