In this episode of Work Sucks, But I Like It, Sheldon Greaves, author of The Guerrilla Scholar’s Handbook, shares his unconventional approach to work, learning, and building a life around curiosity. Sheldon has worked as a DJ, substitute teacher, musician, tech writer, and ghostwriter, and he discusses why he refuses to limit himself to a single career path. 

We explore guerrilla scholarship, the idea that you don't need a university or traditional academic system to pursue knowledge, how curiosity can be cultivated like a muscle, and why learning doesn't always need to be "productive" or have an immediate practical purpose. 

Sheldon also talks about productivity, career changes, intellectual curiosity, and his philosophy of taking the job that interests you—and moving on when it no longer does. If you've ever felt pressured to pick a lane, wondered whether your interests need to serve a practical purpose, or simply want to build a more curious and interesting life, this conversation offers a different way to think about work, learning, productivity, and success.

Connect:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheldongreaves/

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Want to find out more? Check out the website:

www.worksucksbutilikeit.com

Burnout is not just exhaustion - it may be your life telling you that your purpose has drifted. Dr. Lorea Martínez Pérez reveals why purpose is not a destination, how to rebuild meaning in everyday work, and the emotional intelligence tools that can help you reconnect before cynicism and numbness take over. 

Tony sits down with Dr. Lorea Martínez Pérez, an emotional intelligence expert, creator of the Heart and Mind model, and author of Living with the Heart and Mind, who shares the personal burnout experience that pushed her to rewrite her own framework and the practical habits that helped her recover creativity, clarity, and direction. If you have ever felt stuck in repetition, detached from your work, or unsure what your contribution actually is, this conversation offers a clearer, kinder way forward.

Connect:

https://loreamartinez.com/

Want to be a guest on Work Sucks, But I Like It? Send Tony Tenaglier a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/worksucksbutlikeit

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Want to find out more? Check out the website:

www.worksucksbutilikeit.com

Most professionals stay trapped in toxic work environments because they don’t realize how much autonomy and self-awareness they’re giving up—until one moment of clarity changes everything. When Ben Fox left a high-paying tech startup after realizing how toxic leadership was eroding his well-being, he discovered a powerful truth: work is about remembering who you are and what you love. Now, he helps engineering leaders and tech professionals uncover their true path, whether that means quitting or shifting their mindset.

Whether you're in a toxic environment, feeling misaligned in your current role, or simply craving more autonomy, this episode offers actionable insights to take control and make work actually work for you. Perfect for tech leaders, software engineers, entrepreneurs, or anyone feeling stuck or overwhelmed by their work. If you're ready to stop settling for work that sucks and start creating a life that feels meaningful, this episode is your blueprint. Tune in now to discover how real change begins with awareness—and how you can turn your work into a tool for self-discovery, fulfillment, and freedom.

Guest Ben Fox is a career coach and mindset mentor for engineering leaders and tech professionals. His mission is to help you identify what truly matters, set healthy boundaries, and find the courage to shape a career that aligns with your values. Ben specializes in empowering clients to leave toxic environments and craft sustainable paths, rooted in authenticity and purpose.

Connect with Ben:

https://benfoxcoaching.com/

Want to be a guest on Work Sucks, But I Like It? Send Tony Tenaglier a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/worksucksbutlikeit

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Want to find out more? Check out the website:

www.worksucksbutilikeit.com

The science of work reveals how ethical frameworks and workplace design can transform your career—and why ignoring these insights keeps you stuck in burnout and conflict. Cynthia Morrow, an assistant professor specializing in the science of work, shares eye-opening strategies to rethink how we approach our jobs, workplaces, and careers. Y

ou’ll discover how invisible forces like incentive systems and psychological safety shape organizational behavior, and why many work problems are really systems problems, not personal failures. Whether you’re leading a team, planning your next career move, or just tired of workplace frustration, Cynthia’s research-backed advice offers practical ways to make work more meaningful and sustainable. 

Plus, she gives a sneak peek at her upcoming book Administrative Intelligence, which helps people understand their scope of influence inside organizations. This episode is for anyone ready to use the science of work to create better outcomes at work and beyond.

Connect with Cynthia:

https://www.evinarrative.com/

Want to be a guest on Work Sucks, But I Like It? Send Tony Tenaglier a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/worksucksbutlikeit

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Want to find out more? Check out the website:

www.worksucksbutilikeit.com

Most of us are living in a world where division, distraction, and superficial connections are the norm—and yet, our most powerful resource is right under our noses. What if mastering your emotions and reconnecting with community could be the game-changer you need to thrive in a fractured world? Anne Karber is a passionate entrepreneur and founder of the “And Project,” known for her work in emotional intelligence and leadership development. She’s on a mission to boost not just individual success, but a collective shift toward unity, vulnerability, and authentic connection. 

In this episode, you'll discover how increasing EQ can transform your leadership, relationships, and personal peace. We break down practical tactics to slow down in today’s fast-paced world—like simple exercises to enhance self-awareness, and how to reclaim your energy from social media’s clutches. Anne shares inspiring stories of men who’ve turned their emotional struggles into strengths, unlocking resilience and profound life changes. 

Plus, she exposes the profit-driven forces fueling division and outrage—and how you can fight back by cultivating community and inner peace. If you're ready to upgrade your emotional intelligence, forge meaningful bonds, and help heal a divided society, you won’t want to miss this conversation. If you’re tired of feeling out of control, caught in social media’s trap, and craving genuine connection, this episode holds the key.

Connect

https://letsgetnakedpodcast.com/

Want to be a guest on Work Sucks, But I Like It? Send Tony Tenaglier a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/worksucksbutlikeit

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Want to find out more? Check out the website:

www.worksucksbutilikeit.com

Why podcasting is still the best medium for authentic connection

Embracing the parts of work that suck

Humanizing even offenders

Secret behind dyslexia transformation

Optimal state of stress

Staying disciplined in work and life

Less of tasks, more of who you were meant to be

Your "X-factor"

Want to be a guest on Work Sucks, But I Like It? Send Tony Tenaglier a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/worksucksbutlikeit

Support the show

Want to find out more? Check out the website:

www.worksucksbutilikeit.com

Most people spend their lives chasing a vague sense of purpose—until they realize they're stuck in a job that saps their energy and passion. Paul Comfort reveals a simple but powerful framework to find your unique "X Factor," the intersection of your interests and abilities, that unlocks true fulfillment in work and life. Imagine waking up every day fired up to do what you love—and getting paid for it. 

In this episode, Paul shares his personal journey from media-savvy transit advocate to the host of the world's top transit podcast, all powered by discovering his own X Factor. He breaks down the moment he knew his career was missing something—hating a job that drained him—and how he pivoted using introspection and self-awareness to find his purpose. You'll discover how to identify your passions, leverage your skills, and recognize the right timing to make life-changing moves. 

Paul emphasizes practical tools—like assessing your pain points and quieting your mind—to help you dive inward and align your life with your true purpose Perfect for anyone feeling stuck, unfulfilled, or eager to wake up with a fire in their belly, this conversation offers practical insights to help you find your purpose and rise to your fullest potential. If you're ready to stop drifting and start living intentionally, tune in now.

Connect with Paul

https://paulcomfort.org/

Want to be a guest on Work Sucks, But I Like It? Send Tony Tenaglier a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/worksucksbutlikeit

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Want to find out more? Check out the website:

www.worksucksbutilikeit.com

Unlock the secret to transforming your work and life by understanding how clarity and alignment liberate your potential. Desi Bolin, founder of Virtually Source Solutions and host of the Catalyst Conversations podcast, reveals the mindset shifts and practical tools that help leaders and entrepreneurs discover their true purpose and stay connected to it. 

In this episode, she shares her personal journey from pain and overwhelm to clarity, purpose, and impact, while explaining how misalignment often shows up as stress, self-doubt, and burnout. You’ll learn how to recognize those signs, break free from limiting stories, and use intentional living to create more joy, peace, and fulfillment. If you’re ready to redefine success and align with your highest purpose, this conversation is for you.

Connect

Let’s Chat → https://talkwithdesi.com

Learn More → https://virtuallysourced.com

Want to be a guest on Work Sucks, But I Like It? Send Tony Tenaglier a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/worksucksbutlikeit

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Want to find out more? Check out the website:

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Most people think success comes from luck or productivity hacks, but Brandon LaNette reveals the real secret behind her thriving podcasts and unstoppable resilience. In this episode, she shares the raw truth about balancing chaos and purpose as a homeschooling mom of six and veteran podcast host, building a growing podcasting business from a home full of kids, pets, and nonstop responsibilities without sacrificing authenticity. 

You’ll hear why “balance” is a myth, how resilience and discipline matter more than motivation, and how she keeps showing up even when everything feels overwhelming. Brandon also opens up about the routines, habits, and mindset shifts that help her manage it all, embrace imperfection, and stay committed to her mission. If you’re an entrepreneur, parent, or creator feeling stretched thin, this episode is a reminder that your story, your grit, and your willingness to keep going are what make you truly special.

Connect:

https://brandenlanette.com/

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Want to find out more? Check out the website:

www.worksucksbutilikeit.com

Most of us overlook the secret that’s quietly driving our burnout—our nervous system. Amy Grimm, a success and well-being coach with a background as a veterinarian, reveals how understanding and managing your energy levels can stop burnout in its tracks before it spirals out of control. In this eye-opening episode, Amy breaks down how stress isn’t all bad—and how your perception of it shapes everything. You’ll discover how to identify signs of over-giving and depletion long before burnout hits, using simple somatic techniques and awareness practices that anyone can start today. 

She shares the Yerkes-Dodson curve, showing exactly how too much effort sabotages performance—and how to find that optimal "sweet spot" of eustress. Amy also dives into the hidden impact of past experiences on your nervous system and decision-making, revealing how our personal histories color our current stress and energy levels. Facing uncertainty is unavoidable, but Amy offers a powerful mindset shift: decision-making isn’t about choosing the “right” path but about trusting yourself to adapt. If you're tired of feeling stuck in the same job, overwhelmed by systemic pressures, or just want to create a more sustainable career, this episode is your wake-up call. 

Whether you're a busy professional, a leader, or someone seeking meaning beyond burnout, Amy’s insights help you reclaim control—by understanding your energy, managing stress intentionally, and building resilience from within. This isn’t just theory—these practical tools can transform your relationship with work and life before burnout becomes permanent. Tune in if you’re ready to see burnout as a boundary issue, not a life sentence. Your healthier, more energized future starts here.

Connect:

https://burnoutfreeme.kit.com/burnoutfix

Support the show

Want to find out more? Check out the website:

www.worksucksbutilikeit.com