The Passenger

We close out Season 2 with a candid, funny, and surprisingly practical reflection on what we have uncovered about leadership, work, and being human inside chaotic systems. We look back at the biggest takeaways and make the case that the real beginning of leadership is not managing other people — it is learning how to lead yourself. Together, we unpack the ideas that kept surfacing across the season: BANI, self-sovereignty, the internal compass, the mirror Dr. Hall insisted leaders carry, and the uncomfortable truth that organizations are made of people. If you have ever felt stuck in a workplace that seems to be “doing something to you,” this conversation asks a sharper question: What agency do you still have, and what changes when you start using it? We also reflect on the stories that made us laugh, pause, and rethink what it means to work well with and for other people. If you are navigating leadership, workplace conflict, generational tension, or simply trying to make sense of a rapidly changing world of work, this episode offers language and perspective for moving forward with more clarity. We hope to see you in Season 3!

In this episode of The Real Work Chat, we sit down with Dr. David Hall for a rich conversation about leadership, humility, spirituality, and what it takes to build healthier workplaces. Dr. Hall draws from decades of higher education leadership to share how values like collaboration, respect, and self-awareness can shape not just institutions, but the people inside them. He reflects on growing up in the segregated Deep South, how that history shaped his understanding of race and purpose, and why spirituality has been a defining part of his leadership philosophy. He also discusses the difference between spirituality and religion, the importance of creating inclusive cultures, and why leaders must do their own inner work before they can truly support others. Together, we explore the evolution of work over the past five decades, from the myth of the “strong, invincible leader” to more collaborative and humane models of leadership. If you care about purpose-driven leadership and the role of humanity in professional life, Dr. Hall offers a thoughtful and inspiring perspective. Tune in!

Tech careers are being rewritten in real time, and Keith Combs has lived through nearly every version of that disruption...from a 3-person shop with no guardrails to a massive enterprise where constant platform changes make stability feel optional. If you work in tech, lead teams, or just want to understand what’s actually happening behind the hype, this conversation is for you. Keith joins us on The Real Work Chat to unpack the tension between being indispensable in a small company and feeling like one of many in a huge one. He shares how his path from psychology grad to office manager to systems builder, consultant, and developer shaped the way he thinks about adaptability, protection from harm, and what it means to leave something behind that still matters. How do you find purpose when work moves faster than meaning can catch up? Keith opens up about legacy in tech, burnout, the value of in-person connection, and why the future of work may depend less on efficiency theater and more on keeping actual humans in the loop.

This week, we are joined by the great Dr. Sarah Jamison, "an amazing woman" and a board-certified ER physician turned myth-busting social media influencer, who shares her journey to self-discovery, navigating her career, and embracing her authentic self beyond the medical field. Discover how self-sovereignty and inner trust can offer guidance and courage to figure out what's next in your professional and personal life. Buckle up...you are in for an amazing ride!

This episode is a special one! We had the pleasure of serving as mid-conference keynote speakers for AAC&U's Transforming STEM Conference, so this week, you get to hear our first ever live podcast for yourself. Join us as they dive into the origins of the podcast, the impact of this age of disruption, and the importance of recognizing the academy as a workplace. We also explore navigating organizational change, the BANI framework's impact on STEM workplaces, the power of storytelling, and the essentials of workplace mental health...and of course, nonsense gets named once again!

And we're baaaaaack! After taking a much-needed, yet brief, sabbatical, The Real Work Chat has returned with Dr. Michelle Jones-London, as she shares her journey from neuroscience to leadership, navigating workplace trauma, responding to unanticipated change, and fostering resilience in the face of systemic challenges. Together, we dive into how to build supportive teams, mange trauma immediately and by confronting our triggers, and renew authenticity and purpose in our professional lives. Join us, and let's get into it!

In this week's episode, Isaac and Robin connect with Dr. Sherrod Williams, who shares his journey from higher education practitioner to CEO. Together, we explore his work leading New Futures, a Washington, DC area nonprofit focused on creating college and career pathways. We also discuss the evolving role of higher education, balancing work and life as a CEO, and the importance of community and connection!

This week's conversation features leadership consultant, Ashley B. Stewart, who explores the importance of authenticity, vulnerability, and discomfort in leadership and personal growth. He emphasizes the role of self-awareness in the ability to navigate complex workplace dynamics, particularly in the context of systemic issues. He also tells us about the BANI framework, which describes the current state of the world as brittle, anxious, nonlinear, and incomprehensible, and how leaders can adapt to these challenges. Ashley believes that experiencing discomfort and practicing self-reflection are essential tools for transformation and effective leadership.

Welcome back to The Real Work Chat, where we name workplace nonsense one story at a time! Season 2 is here, and we're going deeper (get ready). From toxic productivity to ineffective leadership, we're continuing the conversations that matter most to people navigating the real, messy, sometimes maddening world of work.This season, we're bringing you real stories from real people, because the more we share, the less alone any of us feel. We'll explore what it looks like to build community when your workplace isolates you, what accountability actually demands of leaders, and how to do more than just survive...how to genuinely thrive.If you've ever sat in a meeting thinking this is not okay and wondered if you were the only one, this podcast is for you. Pull up a chair (or lace up your sneakers)! For our old friends, we're glad you're back, and for our new listeners, welcome!

Robin and Isaac are back for Season 2 of The Real Work Chat, focusing on workplace challenges and thriving in professional life. This time around, we lean in on toxic culture, burnout, and leadership issues, providing real stories and conversations to help individuals thrive in their professional lives. Join us every other Wednesday as we name more nonsense, one story at a time!