Aren't Ya Tired Of? Smart Conversations for Living & Working Well

What does The Devil Wears Prada teach us about bad managers?In this episode of Aren’t Ya Tired Of…, Patti and Mark break down the profiles of the difficult managers—from the “Miranda Priestly” moody bully to micromanagers, credit takers, non-decision makers, and the conflict avoiders.They unpack the most common bad manager behaviors—unclear expectations, control, lack of feedback, and workplace stress—to determine what’s really driving them and what to do about it. They share practical strategies and ideas to help you navigate a bad manager, keep your confidence, and stay in control of your career.Because the real question isn’t just “Why are they like this?” It’s “What do I do about it?”If you’ve ever wondered, “How can I deal with this manager?" —this episode is for youPlease subscribe and share this with anyone who needs to hear this conversation! Follow us on Instagram at arentyatiredof_social.  Send your topic suggestions to [email protected] or through DM on LinkedIn or Instagram.

This episode is 100% driven by your questions—and hitting on themes many of us are struggling with.In this episode, Patti and Mark give their take on what to do with: The “hero manager” who creates chaos just to fix it  Being addicted to being busy when you work in a culture that rewards busy Phone addiction when your phone feels like your best friend The emotional toll of job searching  How to know when it’s time to leave your job and find a new oneIf you’ve been feeling stuck, stretched thin, or unsure about your next move, Mark and Patti have ideas and tips that will help.Please subscribe and share this with anyone who needs to hear this conversation! Follow us on Instagram at arentyatiredof_social.  Send your topic suggestions to [email protected] or through DM on LinkedIn or Instagram.

Ever think, “I’m just not good at presentations”… or worse, “What if I mess this up?”In this episode of Aren’t Ya Tired Of…, Patti and Mark break down the real reason presentations feel so stressful—and it’s not what you think. It’s not just nerves. It’s how we’re approaching them.They share the shifts that actually build confidence: stop performing and start connecting, focus on your message (not your slides), and practice in a way that makes you sound natural—not scripted.If you’ve ever overprepared the wrong way, rushed to get through it, or avoided speaking altogether—this will change how you think about presenting.Because great speakers aren’t born—they’re built. And you can get there too. Please subscribe and share this with anyone who needs to hear this conversation! Follow us on Instagram at arentyatiredof_social.  Send your topic suggestions to [email protected] or through DM on LinkedIn or Instagram.

Ever walk away from a conversation thinking… “Wait—what do you mean? What exactly am I supposed to do?”In this episode of Aren’t Ya Tired Of…, Patti and Mark unpack the frustration of fuzzy, unclear feedback—at work, at home, and everywhere in between. You know someone is trying to tell you something … but it’s not landing.Why don’t we ask?They dig into what’s really holding us back (it’s not just confidence), the hidden cost of staying quiet, and why those “I should’ve asked…” moments keep happening.And here’s the shift—stay curious, ask better questions, and actually listen. Not to react… but to understand.Because once you’re clear on the feedback, then you get to decide what to do with it.Please subscribe and share this with anyone who needs to hear this conversation! Follow us on Instagram at arentyatiredof_social.  Send your topic suggestions to [email protected] or through DM on LinkedIn or Instagram.

Feel like your day is nothing but bad meetings—with nothing to show for it?In this episode of Aren’t Ya Tired Of?, Patti and Mark call out the real problem: too many meetings that waste time, stall decisions, and leave you doing your actual work after hours - because you're in meetings all day!They break down the signs of bad meetings —and more importantly, how to fix them. From deciding if a meeting should even happen to leading a meeting that actually creates results, this episode is your guide to taking back control and eliminating bad meetings!If your calendar is full but your progress isn’t, this one’s for you.Please subscribe and share this with anyone who needs to hear this conversation! Follow us on Instagram at arentyatiredof_social.  Send your topic suggestions to [email protected] or through DM on LinkedIn or Instagram.

Are you acting like your parents—and don’t even realize it?In this episode of Aren’t Ya Tired Of?, Patti and Mark, along with guest, Charlotte Ntreh, explore the subtle—and funny—ways “parent energy” shows up in how we talk, behave at work, and interact socially.From outdated phrases to workplace habits and social quirks, they break down where it shows up and why it matters. Plus, a quick quiz to see just how strong your “parent tendencies” really are.Because sometimes it’s cringe… and sometimes it’s wisdom worth keeping.Be you—but at least know when your parent vibes are showing up.Please subscribe and share this with anyone who needs to hear this conversation! Follow us on Instagram at arentyatiredof_social.  Send your topic suggestions to [email protected] or through DM on LinkedIn or Instagram.

Why is there so much bad career advice and life advice out there?In this episode of Aren’t Ya Tired Of…, Patti and Mark unpack how advice is everywhere—from social media and podcasts to friends, coworkers, and online “experts.” But more advice doesn’t always lead to better decisions. The key is using your own personal algorithm to filter out what fits and what doesn't fit you. They explore three keys for evaluating advice: is it credible, relevant, and aligned with your values and goals? And, is it true?Advice can be a wonderful gift and essential for growing and reaching your goals- even advice that may not be what you wanted to hear.If you struggle with too much information, direction, and advice from the world, this episode will help you design your own filter so it's not so overwhelming.Please subscribe and share this with anyone who needs to hear this conversation! Follow us on Instagram at arentyatiredof_social.  Send your topic suggestions to [email protected] or through DM on LinkedIn or Instagram.

Change can be exciting or scary —but it can also bring up one big question: what if I can’t do it?In this episode of Aren’t Ya Tired Of?, Patti and Mark tackle one of the biggest barriers to change: the doubts and fears that stop us before we even start. Whether you’re thinking about a new job, launching a business, moving somewhere new, or leading change at work, the hardest part is often getting past the voice in your head that says you’re not ready.Patti shares insights from years of advising leaders and studying how people successfully make change happen. Patti and Mark talk about why our brains resist change, how to sort through the worries that hold us back, and why starting small can be the key to making big things happen.If you’ve ever thought, maybe someday… but I’m not ready yet, this conversation is for you.Please subscribe and share this with anyone who needs to hear this conversation! Follow us on Instagram at arentyatiredof_social.  Send your topic suggestions to [email protected] or through DM on LinkedIn or Instagram.

You don’t need to reinvent yourself. You need to evolve.People sometimes joke that we have a “Snoop & Martha vibe.” That got us thinking—not just about them, but about how to follow their lead and evolve over time without losing who you are.In this episode, co-hosts Patti Johnson and Mark Benton, tackle growth and giving yourself permission to change. From evolving without losing your core identity to embracing the unexpected, expanding your circle, forgetting imposter syndrome, and turning stereotypes into strengths—this conversation is about avoiding “ordinary” and stepping into what’s next. All with inspiration from Snoop Dogg & Martha Stewart.If you’re ready to rethink how you evolve, grow, partner, and show up - join us! This episode is for you.Please subscribe and share this with anyone who needs to hear this conversation! Follow us on Instagram at arentyatiredof_social.  Send your topic suggestions to [email protected] or through DM on LinkedIn or Instagram.

In this episode of Aren't Ya Tired Of?..., Mark Benton and Patti Johnson explore the frustrations of managing draining personalities and dynamics in any group. If you recognize the Meeting Hijacker, Side Chatter, Brager, Sly Operator, Bus Driver or the Kiss Up - this episode is for you. And, office politics isn’t limited to just business—it's anywhere humans work together.Mark & Patti break down what it is, why it survives even virtually, the personas that drain you, and practical cheat codes to keep your energy and authenticity. In this episode, you’ll learn how to spot workplace politics in all settings and any type of group. You'll leave with practical, smart strategies that safeguard your energy and keep your focus on the work — not on the personalities around you.Please subscribe and share this with anyone who needs to hear this conversation! Follow us on Instagram at arentyatiredof_social.  Send your topic suggestions to [email protected] or through DM on LinkedIn or Instagram.

Do you struggle with always second-guessing yourself at work and in life? Ever make a choice or have a conversation… and then replay it for hours? Sometimes second-guessing yourself even before it happens? In this episode of Aren’t You Tired Of?, we sit down with leadership coach Ryan Halverson to explore self-trust and why it’s so hard to feel good about our decisions.We explore the kind of second-guessing that drains your energy and keeps you off balance. The quiet replaying of conversations so your thoughts overtake you.This conversation isn’t about surface-level confidence. It’s about decision-making, self-trust, and why so many capable, thoughtful people struggle to back themselves. If you’re tired of questioning yourself long after the moment has passed, this episode is for you.Ryan Halverson brings more than 10 years of coaching and consulting experience across healthcare, financial services, insurance, technology, and nonprofit organizations. We're thrilled he brought his wisdom to this important conversation. Learn more about his work at ryanhalverson.com.  Please subscribe and share this with anyone who needs to hear this conversation! Follow us on Instagram at arentyatiredof_social.  Send your topic suggestions to [email protected] or through DM on LinkedIn or Instagram.

As you kick off the new year—setting resolutions, goals, and plans—there’s a familiar tension: you want change, but you also want certainty. In this episode, Patti and Mark explore how playing it safe can get in your way in small but important ways.Through a quick self-check, real stories, and practical strategies, they unpack the hidden cost of comfort and share simple, grounded ways to take smarter risks.If this is the year you stop saying “someday,” this conversation will help you start making the changes you’ve been putting off.Because the biggest risk isn’t failure—it’s playing it so safe you never try.Please subscribe and share this with anyone who needs to hear this conversation! Follow us on Instagram at arentyatiredof_social.  Send your topic suggestions to [email protected] or through DM on LinkedIn or Instagram.

In this episode of Aren’t Ya’ Tired Of…?, Patti Johnson and Mark Benton dig into one of our most common — and sneakiest — habits: being addicted to busyness. This isn’t just having a lot to do. It’s the feeling that if you’re not constantly busy, you’re not important, productive, or needed — and the subtle ways we create busyness even when we don’t have to.Patti and Mark explore why so many of us chase full calendars, say “yes” when we’re already overloaded, or feel guilty when we slow down. Drawing on research and real-life experience, they unpack the identity, dopamine loops, fears, and avoidance patterns that keep us in motion.You’ll also hear the real impact of busyness — on your creativity, leadership, and well-being — plus practical ideas to break the cycle: reclaiming your calendar, creating space, saying no sooner, stopping at “done,” and leading in a way that doesn’t spread the busyness habit to everyone around you.A smart, funny, and real conversation that helps you grab the wheel on your time and your life — one small decision at a time.Please subscribe and share this with anyone who needs to hear this conversation! Follow us on Instagram at arentyatiredof_social.  Send your topic suggestions to [email protected] or through DM on LinkedIn or Instagram.

Join Mark Benton — VP of HR with experience at companies like PepsiCo and now McKesson  — and Patti Johnson, former CEO, Board member, bestselling author, and strategic coach and advisor — for smart, funny, and real conversations about the things we’re all tired of — and, most importantly, what to do about them.They first worked together at Accenture and now bring their humor, honesty, and experience to topics that hit home — like being addicted to busyness, expecting too much of yourself (and everyone else), and finding your voice.It’s not their first rodeo — which is exactly why their insights and fresh ideas work in real life, helping you work and live just a little better.Please subscribe and share this with anyone who needs to hear this conversation! Follow us on Instagram at arentyatiredof_social.  Send your topic suggestions to [email protected] or through DM on LinkedIn or Instagram.