Episode 55: Using Humor to Heal Workplace Stress with Marcus aka Not Your Average Coward

In this laugh-filled and insightful episode, Jess & Claude sit down with Marcus — content creator, dad of three, and the viral voice behind Not Your Average Coward. They dive into how Marcus went from catastrophe adjuster to comedy relief for burned-out professionals, all while juggling parenting and content creation.

From memes that hit too ...

This week, Jess & Claude are joined by Alan Lazaros and Kevin Palmieri from Next Level University—two long-time friends and business partners who have recorded over 2,000 episodes and built a movement around personal development and daily growth.

Tune in as we dive into:

• How their friendship is the foundation of everything they’ve built.
• Why being vulnerable and open is essential in leadership.
• The daily grind of content creati...

This week, Jess and Claude sit down with the incredible Heather Stewart, a former high-flying CPA turned life coach, who gets real about what it took to walk away from a corporate life that was slowly burning her out.

Heather shares how she hit pause on the chaos, learned to put herself first (for real this time), and now helps others do the same. This is the self-care convo your inner people-pleaser really needs to hear.

From breaki...

Feeling Burnt Out? You Might Just Need a Break (Literally).

In this powerful episode of Work Besties, Jess & Claude dive into why taking breaks at work isn’t lazy—it’s essential. Discover the surprising science behind how breaks can actually boost your productivity, creativity, and focus, and learn why skipping them may be killing your performance.

They unpack:

• Why your brain needs downtime to stay sharp
• How to use breaks to pr...

In this enlightening episode, Jess and Claude sit down with Sarah Sherwal, a Melbourne-based numerologist who brings a fresh, grounded perspective to the ancient practice of numerology.

Sarah dives into what numerology really is — beyond the stereotypes — and explains how numbers can offer insight into your personality, life path, and even the timing of key decisions. She shares her journey into the world of numerology, how it works...

🎉 50 Episodes Later… We’re Just Getting Started 🎙️💖

What began as a wild idea between two work besties has turned into 50 episodes of laughs, lessons, and serious growth. From fumbling through our first recordings to finding our voice, this journey has been real — and we’re bringing you behind the scenes for our milestone moment.

In this episode, we’re reflecting on:
 ✨ The glow-up from episode 1 to now
 🧠 How imposter sy...

In this episode, Jess and Claude sit down with Dr. Kate Ricciardi, a functional dietitian who shares her powerful personal journey from years of digestive struggles to lasting wellness. Together, they explore how gut health directly impacts workplace energy, mood, and hormones, and why even trained professionals can get stuck in the conventional cycle.

Kate dives into the gut-brain connection, breaking down how food sensitivities, i...

What happens when your career takes an unexpected pivot—from high-powered agent to published author—and your work friendships evolve into personal lifelines?

In this episode, Jess and Claude dive deep with Clélia Castro-Malaspina, a former literary agent turned award-winning children’s author, who’s rewriting the rules of connection, creativity, and career.

💬 We talk:

• How critique groups can save your sanity—and your story
• What co...

What if building a more inclusive workplace wasn’t as complicated or corporate as you think

This week on Work Besties Who Podcast, Claude and Jess sit down with powerhouse inclusion expert and author Delphia Howze — and this conversation will change how you show up at work 🔥

Delphia, whose new book Including You: Leading Inclusion From Where You Are is a must-read, shares why inclusion is a personal responsibility, not just somethin...

You, Me, We: Why Work Besties Are a Career Superpower (with Morag Barrett) 

Ready to upgrade your 9–5 relationships from “cordial coworkers” to ride-or-die allies? In this energizing episode, Jess & Claude sit down with leadership expert and author Morag Barrett to chat about why having work besties isn’t just nice—it’s necessary.

Drawing from her brilliant book You, Me, We, Why we all NEED a Friend at Work; Morag shares actiona...

Episode Summary:
In this week’s episode, we sit down with the one and only Tatyana—the Corporate Gen X Mom—for a real, raw, and refreshingly honest conversation about life in the corporate world. As a seasoned professional and mother, Tatyana brings insight, humor, and truth to the table. We dive into what it means to show up authentically at work, the importance of workplace besties, and how to navigate the (often unspoken) c...

Stoic Empathy with Shermin Kruse: How to Navigate Difficult Conversations

In this episode, we sit down with the brilliant Shermin Kruse —law professor, TEDx producer, author, and total powerhouse—to explore the concept of stoic empathy. What does it really mean to be both strong and compassionate in today’s workplace? How can leaders show up with emotional intelligence without losing their edge?

Shermin drops incredible insights on:

Friendship, Fantasy & Finding Your Voice with Randee Dawn 

 In this episode of Work Besties, hosts Jess and Claude sit down with Randee Dawn, entertainment journalist and author, to dive into the powerful role of friendship, storytelling, and identity in both creative and professional spaces.

Randee shares her journey to authorship, the long road to publishing, and the importance of networking and community in build...

Transform Your Mindset with Kyle Smith

In this episode of Work Besties Who, we sit down with Kyle Smith, a Clarity Consultant and the creator of NeuroLinguistic Somatic Experience (NLSE) — a powerful blend of story work and breath work designed to help you rewrite your inner narrative and manage anxiety.

Kyle shares how shifting language, practicing breath work, and developing clarity can turn mental roadblocks into opportunities for...

Are we missing the key to true wellness? In this must-listen episode, we sit down with Jenny Powers, evolutionary wellness expert and author of The Origin of Being, to explore how reconnecting with nature and understanding our primal roots can transform our mental and physical health. From the science of ancestral healing to the power of social connections, Jenny reveals the secrets to thriving in the modern world.

As a re...

From Broadway Lights to Family Nights: Bret Shuford's Journey of Dance, Sobriety, and Manifesting Dreams!

In this episode, we're diving into the inspiring and transformative journey of Bret Shuford, a Broadway star turned content creator, family man, and wellness advocate. Bret opens up about his incredible shift from Broadway’s spotlight to building a life centered around wellness, family, and dance. He shares how movemen...

Want to boost morale, strengthen relationships, and create a thriving workplace culture? 

In this episode, Jess and Claude reveal how practicing gratitude at work can transform your team dynamics, improve communication, and even enhance productivity. Learn simple yet powerful ways to express appreciation authentically—without it feeling forced or overdone. Plus, discover how gratitude can help you navigate workplace frustrations and...

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome & Embracing Self-Love with Mss Francois | Work Besties Who Podcast

In this uplifting Work Besties Who Podcast episode, Mss Francois shares her powerful journey of overcoming imposter syndrome, embracing self-love, and finding resilience through life’s challenges. Known for her vibrant personality and candid storytelling, Mss Francois dives into practical strategies for building confidence, fostering ...

In this episode, Jess and Claude, The Work Besties, sit down with Wendy Alexander to discuss the challenges and opportunities that come with midlife career changes. Wendy shares her inspiring journey of resilience, highlighting the importance of feedback, self-improvement, and community support. They dive into the impact of menopause on careers, the rise of midlife professionals (the "silver tsunami"), and how work bestie...