Truth, Lies and Work

By HubSpot Podcast NetworkBusiness Health & Fitness Mental Health Management

Truth, Lies and Work episodes

August 28, 2025 227. Why Doing One New Thing Every Week Could Change Your Life, with behavioural scientist Patrick Fagan
Welcome back to Truth, Lies & Work, the award-winning podcast where behavioural science meets workplace culture — brought to you by the HubSpot Podcast Network. I’m Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott, joined as always by business owner Al Elliott, and together we simplify the science of work.
This week’s guest is Patrick Fagan — behavioural scientist, bestselling author, and consultant on influence and psychology. Patrick spent a year doing something completely new every single week, from joining cults to attending cuddle workshops, from My Little Pony conventions to colonic irrigation, all to see how novelty shapes happiness, memory, and meaning.
His reflections are part science, part personal experiment — and the lessons go way beyond fun stories. They show us how leaders, teams, and individuals can use novelty and experience design to build happier, more connected, and more creative lives.

🔥 What We Cover
📌 The science of novelty and happiness
Why our brains crave new experiences — and how they can literally make life feel longer.

📌 52 weeks, 52 experiments
From cult meetings to cuddle workshops, what Patrick learned by pushing himself into the uncomfortable and unusual.

📌 Pleasure vs purpose
The psychology of why struggle and awkwardness can create deeper meaning than comfort alone.

📌 From marketing to management
What behavioural science and experiential retail can teach leaders about creating workplaces that people remember.

📌 Practical takeaways
Why even small changes — like trying a new recipe or changing your work setting — can transform how you feel about life and work.

🎧 Want more from Patrick Fagan?
– Website (consulting, behavioural science): https://patrickfagan.co.uk/
– “Just Do Stuff” blog (Patrick’s 52 experiences): https://justdostuff.co.uk/

🧠 Support with Mental Health and Well-being
– Mind UK: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/
– Samaritans (UK): Call 116 123 or email [email protected]

📬 Connect with Al & Leanne
– LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork
– Al Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott
– Leanne Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne
– Email: [email protected]
– Book a call: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat

43 min
August 26, 2025 226. Ranking the Wildest Workplace Stories of 2025 (So Far) - Summer Sessions Episode 4
Welcome back to Truth, Lies & Work, the award-winning podcast where behavioural science meets workplace culture — brought to you by the HubSpot Podcast Network. Hosted by Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott, we’re here to simplify the science of work.
This week, we’re rolling out a brand-new format: Ranking the Wildest Workplace Stories of 2025. From four-day weeks to CEO meltdowns, overemployment scams to viral kiss cams, these are the headlines shaping work this year — and we’re grading them like a school report card.
Some get an A+. Some fail spectacularly. All of them tell us something about where work is headed.
🔥 The Stories We Cover
📌 🌍 200 UK Companies Go Four-Day Week
A permanent shift for over 5,000 workers. Future of productivity or privileged luxury?
📌 🤬 Jamie Dimon’s WFH Rant
The JPMorgan CEO’s viral meltdown over hybrid petitions. Authentic leadership or toxic boomer energy?
📌 🤖 Duolingo’s AI-First Revolution
Replacing writers and translators with AI. Bold innovation or corporate creativity-killer?
📌 💼 Soham Parekh’s Overemployment Scam
One man, four startups, 140-hour weeks. Audacious hustle or scam that risks remote work trust?
📌 🎵 Kiss Cam Coldplay CEO Affair
Caught live at a concert — and out of a job days later. Just comedy, or proof of workplace power imbalance?
📌 🔥 Sydney Sweeney “Jeans or Genes” Ad
A viral American Eagle campaign gone global. Smart controversy marketing or harmful echo of eugenics?
🧠 Support with Mental Health and Well-being
– Mind UK: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/
– Samaritans (UK): Call 116 123 or email [email protected]
📬 Connect with Al & Leanne
– LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork
– Al Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott
– Leanne Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne
– Email: [email protected]
– Book a call: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat

54 min
August 21, 2025 225. The ‘Ta-Da’! Philosophy: Why Fun Could Save Your Workplace, with Joel Zeff
Welcome back to Truth, Lies & Work, the award-winning podcast where behavioural science meets workplace culture, brought to you by the HubSpot Podcast Network.
Hosted by Leanne Elliott, Chartered Occupational Psychologist and business owner, Al Elliott, together they help you simplify the science of work.
This week’s summer session is about something we don’t talk about enough: fun.
Our guest, Joel Zeff — keynote speaker, improv performer, and workplace energy expert — believes that celebrating small wins with a simple “ta-da!” can transform how your team feels and performs.
Forget forced fun and ping pong tables. Joel’s approach is about authentic energy, appreciation, and joy.

🔥 What We Cover

📌 Why fun matters at work
Joel shares why fun isn’t a distraction, but the secret sauce for engagement, retention, and genuine performance.

📌 Dumb Ass Managers
The managers who drain energy and destroy creativity — and how to avoid becoming one.

📌 The ‘Ta-Da’ philosophy
How celebrating everyday wins can rebuild motivation, positivity, and connection.

📌 Appreciation as leadership
Joel explains why recognising people is the simplest, most powerful tool managers have.

🎧 Want more from Joel Zeff?
– Website: https://www.joelzeff.com/
– LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joelzeff/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thejoelzeff/

🧠 Support with Mental Health and Well-being
– Mind UK: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/
– Samaritans (UK): Call 116 123 or email [email protected]

📬 Connect with Al & Leanne
– LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork
– Al Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott
– Leanne Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne
– Email: [email protected]
– Book a call: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat
48 min
August 19, 2025224. How to protect your people (and yourself) in uncertain times (Truth, Lies & Work x Nerd Journey)
Welcome back to Truth, Lies & Work, the award-winning podcast where behavioural science meets workplace culture. Hosted by Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott, we’re here to simplify the science of work.
This week is a special crossover: our conversation with Jon White and Nick Korte, co-hosts of the brilliant Nerd Journey podcast.
In this two-part series, we dig into what makes teams thrive (and fail), the skills most managers never get taught, and how to navigate careers in uncertain times.
👉 Listen to Part 1 on Nerd Journey here:
https://nerd-journey.com/task-cohesion-managing-a-larger-team-in-a-flatter-organization-amidst-a-climate-of-uncertainty-with-al-and-leanne-elliott-1-2/
👉 Listen to Part 2 on Nerd Journey here:
https://nerd-journey.com/champion-your-people-role-clarity-for-the-ic-in-the-chaotic-world-of-work-with-al-and-leanne-elliott-2-2/
🔥 What We Cover
The hidden skills every great manager needs — and why most never get trained in them.

How to navigate career pivots without losing confidence (even if it feels like you’re starting over).

The difference between being a “boss” and being a leader who actually develops people.

Why Jon and Nick believe the best career stories come from mistakes and detours, not perfect planning.

The surprising lessons they’ve learned from 300+ interviews with tech professionals.
🎧 Want more from Jon & Nick?
Nerd Journey Podcast: https://www.nerd-journey.com

Connect with Jon White on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonwhite173/

Connect with Nick Korte on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickkorte/
🧠 Support with Mental Health and Well-being
Mind UK: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/

Samaritans (UK): Call 116 123 or email [email protected]
📬 Connect with Al & Leanne
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork

Al Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott

Leanne Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne

Email: [email protected]

Book a call: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat
47 min
August 14, 2025223. Why small talk is exhausting (according to science), with Associate Professor John Michel
Welcome back to Truth, Lies & Work, the award-winning podcast where behavioural science meets workplace culture — brought to you by the HubSpot Podcast Network, the audio destination for business professionals.
Hosted by Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott, this is your Thursday deep-dive with a workplace expert.

🎙️ This Week's Guest: John Michel
Associate Professor at Loyola University of Maryland, John discovered that awkward small talk doesn't just make people uncomfortable — it leads to emotional exhaustion, the precursor to burnout. His research reveals the dark side of workplace chatter that's hiding in plain sight.

💡 Key Takeaways from John Michel
Surface-level is better. Until trust develops, keep workplace conversations professional. Personal topics can harm professional image.

Forced fun backfires. Don't mandate Fun Fridays. Organic socializing builds stronger relationships than manufactured activities.

Uncomfortable conversations isolate. Bad small talk makes people feel excluded, reducing their support network and increasing burnout risk.

🎧 Want more from John Michel?
– Website: https://johnwmichel.wordpress.com/
– LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-michel-33883a5/

🎧 Enjoying the show?
Follow, share, and leave us a review — and join us Tuesday for our summer session where we chat about the fun side of work.

🧠 Support with Mental Health and Well-being
– Mind UK: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/
– Samaritans (UK): Call 116 123 or email [email protected]

📬 Connect with Al & Leanne
– LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork
– Al Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott
– Leanne Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne
– Email: [email protected]
– Book a call: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat
45 min
August 12, 2025 222. Ask old people! Answering Reddit’s funniest nostalgia questions - Summer Sessions Episode 3
It’s week three of our Summer Sessions and in the same week AOL dial-up finally went quiet, we’re taking a trip down memory lane… with help from Reddit’s Ask Old People thread.
Armed with gin, sunscreen, and questionable wisdom, we answer some of the internet’s best nostalgia questions — from “what’s a behaviour you no longer tolerate” to “how did we find out a song name before Shazam?” Plus, we unpack the workplace quirks, fashion crimes, and tech disasters that shaped our early careers.

🔥 What We Cover

📌 Back in our day…
From office smoking rooms to fax machine rage, we share the work habits and cultural norms we’re glad to leave in the past.

📌 Career curveballs
The ‘Plan B’ moments that turned out better than Plan A — and why it’s worth embracing the detours.

📌 Finding music before the internet
Yes, it involved cassette tapes, patience, and sometimes a lot of guesswork.

📌 What really earns respect
The small but meaningful actions that instantly win us over in colleagues and leaders.

📌 Stress that didn’t exist
What younger generations worry about now that simply wasn’t on our radar growing up.

🧠 Support with Mental Health and Well-being
– Mind UK: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/
– Samaritans (UK): Call 116 123 or email [email protected]

📬 Connect with Al & Leanne
– LinkedIn: Truth, Lies & Work
– Al Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott
– Leanne Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne
– Email: [email protected]
– Book a call: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat
56 min
August 07, 2025 221. Is chasing success making you unhappy? With Carolina Lasso, former Google and AmEx high-flyer
This week’s guest is Carolina Lasso — a former Google and AmEx high-flyer who, on her 34th birthday, realised she had everything she'd ever worked for… and felt absolutely nothing.
What followed was a six-month sabbatical, a solo trip around the world, and a radical redefinition of what it means to be successful.
Let’s get into it.

🔑 Key Takeaways
📌 When achievement becomes identity
Carolina opens up about using her accomplishments to feel loved, and how this deep-rooted drive masked real emotional needs — until her health and happiness collapsed.

📌 “I am busy” isn’t a flex
She explains why constantly saying you're “too busy” might be a warning sign, not a badge of honour — and how to start replacing output obsession with genuine wellbeing.

📌 Flourishing isn’t about being happy all the time
Forget peak performance. Carolina’s idea of success is being able to say, “I am well,” even when things aren’t perfect — and she shares how to get there.

📌 Your ego isn’t your enemy
In a surprising twist, Carolina reframes the ego as a protective force. When it’s chasing achievement, it’s often trying to secure love and belonging.

🔗 Resources & Links
Explore Carolina’s work:
🌐 https://www.carolinalasso.com

Follow her journey on Instagram:
📸 https://www.instagram.com/carolinalasso_/

Connect on LinkedIn:
💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinalasso

🧠 Support with Mental Health and Well-being
– Mind UK: ⁠mind.org.uk/information-support
– Samaritans (UK): Call 116 123 or email ⁠[email protected]

📬 Connect with Al & Leanne
– LinkedIn: Truth, Lies & Work
– Al Elliott: ⁠linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott
– Leanne Elliott: ⁠linkedin.com/in/meetleanne
– Email: ⁠[email protected]
– Book a call: ⁠savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat

44 min
August 05, 2025 220. Remote Work Roulette: the best (and worst) places we’ve ever worked - Summer Sessions, Episode 2
This is Episode 2 of our Summer Sessions — and this week, we’re going global. After visiting nearly 50 countries together, we’re spilling the tea on where to go, where to avoid, and how to actually get work done without melting, buffering, or losing your mind.
From long-stays in Southeast Asia to one-night stands in Northern Europe, we’re unpacking the joy and chaos of remote work around the world. Expect real talk, surprising tips, and at least one mosquito-related meltdown.
🔥 What We Cover

📌 Best countries for remote working
Where Wi-Fi, weather, and work-life balance all hit that sweet spot (hint: not Bali).

📌 Holiday vs. Nomad: don’t get it twisted
Why not every dreamy destination is cut out for your inbox.

📌 Places we’ll never return to (for work)
Loud, cold, lonely or just plain awkward — the countries that didn’t make the cut.

📌 The unexpected winners
Countries we didn’t expect to love as a base… but it totally surprised us.

🧠 Support with Mental Health and Well-being
– Mind UK: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/
– Samaritans (UK): Call 116 123 or email [email protected]

📬 Connect with Al & Leanne
– LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork
– Al Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott
– Leanne Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne
– Email: [email protected]
– Book a call: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat

55 min
July 31, 2025219. What is holiday anxiety - and why can’t we switch off? With clinical psychologist, Dr Elaine Smith
This week we’re breaking down the science behind switching off — and how to finally reclaim your holidays. From boundary-setting to return-to-work anxiety, clinical psychologist Dr. Elaine Smith shares what it really takes to disconnect (without guilt).

🔥 What We Cover

📌 Email addiction is real
Dr. Elaine explains why our brains are wired to check messages — even on holiday — and how to break that cycle with simple psychological strategies.

📌 Setting better boundaries at work
From crystal-clear out-of-office messages to handling pushy colleagues, Elaine lays out exactly how to protect your time off without burning bridges.

📌 Toxic holiday cultures
We hear from a listener who was told to check emails daily while on leave — and got angry messages when they didn’t. Elaine breaks down what’s really happening in these workplaces and how to respond.

📌 The secret to a smooth return
Why your return-to-work inbox shouldn’t ruin your last two days off — and Elaine’s practical plan for managing the emotional spike that comes with coming back.

🎧 Want more from Dr. Elaine Smith?
Explore her work: www.drelainesmith.com

Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-elaine-smith-creating-compassionate-workplaces/

Try her Holiday Headspace masterclass:
https://www.drelainesmith.com/beat-annual-leave-anxiety
Use code truthlieswork20 for 20% off (normally £39)
🧠 Support with Mental Health and Well-being
– Mind UK: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/
– Samaritans (UK): Call 116 123 or email [email protected]
📬 Connect with Al & Leanne
– LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork
– Al Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott
– Leanne Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne
– Email: [email protected]
– Book a call: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat
42 min
July 29, 2025 218. The F-ckup Files: Our biggest work (and life!) failures. Summer Sessions, Episode 1
This week we’re diving into our biggest professional disasters — and the personal embarrassments we still think about in the shower. From losing £103k on a failed business to being demoted out of a dream job, these are the moments that shaped us. And the ones we usually keep quiet.
Recorded poolside with a gin in hand, this is the first of our Summer Sessions — stripped-back, slightly tipsy, and very real.

🔥 What We Cover
📌 Leanne’s first big management flop
The dream promotion that turned into a living panic — and what she learned about boundaries, leadership, and starting again after being publicly demoted.

📌 Al’s bankruptcy at 26
The booze delivery startup that collapsed under licensing laws — and the brutal lessons in risk, resilience, and recovering from £103k of debt.

📌 Public fails and poolside humiliation
Leanne’s wedding faceplant in Thailand. Al’s Tesco meat counter catastrophe. We relive the awkward moments that taught us more than any win ever has.

📌 Why failure is worth sharing
We talk honestly about panic attacks, identity crises, and the long tail of shame — and why we still believe in taking big swings.

🎧 Want more from Truth, Lies & Work?
– Website: https://truthliesandwork.com
– LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork
– Al Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott
– Leanne Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne
– Email: [email protected]
– Book a call: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat

🧠 Support with Mental Health and Well-being
– Mind UK: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/
– Samaritans (UK): Call 116 123 or email [email protected]
53 min