Waffles Friends Work is a values-driven leadership and personal development podcast that explores how we show up for ourselves, in our relationships, and at work. Drawing from sources ranging from Parks and Rec and The Good Place to Brené Brown and Adam Grant, Waffles Friends Work gives relatable examples and actionable takeaways for your day-to-day life. Hosted by moms, business partners, and sisters Kara Wight and Jensie Wight, the podcast is a light—hopefully funny—way to think about growing into the person you want to be. The name Waffles Friends Work comes from the Leslie Knope quote "We need to remember what's important in life: friends, waffles, work. Or waffles, friends, work. Doesn't matter, but work is third." As such, each mini-season will explore a theme and apply it to those three areas giving listeners a mix of philosophical and down-to-earth concepts to think about and try.
You're Right, AI Isn't Going to Solve Every Problem
They can keep trying to shove it down our throats, but we all know that the C-suite doesn't know enough about our day-to-day to actually make it worthwhile. Add in our own views on using AI, the time it takes to actually get tools up and useable, and security issues they haven't even thought about, the magic of AI quickly disappears.
In this episode, Kara and Jensie unpack some of the common issues around the corporate decree to "just fold it in" and how you might approach AI in your work and with your team.
Most importantly: your gut is right. The hype around AI is mostly that.
22 May 2026
Separating Yourself from Outcomes
For those of us who care, we end up caring a whole lot about things that we ultimately can't control. By being picky about where we put our energy, we can save ourselves some stress and time. In this episode, get some ideas on how to best separate yourself from outcomes (at work, with friends) so you can show up as your best self. And yes, still care.
27 Apr 2026
Using Values as Your Compass in Life's Transitions
There are some transitions we choose: marriage, college, changing careers, and some that maybe are chosen for us (or happen naturally) like kids leaving the nest, divorce, or job loss. Navigating these changes is always hard, but using our values as a compass can help guide us through. In this episode, Kara and Jensie cover some of the changes they've experienced and how coming back to their values eased some (but definitely not all) of the difficulties of those transitions.
Check out our course on finding your values! (https://waffleswork.com/values-course)
20 Feb 2026
False Urgency is Ruining Your Life
Okay, that may be a little hyperbolic. BUT, we're pretty sure if you can root out some of the fake rush rush rush, your quality of life will improve. And these days, we'll take whatever we can get. So take a deep breath and listen in for some ideas on slowing everything down at work, at home, and with yourself. Your nervous system will thank you.
3 Feb 2026
Bingo: Better and More Fun than Normal Goals
Let's face it, not only is setting goals in January forcing the issue, making a list of goals that don't feel quite right makes the whole tradition pretty boring. In this episode, Kara and Jensie talk about making goals that are in alignment with your values, waiting until February (or later) to start, and using a bingo card (https://wafflesfriendsworkpod.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Values-Bingo.pdf) to entice your inner 5-year-old with stickers.
15 Dec 2025
Boundaries in and with Work
Feeling a little resentful toward your job or coworkers? Maybe it's time to set some boundaries at and with work. We have a few ideas on how and where to set boundaries while staying professional and friendly at work. And some reminders on having hobbies and relationships outside of work so it doesn't become your whole life.
Takeaways
Setting boundaries is crucial to prevent burnout.
It's okay to not love your job all the time.
Taking time off is essential for mental health.
Sick days should be respected; prioritize your health.
Finding hobbies outside of work can enhance life satisfaction.
Work relationships can complicate professional boundaries.
Intentional sharing of personal information is important.
Be mindful of how much energy you give to work.
Role clarity helps in managing responsibilities effectively.
Over-functioning for others can lead to resentment.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Work and Boundaries
03:06 Understanding Work Resentment and Boundaries
05:48 Setting Personal Boundaries with Work
08:34 The Importance of Taking Time Off
11:35 Navigating Sick Days and Work Expectations
14:32 Creating a Work-Life Balance
17:36 Finding Hobbies Beyond Work
20:21 The Impact of Work on Personal Energy
23:22 Role Clarity and Responsibilities
26:01 The Dangers of Over-Functioning at Work
28:50 Building Healthy Relationships with Coworkers
31:53 Navigating Friendships in the Workplace
34:53 The Importance of Intentional Sharing
37:36 Setting Boundaries with Coworkers
40:24 Final Thoughts on Work Boundaries
Keywords
work, boundaries, work-life balance, burnout, personal growth, productivity, relationships, self-care, career, mental health
12 Dec 2025
Setting Boundaries in Our Relationships
Summary
We've talked through setting boundaries with and holding ourselves accountable, but things get a little trickier when we start involving other people. Setting boundaries helps us set our relationships up for success by reducing resentment and helping others understand how we want to be treated.
Takeaways
Boundaries are essential for building stronger relationships.
Misusing the term 'boundary' can lead to controlling behavior.
Healthy boundaries involve personal choices, not dictating others' actions.
Setting boundaries can improve interpersonal dynamics.
Trusting others to set their own boundaries is crucial.
Boundaries can be flexible and adjusted as needed.
It's important to communicate boundaries clearly and kindly.
Pop culture references can help illustrate boundary concepts.
Navigating boundaries in family relationships can be complex.
Encouraging friends to set boundaries fosters healthier connections.
Chapters
00:00 The Art of Rambling and Podcasting
02:46 Understanding Boundaries in Relationships
05:34 Misconceptions About Boundaries
08:26 Examples of Healthy Boundaries
11:20 Navigating Boundaries with Family
14:14 Pop Culture References and Boundaries
16:50 Workplace Boundaries and Friendships
19:56 Setting Boundaries with Friends
22:58 The Importance of Trust in Boundaries
25:48 The Role of Boundaries in Self-Care
28:57 The Spectrum of Boundary Violations
31:35 Encouraging Others to Set Boundaries
34:40 The Flexibility of Boundaries
37:11 Final Thoughts on Boundaries
Keywords
boundaries, relationships, self-care, communication, personal growth, podcasting, friendships, family dynamics, workplace boundaries, emotional intelligence
12 Dec 2025
How to Set Boundaries
Keywords
boundaries, accountability, self-care, personal growth, relationships, emotional health, setting limits, self-awareness, communication, personal development
Summary
This episode covers the 3 steps to setting boundaries: identifying where we need to set a boundary, determining what the boundary should be, and enforcing those boundaries. Setting boundaries takes practice and giving yourself grace—like so many other things in life.
Takeaways
Boundaries are essential for personal accountability.
You are the only one responsible for holding your boundaries.
Start small when setting boundaries to build confidence.
Identify areas in your life where you feel drained or resentful.
Enforcing boundaries can be challenging but is necessary for self-care.
Expect pushback when setting boundaries, especially from those who benefit from your lack of them.
Communicate your boundaries positively to maintain relationships.
Jealousy can arise in others when you set boundaries they can't or won't.
Teaching boundaries to others is part of the process.
Give yourself grace as you navigate the complexities of boundary setting.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Boundaries
02:48 Understanding Boundaries and Accountability
04:12 Identifying When to Set Boundaries
05:59 Starting Small with Boundaries
08:34 Practical Examples of Setting Boundaries
10:51 Enforcing Boundaries with Others
12:54 Teaching Boundaries to Children
14:37 Final Thoughts on Boundaries
12 Dec 2025
How Do We Hold Ourselves Accountable?
Keywords
accountability, boundaries, emotional honesty, self-compassion, personal development, Ted Lasso, Brene Brown, leadership, emotional bandwidth, values-driven leadership
Summary
We think accountability partners are great tools, but what if you could be your own accountability partner? By taking the time to understand why you aren't doing the things you want to do instead of beating yourself up, you can become reliable to the most important person: yourself.
Takeaways
The intention of the season is to explore boundaries.
Setting boundaries requires understanding accountability.
Curiosity is key in accountability relationships.
Emotional labor is involved in being accountable.
Emotional honesty is a skill to develop.
Shame can hinder accountability and personal growth.
Recognizing reasons versus excuses is crucial for accountability.
Self-compassion is essential in holding oneself accountable.
The best version of oneself looks different every day.
Resources like Brene Brown can aid in understanding shame.
Titles
Navigating Accountability and Boundaries
The Power of Self-Compassion in Leadership
Sound bites
"Curiosity solves a lot of problems."
"Shame is like a flesh-eating bacteria."
"The best looks different every day."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Values-Driven Leadership
00:32 Exploring the Theme of Accountability
03:51 The Role of Accountability Partners
07:45 Becoming Your Own Accountability Partner
09:22 Understanding Emotional Bandwidth
12:01 The Impact of Emotional Honesty
15:22 Dismantling Shame in Accountability
19:22 Reasons vs. Excuses in Accountability
28:41 Reclaiming Accountability for Yourself
15 Nov 2024
Holiday Values Hitlist
Yes, they are here already. We know it's overwhelming to get through the holiday season and there's a lot of pressure on moms to Do It All. What we'd like to propose is using your values to guide your prioritization and schedule this holiday season. By focusing on what really matters to you and your family and consciously letting some things go, you can relieve some of the busy-ness of the season.
Jump in to hear some ideas on being intentional about your holidays and get what matters most on your calendar this year.
Download your Holiday Values Hitlist HERE.
2 Jan 2024
Episode 7: How Can Your Values Help You Set Better Goals?
In this final episode (probably really this time) of season one, Kara and Jensie break down the official Waffles Friends Work tried, proved, tested, and approved five-step goal setting process. By aligning your goals with your values, you'll have more success in completing those goals. Why? Because when you anchor those goals in who you are and what really resonates with you, you'll focus those goals on things that YOU want. Not the goals you think you should have (or what's trending on TikTok). Listen in to learn the 5 steps and how your values are key to setting the right goals for you.
10 Nov 2023
Episode 6: What Are Slippery Behaviors?
Catch up with Kara and Jensie a couple of months after they recorded the first 5 episodes. They have some thoughts and experiences to share after thinking through personal values, including some challenging conversations they had and what they learned. Listen in to see how they're working to live their values AND learn how "slippery behaviors" can help you identify where you're starting to veer off the path of living your values.
Get all the resources from this episode on our website.
6 Sept 2022
Episode 1: What are Values and Why Do They Matter?
In the first episode of Waffles Friends Work, Kara and Jensie set the table for a rich season-long discussion of personal values. After convincing you that articulating your personal values is a worthwhile endeavor, they give some ideas on how to actually figure out what your values are. Using examples from their own personal values, you'll learn that no two people share the same values or the same route to finding out what those values are. Also, find out why Kara admires Leslie Knope so much, what Jensie admires in The Dude from The Big Lebowski, and why most of their family is obsessed with the parents from Easy A.
Get all the resources from this episode on our website.
6 Sept 2022
Episode 2: How Do You Show Up for Yourself?
How does knowing your values improve your self-care? In this episode, Kara and Jensie make the case that knowing your values is self-care and finding ways to honor them makes your self-care practice much more effective. With practical examples from their own values and self-care practices to a story on being mansplained on how to drink more water, join them to get some ideas on how to incorporate your own values into how you show up for yourself every day. Self-care looks different for everyone, just ask Tom, Donna, and Ben from Parks & Rec—then find a way to treat yo self.
See all resources and show notes on our website.
6 Sept 2022
Episode 3: How Do You Show Up in Relationships?
Showing up for ourselves and in our values can have a profound impact on our relationships. By knowing who we are, we allow the people in our lives to love us as we are, not as who we think they want us to be. And, in turn, gives us the perspective to love those around us as they want to be loved. In this episode, Kara and Jensie cover resentment and self-betrayal along with ways to identify both and most importantly, what to do when you find yourself in either space. Jump in to hear some ways to start small in learning to trust your gut and how to communicate with loved ones early and often.
Find all the resources and other goodies from this episode on our website.
6 Sept 2022
Episode 4: How Do You Show Up at Work?
Living your values at work can be really tricky! Between navigating coworker relationships, leading a team, and even feeling comfortable and safe in your workplace, work can really be the "testing ground" for your values. In this episode, Kara and Jensie talk about ways to identify self-betrayal at work, how to course correct when you need to make changes, and how knowing your values can improve your experience at work. They also (finally) talk about the relationship that inspired this whole project: Leslie Knope and Ron Swanson from Parks and Recreation.
Get all the references and resources on our website.
6 Sept 2022
Episode 5: How Do You Pull it All Together?
In the final episode of this first season, Kara and Jensie give a full round-up of personal values and how they impact the ways we show up for ourselves, in our relationships, and at work. From starting small to doing it anyway, they run through some of the highlights of the season with a reminder that there is no such thing as balance. We're all just making it up as we go and doing the best we can, and understanding our personal values can give us a starting point for making small and big decisions. Thanks again to everyone for joining in for this first season!
Get all the notes and goodies from this episode on our website.
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Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
5 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
4 ratings
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