More Than Work

About More Than Work

Defined by your career? Ready to try a new hobby or job? Looking to be inspired? This weekly podcast shares stories of people who have found work-life balance and self-worth beyond just their job title. Rabiah Coon, a marketing manager, standup comic, writer and non-profit volunteer talks with guests about the pursuit of passions and hobbies, or work that reflects our values. Through guest's stories, listeners are reminded that life is more than work.

Publisher

Rabiah Coon

Category

business · education · leisure

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

5 Oct 2020

Latest episode

5 May 2026

Latest episodes

127 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   5 May 2026

   "I Wanted to Do Something That More Directly Helped People" – Bhavana Solanky – More Than Work

   In this episode of More Than Work, Rabiah sits down with Bhavana Solanky, a Senior Research Fellow and MRI Physicist at UCL's Queen Square MS Centre. Bhavana shares how a love of astrophysics — sparked by watching Armageddon as a teenager — led her to a career using physics to directly help people living with disease. She opens up about the role of MS patient involvement in shaping research, her family's deep-rooted culture of community service, and the values that guide both her science and her parenting. They also discuss AI's growing role in MRI, the challenges of raising digitally-native kids, Bhavana's unexpected new hobby of playing cricket, and her passionate commitment to inspiring the next generation of women in science. 00:00 Introduction to More Than Work 00:34 Meet Bhavana Solanky: MRI Physicist & Senior Research Fellow at UCL 01:45 What Is an MRI Physicist? The Camera Analogy Explained 03:22 15 Years at the Queen Square MS Centre: How She Got There 04:05 From Astrophysics to Medical Imaging: An Unexpected Journey 05:27 Joining UCL and Discovering the Power of MRI in MS 06:39 Rabiah Opens Up About Living with MS 08:03 Why Patient Involvement Matters in Research 10:29 AI in MRI: Reducing Noise, Boosting Accuracy & NHS Waiting Lists 17:07 Family Values: A Community-Minded Upbringing 20:27 Balancing Being a Scientist and a Mom 31:45 Learning Cricket (and Letting Her Kids Coach Her) 34:58 Women in Science: Breaking Stereotypes & Inspiring the Next Generation 39:56 Advice: Get Outside Your Comfort Zone 40:43 The Fun Five Questions 45:08 How to Connect with Bhavana Note from Host: I’m part of the MS Society UK’s Research Network which is a really cool opportunity to learn about upcoming research by working directly with researchers on their grant proposals, participating in focus groups and doing other things. When I met Bhavana on one of those calls, I was so curious about her because she was so “real” for a lack of a better word. And her research was so interesting, as much as I could understand it. I was so glad when she said she would join me on the pod. And what a journey she’s had really from looking at the stars to probably having seen the inside of my brain! Woah. I hope you enjoy listening and thanks for being here. +++++ Find Bhavana LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bhavana-solanky/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/bhavana-solanky/) Email: b dot solanky at ucl dot ac dot uk +++++ More than Work Social Media: @morethanworkpod (Facebook, Instagram) and @rabiahcomedy (TikTok) Please review and follow anywhere you get podcasts. Thank you for listening. Have feedback? Email morethanworkpod(at)gmail.com (http://gmail.com)!

2. 

   17 Apr 2026

   "You Don't Have to Change Who You Are" – Lynn Harris – More Than Work

   In this episode of More Than Work, Rabiah sits down with Lynn Harris, founder and CEO of Gold Comedy — a comedy school, professional network, and content studio built for women, non-binary folks, and anyone who's ever felt like an outsider in the comedy world. Lynn shares her winding career path from journalism to Oxygen to human rights advocacy, and how it all led to creating a space where comedians can build real careers without the bro vibe. She and Rabiah dig into the sexism still baked into the comedy industry, why it matters who makes comedy and not just who watches it, and why putting in the reps beats raw talent every time. Plus, Lynn reveals her Groundhog Day song, her undefeated prescription record, and why she's currently inspired by eye surgeons. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to More Than Work 00:34 Meet Lynn Harris: Founder & CEO of Gold Comedy 02:34 What Is Gold Comedy? 03:57 The Comedy Industry's Gender Problem 04:58 Tokenizing Women Comics — and What It Costs Everyone 08:30 The Jeff Ross Story: Sexism Is Bad for Comedy 20:38 Lynn's Career Path: Journalism, Oxygen & Breakup Girl 25:18 Human Rights Advocacy Through Comedy 29:23 How Gold Comedy Came to Be 37:07 How to Join Gold Comedy 31:37 What Success Looks Like at Gold Comedy 33:12 Advice & Mantras: You Don't Have to Change Who You Are 37:07 Fun Five Questions 46:26 Outro Note from Rabiah (host): Lynn Harris saw what a lot of us in comedy have seen and is doing something about it. With GOLD Comedy she has created a community for everyone. I was intrigued to learn about her career and what she is doing with GOLD. As a woman in comedy myself, I have been introduced as a “female comedian” and even had someone say, “we needed a woman so out next comic is here” as though there was no other reason or value in my being there. The inclusion of me also became exclusion at the same time. I enjoyed our chat and hearing about her experiences in New York City. Plus, she gave some of the most sound advice I’ve heard whether you’re a comic or not. Enjoy! Watch on YouTube https://youtu.be/1lPFMLbYOts (https://youtu.be/1lPFMLbYOts) Find Lynn GOLD Comedy (http://www.goldcomedy.com/) is the comedy school, professional network, and content studio where women, non-binary creators, and other “others" build their comedy careers, join a powerful community, and make funny stuff that gets seen on all kinds (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qIuuv2VrgNQ) of stages (https://frigid.nyc/festivals/neurotica/) and screens. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9hxUCDdWOo) Unlimited classes, community, shows, and more, all online. Join from anywhere, anytime! Explore here (http://club.goldcomedy.com/). Upcoming Closs: Build and Pitch Any Idea with Ryan Cunningham (http://myrootabl.com/r/6NSafUPN?rootabl=rabiah) (starts June 22) FREE: GOLD Comedy presents Spring 2026 30x30—write 30 jokes in 30 days. Low pressure, high rewards! Join here (https://club.goldcomedy.com/plans/1971981?bundle_token=1b955f46d02c7376da67979c4f2c053c&utm_source=manual). For any of the above, usecode GOLD10PERCENTOFF for 10% off! Not sure what's for you, where to start, or how to pay? Book your FREE comedy consult (https://www.instagram.com/p/DVwSC85jlZv/) with GOLD founder Lynn Harris here (https://calendly.com/chat-with-lynn-harris/chat-about-your-comedy-goals-w-lynn-harris-gold-comedy). +++++ More than Work Social Media: @morethanworkpod (Facebook, Instagram) and @rabiahcomedy (TikTok) Please review and follow anywhere you get podcasts. Thank you for listening. Have feedback? Email morethanworkpod(at)gmail.com (http://gmail.com)!

3. 

   8 Mar 2026

   "I have endless urgency in everything that I do.” – Mike Nellis – More Than Work

   (tw: mention of suicidal ideation) In this episode of 'More Than Work,' host Rabiah Coon sits down with Mike Nellis, a Democratic strategist and creator of the Substack newsletter "Endless Urgency." Mike shares his compelling personal journey from struggling with depression and weight management to becoming a prominent voice in Democratic politics and digital strategy. He opens up about his philosophy of "endless urgency" - living every moment fully and intentionally - which emerged from his own transformational journey from 600 pounds to a healthier, more engaged life. The conversation covers Mike's 20-year career in political strategy, his work on major campaigns including Bernie Sanders' 2016 run, and his role as a co-founder of "White Dudes for Harris." He discusses the current state of the Democratic Party, the importance of engaging with voters across the political spectrum, and why Democrats need to be more strategic about communicating with all Americans - including those who disagree with them. Mike also reflects on the challenges of the 2024 election, the need for Democrats to understand and wield power more effectively, and the critical importance of showing up in uncomfortable spaces to have difficult conversations. Throughout the episode, Mike emphasizes the value of building systems, staying present, and finding joy even during challenging political times. He shares mantras and advice for maintaining momentum, from "1% better every day" to being a "joyful warrior" in the face of adversity. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 01:31 What is "Endless Urgency"? 01:47 Mike's journey: from 600 pounds to transformation 09:11 What the Substack offers: No BS Democratic strategy 14:28 How Mike got into political strategy 21:28 Staying in the Democratic Party vs. going independent 23:10 Kamala Harris and the 2024 election: what went wrong 27:53 Strategic messaging and power 40:11 Handling family members who voted for Trump 42:25 Why cutting people out weakens democracy 47:21 Going on Fox News and right-wing media 52:55 "White Dudes for Harris" and organizing men 56:07 Mantras and advice: 1% better every day 58:40 Being a "joyful warrior" 65:23 Who inspires Mike right now Note from Rabiah (host): Mike Nellis and I quickly found out we have more in common than we could have realized! You’ll hear about what when you listen. And please do listen because Mike is doing the hard work that is so needed right now which the work of speaking out against the Trump administration and working to get Democrats elected. He is doing it his way and after our conversation I have even more respect for him. Honestly, Mike is doing a version of what I would have done if I’d had the courage. I’ve been volunteering for various Democratic candidates, the general party and with non-partisan voter registration for years but he pursued the work as a career. What he is doing really is More Than Work. Mike was very open and honest so I’ve added a trigger warning to this episode. It is that kind of honestly I like to approach conversations with too and I am grateful that he made it through his early battles and is here today. Enjoy our conversation. And check your voter registration while you do. +++++ Find Mike Website: https://endlessurgency.com/ (https://endlessurgency.com/) YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mike_nellis (https://www.youtube.com/@mike_nellis) +++++ More than Work Social Media: @morethanworkpod (Facebook, Instagram) and @rabiahcomedy (TikTok) Please review and follow anywhere you get podcasts. Thank you for listening. Have feedback? Email morethanworkpod(at)gmail.com (http://gmail.com)!

Who has been a guest on More Than Work

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Has Shah
• Amanda Castello
• Sue Kurta
• Yesim Nicholson
• M Brady

Reach and audience

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

YouTube views

337,869

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

4.9 / 5

27 ratings

Spotify

4.5 / 5

8 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 76 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

99

Social presence

0

YouTube

82

Engagement

51

Contact More Than Work

Guest appearances

Books guests

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