You, Me, and Ennui

Hi, it’s Mary Kate again from “You, Me, & Ennui.” Thanks for listening to my conversation with Catherine Rains about the intersection of creativity and career. I hope it inspires you to think more deeply about what your creative outlet could be (if you don’t already have one), or maybe discover creative opportunities in your day-to-day work!  If you’re looking for more ways to relate our conversation to your life, we’re back with another “bonus meditation” that will offer you some questions to reflect on… some might apply to you, some might not, and that’s OK! I’ll pause briefly between each question, but if you need more time, just hit the pause button and take as long as you need. So, find a comfortable position with your feet on the floor and close your eyes. What activities or hobbies have you found yourself consistently drawn to throughout your life, even if they seem unrelated? Or have they changed over time as you’ve gotten older? Do you integrate your hobbies and interests into your work? Or are you happy to keep work and personal interests separate? If you’re feeling like you haven’t found your “passion” or creative outlet yet, think back to a time when you did something simply “for fun.” What was it? Is it something you can revisit in a fulfilling way? Who are the people in your life who support and encourage you to follow your passions? How can you surround yourself with a supportive community that will help you stay motivated and focused? Thanks again for spending time with me. I’ll be with you next time on “You, Me, & Ennui.” Music credit: Purple LoFi Chill Beats – Reverse Stream: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/purplelofichillbeats/reverse-lo-fi-chill-beat

After spending most of her professional life as a corporate trainer, Catherine Rains realized that what she was most passionate about was her hobby of creating collages. In this episode, Catherine Rains talks about leaving the corporate world behind, pursuing her passion for art, and the practical obstacles she had to overcome along the way. Show Notes: Guest: Artist Catherine Rains Connect with Catherine: The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator AssessmentFree 5-day collage course

Hi, it’s Mary Kate again from “You, Me, & Ennui.” Thanks for listening to my conversation with Jha’nee Carter about approaching your career with confidence and professionalism. Whether you’re about to start a new job or want to reinvigorate your career, I hope the conversation inspired you to take action (and maybe see Human Resources in a new light). If you’re looking for more ways to relate our conversation to your life, we’re back with another “bonus meditation” that will offer you some questions to reflect on… some might apply to you, some might not, and that’s OK! I’ll pause briefly between each question, but if you need more time, just hit the pause button and take as long as you need. So, find a comfortable position with your feet on the floor and close your eyes. How do you define professionalism, and what specific actions or habits can you adopt to embody this in your day-to-day work? Are there role models or mentors in your field whose professional demeanor you admire and can learn from? When it comes to negotiating your salary, what is your current understanding of your market value, and how can you effectively communicate your worth to your employer? Have you researched salary benchmarks in your industry, and do you feel confident in your negotiation skills? Nobody plans to lose their job, but what steps, if any, have you taken to ensure financial stability in case it happens? Do you have an updated resume, a solid network, and a clear plan for job searching if you need to find a new position quickly? How are you continuously learning and evolving in your field to stay competitive and adaptable? Are there any new skills or certifications that could enhance your career prospects and make you more resilient to industry changes? Thanks again for spending time with me. I’ll be with you next time on “You, Me, & Ennui.” Music credit: Purple LoFi Chill Beats – Reverse Stream: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/purplelofichillbeats/reverse-lo-fi-chill-beat

What does Human Resources actually do, anyway? In this episode, Jha’nee Carter, also known as TikTok’s “HR Queen,” helps us understand the “why” behind certain workplace rules, and shares her best tips for negotiating an offer and helping people come out on the other side of a layoff.  Show Notes:  Guest: Jha’nee Carter aka “The HR Queen”  Connect with Jha’nee: Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, LinkedIn Payscale LinkedIn Learning YouTubeAlison.com

Meditation transcript:  Hi, it’s Mary Kate again from “You, Me, & Ennui.” Thanks for listening to my conversation with Pascal Hensel about taking the plunge into the world of networking. Whether you’re a natural when it comes to meeting new people, or (more likely) you’ve always wanted to make more professional connections and didn’t know where to start, I hope the conversation gave you the encouragement you need to get out there. If you’re looking for more ways to relate our conversation to your life, we’re back with another “bonus meditation” that will offer you some questions to reflect on… some might apply to you, some might not, and that’s OK! I’ll pause briefly between each question, but if you need more time, just hit the pause button and take as long as you need. So, find a comfortable position with your feet on the floor and close your eyes. What kind of connections do you want to make? Are you looking for career advice, job opportunities, or to expand your professional circle? What are your goals? Do you want to hone your writing skills or learn more about leadership and management? Knowing that can help to focus your networking efforts toward areas that align with your goals. Have you considered attending any industry events, workshops, or seminars? These can sometimes be great places to meet like-minded professionals. What's your approach to introducing yourself? Are you comfortable with your elevator pitch, or do you need some help crafting it? How can you leverage your existing connections? Think about friends, family, or colleagues who might already be in your desired industry or know someone who is. Thanks again for spending time with me. I’ll be with you next time on “You, Me, & Ennui.” Music credit: Purple LoFi Chill Beats – Reverse Stream: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/purplelofichillbeats/reverse-lo-fi-chill-beat

Networking can be a scary word, but at the end of the day, creating community (in and out of your professional field) can open up incredible opportunities. In this episode, Pascal Hensel, Chief of Staff at Young Catholic Professionals, offers encouragement for cultivating friendships, mentorships, and deeper relationships that can help us grow. Show Notes: Guest: Pascal Hensel, Chief of Staff at Young Catholic Professionals (YCP)Connect With Pascal: LinkedIn

Meditation transcript:  Hi, it’s Mary Kate again from “You, Me, & Ennui.” Thank you for listening to my conversation with Julie Laudick about choosing a career path in a thoughtful and authentic way. Whether you’ve known from a young age what you wanted to be when you grew up or are just now starting to think about the kind of career you want to have, I hope you found our conversation worthwhile. If you’re looking for more ways to relate our conversation to your life, we’re back with another “bonus meditation” that will offer you some questions to reflect on… some might apply to you, some might not, and that’s OK! I’ll pause briefly between each question, but if you need more time, just hit the pause button and take as long as you need. So, find a comfortable position with your feet on the floor and close your eyes. Reflect on a moment when you've felt truly passionate and engaged. What were you doing? What were the circumstances? These meaningful moments, when you feel like the most authentic version of yourself, can guide you toward a career that brings you fulfillment. What are your strengths and talents? Take a moment to reflect on what you excel at. Are you a natural problem solver, a great communicator, or a creative thinker? Recognizing your strengths can guide you toward careers where you can leverage these skills to shine. What impact do you want to make on the world? Consider the kind of difference you want to make in the lives of others or the broader community. Do you see yourself in a role that directly helps people or one that contributes to larger social or environmental causes? What kind of work environment do you thrive in? Reflect on the atmosphere and culture where you feel most comfortable and productive. Do you prefer a fast-paced, dynamic setting or a more laid-back, collaborative one? Understanding the environment where you do your best work can help you narrow down career options that align with your preferences. Where do you see yourself in the long run? Do you think you need to change course or keep going in what you're doing? Picture yourself five or ten years down the road. What kind of career trajectory do you see for yourself? Thinking about your long-term goals can help you make decisions that set you on the right path for future success. Thanks again for spending time with me. I’ll be with you next time on “You, Me, & Ennui.” Music credit: Purple LoFi Chill Beats – Reverse Stream: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/purplelofichillbeats/reverse-lo-fi-chill-beat

Julie Laudick Dougherty was deep into her postgraduate studies in agroecology when she started asking herself a big question – what if her future wasn’t in research, but in farming? After falling in love with the physical and intellectual challenges of farming, she started Oxbow Farm, a community whose mission is to provide produce, hospitality, and ecological education to anyone in material or spiritual poverty. In this episode, Julie shares her story and talks about the challenges and rewards of following your vocation. Show Notes: Guest: Julie Laudick Dougherty from Oxbow Farm  Volunteer/Get involved with Oxbow Farm Shepherd’s Corner Ecology Center  Dominican Sisters of Peace The Catholic Worker WWOOF (Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms)

Meditation transcript:  Hi, it’s Mary Kate again from “You, Me, & Ennui.” Thank you for listening to my conversation with Michael Segovia about MBTI and understanding your personality type. Perhaps this conversation made you curious what *your* Myers Briggs Type is! If you’re looking for more ways to relate our conversation to your life, we’re back with another “bonus meditation” that will offer you some questions to reflect on… some might apply to you, some might not, and that’s OK! I’ll pause briefly between each question, but if you need more time, just hit the pause button and take as long as you need. So, find a comfortable position with your feet on the floor and close your eyes. If you could describe your personality in three words, what would they be? And why do you think those words resonate with you? What social situations or work environments do you find yourself naturally gravitating towards, and why do you think that is? When you're at your best, what qualities about yourself do you notice shining the brightest? Are you funny? Organized? Empathetic? Creative? Are there any recurring patterns or behaviors in your life that you've noticed, especially during times of stress or challenge? Understanding that you have a unique set of strengths and weaknesses, does that affect how you collaborate with other people, especially with someone who has a completely different working style? Thanks again for spending time with me. I’ll be with you next time on “You, Me, & Ennui.” Music credit: Purple LoFi Chill Beats – Reverse Stream: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/purplelofichillbeats/reverse-lo-fi-chill-beat

Do you know your personality type? In this episode, we welcome Michael Segovia, Principal Consultant at The Myers-Briggs Company, to discuss how a better understanding of our and others’ personalities can help everyone collaborate better, handle conflict effectively, and ultimately succeed in the workplace.  Show Notes: Guest: Michael Segovia, Principal Consultant at The Myers-Briggs Company  Connect With Michael: LinkedInMichael’s TEDx Talk: Being Different: Pain and JoyMyers-Briggs Type Indicator Assessment (MBTI) “Planned Happenstance” concept developed by Professor John Krumboltz, at Stanford University  “Flexing” to Maximize Effectiveness Inborn Predispositions, explained Strong Interest InventoryVitaNavis: A resource to explore career interests in-depthFundamental Interpersonal Relations Orientation™ (FIRO®) test

Hi, it’s Mary Kate again from “You, Me, & Ennui.” Thank you for listening to my conversation with Alyse Maguire about deciding how work fits into our lives. When thinking about the kind of life you want, it’s good to check in with yourself on what your priorities are. It’s also important to note that those priorities can change, so hopefully our conversation gave you the space to think more deeply about where you are right now and where you want to be. If you’re looking for more ways to relate our conversation to your life, we’re back with another “bonus meditation” that will offer you some questions to reflect on… some might apply to you, some might not, and that’s OK! I’ll pause briefly between each question, but if you need more time, just hit the pause button and take as long as you need. So, find a comfortable position with your feet on the floor and close your eyes. What does “balance” mean to you personally? Is it about dedicating equal time to work and your personal life, or is it more about feeling fulfilled in both areas? Take a look at your current schedule. Are there any activities or commitments that drain your energy or take up more time than they should? How can you prioritize what truly matters to you? How do you feel when you're at work? Do you find yourself constantly stressed or fulfilled? How can you adjust your workload or mindset to create a healthier work environment? On the flip side, how do you feel when you're not working? Are you able to fully disconnect and enjoy your personal time, or do you find yourself worrying about work-related issues? How can you set boundaries to protect your personal time? Think about your long-term goals and aspirations. How does your current work-life balance align with these goals? What adjustments can you make now to ensure you're on the right path to achieving them? Thanks again for spending time with me. I’ll be with you next time on “You, Me, & Ennui.” Music credit: Purple LoFi Chill Beats – Reverse Stream: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/purplelofichillbeats/reverse-lo-fi-chill-beat

It’s culturally common for people in the U.S. to look at their careers as something that, at least in part, defines them. The struggle for work/life balance is real, and the temptation to wear professional busyness as a badge of honor might mean it’s time to think deeper about the role we want work to play in our lives. In this episode, Alyse Maguire, a journalist covering career and workplace trends, offers her insights on when it’s OK for a job to be just that - a job. Show Notes: Guest: Journalist Alyse Maguire Connect with Alyse: Twitter, LinkedIn Alyse’s articles on The Muse “Lazy Girl Jobs”

Meditation transcript:  Hello, it’s Mary Kate again from “You, Me, & Ennui.” Thank you for listening to my conversation with Anita Michaud about taking the leap to make new friends! Whether you consider yourself an outgoing aggressive “joiner” like me, or want to be the one who makes those connections happen like Anita, I hope you feel inspired to branch out of your bubble and maybe make a new friend! If you’re looking for more ways to relate our conversation to your life, we’re back with another “bonus meditation” that will offer you some questions to reflect on… some might apply to you, some might not, and that’s OK! I’ll pause briefly between each question, but if you need more time, just hit the pause button and take as long as you need. Try to find a comfortable position with your feet on the floor and close your eyes. Think about your good friends. Was there a moment you knew you wanted them to be your friend? Do they live close to you or far away? How do you maintain those friendships? What makes a good friend, and how do you try to be a good friend to others? Are you looking to make new friends? How have you gone about that and how did it go? If you haven’t had much success, what’s one new thing you can try this week to branch out?  If you’re sitting here thinking, “You know what, Mary Kate? I’m good! I definitely have enough friends” then here’s one final prompt: Is there anyone in your life who seems like they are in need of a new friend? Thanks again for spending time with me. I’ll be with you next time on “You, Me, & Ennui.” Music credit: Purple LoFi Chill Beats - Reverse Stream: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/purplelofichillbeats/reverse-lo-fi-chill-beat

When Anita Michaud moved to New York City, she realized just how hard it can be to make friends in a new place. So she decided to take initiative, and began hosting dinners in her apartment to bring together other folks looking for community. Before long, Dinner With Friends was born. In this episode, Anita talks with Mary Kate about building the business of community, turning strangers into friends, and investing in new relationships.  Guest: Anita Michaud, Founder of “Dinner with Friends”  Dinner with Friends on Tik Tok and Instagram Anita’s TV appearance on the Tamron Hall Show 

A bonus guided meditation to help you reflect on how you’re growing into your authentic self. Music credit: Purple LoFi Chill Beats - Reverse Stream: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/purplelofichillbeats/reverse-lo-fi-chill-beat

People face a lot of pressure throughout their 20s, and Katie Bulmer, host of the “Truth for Your Twenties” podcast, isn’t afraid to share the advice she wishes someone told her when it comes to building confidence in making good choices. In this episode, Katie talks with Mary Kate about understanding who you are, what to do when you feel “stuck,” and how to cultivate good habits now that will only help us later on.  Join our Discord Server!  Guest: Katie Bulmer, host of the Truth for your 20s podcast, speaker, and author of “Sorority Girls Can Change the World” Connect With Katie Website, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook “The Principle of the Path” by Andy Stanley“Atomic Habits” by Jame Clear

A bonus guided meditation to help you reflect on changing relationships with your parents. Music credit: Purple LoFi Chill Beats - Reverse Stream: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/purplelofichillbeats/reverse-lo-fi-chill-beat

We’re used to our parents taking care of us, so it can be overwhelming when that role dramatically shifts. Aisha Adkins became a caretaker for her parents at a young age, and it changed the way she viewed family life and mutually supportive relationships. In this episode, Aisha talks with Mary Kate about gaining perspective, appreciating our family’s sacrifices, and navigating changing relationships with our parents with grace.  This episode is dedicated to Rosetta Linda Adkins. Guest: Aisha Adkins, Writer and Founder of OurTurn2Care Connect With Aisha: Website, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook Aisha’s Writing for Amendo

A bonus guided meditation to help you reflect on discovering your purpose and pursuing meaningful work. Music credit: Purple LoFi Chill Beats - Reverse Stream: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/purplelofichillbeats/reverse-lo-fi-chill-beat

Chris Lawton had recently graduated from a prestigious medical school and was working as a Palliative Care Physician when he experienced a different sort of calling – to the Catholic priesthood. In this episode, Chris shares his story about how he knew it was time to make a big change and talks with Mary Kate about overcoming the fear of taking a leap, establishing steps for good decision-making, and what it means to seek fulfillment in our work. Join our Discord Server!   Show Notes:  Guest: Chris Lawton, Palliative Care Physician-turned Catholic Seminarian Connect With Chris: Twitter, Instagram  The Paulist Fathers and Paulist Fathers Vocations (BeaPaulist.org) Connect With the Paulist Fathers: Website, YouTube “OnBeing” With Krista Tippet Poetry by Pádraig Ó Tuama “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” by U2 Fr. Richard Rohr OFM Fr. James Martin SJ

A bonus guided meditation to help you reflect on communicating expectations and boundaries in relationships. Music credit: Purple LoFi Chill Beats - Reverse Stream: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/purplelofichillbeats/reverse-lo-fi-chill-beat

A bonus guided meditation to help you reflect on the challenges and benefits of commitment. Music credit:Purple LoFi Chill Beats - ReverseStream: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/purplelofichillbeats/reverse-lo-fi-chill-beat

Journalist Gemma Hartley was getting increasingly frustrated by the unfair division of invisible labor in her home. So, she wrote about it for Harper's Bazaar, and her article resonated enough with others to be viewed more than two billion times. So what does a more equitable partnership look like? Well, it starts with better communication. In this episode, Gemma talks with Mary Kate about having difficult conversations, setting healthy boundaries, and how effective communication can help our relationships thrive.  Show Notes:  Guest: Gemma Hartley, author of “Fed Up: Emotional Labor, Women, and the Way Forward” Connect With Gemma Website, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook “Women Aren’t Nags, We’re Just Fed Up” by Gemma Hartley for Harper’s Bazaar “Women Always Have to Work Harder to Win—Even at the Gym” by Gemma Hartley Writing for The Washington Post Gemma’s Writing for The Huffington Post  Gemma’s Writing for Amendo Gemma’s Writing for the ⁠Washington Post⁠

Whether you’re endlessly scrolling through Netflix, struggling to decide on a restaurant, or feeling overwhelmed by endless options for where to live, who to date, or where to work, chances are you’ve experienced “Infinite Browsing Mode.” But is the temptation to always keep our options open actually hurting us? In this episode, author and civic advocate Pete Davis shares why it’s much more productive – and satisfying – to just commit already.  Show Notes: Join our Discord Server!  Guest: Pete Davis, author of “Dedicated: The Case for Commitment in an Age of Infinite Browsing” Connect With Pete Davis: Website, Twitter, Instagram, Substack 2018 Harvard Commencement Address“Join or Die” documentary  “Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community” by Robert Putnam “I and Thou” by Martin Buber Fr. James F. Keenan SJ

What’s ennui? You may not know the word, but you probably know the feeling. It’s a sense of dissatisfaction, in-betweenness, or really just feeling stuck. Hosted by Mary Kate Polanin, “You, Me, and Ennui” is a new podcast about transitions, uncertainty, and getting unstuck. Join us this season as we talk all about changing relationships in our 20s and beyond. Coming September 27! New episodes available every Tuesday, with special bonus meditations every Thursday. Instagram: @ennuipodofficial_ Twitter: @ennuipofficial_ TikTok: ennuipodofficial_ Website: Amendo.com/podcasts