Work. Life. Balance.

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Learn to find balance at work and at play, plus avoiding and recognizing workplace abuse. Every episode we'll look at the warning signs and resolutions for different toxic workplace behaviors. Hosted by Michael Panik and Michael Ray.

Michael Panik, Michael Ray

  • Feb 27, 2021 LATEST EPISODE
  • infrequent NEW EPISODES
  • 1h 8m AVG DURATION
  • 27 EPISODES


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Latest episodes from Work. Life. Balance.

S02E09 - The Future of Work

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 27, 2021 62:15


With COVID, the future of work is here. The workplace and work culture may never be the same again, and that could be exactly what we need! How will remote work shape the office life, and how many companies will go full remote? How do managers have to adapt to the ever changing landscape? All this and more! Be sure to join us on the W.L.B. listener's lounge Facebook group to discuss episodes, issues, and more. If you want to connect with other like-minded, work-focused, balance-striving listeners, head over to https://www.facebook.com/groups/worklifebalancepodcast/ and join! Questions, comments, ideas for future episodes? Email us at worklifebalanceshow@gmail.com!

S02E08 - When Your Ideas Never Actually Mattered

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 29, 2020 66:54


Do you ever feel like you're pitching to a brick wall? Everyone has ideas about how things can be better, and yours are no less important than anyone else's. Be sure that you're being heard – listen to this episode! Be sure to join us on the W.L.B. listener's lounge Facebook group to discuss episodes, issues, and more. If you want to connect with other like-minded, work-focused, balance-striving listeners, head over to https://www.facebook.com/groups/worklifebalancepodcast/ and join! Questions, comments, ideas for future episodes? Email us at worklifebalanceshow@gmail.com!

S02E08 - Affecting Positive Change

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 21, 2020 78:33


On this show we talk a lot about the worst of the worst - really negative work environments. Today, we’re looking at the most meh of the meh; boring, stagnant work environments and how you can make them better! If you’re looking to make things interesting where you work, this is the one for you! This episode is brought to you by Bordo, the simple social media management platform built for teams. If you're interested in checking out Bordo for two weeks free, commitment and credit card free, head over to https://hellobordo.com. Be sure to join us on the W.L.B. listener's lounge Facebook group to discuss episodes, issues, and more. If you want to connect with other like-minded, work-focused, balance-striving listeners, head over to https://www.facebook.com/groups/worklifebalancepodcast/ and join! Questions, comments, ideas for future episodes? Email us at worklifebalanceshow@gmail.com!

S02E07 - We Got Us a Live One!

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 19, 2020 55:00


Prior to the pandemic, we had the opportunity to travel to Jacksonville Statue University in Jacksonville, AL and talk to some members of their chapter of Delta Sigma Pi about our views on work and work culture. They had lots of great questions, we pulled out some okayish answers! We had a blast working with them, and hope to do more live speaking engagements soon. Be sure to join us on the W.L.B. listener's lounge Facebook group to discuss episodes, issues, and more. If you want to connect with other like-minded, work-focused, balance-striving listeners, head over to https://www.facebook.com/groups/worklifebalancepodcast/ and join! Questions, comments, ideas for future episodes? Email us at worklifebalanceshow@gmail.com!

S02E06 - Keeping Your Head On Your Way Out The Door

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2020 71:26


One of the hardest parts of leaving a job is keepin' on keepin' on while you're headed out the door. Today we look at a write-in from a listener who's looking for a new job, but finds it hard to keep working hard at her current job. We've been there! How do you keep morale up? How do you avoid burning bridges? All that and more on this episode! Be sure to join us on the W.L.B. listener's lounge Facebook group to discuss episodes, issues, and more. If you want to connect with other like-minded, work-focused, balance-striving listeners, head over to https://www.facebook.com/groups/worklifebalancepodcast/ and join! Questions, comments, ideas for future episodes? Email us at worklifebalanceshow@gmail.com!

S02E05 - #RestEthic with authors John Fitch and Max Frenzel

Play Episode Listen Later May 25, 2020 53:32


This week we're joined by John Fitch and Max Frenzel, the authors of the brand new book "Time Off". John and Max present some challenging ideas around how we should rest as hard as we play - seriously! We loved talking to them about their book, their lives, the fact that we were in three different timezones and two different countries while we recording this, and more! Definitely a must-listen. After this episode, you'll definitely want to grab a copy of their book – pick it up at: https://www.timeoffbook.com/ Be sure to join us on the W.L.B. listener's lounge Facebook group to discuss episodes, issues, and more. If you want to connect with other like-minded, work-focused, balance-striving listeners, head over to https://www.facebook.com/groups/worklifebalancepodcast/ and join! Questions, comments, ideas for future episodes? Email us at worklifebalanceshow@gmail.com!

S02E04 - A Remote Episode

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 23, 2020 41:55


If you're like most people, you've found yourself thrust into full-time remote work in the last two weeks, as the world fights the COVID pandemic. How bad is working remote? Are there upsides? How can you keep from going insane? All this and more! Be sure to join us on the W.L.B. listener's lounge Facebook group to discuss episodes, issues, and more. If you want to connect with other like-minded, work-focused, balance-striving listeners, head over to https://www.facebook.com/groups/worklifebalancepodcast/ and join! Questions, comments, ideas for future episodes? Email us at worklifebalanceshow@gmail.com!

S02E03 - One Year Celebration

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2020 89:41


Exactly one year ago today, Michael and I quit our toxic jobs, and moved on to a better future. Today we celebrate all the good things we've gained, and explore all the ways we've grown and learned in that time. In this very special episode (and our longest to date!) we look at the other side of the wall: everything you have to gain from leaving a bad situation. Be sure to join us on the W.L.B. listener's lounge Facebook group to discuss episodes, issues, and more. If you want to connect with other like-minded, work-focused, balance-striving listeners, head over to https://www.facebook.com/groups/worklifebalancepodcast/ and join! Questions, comments, ideas for future episodes? Email us at worklifebalanceshow@gmail.com!

S02E02 - Boss Pretending to Be A Leader - How Can You Tell?

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 19, 2020 71:13


Often it's easy to mistake a boss for a leader - usually because they've become good at faking it! Knowing how to spot fake leadership early can save you loads of heartache and stress when the red flags start flying, and the ship starts sinking. In this episode we discuss what makes a good leader, what makes a bad boss, and how to know (and be!) the difference. Be sure to join us on the W.L.B. listener's lounge Facebook group to discuss episodes, issues, and more. If you want to connect with other like-minded, work-focused, balance-striving listeners, head over to https://www.facebook.com/groups/worklifebalancepodcast/ and join! Questions, comments, ideas for future episodes? Email us at worklifebalanceshow@gmail.com!

S02E01 - Let's Get Educated

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 20, 2020 64:40


We kick off season *two* with a write in from a teacher who went through hell and back - and not because of her students. Too often on this show we only look at corporate America; the standard 9 to 5s. With teaching being the most common profession at municipal level, we thought it was high time to shed some light on the often-political world inside the schoolhouse walls. If you or anyone you love is an educator, this is the one for you! With the launch of season 2, we've started a W.L.B. listener's lounge Facebook group to discuss episodes, issues, and more. If you want to connect with other like-minded, work-focused, balance-striving listeners, head over to https://www.facebook.com/groups/worklifebalancepodcast/ and join! Questions, comments, ideas for future episodes? Email us at worklifebalanceshow@gmail.com!

S01E17 - Vegas Vacation

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 1, 2020 66:11


This week we have a listener write-in that's all about being the point person, and how being "superman" can have its "super drawbacks". Do you ever feel like the glue that holds your organization together? Do you think that if you tried to take a vacation the building would burn down? Consider this a sister episode to episode number 15, with more practical advice on getting to truly take a vacation. Questions, comments, ideas for future episodes? Email us at worklifebalanceshow@gmail.com!

S01E16 - Quitting Your Job, Two Different Ways

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 20, 2019 80:26


There are two radically different ways you can leave a job. Before you choose either, always examine your options carefully, and know what you're up against, plus some warning signs that you, or your employee, is ready to move on. If you're ready to make the jump to your next career move, or know someone who is, this is the episode for you! Questions, comments, ideas for future episodes? Email us at worklifebalanceshow@gmail.com!

S01E15 - How to Take a Vacation

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 4, 2019 78:41


If you’re the kind of person who never takes a day off, only takes a long weekend and only spontaneously, or just has general problems with vacationing as a whole, this episode is for you! We hear way too often and know way too many people who would all out refuse to take a vacation. This can have damaging effects long-term. If you are afraid that you may be headed down that path, by all means listen on.

S01E14 - Warning Signs From a Land Down Under

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2019 78:06


G'day, all! Today we hear from a listener in Australia with a lot of messy warning signs of a bad, toxic work environment. We're excited to share her story and delve into issues that are global, in more ways than one! Questions, comments, ideas for future episodes? Email us at worklifebalanceshow@gmail.com!

S01E13 - Sleep . . . sleep . . . s l e e p

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 18, 2019 59:08


In the past you've heard us harp on the importance of sleep. A good nights' sleep can set a whole day in motion, but a bad day's sleep can cost it all. if you deal with chronic sleep trouble, irritability, tiredness during the day, or any other sleep-related issues, your life can go off the rails quick. Now's the time to get it under control! We also have a go at a minisode - a writer asks about taking time between internship and job, and about rocking the boat. Questions, comments, ideas for future episodes? Email us at worklifebalanceshow@gmail.com!

S01E12 - Nutjob Nancy, or, the Client Coworker

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 4, 2019 68:28


We've talked a lot on this show about bad and messy managers - the people in control having no control. This episode sheds light on a different, and often more-prevalent issue: crazy coworkers. Especially in the cases where those coworkers become clients - a calamity! Despite the alliteration, if you've ever dealt with a coworker with negative, erratic, or explosive behavior, this story - easily the best we've ever received - and this episode are both just for you. Questions, comments, ideas for future episodes? Email us at worklifebalanceshow@gmail.com!

S01E11 - I Only Need Me

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 19, 2019 64:32


Way too often we hear of people dealing with coworkers and managers with a "I don't need you" mentality. How can you deal with someone like that? Day in, day out always trying to make you believe that they're in total control and you're just there to help them, if you're lucky. We delve in and try to understand the mind of the "lone wolf" and offer resolve to working alongside them. Questions, comments, ideas for future episodes? Email us at worklifebalanceshow@gmail.com!

S01E10: Guest: Tess Brigham

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 14, 2019 63:15


Tess Brigham, MFT, BCC, is a San Francisco-based therapist and life coach specializing in millennials and 20-somethings at the crossroads of their lives. She's written articles for and been featured in CNBC, HuffPost, Yahoo!, Bustle, and more. She's an amazing person with a brilliant mind, and she was kind enough to be our guest this week on W.L.B. Check out Tess at her website (https://tessbrighamcoaching.com) and be sure to grab a copy of her e-book while you're there! (https://tessbrighamcoaching.com/book) Questions, comments, ideas for future episodes? Email us at worklifebalanceshow@gmail.com!

S01E9: Using Personal Connections for Business Gains

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2019 68:28


You see it all the time on social media, at the gym, at church, at the club. Wherever you are, it's like there's always somebody trying to talk business at the wrong time. This episode is unique - we tackle a situation more on the life side, and one that may challenge you to check yourself and think about what you may be doing wrong. It's an easy trap to fall for - be vigilant! Questions, comments, ideas for future episodes? Email us at worklifebalanceshow@gmail.com!

S01E8: So You Work For A Narcissist

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 30, 2019 69:39


Narcissism is everywhere - the workplace is no different. A lot of times, narcissists find the need to start and run businesses, since they see themselves as the most qualified to do so. Dealing with a self-obsessed boss? Not sure what you can do about it? This is the episode for you! Questions, comments, ideas for future episodes? Email us at worklifebalanceshow@gmail.com!

S01E7: Guest: Hannah Green

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 25, 2019 63:09


Hannah Green is a fabulous graphic designer and lettering artist, as well as friend of the show. She joins us today to talk about her experiences with side work and negativity surrounding it. To see Hannah's work and show her some social love, look her up on Insta (@hannahmaeletterco) and check out her store at http://hannahmaeletterco.com! Questions, comments, ideas for future episodes? Email us at worklifebalanceshow@gmail.com!

S01E6: Unpredictable Bosses

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2019 77:00


An anonymous listener writes in about a boss that's as unpredictable as a storm or the end of the world. How can you possibly deal with someone whose next move is a total mystery? Our experiences, their experiences, and more on episode number six! Questions, comments, ideas for future episodes? Email us at worklifebalanceshow@gmail.com!

S01E5: When Saying Yes Is A Bad Thing

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 9, 2019 73:25


We all have problems overcommitting ourselves. Are you just the person that says "yes" to everything? Are you afraid to say "no"? This episode is just for you, oh yes-men and yes-women of the world! Questions, comments, ideas for future episodes? Email us at worklifebalanceshow@gmail.com!

S01E4: Physical Effects

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2019 73:02


Has your stress gotten the better of your physical wellbeing? What if your physical side effects - the headaches, sores, and small pains - are just in your head; stress and overwork being released from your mind? Learn how to combat life’s little pains by dealing with your workload! Questions, comments, ideas for future episodes? Email us at worklifebalanceshow@gmail.com!

S01E3: Driving Away Life Relationships

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2019 68:18


How often do you get told, "You seem tired."? Are you always struggling to let your life dictate work, not the other way around? Do your friends not call; have you stop calling? Are you worried you're driving away what matters most - the people in your life? Listen on, oh listener. Questions, comments, ideas for future episodes? Email us at worklifebalanceshow@gmail.com!

S01E2: Guilt: When You Can't Find The Off Switch

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2019 63:37


Do you feel like you're always working? Won't allow yourself to take a break? Does the thought of leaving work for a week terrify you? Fear not, and listen on!

S01E1: Drudgery: When Everyday is a Monday

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 4, 2019 67:49


Does every day feel like a Monday? Do you dread checking your phone for fear of the harassing calls/texts/emails? Will everything be better once that one person leaves? When that big project is done? When you fire one particular client? This is the episode for you! Questions, comments, ideas for future episodes? Email us at worklifebalanceshow@gmail.com!

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