Workplace Confessions: Behind Closed Doors

Mortgage is supposed to feel like math, paperwork, and a few signatures. What happens when it also feels like a daily test of character? We sit down with an anonymous mortgage expert whose working life runs from a paper route at 13 to two decades in the mortgage and real estate world. He breaks down what he’s building right now: a call center-based revenue engine for a regional bank that targets homeowners with strong home equity but crushing high interest debt.  We also talk about what it feels like to “start over” later in life, and how to earn trust when borrowers assume there’s always a catch.Then we go behind closed doors on the subprime era. He shares the wild workplace stories, how incentives warped behavior, and why the industry’s public image changed so fast after the crash. Send us Fan MailWant to be interviewed? You can remain anonymous. Voice distortion now available. Email or Text us!

Someone finally said the quiet part out loud: burnout can make you do weird things, like faking an emergency on Zoom just to escape a meeting. This week, we’re joined by La'Tonya ("LT") Rease Miles, author of "Smart Girl," adjunct faculty at Santa Clara University, and co-founder of non-profit My Tribe Media. She brings the kind of honesty we love: funny, sharp, and a little too relatable.We talk through her nonlinear career journey, from washing dogs in a Virginia pet grooming shop to earning a PhD at UCLA, building programs for first-generation college students, and eventually stepping away from higher ed administration when the “this isn’t sustainable” feeling became impossible to ignore. We also dig into the real founder experience: uneven income, endless planning, and the myth that success happens overnight, especially for women founders and founders of color. Subscribe, rate, and share Workplace Confessions: Behind Closed Doors, then tell us what moment hit you hardest and why.Send us Fan MailWant to be interviewed? You can remain anonymous. Voice distortion now available. Email or Text us!

Workplace investigations are supposed to reveal the truth, but most companies accidentally design a process that breeds silence, fear, and repeat drama. We’re joined by Patti Perez, a former employment lawyer turned HR leader and third-party investigator who has conducted thousands of workplace investigations and now trains the next generation to do the work with rigor and humanity. From quid pro quo harassment to messy breakups that spill into the office, Patti explains what these cases really look like when the door closes and the interviews begin.Subscribe, share this with a manager or HR friend, and leave a review with your take: what makes you trust a workplace investigation process enough to speak up?Send us Fan MailWant to be interviewed? You can remain anonymous. Voice distortion now available. Email or Text us!

A bartender gets pneumonia, misses work, and the message lands hard: you can give everything to a job and still be treated as disposable. That turning point sends our guest, Lady Ruby Rebel, in an unexpected direction, toward a second career as a professional dominatrix. Ruby breaks down what people get wrong about her profession, especially the assumption that domination involves sex. She explains the real job: training, vetting, clear rules, and the constant responsibility of keeping sessions safe. We talk through how she sets the terms of an engagement, what “total transparency” looks like, and why crossing a boundary ends the session immediately. Her story about a wealthy, famous client trying to change the rules mid-session is a masterclass in enforcing limits when power and entitlement show up in the room.Subscribe, rate, and share Workplace Confessions Behind Closed Doors, and if Ruby’s story hit home, leave a review and tell us: what’s one boundary you’re setting this week?Send us Fan MailWant to be interviewed? You can remain anonymous. Voice distortion now available. Email or Text us!

A scud missile flies over your base in broad daylight, the alarm never sounds, and you realize you might not have the extra 30 seconds you trained for. That’s one of the memories our anonymous guest shares, and it’s the kind that doesn’t fade just because you come home and put on a different uniform for work. We trace his path from a childhood job bagging groceries at a Guam commissary to an Air Force career built around service, standards, and the strange mix of boredom and intensity that comes with “hurry up and wait.” Years later, a single talk triggers the truth: PTSD, anxiety, and anger that spilled into relationships and everyday work. He shares what it was like to finally get help through the VA, and how his post-military career transition became part of healing. Using the GI Bill, he moves into barbering, esthetics, and holistic massage therapy, building a second career around care, calm, and community. If you care about veteran mental health, military transition, leadership under pressure, or workplace culture behind closed doors, you’ll find a lot to sit with here. Subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a review with the moment that hit you hardest.Send us Fan MailWant to be interviewed? You can remain anonymous. Voice distortion now available. Email or Text us!

Ever leapt through a gas station window to stop a drive-off? Our anonymous guest did—then broke barriers in the Army and now uncovers truth at work. Hear how ethics, grit, and empathy power real investigations. Listen now and tell us your wildest first job story?Send us Fan MailWant to be interviewed? You can remain anonymous. Voice distortion now available. Email or Text us!

What happens when a natural hustler swaps a clinical career for a bold gamble on emotional intelligence and wins? We sat down with bestselling author Travis Bradberry, Ph.D., who went from mowing lawns and running a middle-school gum hustle to building, scaling, and selling a training company rooted in EQ assessments, licensing, and repeatable programs. He shares the parts we rarely hear: maxed-out credit cards with crushing interest, family loans, living with in-laws, and the unshakable belief that a “hopeless entrepreneur” has no way but forward. From there, the conversation expands into a practical, story-filled guide to leadership and culture, touching on the most common executive blind spot, social awareness, and how leaders unintentionally set a toxic emotional tone. He explains why culture never changes by decree, only by design, through thoughtful training, live and AI-supported coaching, and daily habits that rewire behavior. We hear how EQ scores once tanked at the top and why targeted reinforcement is now leveling the curve, plus what real self-awareness demands. If you’ve ever wondered how “soft skills” become serious business, this is the playbook: build intellectual property, license what scales, keep the method simple yet deep. We peek behind the scenes at author myths, the grind of marketing without a big-studio push, and the guerrilla tactics that actually work. Along the way are sharp takeaways on authentic communication, focus-boosting self-care, and the bittersweet truth that the biggest breakthroughs often follow the toughest frustrations. Enjoy the stories, borrow the playbook, and if it shifts how you lead or create, pass it on.Send us Fan MailWant to be interviewed? You can remain anonymous. Voice distortion now available. Email or Text us!

What happens when a scientist-in-training follows a quiet tug into ministry and discovers his real work is showing up where life breaks open? We sit down with an anonymous pastor who talks candidly about standing at the edges of joy and grief. He rejects the notion that “everything happens for a reason” and reframes comfort as presence, not ease.The conversation traces a journey from early jobs that exposed small-time power plays to a non-denominational church shaped by formation over spectacle. We explore how diverse perspectives replace ego-driven models.  We widen the lens to science and politics without the usual culture-war shouting. From Stephen Hawking to Francis Collins, he explains why an ordered universe can intensify faith rather than oppose it. On policy, he makes a case for subsidiarity and local actionFor anyone eyeing ministry, his advice is blunt and hopeful: only go if the call won’t leave you alone. Presence is the assignment; people are the point.If this conversation challenged you or gave you language for something you felt but couldn’t name, subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a review. What does comfort as presence look like in your world?Send us Fan MailWant to be interviewed? You can remain anonymous. Voice distortion now available. Email or Text us!

In this revealing episode of Workplace Confessions Behind Closed Doors, our guest shares unforgettable stories from her career, including the impact of a toxic boss, the bizarre casino culture, and the emotional toll of waiting for justice in a hostile work environment. Through candid reflections and raw honesty, listeners are invited to explore the complexities of workplace dynamics, resilience, and personal growth. Tune in for laughter, cringe-worthy moments, and heartfelt advice for anyone contemplating a change, as we remind ourselves that every job comes with its own wild stories and lessons.Send us Fan MailWant to be interviewed? You can remain anonymous. Voice distortion now available. Email or Text us!

In this episode, we sit down with Domina Katy Lynx to explore a career path that defies assumptions and reveals the power of reinvention. Katy shares how she moved from early success in real estate and mortgage lending to navigating financial upheaval during major economic downturns, shifts that pushed her to diversify her income and rethink what long‑term stability really means.Her journey eventually led her to the intriguing world of exotic dancing and, later, into the highly trained, highly structured world of professional domination. Along the way, she discovered that the skills she’d built in more traditional roles (sales, client management, emotional intelligence, performance) translated directly into work that demands clarity, boundaries, trust, and psychological awareness.This episode is ultimately about resilience, reinvention, and the courage to build a life that aligns with your values, even when the path is unconventional.Send us Fan MailWant to be interviewed? You can remain anonymous. Voice distortion now available. Email or Text us!

This episode of "Workplace Confessions Behind Closed Doors" features a nurse practitioner who shares candid stories and insights from her career in emergency medicine. The conversation covers the journey from a first job at Hoagie Yogi to working in the ER, the adrenaline and critical thinking required in emergency care, memorable cases (from wild injuries to bizarre patient stories), challenges faced by healthcare professionals, and the impact of compassion fatigue. The guest discusses both rewarding and heartbreaking moments, as well as coping mechanisms and thoughts on changes needed within the healthcare system.Send us Fan MailWant to be interviewed? You can remain anonymous. Voice distortion now available. Email or Text us!

This interview takes the listener through the career journey of a political strategist. The discussion covers misconceptions about lobbying and political strategy, the roles and influence of staffers in government, the importance and challenges of unions in today's workforce, and issues surrounding undocumented workers and immigration policy. Our guest shares personal reflections on maintaining integrity in politics, balancing family life with professional ambitions, and the value of community involvement. The interview concludes with anecdotes about the wildest moments witnessed in the field and advice for those interested in entering politics.Send us Fan MailWant to be interviewed? You can remain anonymous. Voice distortion now available. Email or Text us!

In this engaging episode of Workplace Confession, the hosts interview a seasoned gastroenterologist who shares his journey from being a soccer referee to practicing medicine for over 14 years. The conversation explores the process of choosing a medical specialty, the realities of working in gastroenterology, and the challenges of balancing personal well-being with a demanding career. The guest offers candid insights into the American healthcare system, including the emphasis on procedures like colonoscopies, the importance and limitations of preventative care, and comparisons to international practices. Listeners are treated to memorable stories from the exam room, including strange patient encounters and unexpected discoveries during procedures. The episode also addresses common myths about gastroenterology, the difficulties of working within large healthcare organizations, and the potential impact of artificial intelligence on the medical field. The guest emphasizes the value of self-care for aspiring physicians and shares how spending time with family helps him recharge outside of work. Send us Fan MailWant to be interviewed? You can remain anonymous. Voice distortion now available. Email or Text us!

In this episode of Workplace Confessions Behind Closed Doors, hosts Elsa Barbi and Dawn Andrews welcome an anonymous engineer who takes listeners on a candid journey through his career. The conversation kicks off with stories of youthful ambition and the lessons learned from a first job as a paperboy, before delving into the realities of working in the field of engineering. The guest opens up about the challenges of building transportation infrastructure in a car-centric society, the importance of public service, and how family influences shaped his path.  The discussion explores the highs and lows of engineering: the difficulty of negotiating with stakeholders, the satisfaction of seeing a project come to life, and the surprising necessity of soft skills for success. The guest shares hard-earned insights about leadership, resilience after setbacks, and the value of collaboration across disciplines. The episode doesn't shy away from the uncomfortable, including a frank reflection on a disturbing workplace incident and the need for stronger action and empathy from leaders.  Listeners also hear about the persistent lack of diversity in engineering and the changing stereotypes of the profession. With humor and honesty, the episode provides both cautionary tales and moments of inspiration for anyone navigating the world of work. Tune in for real stories, unexpected confessions, and a reminder that every career has secrets, and lessons, behind closed doors. Send us Fan MailWant to be interviewed? You can remain anonymous. Voice distortion now available. Email or Text us!

The episode features a psychologist specializing in sexual health who traces their path from early childcare work to roles in hospitals and universities before shifting from child psychology to adult and college‑aged clients. Their current practice blends individual and relational work on issues like sexual disconnection, pain, communication, ethical non‑monogamy, kink, and BDSM, emphasizing that therapy is about guiding insight rather than offering answers. They describe the emotional demands of supporting clients through trauma and suicidality, relying on meditation and visualization to stay grounded, and share memorable moments, including personally transporting a client in psychosis to the ER. Throughout, they highlight how shame and lack of education make conversations about sex difficult, advocate for comprehensive sex education, and debunk myths that exposure to sexuality or LGBTQ+ identities influences a child’s identity.Send us Fan MailWant to be interviewed? You can remain anonymous. Voice distortion now available. Email or Text us!

This episode explores the importance of accessibility in coaching, emphasizing that coaching should not be limited to corporate environments but made available across various industries, trades, and to young people entering the workforce. The conversation clarifies the distinctions between mentors, sponsors, therapists, friends, and coaches, noting that while mentors and sponsors may guide or advocate for someone's career within an organization, and therapists address past issues, coaches focus on partnering with individuals to help them achieve their goals through accountability and effective questioning.Memorable workplace experiences are shared, including the unusual challenge of relocating a family's horses internationally and dealing with a disruptive employee incident. The discussion touches on the confidential and sometimes ethically complex nature of HR roles, highlighting the need for HR professionals to balance company interests with compassion for employees. For those interested in becoming executive coaches, it is suggested to do research, take classes, and consult with current coaches to understand the reality of the profession. Overall, the conversation sheds light on the myths and realities of coaching, the value of compassion in HR, and the personal fulfillment found in helping others grow.Send us Fan MailWant to be interviewed? You can remain anonymous. Voice distortion now available. Email or Text us!

In this conversation, Dawn and Elsa discuss the goals and experiences of their podcast, which centers on honest confessions from guests. Dawn hopes listeners gain a deeper appreciation for the meaningful work that people do. They share personal anecdotes, including Dawn's experiences as a workplace investigator, and discuss their excitement and nervousness about launching the podcast. The unique bond and long-standing friendship between Dawn and Elsa adds a special dynamic to their collaboration, making the podcast both fun and meaningful for them. The conversation highlights curiosity, connection, and the joy of working together as close friends.Send us Fan MailWant to be interviewed? You can remain anonymous. Voice distortion now available. Email or Text us!

In this conversation, Dawn and Elsa discuss the goals and experiences of their podcast, which centers on honest confessions from guests. Elsa hopes listeners gain a deeper appreciation for people's journeys, not just their careers, emphasizing empathy and understanding. They share personal anecdotes, including Elsa's experiences with fraud in her former industry, and discuss their excitement and nervousness about launching the podcast. The unique bond and long-standing friendship between Dawn and Elsa adds a special dynamic to their collaboration, making the podcast both fun and meaningful for them. The conversation highlights curiosity, connection, and the joy of working together as close friends.Send us Fan MailWant to be interviewed? You can remain anonymous. Voice distortion now available. Email or Text us!

Send us Fan MailWant to be interviewed? You can remain anonymous. Voice distortion now available. Email or Text us!