Summary

Welcome to the first episode of Season 2 of The Workmatters Podcast! In this episode, hosts Brandon Swoboda, Keisha Fowler, and Darrel Harvey kick off Season 2 with an honest, timely conversation about the realities facing today’s workforce. Drawing from their own experiences and recent insights from Brené Brown, the team opens up about the struggles so many employees and leaders are carrying with them to work every day.

Additionally, the conversation goes deeper than just identifying challenges. Keisha suggests that workplaces have the potential to become sanctuaries where people can truly bring their whole selves, imagining a shift where work serves as a space for connection, healing, and being seen as fully human. Darrel highlights the importance of lament as a neglected but powerful practice in Christian life and work, providing a step-by-step guide to naming pain, affirming trust in God, and rooting ourselves in gratitude.

The trio tackles questions such as: How can leaders regulate themselves before caring for their teams? How do we invite vulnerability and hope into the workplace? And what does it look like to create community, even in high-pressure environments?

If you’ve ever felt alone, overwhelmed, or unsure how to integrate your faith with your daily work, this episode is packed with wisdom, empathy, and practical ideas. Discover how to see work as more than just a job, it’s a space where God meets you, shapes you, and empowers you to make a difference!

Show Notes

00:00 Introduction

03:15 Work as a Healing Sanctuary

10:16 Being Christian at Work

15:02 Rediscovering the Art of Lament

23:04 Practical Steps for Emotional Regulation

26:17 Daily Reflection with Examen

27:32 Exploring Work as Spiritual Formation

31:39 Closing Thoughts

Links

Brandon Swoboda

Darrel Harvey

Workmatters

Keisha Fowler

Simmons Foods