Arin It Out

About Arin It Out

Arin It Out is a podcast where leadership meets life. Hosted by strategist, TEDx speaker ("Effective Leadership is TBD") and leadership development enthusiast Arin Patterson, this show unpacks what it really takes to lead well — in your career, your community, and your calling. Through candid conversations, practical lessons, and reflections drawn from her experience in organizational leadership, Arin helps emerging and seasoned leaders alike navigate purpose, growth, and influence. If you’ve ever wanted to "air it out" — the wins, the challenges, and the in-between moments of leadership and life — you’re in the right place. New episodes weekly. Subscribe and join the conversation!

Publisher

Arin Patterson

Category

business · education · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

1 Aug 2025

Latest episode

8 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

16 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   8 Sept 2026

   What Do You Want?!

   What do you actually want from your professional life? Not a job title. Not a specific company. Not the next logical step in your industry. What do you want? In this episode of Arin It Out, Arin shares how a list she created years ago—without a single job title on it—helped her get clear about the salary, flexibility, leadership, lifestyle, and professional experience she wanted. Years later, she realized she had gotten almost exactly what she asked for. Now, it’s time to make a new list. In this episode, we explore how to: • Get clear about what you actually want • Define the ingredients • Separate the WHAT from the WHERE • Stop expecting one job to give you everything • Update the list Because getting clear about what you want professionally isn't necessarily about finding one perfect job. Your professional life can include employment, entrepreneurship, volunteering, content creation, speaking, teaching, and more. You don't have to know the exact job title you're looking for. Get specific about what you want. Stay flexible about where it comes from. So, what do you want?

2. 

   25 Aug 2026

   Where Did My Motivation Go?

   What if the question isn’t “How do I get motivated?” but instead, “What’s been eroding my motivation?” In this episode of Arin It Out, Arin gets real about her own struggles with motivation and explores why losing motivation doesn’t always mean we’re lazy, undisciplined, or no longer want the things we’ve been working toward. Sometimes, our experiences slowly chip away at the motivation we already had. In this episode, we explore five things that can erode motivation: • Not experiencing enough wins • Boredom and lack of stimulation • Mental and physical depletion • Discouragement from having to keep fighting • Goals that simply feel too far away This isn’t just a career conversation—it’s a life conversation. Because what’s happening within us inevitably affects how we show up for our work, our relationships, our goals, and ourselves. And this week, we’re not trying to fix it. We’re simply asking: What’s eroding your motivation?

3. 

   21 Jul 2026

   The Comparison Trap

   Have you ever felt like you were falling behind because someone else seemed to be moving ahead? Comparison has a way of convincing us that we're late, not enough, or somehow missing out. But the truth is, your journey was never meant to look like anyone else's. In this episode of Arin It Out, Arin explores why comparison is one of the biggest obstacles to contentment and growth. Together, we'll unpack how comparison steals our joy, shifts our focus to other people's lives, and ignores the unique circumstances, timing, and purpose that make each of our stories different. Because success isn't about keeping pace with someone else—it's about faithfully walking your own path. In this episode, we'll discuss: • How comparison robs you of the joy in your journey • Why comparison quietly puts other people at the center of your life • The danger of ignoring the unique context of your own story • Practical ways to stay focused on your own growth and purpose Your journey is your journey. Stop measuring it by someone else's milestones.

4. 

   23 Jun 2026

   Look Again

   In this episode of Arin It Out, Arin explores the idea of "looking again"—at yourself, at other people, at your dreams, and at your circumstances. Drawing on psychology concepts like the primacy effect, confirmation bias, and growth mindset, this conversation challenges us to reconsider conclusions we've accepted as permanent. Because people change. Circumstances change. Perspectives change. And you change. Maybe the dream isn't dead. Maybe the relationship isn't what it once was. Maybe you're not the same person who tried before. Sometimes growth requires more than moving forward—it requires looking again. In this episode, we'll discuss: • Looking again at yourself • Looking again at others • Looking again at your dreams • Looking again at your circumstances What new information do you have now that you didn't have then?

5. 

   26 May 2026

   Growth Doesn't Happen Overnight (But it Happens)

   Season 2 of Arin It Out begins with an honest conversation about growth, disappointment, leadership, and becoming. After a several month break, Arin reflects on navigating unexpected setbacks, finishing the final stages of graduate school, continuing to speak and lead publicly, and learning how to trust the process even when life doesn’t unfold the way you planned. In this episode, we explore four avenues of growth: Growth Through Exposure Growth Through Disappointment Growth Through Commitment Growth Through Alignment Because growth doesn’t happen overnight… but it happens.

6. 

   7 Oct 2025

   What is Leadership?

   As Arin It Out closes its first season, host Arin Patterson goes back to the foundation with one essential question: What is leadership? Drawing on Silva’s (2016) five dimensions of leadership — process, influence, context, acceptance, and shared goals — Arin blends research, real-life stories, and practical reflection to help listeners see leadership not as a title, but as a living, evolving practice. From the memorable Graduation Gridlock story to lessons learned across education, nonprofit, and higher education leadership, this finale invites listeners to slow down, think deeply, and redefine what leadership means for them. In this episode, Arin helps you: Understand the five core dimensions of effective leadership Reflect on your own influence and leadership moments Learn how to adapt leadership to different contexts Explore how acceptance and trust shape true followership Build a personal Leadership Vision Framework through Purpose, People, Practice, and Promise This isn’t just a summary — it’s an invitation. As you look ahead to the new year, craft your own leadership vision and step into influence with clarity and confidence.

7. 

   30 Sept 2025

   Leading Without a Title

   Leadership doesn’t start with a promotion, a corner office, or even a job title. In this episode of Arin It Out, host Arin Patterson explores what it means to lead from where you are—without waiting for a title to give you permission. Drawing from her own career journey across education, higher ed, nonprofit management, and operations, Arin unpacks five keys to leading without a title: Why leadership starts with your posture, not your position How influence is earned through trust and credibility The power of everyday leadership moments The trap of clinging to titles and status Practical ways to add value and show leadership right now With stories, insights, and actionable takeaways, this episode challenges listeners to rethink what leadership really looks like in their own careers—and sets the stage for next week’s season finale, What Is Leadership?

8. 

   23 Sept 2025

   Follow the Leader

   In this episode of Arin It Out, host Arin Patterson unpacks why great leaders also know how to be great followers. Drawing from her own experiences, Arin shares how followership is more than obedience—it’s about respect, alignment, and discernment. She introduces The Five Marks of a Great Follower: Respect comes before agreement Alignment matters Watch and learn Exercising influence without authority Knowing when to stay and when to go Through practical insights and personal reflection, Arin shows how following well not only supports leaders and teams, but also prepares you for your own leadership journey.

9. 

   16 Sept 2025

   Dare to Lead

   In this episode of Arin It Out, host Arin Patterson explores what it really means to lead with courage, clarity, and care—drawing inspiration from Brené Brown’s book Dare to Lead. Arin reflects on three powerful themes that mirror her own beliefs about leadership: Rumbling with vulnerability — why courage requires leaders to set down their armor and embrace hard conversations. Living into values — the role of integrity, relationships, and growth in shaping authentic leadership. Learning to rise — how setbacks like layoffs or career pivots can become classrooms for stronger leadership. She also shares how leaders often learn to “function in dysfunction,” normalizing unhealthy patterns that hurt both them and their teams. Instead, daring to lead means naming dysfunction, owning mistakes, and rising stronger. This episode is equal parts personal story and practical insight, designed to help leaders reflect on where they need to “dare” a little more in their own work.

10. 

    9 Sept 2025

    The Dream Team

    In this episode of Arin It Out, host Arin Patterson explores what makes a truly dynamic team. Drawing from her own experience working on a group that called themselves “The Dream Team,” Arin shares why balance—not sameness—is the key to lasting team success. She unpacks the five elements that every team needs: The Connector — builds trust and relationships The Doer — ensures things get done and done well The Thinker — analyzes, questions, and prepares for the future The Influencer — moves people, ideas, and systems forward The Balancer — brings adaptability and emotional intelligence to keep the team steady With stories, practical insights, and a yin–yang perspective on opposites working together, this episode will help you see your team in a new light—and reflect on how you can build your own dream team.

11. 

    2 Sept 2025

    The Leadership Leak

    In this episode of Arin It Out, host Arin Patterson explores the subtle yet costly behaviors that slowly drain teams of trust, energy, and motivation—what she calls leadership leaks. Arin breaks down leadership through three lenses—behavioral, transformational, and destructive—before walking listeners through a relatable “Put a Finger Down” activity that reveals where leaks may be showing up in their own leadership. She then shares five actionable strategies leaders can use to plug the leaks and build more engaged, resilient teams. This episode is both honest and practical, blending research with storytelling and humor. Whether you’re a seasoned leader or just beginning your leadership journey, it will challenge you to reflect on the small habits that make the biggest difference.

12. 

    26 Aug 2025

    It's the Manager

    In this episode of Arin It Out, host Arin Patterson unpacks Gallup’s groundbreaking research from It’s the Manager! and explores what separates great managers from raggedy ones. Arin begins by sharing her Top 5 CliftonStrengths—Futuristic, Connectedness, Maximizer, Relator, and Positivity—and how they show up in her work and leadership. From there, she dives into Gallup’s seven expectations that drive success in any role: Build relationships Develop people Lead change Inspire others Think critically Communicate clearly Create accountability Through personal stories and practical insights, Arin contrasts raggedy leadership behaviors with research-backed strategies that inspire teams and create thriving workplaces. Whether you’re a manager looking to grow, an employee navigating leadership at work, or someone curious about what truly drives engagement, this episode offers a mix of research, reflection, and relatable storytelling.

13. 

    19 Aug 2025

    That's Raggedy

    We’ve all had them — raggedy leaders. The ones who make you shake your head with the things they do, say, or fail to do. In this episode of Arin It Out, Arin shares real-life stories of “raggedy leadership.” With names changed to protect the guilty, Arin unpacks seven all-too-common leadership missteps: Getting jealous when a team member progress Misrepresenting staff to make yourself look better Taking frustration out on employees Failing to communicate Not leading by example Speaking poorly about current or former team members Not making time for employees Each “raggedy” story is paired with practical wisdom, turning cautionary tales into leadership lessons. Arin challenges listeners to reflect on the raggedy behaviors they’ve experienced and the ones they may need to leave behind. Because here’s the truth: raggedy leadership doesn’t just frustrate people — it drives them away. And if we’re not careful, any of us can slip into raggedy habits.

14. 

    12 Aug 2025

    The Pivot is the Point

    In basketball, a pivot isn’t about stopping the play — it’s about adjusting your position to get a better shot. Careers work the same way. In this episode, Arin shares two of her biggest career pivots — leaving education and moving from an individual contributor to a leader of leaders — and the 5 Pivot Points that can help guide your next move. You'll learn: The signs it might be time for a pivot How to avoid getting stuck in “analysis paralysis” Leveraging your leadership capital Networking in the direction you want to go Breaking free from the golden handcuffs Whether you’re itching for change or just starting to think about your next step, this episode will help you recognize when to shift — and how to do it without starting from scratch. Let’s Stay Connected: 🎧 Subscribe for Updates + Bonus Content: 👉 https://mailchi.mp/64f89fd2c802/arin-it-out-podcast 🗓️ New episodes every Tuesday at 10:00 AM EST 🎙️ Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube Follow along: @arinpatterson | #ArinItOutPodcast Subscribe, follow, and share — you don’t want to miss what’s coming. Know someone who’s building their leadership voice? Send them this episode! Find Arin online: LinkedIn & YouTube: @arinpatterson Interested in being a guest or submitting a leadership topic? Email Arin at hello@arinpatterson.com.

15. 

    5 Aug 2025

    19 Jobs and Counting

    In this episode, Arin shares her journey through 19 jobs, including roles in education, nonprofit leadership, property management, and more, and the powerful leadership lessons each one taught her. From realizing the importance of alignment to navigating difficult transitions, she breaks down what it means to grow through experience and lead with intention. You’ll learn: Why every job, even the frustrating ones, can teach you something The nonnegotiables that matter in a healthy work environment How Arin’s current role is helping her grow as a strategic leader Whether you’re early in your career, in the middle of a pivot, or thinking about your next chapter — this one’s for you. Let’s Stay Connected: Subscribe, follow, and share — you don’t want to miss what’s coming. Know someone who’s building their leadership voice? Send them this episode! Find Arin online: LinkedIn & YouTube: @arinpatterson (https://www.linkedin.com/in/arinpatterson) Interested in being a guest or submitting a leadership topic? Email/DM Arin at hello@arinpatterson.com.

16. 

    1 Aug 2025

    This is ARIN IT OUT!

    Welcome to ARIN IT OUT — the podcast where we talk leadership, lessons, and life. In this premiere episode, Arin Patterson introduces herself, shares the moment that sparked her leadership journey (aka Graduation Gridlock), and lays out her vision for the podcast. From classroom teacher to TEDx speaker, nonprofit leader to leadership strategist, Arin brings insight, energy, and a whole lot of heart to every mic drop moment. If you've ever felt stuck in systems, silenced by poor leadership, or simply ready to lead with more purpose — this space was made for you. In This Episode: Who Arin is — and why her voice matters The “Graduation Gridlock” moment that changed everything Why poor leadership inspired her to lead well What to expect from future episodes (run time, guests, format) Why you don’t need to hit 1.5x speed when Arin talks Let’s Stay Connected: Subscribe, follow, and share — you don’t want to miss what’s coming. Know someone who’s building their leadership voice? Send them this episode! Find Arin online: LinkedIn & YouTube: @arinpatterson (https://www.linkedin.com/in/arinpatterson) Interested in being a guest or submitting a leadership topic? Email/DM Arin at hello@arinpatterson.com.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

10 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

4 ratings

Contact Arin It Out

Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.