Ever wondered about the grit and grind behind the glossy doors of the corporate world? We crack that shell wide open in this enlightening episode featuring our fantastic guest, Shannon. We shed light on her positive experiences as an optometrist and contrast it with some jaw-dropping Glassdoor reviews. Uncover the hidden realities of working at fast-food giants McDonald's and Starbucks, diving into long hours, demanding customers, and high staff turnover rates. Do you remember the last time...

Ever feel like you're walking through a minefield at work? We've all been there, and our guest, Jay White, brings those experiences to life in a candid discussion about navigating toxic workplaces. From an electrician living in shipping containers to heading digital in a software company, Jay’s unique journey is a testament to resilience. We dig deep into the challenges he faced, the red flags he ignored, and the profound impact these experiences had on his personal life and work-life...

Joining us in an insightful episode is Captain (Not a real name!), a seasoned player who has thrived for 30 years in the thrilling, often merciless world of the entertainment industry. His tales stretch from directing commercials and music videos to rubbing shoulders with celebrities like Courtney Love. But it's not all glitz and glamour; Captain doesn't shy away from pulling back the curtain on the darker side of the industry, recounting incidents of intense pressure, humiliation, and the...

Imagine being excited about a new job, only to find out that your employer is deceitful and manipulative. That’s the reality that Zuhara Miriam, a marketing and PR expert from Kenya, faced when she took on a job with a fraudulent employer. This episode serves as a cautionary tale, and a reminder to always be vigilant when entering into any employment agreement. We navigate the treacherous waters of employment contracts gone awry, delayed payments, and the subsequent resignation. Listen to...

Ever wondered how multi-level marketing organizations manage to lure individuals into their webs of manipulation and false promises of financial freedom? Get ready to decode these toxic work environments with Felicia, an experienced industrial organization psychologist and the founder and fractional CPO at CPO Playbook. We unmask the tactics MLMs use to entice and manipulate people, highlighting the financial burdens placed on distributors, and how the structures of MLMs differ from...

When it comes to creating a safe and inclusive work environment, Kia Roberts, founder of Triangle Investigations, is the expert voice you want to hear from. Drawing from her unique experience as the NFL's first director of investigations and a former prosecutor, Kia walks us through the complex landscape of workplace misconduct investigations. She also shares the significant impact of the Me Too Movement on these practices and how it's reshaping the dynamics in our workplaces. Our discussion...

Adrienne Farr, with a background in advertising, acting, and publishing, recounts her struggles with an abusive boss and sexual harassment. Despite these challenges, her resolve to buy a house kept her going. She highlights the toxic cultures at her workplaces, exacerbated by the lack of HR or performance reviews, sharing the coping strategies she used to navigate these environments. https://www.instagram.com/adriennemaparent https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrienne-farr-1370a2182/ Welcome to...

In a comprehensive discussion with renowned employment attorney Steven, the alarming issue of toxic workplaces is explored in depth. Steven, who has a strong track record in handling high-profile employment cases, shares his insights on various subjects ranging from unfair dismissals during parental leave to workplace discrimination. The conversation also examines the case of artist Lizzo to explain the intricacies of litigation and power dynamics in work environments. Steven discusses the...

In this enlightening conversation with our special guest, Lauren, we aim to revolutionize workplace communication dynamics. Our focus is on liberating you from the constraints of toxic positivity and stress-inducing work environments that hinder productivity. Through Lauren's expertise, we uncover a crucial issue: the stark contrast between the grandiose promises made by large organizations and their actual practices. Toxic communication is not merely an impediment to productivity; it lurks...

Have you ever wondered about the harsh realities lurking behind the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry? Are you aware of the toll it can take on one's mental health? Today, we walk alongside Duncan, an industry veteran and writer, as he recounts his trudge through the murky waters of workplace abuse and mental duress.  Duncan bares his soul, revealing the toxic experiences he faced with his first employers, Alan and Glenda, and the deep-seated impact it had on his mental health....

Looking to understand the world of machine learning and social media moderation? Our guest, Melissa, a data scientist at Twitter, is here to shed some light on these complex subjects. She walks us through her daily work of creating algorithms that sift through millions of tweets, identifying and moderating potentially harmful content using natural language processing. If you've ever wondered how machines are taught to comprehend human speech, this episode promises to enlighten. But that's...

In this enlightening episode, we meet Shea, a Boston resident navigating the corporate world while embracing their autism and neurodivergence. The conversation dives into the intricacies of their journey in a traditional nine-to-five job, tackling subjects such as decoding sarcasm, fostering respectful communication, and addressing workplace biases. It sheds light on the often overlooked potential of neurodivergent individuals, particularly within the engineering industry, challenging...

Have you ever wondered how toxic masculinity manifests in the workplace? Join us as we engage in a deep conversation with Jeff Harry, a specialist who's on a mission to purge workplace toxicity. A journey that started at Toys R Us and led to the creation of the innovative workshop, Rediscover Your Play - Jeff's narrative is both insightful and thought-provoking. He draws upon his personal experiences, exploring the challenges of toxic masculinity and the negative impact it can have on work...

In a confessional-style narration, Ginny, a former medical aesthetics executive turned public speaker, life coach, and author, bravely bares all about the gruelling realities of toxic corporate culture. Ginny’s experience in this high-stakes environment and her subsequent transition to a more fulfilling career provides a powerful narrative that you won’t want to miss. Embarking on a journey with Ginny, you’ll delve into her personal betrayals and deceptive practices that she faced at a...

Remember the first time you walked into a new job, bright-eyed and hopeful, only to find yourself in a toxic workplace? That sinking feeling is something we've all experienced at one point or another. In today's episode, we're tackling this head-on with our dynamic guest, Stew. We share a few laughs over our first encounter at a TEDx event and then dive straight into the deep end, confronting the challenges of workplace toxicity. Stew brings a unique perspective to the table, one that's been...

Ever thought of Super Mario Kart as a metaphor for entrepreneurship? Well, in our conversation with Bryan, the CEO and co-founder of GreenPal, we chat about this and more. GreenPal, for those who don't know, functions like Uber but for landscaping services. Bryan's journey from creating this platform to scaling it to a staggering $30 million in revenue is not just an entrepreneurial adventure but a tale of personal growth, and commitment. The conversation takes a deeper turn as we tackle the...

Strap in for a journey chronicling the ups and downs of a job search, from the lens of Amy Find Reeves - a career seeker turned successful corporate executive, consultant, and author. Our candid conversation with Reeves, now the brain behind Job Coach Amy, is filled with her personal anecdotes of career struggles and triumphs. She generously shares insights gathered along her path, which she has distilled into her book, College to Career: Explained Tools, Skills, and Confidence for Your Job...

Remember how magical your first trip to Disney was? Join our guest, Brian, and me as we reminisce about the enchantment of Disney, the thrill of planning a trip with a toddler, and the absurdity of over-the-top Disney-themed weddings. We also cover the perplexities of their new reservation system and app, along with some solid advice for adults traveling with kids to the Magic Kingdom. Believe me, it's as hilarious as it sounds! Switching gears, we dive into the less magical but equally...

Have you ever wondered the impact of toxic behavior in the workplace on mental health? Today, we're diving deep into this crucial topic, discussing seven damaging behaviors - micro-management, incivility, blame, lack of empathy, self-entitlement, lack of support, and yes, even unrealistic expectations. Using our own experiences, we shed light on the severity of these behaviors and the importance of data-driven reporting in mitigating blame cultures.  We're joined by Linda, a woman whose...

Guess what? We've been off the radar for a full two months and so much has unfolded in our lives! My daughter is now the social queen bee, I've made a comeback to school and my boyfriend is courageously stepping into a new life phase. We even chuckle at the podcasting rust we've acquired during this hiatus. Pull up a chair and join us as we trade personal stories of triumphs, trials and laughs over the past couple of months. Here's something exciting - we are launching into season two of our...

Have you ever heard of a boss in Nike's and sweatpants, running a charter school office like a high-school popularity contest? In today's episode, we sit down with Nicola and Gina, experienced in the corporate world, to discuss toxic workplaces. They share their first-hand encounters with such environments, digging into the signs that should raise red flags, such as favoritism over merit in appointments and a blatant lack of accountability. We also delve into the compelling yet challenging...

Ever laughed so hard that milk came out of your nose? Well, pour yourself a glass because this week, we throw ourselves headfirst into the chaotic world of AI-created podcast graphics. What started out as a serious endeavor quickly spiraled into a ridiculous adventure of oddball images – think stick figures with oversized noses, dumpster fires, and possibly a dead rat making a surprise appearance. Buckle up for this hilarious ride as we navigate our way through the perils of AI and share some...

Get ready to challenge the status quo as we declare war on workplace toxicity. We've had enough, and we're determined to create a positive shift. In this special episode between seasons, we're unpacking the harsh reality of toxic work environments while sharing our personal stories of endurance and transformation. Join us in this rallying cry for change! We begin by exposing the dark side of work, shedding light on the experiences and challenges faced by those who have endured toxic...

While "Let's Break Up: Toxic Workplace Stories" takes a short break, hosts Nicola and Gina have a special treat in store for you! Join them for an exclusive series of minisodes designed to keep you engaged and entertained during the break. In each bite-sized episode, Nicola and Gina will take you behind the scenes, offering a glimpse into the making of the podcast. Discover untold stories, hilarious bloopers, and intriguing moments that didn't make it into the regular episodes. It's a chance...