Season 2, Episode 8: Why Does It Feel So Wrong (or Good) to Gossip at Work?

Episode Description

“Don’t tell anyone, but…” As soon as you hear those words, you lean in. Gossip—it’s irresistible, unavoidable, and often misunderstood.

In this juicy and thoughtful episode of Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Be Human at Work?, hosts Pinaki Kathiari and Chris Lee explore the complicated nature of gossip in the workplace. Is it toxic? Is it therapeutic? Or is it something in between?

They dig into:

• Why gossip is inevitable—and maybe even necessary
• The fine line between venting and tearing others down
• How gossip builds bonds but can break trust
• The role of culture, leadership, and communication gaps in fueling rumors
• When to use gossip strategically (yes, really)
• Why being left out of the loop feels like exile

From The Office’s Michael Scott and family drama to internal comms campaigns and informal influence networks, this episode is both lighthearted and layered, offering a refreshingly human take on a taboo topic.

Timestamps

• 00:00 – “Don’t tell anyone, but…”: Why we love secrets
• 02:00 – Family gossip, cultural roots, and generational drama
• 04:30 – Defining gossip: How it’s different from information
• 06:30 – Gossip as a spectrum: From malicious to useful
• 08:00 – Psychology Today search exercise: Three expert takes on gossip
• 10:30 – Why it’s satisfying to gossip (and why it’s so human)
• 13:00 – When managers weaponize gossip
• 15:00 – Constructive vs. corrosive: Who gossip serves and hurts
• 17:00 – Gossip as intel: Can it help you navigate people and decisions?
• 20:00 – Gossip as comms strategy: Using the “whisper network” intentionally
• 22:00 – What poor communication breeds: Rumors, not results
• 25:00 – How leaders can stop spinning and start listening
• 27:00 – Heart rate, fear, and sarcasm: Signals we might be miscommunicating
• 29:00 – Do some leaders avoid the truth? Why transparency matters
• 32:00 – Wisdom That Feels So Right + final thoughts

Wisdom That Feels So Right

• Brave New Work by Aaron Dignan
• Reality-Based Leadership by Cy Wakeman
• The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
• Gallagher 2025 Workforce Trends Report (produced by Sharn Kleiss)
• Psychology Today Search on “Gossip at Work”
• Transform Conference – Bold ideas for the future of HR and communication

Mic-Drop Moments

“Gossip is how humans download each other’s software updates.”

“If I’m talking about you to someone else, I’ve either already told you—or I’m ready to tell you now.”

“The more fear in your words, the less clarity in your message.”

Connect with Us

Pinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn | Local Wisdom

Chris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher Communication

Special Thanks

Much love to Local Wisdom for building a home for digital communication unicorns and celebrating 25 years of real talk and strong teams. Huge appreciation to Brielle Saracini for producing this podcast and to our amazing audio crew at SBX Productions (Vince, Taylor, and Bill) for keeping us crisp.

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going

Did this episode make you rethink how you talk about others—or yourself—at work? Got a gossip story with a twist? Share your take, tag us, or drop a DM. And if your team’s ready to tackle human workplace truths in a workshop or at your next conference, check out whydoesitfeelsowrong.com.

Special thanks to digital communication agency Local Wisdom (www.localwisdom.com) for really believing in our mission and making this podcast possible. 

If this episode made you think differently, laugh, or even yell out loud, we want to hear about it! Connect with us on LinkedIn, and don’t forget to rate, review, and share – maybe with your work bestie… or even your boss if you're feeling bold.

We also bring these important conversations to conferences and private workshops, creating space for real, meaningful change. Take the first step at www.whydoesitfeelsowrong.com.

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