Balancing Life's Issues Season 2: This Is Your Job Now

In this special Women’s History Month episode of *This Is Your Job Now*, Wendy Wollner invites listeners into a deeply personal and powerful reflection. Rather than naming specific historical figures, Wendy challenges you to build your own roster of women leaders—CEOs, doctors, activists, artists, grandmothers, single moms—who shape how you show up in the world. From corporate boardrooms to motherhood to volunteerism, Wendy shares why women need multiple mentors for multiple roles—and why we must carry each other forward across generations. This episode is both a celebration and a call to action: pick your women. Learn from them. Add to your list. And then become one.

What if the tattoo you’re judging is actually part of someone’s healing? And what’s a leader’s job when unconscious bias shows up in dress codes, hiring decisions, or everyday workplace reactions? In this episode of This Is Your Job Now, Wendy Wollner sits down with Elise Jaffe—Executive Producer, filmmaker, and owner of Big Teeth Productions—to explore a powerful reframe: tattoos aren’t just “style.” For many people, they’re healing, reclamation, and self-authorship after trauma, illness, or loss. Elise shares the story behind her documentary-in-progress, Unscarred, and explains why leaders, managers, and coworkers need to look beyond stigma and ask better questions—especially in workplaces where tattoos still trigger assumptions about professionalism, safety, or “fit.”

Host Wendy Wollner talks with Bill Doherty, family therapist, professor emeritus, and Co-Founder of Braver Angels, about practical ways leaders, teams, and clinicians can repair trust across deep political divides. Bill shares ground rules that make hard conversations possible, the difference between optimism and a choice for hope, and how therapists can serve as “citizen bridge-builders” at work, at home, and in their communities. What You’ll Learn Why polarization blocks solutions—and how “respectful rules” reopen dialogue A simple reframing: change minds about people, not just policies How to listen when you’re triggered (even for therapists) The line is behavior, not opinion: how to hold strong views respectfully Practical on-ramps for clinicians: from self-checks in session to moderating public workshops Why hope is a decision leaders can make—and model

What does it take to lead with purpose, grace, and energy — for decades — without burning out? Episode Overview: In this inspiring conversation, host Wendy Wollner sits down with Dr. Marsha Gordon, President and CEO of The Business Council of Westchester. A trailblazing leader who transformed a struggling local chamber into one of the most influential business organizations in New York State, Marsha reflects on her decades of leadership, the power of humility and gratitude, and how she continues to lead with joy, curiosity, and connection. From surviving tough early years to winning the prestigious Corning Award for Excellence, Marsha shares wisdom that every leader — especially those feeling stretched thin — needs to hear.

How do you lead creative teams at the speed of change—without losing the human touch? Fast Company’s Creative Director Mike Schnaidt shares how to protect originality in an AI-saturated world while building confident, energized teams. Host Wendy Wollner sits down with Mike Schnaidt, Creative Director at Fast Company, to unpack what modern creative leadership looks like in 2025: empowering designers with autonomy, embracing “a brand without a brand,” and keeping individuality front and center as AI transforms creative work. Mike opens up about confidence earned through failure, honest check-ins, and the practical growth frameworks that help his teams stay inspired—even on off days. He also shares how teaching and writing his new book Creative Endurance helped him rediscover purpose through creativity.

What does it mean to choose kindness—even when life breaks your back? Literally. In this powerful episode, Kath Koschel, founder of Kindness Factory and former elite athlete, shares her remarkable journey through physical trauma, grief, and unimaginable loss… and how small acts of kindness pulled her through. Her story is a testament to the human spirit, the science of kindness, and why leaders need empathy now more than ever.

What if the key to retaining top talent and improving workplace performance lies in understanding women’s hormones? In this episode, we explore why women’s health—especially in perimenopause and menopause—isn’t just a medical issue, but a leadership and public health priority. Wendy Wollner sits down with Dr. Mariah Prince-Allen, board-certified nurse practitioner, TEDx speaker, and founder of Telehealth for Her. Dr. Mariah shares her mission to help high-achieving women balance hormones, heal their gut, achieve sustainable weight loss—and feel like themselves again. Together, they unpack the history of women’s health research, the economic cost of ignoring menopause, and practical steps leaders can take to create hormone-intelligent workplaces.

This BLI the Podcast Live episode features wellness expert Krystal Taylor leading an engaging and interactive conversation on burnout—what it is, what causes it, and how to fight back. With warmth, humor, and plenty of practical wisdom, Krystal breaks down the clinical definition of burnout and helps us recognize the emotional and physical symptoms before they spiral. Listeners will gain access to real-world solutions, both personal and organizational, that can help build resilience and create a more sustainable work culture. Whether you're feeling emotionally exhausted, unsure of your role, or overloaded by digital demands, this episode is here to validate your experience and offer a way forward. This is burnout... redefined—with hope.

In this special follow-up to our conversation on redefining fatherhood Jason S. Frishman, PsyD, founder and lead guide at JourneyMen Foundation, invites you to slow down and reconnect with what really matters — through a guided Values Compass exercise designed especially for fathers, but relevant to anyone navigating life’s daily challenges. This episode is your chance to step away from the noise, breathe, and reflect on the core values that shape how you show up — at home, at work, and in your community. Jason’s approach combines mindfulness, intentional action, and self-reflection to help you move from vague ideals to clear, practical steps you can live out each day. Whether you’re a dad seeking balance, a leader supporting fathers on your team, or simply someone who wants to feel more grounded — this 15-minute practice is for you.

In this heartfelt Part 1 episode, Jason S. Frishman, PsyD, founder and lead guide at JourneyMen Foundation, shares his insights on what it means to redefine fatherhood as part of real leadership and community care. He explains why supporting fathers’ mental health is vital for family and organizational well-being. Guided by Kai Sorensen, Director of Podcasts, and Greg Baldwin, Multimedia Specialist—both fathers themselves—this conversation unpacks how challenging traditional norms of masculinity can unlock healthier ways of parenting, partnering, and leading. Jason also dives into the myth of the hero’s journey and how it impacts fathers’ identities, offering practical strategies like mindfulness and the Values Compass exercise to help men navigate daily stress and stay true to their values. Together, they remind us that fatherhood is an adventure worth sharing—not just surviving alone. In Part 2, Jason will take you through a guided exercise about using your "Value Compass".