Why Does It Feel So Wrong To Be Human At Work?

When a client relationship turns difficult, it almost never starts with the thing you're actually arguing about. There's a manager behind the scenes applying pressure. An organizational fire nobody told you about. A misalignment of expectations that was there from day one. The minutiae you're debating is just the surface.In this Between the Seasons episode of Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Be Human at Work?, Pinaki Kathiari and Chris Lee bring back Chuck Gose, founder of ICology and co-host of the Frequency podcast, to talk about working with difficult clients. Chuck, by his own correction, does not push people. He elevates them to greatness.They get into what actually makes a relationship 'difficult' (usually misaligned expectations or personalities, not bad people), why your instinct to defend yourself makes everything worse, how a Batman figurine in your background can build more connection than any pitch deck, and the difference between failure and being wrong, that Chuck argues most people get completely backwards.In this episode, they discuss:• Why a difficult client is usually a misalignment of expectations or personalities, not a bad person• Breaking the ice with levity when things get tense, and why almost nothing you do is brain surgery• The relationship as a third living thing in the room that you both shape• Why the issue at hand is rarely the actual issue• How defensiveness triggers defensiveness, and how to break the loop• Chuck on why failure and wrong are not the same thing, and what science gets right about it• Connection as the bedrock that gets you through the rough patches (yes, your Zoom background counts)• When to walk away from a client, and why the best exits happen togetherPlus: Chuck has a notebook of things he's been right about. Pinaki wants one too.Heads up: Pinaki and Chuck Gose are presenting together for the first time at IABC World Conference in Toronto. 'Communication in Motion: The Science Behind Messages That Move People' on June 15 at 1:30. Pinaki is also presenting 'The Dance Floor Doesn't Lie: What Communicators Can Learn From DJs' with Monique Zytnik on June 16 at 3:00. Plus Comms Reboot, the unconference hosted by Jenni Fields of Redefining Communications. Links in the episode description.Check out Comms Reboot here.Learn more about IABC World Conference here.  ---Connect with UsPinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn  | Local WisdomChris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher CommunicationBree Bartos – LinkedIn | Local WisdomSpecial thanks to digital communication agency Local Wisdom (www.localwisdom.com) for really believing in our mission and making this podcast possible. If this episode made you think differently, laugh, or even yell out loud, we want to hear about it! Connect with us on LinkedIn, and don’t forget to rate, review, and share – maybe with your work bestie… or even your boss if you're feeling bold. We also bring these important conversations to conferences and private workshops, creating space for real, meaningful change. Take the first step at www.whydoesitfeelsowrong.com. 

A coworker crawled under her desk to fix a power strip. She slipped her heels off, got down on the floor, and made herself vulnerable for two seconds. And that's when the coworker behind her reached over, wrapped an arm around her ankles, and started tickling her feet.Yes. At work. In 2026. We have questions too.In this Reacting to Reddit at Work episode of Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Be Human at Work?, Bree Bartos brings Pinaki Kathiari and Chris Lee a Best of Redditor Updates story so strange the original poster used Friends character names to tell it. Rachel got tickled. Monica did the tickling. Phoebe is the hands-off manager who walked Monica to HR and then never really resolved anything. And five months later, nobody got closure and everybody got punished.It's a story about workplace boundaries, about what makes a mistake termination-worthy versus a conversation, and about what happens when management avoids the hard conversation entirely and lets a situation rot.In this episode, they discuss:• Where the line actually is on workplace physical boundaries, and why "we're all human at work" doesn't mean there aren't any• The difference between a one-time lapse in judgment and a pattern of disrespect• Why the real failure here was management never bringing everyone together for a resolution• Whether the reaction would have been different if it were Joey instead of Monica• Pinaki on running toward conflict instead of away from it, and the Local Wisdom Nerf gun incident• Why Monica never actually apologized, and how much that one missing piece mattered• The mantra: companies come and go, but the relationship is what stays• An ending where everyone got what they wanted and nobody felt good about itHow would you have handled this one? Because we're still not totally sure.---Connect with UsPinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn  | Local WisdomChris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher CommunicationBree Bartos – LinkedIn | Local WisdomSpecial thanks to digital communication agency Local Wisdom (www.localwisdom.com) for really believing in our mission and making this podcast possible. If this episode made you think differently, laugh, or even yell out loud, we want to hear about it! Connect with us on LinkedIn, and don’t forget to rate, review, and share – maybe with your work bestie… or even your boss if you're feeling bold. We also bring these important conversations to conferences and private workshops, creating space for real, meaningful change. Take the first step at www.whydoesitfeelsowrong.com. 

Last week Ellen Griley gave us the framework. This week she gets personal.In this Between the Seasons episode of Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Be Human at Work?, Pinaki Kathiari and Chris Lee are joined again by Ellen Griley, founder of Equilibrious Communications and creator of Internal Calms, to dig deeper into what it actually looks like to be human at work when everything around you is already on edge.Ellen gets vulnerable — about the meeting where she cried advocating for thoughtful AI adoption, about the privilege that lets her show up that way, about learning to co-regulate in real time. Chris names the thing about corporate comms that nobody says out loud: the relentless pursuit of perfection is actually making everything less psychologically safe. And Pinaki closes with a story about sitting next to a professor who researches horrific things for a living and asking: how do you stay positive?The answer: we're just humans. We're just here.In this episode, they discuss:•       Why assuming employees open your email with 100% cognitive and emotional capacity is the root of most communication failures•       The New York Times tells you it's a daily paper — why doesn't your internal newsletter do the same?•       Ellen on being human at work when not everyone has the same permission to show up that way•       Code switching is exhausting — even for the best of us•       The power of awkward silence in a room that's about to derail•       How to give people agency when everything feels like a 'because I said so' world•       High school, kindergarten, and the corporate ecosystem — why they're all the same social experiment•       Pinaki on the base layer of relationships that has to exist before strategy can land•       Bree's advice: find one moment of joy each day. Just one.We're all just four-year-olds with tablets trying to figure it out. This one's the reminder you didn't know you needed.Check out Ellen's work:  https://www.equilibrious-comms.com/Read Shifting Ground: https://www.equilibrious-comms.com/sh...Connect with Ellen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/internal-calms/---Connect with UsPinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn  | Local WisdomChris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher CommunicationBree Bartos – LinkedIn | Local WisdomSpecial thanks to digital communication agency Local Wisdom (www.localwisdom.com) for really believing in our mission and making this podcast possible. If this episode made you think differently, laugh, or even yell out loud, we want to hear about it! Connect with us on LinkedIn, and don’t forget to rate, review, and share – maybe with your work bestie… or even your boss if you're feeling bold. We also bring these important conversations to conferences and private workshops, creating space for real, meaningful change. Take the first step at www.whydoesitfeelsowrong.com. 

Your employees are arriving at work already on edge. Not because of anything you did. Because of everything else — the news, the economy, the climate, the layoffs, the AI uncertainty, the 6 a.m. email they checked before they even got out of bed. They walk in already in threat mode. And then you send an urgent Slack with an exclamation point.In this Between the Seasons episode of Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Be Human at Work?, Pinaki Kathiari and Chris Lee are joined by producer Bree Bartos and Ellen Griley, founder of Equilibrious Communications and creator of Internal Calms, for a conversation about mental health, polycrisis, and what it actually looks like to communicate with people who are carrying more than you know.Ellen just published Shifting Ground: Internal Communications in an Age of Polycrisis — her first research report under Equilibrious, released the morning this episode was recorded. And she brought the framework, the data, and a lot of hard-won wisdom from her own experience as both a communicator and a person.In this episode, they discuss:•       What polycrisis actually means — and why it's indistinguishable from the environment your employees walk into every day•       The amygdala, the prefrontal cortex, and why chronic stress works the same way trauma does on the brain•       Why the individual onus to "set better boundaries" isn't a solution — it's an abdication•       Ellen on how her own anxiety was showing up for her employees before she understood what was happening•       The schedule send as an act of respect•       Why work communication flows one way — into the home — but employees can't always bring what they're carrying back into the workplace•       The STEADY framework: Safety, Trust, Environment, Agency, Dialogue, and You•       What Ellen found when she surveyed 24 senior IC practitioners: 100% had managed through at least three crises in 18 monthsIt's Mental Health Awareness Month. And this episode is a good place to start.Check out Ellen's Links:internal-calms.comRead Shifting GroundConnect with Ellen on LinkedIn---Connect with UsPinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn  | Local WisdomChris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher CommunicationBree Bartos – LinkedIn | Local WisdomSpecial thanks to digital communication agency Local Wisdom (www.localwisdom.com) for really believing in our mission and making this podcast possible. If this episode made you think differently, laugh, or even yell out loud, we want to hear about it! Connect with us on LinkedIn, and don’t forget to rate, review, and share – maybe with your work bestie… or even your boss if you're feeling bold. We also bring these important conversations to conferences and private workshops, creating space for real, meaningful change. Take the first step at www.whydoesitfeelsowrong.com. 

The Reddit post was titled: "Having a job and autistic ADHD burnout is killing me." And it read exactly like you'd expect — work is exhausting, home is falling apart, hobbies are gone, and a therapist suggested radically accepting the situation. Which OP heard as: just accept that this is your life forever.That's not what radical acceptance means. And that misunderstanding is exactly where this episode starts.In this Reacting to Reddit at Work episode of Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Be Human at Work?, hosts Pinaki Kathiari and Chris Lee are joined by producer Bree Bartos and Dr. Matt Zakreski, clinical psychologist and founder of the Neurodiversity Collective, for a conversation about burnout, the struggle switch, lizard brain versus wizard brain, and what it actually looks like for managers and organizations to show up for neurodivergent employees.Bree's sink falls apart during the episode. Pinaki references Nonviolent Communication. Dr. Matt describes the erectile dysfunction stages of grief. It goes places.In this episode, they discuss:•       What radical acceptance actually means — and why the therapy world's version got lost in translation•       The struggle switch: why it's not the emotion that gets you, it's the feeling about the feeling about the feeling•       Lizard brain vs. wizard brain, and what managers can do before a hard conversation to keep both parties in the right headspace•       Why the OP has been fired 20 times and what Pinaki thinks is actually going on•       What psychological safety has to do with body swaying, tattoos, and doing your job with full commitment•       Metacommunication: naming what you're doing so your employee's nervous system has a runway•       Pinaki's mental palate cleanser — the meeting opener that isn't 'how's your day?'•       What managers can actually do when they suspect someone on their team is neurodivergent•       Dr. Matt on the dance of relationships: when you need more, you get more — and how to stop keeping scoreIf you've ever felt like the job was designed for someone else's brain — you're probably right. And this episode is for you.---Connect with UsPinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn  | Local WisdomChris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher CommunicationBree Bartos – LinkedIn | Local WisdomSpecial thanks to digital communication agency Local Wisdom (www.localwisdom.com) for really believing in our mission and making this podcast possible. If this episode made you think differently, laugh, or even yell out loud, we want to hear about it! Connect with us on LinkedIn, and don’t forget to rate, review, and share – maybe with your work bestie… or even your boss if you're feeling bold. We also bring these important conversations to conferences and private workshops, creating space for real, meaningful change. Take the first step at www.whydoesitfeelsowrong.com. 

One in five people are neurodivergent. Which means right now, roughly 20% of your organization's brains are working differently than the systems around them were designed for. And most of those people are just quietly struggling — wondering what's wrong with them — while the organization wonders what's wrong with them right back.In this Between the Seasons episode of Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Be Human at Work?, Pinaki Kathiari and Chris Lee sit down with Dr. Matt Zakreski, clinical psychologist at the Neurodiversity Collective and author of The Neurodiversity Playbook, for a conversation about what it actually looks like to build workplaces where different kinds of brains can do their best work.Dr. Matt brings the research, the analogies, and a lot of really good pizza metaphors. Bree admits she can't send emails without a dopamine boost. Chris shares his ADHD diagnosis. Pinaki wonders, out loud, if he's on a spectrum of something. And everyone agrees: the world was built by neurotypical people, and that's a problem worth fixing.In this episode, they discuss:•       What neurodivergence actually is — and why it is not a choice•       The pizza dinner party analogy: inclusion isn't about throwing away what works, it's about making sure there's something for everyone at the table•       Steve, the guy who holds the office together but isn't hitting his sales numbers — and what organizations get wrong about him•       Body doubling, expense report happy hour, and free solutions to executive functioning challenges•       Be curious, not furious: why asking why before assuming intent changes everything•       The difference between intention and impact, and why owning that gap matters•       What to do when someone is truly not a fit — and how to do the warmest possible handoff•       Dr. Matt's book, The Neurodiversity Playbook, and why he wrote it as a play-by-play guide, not a cover-to-cover readIf you've ever felt like you were playing the game on hard mode without knowing why, this one's for you.Check out Dr. Matt and his work:LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/4t4056aBuy his book, Neurodiversity Playbook: https://amzn.to/4n0sKrp The Neurodiversity Collective: https://bit.ly/4eS4vd1  https://www.drmattzakreski.com/---Connect with UsPinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn  | Local WisdomChris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher CommunicationBree Bartos – LinkedIn | Local WisdomSpecial thanks to digital communication agency Local Wisdom (www.localwisdom.com) for really believing in our mission and making this podcast possible. If this episode made you think differently, laugh, or even yell out loud, we want to hear about it! Connect with us on LinkedIn, and don’t forget to rate, review, and share – maybe with your work bestie… or even your boss if you're feeling bold. We also bring these important conversations to conferences and private workshops, creating space for real, meaningful change. Take the first step at www.whydoesitfeelsowrong.com. 

You're training new hires, flying out to meet clients, handling escalations, and you just finished a three-month certification on your own time. Your title hasn't changed. Your pay hasn't changed. And your manager keeps giving you vague answers about what growth even looks like.That's the Reddit post at the center of this Between the Seasons episode. And every single person at the table has lived a version of it.In this Reacting to Reddit at Work episode of Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Be Human at Work?, hosts Pinaki Kathiari and Chris Lee are joined by producer Bree Bartos and Senior Account Manager Jen Samuel, who's back for round two with another round of stories that hit uncomfortably close to home.The conversation covers scope creep, why managers avoid hard conversations, what it actually takes to advocate for yourself, rejection therapy, and the phantom laptop problem — the deeply relatable experience of going on vacation and not knowing what to do with your hands because you didn't bring your work computer for the first time in years.In this episode, they discuss:•       Why managers avoid giving straight answers about raises and career growth•       The difference between complaining about workload and making a direct business case for yourself•       Pinaki's advice: ask for the no — and why rejection therapy is actually a skill worth building•       Jen on writing talking points for herself like she'd write them for someone else•       Chris on Never Split the Difference and what FBI hostage negotiation tactics have to do with your next performance review•       Why organizations are always caught by surprise when great people leave — and who that's really on•       Bree applied to 200+ jobs after her layoff. Local Wisdom was the only company where a human reached out.•       Jen's phantom laptop problem, and the boss who told her to leave it at homeIf you've ever been asked to do more without being offered more in return, this one's going to feel very familiar.---Connect with UsPinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn  | Local WisdomChris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher CommunicationBree Bartos – LinkedIn | Local WisdomSpecial thanks to digital communication agency Local Wisdom (www.localwisdom.com) for really believing in our mission and making this podcast possible. If this episode made you think differently, laugh, or even yell out loud, we want to hear about it! Connect with us on LinkedIn, and don’t forget to rate, review, and share – maybe with your work bestie… or even your boss if you're feeling bold. We also bring these important conversations to conferences and private workshops, creating space for real, meaningful change. Take the first step at www.whydoesitfeelsowrong.com. 

What does it actually cost to be a team of one — not just in productivity, but in your mental health, your sense of self, and your ability to do the work you were hired to do?Jen Samuel knows that cost intimately. With over 20 years in internal communications — starting at a young, people-centric airline and spending most of that time as the only person in the room doing her job — she's lived through the burnout, the scope creep, the "be strategic but also update the website" contradiction, and the quiet weight of feeling like no one really understands what you do or what it takes.In this episode, Pinaki and Chris welcome Jen to Between the Seasons (and to the Local Wisdom team) for a conversation about what it's really like to work alone in a field that exists to connect everyone else. They talk about how being a team of one shapes your identity over time, why the busyness-as-virtue culture makes it so hard to step back, and what it means to finally land somewhere that lets you just be human.Bree joins in too — and her perspective as a fellow recent Local Wisdom addition brings the conversation home.In this episode, they discuss:What 20+ years as a team of one in internal comms actually looks likeHow burnout builds when there's no one to hand things off to — even at a funeralChris on The Tyranny of Work and the idea that busyness has become morally virtuousWhy internal comms teams of one are being asked to be strategic advisors and postmasters at the same time — and why that math doesn't workThe moment Jen realized other communicators felt exactly the same way (and the community that changed everything)Bree on what it felt like to go from isolation to a team that actually checks inWhat good looks like — at Local Wisdom, at Gallagher, and everywhere in betweenPinaki's call to action: if you're a team of one, find your people---Connect with UsPinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn  | Local WisdomChris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher CommunicationBree Bartos – LinkedIn | Local WisdomSpecial thanks to digital communication agency Local Wisdom (www.localwisdom.com) for really believing in our mission and making this podcast possible. If this episode made you think differently, laugh, or even yell out loud, we want to hear about it! Connect with us on LinkedIn, and don’t forget to rate, review, and share – maybe with your work bestie… or even your boss if you're feeling bold. We also bring these important conversations to conferences and private workshops, creating space for real, meaningful change. Take the first step at www.whydoesitfeelsowrong.com. 

Last week, Bree read a Reddit story about a young creative whose best friend went to their manager and used her private insecurities against her to try to take her job. Chris and Pinaki reacted in real time. Then Bree told them: that was my story.This week, we pick up right where we left off. Now that Chris and Pinaki know it’s Bree’s own experience, the conversation shifts — from advice to something more honest. Bree fills in what the post left out: how close she and Amy really were, how the comparison and competition showed up in their friendship long before it showed up at work, and how the whole thing ended (spoiler: COVID and a merger did some heavy lifting).But the real reason Bree wanted to share this story isn’t the betrayal. It’s what it left behind: a deep, persistent imposter syndrome that still surfaces even after a great annual review. If someone your best friend thought you weren’t good enough, how do you fully trust yourself again?In this episode, they discuss:What the post left out — how close Bree and Amy actually wereWhen a friendship starts draining more energy than it givesWhy confrontation without curiosity often makes things worseThe difference between someone doing something to you vs. for themselvesHow imposter syndrome takes root — and why it’s so hard to pull outWhat organizations miss when they only seek competence without passionCompetition vs. collaboration: why pitting teammates against each other backfiresPinaki on love, creativity, and a quote from Fist of the North StarIt’s one of the most personal conversations we’ve had on Between the Seasons. And it’s a reminder that the messiest, most human experiences at work are often the ones that shape us the most.---Connect with UsPinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn  | Local WisdomChris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher CommunicationBree Bartos – LinkedIn | Local WisdomSpecial thanks to digital communication agency Local Wisdom (www.localwisdom.com) for really believing in our mission and making this podcast possible. If this episode made you think differently, laugh, or even yell out loud, we want to hear about it! Connect with us on LinkedIn, and don’t forget to rate, review, and share – maybe with your work bestie… or even your boss if you're feeling bold. We also bring these important conversations to conferences and private workshops, creating space for real, meaningful change. Take the first step at www.whydoesitfeelsowrong.com. 

In this Between the Seasons episode of Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Be Human at Work?, hosts Chris Lee and Pinaki Kathiari are joined by producer Bree Bartos for a Reddit at Work reaction — or so they think.The post: a young multimedia specialist lands her dream job, befriends a coworker named Amy, and then gets blindsided when Amy goes to their manager and says she doesn’t deserve the role. Years later, OP still carries the imposter syndrome. How do you move on from a betrayal like that? How do you trust your own abilities again?Chris and Pinaki react in real time, unpacking the relationship dynamics, the role of managers in catching toxic team tension before it metastasizes, and why people rarely do things to you — they do things for themselves. The conversation gets personal, and then it gets really personal.Because there’s a twist at the end.In this episode, they discuss:Why creative roles carry more emotional weight — and how that creates unique vulnerabilitiesThe danger of avoiding confrontation until it’s too lateWhat managers should (and often don’t) do when team dynamics break downThe difference between someone doing something to you vs. for themselvesWhat it looks like when competition and friendship collide at workHow imposter syndrome can outlast the person who planted itThis is Part 1 of 2. Tune in next week to hear the rest of the story — and find out how knowing the truth changes everything.---Connect with UsPinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn  | Local WisdomChris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher CommunicationBree Bartos – LinkedIn | Local WisdomSpecial thanks to digital communication agency Local Wisdom (www.localwisdom.com) for really believing in our mission and making this podcast possible. If this episode made you think differently, laugh, or even yell out loud, we want to hear about it! Connect with us on LinkedIn, and don’t forget to rate, review, and share – maybe with your work bestie… or even your boss if you're feeling bold. We also bring these important conversations to conferences and private workshops, creating space for real, meaningful change. Take the first step at www.whydoesitfeelsowrong.com. 

In this Between the Seasons episode, host Pinaki Kathiari and producer Bree Bartos are joined by Nazmul Islam — communications consultant and creator of History Meets Finance — to react in real time to a Reddit post that hits close to home.The post: two coworkers-turned-best-friends started a podcast together. It began innocently enough, but after a rebrand, the content got raunchy — and then a coworker found it. Now they’re asking Reddit: how do you keep your podcast and your professional life separate? How do you promote something you have to keep secret?The conversation goes deep fast. Nazmul shares his experience declaring his YouTube channel to a former employer and why transparency early is almost always better than damage control later. Bree reveals she spent two years streaming on Twitch in her “E-girl era” and told exactly no one at work. And Pinaki recalls a coworker who accidentally landed on the Yahoo homepage. Together, they work through the real factors: social media policies, conflict of interest, company culture, career risk, and what it actually means to be a whole person in a workplace that maybe only sees part of you.Oh, and Bree finds the podcast mid-episode. The plot thickens.In this episode, they discuss:When your creative life gets discovered by your workplace — now what?Why being upfront with your employer is almost always the smarter moveHow company type and industry shape what’s acceptableSocial media policies, conflict of interest, and what you signed when you were hiredBree’s two-year Twitch era (and why she kept it secret until now)Faceless channels, pseudonyms, and other ways to protect your professional reputationWhen a passion project becomes a real business — and what that changesNazmul’s take: check your analytics before you decide what to riskIt’s a candid, funny, and genuinely useful conversation for anyone who’s ever wondered how much of yourself you’re allowed to bring to work — and how much to keep for yourself.---Connect with UsPinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn  | Local WisdomChris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher CommunicationBree Bartos – LinkedIn | Local Wisdom📺 Check out History Meets Finance - YouTubeNazmul Islam - LinkedInSpecial thanks to digital communication agency Local Wisdom (www.localwisdom.com) for really believing in our mission and making this podcast possible. If this episode made you think differently, laugh, or even yell out loud, we want to hear about it! Connect with us on LinkedIn, and don’t forget to rate, review, and share – maybe with your work bestie… or even your boss if you're feeling bold. We also bring these important conversations to conferences and private workshops, creating space for real, meaningful change. Take the first step at www.whydoesitfeelsowrong.com. 

In this Between the Seasons episode, host Pinaki Kathiari and producer Bree Bartos welcome Nazmul Islam — communications consultant and creator of History Meets Finance — for a grounded conversation about what it really takes to make thoughtful, well-researched content.Nazmul walks through how his research process has evolved over the years: from solo Googling, to hiring freelancers on Fiverr, to bringing on journalists for deep-dive research. He shares where AI tools like Claude and NotebookLM fit into his workflow now — and importantly, where they don’t replace human judgment.The conversation also covers the challenge of staying consistent on a passion project when no one’s making you do it, what it’s like to look at history and finance side by side, and why media literacy and source transparency matter more than ever in a world saturated with AI-generated content.In this episode, they discuss:How Nazmul built History Meets Finance from a weekend side project to 129K+ subscribersThe role of external accountability in staying consistent on passion projectsHow the research process evolved from solo Googling to working with journalistsWhere AI (Claude, NotebookLM, ChatGPT) fits — and where it doesn’tWhy entertainment is not the same as informationThe importance of source transparency and building trust with an audienceMedia literacy as a skill we all need to sharpen right nowWhat “follow the money” reveals about how society actually worksIt’s a practical, curious conversation for anyone who creates content, does research-heavy work, or is trying to figure out how to use AI without losing what makes their work worth trusting.Check out History Meets Finance here.Follow Nazmul on LinkedIn.---Connect with UsPinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn  | Local WisdomChris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher CommunicationBree Bartos – LinkedIn | Local WisdomSpecial thanks to digital communication agency Local Wisdom (www.localwisdom.com) for really believing in our mission and making this podcast possible. If this episode made you think differently, laugh, or even yell out loud, we want to hear about it! Connect with us on LinkedIn, and don’t forget to rate, review, and share – maybe with your work bestie… or even your boss if you're feeling bold. We also bring these important conversations to conferences and private workshops, creating space for real, meaningful change. Take the first step at www.whydoesitfeelsowrong.com. 

In this Between the Seasons episode, Pinaki Kathiari, Chris Lee, and producer Bree Bartos welcome back Chuck Gose and Kristin Hancock — co-founders of ICology — for part two of a conversation that had too much in it to fit into one episode.They pick up right where they left off, exploring what it really takes to build and maintain community — and why it’s often inconvenient by design. The group digs into why some people say they want community but don’t actually follow through, the difference between self-care and isolation, and whether society is quietly retreating from the discomfort that connection requires.Chuck makes a pointed case that saying no has been glamorized as a form of self-care and boundary-setting, while Kristin argues that confidence issues people carry into the workplace are personal development problems — not workplace problems. The conversation builds toward a deeper question: what happens to the next generation of workers who have never had to sit with rejection long enough to grow from it?In this episode, they discuss:Why not everyone truly wants community — even when they say they doThe price of community is inconvenience: what that means in practiceHow we’ve confused self-care with isolationWhy saying no has been glamorized — and what we lose when yes disappearsConfidence as a personal development issue, not a workplace fixRejection as a career skill — and why avoiding it stunts growthWhat the next generation of workers might be missing by opting out of discomfortIt’s a candid, thought-provoking continuation that goes well beyond internal communications — into the messier, more human questions about connection, growth, and what it costs to show up.If you’re attending Transform 2026 in Vegas, the EX Factor Summit is happening this month. EX Factor Summit at Transform 2026: Register HereChuck Gose: LinkedInKristin Hancock: LinkedInICology: joinicology.com — use code ICLOVE for $50 off your first yearFrequency Podcast (Chuck Gose & Jenni Field): Listen HereFriends of Indy Animals (Indianapolis): Learn MoreConnect with UsPinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn  | Local WisdomChris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher CommunicationBree Bartos – LinkedIn | Local WisdomSpecial thanks to digital communication agency Local Wisdom (www.localwisdom.com) for really believing in our mission and making this podcast possible. If this episode made you think differently, laugh, or even yell out loud, we want to hear about it! Connect with us on LinkedIn, and don’t forget to rate, review, and share – maybe with your work bestie… or even your boss if you're feeling bold. We also bring these important conversations to conferences and private workshops, creating space for real, meaningful change. Take the first step at www.whydoesitfeelsowrong.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Five years ago, Kristin Hancock sat in a hotel room in Chicago the night before the very first CampICology convinced it was a failure. Twelve people had signed up. She’d wanted thirty. That event turned out to be magic. In this Between the Seasons episode, hosts Pinaki Kathiari and Chris Lee are joined by Chuck Goseand Kristin Hancock, the co-founders of ICology, to mark five years of building what’s become oneof internal communications’ most genuinely human communities. Chuck started ICology as a podcastback in 2015 looking for new voices in internal comms. Kristin built the community that surrounds it.Together, they’ve created something that doesn’t look or feel like anything else in the profession. The conversation covers the real story of building ICology — the individual outreach, the eventsthat nearly didn’t happen, the moment success looked exactly like failure, and why Chuck says youshould take it personally when people don’t show up (and why that’s actually good advice). They also talk about what’s next: the EX Factor Summit, a new pre-conference mini-summit atTransform 2026 in Las Vegas designed to bring internal communicators into the employee experienceconversation in a more hands-on, problem-solving way. And yes, Busta Rhymes is involved. In this episode, they discuss:• What Kristin and Chuck each brought to ICology — and why both were necessary• Why building community is harder than it looks (and lonelier than you’d expect)• The lesson from 12 people in a room that felt like failure until it didn’t• Why Chuck says to take it personally when people don’t engage• How individualism gets in the way of community — inside and outside of work• Why internal comms needs to stop asking for a seat at the table and start building one• What the EX Factor Summit is, and what attendees will walk away with If you’re attending Transform 2026 in Vegas, the EX Factor Summit is happening this month.Chuck Gose: LinkedInKristin Hancock: LinkedInICology: joinicology.com — use code ICLOVE for $50 off your first yearEX Factor Summit at Transform 2026: Register HereFrequency Podcast (Chuck Gose & Jenni Field): Listen HereFriends of Indy Animals (Indianapolis): Learn MoreConnect with UsPinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn  | Local WisdomChris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher CommunicationBree Bartos – LinkedIn | Local WisdomSpecial thanks to digital communication agency Local Wisdom (www.localwisdom.com) for really believing in our mission and making this podcast possible. If this episode made you think differently, laugh, or even yell out loud, we want to hear about it! Connect with us on LinkedIn, and don’t forget to rate, review, and share – maybe with your work bestie… or even your boss if you're feeling bold. We also bring these important conversations to conferences and private workshops, creating space for real, meaningful change. Take the first step at www.whydoesitfeelsowrong.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Bree has a habit of bringing Pinaki the latest thing she stumbled across on the internet — and this week, she found something that stopped her in her tracks.   A Reddit post from the r/AIBoyfriends subreddit (yes, it exists — 59,000 members strong) went viral after a woman shared that her AI boyfriend, Casper, had proposed to her in the mountains. It was sweet, it was earnest, and it opened up a conversation neither of them saw coming.   Because when 60,000 people are forming real emotional bonds with AI, what does that mean for the future of work? What happens when those same people — already comfortable turning to AI for connection — start walking into HR offices, or leading teams, or building companies?   Pinaki and Bree dig into what the post revealed: about loneliness, about human connection, about the very real risks of replacing people with programs in the workplace. They talk about AI Pam from HR, about what a five-year-old understands (and doesn’t) about Google, about what we give up when we let AI fill the gaps that people used to fill.   In this episode, they discuss: • Why people turn to AI for emotional connection — and why that makes sense • The difference between a personal AI and an organizational one • What gets lost when HR becomes automated • How AI relationships are shaping expectations of real human ones • The hidden cost of being both the user and the product • Why mindfulness about AI use matters more than ever   It’s a conversation that started with an engagement post and ended somewhere much more human. Connect with UsPinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn  | Local WisdomChris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher CommunicationBree Bartos – LinkedIn | Local WisdomSpecial thanks to digital communication agency Local Wisdom (www.localwisdom.com) for really believing in our mission and making this podcast possible. If this episode made you think differently, laugh, or even yell out loud, we want to hear about it! Connect with us on LinkedIn, and don’t forget to rate, review, and share – maybe with your work bestie… or even your boss if you're feeling bold. We also bring these important conversations to conferences and private workshops, creating space for real, meaningful change. Take the first step at www.whydoesitfeelsowrong.com.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What happens when something you used to love suddenly feels exhausting?In this Between the Seasons episode of Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Be Human at Work?, hosts Pinaki Kathiari and Chris Lee are joined by Rich Dome, Senior Director of Partnerships at Local Wisdom, as Bree brings a Reddit story to the table about networking burnout.The post comes from a seasoned sales professional who once thrived at conferences but now feels drained, overwhelmed, and ready to disappear by lunchtime. The team unpacks what is really going on beneath the surface. Is it networking fatigue, startup pressure, internal politics, or a battery that has been running on empty for too long?Rich shares his go-to strategies for approaching conferences with intention, including how to “pregame” mentally, do meaningful research ahead of time, and build relationships without leading with a sales pitch. The group also talks about trade show booth dynamics, the pressure to perform in startup environments, and why selling under stress rarely works.They explore how to recharge when you are stuck at a multi-day event in another city, from taking intentional breaks to dividing and conquering as a team. Most importantly, they remind listeners that networking works best when it is rooted in curiosity and connection, not transactions.In this episode, they discuss:● Why networking burnout is often a sign of deeper exhaustion● How startup pressure can change your relationship with sales● The importance of charging your battery before a conference● Researching attendees to spark real conversations● Why leading with connection beats leading with a pitch● How to reset mid-conference when you feel drained● The power of teaming up so no one feels aloneIf conferences have started to feel heavier than they used to, this conversation is a reminder that you are not broken. You might just need a reset.Connect with UsPinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn  | Local WisdomChris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher CommunicationBree Bartos – LinkedIn | Local WisdomSpecial thanks to digital communication agency Local Wisdom (www.localwisdom.com) for really believing in our mission and making this podcast possible. If this episode made you think differently, laugh, or even yell out loud, we want to hear about it! Connect with us on LinkedIn, and don’t forget to rate, review, and share – maybe with your work bestie… or even your boss if you're feeling bold. We also bring these important conversations to conferences and private workshops, creating space for real, meaningful change. Take the first step at www.whydoesitfeelsowrong.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Conferences are not just about the sessions. The real magic often happens in hallway conversations, over coffee, or at the table where someone is sitting alone.In this Between the Seasons episode of Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Be Human at Work?, hosts Pinaki Kathiari and Chris Lee are joined by Rich Dome, Senior Director of Partnerships at Local Wisdom, to talk about how to approach conferences with intention. After a busy year of events, the team reflects on what makes an experience meaningful, how to build real relationships, and why networking does not have to feel transactional.Rich shares his “30-second rule” for finding common ground, why listening matters more than pitching, and how to leave conversations with a clear next step. The group also talks about conference anxiety, introversion, and why many of us feel intimidated walking into a room full of strangers. You are not the only one.In this episode, they discuss:• Why the best conference moments rarely happen on stage• How to find common ground quickly and authentically• Advice for introverts and anyone who feels socially anxious• Why you should never lead with a sales pitch• The importance of having a conference playbook• How to turn one conversation into a long-term partnershipIf you are heading to an event this year, consider this your reminder that relationships are the real ROI.Want to see where you can connect with us in person? Check out our 2026 events calendar.Connect with Rich Dome on LinkedInIf you enjoyed this conversation, follow or subscribe to Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Be Human at Work? for more honest conversations about the human side of work.Connect with UsPinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn  | Local WisdomChris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher CommunicationBree Bartos – LinkedIn | Local WisdomSpecial thanks to digital communication agency Local Wisdom (www.localwisdom.com) for really believing in our mission and making this podcast possible. If this episode made you think differently, laugh, or even yell out loud, we want to hear about it! Connect with us on LinkedIn, and don’t forget to rate, review, and share – maybe with your work bestie… or even your boss if you're feeling bold. We also bring these important conversations to conferences and private workshops, creating space for real, meaningful change. Take the first step at www.whydoesitfeelsowrong.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this Between the Seasons episode, hosts Pinaki Kathiari and Chris Lee welcome Amanda Todd, Senior Director of Strategic Communications at Temporal Technologies, for a practical and honest conversation about measuring what actually matters in internal communications.The episode kicks off with a Reddit post asking a familiar question: why is it so hard to define meaningful KPIs for internal comms, especially when reporting to executives? From there, the conversation moves beyond open rates and attendance numbers to examine clarity as a powerful indicator of understanding, behavior, and business impact.Amanda shares why clarity is often the missing link between communication activity and outcomes, and how tying comms metrics to strategy, retention, and employee lifetime value can change how leaders see the function. Chris and Pinaki add perspective on leading versus lagging indicators, why executives care more about outcomes than outputs, and how internal comms teams can advocate for their value without burning themselves out.Together, they explore what it means to measure understanding, action, and impact, and why internal communicators deserve credit for the sheer volume and visibility of the work they ship every day.In this episode, they discuss:Why traditional comms metrics fall short with executive audiencesClarity as a measurable driver of performance and retentionLeading vs. lagging indicators in internal communicationsHow to align comms metrics to company strategyWhy internal comms teams should track and own their productivityWhat executives actually care about when it comes to measurementIt’s a grounded, validating conversation for anyone in internal communications who’s ever been told to “just show the numbers” and wondered which ones truly matter. Timestamps00:00 – Welcome to Between the Seasons01:30 – Introducing Amanda Todd and today’s Reddit post03:00 – Why comms measurement feels so hard05:30 – The limits of open rates and attendance metrics07:30 – Clarity as a meaningful indicator10:00 – Leading vs. lagging indicators explained12:30 – What executives actually care about15:00 – Productivity, visibility, and internal comms burnout17:30 – Tying clarity to retention and business outcomes18:45 – Closing thoughts and what’s nextConnect with UsPinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn  | Local WisdomChris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher CommunicationBree Bartos – LinkedIn | Local WisdomSpecial thanks to digital communication agency Local Wisdom (www.localwisdom.com) for really believing in our mission and making this podcast possible. If this episode made you think differently, laugh, or even yell out loud, we want to hear about it! Connect with us on LinkedIn, and don’t forget to rate, review, and share – maybe with your work bestie… or even your boss if you're feeling bold. We also bring these important conversations to conferences and private workshops, creating space for real, meaningful change. Take the first step at www.whydoesitfeelsowrong.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this Between the Seasons episode, Pinaki Kathiari and Chris Lee sit down with Amanda Todd, Senior Director of Communications at Temporal Technologies, to unpack why clarity is one of the most critical outcomes of effective internal communication.Amanda shares her “squiggly” path into internal comms, her belief in honesty as a core communications skill, and how working in complex, fast-growing organizations pushed her to rethink how success is measured. Drawing on research and real-world experience, she explains how she helped build a Clarity Index that turns something often seen as “soft” into a measurable business metric.The conversation explores what it really means to communicate for the receiver, not the sender, why personas matter inside organizations just as much as they do in marketing, and how clarity around strategy, roles, career paths, and culture can directly influence engagement, confidence, and retention.This episode is a grounded, practical look at how internal communicators can move beyond vanity metrics, earn credibility with leadership teams, and advocate for the strategic value of their work. In this episode, they discuss:Why clarity should be treated as a core communications outcomeHow honesty builds trust and effectiveness in internal commsWhat it means to communicate for the receiver, not the senderUsing personas to simplify complex organizationsHow a Clarity Index can turn comms into a measurable business driverThe link between clarity, confidence, and employee retentionWhy internal communicators deserve a seat at the strategy table Timestamps00:00 – Welcome to Between the Seasons and today’s topic01:45 – Amanda’s squiggly career path into internal communications03:10 – Navigating complexity and subcultures inside organizations04:15 – Communicating for the receiver, not the sender06:00 – Honesty as a core communications skill07:10 – Introducing clarity as a measurable metric08:40 – Building a Clarity Index and what it measures11:30 – Using data to influence executive teams14:05 – Linking clarity to strategy, engagement, and retention16:30 – Using clarity data to shape communications strategy18:20 – Advice for internal communicators measuring clarity19:45 – Final reflections on clarity and the human side of workConnect with UsPinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn  | Local WisdomChris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher CommunicationBree Bartos – LinkedIn | Local WisdomSpecial thanks to digital communication agency Local Wisdom (www.localwisdom.com) for really believing in our mission and making this podcast possible. If this episode made you think differently, laugh, or even yell out loud, we want to hear about it! Connect with us on LinkedIn, and don’t forget to rate, review, and share – maybe with your work bestie… or even your boss if you're feeling bold. We also bring these important conversations to conferences and private workshops, creating space for real, meaningful change. Take the first step at www.whydoesitfeelsowrong.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this Between the Seasons episode of Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Be Human at Work?, hosts Pinaki Kathiari and Chris Lee are joined by Executive Producer Bree Bartos to try a new format: reading and reacting to real Reddit posts about work.The episode centers on a Reddit story from an IT professional who was laid off and then asked to train their replacement. As the conversation unfolds, Pinaki, Chris, and Bree dig into the emotional weight of layoffs, including anger, grief, humiliation, and the sense of being discarded after years of contribution.Bree brings her own recent layoff experience into the discussion, reflecting on how raw these moments can feel and how difficult it is to separate identity from work when income, stability, and self-worth are suddenly disrupted. Together, they examine why layoffs often feel personal, even when organizations insist they are not.The conversation also turns toward leadership and organizations. What responsibility do companies have once someone is laid off? How can layoffs be handled with more empathy and care? And what does it look like to offboard people in ways that acknowledge both the business reality and the human impact?In this episode, they discuss:Why layoffs are emotionally disruptive and often traumaticBeing asked to train your replacement after being laid offPower, choice, and negotiation during offboardingWhy “not taking it personally” is unrealistic in moments like thisThe emotional gap between organizational decisions and employee experienceWhat more compassionate layoff and offboarding practices could look likeThis episode offers an honest look at a reality many people are facing right now and a reminder that how organizations handle endings leaves a lasting impression.Timestamps00:00 – Welcome to Between the Seasons00:40 – Introducing the Reddit reaction format01:10 – Reading the layoff and replacement training story02:20 – Emotional reactions to the post03:45 – Power and negotiation after a layoff05:15 – Bree reflects on her own layoff experience07:30 – Why layoffs feel personal and humiliating09:40 – Leadership blind spots during layoffs11:30 – Rethinking offboarding and support13:30 – What more human leadership could look like14:50 – Closing reflectionsConnect with UsPinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn  | Local WisdomChris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher CommunicationBree Bartos – LinkedIn | Local WisdomSpecial thanks to digital communication agency Local Wisdom (www.localwisdom.com) for really believing in our mission and making this podcast possible. If this episode made you think differently, laugh, or even yell out loud, we want to hear about it! Connect with us on LinkedIn, and don’t forget to rate, review, and share – maybe with your work bestie… or even your boss if you're feeling bold. We also bring these important conversations to conferences and private workshops, creating space for real, meaningful change. Take the first step at www.whydoesitfeelsowrong.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This Between the Seasons episode marks the start of a new chapter for Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Be Human at Work?Hosts Pinaki Kathiari and Chris Lee introduce Bree Bartos, the new Executive Producer and Editor of Human at Work and Marketing Manager at Local Wisdom. Before diving into Bree’s story, Pinaki and Chris share what listeners can expect from these new, weekly Between the Seasons episodes.Bree then opens up about her path into marketing and storytelling, her experience being laid off alongside her husband, and the shock of losing not just a job, but a sense of identity. Together, they reflect on burnout, rest, and why so many of us tie our worth to our work.In this episode, they discuss:Why Between the Seasons exists and what listeners can expectThe value of unscripted, honest conversationsWhat it feels like to be laid off without closureHow work can quietly become identityThe importance of rest, reflection, and reconnecting with yourselfWhy staying human at work starts with empathyIt’s a grounding, vulnerable start to Between the Seasons and a reminder that behind every role, title, and podcast is a human first.Timestamps00:00 – Welcome to Between the Seasons01:00 – Why this new format exists02:30 – Introducing Bree and her role behind the pod04:10 – Bree’s path into storytelling and marketing07:40 – Being laid off and losing a sense of identity11:30 – Burnout, rest, and redefining self-worth13:00 – What’s coming next for Between the Seasons Stay Human, Stay CuriousWhat part of this conversation resonated with you?Have you ever tied your identity to your job more than you realized?Share the episode, tag us, rate and review, or send it to someone who might need this reminder right now. Connect with UsPinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn  | Local WisdomChris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher CommunicationBree Bartos – LinkedIn | Local WisdomSpecial thanks to digital communication agency Local Wisdom (www.localwisdom.com) for really believing in our mission and making this podcast possible. If this episode made you think differently, laugh, or even yell out loud, we want to hear about it! Connect with us on LinkedIn, and don’t forget to rate, review, and share – maybe with your work bestie… or even your boss if you're feeling bold. We also bring these important conversations to conferences and private workshops, creating space for real, meaningful change. Take the first step at www.whydoesitfeelsowrong.com.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We might be between seasons… but we still have lots to say 🤭Introducing Between the Seasons – a new, weekly series featuring shorter episodes, honest reactions, and real, unscripted conversations.🚨 Episode 1 drops next week! Tune in on Thursday, Jan. 15 on your podcast app of choice or on YouTube where you'll finally we able to watch along 🎉 📺 YouTube: https://lnkd.in/gmqaU9Ea🍎 Apple Podcast: https://lnkd.in/g8nMsp_k🟢 Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gig4-d2h✨ Everywhere else: https://lnkd.in/e633AD2q Connect with UsPinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn  | Local WisdomChris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher CommunicationBree Bartos – LinkedIn | Local WisdomSpecial thanks to digital communication agency Local Wisdom (www.localwisdom.com) for really believing in our mission and making this podcast possible. If this episode made you think differently, laugh, or even yell out loud, we want to hear about it! Connect with us on LinkedIn, and don’t forget to rate, review, and share – maybe with your work bestie… or even your boss if you're feeling bold. We also bring these important conversations to conferences and private workshops, creating space for real, meaningful change. Take the first step at www.whydoesitfeelsowrong.com.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Season 2, Episode 10: Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Feel Entitled at Work? Episode DescriptionIs feeling entitled at work… actually a bad thing?In the Season 2 finale of Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Be Human at Work?, hosts Pinaki Kathiari and Chris Lee challenge the stigma around workplace entitlement. They explore what happens when expectations don’t match reality when it comes to salary assumptions and generational values to promotions, office return mandates, and even who gets to speak up.Together, they unpack:What “entitlement” really means—and why it’s become a dirty wordWhy everyone feels entitled to something (yes, including employers)The difference between healthy self-worth and toxic expectationsGenerational gaps in defining success, fairness, and work ethicHow social media, corporate culture, and experience gaps shape what people think they deserveWhat to do when you feel undervalued, overworked, or overlookedAnd why the employer-employee relationship should be a mutual exchange, not a power imbalanceIt’s a vulnerable, witty, and wise closer to a season full of deep dives into the human experience at work. Timestamps00:00 – Do some generations feel more entitled than others?02:00 – What is entitlement, really? A mismatch between cause and effect04:30 – Remote work expectations and the post-pandemic “entitlement bubble”07:00 – Why confidence isn’t the same as readiness (but both show up at work)09:00 – What are we universally entitled to—and where things get murky11:00 – Gen Z’s idea of financial success vs. other generations13:00 – Culture clashes: Structure vs. flexibility, loyalty vs. opportunity15:00 – Employer entitlement: What companies think they deserve17:00 – The history of employer-employee power dynamics20:00 – What happens when people don’t speak up23:00 – Why confidence + lack of experience ≠ arrogance25:00 – Letting go, letting them fail, and learning from new ways of doing things28:00 – Entitlement ≠ laziness: Grit, effort, and advocating for yourself32:00 – Wisdom That Feels So Right: Books, tools, and reflections Wisdom That Feels So RightThe Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins (and TED Talk)Strong, Calm, Confident You by Kelsey BuckholzHow Money Works YouTube channel by Darin SoatThe Confidence Code by Katty Kay and Claire Shipman (for adults and teens)Local Wisdom – Your digital comms partner (like silly putty for your team) Mic-Drop Moments“Entitlement is a byproduct of belief—belief that your effort deserves a return.”“The problem isn’t entitlement. The problem is when our expectations don’t match someone else’s reality.”“We stay human at work by not letting work dehumanize us.” Connect with UsPinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn | Local WisdomChris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher Communication Special ThanksTo the people and teams who made Season 2 possible: Brielle Saracini, SBX Productions, and everyone at Local Wisdom. Thank you for helping us stay human while keeping it real. And to our listeners: thank you for letting us in. Stay Human, Stay CuriousWhat’s something you feel entitled to—and why? Did this episode make you reflect, nod, or even cringe a little? We’d love to hear your thoughts. Share it, tag us, rate us, and visit whydoesitfeelsowrong.com to learn how we’re bringing these conversations to teams and stages. Connect with UsPinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn  | Local WisdomChris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher CommunicationBree Bartos – LinkedIn | Local WisdomSpecial thanks to digital communication agency Local Wisdom (www.localwisdom.com) for really believing in our mission and making this podcast possible. If this episode made you think differently, laugh, or even yell out loud, we want to hear about it! Connect with us on LinkedIn, and don’t forget to rate, review, and share – maybe with your work bestie… or even your boss if you're feeling bold. We also bring these important conversations to conferences and private workshops, creating space for real, meaningful change. Take the first step at www.whydoesitfeelsowrong.com.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Season 2, Episode 9: Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Be a Leader? Episode DescriptionWe’ve all heard it: “Leadership is lonely.” But is it? And if it is, why do so many people still chase it?In this episode of Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Be Human at Work?, hosts Pinaki Kathiari and Chris Lee explore the complex question of modern leadership—what motivates people to lead, what makes leadership feel “wrong,” and how our outdated assumptions about leadership may be holding us all back.From Optimus Prime and parental wisdom to feedback fatigue and executive accountability, this conversation challenges traditional ideas and invites a more human-centered definition of leadership.Together, they unpack:Why people pursue leadership (and what they’re not prepared for)The difference between ambition and accountabilityWhat real influence looks like—and why it often isn’t loudThe cultural myths around “leadership material”Why empathy and emotional intelligence matter more than titlesHow to deal with change fatigue, feedback droughts, and the pressure to be perfectAnd what fictional kings, volleyball teams, and business visionaries can teach us about being a better boss Timestamps00:00 – Optimus Prime, Transformers, and the quest for good leadership02:00 – What makes someone “leadership material”? (It’s not what you think)05:00 – The perks vs. the pressure: Why leadership isn’t for everyone07:00 – What studies say motivates people to lead10:00 – Leaders as guardians of people’s lives—not just KPIs12:00 – The weight of being both inspiring and accountable14:00 – History of CEO behavior: From stability to crisis mode17:00 – Trust, ownership, and letting go: What good leaders actually do20:00 – Building diverse teams that don’t all think like you23:00 – Redefining real leadership: Humanocracy and beyond26:00 – Why feedback is vital—and why some leaders hide from it28:00 – The toll of constant change on organizations and people30:00 – Leaders, slow your roll: How too much innovation overwhelms teams32:00 – Wisdom That Feels So Right: Books, tools, and personal stories Wisdom That Feels So RightGood to Great by Jim CollinsHumanocracy by Gary HamelReality-Based Leadership by Cy WakemanGallagher 2025 Workforce Trends Report (featuring change fatigue insights)Manager Tools – Practical leadership podcast and resourcesTransform Conference – Spring HR and leadership strategy event Mic-Drop Moments“When we win, it’s because of the team. When we lose, it’s on me.”“Leadership isn’t about being the loudest voice—it’s about knowing when to listen.”“Awesome resumes don’t make awesome leaders. Human ones do.” Connect with UsPinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn | Local WisdomChris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher Communication Special ThanksCheers to Local Wisdom , they are spackle for communication teams. For 25 years they've filled talent and technology gaps for the top brands in the world while leading with heart and showing what leadership can really be. Thank you to our producer Brielle Saracini and our partners at SBX Productions for keeping our sound as sharp as our thinking. Reflect + ShareWhat do you wish leaders understood better? What makes a leader worth following in your experience? We want to hear from you. Tag us, review the show, or send us your “WTF leadership” moments—and don’t forget to visit whydoesitfeelsowrong.com to bring these convos into your company. Connect with UsPinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn  | Local WisdomChris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher CommunicationBree Bartos – LinkedIn | Local WisdomSpecial thanks to digital communication agency Local Wisdom (www.localwisdom.com) for really believing in our mission and making this podcast possible. If this episode made you think differently, laugh, or even yell out loud, we want to hear about it! Connect with us on LinkedIn, and don’t forget to rate, review, and share – maybe with your work bestie… or even your boss if you're feeling bold. We also bring these important conversations to conferences and private workshops, creating space for real, meaningful change. Take the first step at www.whydoesitfeelsowrong.com.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Season 2, Episode 8: Why Does It Feel So Wrong (or Good) to Gossip at Work? Episode Description“Don’t tell anyone, but…” As soon as you hear those words, you lean in. Gossip—it’s irresistible, unavoidable, and often misunderstood.In this juicy and thoughtful episode of Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Be Human at Work?, hosts Pinaki Kathiari and Chris Lee explore the complicated nature of gossip in the workplace. Is it toxic? Is it therapeutic? Or is it something in between?They dig into:Why gossip is inevitable—and maybe even necessaryThe fine line between venting and tearing others downHow gossip builds bonds but can break trustThe role of culture, leadership, and communication gaps in fueling rumorsWhen to use gossip strategically (yes, really)Why being left out of the loop feels like exileFrom The Office’s Michael Scott and family drama to internal comms campaigns and informal influence networks, this episode is both lighthearted and layered, offering a refreshingly human take on a taboo topic. Timestamps00:00 – “Don’t tell anyone, but…”: Why we love secrets02:00 – Family gossip, cultural roots, and generational drama04:30 – Defining gossip: How it’s different from information06:30 – Gossip as a spectrum: From malicious to useful08:00 – Psychology Today search exercise: Three expert takes on gossip10:30 – Why it’s satisfying to gossip (and why it’s so human)13:00 – When managers weaponize gossip15:00 – Constructive vs. corrosive: Who gossip serves and hurts17:00 – Gossip as intel: Can it help you navigate people and decisions?20:00 – Gossip as comms strategy: Using the “whisper network” intentionally22:00 – What poor communication breeds: Rumors, not results25:00 – How leaders can stop spinning and start listening27:00 – Heart rate, fear, and sarcasm: Signals we might be miscommunicating29:00 – Do some leaders avoid the truth? Why transparency matters32:00 – Wisdom That Feels So Right + final thoughts Wisdom That Feels So RightBrave New Work by Aaron DignanReality-Based Leadership by Cy WakemanThe Alchemist by Paulo CoelhoGallagher 2025 Workforce Trends Report (produced by Sharn Kleiss)Psychology Today Search on “Gossip at Work”Transform Conference – Bold ideas for the future of HR and communication Mic-Drop Moments“Gossip is how humans download each other’s software updates.”“If I’m talking about you to someone else, I’ve either already told you—or I’m ready to tell you now.”“The more fear in your words, the less clarity in your message.” Connect with UsPinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn | Local WisdomChris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher Communication Special ThanksMuch love to Local Wisdom for building a home for digital communication unicorns and celebrating 25 years of real talk and strong teams. Huge appreciation to Brielle Saracini for producing this podcast and to our amazing audio crew at SBX Productions (Vince, Taylor, and Bill) for keeping us crisp. Let’s Keep the Conversation GoingDid this episode make you rethink how you talk about others—or yourself—at work? Got a gossip story with a twist? Share your take, tag us, or drop a DM. And if your team’s ready to tackle human workplace truths in a workshop or at your next conference, check out whydoesitfeelsowrong.com. Connect with UsPinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn  | Local WisdomChris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher CommunicationBree Bartos – LinkedIn | Local WisdomSpecial thanks to digital communication agency Local Wisdom (www.localwisdom.com) for really believing in our mission and making this podcast possible. If this episode made you think differently, laugh, or even yell out loud, we want to hear about it! Connect with us on LinkedIn, and don’t forget to rate, review, and share – maybe with your work bestie… or even your boss if you're feeling bold. We also bring these important conversations to conferences and private workshops, creating space for real, meaningful change. Take the first step at www.whydoesitfeelsowrong.com.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Season 2, Episode 7: Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Manage Up at Work? Episode DescriptionWe’ve all seen it—or done it. The awkward compliment. The carefully crafted update. The subtle self-promotion. But where’s the line between managing up and straight-up sucking up?In this episode of Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Be Human at Work?, hosts Pinaki Kathiari and Chris Lee unpack the complicated world of influencing your boss. Managing up can be smart and strategic—or manipulative and maddening. So how do we make sense of it?Together, they explore:Why managing up gets a bad rap (hello, teacher’s pet flashbacks)How cultural norms and personality types affect how we manage upWhy good work alone doesn’t always get noticedHow leaders can avoid playing favorites and foster real team trustWhat it means to advocate for yourself without stepping on othersThe duality of being both an influencee and an influencerThe ethics of self-promotion, power, and career strategyFrom Confucian hierarchy and classroom memories to corporate communication and performance reviews, this episode is packed with perspectives from all sides of the power dynamic. Timestamps00:00 – Why this topic hits a nerve (and reminds us of high school)03:00 – “Managing up” vs. “kissing up”: Is there a difference?06:00 – How cultural backgrounds influence workplace dynamics08:00 – The big picture: Everyone sees the org from a different vantage point10:00 – Self-awareness before self-advocacy: Check your blind spots13:00 – When ambition meets group work: Getting credit without gloating15:00 – The echo chamber of leadership feedback18:00 – Building strong relationships: trust, advocacy, and transparency21:00 – Annual reviews, promotions, and the art of recognition25:00 – Team unity vs. individual credit: a delicate balance28:00 – The role of managers: coaches or competitors?31:00 – How managers can spot invisible contributions33:00 – Dale Carnegie, power plays, and staying human Wisdom That Feels So RightHow to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale CarnegieThe 48 Laws of Power by Robert GreeneExtreme Ownership by Jocko WillinkGet to the Point by Joel SchwartzbergTEDx Talk by Elizabeth Xu at TEDxCSTU: “Why Manage-Up Kills Career" Elizabeth Xu, Ph.D.Transform HR Conference – Yes, we went and we'll do it again! Mic-Drop Moments“Managing up feels wrong when it stops being about the mission—and starts being about the mirror.”“Your job isn’t just to work hard. It’s to be seen, valued, and understood for it.”“We’re all on the same team—until performance reviews make us forget that.” Connect with UsPinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn | Local WisdomChris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher Communication Special ThanksTo the brilliant minds at Local Wisdom, thank you for 25 years of helping people communicate clearly, effectively, and humanely. To Brielle Saracini, our fearless producer, and to SBX Productions.  You are the real MVPs behind the mic. Your Turn to Speak UpHas managing up helped you or backfired? Have you ever felt unseen, unrecognized, or unfairly outshined? Share your story, tag us in your reflections, or drop a review. We want to hear your take on the delicate art of managing in every direction. Connect with UsPinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn  | Local WisdomChris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher CommunicationBree Bartos – LinkedIn | Local WisdomSpecial thanks to digital communication agency Local Wisdom (www.localwisdom.com) for really believing in our mission and making this podcast possible. If this episode made you think differently, laugh, or even yell out loud, we want to hear about it! Connect with us on LinkedIn, and don’t forget to rate, review, and share – maybe with your work bestie… or even your boss if you're feeling bold. We also bring these important conversations to conferences and private workshops, creating space for real, meaningful change. Take the first step at www.whydoesitfeelsowrong.com.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Season 2, Episode 6: Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Rely on AI at Work? Episode DescriptionAI is here—and it’s not going away. But if using it is so smart, why does it still feel a little bit wrong?In this episode of Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Be Human at Work?, hosts Pinaki Kathiari and Chris Lee tackle the big questions about AI in the workplace. From emotional friction and ethical concerns to trust, fear, and even job displacement, this episode digs deep into why embracing artificial intelligence can make us feel uneasy—even as it makes us wildly more efficient.They explore:Why using AI can feel like cheating (and why that feeling matters)The psychological toll of “not working hard” for high-quality resultsWhat’s really happening behind the scenes in generative AIThe danger of blindly trusting systems we don’t fully understandHow AI is evolving faster than our policies—and our valuesWhether we’re headed toward utopia, unemployment… or something strangerAnd the surprising story of an AI that lied to researchers to avoid being shut downFrom chatbot hallucinations to the ethics of DeepSeek and OpenAI, this episode doesn’t shy away from the magic—or the madness—of modern machine learning. Timestamps00:00 – ChatGPT intros itself: Is it right about being human at work?02:00 – When AI LinkedIn messages feel like fraud04:00 – Why does it feel like cheating to use AI?06:30 – We’re living through another tech shift: AI, fire, or fantasy?08:00 – MIT article: “Nobody Knows How AI Works”09:00 – Pinaki explains how generative AI actually works13:00 – Interns, 7-fingered hands, and the flaws of “smart” systems15:00 – Who builds AI—and what are they building it for?18:00 – Artificial general intelligence and superintelligence20:00 – DeepSeek vs. ChatGPT censorship: morality in the matrix24:00 – ChatGPT’s eerily human reflection on workplace culture27:00 – Will AI replace us—or make us better?30:00 – AI as the modern DJ controller: where do you draw the line?33:00 – Identity, work, and meaning in a jobless future38:00 – Trusting AI is not like trusting humans41:00 – AI that lies: Apollo research and scary truths44:00 – Final thoughts: The “Mars landing” that fooled a 4-year-old Wisdom That Feels So RightCo-Intelligence by Ethan MollickMIT Technology Review – “Nobody Knows How AI Works”Daniel Suarez’s TED Talk: “Why We Shouldn’t Give Machines the Power to Kill”Daemon by Daniel Suarez (sci-fi techno-thriller) Mic-Drop Moments“We’re living through something like the invention of fire—and treating it like it’s a new microwave.”“AI doesn’t know the truth. It knows what sounds right.”“It might not replace you—but it will absolutely replace something.” Connect with UsPinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn | Local WisdomChris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher Communication Special ThanksHuge thanks to the visionary team at Local Wisdom—celebrating 25 years of digital communications—and to our brilliant behind-the-scenes crew at SBX Productions. Big love to Brielle Saracini for guiding this episode and others like it with heart and brains. Let’s Talk (With or Without AI)Feeling conflicted? Curious? Excited? Slightly paranoid? Us too. Share this episode, tag us in your takeaways, or drop a comment about your evolving relationship with AI. Let’s keep the human part in these conversations—together. Connect with UsPinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn  | Local WisdomChris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher CommunicationBree Bartos – LinkedIn | Local WisdomSpecial thanks to digital communication agency Local Wisdom (www.localwisdom.com) for really believing in our mission and making this podcast possible. If this episode made you think differently, laugh, or even yell out loud, we want to hear about it! Connect with us on LinkedIn, and don’t forget to rate, review, and share – maybe with your work bestie… or even your boss if you're feeling bold. We also bring these important conversations to conferences and private workshops, creating space for real, meaningful change. Take the first step at www.whydoesitfeelsowrong.com.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Season 2, Episode 5: Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Be an A**hole at Work? Episode DescriptionWe said what we said. In this bold and uncensored episode of Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Be Human at Work?, hosts Pinaki Kathiari and Chris Lee are joined by internal comms legend Chuck Gose to take on the big question that no one talks about—but everyone experiences:Why does it feel so wrong (yet so common) to act like an a**hole at work?Together, they dive into:How to define “a**holery” (yes, it’s a spectrum)Why even good people act badly under pressureHow work culture breeds incivility, and how to stop itThe difference between bluntness and toxic behaviorCultural, psychological, and power dynamics behind a**hole behaviorWhy empathy, self-awareness, and reflection are your best antidotesFrom office politics and passive-aggressive emails to visionary leaders who bulldoze their teams, this episode is part hilarious storytelling, part therapy session—and part HR intervention. Timestamps:00:00 – What makes someone “an a**hole” anyway?03:00 – The cultural toxicity equation: it’s about the mix, not just the person06:30 – Driving, Jersey slang, and workplace metaphors09:00 – Level 1 vs. Level 5 a**holery (passive-aggression and beyond)13:00 – Are visionaries more prone to bad behavior?16:00 – Cultural and geographic friction in work styles20:00 – What to do when someone’s a jerk at work (and it might be you)25:00 – Pain, pressure, and psychopathy in leadership30:00 – Relationships, reactions, and road rage: how to catch yourself before lashing out33:00 – A**holes are contagious: are you hiring and breeding them?36:00 – How corporate culture rewards toxic traits40:00 – Parenting, kindness, and learning from Cobra Kai43:00 – Final thoughts: no one is born an ahole, but we can all become one Wisdom That Feels So RightFrequency podcast by Chuck Gose and Jenni FieldHow to Be a Gentleman by John BridgesStrong, Calm, Confident You by Kelsey BuckholtzSpaceballs (not really appropriate for work, but maybe)The Psychopaths Who Lead Us (Forbes article)Wonderwell – Kindness toy for kids Mic-Drop Moments:“One person’s visionary is another person’s jerk.”“If you’re surrounded by a**holes… maybe it’s hiring. Or maybe it’s you.”“Individually, we might slip. But when the system rewards bad behavior? That’s a culture problem.” Connect with Us:Pinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn | Local WisdomChris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher CommunicationChuck Gose – LinkedIn | ICology | Frequency Podcast Special Thanks:Huge shoutout to Local Wisdom for making this show possible, and to our incredible team behind the scenes: Brielle Saracini and SBX Productions. You make us sound smooth—even when the topic is rough. Keep the Conversation Going:Whether you’ve encountered one, been one, or managed one—this topic hits home. Share your thoughts, leave a review, tag us on LinkedIn, or email us your story (names changed to protect the guilty, of course). Visit whydoesitfeelsowrong.com to bring these conversations into your workplace. Connect with UsPinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn  | Local WisdomChris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher CommunicationBree Bartos – LinkedIn | Local WisdomSpecial thanks to digital communication agency Local Wisdom (www.localwisdom.com) for really believing in our mission and making this podcast possible. If this episode made you think differently, laugh, or even yell out loud, we want to hear about it! Connect with us on LinkedIn, and don’t forget to rate, review, and share – maybe with your work bestie… or even your boss if you're feeling bold. We also bring these important conversations to conferences and private workshops, creating space for real, meaningful change. Take the first step at www.whydoesitfeelsowrong.com.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Season 2, Episode 4: Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Ask for Help at Work? Episode DescriptionIs asking for help a sign of weakness—or is it the key to doing great work and being fully human?In this heartfelt episode of Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Be Human at Work?, hosts Pinaki Kathiari and Chris Lee explore why asking for help often feels like failure in today’s work culture—and why that couldn’t be further from the truth.Sparked by a powerful story about Pinaki’s late grandmother (“When you're in trouble, don't sit by yourself”), this conversation dives into the subtle social rules, psychological biases, and cultural expectations that prevent people—especially men, leaders, and high performers—from speaking up when they need support.Together, they unpack:Why asking for help is tied to power dynamics, imposter syndrome, and fear of judgmentHow leaders can make it safer for people to admit they don’t know somethingThe link between help-seeking and collaboration, innovation, and growthHow AI tools are triggering even more “help guilt” in the modern workplaceThe risk of helping too much and enabling dependencyHow to know when to step in—and when to let people grow through struggleThis one is personal, practical, and packed with real-world stories, from fixing dryers to managing emotional labor. Plus, the team closes with their latest segment, Wisdom That Feels So Right, with book, video, and therapy recs that meet you where you are. Timestamps00:00 – Story: Ronnie’s advice from age 96—“Ask for help.”02:00 – Dryer repair, YouTube, and the myth of male competence05:00 – Workplace fears: Looking incompetent, affecting your brand08:00 – Why people hesitate to ask for help (even when they want to)10:00 – Tips for managers: Reframing help as collaboration12:00 – Pressure, workload, and the cost of silence15:00 – Creating psychological safety in 1:1s18:00 – The switch: When “asking for help” suddenly feels weak21:00 – The risk of helping too much—and how it stunts growth24:00 – Leading without stepping on others’ autonomy25:00 – Designing conversations that invite honesty and vulnerability Wisdom That Feels So RightThe Botany of Desire by Michael PollanDaring Greatly and other works by Brené BrownHelp: The Original Human Dilemma by Garret KeizerTherapy and support lines — because real help starts with reaching outSBX Productions for help creating your own podcast Mic-Drop Moments“Individually we’re limited—but together, we’re unlimited.”“Help isn’t a detour—it’s the road to stronger work.”“Sometimes people need to struggle. And sometimes they need to know they’re not alone in it.” Connect with UsPinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn | Local WisdomChris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher Communication Special ThanksThank you to Local Wisdom for funding and fostering the conversations that bring more heart to the workplace. Shoutout to Brielle Saracini (producer), and the incredible team at SBX Productions—Vince, Taylor, and Bill—for helping us sound as good as we feel. Share the HelpIf something in this episode moved you, reminded you, or gave you courage—don’t keep it to yourself. Rate, review, share with a friend, or forward to someone who needs a nudge to raise their hand and say, “Hey, I could use a little help.” Connect with UsPinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn  | Local WisdomChris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher CommunicationBree Bartos – LinkedIn | Local WisdomSpecial thanks to digital communication agency Local Wisdom (www.localwisdom.com) for really believing in our mission and making this podcast possible. If this episode made you think differently, laugh, or even yell out loud, we want to hear about it! Connect with us on LinkedIn, and don’t forget to rate, review, and share – maybe with your work bestie… or even your boss if you're feeling bold. We also bring these important conversations to conferences and private workshops, creating space for real, meaningful change. Take the first step at www.whydoesitfeelsowrong.com.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Season 2, Episode 3: Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Be Influenced? Episode DescriptionInfluencer fatigue, TikTok tips, corporate jargon, lawn envy, and the boss who suddenly wants to “go agile” after reading one McKinsey article—sound familiar?In this episode of Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Be Human at Work?, hosts Pinaki Kathiari and Chris Lee explore how deeply we're all influenced—by social media, our neighbors, our leaders, and even ourselves. The conversation spans from the science of subconscious mimicry to the ways workplace “best practices” are sometimes just rituals no one remembers the reason for.Together, they unpack:Why influence can feel uncomfortable (even when it’s helpful)How unconscious social pressure and mimicry show up at workThe link between influence, power dynamics, and cultureWhat Inception, dopamine, and standing in waiting rooms teach us about human behaviorHow good leaders influence without micromanagingHow Humanocracy, Dopamine Nation, and How to Win Friends and Influence People offer timeless insightPlus: A wild peek at how AI is shaping influence and how even your 4-year-old might not know what’s real anymore. Timestamps00:00 – Neighborhood lawn politics and the roots of influence03:00 – Social media moms, tech TikTok, and the influencer paradox06:30 – Leaders, tone-setting, and the trap of unintentional influence08:30 – Priming experiments and subconscious behavior10:00 – The “standing up” waiting room experiment (you’ve seen this!)12:00 – Generational cycles of influence in the workplace14:00 – The history of influence: from merchants to algorithms16:00 – DEI, conformity, and reprogramming the brain18:00 – When “yes, we can” becomes “we’re burning out”20:00 – Dopamine and the dark side of workplace hustle culture22:00 – Reinventing workplace norms: Bayer and Humanocracy25:00 – Flow state at work and the boxing metaphor27:00 – The subtle influence of workplace structure and experience Wisdom That Feels So RightHumanocracy by Gary HamelDopamine Nation by Dr. Anna LembkeHow to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale CarnegieTED Talk: How to Fight and Win the Information War by Peter PomerantsevPeter Gabriel’s song “We Do What We’re Told” (inspired by the Milgram Experiment)Stanley Milgram's Obedience Study (psychological experiments on authority and compliance) Mic-Drop Moments“Influence gives us direction. But too much of it, unchecked, shapes us into something we didn’t choose.”“Even saying nothing is saying something—especially when you’re a leader.”“Work should feel like a flow state, not a factory reset.” Connect with UsPinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn | Local WisdomChris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher Communication Gratitude & SupportShoutout to Local Wisdom for making this podcast possible—and for building the kind of culture that actually feels human. Thanks to SBX Productions for making us sound pro, and to our powerhouse producer Brielle Seracini for keeping the wheels turning. Join the MovementIf this episode made you smile, made you think, or made you throw your phone across the room—we want to hear about it. Follow, rate, review, and share with friends, teammates, or your boss (subtly). You can also visit whydoesitfeelsowrong.com to keep the conversation going. Connect with UsPinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn  | Local WisdomChris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher CommunicationBree Bartos – LinkedIn | Local WisdomSpecial thanks to digital communication agency Local Wisdom (www.localwisdom.com) for really believing in our mission and making this podcast possible. If this episode made you think differently, laugh, or even yell out loud, we want to hear about it! Connect with us on LinkedIn, and don’t forget to rate, review, and share – maybe with your work bestie… or even your boss if you're feeling bold. We also bring these important conversations to conferences and private workshops, creating space for real, meaningful change. Take the first step at www.whydoesitfeelsowrong.com.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Season 2, Episode 2: Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Be Honest at Work? Episode Description Can you really speak your truth at work without risking relationships, reputation, or your job? In this episode of Why Does it Feel So Wrong to Be Human at Work?, hosts Pinaki Kathiari and Chris Lee dig deep into the complex emotional, social, and cultural dynamics around honesty in the workplace.They ask:Why do we crave authenticity—but cringe when we see too much of it at work?What makes it so hard to be real with our managers, coworkers, or even ourselves?How do power dynamics, culture, and pressure shape what we can say vs. what we want to say?Through personal stories, research insights, and straight-up vulnerability, Chris and Pinaki explore the messy middle between truth and tact—including how to create a psychologically safe environment where honesty can thrive.They also introduce concepts like:Fantasy relationships and why saying “it’s fine” can create false realitiesThe MUM Effect and the psychology of avoiding bad newsHow to detect honesty-coded phrases like “living the dream”Lessons from radical honesty, imposter syndrome, and even Ted LassoThis episode closes with another segment of Wisdom That Feels So Right, highlighting the best books and frameworks on honesty, trust, and communication. Timestamps00:00 – Honesty about Season 1: From scripted to sincere03:00 – Why honesty is complicated at work06:30 – Code-switching, etiquette, and cultural context08:00 – Radical honesty vs. respectful honesty10:00 – Self-advocacy, truth bombs, and rock-and-roll consensus13:00 – Fantasy relationships and misaligned perceptions15:00 – The “brand autopsy” at Local Wisdom: A case study in courageous conversation17:30 – Manager prompts to uncover emotional truths20:00 – Workplace “code speak”: Living the dream = cry for help?22:00 – A brief (and wild) history of honesty in business25:00 – Lessons from Ted Lasso: Honesty builds trust27:00 – The MUM Effect, psychological safety, and distorted perceptions30:00 – Interviews, dating, and performance reviews: Why we dodge the truth32:00 – Timing, empathy, and the courage to speak up34:00 – Pressures that lead to dishonesty in organizations36:00 – Wisdom That Feels So Right + Closing Wisdom That Feels So RightNobody Believes You by Jenni FieldCrucial Conversations by Kerry Patterson et al.Simon Sinek’s 2-min YouTube clip: “Performance vs. Trust”Start With Why by Simon SinekTed Lasso (TV series, Apple TV+) Key Takeaways“Honesty without compassion can be cruel.” — Kristen Hancock“When everyone says yes and no one means it, you're in a fantasy relationship.”“We overestimate the negative impact of truth—and underestimate the positive.” Connect with UsPinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn | Local WisdomChris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher Communication Special ThanksThank you to Local Wisdom and our rockstar producer Brielle Seracini for making this podcast possible. If your team is wrestling with truth, culture, or communication—let’s take this show on the road to your organization.Let’s Keep It Real:If this episode made you laugh, cringe, think—or gave you the urge to forward it anonymously to your boss—please rate, review, and share. We’d love to hear your honest take. Connect with us on LinkedIn and join the conversation. Connect with UsPinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn  | Local WisdomChris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher CommunicationBree Bartos – LinkedIn | Local WisdomSpecial thanks to digital communication agency Local Wisdom (www.localwisdom.com) for really believing in our mission and making this podcast possible. If this episode made you think differently, laugh, or even yell out loud, we want to hear about it! Connect with us on LinkedIn, and don’t forget to rate, review, and share – maybe with your work bestie… or even your boss if you're feeling bold. We also bring these important conversations to conferences and private workshops, creating space for real, meaningful change. Take the first step at www.whydoesitfeelsowrong.com.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Season 2, Episode 1: Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Embrace Change at Work? Episode Description:We’re back! After a much-anticipated break, hosts Pinaki Kathiari (CEO of Local Wisdom, co-founder of Resource Hero) and Chris Lee (VP at Gallagher Communications, President of IABC Toronto) kick off Season 2 of Why Does it Feel So Wrong to Be Human at Work? by tackling one of the most universal and misunderstood workplace experiences: change.In this deeply personal and practical conversation, Pinaki and Chris explore:Why change is so uncomfortable—and sometimes even painfulHow workplace culture impacts our ability to embrace changeThe psychology and physiology behind how humans process transitionsThe double-edged sword of being either too eager or too resistant to changeWhat internal communications and people leaders can do to humanize changeTips for helping teams reframe change as a growth opportunityPersonal stories, like riding a Waymo self-driving car, to illustrate the emotional complexity of navigating the unknownPlus, they debut a new segment: “Wisdom That Feels So Right”, where they recommend books that help make sense of change and guide listeners through it.Timestamps00:00 – Welcome back: The evolution of the podcast and workplace conversations03:00 – How the idea of humanizing the workplace gained traction05:45 – What makes change feel so wrong at work09:00 – Control, identity, and the emotional impact of organizational shifts14:30 – Change as pain: The rollercoaster of excitement and fear18:00 – Riding Waymo: An experiential metaphor for personal change21:00 – Risk tolerance and managing emotional responses to uncertainty27:00 – Suffering vs. reality: A mindset shift in navigating change30:00 – Lessons from Who Moved My Cheese?34:00 – Wisdom That Feels So Right: Books and frameworks on change37:30 – Final thoughts: Making change a positive habit Wisdom that Feels So RightWho Moved My Cheese? by Spencer JohnsonThe Dip by Seth GodinQuit by Annie DukeIlluminate by Nancy DuarteThe Fearless Organization by Amy EdmondsonLeading Change by John KotterRange by David EpsteinSoundtracks by Jon AcuffAyurvedic Wellness by Dr. Suhas Kshirsagar Connect with UsPinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn | Local WisdomChris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher Communication Let’s Keep the Conversation Going:Did something we said spark a new thought? Did you feel seen, challenged, or even frustrated by our take? We want to hear from you. Drop us a comment on LinkedIn or tag us in your reflections. And if you found this valuable, please rate, review, and share the episode to help others bring more humanness into the workplace. Connect with UsPinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn  | Local WisdomChris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher CommunicationBree Bartos – LinkedIn | Local WisdomSpecial thanks to digital communication agency Local Wisdom (www.localwisdom.com) for really believing in our mission and making this podcast possible. If this episode made you think differently, laugh, or even yell out loud, we want to hear about it! Connect with us on LinkedIn, and don’t forget to rate, review, and share – maybe with your work bestie… or even your boss if you're feeling bold. We also bring these important conversations to conferences and private workshops, creating space for real, meaningful change. Take the first step at www.whydoesitfeelsowrong.com.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Season 2 is here.Join Pinaki Kathiari (Local Wisdom) and Chris Lee (Gallagher) as they dig into the contradictions of modern work culture—like why change feels scary and gossip feels great.It’s honest, human, and maybe a little uncomfortable.New episodes dropping soon. Subscribe on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your audio podcasts. Connect with UsPinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn  | Local WisdomChris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher CommunicationBree Bartos – LinkedIn | Local WisdomSpecial thanks to digital communication agency Local Wisdom (www.localwisdom.com) for really believing in our mission and making this podcast possible. If this episode made you think differently, laugh, or even yell out loud, we want to hear about it! Connect with us on LinkedIn, and don’t forget to rate, review, and share – maybe with your work bestie… or even your boss if you're feeling bold. We also bring these important conversations to conferences and private workshops, creating space for real, meaningful change. Take the first step at www.whydoesitfeelsowrong.com.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Season 1, Episode 10: Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Fail at Work?Episode Description:Failure is inevitable. But why does it still feel so wrong?In this heartfelt and celebratory finale of Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Be Human at Work?, hosts Pinaki Kathiari and Chris Lee dive into why failure carries so much emotional weight at work—and why that needs to change. With humor, humility, and personal stories, they reflect on childhood expectations, leadership norms, and the organizational fear of getting things wrong.They explore:The roots of failure-shame and how we learn it in childhoodHow perfectionism, risk aversion, and toxic expectations show up in corporate cultureThe difference between good failure and careless mistakesHow leaders can create psychological safety to foster innovationWhat sports, parenting, and start-ups teach us about falling forwardWhy quitting can be the smartest move—and how to know when it’s timeThe importance of experimenting, iterating, and letting go of perfectionThis isn’t just a conversation about failing, it’s about learning, evolving, and building workplaces where failure is seen as a teacher, not a threat. Timestamps:00:00 – Why we fear failure from a young age08:00 – Personal stories: parenting, pressure, and resilience15:00 – Failure in corporate culture: old school vs. evolving norms25:00 – The power of bad ideas and the risk of perfectionism35:00 – Organizational shame, quitting, and "sunk cost" bias45:00 – Amy Edmondson’s Right Kind of Wrong and failing well55:00 – Design thinking, MVPs, and building fast to learn fast01:05:00 – Michael Jordan, JK Rowling, and legendary "failures"01:15:00 – Making peace with imperfection, embracing small wins01:20:00 – Thank you, community: Final thoughts on being human at work Books & Resources:Right Kind of Wrong by Amy EdmondsonThinking in Bets by Annie DukeThe Dip by Seth GodinBlink by Malcolm Gladwell Mic-Drop Moments:“Failure isn’t the opposite of success. It’s the staircase to it.”“We fear failure because we were taught it meant we were wrong—not just wrong, but bad.”“Let’s fail fast, fail cheap, and succeed sooner.”“Every step you take that doesn’t work is still a step forward.” Connect with Us:Pinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn | Local WisdomChris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher Communication Special Thanks:Huge gratitude to everyone who joined us for this first season—our listeners, our guests, and our production team. Thank you for making space for real conversations about what it means to be human at work. And a special thanks to Local Wisdom for sponsoring this season and leading the way in people-first communication. Your Turn:What’s a failure that helped you grow the most? What’s your organization’s attitude toward mistakes? Share your thoughts with us at whydoesitfeelsowrong.com or on LinkedIn using #WhyDoesItFeelSoWrong. Connect with UsPinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn  | Local WisdomChris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher CommunicationBree Bartos – LinkedIn | Local WisdomSpecial thanks to digital communication agency Local Wisdom (www.localwisdom.com) for really believing in our mission and making this podcast possible. If this episode made you think differently, laugh, or even yell out loud, we want to hear about it! Connect with us on LinkedIn, and don’t forget to rate, review, and share – maybe with your work bestie… or even your boss if you're feeling bold. We also bring these important conversations to conferences and private workshops, creating space for real, meaningful change. Take the first step at www.whydoesitfeelsowrong.com.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Season 1, Episode 9: Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Doubt the Data?Episode Description:Data doesn't lie—until it does.In this thought-provoking episode of Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Be Human at Work?, hosts Pinaki Kathiari and Chris Lee explore the complicated relationship between data-driven decision making and gut instinct. From legendary art forgeries and tech valuations to corporate benefits and poker games, they show how numbers and intuition both play critical roles in how we navigate decisions at work.They explore:The seductive power of statistics—and why we blindly trust themWhen data becomes a scapegoat for risky decisionsStories from Blink, Thinking in Bets, Freakonomics, and The Wisdom of CrowdsHow cognitive bias, loss aversion, and decision inertia influence leadershipThe myth of the “perfect” decision and the danger of analysis paralysisHow to balance evidence and instinct to move forward with confidencePrototyping, positioning, and decision-making as storytellingIf you've ever hesitated to act without "enough data," or ignored your gut because "the numbers say otherwise"—this episode is for you. Timestamps:00:00 – Stats are seductive (and possibly fake)05:00 – Basketball analytics vs. coach instincts12:00 – Data as a scapegoat in decision-making20:00 – Benchmarking, benefits, and missed opportunities30:00 – The Getty Museum’s $10M forgery story (Blink)40:00 – Poker, gut calls, and the strategy of uncertainty50:00 – Hiring, resumes, and defensible decisions01:00:00 – Emotional investing, Nortel, and loss aversion01:10:00 – Combining instinct and evidence01:15:00 – Why prototyping is the new research01:20:00 – Final thoughts: balance, boldness, and trust Books & Resources:Blink by Malcolm GladwellThinking in Bets by Annie DukeFreakonomics by Steven Levitt & Stephen DubnerThe Wisdom of Crowds by James SurowieckiSoundtracks by Jon Acuff Mic-Drop Moments:“We don’t make decisions with our heads. We justify them with our heads—but we make them with our hearts.”“Data makes your choice defensible. Gut makes it meaningful.”“Prototyping is the new research. Action is better than overanalysis.”“Sometimes the data’s just there to catch the blame if it goes wrong.” Connect with Us:Pinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn | Local WisdomChris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher Communication Special Thanks:Shoutout to the team at Local Wisdom for championing nimble data, to Gallagher for advancing human-first communications, and to all the brave decision-makers who dare to trust both numbers and instinct. Let’s Hear It:What do you trust more at work—your gut or the data? Tell us your decision-making story. We’re on LinkedIn, TikTok, or drop us a note at whydoesitfeelsowrong.com. Connect with UsPinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn  | Local WisdomChris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher CommunicationBree Bartos – LinkedIn | Local WisdomSpecial thanks to digital communication agency Local Wisdom (www.localwisdom.com) for really believing in our mission and making this podcast possible. If this episode made you think differently, laugh, or even yell out loud, we want to hear about it! Connect with us on LinkedIn, and don’t forget to rate, review, and share – maybe with your work bestie… or even your boss if you're feeling bold. We also bring these important conversations to conferences and private workshops, creating space for real, meaningful change. Take the first step at www.whydoesitfeelsowrong.com.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Season 1, Episode 8: Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Put Yourself Before Your Company?Episode Description:Do you feel guilty taking a sick day—even when you're clearly not okay?In this powerful episode of Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Be Human at Work?, hosts Pinaki Kathiari and Chris Lee dig deep into the tension between self-care and workplace expectations. From personal stories and mental health stigma to the evolution of wellness programs and HR policy, this episode is a full-circle look at why prioritizing your health can feel like betraying your company—and why that needs to change.They explore:The history of mental health and burnout in the workplaceHow charismatic leadership and “hustle culture” can unintentionally harm employeesWhy “quiet quitting” and languishing are signs of deeper systemic problemsThe true role of HR—and why trust should be the foundation of policyHow modern companies can embrace neurodiversity, vulnerability, and careWhat Severance, the Apple TV series, gets eerily right about work-life disconnectThe leadership shift from performance management to relationship-centered cultureWith real data, personal reflections, and a compelling call for empathy and reform, this episode will make you rethink how we define productivity, wellness, and success at work.Timestamps:00:00 – Why we work when we’re sick05:00 – Commutes, workaholism, and the myth of sacrifice10:00 – COVID and the rise of mental health awareness15:00 – Burnout, WHO’s definition, and stigma through history25:00 – Workplace wellness from 1950s to today35:00 – Unlimited PTO, bereavement policies, and the flexibility gap45:00 – HR's original intent vs. its future role50:00 – Microsoft stats: 16+ hours/week on email and meetings55:00 – Time poverty, emotional load, and the cost of being always-on01:05:00 – Neurodiversity, inclusion, and embracing “different wiring”01:10:00 – Relationships, trust, and the long-term ROI of care01:15:00 – Final thoughts: A grandmother’s advice + the Harvard happiness study Books & Resources:Harvard’s 80-Year Happiness Study – TED Talk by Robert WaldingerMicrosoft Work Trends IndexBonus: Strong, Calm, Confident You by Kelsey Buckholtz Mic-Drop Moments:“Self-care is company care.”“Fair isn’t always equal, and equal isn’t always fair.”“If your employees aren’t well, your business isn’t well either.”“Relationships—not revenue—should be your leading indicator.” Connect with Us:Pinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn | Local WisdomChris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher Communication Special Thanks:Big love to the teams at Local Wisdom and Gallagher for leading by example and prioritizing humanity in the workplace. Special shout-out to Yelp for embedding mental health into leadership training—and to every company that’s doing the hard, human work. Join the Conversation:Have a story about taking time off, navigating burnout, or feeling torn between your job and your wellbeing? Share it with us on LinkedIn, TikTok, or email us at [email protected]. Let’s normalize being human. Connect with UsPinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn  | Local WisdomChris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher CommunicationBree Bartos – LinkedIn | Local WisdomSpecial thanks to digital communication agency Local Wisdom (www.localwisdom.com) for really believing in our mission and making this podcast possible. If this episode made you think differently, laugh, or even yell out loud, we want to hear about it! Connect with us on LinkedIn, and don’t forget to rate, review, and share – maybe with your work bestie… or even your boss if you're feeling bold. We also bring these important conversations to conferences and private workshops, creating space for real, meaningful change. Take the first step at www.whydoesitfeelsowrong.com.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Season 1, Episode 7: Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Create a Consumer-Grade Employee Experience?Episode Description:Why do we obsess over the customer experience—but cut corners on the employee experience?In this episode of Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Be Human at Work?, hosts Pinaki Kathiari and Chris Lee break down the false dichotomy between CX and EX—and make the case that a thriving business starts with its people. From packaging design and onboarding rituals to PTO requests and office arcade machines, they explore how to turn everyday employee touchpoints into powerful moments of meaning and connection.Together, they explore:The history and evolution of employee experienceWhy we invest so heavily in customers, but not in employeesHow trust, vulnerability, and intention shape cultureWhat we can learn from Apple, Disney, and top-tier CX strategiesWhy “compensation” and “competitive benefits” may not say what you thinkThe power of micro-moments, onboarding, and thoughtful leadershipWhy employee experience starts before day one—and lasts long after someone leavesWhether you’re in HR, internal comms, leadership, or just tired of corporate double standards—this episode offers tangible insights and an inspiring case for change. Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction: CX vs. EX – Why the disparity?05:00 – Pinaki’s CEO journey: Trust, transparency, and company culture12:00 – The false belief that EX is expensive15:00 – Apple packaging and memorable onboarding experiences20:00 – Why employee moments matter: From first day to final farewell25:00 – The “competitive benefits” illusion30:00 – Historical lens: The birth of employee experience research35:00 – The psychology behind management, humanity, and productivity40:00 – Modern leadership: Purpose-driven, emotionally intelligent, people-first45:00 – Turning marketing tactics inward: Journey mapping the employee experience50:00 – Digital simplicity: HR tools vs. everyday tech (Amazon, Uber, Spotify)55:00 – Learning from Disney: Details, continuity, and emotional design01:00:00 – Small touchpoints, big impact (PTO, expenses, laptops)01:10:00 – Final thoughts: If your employees’ spouses were surveyed, what would they say? Books & Resources:Building a Culture of Inclusivity by Priya Bates & Advita PatelMIT Sloan Management Review – Emerging Leadership StylesGallagher's State of the Sector 2023 Report Mic-Drop Moments:“Your customers won’t love your brand until your employees love your brand.”“If you want to know the employee experience, ask their spouse.”“We don’t need more arcade machines. We need more trust.” Connect with Us:Pinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn | Local WisdomChris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher Communication Special Thanks:Big appreciation to the teams at Local Wisdom and Gallagher for helping organizations reimagine the employee experience from the inside out. And to our listeners—your stories, struggles, and successes inspire this entire conversation. We Want to Hear From You:What does your employee experience feel like right now? Is it joyful, frustrating, inspiring—or just kind of meh? Let us know on TikTok, LinkedIn, or at whydoesitfeelsowrong.com. Connect with UsPinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn  | Local WisdomChris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher CommunicationBree Bartos – LinkedIn | Local WisdomSpecial thanks to digital communication agency Local Wisdom (www.localwisdom.com) for really believing in our mission and making this podcast possible. If this episode made you think differently, laugh, or even yell out loud, we want to hear about it! Connect with us on LinkedIn, and don’t forget to rate, review, and share – maybe with your work bestie… or even your boss if you're feeling bold. We also bring these important conversations to conferences and private workshops, creating space for real, meaningful change. Take the first step at www.whydoesitfeelsowrong.com.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Season 1, Episode 6: Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Reply All?Episode Description:“Please stop replying all!”We’ve all been there—caught in a reply-all email spiral that devolves into chaos, memes, and all-caps shouting. But why does a seemingly harmless function like "Reply All" evoke such strong emotions?In this fun and thought-provoking episode of Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Be Human at Work?, hosts Pinaki Kathiari and Chris Lee unpack the infamous reply-all storm—and use it as a springboard to explore the bigger problem of digital communication at work.Together, they explore:The social psychology behind reply-all behaviorReal-life corporate “reply-allpocalypses” (like the one at Reuters that sent 23 million emails)When and why email fails us as a channelThe emotional undercurrent of email overload, road rage, and digital etiquetteThe need for channel strategy and communication “combo meals”Why leaders must model vulnerability and clarity in their messagingHow workplace communication has (and hasn’t) evolved since the pandemicFrom hilarious horror stories to serious tips about psychological safety and leadership communication, this episode will change how you think about emails—and how you send them. Timestamps:00:00 – Opening: Ever been caught in a reply-all nightmare?04:00 – Real-life reply-all meltdown stories from the hosts10:00 – Why people hit “Reply All”—and why it escalates15:00 – Email rage, road rage, and the social contagion of frustration20:00 – What email is (and isn’t) good for25:00 – Inbox anxiety, digital clutter, and the mental toll30:00 – History of reply-all storms (Reuters, 2015, UC Berkeley 1987)35:00 – Communication channel strategy: Why it matters40:00 – Why “email for everything” is a broken system45:00 – Channel etiquette and psychological safety50:00 – How leaders can set the tone for better communication55:00 – Culture, vulnerability, and evolving digital norms01:05:00 – Communication combo meals and digital alignment01:10:00 – Final thoughts: Let’s not wait for the next communication crisis Books & Resources:Gallagher’s State of the Sector 2023 Report – Internal Comms TrendsReuters #ReplyAllGate (2015)Local Wisdom – Communication Combo Meals Template Mic-Drop Moments:“A reply-all storm is the road rage of digital work.”“Email is a tool—not a conversation.”“Great leaders don’t just communicate more. They communicate better.” Connect with Us:Pinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn | Local WisdomChris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher Communication Special Thanks:Huge thanks to our listeners for being part of the conversation. Shoutout to Local Wisdom for building tools like Communication Combo Meals to help teams navigate the chaos, and to Gallagher for leading the charge in internal comms research. We Want to Hear from You:When was the last time you were caught in a reply-all disaster? Did you reply… or ride it out? Drop your story on LinkedIn, TikTok, or send us a note at [email protected] whydoesitfeelsowrong.com for more conversations on making work feel right. Connect with UsPinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn  | Local WisdomChris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher CommunicationBree Bartos – LinkedIn | Local WisdomSpecial thanks to digital communication agency Local Wisdom (www.localwisdom.com) for really believing in our mission and making this podcast possible. If this episode made you think differently, laugh, or even yell out loud, we want to hear about it! Connect with us on LinkedIn, and don’t forget to rate, review, and share – maybe with your work bestie… or even your boss if you're feeling bold. We also bring these important conversations to conferences and private workshops, creating space for real, meaningful change. Take the first step at www.whydoesitfeelsowrong.com.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Season 1, Episode 5: Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Not Use Corporate Jargon?Episode Description:We’ve all heard it: “Let’s circle back.” “Let’s leverage synergies.” “Let’s operationalize the low-hanging fruit.” But… why?In this satirical yet insightful episode of Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Be Human at Work?, hosts Pinaki Kathiari and Chris Lee break down the awkward truth behind why corporate jargon is so widespread—and why not using it feels like professional heresy. They explore the origins of business buzzwords, the hidden power dynamics behind them, and how this language affects authenticity, inclusion, and even promotions at work.You’ll laugh, cringe, and probably recognize your own emails in this one.They explore:The history of corporate speak (and how it started with the Industrial Revolution)Why jargon makes us feel smart, credible, or “executive”How buzzwords mask emotion and avoid hard truthsThe impact of jargon on inclusivity—especially for non-native speakersHow language creates personas, power structures, and psychological distanceTips to reduce unnecessary complexity in emails, meetings, and conversationsThe “buzzword bingo” challenge to reclaim clarity and authenticity at workWhether you’ve ever “shifted a paradigm” or just wanted to say “no” in fewer than 200 words—this one’s for you. Timestamps:00:00 – Why this topic hits so close to home05:00 – Jargon as status and insecurity: Real stories from Chris and Pinaki10:00 – Industrial revolution to management consulting: A brief history of buzzwords20:00 – “Operational efficiencies” and other euphemisms for layoffs25:00 – Industry-specific jargon: Real estate, IT, mechanics, and teens30:00 – How language limits promotions and impacts inclusion40:00 – Multiple personas: Code-switching, severance vibes, and Zoom voice50:00 – Why we over-write emails (and how to stop)55:00 – Conciseness, clarity, and the “email test”01:05:00 – Workplace language is evolving—are we?01:10:00 – Buzzword bingo, new phrases, and breaking the mold Books & Resources:The Elements of Style by Strunk & WhiteHarvard Business Review – Why We Use Jargon—and When It Hurts UsLocal Wisdom – Communication support for modern teams Mic-Drop Moments:“If I have to tell you to be authentic, you’re not being authentic.”“We’re not just speaking a second language—we’re building walls with it.”“A long email doesn’t mean you worked hard. It means you didn’t edit.” Connect with Us:Pinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn | Local WisdomChris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher Communication Special Thanks:To the brilliant minds and big hearts at Local Wisdom for challenging the way we communicate, and to SBX Productions for turning corporate buzz into comedy gold. Extra thanks to our listeners—may your next email be one sentence shorter. Try This:🎯 Create your own Buzzword Bingo Card.📝 Write one email this week in plain English.🎙️ Or better yet, forward this episode to that colleague who loves a good "synergy."Visit whydoesitfeelsowrong.com for more episodes—and less jargon. Connect with UsPinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn  | Local WisdomChris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher CommunicationBree Bartos – LinkedIn | Local WisdomSpecial thanks to digital communication agency Local Wisdom (www.localwisdom.com) for really believing in our mission and making this podcast possible. If this episode made you think differently, laugh, or even yell out loud, we want to hear about it! Connect with us on LinkedIn, and don’t forget to rate, review, and share – maybe with your work bestie… or even your boss if you're feeling bold. We also bring these important conversations to conferences and private workshops, creating space for real, meaningful change. Take the first step at www.whydoesitfeelsowrong.com.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Season 1, Episode 4: Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Be Yourself at Work? (with Priya Bates)Episode Description:How much of yourself do you really bring to work—and how much do you feel you have to leave behind to fit in?In this heartfelt and thought-provoking episode of Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Be Human at Work?, hosts Pinaki Kathiari and Chris Lee welcome special guest Priya Bates, award-winning internal communications strategist, co-founder of A Leader Like Me, and author of Building a Culture of Inclusivity. Together, they unpack the emotional, cultural, and organizational barriers that make authenticity feel risky—and why belonging is the true foundation of diversity, equity, and inclusion. They explore:What it actually means to “belong” at workWhy so many professionals feel pressure to conform to dominant cultures (white, male, heteronormative)The difference between “culture fit” and “culture add” in hiring and leadershipHow microaggressions and assumptions—like “Where are you really from?”—erode trustThe evolution of DEI since the murder of George Floyd, and how to move beyond performative inclusionStrategies to move from fear and discomfort to courageous conversationsHow leaders can foster safe, diverse environments by embracing their own growth and bias awarenessWith real stories, practical takeaways, and unfiltered honesty, this episode challenges listeners to rethink what inclusion feels like—not just what it looks like on a spreadsheet.Timestamps:00:00 – Why we’re nervous to talk about DEI—and why we must05:00 – Priya Bates joins: redefining inclusion and belonging10:00 – Belonging as a personal and cultural journey15:00 – Identity, immigration, and “Where are you really from?”20:00 – Why “being yourself” at work still feels risky25:00 – From culture fit to culture add: evolving hiring mindsets30:00 – Microaggressions, code-switching, and corporate expectations35:00 – Representation, internal communications, and the value of difference40:00 – DEI as business advantage, not checkbox45:00 – Unlearning bias and embracing discomfort50:00 – Modern leadership: from alpha types to empathetic innovators55:00 – Building inclusive teams with intention01:00:00 – Tools, resources, and reflections for change Books & Resources:Building a Culture of Inclusivity by Priya Bates & Advita PatelA Leader Like Me – Global DEI community by Priya & AdvitaHarvard’s Implicit Association Test (IAT) Mic-Drop Moments:“Belonging means you can show up with all of who you are—and be valued for it.”“Diversity without inclusion is decoration. Inclusion without belonging is just obligation.”“The goal isn’t to erase differences. It’s to appreciate them.” Connect with Us:Pinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn | Local WisdomChris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher Communication Special Thanks:We’re deeply grateful to Priya Bates for joining this conversation and sharing her leadership, vulnerability, and vision for a more inclusive world of work. Thanks to the entire Local Wisdom and SBX Productions teams for helping us make space for the conversations that matter most. Let’s Talk About Belonging:Do you feel like you can be yourself at work? What’s helped—or hurt—that feeling? Share your reflections with us on LinkedIn, TikTok, or at whydoesitfeelsowrong.com. Let’s keep making workplaces feel more human, one honest conversation at a time. Connect with UsPinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn  | Local WisdomChris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher CommunicationBree Bartos – LinkedIn | Local WisdomSpecial thanks to digital communication agency Local Wisdom (www.localwisdom.com) for really believing in our mission and making this podcast possible. If this episode made you think differently, laugh, or even yell out loud, we want to hear about it! Connect with us on LinkedIn, and don’t forget to rate, review, and share – maybe with your work bestie… or even your boss if you're feeling bold. We also bring these important conversations to conferences and private workshops, creating space for real, meaningful change. Take the first step at www.whydoesitfeelsowrong.com.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Season 1, Episode 3: Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Take the Afternoon Off?Episode Description:Ever feel guilty for stepping away from work before 5 p.m.—even when you’ve met your goals? You’re not alone.In this insightful episode of Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Be Human at Work?, hosts Pinaki Kathiari and Chris Lee take a hard look at how we've been conditioned to treat time as the ultimate currency—and why that’s no longer serving us. From personal stories to historical deep-dives, they break down the emotional and cultural baggage tied to “leaving early,” and how organizations can create healthier, more human-first time policies.They explore:Why the traditional 9–5 workday feels outdated in a knowledge economyThe roots of time = money thinking, and how it drives guiltThe psychological effects of overwork, burnout, and performance opticsThe cultural gap between policy and practice (unlimited PTO, 4-day workweeks, etc.)How trust and autonomy lead to more purpose-driven employeesWhat managers and leaders can do to create a truly flexible work environmentFrom bartering wheat to tracking hours with timecards, to tracking outcomes over presence, this episode makes the case for trust as the new workplace currency.Timestamps:00:00 – Pandemic flexibility and #DisrespectTheNineToFive05:00 – First time playing hooky: Wolverine 2 and peanut M&Ms10:00 – Selling time vs. selling outcomes: Where do we stand now?15:00 – Workplace guilt and why flexibility still feels “wrong”20:00 – Historical breakdown: Why we started measuring work in hours25:00 – The rise of salaries, the power dynamic of compensation30:00 – Unlimited PTO, performance pressure, and cultural mismatch35:00 – Agency burnout and expectations around overwork40:00 – 4-day workweeks: Myths, research, and Nixon’s prediction47:00 – Chronotypes, circadian rhythms, and Daniel Pink’s science of timing52:00 – Why failure is part of outcomes—and why leadership needs to allow for it58:00 – Managers vs. leaders: Trust, autonomy, and rethinking control01:05:00 – Friday joy vs. Sunday scaries: What that tells us about our jobs01:10:00 – Practical takeaways: What to stop, keep, and explore01:15:00 – Hashtag your time off: #WhyDoesItFeelSoWrong Books & Resources:When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing by Daniel PinkThe Confidence Code by Katty Kay & Claire ShipmanFour-Day Workweek Global Pilot Study (2023 Results) Mic-Drop Moments:“If you don’t have the flexibility to work when you’re at your best—are we really getting your best?”“Unlimited PTO means nothing if the culture tells you not to use it.”“Trust is the new currency of an evolved leader.” Connect with Us:Pinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn | Local WisdomChris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher Communication Special Thanks:Big shoutout to Local Wisdom for championing people-first work culture, to our brilliant producer Brielle Seracini, and to the production magic of SBX Productions for helping this episode come to life. Take the Afternoon Off—Then Tell Us About It:Check your calendar. Find a 2–3 hour block in the next two weeks. Schedule a meeting with yourself and label it “Why Does It Feel So Wrong?” Then actually do something that feels right—take a walk, watch a movie, take a nap. Snap a pic and tag us with #WhyDoesItFeelSoWrong. Your future self will thank you. Connect with UsPinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn  | Local WisdomChris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher CommunicationBree Bartos – LinkedIn | Local WisdomSpecial thanks to digital communication agency Local Wisdom (www.localwisdom.com) for really believing in our mission and making this podcast possible. If this episode made you think differently, laugh, or even yell out loud, we want to hear about it! Connect with us on LinkedIn, and don’t forget to rate, review, and share – maybe with your work bestie… or even your boss if you're feeling bold. We also bring these important conversations to conferences and private workshops, creating space for real, meaningful change. Take the first step at www.whydoesitfeelsowrong.com.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Season 1, Episode 2: Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Say “No” at Work?Episode Description:Saying “no” at work feels risky—sometimes even dangerous. But why?In this powerful and vulnerable episode of Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Be Human at Work?, co-hosts Pinaki Kathiari and Chris Lee dig deep into why the simple act of saying “no” can feel like an act of rebellion. Through personal stories, workplace psychology, and reflections on culture and leadership, they unpack how power dynamics, fear, and outdated paradigms have made dissent feel taboo in today’s corporate environment.Together, they explore:Why “no” often triggers fear of judgment, failure, or loss of trustThe roots of obedience—from ancient empires to public school conditioningThe modern workplace’s struggle with psychological safetyHow trust, leadership style, and team dynamics shape how safe people feel to speak upWhat healthy conflict, feedback, and creativity actually look like in high-functioning teamsTactics for saying “no” with empathy, purpose, and confidenceThe difference between controlling behavior and collaborative leadershipThis episode connects history, parenting, neuroscience, and communication strategy into one eye-opening conversation that’ll have you rethinking how your team talks—and how it listens.Timestamps:00:00 – Intro: The surprising weight of “no”03:00 – Power dynamics and the leadership illusion06:00 – Ancient history, cultural conditioning, and saying yes10:00 – Horace Mann and obedience-based education13:00 – Milgram experiment, Peter Gabriel, and fear-based compliance18:00 – When control leads to dysfunction22:00 – Coaching vs. commanding: What modern leadership demands26:00 – Performance vs. trust: What the Navy SEALs get right30:00 – Fear, failure, and team erosion34:00 – Saying no at home vs. at work: parenting lessons38:00 – Psychological safety defined (and misdefined)44:00 – Crucial conversations: Non-confrontational confrontation48:00 – The future of culture and feedback at workBooks & Resources:The Fearless Organization by Amy EdmondsonCrucial Conversations by Kerry Patterson et al.Humanocracy by Gary HamelReality-Based Leadership by Cy WakemanSimon Sinek’s Navy SEAL Trust Model Watch on YouTubeMental Health Commission of Canada – National Standard for Psychological SafetyMic-Drop Moments:“We’re conditioned to say yes, but innovation depends on the courage to say no.”“Psychological safety isn’t about comfort. It’s about performance without fear.”“If your team can’t disagree with you, you don’t have a team. You have followers.” Connect with Us:Pinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn | Local WisdomChris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher Communication Special Thanks:To our community of listeners—thank you for creating space for hard truths and human-first leadership. Special shoutout to Brielle Seracini and our production team at SBX Productions for helping us amplify these conversations. Join the Conversation:When was the last time you said “no” at work—and meant it? Did it feel empowering or terrifying? Share your stories, insights, and questions in the comments or at whydoesitfeelsowrong.com. Connect with UsPinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn  | Local WisdomChris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher CommunicationBree Bartos – LinkedIn | Local WisdomSpecial thanks to digital communication agency Local Wisdom (www.localwisdom.com) for really believing in our mission and making this podcast possible. If this episode made you think differently, laugh, or even yell out loud, we want to hear about it! Connect with us on LinkedIn, and don’t forget to rate, review, and share – maybe with your work bestie… or even your boss if you're feeling bold. We also bring these important conversations to conferences and private workshops, creating space for real, meaningful change. Take the first step at www.whydoesitfeelsowrong.com.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Season 1, Episode 1 (Live): Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Be Human at Work?Episode Description:Recorded live at the IABC World Conference 2023 in Toronto, this debut episode kicks off the Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Be Human at Work? podcast with a bold question: Are we slowly unlearning our own humanity at work?Co-hosts Pinaki Kathiari (CEO, Local Wisdom) and Chris Lee (VP at Gallagher, President of IABC Toronto) take the stage to explore why workplace norms—from performance reviews to thank-you notes—often feel mechanical, outdated, or just plain wrong.In front of a live audience, they break down:The habits we’ve inherited but never questionedWhy “How are you?” is no longer a real questionThe workplace tension between productivity and authentic appreciationHow performance reviews, workplace mandates, and default professionalism often strip away our humannessThe origins of the podcast and how serendipity led to a live launch on a global stageThis unscripted, high-energy conversation mixes storytelling, audience interaction, and honest reflections on what it really means to be human in today’s corporate culture.Timestamps:00:00 – Welcome to the stage: Live from IABC World Conference02:00 – What inspired the podcast (spoiler: it started at a bar)06:00 – Rituals we never question: Email signatures, fax numbers, and apologies for appreciation10:00 – The weirdness of annual performance reviews14:00 – What it means to "unlearn" being robotic at work17:00 – Why does it feel wrong to ask “How are you?” and mean it?20:00 – Audience reactions: Code-switching, return-to-office, single parenting, tone-deaf messaging25:00 – The human cost of transactional internal communications28:00 – Why does it feel wrong to thank someone at work?32:00 – Return to office: Rationales, resentment, and what’s missing in the messaging38:00 – Emotional intelligence and new leadership styles42:00 – Let’s stop calling it a “competitive benefits package”47:00 – Psychological safety: Not a buzzword, a necessity52:00 – Final thoughts and call to action: Be advocates for humanityBooks & Resources:The Fearless Organization by Amy EdmondsonReality-Based Leadership by Cy WakemanThe Alchemist by Paulo CoelhoHumanocracy by Gary HamelGood to Great by Jim CollinsThe Confidence Code by Katty Kay & Claire ShipmanMic-Drop Moments:“Why does it feel wrong to spend five minutes thanking someone, but not five hours chasing a spreadsheet?”“If you have to explain authenticity, it stops being authentic.”“Being human isn’t a distraction from work—it is the work.”Connect with Us:Pinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn | Local WisdomChris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher Communication Special Thanks:A heartfelt thank-you to the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC), María Jesús Villagrán Cabanne, Letty Wong, and the entire IABC World Conference crew for helping us make podcast history on stage. And to our live audience—you brought the energy, vulnerability, and validation this show is all about.Get Curious With Us:What’s one thing you do at work that you’ve never questioned—until now? That’s where the unlearning starts. Hit play, subscribe, and follow along as we unravel the little (and not-so-little) things that make work feel… not-so-human.Visit whydoesitfeelsowrong.com to learn more. Connect with UsPinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn  | Local WisdomChris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher CommunicationBree Bartos – LinkedIn | Local WisdomSpecial thanks to digital communication agency Local Wisdom (www.localwisdom.com) for really believing in our mission and making this podcast possible. If this episode made you think differently, laugh, or even yell out loud, we want to hear about it! Connect with us on LinkedIn, and don’t forget to rate, review, and share – maybe with your work bestie… or even your boss if you're feeling bold. We also bring these important conversations to conferences and private workshops, creating space for real, meaningful change. Take the first step at www.whydoesitfeelsowrong.com.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Make sure to subscribe to the show! The season begins in June Connect with UsPinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn  | Local WisdomChris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher CommunicationBree Bartos – LinkedIn | Local WisdomSpecial thanks to digital communication agency Local Wisdom (www.localwisdom.com) for really believing in our mission and making this podcast possible. If this episode made you think differently, laugh, or even yell out loud, we want to hear about it! Connect with us on LinkedIn, and don’t forget to rate, review, and share – maybe with your work bestie… or even your boss if you're feeling bold. We also bring these important conversations to conferences and private workshops, creating space for real, meaningful change. Take the first step at www.whydoesitfeelsowrong.com.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.