Work Sucks, But I Like It

"Strong column, weak beam" In this episode, Tony Tenaglier interviews Jake Kennington, a former structural engineer turned entrepreneur and coach. They discuss the evolution of work, the importance of redefining success, and the philosophy behind Jake's coaching practice, Actively Human. Jake shares his journey from feeling trapped in a corporate job to finding fulfillment in entrep...

"You are responsible for your life." In this episode, Heather Stewart, a coach and yoga teacher, shares her journey from a successful corporate career to helping individuals find their purpose and satisfaction in life. She discusses the importance of curiosity, the challenges of going inward, and how yoga serves as a reflection of one's internal state. Heather emphasizes the need fo...

"Turn your burnout into a breakthrough" In this episode, Garrett Wood, a clinical hypnotherapist and wellness coach, discusses his journey from traditional jobs to finding passion in his work. He explores the concept of burnout, its stages, and the impact of technology on seeking help. Garrett emphasizes the importance of coaching, creating psychologically safe work environments, and the...

In this episode, Tony interviews Alex Sanfilippo, a prominent figure in the podcasting world, discussing his journey from aerospace to entrepreneurship in podcasting. They explore the definition of work, the importance of community, and the challenges of navigating social media and burnout. Alex shares insights on enhancing communication skills, finding passion, and the significance of meaningful...

 “Outwardly successful, inwardly unfulfilled.” In this conversation, Dr. Caroline Sangal shares her transformative journey from a successful career in polymer science to becoming a career architect and life coach. She discusses the predictable stages of career transitions, the importance of self-discovery, and the need for work-life integration. Dr. Sangal emphasizes that authentic success is abou...

"Be more comfortable with AI technology." In this conversation, Al Kushner discusses the importance of embracing AI technology and the various tools available to enhance productivity and content creation. He emphasizes the necessity of having an online presence and utilizing AI tools to optimize profiles and create engaging content. Check out Al's work here: https://linkedvantage.co...

"I need more project work and less routine" In this conversation, Dr. Kevin Gazzara discusses the concept of flow as defined by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, emphasizing the importance of balancing challenge and skill to achieve optimal productivity and satisfaction in work. He explains how too much challenge with low skill leads to anxiety, while too much skill with low challenge results in...

In this conversation, Kristan Swan discusses the importance of self-trust and how it is foundational for making better choices in life. She reflects on her journey of learning to trust herself, which involved overcoming failures and understanding the significance of being true to oneself. Check out her work and pick up a copy of "Spaghetti on the Wall" here! https://kristanswan.com/ Supp...

In this conversation, Professor David Shar discusses the deep emotional connections people have with their work, comparing it to a romantic relationship. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing when passion fades and the need for pauses in the work environment to prevent burnout and maintain fulfillment. Connect with David here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidshar/ Professor Shar's acad...

In this conversation, Tony speaks with Steve Briggs, a passionate rock climber and root setter, about his journey in the climbing world. They discuss how Steve discovered his love for climbing, the challenges of root setting, overcoming fear, and the importance of community in the sport. Steve shares insights on goal setting, the flow state experienced during climbing, and the life lessons he has...

"Spiritual entrepreneurship involves helping others achieve prosperity" In this episode, we explore the concept of spiritual entrepreneurship with Meir Ezra, a renowned spiritual entrepreneur who has helped tens of thousands of people. We delve into the idea that spirituality is the 'nothingness that creates somethingness' and discuss how one's mental condition influences...

Today we dig into the stuff that makes work… well… work. Today, we’re rolling right into a powerful conversation with our guest, Ron Reich. Ron breaks down something I think a lot of leaders, teams, and honestly—humans—tend to overlook: how fear drives people not to work, and why understanding that fear is the key to actually engaging them. Ron didn’t just talk concepts today—he coached me in the...

"They obviously don't have the spark" In this conversation, Peter and Tony discuss the importance of creativity in a world increasingly influenced by AI. They explore the notion that individuals with a genuine passion for creation will always find a way to express themselves, regardless of technological advancements. https://www.petergunn.net/ Support the show Want to find out more?...

I'm ready to take the show into the next gear and get more people talking about work and what sucks about it today. From burnout to spirituality with upcoming episodes, I'm excited to share what I think the exact set of skills is needed for listening to future episodes to get the most from them. Success is never about good luck, it's good skills! Support the show Want to find out mo...

In this conversation, Tony explores the paradox of doing nothing and its relationship with productivity and well-being. He discusses the implications of retirement on mental and physical capabilities, the importance of flow states in work, and how strategic periods of doing nothing can enhance overall performance and recovery. Support the show Want to find out more? Check out the website: www.work...

In this episode of the Work Sucks, But I Like It podcast, Tony explores the complex nature of job titles and their significance in the workplace. He discusses how job titles can shape identity, influence perceptions, and impact decision-making within organizations. However, he emphasizes that true worth is determined by the work one does, the relationships built, and the results delivered, rather...

In this episode, Tony explores the concept of failure, emphasizing that it should not define one's identity but rather be viewed as an event that provides immediate feedback for growth. He shares personal stories and insights on how to reframe failure, the importance of mindset, and the necessity of creating safe spaces for learning and improvement. Through anecdotes from his life, he illustr...

In this episode, Tony explores the unexpected lessons that LEGO can teach us about work, creativity, and leadership. He reflects on his personal journey with LEGO, discussing how it has influenced his values, problem-solving skills, and approach to teamwork. The conversation delves into the core values of LEGO, including imagination, fun, creativity, caring, and quality, and how these principles c...

Resumes tell us where someone’s been—but not always where they can go. What if the best candidate for your team isn’t the one with the longest list of accomplishments, but the one with the drive, adaptability, and untapped skills to grow into the role? In this episode of the Work Sucks But I Like It podcast, we are going to explore how leaders can hire not just for experience, but for potential. B...

In this episode, Brooke Russell discusses her role in campus recreation at Southern New Hampshire University and how she has integrated play into the workplace through a pickleball initiative. The conversation explores the impact of play on personal wellbeing, work relationships, and the importance of gamifying work. Brooke shares her journey, the challenges faced in implementing play initiatives,...

In this episode, Tony interviews Victor Zacarias, a passionate professional in the heat treating and pyrometry industry. Victor shares his unexpected journey into heat treating, his experiences in aerospace, and the challenges of maintaining work-life balance in manufacturing. He emphasizes the importance of systems in pyrometry, the need for change in the industry, and the value of mentoring the...

In this episode, Anthony Tenaglier interviews his brother Chris T, the founder of Earth's Echo, about the challenges and rewards of balancing work and life as a small business owner. Chris shares his journey from environmental engineering to landscaping, the importance of communication in business, and how technology impacts his work. They discuss the philosophy behind Earth's Echo, the...

Episode Number 10! In this episode, host Tony ditches the script and dives into the heart of communication: active listening . From lessons learned in his PhD program to wisdom passed down from his great aunt, Anthony shares why listening twice as much as we speak is one of the most underrated skills in work—and in life. He weaves in stories from drum circles, the aerospace industry, yoga, and eve...

“Life is not a spectator sport.” – Zig Ziglar We live in a culture that constantly tells us to escape work. To “do our own thing,” retire early, or make passive income while sipping drinks on a beach. If we’re not careful, this narrative slowly convinces us that work is a prison sentence — something to be endured until we reach some vague finish line of success, freedom, or validation. So, Why Thi...

In this episode of Work Sucks, But I Like It , host Tony Tenaglier takes us deep into the fire of workplace burnout — a blaze fueled by exhaustion, cynicism, and a sense of ineffectiveness. Drawing from both personal experience and psychological research, Tony shares how he went from marathon-running yoga teacher to sitting in a doctor’s office hearing the word "burnout" for the first ti...