Work Sucks, But I Like It
Work Sucks, But I Like It is the podcast about discovering what work should really feel like. Host Tony Tenaglier sits down with psychologists, entrepreneurs, creators, researchers, workers, and leaders to explore the science of flow, purpose, and meaningful work.
If you're tired of burnout, hustle culture, and feeling stuck in a job that drains you, this show offers practical insights and inspiring stories to help you rediscover engagement, fulfillment, and the joy of creating something that matters. Because work may suck sometimes—but it doesn't have to stay that way.
Episodes
94 episodes
E94: Why Staying in Your Lane Can Kill Your Curiosity with Sheldon Greaves
In this episode of Work Sucks, But I Like It, Sheldon Greaves, author of The Guerrilla Scholar’s Handbook, shares his unconventional approach to work, learning, and building a life around curiosity. Sheldon has worked as a DJ, substitute teache...
E93: Why Purpose Is Not a Destination - It’s a Daily Practice with Lorea Martinez
Burnout is not just exhaustion - it may be your life telling you that your purpose has drifted. Dr. Lorea Martínez Pérez reveals why purpose is not a destination, how to rebuild meaning in everyday work, and the emotional intelligence tools tha...
E92: How to Know When It’s Time to Leave with Ben Fox
Most professionals stay trapped in toxic work environments because they don’t realize how much autonomy and self-awareness they’re giving up—until one moment of clarity changes everything. When Ben Fox left a high-paying tech startup after real...
E91: Why Smart Leaders Fail Without Emotional Intelligence with Cynthia Morrow
The science of work reveals how ethical frameworks and workplace design can transform your career—and why ignoring these insights keeps you stuck in burnout and conflict. Cynthia Morrow, an assistant professor specializing in the science of wor...
E90: The Future of Work is Inner Work with Anne Karber
Most of us are living in a world where division, distraction, and superficial connections are the norm—and yet, our most powerful resource is right under our noses. What if mastering your emotions and reconnecting with community could be the ga...
E89: Be Inspired By Many, But Influenced by Few (July 2026)
Why podcasting is still the best medium for authentic connectionEmbracing the parts of work that suckHumanizing even offendersSecret behind dyslexia transformationOptimal state of stressStaying disciplined in ...
E88: The Hidden Power of Your "X Factor" to Unlock True Purpose at Work with Paul Comfort
Most people spend their lives chasing a vague sense of purpose—until they realize they're stuck in a job that saps their energy and passion. Paul Comfort reveals a simple but powerful framework to find your unique "X Factor," the intersection o...
E87: Why Success Is Less About Tasks and More About Who You Were Meant To Be with Desi Bolin
Unlock the secret to transforming your work and life by understanding how clarity and alignment liberate your potential. Desi Bolin, founder of Virtually Source Solutions and host of the Catalyst Conversations podcast, reveals the mindset shift...
E86: How to Stay Disciplined Without Motivation with Branden LaNette
Most people think success comes from luck or productivity hacks, but Brandon LaNette reveals the real secret behind her thriving podcasts and unstoppable resilience. In this episode, she shares the raw truth about balancing chaos and purpose as...
E85: How Your Past Is Secretly Causing Burnout with Amy Grimm
Most of us overlook the secret that’s quietly driving our burnout—our nervous system. Amy Grimm, a success and well-being coach with a background as a veterinarian, reveals how understanding and managing your energy levels can stop burnout in i...
E84: What's the Real Secret Behind Rapid Dyslexia Transformation? Neuroscience and Personalized Strategies with Russell Van Brocklen
Most companies and educational systems overlook the most powerful way to transform dyslexic students into confident learners—and it’s not what you think. In this episode, Russell van Brocklin, the Dyslexia Professor, shares a science-backed app...
E83: How Understanding Human Motivation Helps Solve the Toughest Crimes — and Humanize Offenders with Eric Robinson
Most people never imagine how a pastor's heart can beat in sync with an FBI agent's pursuit of justice—Eric Robinson's story proves it's possible. Eric Robinson is a retired FBI special agent with 24 years in the bureau who transitioned from pr...
E82: The Unexpected Truth: Why Loving Your Work Means Embracing the Parts That Suck with Shilo Creed
Most authors write for fun — until the work of writing becomes real work. Shiloh Creed, a seven-time award-winning novelist with over 1.4 million books sold, shares how she transformed her passion into a thriving career while maintaining her cr...
E81: Why Podcasting Is Still the Best Medium for Authentic Connection with Wisdom Okonkwo
Most podcasters dread the endless grind of post-production, but what if there’s a smarter way to turn your podcast ideas into reality without burning out? Wisdom Okonquo, host of My Podcast Story, shares how he’s transforming the podca...
E80: Be Inspired by Many, But Influenced by Few (Monthly Reflection)
Be inspired by many, but influenced by few. June 2026 guests!Chasing a single purpose is a trap ~MarkWork is about personal enrichment. ~MattRetirement is outdated. ~LynnThe joy of giving back to others. ~Saw...
E79: Eastern Wisdom for Modern Work: Why Success Needs Rhythm with Holly Battrum
Most of us are stuck in a hustle culture that pushes us to ignore our natural rhythms and self-care. But what if the secret to sustainable success isn’t more grinding—it's tuning into your own body and seasonality? Dr. Holly Battrum unpacks how...
E78: Turn Disability into Opportunity with Kevin McShan
Discover how to transform workplaces with the power of inclusion in this episode featuring Kevin McShan, a leading advocate for disability awareness and employment equity. Learn how shifting your mindset from limitations to opportunities can re...
E77: The Power of Relatable Stories in Influence with Danny Brassell
Discover how to transform work from drudgery into passion with Danny Brassell, known as "Jim Carrey with a PhD." In this episode, Danny shares his journey from a failed real estate scam to becoming a sought-after speaker and author. Learn how s...
E76: Why Valuing Employees Beyond Titles Can Prevent Burnout and Revolutionize Work Culture with Melanie Gray
Burnout isn't just exhaustion—it's a nervous system crisis reshaping workplaces. Dr. Melanie Gray, host of Code Calm, reveals how valuing productivity over people fuels stress and anxiety. Discover how digital overstimulation, or "scro...
E75: How Embracing Your True Self Can Turn Work Into Pure Joy with Saw Myint
Discover how Saw Myint, a Burmese-Aussie mother, CPA, and property developer, transformed her work life from frustration to fulfillment by aligning her career with her passions and values. In this episode, Saw shares her journey of overcoming t...
E74: Why the Traditional Concept of Retirement Is Outdated and What Comes Next with Lynn Friesth
Most of us think about retirement as the end of work, but Lynn Friesth sees it as the beginning of a purposeful encore. After 40 years at John Deere, Lynn’s redefining what it means to stay active, impactful, and fulfilled beyond traditional re...
E73: The Surprising Truth About Work-Life Balance for Nine-to-Fivers with Matt Ogonowski
In this episode, Tony's best friend Matt, a community college buyer, shares his journey from burnout in trucking to finding fulfillment in education. He challenges the corporate ladder myth, emphasizing self-awareness, organization, and hobbies...
E72: Why Chasing a Single Purpose Is a Trap—And How Happiness Evolves Over Time with Mark Decarlo
Unlock the secret to genuine happiness and purpose with Emmy-winning comedian Mark DiCarlo, who shares his journey from a near-death experience to a life centered on joy. Discover how embracing what makes you happy can transform your career and...
E71: Be Inspired By Many, But Influenced By Few (Monthly Reflection)
May 2026 Monthly Recap Themes:Why today's work culture ignores humanity and how to fix itHow vampires reveal the power of familyDoing the work to find the ones that saved you (literally)How to embrace authenticity an...
E70: The Hidden Cost of Living in the Wrong Identity—And How to Change It with Bobbi Barrington
Trapped by societal expectations and personal fears, Bobbi Barrington spent decades in the wrong marriage and career, feeling disconnected from her true self. In this transformative episode, Bobbi shares her journey of radical change, revealing...