Maintaining a work-life balance keeps getting harder - but it doesn&#39;t have to. This podcast is for anyone struggling to rise above the daily challenges of work, family, and building a sense of self.Management consultants by trade, hosts Brian and John shift their skills from helping organizations get better to helping people improve their lives.

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2022/5/24/2/e1acece1-6541-4fa7-bc59-d205cf9ebdc6_s01e055.mp3

It&#39;s &#34;do as I say, not as I do&#34; as CEOs demand workers return to the office... while staying at home, themselves.

It's "do as I say, not as I do" as CEOs demand workers return to the office... while staying at home, themselves.

Is Your Boss a Work-from-Home Hypocrite?

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2022/5/17/1/3ecf7e29-e4cb-4e50-b457-b3e6065960c0_s01e054.mp3

In the great game of &#34;getting ahead,&#34; sacrificing sleep is rarely the best strategy long-term. Yet many of us default to staying up a bit longer or waking up earlier to squeeze a few more hours out of a day. In this episode, Brian outlines why this is a bad idea, and gives a few tips on catching more Z&#39;s.

In the great game of "getting ahead," sacrificing sleep is rarely the best strategy long-term. Yet many of us default to staying up a bit longer or waking up earlier to squeeze a few more hours out of a day. In this episode, Brian outlines why this is a bad idea, and gives a few tips on catching more Z's.

How To Power Nap (or Just Sleep More)

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Office relationships can be tricky... especially when they&#39;re with our bosses, and especially when those bosses try to take advantage of them. In this episode, Brian offers advice on drawing a clear line between personal and professional relationships and talks about the importance of saying &#34;no.&#34;

Office relationships can be tricky... especially when they're with our bosses, and especially when those bosses try to take advantage of them. In this episode, Brian offers advice on drawing a clear line between personal and professional relationships and talks about the importance of saying "no."

Listener Questions: Office Relationships

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John and Brian have been eagerly awaiting their &#34;new&#34; lives: fatherhood again for Brian and married life for John. This week they explore the anticipation leading up to their big days. But, what about anticipation&#39;s ugly cousin procrastination?

Anticipation and Procrastination

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What&#39;s the best way to tell others we care about them? In this episode, Brian talks &#34;Love Languages,&#34; and how some of them could work in the office (and others could get you fired). Learn more or take the Love Language quiz here: https://www.5lovelanguages.com/quizzes/love-language Special music this week: Bloom by Purrple Cat | https://purrplecat.com Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en_US

What's the best way to tell others we care about them? In this episode, Brian talks "Love Languages," and how some of them could work in the office (and others could get you fired).

Learn more or take the Love Language quiz here: https://www.5lovelanguages.com/quizzes/love-language

Special music this week: Bloom by Purrple Cat | https://purrplecat.com
Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com
Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en_US

Love Languages

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Despite the fact that our lives are so dependent on it, this pod has taken aim at the effects of technology in the past. This week we decide to put on our positive pants and call out some of the benefits tech brings us

Tech is a Good Thing?

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Companies already monitor worker chats and emails - but how the ---- would you feel if those messages also got the ---- censored out of them after you hit the send button? We&#39;re not just talking about expletives, either... Brian runs through Amazon&#39;s alleged plans to do exactly that.

Companies already monitor worker chats and emails - but how the ---- would you feel if those messages also got the ---- censored out of them after you hit the send button? We're not just talking about expletives, either... Brian runs through Amazon's alleged plans to do exactly that.

"Shh! Don't Say ----!" Amazon Censorship

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2022/4/5/1/cacd4173-0985-494f-a0d2-9f3b30f217f4_s01e046.mp3

Toxic people suck. They also happen to be everywhere - so we better learn how to handle them. In this episode, Brian outlines some strategies to do exactly that.

Toxic people suck. They also happen to be everywhere - so we better learn how to handle them. In this episode, Brian outlines some strategies to do exactly that.

Dealing with Toxic People

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The phrase &#34;people-pleasing&#34; is oftentimes viewed through a negative lens, is this a fair assessment? Let&#39;s examine what it means to be a people-pleaser and how we can use it to our advantage.

The Real Cost of People Pleasing

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This week&#39;s episode has Brian and John taking a look at a Buzzfeed article? And looking at TikTok videos? Something can&#39;t be right here? Ah, but it&#39;s about the &#34;right&#34; way to take your PTO. Join the guys as they take the leap into Gen Z territory. Check out the article yourself and let us know what you think:https://www.buzzfeed.com/kristatorres/right-way-to-take-pto-tiktok

PTO Etiquette and the Right Way to Take Time Off

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President Biden has made several calls for employees to go back to the office. But who does this serve? What would we gain as well as lose by giving up our work-from-home arrangements? RageQuit returns with stories about people pissed to have to go back to the office. Special music this week: Trailer Sport Trap Action | Horses by Alex-Productions | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx0_M61F81Nfb-BRXE-SeVA Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

President Biden has made several calls for employees to go back to the office. But who does this serve? What would we gain as well as lose by giving up our work-from-home arrangements? RageQuit returns with stories about people pissed to have to go back to the office. 

Special music this week: 

Trailer Sport Trap Action | Horses by Alex-Productions | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx0_M61F81Nfb-BRXE-SeVA Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

RageQuit! Return-to-Office Edition

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2022/3/8/2/4724625d-3912-4089-a058-54a36e15bf8d_s01e044.mp3

Losing control can feel terrible. Obsessing about control can also feel terrible. Most of us walk the line between these two states of stress - In this episode, Brian and Andy talk about the best way to handle it.

Losing control can feel terrible. Obsessing about control can also feel terrible. Most of us walk the line between these two states of stress - In this episode, Brian and Andy talk about the best way to handle it.

Losing Control of your Life

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2022/3/1/3/2aaf0d66-6996-479f-a970-cb199372f179_s01e043.mp3

Films like &#34;The Internship&#34; or &#34;Wolf of Wall Street&#34; are a fun watch - but how accurately do they portray life in corporate America? In this episode, Brian and John pretend to be film critics to gauge how true-to-life this genre really is. Also, today is a special day for John as his band released their first single. Check it out here: https://open.spotify.com/track/1HjzYeb4atk9ZSU0Yuf1OJ?si=ce210002394d430d

Films like "The Internship" or "Wolf of Wall Street" are a fun watch - but how accurately do they portray life in corporate America? In this episode, Brian and John pretend to be film critics to gauge how true-to-life this genre really is.

Work Life, Movie Life

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It can seem like a selfish act to plan an entire trip around a singular hobby, especially when we already struggle to use our PTO, but trips like these can teach us a lot of valuable skills.Let&#39;s go on tour with John and hear about his experience as an early 20-something in a van with six smelly guys. Would you drive 6 hours for a 30 minute reward? How about doing that 10 days in a row?

Story Time: Let's Go on Tour!

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Is your company monitoring you while you work? They certainly have the capability. Brian and John weigh in on how they feel about several techniques used to monitor workers - and consider what it means for the future.

Is your company monitoring you while you work? They certainly have the capability. Brian and John weigh in on how they feel about several techniques used to monitor workers - and consider what it means for the future.

Who's Watching You?

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2022/2/7/1/1536d9e1-7b70-4c58-b87e-344c27096a2f_s01e041.mp3

We all need a break from responsibilities every once in a while. But when we let those distractions interfere with important parts of our lives, they can become a problem. Not every video game is an &#34;addictive time killer,&#34; but plenty can be - in this episode, Brian runs through 5 elements of a game that can turn it from a hobby into an addictive and detrimental challenge to our balance.

We all need a break from responsibilities every once in a while. But when we let those distractions interfere with important parts of our lives, they can become a problem. Not every video game is an "addictive time killer," but plenty can be - in this episode, Brian runs through 5 elements of a game that can turn it from a hobby into an addictive and detrimental challenge to our balance.

Video Game Addiction

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2022/2/1/0/70fae01b-ed4c-4eb0-9973-d8292a7d0f1c_an_episode_final_with_music_-_1_31_22__7.10_pm.mp3

We&#39;ve advocated for exploring passion projects since our first episode, so for today&#39;s episode John examines the late Paul Newman and his many different passions. While we may not have the luxury of fame and fortune, it doesn&#39;t mean we can&#39;t take a page out of the Newman&#39;s Own founder&#39;s book.

Paul Newman: Wearer of Many Hats

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2022/1/24/3/7baafe1a-eacc-41ec-bc1a-410edc5aa2b4_s01e039.mp3

You&#39;ve been given more responsibilities... Great! But is your boss putting more faith in you or taking advantage of you? We all wear many hats on the job - when our roles expand too far, we can get stretched to the brink. In this episode, Brian and Andy talk about what we can do to keep our roles from expanding beyond what we can handle.

You've been given more responsibilities... Great! But is your boss putting more faith in you or taking advantage of you? We all wear many hats on the job - when our roles expand too far, we can get stretched to the brink. In this episode, Brian and Andy talk about what we can do to keep our roles from expanding beyond what we can handle.

Expanding Job Descriptions

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Britney Spears thrust traditional conservatorship arrangements into the spotlight, but the nuances surrounding these arrangements are complex. For every Britney Spears there is likely thousands of Nick Clouses and Jamie Becks. Learn more about their stories as John and Brian discuss the intricacies and complexities of these arrangements.Today&#39;s episode is inspired by an article from NPR:https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2022/01/09/1065301762/britney-spears-left-her-guardianship-but-others-who-want-independence-remain-stu

Britney Spears, Conservatorship, and Decision Making Support

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2022/1/11/4/adc402e8-3f99-4c19-aacb-e2e592dc884a_s01e037.mp3

A lot of people have trouble defining success (which, in turn, makes finding it that much more difficult). Brian and Andy attempt to nail down a few key guidelines for defining what it means to be successful in our own lives.

A lot of people have trouble defining success (which, in turn, makes finding it that much more difficult). Brian and Andy attempt to nail down a few key guidelines for defining what it means to be successful in our own lives.

The Definition of Success

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2022/1/3/19/eba66bee-22cd-4639-8640-05f125c54af1_s01e036.mp3

None of us can take on all of life&#39;s challenges alone. The good news? We have friends, family, and coworkers who can help. The bad news? We&#39;re all terrible at seeking out, and making us of, that help. In this episode, Brian walks through how we can do better at being part of a team to get things done.

None of us can take on all of life's challenges alone. The good news? We have friends, family, and coworkers who can help. The bad news? We're all terrible at seeking out, and making us of, that help. In this episode, Brian walks through how we can do better at being part of a team to get things done.

Need Help? DELEGATE!

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2021/12/31/4/ce148748-612c-4e9e-8104-954a33003970_s01e035.mp3

This year draws to a close, and 2022 is right around the corner. Brian and John talk about where the show has gone and what they hope to accomplish in the new year.

This year draws to a close, and 2022 is right around the corner. Brian and John talk about where the show has gone and what they hope to accomplish in the new year.

Our Last Episode Ever (in 2021)

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2021/12/27/17/6a65dcc9-8e5a-4b92-a393-1b78be039c97_with_music_combined_12_27_-_12_27_21__12.23_pm.mp3

John takes us down memory lane and details the first time he ever fielded an &#34;after-hours&#34; urgent call. That meant something quite different 6 years ago, and now as the pandemic has shifted work-life priorities, the guys take a look at some anecdotal and empirical evidence to prove how different work is in 2021 and beyond.Happy Holidays from the Big Balance team to you and yours!

Ring, Ring...It's Work Calling (From Latvia?)

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2021/12/21/4/b20925c9-5e3f-4541-892c-cf88b3520c1d_s01e033.mp3

There&#39;s no escaping company culture. If that culture starts to shift, there may not be much we can do to react - unless we&#39;re willing to take some big steps. In this episode, Brian talks about some stark realities of facing culture changes... and some creepy things companies are doing to keep tabs on employee reactions to them.

There's no escaping company culture. If that culture starts to shift, there may not be much we can do to react - unless we're willing to take some big steps. In this episode, Brian talks about some stark realities of facing culture changes... and some creepy things companies are doing to keep tabs on employee reactions to them.

Big Data, Kevin Spacey, and Company Culture

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2021/12/14/3/a71124c1-36f7-4722-a3ac-1a8deec68c66_s01e032.mp3

Everyone deals with stress. Some better than others. But avoiding it will lead to anxiety problems sooner than later. If you&#39;re having trouble dealing with the high-pressures of life, join Brian and Andy as they talk about two ways you can better manage those feelings.

Everyone deals with stress. Some better than others. But avoiding it will lead to anxiety problems sooner than later. If you're having trouble dealing with the high-pressures of life, join Brian and Andy as they talk about two ways you can better manage those feelings.

Managing Stress and Anxiety

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We&#39;ve talked about music while you work, now we&#39;re talking about a trend in music while you study - where the media in question aims to get a bit more interactive. Brian also talks about a simple time management technique these study guides provide.

We've talked about music while you work, now we're talking about a trend in music while you study - where the media in question aims to get a bit more interactive. Brian also talks about a simple time management technique these study guides provide.

Music while you Study

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2021/11/29/13/35afea52-0ca5-4e3e-b894-4d835cc1d240_d_episode_final_with_music_-_11_23_21__1.45_pm.mp3

Sometimes it&#39;s the simplest answers to life&#39;s toughest questions that make the most sense. Paul Baribeau&#39;s album &#34;Grand Ledge&#34; features arguably one of the most optimistic &#39;self-help&#39; songs I&#39;ve ever heard: &#34;Ten Things.&#34; The premise is simple: name ten things you want to do before you die and go do them; name ten places you want to see before you die and go to them. Even 14 years later this song still strikes a chord with me (albeit in a very fast and folk-punk rhythm). Let&#39;s examine how easy it is to follow Paul&#39;s advice and see if we really can fix those ten things about our life.

Name 10 Things You Want to Do Before You Die

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Rules and regulations are sometimes slow to keep pace with what&#39;s going on in the world. This time, though, Portugal is determined to keep up with today&#39;s work from home dynamic. In this episode, Brian walks through new protections for Portuguese workers and considers what the rest of us can do (even without these legal protections). Special music this week: Lock And Load by Hayden Folker | https://soundcloud.com/hayden-folker Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_U

Rules and regulations are sometimes slow to keep pace with what's going on in the world. This time, though, Portugal is determined to keep up with today's work from home dynamic. In this episode, Brian walks through new protections for Portuguese workers and considers what the rest of us can do (even without these legal protections). 

Special music this week: 

﻿Lock And Load by Hayden Folker | https://soundcloud.com/hayden-folker Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_U

Portugal's Work from Home Protections

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2021/11/21/20/ac5dc171-7b7f-4c8e-9f2a-ebc413f2f87f_s01e027.mp3

Thousands of workers are joining together to say &#34;enough&#34; to bad working conditions. Brian and Andy talk through what this means - both to employers and to people wondering if now is the right time to look for a new job.

Thousands of workers are joining together to say "enough" to bad working conditions. Brian and Andy talk through what this means - both to employers and to people wondering if now is the right time to look for a new job.

The Great Resignation

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2021/11/14/19/eca89060-e4c7-4f87-b5eb-46dcaed4ad1f_s01e026.mp3

Sometimes, people quit... sometimes they&#39;re fired - and sometimes they have quite a bit to say about why. In this episode, Brian runs through some company reviews by past employees that had less-than-stellar things to say about their old employers.Special music this week:Trailer Sport Trap Action | Horses by Alex-Productions | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx0_M61F81Nfb-BRXE-SeVA Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US" rel="nofollow">https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US</a>

Sometimes, people quit... sometimes they're fired - and sometimes they have quite a bit to say about why. In this episode, Brian runs through some company reviews by past employees that had less-than-stellar things to say about their old employers. 

Special music this week: 

Trailer Sport Trap Action | Horses by Alex-Productions | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx0_M61F81Nfb-BRXE-SeVA Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

RageQuit!

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2021/11/8/19/0c2d5e47-ce4e-438d-bdbc-68c515ead767_8_combined_with_music_final_-_11_8_21__1.54_pm.mp3

There&#39;s no magical formula or book that is going to guarantee success, so why do some people believe there is? Certain &#34;Self-Help&#34; books have made their way into popular culture and spawned an entire genre of prose. But, how effective are these self-help books? Let&#39;s take a look at one of most influential self-help books and examine its efficacy.

Here! Read this Book to be Successful!

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2021/10/14/1/6c4136ec-a84d-459d-b4c4-2d139931ec7f_s01e024.mp3

Ever wanted to start something big, but felt like you waited too long? Like you blew your chance doing it when you were younger and now... it&#39;s too late. Well, good news! In this episode, Brian gives a few examples that show you&#39;re never too old to start a side hustle, passion project, or anything else the kids these days are doing.

Ever wanted to start something big, but felt like you waited too long? Like you blew your chance doing it when you were younger and now... it's too late. Well, good news! In this episode, Brian gives a few examples that show you're never too old to start a side hustle, passion project, or anything else the kids these days are doing.

How Old is "Too Old" to Start a Passion Project?

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2021/10/14/1/ed2c898f-d87e-4778-9144-1d8847250838_s01e023.mp3

We usually jump at the chance for a promotion. More prestige and bigger paychecks can&#39;t be bad, right? But what if that promotion takes us out of a role we love, and puts us somewhere that we hate? Andy comes back as a guest host to talk about his experience with an ill-fitting promotion.

We usually jump at the chance for a promotion. More prestige and bigger paychecks can't be bad, right? But what if that promotion takes us out of a role we love, and puts us somewhere that we hate? Andy comes back as a guest host to talk about his experience with an ill-fitting promotion.

The Darker Side of Getting Promoted

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2021/9/18/18/5c04dc45-8863-408c-a4c9-c3976151bbd8_s01e022.mp3

Brian Dyson, former President and CEO of Coca-Cola, gave a commencement speech in the early 90&#39;s that still resonates today. In this episode, Brian walks through his impressions on that speech&#39;s message, and why we should all take it to heart.

Brian Dyson, former President and CEO of Coca-Cola, gave a commencement speech in the early 90's that still resonates today. In this episode, Brian walks through his impressions on that speech's message, and why we should all take it to heart.

Brian Dyson on the Importance of Work-Life Priorities

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2021/9/18/18/b53ede8d-fa38-4b4f-ac86-9c963738f1b9_s01e021.mp3

Work-life balance is dictated partially by the way your company operates. Company operations, in turn, draw from company vision statements. But what happens when company vision doesn&#39;t align with our day jobs? In this episode, Brian reviews a Harvard Business Review article on the topic.

Work-life balance is dictated partially by the way your company operates. Company operations, in turn, draw from company vision statements. But what happens when company vision doesn't align with our day jobs? In this episode, Brian reviews a Harvard Business Review article on the topic.

Working With (Fighting Against?) Your Company's Vision

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Most of us are familiar with concept of an org chart or structure, but some organizations are beginning to abandon this vertical structure in favor of a more fluid and cross-functional concept. Which approach is better for a work-life balance? In this episode, John wonders how we can best combat any confusion around our org structures. Can we create clearly defined roles for ourselves and teammates, regardless of our spot on the totem pole?

Why the Org Chart Matters (Sometimes)

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We&#39;re all pressured do more, do better, do it faster. This can be helpful if it pushes us to break barriers we didn&#39;t know we could pass - yet, all too often, unrealistic expectations will set us up for failure. In this episode, Brian talks about the dangers of over-promising and the inevitable under-delivering that follows.

We're all pressured do more, do better, do it faster.This can be helpful if it pushes us to break barriers we didn't know we could pass - yet, all too often, unrealistic expectations will set us up for failure. In this episode, Brian talks about the dangers of over-promising and the inevitable under-delivering that follows.

Stop Overpromising (and Under-Delivering)

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2021/9/9/1/d2f3381c-6824-4a28-8be9-c2d17e13aef2_s01e018.mp3

Brian and John have talked extensively about enjoying today&#39;s work-from-home environment. Yet not everyone is as enthusiastic about the current state of things. Andy, a Gen-Xer more on the fence about work-from-home, joins as the show&#39;s first guest host.

Brian and John have talked extensively about enjoying today's work-from-home environment. Yet not everyone is as enthusiastic about the current state of things. Andy, a Gen-Xer more on the fence about work-from-home, joins as the show's first guest host.

Working from Home: A Gen-X Perspective

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2021/9/20/23/9f15ec57-db4d-429f-b203-b43da6547d72_inal_with_music_last_update_-_9_20_21__6.59_pm.mp3

Picking up a new hobby or learning a new skill can be scary and oftentimes a daunting task and John and Brian take the hard stance that the concept of the “overnight success story” is a myth. Using his own experiences as a sample, John walks us through his growth as a musician, with samples of music he’s created throughout the years. Feel free to explore some more of John&#39;s music featured in the show:https://oliveview.bandcamp.com/album/crash-latehttps://baltimorecults.bandcamp.com/https://chattykathy.bandcamp.com/https://braingreaseandtheganjapolice.bandcamp.com/https://underwaterrobots.bandcamp.com/

Sticking With Something Until You Improve

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2021/9/10/12/3d17f838-7bea-410b-9117-eadefb1a1bb5_s01e016.mp3

A carpenter can take pride in seeing the home he built for a family. But what about the white collar worker struggling to see beyond their cubicle walls? Feeling satisfied is hard when you can’t see the impact your job has. In this episode, John talks about feeling a sense of satisfaction, either through finding meaning – or creating it.

A carpenter can take pride in seeing the home he built for a family. But what about the white collar worker struggling to see beyond their cubicle walls? Feeling satisfied is hard when you can’t see the impact your job has.  In this episode, John talks about feeling a sense of satisfaction, either through finding meaning – or creating it.

Finding Meaning in our Jobs

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2021/8/31/2/9216516a-2bf8-4ba0-8167-073e5a412e57_s01e015.mp3

Bonus episode! Really, more of a short rant. Bonus rant! What does algorithmic music mean to the workplace, and why do Brian and John hate the implications?

Bonus episode! Really, more of a short rant. Bonus rant! What does algorithmic music mean to the workplace, and why do Brian and John hate the implications?

Algorithmic Music?

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2021/8/31/0/a6d8c663-0fdd-43c9-ab88-591d42f114c9_s01e014.mp3

We all feel like the star in the film of our own lives. But this self-centered view reduces everyone else to merely supporting cast, and leads us to quick (and ill-informed) judgments of others. In this episode, Brian describes a more holistic view to help improve our interpersonal relationships.

We all feel like the star in the film of our own lives. But this self-centered view reduces everyone else to merely supporting cast, and leads us to quick (and ill-informed) judgments of others. In this episode, Brian describes a more holistic view to help improve our interpersonal relationships.

Your Coworkers Aren’t Jerks

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2021/8/31/0/fee298a5-029a-4522-bbd3-7f71ce4c2ef3_s01e013.mp3

Multitasking is a skill that everyone wants and every employer values. But what if our pursuit of multitasking is doing more harm than good? Brian breaks down the problems with trying to split attention between too many tasks, and offers an alternative approach to getting things done.

Multitasking is a skill that everyone wants and every employer values. But what if our pursuit of multitasking is doing more harm than good? Brian breaks down the problems with trying to split attention between too many tasks, and offers an alternative approach to getting things done.

The Myth of Multitasking

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2021/8/26/12/76f31239-a5ae-4200-8356-f51c102a45e7_s01e012.mp3

In a previous episode, we talked about how today&#39;s job seekers have more leverage than ever before. However, this may not be true for everyone. A recent report shows that Gen-X may be struggling more than Millennials. Brian and John reflect on the implications of this report in this short episode.

In a previous episode, we talked about how today's job seekers have more leverage than ever before. However, this may not be true for everyone. A recent report shows that Gen-X may be struggling more than Millennials. Brian and John reflect on the implications of this report in this short episode.

Job-Seeking Concerns for Gen-X

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2021/8/25/1/17d3035a-22a8-49cc-b825-4d2c803892d0_s01e011.mp3

We talked through some work-life balance job seeking strategies in a previous episode. In this episode, John puts his money where his mouth is and puts those strategies to the test as he reenters the job market.

We talked through some work-life balance job seeking strategies in a previous episode. In this episode, John puts his money where his mouth is and puts those strategies to the test as he reenters the job market.

John's New Gig

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2021/8/18/1/207fecc6-c67f-49cb-84e1-b5efc014c18a_s01e010.mp3

Good news for job seekers: We&#39;re in the middle of a &#34;seller&#39;s market&#34; for job hunting. Candidates have more leverage today than at any time in recent history. With this in mind, Brian talks about how we can interview a new org to ensure they&#39;re as good a fit for us as we are for them.

Good news for job seekers: We're in the middle of a "seller's market" for job hunting. Candidates have more leverage today than at any time in recent history. With this in mind, Brian talks about how we can interview a new org to ensure they're as good a fit for us as we are for them.

Ready for a New Job? Interviewing Potential Employers

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2021/8/11/13/a95acdb2-785d-4555-a605-e428679e06ca_ky_episode_final_with_music_-_8_11_21__9.41_am.mp3

Are some people born lucky? While nobody can control the outcome of a coin flip, some people seem to come out on top in any situation. How they do it isn&#39;t a secret, and it isn&#39;t even difficult. In this episode, Brian explains how we can all make our own luck.

Ask Yourself, "Do I Feel Lucky?"

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2021/8/4/2/9dbcd876-d378-47d5-bfbe-ffa9b667dcf8_s01e008.mp3

We&#39;re a stressed out, burned out bunch of crazies. This shouldn&#39;t come as surprise - nobody is taking vacations. Even worse, we view skipping out on time off as a point of pride... to our detriment. In this episode, Brian forces listeners to take just one of those earned days off and puts it to good use.

We're a stressed out, burned out bunch of crazies. This shouldn't come as surprise - nobody is taking vacations. Even worse, we view skipping out on time off as a point of pride... to our detriment. In this episode, Brian forces listeners to take just one of those earned days off and puts it to good use.

TAKE YOUR VACATION (Self Care 101)

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2021/7/21/12/63e68b5a-8f69-4a15-b24c-f305f1bb5fa6_s01e007.mp3

Success will always mean different things to different people. In this episode, John walks through a few examples as we try to define success and nail down how to attain it.

Success will always mean different things to different people. In this episode, John walks through a few examples as we try to define success and nail down how to attain it.

How Should We Define Success?

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2021/7/14/12/5acd35bd-743b-4fb3-9f87-e8131bc98326_s01e006.mp3

In a 2018 interview, Jeff Bezos referred to the concept of balance as a &#34;debilitating phrase&#34; when thinking about the intersection of work and life. In this episode, Brian and John vehemently disagree.

In a 2018 interview, Jeff Bezos referred to the concept of balance as a "debilitating phrase" when thinking about the intersection of work and life. In this episode, Brian and John vehemently disagree.

Jeff Bezos: Is Work-Life Balance a "Debilitating Phrase?"

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2021/7/7/1/69db4f02-ac72-4e7b-89ef-aaa96af40c7b_s01e005.mp3

Ever feel like there aren&#39;t enough hours in the day? We&#39;re all a little too busy some days, but a little planning and prep work go a long way into giving us desperately needed time back. In this episode, Brian offers a few tips for better time management.

Ever feel like there aren't enough hours in the day? We're all a little too busy some days, but a little planning and prep work go a long way into giving us desperately needed time back. In this episode, Brian offers a few tips for better time management.

Finding More Time in our Day

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2021/6/30/11/cb21b7f7-a011-4364-be8a-50fe4ec34cf5_bb_ep_4_combined_take_-_6_28_21__10.52_pm.mp3

Why do exceptionally talented people do so well across multiple careers or projects, and where do they get the energy to always outperform? In this episode, John examines a few individuals that have been successful across multiple fields.

Why do exceptionally talented people do so well across multiple careers or projects, and where do they get the energy to always outperform? In this episode, John examines a few individuals that have been successful across multiple fields.

What Goes Into Being Truly Talented?

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2021/6/23/0/c85866bd-b058-4c1d-9d4d-bac3ab3ffdb9_s01e003.mp3

For every valuable meeting on our calendars, odds are good we have four more that just waste time - and the number keeps rising. In this episode, Brian gives some tips for fighting against this trend and focusing on the meetings that matter.

For every valuable meeting on our calendars, odds are good we have four more that just waste time - and the number keeps rising. In this episode, Brian gives some tips for fighting against this trend and focusing on the meetings that matter.

Fighting Against Pointless Meetings

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2021/6/23/0/2230aba7-3c2e-4fd8-9693-6595259e3146_s01e002.mp3

Music while we work has been shown to increase productivity and, minimally, improves our attitude on the job. In this episode, John talks through why we love (and maybe depend on) music in the office.

Music while we work has been shown to increase productivity and, minimally, improves our attitude on the job. In this episode, John talks through why we love (and maybe depend on) music in the office.

Music while you Work

A podcast for work, life, and everything in between

Maintaining a work-life balance keeps getting harder - but it doesn't have to. This podcast is for anyone struggling to rise above the daily struggles of work, family, and building a sense of self. Management consultants by trade, hosts Brian and John shift their skills from helping organizations get better to helping people improve their lives.

The Big Balance

Episodes

Is Your Boss a Work-from-Home Hypocrite?

How To Power Nap (or Just Sleep More)

Listener Questions: Office Relationships

Anticipation and Procrastination

Love Languages

Tech is a Good Thing?

"Shh! Don't Say ----!" Amazon Censorship

Dealing with Toxic People

The Real Cost of People Pleasing

PTO Etiquette and the Right Way to Take Time Off

RageQuit! Return-to-Office Edition

Losing Control of your Life

Work Life, Movie Life

Story Time: Let's Go on Tour!

Who's Watching You?

Video Game Addiction

Paul Newman: Wearer of Many Hats

Expanding Job Descriptions

Britney Spears, Conservatorship, and Decision Making Support

The Definition of Success

Need Help? DELEGATE!

Our Last Episode Ever (in 2021)

Ring, Ring...It's Work Calling (From Latvia?)

Big Data, Kevin Spacey, and Company Culture

Managing Stress and Anxiety

Music while you Study

Name 10 Things You Want to Do Before You Die

Portugal's Work from Home Protections

The Great Resignation

RageQuit!

Here! Read this Book to be Successful!

How Old is "Too Old" to Start a Passion Project?

The Darker Side of Getting Promoted

Brian Dyson on the Importance of Work-Life Priorities

Working With (Fighting Against?) Your Company's Vision

Why the Org Chart Matters (Sometimes)

Stop Overpromising (and Under-Delivering)

Working from Home: A Gen-X Perspective

Sticking With Something Until You Improve

Finding Meaning in our Jobs

Algorithmic Music?

Your Coworkers Aren’t Jerks

The Myth of Multitasking

Job-Seeking Concerns for Gen-X

John's New Gig

Ready for a New Job? Interviewing Potential Employers

Ask Yourself, "Do I Feel Lucky?"

TAKE YOUR VACATION (Self Care 101)

How Should We Define Success?

Jeff Bezos: Is Work-Life Balance a "Debilitating Phrase?"

Finding More Time in our Day

What Goes Into Being Truly Talented?

Fighting Against Pointless Meetings

Music while you Work

Are Our Hobbies "Side Hustle Worthy?"