Best Work Relationships Podcasts (2024)

1
Beyond the Checkbox: Building a Leadership Learning Plan That Lasts 8:36

1h ago8:36

8:36

In this episode, host Russel Lolacher tackles the pervasive issue of "checked-box leadership" in leadership training — when organizations send employees to leadership programs without a strategic plan for continued growth. Education and professional development are vital, but without follow-up, support, and real opportunities to apply new skills, t…

1
Ep. 98 How Changing One Thought Can Decrease Your Anxiety & Increase Your Coping Skills Creating Midlife Calm! 10:01

3h ago10:01

10:01

Are you often overwhelmed by the thought, “This should not be happening”? You’re not alone. This mindset can fuel anxiety and a sense of being out of control, leaving you feeling miserable. By the end of this episode, you’ll gain a new perspective on your thoughts and learn practical strategies to cultivate calm amidst life’s challenges. In this ep…

1
Why We Should Manage Up to Better Serve Our Teams w/ Roberta Matuson 44:09

2d ago44:09

44:09

Join us for an enlightening conversation with Roberta Matuson—keynote speaker, executive coach, and author of seven influential books on leadership and talent management, including "Can We Talk? Seven Principles for Managing Difficult Conversations at Work" and the latest edition of "Suddenly in Charge: Managing Up, Managing Down, Succeeding All Ar…

1
Ep. 97 2 Coping Skills To Decrease Your Anxiety When You Feel Out of Control So You Can Think Clearly In Midlife 14:34

2d ago14:34

14:34

Feel like you’re losing control? Learn the secret to managing out-of-control moments and think more clearly. In this episode, you'll learn: 1. How to identify when you’re feeling out of control before emotions take over. 2. Effective strategies to tame anxiety and create mental clarity. 3. The secret to controlling how you respond when life feels c…

1
Spotting the Signs: How to Recognize Employees Who Feel Undervalued 8:54

6d ago8:54

8:54

In this episode of Relationships at Work, host Russel Lolacher shares key insights and observations about one of the most common challenges in the workplace—employees feeling undervalued. We highlight the critical signs leaders should be aware of, from disengagement to burnout, and offer practical steps to address these issues. Join us as we explor…

1
Ep. 96 Daily Boosts to Decrease Election Anxiety and Increase Midlife Calm Now 15:36

6d ago15:36

15:36

Want your election anxiety to decrease? Try carving a 🎃 pumpkin or sorting your socks. In this episode, we follow up on Monday’s Inner Challenge, where we discussed how to manage election anxiety. Today, MJ introduces the Daily Boost, a simple but powerful strategy to lower your stress and boost your mood during these intense times. In this episode…

1
Addressing Disconnection Between The C-Suite And Frontline w/ Morgan Williams 48:25

8d ago48:25

48:25

In this episode of Relationships at Work, host Russel Lolacher sits down with Morgan Williams, co-founder and CEO of Peak HR, and founder of MWHR Consulting, to discuss the growing disconnect between executives and employees in today’s workplace. Drawing on her extensive experience in HR, psychology, and conflict management, Morgan dives into the r…

1
Ep. 95 Election Anxiety: 3 Coping Skills to Stay Calm In A Divided Nation 11:35

9d ago11:35

11:35

Is the election what's scaring you the most during this Halloween Season? Are you feeling stressed about the election? Do you find yourself doomscrolling or anxiously discussing it with friends? If so, you're not alone—73% of Americans feel anxious about elections. In this episode, you'll discover: 1. What election anxiety is and why it affects so …

1
Unlocking Moral Imagination: Leadership Beyond Assumption 8:21

13d ago8:21

8:21

In this episode, we dive into the concept of moral imagination as an antidote to the arrogant assumptions that can easily creep into leadership. Inspired by Jacqueline Novogratz's book Manifesto For A Moral Revolution, we explore how leaders can envision a more just and inclusive future by embracing humility, empathy, and authenticity. We'll discus…

1
Ep.94 5 Easy Strategies To Stop Nighttime Eating Tonight To Improve Your Sleep & Decrease Your Anxiety! 12:15

14d ago12:15

12:15

Are late-night cravings keeping you from a good night’s sleep and sabotaging your health goals? If you’ve been struggling with unwanted snacking before bed or find yourself reaching for food after dinner, you’re not alone. Nighttime eating can disrupt your sleep, lead to weight gain, and impact your overall well-being, but it doesn’t have to contro…

1
Why Leaders Need to Invest in Stay Interviews w/ Matt Verlaque 50:57

16d ago50:57

50:57

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with COO and entrepreneur Matt Verlaque on the necessity of stay interviews for the health of your organization. Matt shares his experience and insights on... Stay interviews assess personal and professional fulfillment Candid communication builds strong teams. Frequent one-on-ones create conti…

1
Ep. 101 Understanding Midlife Family Estrangement As A Coping Skill to Increase Calm During the Holiday Season 19:03

17d ago19:03

19:03

Feeling the sting of family estrangement this holiday season? Let's find ways to bring you calm and ease that pain. In this episode, you'll discover: 1. How reflecting on your role in the estrangement can empower you to heal. 2. The transformative power of compassion for your loved one's struggles and your own pain. 3. Practical tips to reclaim pea…

1
Ep. 93 5 Simple Sleep Hacks To Help You Sleep Better Tonight! 8:56

17d ago8:56

8:56

Struggling to get a good night's sleep, or is staying asleep becoming an impossible task? What if five simple, science-backed hacks could change that for you tonight? This episode dives deep into why quality sleep is essential for your health and mental well-being. If you're feeling the effects of sleep deprivation—exhaustion, irritability, and tro…

1
Leadership Lessons Learned From 200 Episodes 9:16

21d ago9:16

9:16

We’ve hit a major milestone—200 episodes! Since launching Relationships at Work in January 2022, it's been an incredible journey, evolving from a weekly interview show to twice-a-week episodes, including mini solo episodes every Thursday. Whether you've listened, watched, or supported us through this newsletter, thank you! In this special episode, …

1
Ep. 92 Proving Your Mind is Meant to be Peaceful, Calm & Happy 9:29

21d ago9:29

9:29

Do you believe your mind is naturally peaceful, or are you convinced it’s always meant to be stressed and busy? What if you could tap into your mind’s natural state of calm and happiness? In this episode of Creating Midlife Calm, MJ dives into the truth about our mind's natural state. If you often feel overwhelmed by stress or anxiety and are searc…

1
Add Humanity - Experts Share Lessons From Their Leadership Stories 58:56

24d ago58:56

58:56

In this episode of Relationships at Work, we celebrate the 200th episode of the show. To mark the occasion, Russel invites back former guests and a few listeners to share their personal experiences with the work relationships that have shaped their leadership journeys. We ask these experts three questions and learn so much from their answers. What …

1
Ep. 91 Use These 2 Mindfulness Practices To Instantly Increase Gratitude, Calm & Joy! 13:04

24d ago13:04

13:04

Feeling overwhelmed by the fast pace of life? What if you could slow down and instantly create calm, joy, and gratitude in just a few minutes? In this episode, MJ Murray Vachon, LCSW, reveals two simple mindfulness practices—"Notice on the Outside" and "Notice on the Inside"—that act as mental workouts for your mind. Just as we strengthen our bodie…

1
Leadership Checkin - Being Aware of Our Arrogant Assumptions 8:32

29d ago8:32

8:32

In leadership, even the best-intentioned among us can fall into the trap of making assumptions, often without realizing it. This week, we’re diving into a common leadership pitfall: the arrogant assumption. Inspired by Jacqueline Novogratz's Manifesto for a Moral Revolution, I explore how these assumptions can impact our teams, business relationshi…

1
Ep. 90 3 Coping Skills to Increase Your Happiness & Calm When You Hate Your Job 7:52

28d ago7:52

7:52

Do you find yourself constantly overthinking and dreading your job? What if you could use your whole brain to increase your happiness and calm—even in a work environment you hate? If your job brings on negative thoughts, whether it's due to conflicts with coworkers, lack of direction, or just overall dissatisfaction, you’re not alone. In this episo…

1
Why Leaders Need To Join Their Employee’s Journey w/ Marc Haine 45:25

1M ago45:25

45:25

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel Lolacher welcomes leadership and employee strategist Marc Haine to dive deep into one of the most important but overlooked aspects of leadership: guiding your team through their employee journey. Marc shares personal stories and invaluable insights on why leaders must shift from being mere managers t…

1
Ep. 89 3 Steps to Disengage From Work To Be More Calm & Present at Home 14:25

1M ago14:25

14:25

Do you struggle to turn off work mode and find it hard to be fully present with your loved ones at home? In today's fast-paced world, many people find it challenging to leave work at the office, leading to stress and difficulty being present at home. This episode tackles a common issue: how to disengage from work so you can enjoy a more peaceful an…

1
Is Leadership Broken? Redefining Leadership for Future Success 9:27

1M ago9:27

9:27

Is the traditional leadership culture broken? In this episode, we explore the fractured state of leadership from the executive level to emerging leaders. Learn why organizations reward productivity over people skills and discover how leaders at every level can take control and redefine what leadership truly means for a thriving workplace culture. E…

1
Ep.88 Effective Strategies to Decrease Resistance When Household Members Don't Want to Equitably Share Chores! 7:17

1M ago7:17

7:17

Are you tired of feeling like household chores aren't fairly divided, leading to tension and frustration at home? Following up on Episode 87 Instantly Reduce Household Stress and Create Calm with THIS Surprising Chore-Sharing Game!", this episode tackles the resistance around dividing household tasks equitably. In this episode, we will discuss stra…

1
How to Avoid The Dangers of Pursuing Perfection w/ Michele Molitor 49:04

1M ago49:04

49:04

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with executive coach, author, and international speaker Michele Molitor on avoiding the dangers of pursuing perfection as leaders. Michele shares her insights and experience on... Perfection is personal and subjective. Embracing imperfections is healthier. Perfectionism as a trauma response. St…

1
Ep. 87 Instantly Reduce Household Stress and Create Calm with THIS Surprising Chore-Sharing Game! 17:20

1M ago17:20

17:20

Are household chores turning into a battleground at your home? Discover the fun and effective game that could bring peace to your chore wars!" In this episode of Creating Midlife Calm, we dive into the common struggle of uneven chore distribution in households. If you're tired of feeling frustrated while doing the lion's share of housework or find …

1
Beyond the Quick Fix: Tackling Leadership’s Root Problems 8:37

1M ago8:37

8:37

Are you tired of surface-level solutions to deep-seated workplace issues? In this episode, we dive into why traditional reactions like reprimanding a bad boss or throwing pizza lunches at disengaged employees only address symptoms, not the disease. Discover how focusing on root causes—like toxic cultures, poor management practices, and systemic fla…

1
Ep. 86 Understanding the 4 Causes of Overthinking To Reduce Your Anxiety & Increase Calm 9:57

1M ago9:57

9:57

Ep. 86 Understanding the 4 Causes of Overthinking To Reduce Your Anxiety & Increase Calm Do you find yourself trapped in overthinking, draining your energy, disrupting your mental clarity, and leaving you anxious? Overthinking affects many of us, especially when faced with stress or uncertainty. In this episode, MJ Murray Vachon, LCSW, explains the…

1
Write Like a Leader: How To Be More Impactful In Our Written Communication w/ Grace Aldridge Foster 54:08

1M ago54:08

54:08

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with senior instructor and principle at Bold Type consultancy Grace Aldridge Foster on how leaders can be more impactful writers and build connection with their teams. Grace shares her insights and experience with... Thoughtful communication in leadership writing. Writing as a model for expecta…

1
Ep. 85 5 Easy & Effective Steps to Stop Overthinking, Now! 10:58

1M ago10:58

10:58

Ep. 85 5 Easy & Effective Steps to Stop Over Thinking, Now! Do you ever feel trapped in a never-ending cycle of worry and anxiety, unable to shut off your mind?" Overthinking is an issue many of us face, especially during times of stress or uncertainty. It can rob us of peace, ruin our sleep, and harm our relationships. In this episode, MJ Murray V…

1
Leading with Truth: Embracing ‘I Don’t Know’ 7:30

2M ago7:30

7:30

In a world where leaders often feel pressured to have all the answers, it’s easy to fall into the trap of faking it. But what if the real power of leadership lies in admitting when you don't know? In this episode, we tackle the toxic advice many leaders receive—lie if you don’t know—and why embracing vulnerability is the key to building genuine tru…

1
Ep. 84 3 Effective Strategies to Overcome Family Disagreements when Navigating Your Child'sMental, Social, Intellectual and Physical Differences 8:41

2M ago8:41

8:41

Ep. 84 3 Effective Strategies to Overcome Family Disagreements when Navigating Your Child's Mental, Social, Intellectual and Physical Differences Do family disagreements over your child's needs feel overwhelming? When you're not aligned with your co-parent or child on how to handle mental, social, learning, or physical differences, finding peace ca…

1
Building A Sales Team Through A Sports Philosophy w/ Dre Baldwin 46:06

2M ago46:06

46:06

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with author, speaker and former pro athlete Dre Baldwin on the benefits of having a sports philosophy when engaging a team in the workplace. Dre shares his insights and experience on... Team dynamics mirror sports teams. Caution against "family" culture. The role of competition in the workplace…

1
Ep. 83 Mastering the Seven-Stage Path: Reducing Anxiety and Boosting Strategies for Families Navigating a Child's Physical, Mental, Learning, or Social Challenges. 32:40

2M ago32:40

32:40

Ep. 83 Mastering the Seven-Stage Path: Reducing Anxiety and Boosting Strategies for Families Navigating a Child's Physical, Mental, Learning, or Social Challenges What happens when your child’s development takes an unexpected turn, and you suddenly realize their path is different from what you imagined? Raising a child with physical, mental, learni…

1
Knowing Where We Stand: The Key to Shaping Our Work Culture 6:53

2M ago6:53

6:53

Before you can build the work culture you envision, do you truly understand the culture you have now? In this episode of Relationships at Work, we explore the importance of taking a hard look at your current organizational environment before setting future goals. Using real-life examples, we discuss why leaders often fail to transform their teams a…

1
Immigrant Leadership: The Key to Innovation and Cultural Transformation w/ Ukeme Awakessien Jeter 44:30

2M ago44:30

44:30

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with author, mayor and lawyer Ukeme Awakessien Jeter on the importance of embracing immigrant leadership in the workplace. Ukeme shares her insights and experience in... The unique leadership skills of immigrants. Intersectionality in DEI and bias. ImmiGrit as a concept. Transformative resilien…

1
Ep. 82 Stopping The Midlife Spread Your Way By Getting Off The Couch 33:25

2M ago33:25

33:25

Are you a couch potato? A Sofa Spud? Does your critical voice constantly call you lazy? Do you plan on working out but don’t follow through? Someone looking to stop the weight gain as you juggle all the demands of midlife which leave little time for the gym? This is the episode for you!!!! We all know the stats: working out is essential for the wel…

1
Love Each Other Up and Call Each Other Up with Cy Wakeman 48:10

2M ago48:10

48:10

"I believe boundaries are kind of the user manual to me. Here's how to be in relationship with me. Here are my preferences, my desires, my limits, my non-negotiables." — Cy Wakeman *** In this episode, I’m joined by drama researcher and NY Times best selling author, Cy Wakemen. In our conversation, Cy shares stories of both a great friend and a gre…

1
Why Embracing Past Legacies is Essential for Leading a New Team 7:18

2M ago7:18

7:18

How can new leaders earn trust from day one? In this episode of Relationships at Work, host and leadership expert Russel Lolacher dives into the importance of honoring past legacies when joining a team. Whether you're stepping into a new role or leading an established group, understanding the history behind their successes and challenges is key to …

1
How to Cultivate Leadership Resilience and Brilliance with Simon Bailey 26:26

2M ago26:26

26:26

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with author, keynote speaker, research and success coach Simon Bailey on what it takes for leadership resilience and brilliance. Simon shares his insights and experience in... Resilience is a double-edged sword. Brilliance is a necessary compliment to resilience in leadership. Generational diff…

1
How to Stop Taking Things Personally with Sarah Mann 43:56

2M ago43:56

43:56

"The one thing that we absolutely have control over is how we show up in the world." — Sarah Mann *** In this episode, I’m joined by leadership and executive coach, Sarah Mann. Together, we explore the power of asking for what you need as a means to building stronger relationships. Plus, we explore the many ways we sabotage our relationships with o…

1
Leadership's Quiet Sabotage: How Inaction Shapes the Workplace 7:44

2M ago7:44

7:44

What happens when leaders do nothing? In this episode, host Russel Lolacher exposes the silent damage caused by leadership inaction and its profound impact on workplace culture. Though it is often said that work culture is the sum of words said and actions taken, it is actually missing the bigger picture. Inaction has as much impact on our workplac…

1
Emergency Episode Ep. 81 School Anxiety: Three Coping Skills Parents and Kids Can Use Right Now! 8:09

2M ago8:09

8:09

It's August and you may be one of those parents sending an anxious child off to school, college, trade school, or the world of full time work. Yep, it's animal house right under your own roof. If it feels a little crazy, I'm here to bring you a bit of calm. In this episode, you'll learn: The practical science of why your child's anxiety is contagio…

1
How To Harness The Emotional Power of Change Enthusiasm w/ Cassandra Worthy 28:11

2M ago28:11

28:11

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with speaker, author and change enthusiast Cassandra Worthy on how we can embrace difficult emotions and harness the power of change enthusiasm. Cassandra shares her experience and insights in... Emotional awareness as a foundation for change. Opportunity for change in adversity. Resilience is …

1
Ep. 80 Mental Wellness: Having Fun Building Self-Confidence & Self-Awareness with the Enneagram! (Part 2 External Self-Awareness) 31:40

2M ago31:40

31:40

Have you ever wondered how others see you and how it shapes who you are? External self-awareness is crucial for cultivating mental wellness, yet many of us overlook it, believing that internal self-awareness is enough. In this episode, MJ and her guest explore why both are essential. Through real-life examples and practical insights, you'll discove…

1
Why Respect Outshines Professionalism in Today's Workplace 8:00

3M ago8:00

8:00

What if being 'professional' is actually holding your workplace back? In this episode, host Russel Lolacher challenges the traditional norms and reveals why respect, not rigid professionalism, is the key to a thriving, diverse workplace. The idea of professionalism is usually about aligning behaviours, dress codes, communication styles and work eth…

1
How to Establish and Build Connection in the Workplace w/ Morag Barrett 44:35

3M ago44:35

44:35

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with author, executive coach and leadership expert Morag Barrett on how to establish and build workplace connections. Morag shares her insights and experience in.. The importance of trust in work relationships. Building and recognizing connection. Loneliness in leadership is a real issue. Inten…

1
Ep. 79 Mental Wellness: Having Fun Building Self-Confidence & Self-Awareness with the Enneagram! (Part 1 Internal Self-Awareness) 26:06

3M ago26:06

26:06

Join MJ Murray Vachon, a licensed clinical social worker, as she explores the depths of self-awareness with a guest who shares his journey of understanding through the Enneagram personality test. This unscripted conversation will help you learn the intricacies of internal self-awareness, the importance of values, and how tools like the Enneagram ca…

1
The Power of Radical Acceptance with Tegan Trovato 46:54

3M ago46:54

46:54

"The reason there is a lack of acceptance in teams is because there's usually a lack of clarity about what the team is there to do.’" - Tegan Trovato *** In this episode, I’m joined by CEO and executive team coach, Tegan Trovato. Our conversation dives deep into the power of radical acceptance within relationships and teams. Tegan breaks down how h…

1
Showing Respect - Everyone's Time Is Valuable 10:28

3M ago10:28

10:28

Is your leadership style disrespecting your team's time? In this episode, host Russel Lolacher reveals the subtle ways leaders overlook others' time and offers practical tips to show genuine respect, regardless of hierarchy. We all have work to do and deadlines to do them by. But as leaders looking to build connection and relationships, it's vital …

1
Breaking Barriers: Mastering Change in Resistant Industries w/ Tim Lupinacci 52:14

3M ago52:14

52:14

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with the chairman and chief executive officer of Baker Donelson, Tim Lupinacci on managing change in a traditionally change-resistant industry. Tim shares his insights and experience in... Leadership through relationships Challenging traditional structures Opportunistic change management Balanc…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Work Relationships Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide