Work Sucks, But I Like It

Most authors write for fun — until the work of writing becomes real work. Shiloh Creed, a seven-time award-winning novelist with over 1.4 million books sold, shares how she transformed her passion into a thriving career while maintaining her creative soul. She reveals the surprising difference between writing for pleasure and the discipline required to meet deadlines, and how her multiple pen name...

Most podcasters dread the endless grind of post-production, but what if there’s a smarter way to turn your podcast ideas into reality without burning out? Wisdom Okonquo, host of My Podcast Story , shares how he’s transforming the podcasting landscape by giving voice to the creators behind the scenes—and reveals the key skills that keep his show thriving amid the chaos.  If you’re a creator overwh...

Be inspired by many, but influenced by few. June 2026 guests! Chasing a single purpose is a trap ~Mark Work is about personal enrichment. ~Matt Retirement is outdated. ~Lynn The joy of giving back to others. ~Saw Stop that scrollamitis online! ~Melanie The power of relatable stories is influence. ~Danny See the person, not the disability. ~Kevin Tune into your own rhythms, not external goals. ~Hol...

Most of us are stuck in a hustle culture that pushes us to ignore our natural rhythms and self-care. But what if the secret to sustainable success isn’t more grinding—it's tuning into your own body and seasonality? Dr. Holly Battrum unpacks how Eastern philosophies like team (the integrative approach to Chinese, Korean, and Japanese medicine) can transform our Western view of work, health, an...

Discover how to transform workplaces with the power of inclusion in this episode featuring Kevin McShan, a leading advocate for disability awareness and employment equity. Learn how shifting your mindset from limitations to opportunities can redefine success for everyone.  Kevin shares his journey from rejection to influence, offering practical steps to build an inclusive culture that attracts div...

Discover how to transform work from drudgery into passion with Danny Brassell, known as "Jim Carrey with a PhD." In this episode, Danny shares his journey from a failed real estate scam to becoming a sought-after speaker and author. Learn how storytelling, mindset shifts, and practical frameworks like the "Five C's" of communication can turn perceived weaknesses into stren...

Burnout isn't just exhaustion—it's a nervous system crisis reshaping workplaces. Dr. Melanie Gray, host of Code Calm , reveals how valuing productivity over people fuels stress and anxiety. Discover how digital overstimulation, or "scrollomitis," impacts mental health and why redefining success is crucial. Learn to set boundaries, recognize burnout signs, and embrace self-care...

Discover how Saw Myint, a Burmese-Aussie mother, CPA, and property developer, transformed her work life from frustration to fulfillment by aligning her career with her passions and values. In this episode, Saw shares her journey of overcoming toxic office politics, balancing family life, and building genuine relationships with her team. Learn how her early experiences with unfair treatment fueled...

Most of us think about retirement as the end of work, but Lynn Friesth sees it as the beginning of a purposeful encore. After 40 years at John Deere, Lynn’s redefining what it means to stay active, impactful, and fulfilled beyond traditional retirement age. His journey from corporate engineer to lifelong learner proves that your best chapter might just be starting at 75—and that your work, no matt...

In this episode, Tony's best friend Matt, a community college buyer, shares his journey from burnout in trucking to finding fulfillment in education. He challenges the corporate ladder myth, emphasizing self-awareness, organization, and hobbies for true growth. Discover insights on work-life balance, the importance of patience and workplace culture, and self-care practices like journaling and...

Unlock the secret to genuine happiness and purpose with Emmy-winning comedian Mark DiCarlo, who shares his journey from a near-death experience to a life centered on joy. Discover how embracing what makes you happy can transform your career and relationships. This episode offers practical tactics like identifying your last 10 happy moments, mastering storytelling and listening, and reclaiming time...

May 2026 Monthly Recap Themes: Why today's work culture ignores humanity and how to fix it How vampires reveal the power of family Doing the work to find the ones that saved you (literally) How to embrace authenticity and happiness The attitude of never giving up The hidden cost of living in the wrong identity  Support the show Want to find out more? Check out the website: www.worksucksbutili...

Trapped by societal expectations and personal fears, Bobbi Barrington spent decades in the wrong marriage and career, feeling disconnected from her true self. In this transformative episode, Bobbi shares her journey of radical change, revealing how awareness and choice unlocked her true power. Discover practical tools to break free from limiting beliefs and embrace authenticity, as Bobbi discusses...

Jay Setchell, a Marine Corps veteran and serial entrepreneur, shares his incredible journey of resilience and purpose after surviving 73 surgeries and a near-death experience. Discover how relentless stubbornness, small steps, and intrinsic drive can transform life's obstacles into stepping stones. Jay challenges conventional views on work, success, and retirement, showing that purpose fuels...

Chip Scholz transformed his life by embracing usefulness over status after a career wake-up call. This episode explores his journey of finding purpose through simple tools like a lathe and pocket knife, offering profound lessons on living intentionally and authentically.  Chip shares insights on mindfulness, such as box breathing and recognizing everyday gifts, to help manage anxiety and enhance e...

Most people spend their careers trading time for money — until a near-death snowmobile accident forced Ed McCarthy to rewrite his entire life approach. In this powerful episode, Ed reveals how one life-altering experience shifted his focus from being an overworked tech CEO to designing a life rooted in purpose, ownership, and freedom. Discover the pivotal moments that led him to embrace a new mind...

Richard Spiegel shares how he transforms chaos into captivating worlds, revealing the truth behind his vampire saga. His military background and mental health journey fuel realistic fight scenes and vivid imagination. Discover how authenticity and family-centric themes revolutionize vampire fiction, and explore the link between mental illness and creativity. This episode offers fresh perspectives...

Vanessa The Vivacious shares her journey from struggle to becoming a voice for humanity 2.0, emphasizing how vulnerability can lead to authentic connection and personal growth. Discover the art of resilience, the power of active listening, and practical ways to build community.  Vanessa’s insights reveal why embracing openness and compassion is crucial for societal healing and meaningful change. P...

Most of us are unknowingly caught in a cycle of nonstop activity, leaving little room to reconnect with ourselves. What if the secret to transforming your work and life lies in a simple, ancient practice—yoga—that's more relevant today than ever?  In this episode, Tony Tenaglier flips the script, blending modern neuroscience, philosophy, and practical insights to reveal how slowing down and m...

April 2026 was filled with a lot of great moments from the guests on the show. We explored: - Trusting your gut, not your fear - Moving from paycheck to purpose - The discipline of success - Why leaders actually burnout  - Stop faking success as people can see right through you - Working hard vs. staying stuck - The power of your life force - The importance of your identity Support the show Want t...

Most entrepreneurs kill their growth prospects by ignoring one crucial element: their identity.  Ken Cox, a seasoned entrepreneur and author of Loading Identity , reveals the mind-transforming power of mastering your "super why" to unlock peak performance and resilience. In this episode, Ken shares how his journey through the Flow Research Collective helped him rewire his identity, conqu...

Most of us chase material growth—but what if your real asset is your life force? In this episode, Delliah Shaffer, health coach and systems thinker, challenges survival-mode thinking and redefines success through both spiritual and material balance. Drawing from her shift out of the pharmaceutical world, she breaks down how virtues like presence, patience, and optimism directly impact your health,...

Alan Lazaros, founder of Next Level University, breaks down what real work actually means in a world chasing shortcuts. From leaving corporate engineering to building a global coaching business, Alan shares why personal development is overlooked, why self-belief is the ultimate skill, and why success comes from doing what others avoid. If you’re tired of quick fixes and ready for real growth in he...

What if success isn’t about how your life looks—but how it actually feels?  Scott Maderer challenges the myth of “fake it till you make it” and explores why people can always tell what’s real. They break down the difference between relationships and transactions, how to build authentic connections in a surface-level world, and why chasing status, image, and appearances leads to emptiness. Scott in...

Leadership coach and burnout researcher Naomi Asher breaks down why burnout isn’t caused by overwork—but by lack of growth, misalignment, and misunderstood communication. We explore the truth about work-life balance, nonprofit leadership stress, and how tools like the Enneagram can transform teams, reduce conflict, and create meaningful, sustainable work. Connect with Naomi: https://www.naomithema...