Episode 55: Using Humor to Heal Workplace Stress with Marcus aka Not Your Average Coward

In this laugh-filled and insightful episode, Jess & Claude sit down with Marcus — content creator, dad of three, and the viral voice behind Not Your Average Coward. They dive into how Marcus went from catastrophe adjuster to comedy relief for burned-out professionals, all while juggling parenting and content creation.

From memes that hit too close to home to breathing exercises that actually help, Marcus shares how humor, boundaries, and community can transform how we cope with modern work life. Whether you're in a cubicle or on a Zoom call, this episode reminds you that laughter is more than a coping mechanism — it's a leadership tool.

💡 Key Takeaways:

• Marcus started creating content as a stress relief outlet on Instagram; but really he not so secretly is using this for his auditions for being Survivor!
• His wife (and real-life MVP) inspired his mindset shift and supports his creative journey.
• Humor can build connections, drop guards, and open conversations at work.
• Making fun of stressful situations can be a way to process them.
• Setting clear boundaries is essential for protecting your peace.
• Content creation doesn't have to disrupt family life — it can blend in.
• Walking meetings and breathing techniques help reduce stress.
• Humor isn’t just funny — it’s healing.

Follow Marcus on social:
 📸 Instagram | 🎵 TikTok | 📘 Facebook | 🔗 YouTube
@NotYourAverageCoward

And don’t forget to rate, follow, and share if this episode made you laugh, breathe deeper, or finally set that out-of-office!

#WorkBesties #NotYourAverageCoward #WorkplaceWellness #ContentCreatorLife #WorkHumor #SetBoundaries #DadLife #HumorHeals #WorkStress

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This week, Jess & Claude are joined by Alan Lazaros and Kevin Palmieri from Next Level University—two long-time friends and business partners who have recorded over 2,000 episodes and built a movement around personal development and daily growth.

Tune in as we dive into:

• How their friendship is the foundation of everything they’ve built.
• Why being vulnerable and open is essential in leadership.
• The daily grind of content creation—and how they’ve stayed consistent for nearly a decade.
• What’s changed (and what hasn’t) in podcasting since 2015.
• Their mission to help others grow by 1% every day.
• The importance of having a bestie who gives honest feedback and lifts you up.
• How they’re giving back through a charity for single parents.

If you’re building with a bestie or dreaming of launching something with impact—this episode will remind you that the journey is better (and more powerful) when you do it together.

🎙️ Now streaming on Apple, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms.

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This week, Jess and Claude sit down with the incredible Heather Stewart, a former high-flying CPA turned life coach, who gets real about what it took to walk away from a corporate life that was slowly burning her out.

Heather shares how she hit pause on the chaos, learned to put herself first (for real this time), and now helps others do the same. This is the self-care convo your inner people-pleaser really needs to hear.

From breaking generational patterns of self-sacrifice to getting comfortable asking for help, Heather gives us permission to stop surviving and start thriving. Think of this episode as a warm hug with a gentle push to start putting yourself on the damn priority list.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why hitting rock bottom can be the start of something beautiful
• How to navigate overwhelm when life feels like too much
• The power of small steps (and why they matter more than you think)
• Generational beliefs around self-worth and sacrifice
• How changing your mindset can ripple out and change your community
• Why asking for help is a flex, not a failure

If you've ever thought, “I just need to get through this week,” this one’s for you.

Let’s keep the convo going — DM us your favorite takeaway @workbestieswhopodcast on IG or drop a review if Heather gave you a needed wake-up call 

Contact Heather Stewart - https://heatherstewart.coach/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/heatherstewartcoaching/

FB - https://www.facebook.com/heatherstewartcoaches

YT - https://www.youtube.com/@HeatherStewartCoaching

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Feeling Burnt Out? You Might Just Need a Break (Literally).

In this powerful episode of Work Besties, Jess & Claude dive into why taking breaks at work isn’t lazy—it’s essential. Discover the surprising science behind how breaks can actually boost your productivity, creativity, and focus, and learn why skipping them may be killing your performance.

They unpack:

• Why your brain needs downtime to stay sharp
• How to use breaks to prevent burnout
• Quick, actionable ways to reset your mind and body (even on a busy day)
• How connecting with your coworkers on a break can improve your mood and your work

If you're constantly powering through the day, this episode will change how you work—for good. Stick around to the end for their top tip that instantly recharges your brain in 90 seconds or less.

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In this enlightening episode, Jess and Claude sit down with Sarah Sherwal, a Melbourne-based numerologist who brings a fresh, grounded perspective to the ancient practice of numerology.

Sarah dives into what numerology really is — beyond the stereotypes — and explains how numbers can offer insight into your personality, life path, and even the timing of key decisions. She shares her journey into the world of numerology, how it works, and how anyone can start incorporating it into their daily life for more clarity and confidence.

Whether you're a curious skeptic or a spiritual seeker, this conversation will open your eyes to how numbers might just be the missing piece in your self-discovery toolkit.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• What numerology is and how it differs from astrology
• How your birthdate and name can reveal hidden strengths and challenges
• How can numerology influence someone’s personal or professional success?
• Bonus! The specific numbers that will bring you wealth

Connect with Sarah Sherwal and listen to her webinars for free:

website: http://www.energyawakening.com.au

email address: [email protected]

IG: https://www.instagram.com/sarasherwal950

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@energyawakening 

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🎉 50 Episodes Later… We’re Just Getting Started 🎙️💖

What began as a wild idea between two work besties has turned into 50 episodes of laughs, lessons, and serious growth. From fumbling through our first recordings to finding our voice, this journey has been real — and we’re bringing you behind the scenes for our milestone moment.

In this episode, we’re reflecting on:
 ✨ The glow-up from episode 1 to now
 🧠 How imposter syndrome still creeps in
 📅 Our behind-the-scenes planning evolution
 💨 Quitting smoking & making space for wellness
 📣 The power of YOUR feedback
 💌 And why we’re more grateful than ever

This one’s personal, honest, and full of love for everyone who’s been riding with us. Whether you’ve listened to one episode or all fifty — we couldn’t do this without you.

🎧 Hit play and celebrate with your work besties. Let’s gooo 🚀
 #WorkBestiesWhoPodcast #Episode50 #Gratitude #PodcastGlowUp #WellnessJourney #CreatorsSupportingCreators

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In this episode, Jess and Claude sit down with Dr. Kate Ricciardi, a functional dietitian who shares her powerful personal journey from years of digestive struggles to lasting wellness. Together, they explore how gut health directly impacts workplace energy, mood, and hormones, and why even trained professionals can get stuck in the conventional cycle.

Kate dives into the gut-brain connection, breaking down how food sensitivities, inflammation, and stress affect everything from emotional eating to daily productivity. She offers clear, approachable steps for listeners looking to heal from the inside out—emphasizing mindset, habit change, and the importance of support systems.

Whether you're curious about functional nutrition, dealing with burnout, or ready to take control of your health, this conversation is filled with practical strategies you can start today.

Find more about Gut Health and Dr. Kate Ricciardi here:

Website --> https://www.digestionbydesign.com/

Instagram--> https://www.instagram.com/digestionbydesign

Facebook--> https://www.facebook.com/digestionbydesign

LinkedIn--> https://www.linkedin.com/in/drkatericciardi/

#podmatch

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What happens when your career takes an unexpected pivot—from high-powered agent to published author—and your work friendships evolve into personal lifelines?

In this episode, Jess and Claude dive deep with Clélia Castro-Malaspina, a former literary agent turned award-winning children’s author, who’s rewriting the rules of connection, creativity, and career.

💬 We talk:

• How critique groups can save your sanity—and your story
• What coffee shops and connection have in common
• Why keeping work friendships alive can launch your next chapter
• And how to build meaningful support networks in remote or creative careers

Clélia also opens up about her powerful new book, Girls with Goals: How Women’s Soccer Took Over the World—a fierce, inspiring history of the women who kicked down barriers, built a global movement, and lit the way for future generations of female athletes. 🌍⚽

Whether you're chasing a dream, changing careers, or cheering from the sidelines—this episode is for you.

🎧 Plus: Learn how her first book, Your Freedom, Your Power, teaches kids the First Amendment like never before—one protest sign at a time. 🗽📚

📅 Girls with Goals hits shelves May 6th in the U.S. and May 8th in the UK—published by Holler, an imprint of Quarto.

 📚 Your Freedom, Your Power is out now from Running Press Kids.

🔗 Connect with Clélia:
Website: https://mossypinescreative.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mossypinesclelia/

✨ Come for the book talk, stay for the inspiration—and maybe the goosebumps.

🎙️ Listen now on all platforms or watch the full conversation on YouTube.

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What if building a more inclusive workplace wasn’t as complicated or corporate as you think

This week on Work Besties Who Podcast, Claude and Jess sit down with powerhouse inclusion expert and author Delphia Howze — and this conversation will change how you show up at work 🔥

Delphia, whose new book Including You: Leading Inclusion From Where You Are is a must-read, shares why inclusion is a personal responsibility, not just something for HR or leadership to figure out

She delivers real, honest advice about modeling inclusive behavior, understanding our biases, and why grace and self-reflection are essential tools for real change

If you’ve ever felt excluded, wondered how to actually make a difference, or wanted to be a better ally — this episode gives you the roadmap
 And yes, it starts with your work besties too

✨ Inclusion isn’t optional
 ✨ Leadership is everyone’s job
 ✨ Changing the culture starts with you

Come listen — your future team will thank you

Follow Delphia Howze on LinkedIn, Instagram, Website

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You, Me, We: Why Work Besties Are a Career Superpower (with Morag Barrett) 

Ready to upgrade your 9–5 relationships from “cordial coworkers” to ride-or-die allies? In this energizing episode, Jess & Claude sit down with leadership expert and author Morag Barrett to chat about why having work besties isn’t just nice—it’s necessary.

Drawing from her brilliant book You, Me, We, Why we all NEED a Friend at Work; Morag shares actionable tips on how to build meaningful connections at work, navigate tricky power dynamics, and bring emotional awareness into every meeting (without the eye rolls). From small talk that actually matters to shifting from a “me” to a “we” mindset, this episode is packed with wisdom, laughs, and a whole lot of heart.

Take a listen if you’re ready to: 💼 Build real friendships at work
🤝 Shift into a culture of allyship
📣 Speak up with confidence in any room
✨ Make your workplace feel more you

Because when you’ve got the right people beside you, work just works better. 

Follow or Connect With Morag Barrett here

Website-https://skyeteam.com/

LinkedIn-https://www.linkedin.com/in/moragbarrett/

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@SkyeTeam

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/moragjbarrett/

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