Real Work – How People Turn Ideas Into Impact - Tarle Media Network

In this episode of the Real Work podcast, host Jennifer Tarle sits down with her partner in crime, Rob Pakulski, for a conversation that hits hyper-close to home. Driven by a fascinating surge of new clients arriving at @tarlespeech via ChatGPT and Gemini rather than standard Google searches, they pull back the curtain on how AI is completely rewriting the rules of online discovery. Real Work expl...

In this episode of the Real Work podcast, host Jennifer Tarle is joined by her husband, Eagle Scout Rob Pakulski, for a deeply personal conversation about memory, legacy, and the true meaning of mentorship. Returning to the exact campgrounds of his youth, Rob shares how a recent reunion trip back to Camp Mayaconda forced him to confront his biggest regret—and what it taught him about the power of...

In this episode of Real Work Ideas, host Jennifer Tarle and guest Rob Pakulski discuss the critical shift in how professionals are vetted in a digital-first world. They explore why your "proof of work" is now just as important as your resume, serving as the tangible evidence that backs up your professional claims. From LinkedIn strategies to choosing the right platform for your specific...

In this episode of the Real Work podcast, host Jennifer Tarle is joined by her husband and business partner, Rob Pakulski, to trace the evolution of the Tarle Media Network. From the early days of filming kettlebell workouts at Lake Michigan to achieving a silver YouTube Creator Award, they share the "real work" behind building a global communication brand. Real Work explores the grit and strategy...

Faith, Family, and the Super CommuteIn this episode of Real Work, Paul Sanftner returns to share a surprising life update and deep dive into the "real work" of balancing high-level professional contribution with being a present father, husband, and friend. After six years as a Public Information Officer for the City of San Leandro, Paul reflects on the importance of intentional transitions, the po...

In this episode of the Real Work podcast, host Jennifer Tarle is joined by her husband, Rob Pakulski, to continue their series on AI literacy for beginners. Real Work explores the grit and strategy behind how we choose to spend our time and energy. Today, Jennifer and Rob strip away the technical jargon to discuss how anyone can start jumping into the "AI journey" without feeling overwhe...

What if coding is no longer about writing code, but about thinking, prompting, and building with AI? In this episode of The Real Work Podcast, we explore the discipline and strategy behind navigating the new AI landscape with Ben Novak. Ben is an AI product builder and search expert specializing in helping organizations transition from traditional enterprise search to modern AI-driven solutions. H...

Some people wait for the right time to adapt. Others realize the shift is already happening—and start learning in real time. In this episode of The Real Work Podcast, I spoke with Rob Pakulski, a business leader and strategic operator, about what it actually looks like to start using AI in your daily work—and why waiting may be the biggest risk professionals face today. His perspective cuts throug...

Some trips are about checking boxes. Others are about slowing down, getting lost, and figuring things out as you go. In this episode of The Real Work Podcast, Jennifer Tarle and Rob Pakulski share their experience traveling to Joshua Tree National Park and Death Valley National Park—two desert landscapes that look similar on the surface but feel completely different in real life. Their story highl...

Some people find their path early. Others discover it by trying many things and paying attention to what keeps drawing them forward. In this episode of The Real Work Podcast, I spoke with Jason Wavle, an attention curator, video producer, and theology graduate who has spent years helping people notice what truly matters. His story shows how meaningful work often grows through curiosity, community,...

The real work of leadership often begins long before a career. It starts with discipline, tradition, and showing up when the pressure is highest. In this episode of The Real Work Podcast, former University of Michigan Drum Major Rodney Weir shares what it takes to lead one of the most iconic marching band traditions in college sports. From sticking with learning an instrument to performing the fam...

Retirement isn’t the end. It’s a recalibration. In this episode of Real Work, Jennifer Tarle sits down with Denise E. Williams — occupational therapist of 45 years, intuitive healer, classically trained singer, dancer, speaker, and founder of Holistic Hoop — to explore what it means to live rhythmically, intentionally, and spiritually aligned. From managing pediatric clinics and keynote speaking…...

Authenticity isn’t a buzzword—it’s a strategy, a mindset, and sometimes a survival skill. In this episode of Real Work, Jennifer Tarle sits down with Teacher Will (Ask Teacher Will), an educator, mentor, and community builder whose journey spans business development, international teaching, and leadership in adult education. From getting laid off on his birthday during the 2008 financial crisis, t...

Faith isn’t meant to stay inside a building. In this episode of Real Work, Paul Sanftner reflects on the real work of ministry and fellowship—not only within church walls, but in everyday life and professional environments. He shares how service, encouragement, and intentional community shape both personal growth and workplace culture. Paul discusses what it means to live out your faith consistent...

What if the most powerful speech therapy doesn’t happen in a clinic but at home, during everyday life? In this episode of Real Work, Jennifer Tarle sits down with Michael Neary, a speech-language pathologist with over 20 years of experience and the founder of Chattertots, LLC. Together, they explore early communication, parent coaching, and why early intervention is less about “fixing” children an...

What does inclusion really look like inside today’s school systems—and what kind of leadership does it demand? In this episode of Real Work, host Jennifer Tarle sits down with Mitch Atkin, Senior Director of Specialized Services at Regeneron Schools, to talk candidly about disability advocacy, special education leadership, and what it takes to build systems where students truly belong. With over t...

Reinvention doesn’t happen overnight—and it doesn’t happen by accident. In this episode of Real Work, Lieutenant Colonel Ryan “Beans” Benes shares what it really looks like to move from a decades-long military career into an entirely new identity. A Marine Corps Osprey pilot with five deployments, including missions in support of two U.S. presidents, Ryan reflects on leadership, responsibility, an...

Making art is one thing. Making it sustainable is another. In this episode of Real Work, Geoff Anderson shares the honest reality of turning poetry into a business—without hollowing out the heart of the work itself. This is a grounded conversation about craft, discipline, and the often invisible labor behind creative careers. We talk about what it really takes to let art pay the bills while protec...

Improv isn’t just about being funny—it’s about listening, adaptability, and showing up prepared. In this episode of Real Work , Vince Ricci , founder of City Stages , breaks down what real improv training looks like and why it matters for performers, professionals, and anyone building confidence under pressure. Vince shares how structured improv training develops presence, collaboration, and decis...

The real work of MBA admissions coaching extends far beyond the application! In this session, John Couke, MBA Coach for top-tier US universities, reveals how he supports high-achieving professionals  get into a top-tier MBA program like HBS, Stanford GSB, or Wharton.  John works after successful acceptance preparing clients for the complex career transitions and post-MBA success. ➡️ Book a consult...

What happens when your unique voice holds you back? Communication Coach Jennifer Tarl shares her journey from a Western PA local with a distinct Pittsburghese accent to a global communications expert. Growing up, Jennifer was told she needed to change her accent to be professional. She shares the hilarious and frustrating linguistic traits of Pittsburghese (yes, we're talking yinz and redd up !),...

In this special solo episode, I interview myself to share the unscripted journey of how I transitioned from a traditional role as a certified Speech Therapist to becoming a successful Global Communication Coach and full-time entrepreneur. This is The Real Work —the dedication, the pivots, and the strategic risks that turned a side gig into a global business. Discover the key decisions that fueled...

In this episode of the Real Work Ideas podcast, we sit down with Tom Pruss, the owner of Northcoast PMM LLC, Northwest Ohio's trusted leader in print and marketing solutions. Tom shares his journey in building a company recognized for both quality and reliability, specializing in community-focused branding and high-volume print management for regional banks, nonprofits, and local organizations. Di...

Welcome to The Real Work Podcast! In this episode, we tackle The Real Work of AI Education with expert and visionary founder, Anu Hoysniemi. In a world rapidly being reshaped by Artificial Intelligence, how do we equip our kids to explore this technology safely, responsibly, and smartly? Join Anu, the founder of AI Adventure LLC, a fast-growing company dedicated to helping children navigate the wo...

What does it take to lead when the situation demands something completely new? In this episode of Real Work, we sit down with executive Rob Pakulski to break down his long and varied business career, focusing on the defining moments that shaped his leadership style. This isn't theoretical advice; this is the real work behind high-level management. Rob pulls back the curtain on: -The pivotal differ...