Today’s episode of Third Fork centers on audience questions they’ve never seen before. No prep. No scripts. Just real talk.

Tansley and Ryan dig into the messy middle of career growth. How to build skills when you’re not sure where you’re headed next, what it looks like to advance without a perfectly mapped-out path, and why starting your day early might quietly be the most underrated power move in the workplace.

They also get candid about impostor syndrome (yes, it still pops up) and share how to cultivate genuine relationships with leaders without feeling like you’re networking. 

If you’ve ever wished someone would tell you the truth about career momentum with heart, humor, and a little tough love, this one’s for you.

Today’s guest is Dr. Missy Stults. Missy exudes high energy; she is a mom, a relentless problem-solver, an avid puzzler, and an upcoming speaker at HERd 2026 on February 20th. She is also the Director of the City of Ann Arbor’s Office of Sustainability and Innovation, which works with all city operations, residents, businesses, the University of Michigan, nonprofits, and others to make Ann Arbor one of the most sustainable and equitable cities in America. This is Missy’s story.

Today’s guest is Dr. Gretchen Moran Marsh. She is driven, loves Michigan summers and dancing, and is ensuring mental health has the attention it deserves and that we reduce stigma to support people fully. She is also a is a clinical psychologist specializing in the assessment and treatment of anxiety and depression related disorders in teens and adults. She completed her undergraduate work in psychology at the University of Michigan, followed by her master’s degree and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at Wayne State University. This is Gretchen’s story.

This week, Tansley and Ryan unpack the biggest career myths we’ve all been told. From “follow your passion” to “climb the ladder.” Ryan shares why chasing passion might actually lead you in circles and diminish the joy you find in a hobby you are passionate about. Tansley challenges the idea of perfect work-life balance, arguing instead for a life filled with what truly fuels you. Together, they explore why lateral moves can spark just as much growth as promotions, and why “sales” isn’t a dirty word. It’s how we all move ideas forward.

Of Diet Coke and Falling Asleep to Bad Television: Building New Habits at Work and at Home

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Today’s guest is Jerry Paffendorf. Jerry is an artist, a Yooper, a skateboarder, and someone who enjoys a sauna. He is also the Co-Founder & CEO at Regrid with a mission to map out how the world is subdivided, owned, inhabited, and used in the form of land parcels, and help people put that data to work. This is Jerry’s story.

Negotiating pay can feel like walking a tightrope in dress shoes. 

Ryan’s been on both sides of the table, coaching candidates and now extending offers, and he’s seen how the script changes depending on your role, your leverage, and your timing. 

Tansley admits she once didn’t even know salary negotiation was a thing. The two unpack what compensation really means beyond the paycheck. From knowing how to start the conversation, to understanding how to collect enough information to make a decision. This one’s for anyone standing at the start of a new career path wondering just how much power they actually have.

Today’s guest is Vince Paul. Vince is an artist, a Detroiter, and boasts an alter ego, Tenacious V, who makes an appearance once a decade. He is also the President and Artistic Director of the Detroit Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts. Having dedicated decades to the arts, Vince spent most of his career in New York City or touring globally with theater, music, or dance productions. When the opportunity arose to lead the Detroit Music Hall, Vince knew it was an incredible chance to make a meaningful impact in his hometown through artistic experience. This is Vince’s story.

In this episode of Third Fork, Tansley and Ryan take a playful jab at the language of work. Those buzzwords and phrases that fill meetings, memos, and Teams/Zoom chats everywhere. 

From “innovation” to “synergy,” they unpack how jargon shapes culture, signals belonging, and sometimes hides the lack of actual doing. Ryan asks his favorite question: Will my future self roast me for saying this? Tansley reminds us that saying the right thing isn’t the same as doing the right thing. 

The conversation  hits close to home, and might make you rethink your next “low-hanging fruit.”

Today’s guest is Michael Randall. Mike is passionate about community development. He is an independent filmmaker, someone who enjoys a walk around the block, and crafting small cities out of cardboard. He is also the Executive Director at Grandmont Rosedale Development Corporation, where he leverages his passion and expertise to strengthen his community for the benefit of his family, neighbors, and the broader city. Mike’s goal is to “expand our work and impact the lives of our neighbors while inviting new families to live and build businesses in our community.” This is Mike’s story.