Let’s be real. Work can be glorious and gutting, hilarious and humbling, exhausting and exhilarating... all before your second coffee.
Hosted by Calli Adamson Bakken and Toby Kheng, Work Sucks is the podcast that asks the same seven questions to different guests each week, in search of the true highlight reel (and blooper reel) of modern work.
This isn’t a corporate love letter or a burnout badge-fest. It’s reflective, funny, sad, disappointing, awkward, and occasionally a bit beautiful.
Just like work itself.
We talk about the wins, the weirdness, and the “what am I even doing here?” moments that define our careers and shape our lives.
Whether you love your job, loathe it, or are just trying to not cry on Zoom again, Work Sucks is here to remind you: you’re not alone, you’re not broken.
Toby has worked with Patrick three times and has vowed never to do it a fourth. Calli met him an hour ago and they're already best friends. This one's for the deep thinkers, with brand-new sound effects that nobody asked for.
Find Patrick on Linkedin (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mullarkeypj/) and learn more about his work at Byte & Build (https://www.byteandbuild.com/).
5 Oct 2026
Work Sucks x Joseph Kheng (S2, E4)
The podcast episode features Joe Kheng as the guest, who shares his experiences and insights related to workplace training, cultural misunderstandings, financial product training, and first day jitters. The conversation delves into the challenges of workplace training, the impact of cultural differences on communication, the complexity of financial product training, and the humorous anecdotes of first day experiences. The conversation covers work travel experiences, the frustration of work-related phone calls, and the role of voice notes in communication. The speakers share amusing and challenging experiences related to work travel, express frustration with the need to book phone calls for work discussions, and discuss the use of voice notes as a communication tool. The conversation covers the impact of communication and technology on modern interactions, as well as workplace experiences and the life and career of Joseph Kheng. It delves into the challenges of phone communication, the use of technology in communication, and the impact of generational differences. Additionally, it explores workplace nightmares, email anxiety, and the humorous side of name misspellings. The conversation concludes with insights into Joseph Kheng's career and life experiences.
28 Sept 2026
Work Sucks x Jessica Winder (S2, E3)
This week on Work Sucks, Calli and Toby sit down with Jessica D. Winder: 14 years in HR, LinkedIn's resident spicy provocateur, and (despite what her posts might suggest) genuinely very nice in person. Plus, a discussion of HR as accidental security, a pencil-throwing exit, and the eternal question of why it's always pizza, and a Cardi B-approved philosophy on getting back up.
Toby brought whiskey, Jessica brought a Red Bull, and Calli brought an empty can of Diet Coke. Hollow, like the dreams of the workplace.
Where to find Jessica on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicadwinder/) and her blog (https://theaudacity.safespace.com/).
Her book, The Hidden Gem Within, on Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/Hidden-Gem-Within-Discovering-Fulfilling/dp/B0BW2KMG6V/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2FLLW756F13Q9&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.9q1k1Bo70DrfJ994FNgJqgblIZIfX3WPoeIY2olJuhLNgE7FLYf707V25WXAOiI4if8yv2e-DY9PKzZNnpg6_KuKLup5rvktBZWBLzRZsQChDj1z-aNuve-9GaiyaBPqmfCu4-41o7zOIr8oO7pDzyooV0D0R3LQYAxXr5VTRnR583UYAvCyVneMydhq0DrStDiMZ0WMzMQns3dD9gEBv8miDe_BgEH3VFHKiqpv65E.K12PjL8hCY-PejkowvuHyFFAT4MFwl5yd2f-vggR5Iw&dib_tag=se&keywords=The+Hidden+Gem+Within&qid=1790554842&sprefix=the+hidden+gem+within%2Caps%2C199&sr=8-1).
21 Sept 2026
Work Sucks x Laura Jones (S2, E2)
This week, Calli and Toby are joined by Toby's longtime friend, former colleague, and (by his own ranking) top-three facilitator: Laura Jones. Nearly two decades in the training room, zero interest in LinkedIn, and our very first guest who is completely off the grid. She came ready to relive the worst of work, and she did not hold back!
7 Sept 2026
Work Sucks x Sonia Moore (S2, E1)
The conversation covered various themes related to workplace challenges, including diversity, training impact, employee onboarding, dealing with problematic employees, and the need for simplicity in organizational processes. Each theme was explored in depth, providing valuable insights and perspectives on these critical topics. The conversation delves into the concept of servant leadership and its impact on work culture. It also explores the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
1 Jun 2026
Work Sucks x Nick Halder (S1, E12)
This week on Work Sucks, we sit down with Nick Halder.
Nick makes a compelling, grounded case for why imperfect action beats polished paralysis every time, and what it actually looks like to build a culture where experimentation is expected, not feared. But this conversation goes deeper than permission to try things. It's about what it means to take work seriously enough to test it, to question it, and to lead in ways that hold up when the results come back messy.
Thoughtful, precise, and genuinely passionate about progress over perfection, Nick is the kind of guest who leaves you rethinking things you thought you'd already figured out and itching to go run an experiment of your own.
Find Nick on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-halder-a393467/).
25 May 2026
Work Sucks x Peter Laughter (S1, E11)
On this episode of Work Sucks, we sit down with Peter Laughter — lifelong entrepreneur, former staffing-firm owner, and current public speaker who has accumulated enough leadership lessons to fill several very candid management manuals.
With a mix of charm, honesty, and the kind of perspective only earned by surviving a thousand tiny workplace implosions, Peter breaks down what great leadership actually looks like — and why most of us get it wrong. He reflects on his wildest staffing adventures, the surprising truths he learned while building companies from scratch, and the moments that forced him to become the kind of leader he wished he’d have been earlier.
If you’ve ever wanted a no-nonsense, deeply human roadmap for staying honest while guiding other humans, Peter’s stories and insights might just change how you think about work… and maybe even how you show up on Monday.
Check out Peter's website (https://peterlaughter.com/) and find him on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterlaughter/)
18 May 2026
Work Sucks x Greg Arthur (S1, E10)
On this episode of Work Sucks, we sit down with Greg Arthur, a product strategy and learning innovator who’s seen (and survived) his fair share of workplace chaos. From passionately debating the correct pronunciation of “Blink-182” to reliving the unforgettable era of the piano-key necktie, Greg brings humor, insight, and a surprising amount of nostalgia to the table.
Greg spills on his worst on-the-job moments and reveals the simple fixes that could’ve saved everyone a whole lot of pain, panic, and passive-aggressive emails. It’s fast, it’s funny, and it might even make your job feel slightly less terrible.
Check out Greg's website (https://twocirclesstudio.com/) and find him on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/rethinkinglearning/)
11 May 2026
Work Sucks x Dan Riley (S1, E9)
Work Sucks x Dan Riley (S1, E9)
4 May 2026
Work Sucks x Rocket Rudolph (S2, E5)
The conversation covers the introduction of the guest, Rocket, and his interaction with the hosts. It then delves into Rocket's worst interview experience, followed by his worst boss experience in a family business.
The discussion also explores workplace relationships and the challenges of leadership in real conversations. The conversation delves into the dynamics of interpersonal communication, emphasizing the importance of soft answers and the need for patience and space in dialogue. It also explores the impact of training provision and effective leadership on work experiences, highlighting the challenges and opportunities in training and development.
Additionally, it addresses the recurring nightmare of losing creative inspiration and the pressure to consistently deliver creative output. The conversation delves into the fear of losing access to creativity and the impact of necessity on creativity. It explores the importance of a supportive work environment and the role of necessity in unlocking creativity. The discussion provides valuable insights into the creative process and the factors that influence it.
4 May 2026
Work Sucks x Steve Foulger (S1, E8)
This week on Work Sucks, we sit down with Steven Foulger, a Director of Organizational Transformation and People Services — and the HR guy everyone wishes they’d had. Steven wasn’t just hired into HR… he was handpicked for it, thanks to his uncanny, almost superhero-level ability to solve workplace problems with empathy, clarity, and a people-first mindset that makes every HR stereotype shrivel up and cry.
Steven walks us through the triumphs, chaos, and “please tell me this didn’t actually happen” moments of his career, all while proving that HR doesn’t have to be scary, bureaucratic, or allergic to fun. He’s equal parts strategist, empath, and workplace myth-buster — and yes, he makes it all sound easy.
If you’ve ever wondered what HR could be in the hands of someone who genuinely cares about humans, this episode will restore your faith in the entire profession.
FInd Steve on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-foulger-7b04826/).
27 Apr 2026
Work Sucks x Kirsty Baggs-Morgan (S1, E7)
This week on Work Sucks, we’re joined by Kirsty Baggs-Morgan — HR consultant, founder of Evolving HR, and the person you desperately wish had been around the last time someone asked you to “mediate” a full-blown office fish fight. Yes… an actual fish fight. We go there.
Kirsty brings the perfect mix of humor, heart, and “are-you-kidding-me” stories as she walks us through the wildest requests she’s ever been expected to handle — and how she learned to shut them down with style, clarity, and zero guilt.
If you’ve ever wondered how to stay sane in a world where your job occasionally demands the impossible, Kirsty’s insights — and boundary-setting superpowers — are the breath of fresh air you need.
Find Kirsty (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirsty-baggs-morgan-hr-rebel-and-super-connector/) and Evolving HR (https://www.linkedin.com/company/evolving-hr-app/about/) on Linkedin.
20 Apr 2026
Work Sucks x Holly Norton (S1, E6)
This week on Work Sucks, we’re joined by Holly Norton, VP and client consultant extraordinaire, who proves that workplace chaos can reach truly impressive levels… and still be handled with grace. Holly opens up about the challenge of being “Frozen Out” by a boss — that silent treatment that makes every workday feel like a survival game — and how she navigated it with grit, humor, and strategy.
From client disasters to office curveballs you wouldn’t believe, Holly takes us on a tour of the kind of “how did this even happen?” moments that make you question humanity — and your career choices. But she also reminds us of the small, powerful gestures, like saying thank you, that can transform a workplace from unbearable to just barely manageable.
If you’ve ever wanted to see how someone balances workplace insanity, exclusion, and gratitude with style, this episode is your front-row seat.
Find Holly on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-norton-0202/)
13 Apr 2026
Work Sucks x Kelly Venkiah (S1, E5)
This week on Work Sucks, we sit down with Kelly Venkiah — corporate HR powerhouse turned mentor and the co-founder of the HR Confidence Club — who has navigated more ethically questionable workplace situations than any one person should reasonably be expected to endure. Kelly brings the perfect blend of warmth, wit, and “oh dear God, that really happened?” storytelling as she walks us through the moments that shaped her philosophy on confidence, courage, and calling out nonsense when you see it.
From dodgy directives to corporate tightropes that would make even seasoned HR pros break into a cold sweat, Kelly shares how she learned to trust her instincts, protect her integrity, and help others do the same. She’s candid. She’s unshakeable.
Whether you’re an HR pro, a manager, or just someone who’s been told to “just handle it” one too many times, Kelly’s wisdom will make you feel seen, empowered, and a little less alone in the madness.
Find Kelly on Linkedin (https://www.linkedin.com/in/peopleprofessionhrmentor/) and check out her website (https://venkiah.com/).
6 Apr 2026
Work Sucks X Elles Skony (S1, E4)
Ever feel torn between your ethics, your job, and life in general? Elles Skony gets it. On this week’s Work Sucks, she shares how to stay grounded when everything’s chaotic — and how to turn uncontrollable moments into productive ones.
Expect humor, real talk, and practical strategies to keep your cool without losing yourself. If work has ever left you stressed, conflicted, or overwhelmed… this episode is for you.
Find Elles on Linkedin (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellesskony/) and learn more about Fractional People People (https://www.fractionalpeoplepeople.com/).
30 Mar 2026
Work Sucks x Fraser Duncumb (S1, E3)
This week on Work Sucks, Fraser Duncumb, founder of Wotter, joins us for a conversation that’s equal parts hilarious and horrifying. We talk phoned-in trainings, cars driven into buildings (yes, really), and how trauma at work isn’t just personal, it can be crowd-sourced.
Fraser will make you appreciate the normal, forgettable days of work by sharing some truly strange situations.
Expect laughs, disbelief, and plenty of “yep, that happened” moments, plus a reminder that if work has left you drained, you’re not alone — and maybe you can even laugh about it along the way.
Find Fraser on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/fraserduncumb/) and learn more about Wotter (https://wotter.ai/).
23 Mar 2026
Work Sucks x Siobhán Godden (S1, E2)
On Episode 2 of Work Sucks, we sit down with Siobhán Godden to talk about the part of work no one glamorizes: the muck you have to move through before things start to make sense.
Siobhán shares how our paths often find us because of the difficult stretches — the terrible boss you have to wait out, the endless “hurry up and wait” moments, and the seasons where progress feels stalled but isn’t. Rather than rushing past discomfort, she unpacks why staying present, learning in the mess, and resisting the urge to force clarity can be what ultimately shapes more meaningful work.
From enduring tough environments to intentionally designing trainings that actually work for real humans, Siobhan brings grounded insight, honesty, and a steady confidence that growth doesn’t come from shortcuts. It comes from showing up, paying attention, and trusting that even the frustrating parts are doing something important.
If you’re in the middle of it — stuck, waiting, or wading through workplace nonsense — this episode will remind you that the muck isn’t wasted time. It’s often the path doing its work.
Find Siobhán on Linkedin (https://www.linkedin.com/in/siobhan-godden/) and check out High Performing HR (https://highperforminghr.com/).
16 Mar 2026
Work Sucks x Josh Drean (S1, E1)
This week on Work Sucks, we kick off the podcast with Josh Drean — work futurist, co-author of Employment Is Dead, and proof that you can fight deeply broken work systems without losing optimism about what comes next.
Josh joins us to set the foundation for Work Sucks: an honest look at how we consistently fail to create workplaces that serve the humans who make them run and why that failure isn’t inevitable.
With clarity, hope, and just enough provocation, Josh helps reframe disillusionment as a starting point rather than an endpoint. This conversation explores what needs to be questioned, what needs to be let go.
If you’ve ever felt worn down by work but still believe the future doesn’t have to suck, Episode 1 will leave you challenged, energized, and cautiously optimistic about what comes next.
Find Josh on LinkedIn and (https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshdrean/)check out his book. (https://www.amazon.com/Employment-Dead-Disruptive-Technologies-Revolutionizing/dp/164782642X)
13 Mar 2026
Work Sucks is coming soon!
Let’s be real. Work can be glorious and gutting, hilarious and humbling, exhausting and exhilarating... all before your second coffee.
Hosted by Calli Adamson Bakken and Toby Kheng, Work Sucks is the podcast that asks the same seven questions to different guests each week, in search of the true highlight reel (and blooper reel) of modern work.
This isn’t a corporate love letter or a burnout badge-fest. It’s reflective, funny, sad, disappointing, awkward, and occasionally a bit beautiful.
Just like work itself.
We talk about the wins, the weirdness, and the “what am I even doing here?” moments that define our careers and shape our lives.
Whether you love your job, loathe it, or are just trying to not cry on Zoom again, Work Sucks is here to remind you: you’re not alone, you’re not broken.
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