#382: In this episode of GT Radio, Josué is joined by Lara Taylor and returning guest Kayla Devorak to talk about something deceptively important: office spaces and how we decorate them. What starts as a conversation about geeky decorations quickly becomes a deeper discussion about identity, comfort, professionalism, burnout, and how physical spaces communicate who we are—especially in helping professions.

Kayla shares her experience building out a brand-new office from scratch after a long stretch without a personal workspace. From Star Wars art and LEGO helmets to Vault Boy bobbleheads and Lord of the Rings wall prints, she walks through the intentional choices behind what she displays, how it feels to slowly reclaim a space, and how decorations have already sparked conversations with coworkers and students.

The group reflects on how offices act as extensions of the self, whether you’re working in person, remotely, or in hybrid settings. Josué and Lara share stories from past therapy offices, home offices, and telehealth setups, highlighting how geeky décor can reduce barriers, invite curiosity, and help clients and colleagues feel more at ease. At the same time, they discuss boundaries, overstimulation, and the reality that not every workplace welcomes visible self-expression.

The episode also explores practical strategies for decorating when options are limited—shared offices, strict workplace rules, or virtual backgrounds—including subtle choices like desk items, mouse pads, hats, mugs, calendars, and even what appears behind you on camera. The conversation touches on how backgrounds, bookshelves, and visual cues can unintentionally send messages, spark assumptions, or invite meaningful dialogue.

Ultimately, the episode emphasizes that decorating your office isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about sustainability, authenticity, and making spaces that support both the people you serve and yourself.

Characters / Media Mentioned:

• Star Wars (Princess Leia helmet, Death Star art, Buddy Jesus comparison)
• Fallout (Vault Boy)
• Spider-Man
• Lord of the Rings
• Baldur’s Gate
• Dungeons & Dragons / TTRPGs
• Batman (1960s TV series, shark repellent Bat-spray)
• Doctor Who (Van Gogh / exploding TARDIS reference)
• Marvel Comics (Cosmic-era print)
• Buffy the Vampire Slayer
• My Little Pony
• Frozen (Arendelle mural)
• Horizon Zero Dawn (Tallneck LEGO set)
• Animal Crossing
• LEGO (sets, minifigs, wall plates)
• Minecraft
• Mass Effect
• Ni no Kuni

Themes / Topics Discussed:

• Identity Expression at Work
• Office Decoration and Self-Disclosure
• Professionalism vs. Authenticity
• Burnout Prevention
• Geek Culture in Helping Professions
• Telehealth Backgrounds and Visual Fatigue
• Conversation Starters and Rapport-Building
• Accessibility and Comfort
• Boundaries in Shared or Restrictive Workspaces
• Environmental Psychology

Relatable Experiences:

• Starting a New Job with a Blank Office
• Feeling Unsure How Much of Yourself to Show at Work
• Using Decor to Feel More Comfortable or Grounded
• Being Curious About What Someone’s Office Says About Them
• Navigating Workplace Rules Around Personalization
• Feeling More “On Your Game” When You Can Be Yourself
• Worrying About Being Too Much—or Not Enough
• Wanting Workspaces to Feel Human, Not Sterile

Join the conversation on the GT Forum at https://forum.geektherapy.org, or connect with the Geek Therapy Network on Discord, Mastodon, and other platforms linked at https://geektherapy.org.

What does your workspace say about you?
Have decorations ever helped you connect with a client, coworker, or student?
What’s one geeky item you’d love to add to your office—or finally take out?