Workplace Hugs
by Rami Jubran, Shannon Schottler
Welcome to Workplace Hugs! A podcast where we talk about interesting things we’ve read and how it relates to the workplace experience.〰️Our goal here is simple: expand our workplace toolkit with a whole bunch of empathy without a whole new degree in 30 minutes or less a week.〰️First we hit the topic at a high level, then we dive deep into our career experiences with it, and end with some key takeaways you can leverage ASAP!
Episodes
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Episode 300 – Workplace Hugs - Episode 300: Every day, once a day, give yourself a present
Episode Notes In this episode of Workplace Hugs, Rami and Shannon celebrate their 300th episode by discussing the importance of giving oneself unplanned moments of joy, inspired by a quote from Agent Dale Cooper of Twin Peaks. They explore the concept of daily presents, sharing personal examples...
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Episode 299 – Workplace Hugs - Episode 299: What I Talk About When I Talk About Running
Episode Notes In this episode, Rami and Shannon discuss Haruki Murakami's memoir, 'What I Talk About When I Talk About Running,' exploring themes of discipline, creativity, and the relationship between physical endurance and mental resilience. They delve into the importance of consistency over...
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Episode 298 – Workplace Hugs - Episode 298: Do you want to be Helped, Heard, or Hugged?
Episode Notes In this episode of Workplace Hugs, Shannon and Rami share a simple yet powerful tool for supporting others during stressful moments: asking "Do you want to be helped, heard, or hugged?" They explore how this straightforward question can prevent relationship frustrations and ensure...
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Episode 297 – Workplace Hugs - Episode 297: Being an Adult is Choosing a Life of Regret
Episode Notes In this episode of Workplace Hugs, Shannon and Rami explore the profound idea that "being an adult is choosing a life of regret" - you can't have it all, so you have to decide which regrets you can live with. They share personal examples of tough choices they're facing, from…
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Episode 296 – Workplace Hugs - Episode 296: Carrying the Light: Lessons from Michelle Obama
Episode Notes In this episode of Workplace Hugs, Shannon and Rami explore Michelle Obama's wisdom from "The Light We Carry" about navigating fear, discomfort, and uncertainty in both work and life. They share personal stories about learning to carry fear rather than overcome it, finding growth in...
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Episode 295 – Workplace Hugs - Episode 295: When Winning Feels Like Losing
Episode Notes In this episode of Workplace Hugs, Shannon and Rami explore the concept of Pyrrhic victories—those wins that feel more like losses because of what you sacrificed to achieve them. They challenge listeners to evaluate their current goals and ask the critical question: are you climbing...
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Episode 294 – Workplace Hugs - Episode 294: Feynman and Intuition
Episode Notes In this episode of Workplace Hugs, Shannon and Rami dive into physicist Richard Feynman's powerful approach to building better intuition through simplification, deep understanding, and practice. They explore how trusting your gut isn't mystical—it's actually your brain processing...
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Episode 293 – Workplace Hugs - Episode 293: The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare
Episode Notes In this episode of Workplace Hugs, Shannon and Rami explore lessons from Churchill's secret WWII force - The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare - and how their unconventional tactics can inspire workplace innovation. They discuss the power of adaptability, thinking outside the box…
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Episode 292 – Workplace Hugs - Episode 292: Stop Driving Through Mud
Episode Notes In this episode of Workplace Hugs, Shannon and Rami explore the metaphor of "driving through mud" and why sometimes the most productive thing you can do is pause and wait. Through stories of muddy farm fields and wrong hiking trails, they discuss how rushing forward when the ground...
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Episode 291 – Workplace Hugs - Episode 291: Addition Sickness
Episode Notes In this episode of Workplace Hugs, Shannon and Rami explore "addition sickness" - the tendency to solve problems by adding more tasks, responsibilities, or features instead of simplifying. They share why subtraction might be the key to reducing overwhelm and creating more focus,...
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Episode 290 – Workplace Hugs - Episode 290: How Stress Lives in the Body (and What to Do About it)
Episode Notes In this episode of Workplace Hugs, Shannon and Rami explore how stress and trauma live in our bodies and show up at work through the four F responses: fight, flight, freeze, and fawn. They share practical, body-based techniques to help you recognize your stress patterns and create a...
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Episode 289 – Workplace Hugs - Episode 289: The Three Fs to Break Free from Overworking
Episode Notes In this episode of Workplace Hugs, Shannon and Rami explore Dr. Chatterjee's "Three Fs" framework - feel, feed, and find - to help break the cycle of using work as an escape from uncomfortable emotions. They get real about their own stress and demonstrate how to identify what you're...
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Episode 288 – Workplace Hugs - Episode 288: Pre-Victorium
Episode Notes In this episode of Workplace Hugs, Shannon and Rami introduce the concept of a "pre-victorium" - planning for what happens when everything goes spectacularly right, not just when it all falls apart. They challenge listeners to shift from only preparing for failure to also…
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Episode 287 – Workplace Hugs - Episode 287: Easy Riders, Raging Bulls
Episode Notes In this episode of Workplace Hugs, Shannon and Rami explore how the revolutionary filmmakers of the 1970s - like Scorsese, Spielberg, and Coppola - transformed Hollywood by taking creative risks and challenging studio authority. They discuss what modern creatives can learn about...
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Episode 286 – Workplace Hugs - Episode 286: Five Regrets of the Dying
Episode Notes In this episode of Workplace Hugs, Shannon and Rami explore the five most common regrets shared by people in their final days, as documented by a palliative care nurse. They discuss how to avoid these end-of-life regrets by making intentional changes now to live more authentically,...
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Episode 285 – Workplace Hugs - Episode 285: "If You Don't Have Time To Do it Right, When Will You Have Time To Do It Again?"
Episode Notes In this episode of Workplace Hugs, Shannon and Rami debate a famous John Wooden quote about taking time to do things right the first time versus potentially encouraging perfectionism. They explore whether slowing down and being more intentional with our efforts can actually save us...
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Episode 284 – Workplace Hugs - Episode 284: Understanding Addiction through Empathy
Episode Notes In this episode of Workplace Hugs, Shannon and Rami dive into a powerful conversation about understanding addiction through the lens of empathy, exploring how pain and coping mechanisms show up in our work lives. Through personal stories and insights from Dr. Gabor Maté's work, they...
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Episode 283 – Workplace Hugs - Episode 283: 5 Little Lessons from Ta'Liyah
Episode Notes In this episode of Workplace Hugs, Shannon and Rami explore five powerful life lessons from Shannon's 10-year-old daughter Ta'Liyah, who reminds us all to make things fun, embrace imperfection, and know when to slow down. Through Ta'Liyah's simple wisdom, they uncover how sometimes...
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Episode 282 – Workplace Hugs - Episode 282: Seeing the Beauty You Inhabit
Episode Notes In this episode of Workplace Hugs, Shannon and Rami explore the powerful quote "I'm always last to see the beauty I inhabit" and discuss why we often struggle to recognize the beauty within ourselves and our daily moments. Through personal insights and practical tips, they share how...
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Episode 281 – Workplace Hugs - Episode 281: Optimal Illusions: The False Promise of Optimization
Episode Notes In this episode of Workplace Hugs, Shannon and Rami challenge the modern obsession with optimization and explore why our drive to perfect every aspect of life might be holding us back. Through personal examples and candid discussion, they examine how embracing adaptability over...
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Episode 280 – Workplace Hugs - Episode 280: ...But does She Feel the Way You Want to Feel?
Episode Notes In this episode of Workplace Hugs, Shannon and Rami explore the difference between "having it all" and truly feeling fulfilled, and how to align your goals with your desired emotional state. They dive into the importance of checking in with yourself and prioritizing how you want to...
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Episode 279 – Workplace Hugs - Episode 279: Interview - FocusMate - Taylor Jacobson
Episode Notes In this episode of Workplace Hugs, Shannon and Rami chat with Taylor Jacobson, founder of FocusMate, about how virtual co-working can combat procrastination and isolation. Taylor shares the science behind "body doubling" and how having another person present helps regulate your...
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Episode 278 – Workplace Hugs - Episode 278: Plus-ing
Episode Notes In this episode of Workplace Hugs, Shannon and Rami explore the concept of "plus-ing" - continually improving something that already exists - and how it can be applied to various aspects of life. From Walt Disney's philosophy to personal anecdotes, they dive into the power of...
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Episode 277 – Workplace Hugs - Episode 277: Loving What Is - Finding Freedom through Inquiry
Episode Notes In this episode of Workplace Hugs, Shannon and Rami dive into Byron Katie's transformative book "Loving What Is" and explore how examining our stressful thoughts can lead to greater peace and freedom. Through personal examples and candid discussion, they demonstrate how Katie's...
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Episode 276 – Workplace Hugs - Episode 276: If They Could Do It Over: 3 Lessons from People Over 65
Episode Notes In this episode of Workplace Hugs, Shannon and Rami dive into three powerful lessons from people over 65 about what they would do differently if they could do life over again. Through personal stories and reflections, they explore how these insights about reflection, risk-taking…
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Episode 275 – Workplace Hugs - Episode 275: Three Types of Courage
Episode Notes In this episode of Workplace Hugs, Shannon and Rami dive into the three types of courage—creative, moral, and growth—and challenge each other (and you!) to pick one to focus on this week.
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Episode 274 – Workplace Hugs - Episode 274: Never Not Working
Episode Notes In this episode of Workplace Hugs, Shannon and Rami dive into the culture of constant hustle and why we struggle to unplug from work. They explore the hidden costs of being "never not working" and share simple, practical ways to set better boundaries—without the guilt.
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Episode 273 – Workplace Hugs - Episode 273: Pleasure + Joy = True Gratitude
Episode Notes In this episode of Workplace Hugs, Shannon and Rami explore a fascinating perspective from Jewish mysticism that reframes gratitude as the experience of pleasure and joy rather than sacrifice. Through personal stories of their religious upbringings, they discuss how this shift in...
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Episode 272 – Workplace Hugs - Episode 272: Politeness vs Kindness
Episode Notes In this episode of Workplace Hugs, Shannon and Rami tackle the surprising difference between being polite and being kind, sparked by a shocking statistic about how few people actually tell others when they have food in their teeth. Through personal stories and workplace examples…
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Episode 271 – Workplace Hugs - Episode 271: CravebyCRV - Carli (Vergamini) Dudzik Interview
Episode Notes In this episode of Workplace Hugs, Shannon and Rami chat with upcycling extraordinaire Carli from CravebyCRV. From turning old jackets into backpacks to making art out of kiddie pools, Carli shares how creativity, sustainability, and self-expression can shape both our work and our...
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Episode 270 – Workplace Hugs - Episode 270: Thriving Solo - Tips for Enjoying Independent Work
Episode Notes In this episode of Workplace Hugs, Shannon and Rami explore the challenges and opportunities of working solo, sharing their personal struggles with setting boundaries and maintaining work-life balance while working from home. Through candid conversation, they discuss practical...
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Episode 269 – Workplace Hugs - Episode 269: The Battle between Learning vs. Habit Building
Episode Notes In this episode of Workplace Hugs, Shannon and Rami challenge the common belief that we need to learn more before making changes in our lives. They explore how sometimes we already have the knowledge we need, and it's building better habits - not acquiring more information - that...
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Episode 268 – Workplace Hugs - Episode 268: 30 Seconds or Less Rule
Episode Notes In this episode of Workplace Hugs, Shannon and Rami explore the "30 seconds or less" rule for giving feedback about physical appearance - if someone can't fix it in 30 seconds, should you mention it at all? They discuss when this rule applies, when it doesn't, and how to be more...
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Episode 267 – Workplace Hugs - Episode 267: Disney's Land
Episode Notes In this episode of Workplace Hugs, Shannon and Rami dive into the fascinating story behind the creation of Disneyland, from Walt Disney's original vision at a carousel to the park's tumultuous opening day. They explore how Walt's willingness to take risks, face setbacks, and pursue...
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Episode 266 – Workplace Hugs - Episode 266: Are We Asking Too Much of Work and Love?
Episode Notes In this episode of Workplace Hugs, Shannon and Rami explore whether we're putting too much pressure on our jobs and romantic partners to fulfill all our needs. Drawing from insights by Simon Sinek and Trevor Noah, they discuss how diversifying our sources of meaning and connection...
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Episode 265 – Workplace Hugs - Episode 265: When a Flame is Lit, Move Toward It
Episode Notes In this episode of Workplace Hugs, Shannon and Rami explore the powerful metaphor of "when a flame is lit, move toward it" and discuss how to recognize and act on moments of inspiration before they fade. Through personal stories about semi-truck driving, surfing, and even...
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Episode 264 – Workplace Hugs - Episode 264: Friendship: The Best Kind of Net Worth
Episode Notes In this episode of Workplace Hugs, Shannon and Rami explore why your net worth might be better measured by your friendships than your bank account. Drawing inspiration from a conversation between Trevor Noah and Simon Sinek, they discuss why the best boat is your friend's boat and…
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Episode 263 – Workplace Hugs - Episode 263: What is Embodiment Anyway?
Episode Notes In this episode of Workplace Hugs, Shannon and Rami dive into the meaning of embodiment and how it's not just about being calm, but rather about being aware of your body's sensations and signals. Through personal stories about flower shopping and post-hospital experiences, they...
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Episode 262 – Workplace Hugs - Episode 262: Standing on a Whale While Fishing for Minnows.
Episode Notes In this episode of Workplace Hugs, Shannon and Rami explore the meaning behind the phrase "standing on a whale while fishing for minnows" and discuss how businesses often chase after small opportunities while overlooking the valuable assets they already have.
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Episode 261 – Workplace Hugs - Episode 261: Hidden Potential
Episode Notes In this episode of Workplace Hugs, Shannon and Rami dive into Adam Grant's book "Hidden Potential," exploring the empowering idea that potential isn't measured by how high you've peaked, but by how far you've traveled to get there. Through personal stories, including Shannon…
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Episode 260 – Workplace Hugs - Episode 260: “Observation without Evaluation is the highest form of intelligence.”
Episode Notes In this episode of Workplace Hugs, Shannon and Rami explore the powerful concept that "observation without evaluation is the highest form of intelligence." They discuss how separating observation from judgment can lead to clearer understanding, better conversations, and stronger...
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Episode 259 – Workplace Hugs - Episode 259: Surfing and Quick Failure
Episode Notes In this episode of Workplace Hugs, Shannon and Rami dive into the world of surfing to explore how quick failures can lead to greater success. Drawing parallels between surfing and daily life, they discuss how embracing quick failures, just like surfers waiting for the perfect wave,...
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Episode 258 – Workplace Hugs - Episode 258: 2024 Workplace Hugs Year End Recap
Episode Notes In this episode of Workplace Hugs, Shannon and Rami take a heartfelt look back at 2024, reflecting on their personal and professional highlights, challenges, and growth. They share their intentions and aspirations for 2025, offering listeners a warm year-end hug of inspiration to...
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Episode 257 – Workplace Hugs - Episode 257: How to Break Up With Your Phone
Episode Notes In this episode of Workplace Hugs, Shannon and Rami dive into the addictive nature of smartphones and share practical strategies for breaking up with your phone. Inspired by Shannon's personal journey to improve her sleep and overall well-being, the hosts explore how small changes…
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Episode 256 – Workplace Hugs - Episode 256: Our Future Self’s Hero
Episode Notes In this episode of Workplace Hugs, Shannon and Rami dive into the inspiring concept of being your own "future self hero." They explore how the actions and decisions you make today shape your future self.
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Episode 255 – Workplace Hugs - Episode 255: Everyone is Fighting a War You Can’t See
Episode Notes In this episode of Workplace Hugs, Shannon and Rami reflect on the importance of empathy and the reminder that everyone is fighting a battle we can't see. They emphasize offering grace and understanding to those around us, whether it's a stranger or someone we interact with daily.
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Episode 254 – Workplace Hugs - Episode 254: Empathy in Balance: Lessons from Tadao Ando and Wabi-Sabi
Episode Notes In this episode of Workplace Hugs, Shannon and Rami explore the fascinating contrast between Japanese architect Tadao Ando's perfectionism and the concept of Wabi-Sabi (the beauty in imperfection), using these opposing philosophies to discuss how we can balance striving for…
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Episode 253 – Workplace Hugs - Episode 253: Integrity vs Intensity
Episode Notes In this episode of Workplace Hugs, Shannon and Rami delve into the concept of "integrity versus intensity" in the workplace. They discuss strategies for maintaining a sustainable work pace, identifying signs of working with integrity versus intensity, and why it's important to avoid...
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Episode 252 – Workplace Hugs - Episode 252: Success Has Many Parents While Failure is an Orphan
Episode Notes In this episode of Workplace Hugs, Shannon and Rami explore how people often try to take credit for successes but avoid ownership of failures.
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Episode 251 – Workplace Hugs - Episode 251: Healing Our Squirrel Minds
Episode Notes In this episode of Workplace Hugs, Shannon and Rami dive into the topic of attention spans and how the constant switching between tasks and screens can be detrimental to productivity and overall well-being. They discuss practical tips from the book Attention Span by Dr. Gloria Mark,...
About this show
Welcome to Workplace Hugs! A podcast where we talk about interesting things we’ve read and how it relates to the workplace experience.〰️Our goal here is simple: expand our workplace toolkit with a whole bunch of empathy without a whole new degree in 30 minutes or less a week.〰️First we hit the topic at a high level, then we dive deep into our career experiences with it, and end with some key takeaways you can leverage ASAP!
Hosted by
Rami Jubran, Shannon Schottler