

The Lonely Office
Glassdoor
Welcome to The Lonely Office, an award-winning podcast that brings sports-talk energy to real career decisions—fast, funny, brutally practical. It's locker-room candor meets boardroom wisdom, brought to you by Glassdoor. We tackle real workplace stories from anonymous firsthand accounts—job ghosting, the truth behind unlimited PTO, nightmare bosses—and share insider advice on layoffs, severance, negotiations, and career moves. From candidates vaping in interviews to employees fired over free speech, we cover the wild reality of modern jobs. Whether you’re growing your career or simply a jobseeker hunting for an edge, you don’t have to navigate it alone.
TLO is hosted by Matt Sunbulli (serial tech entrepreneur, Founder @ Fishbowl and First Draft AI), Aaron Calafato (Storyteller, Narrative Designer & Content Strategist), and Leah Ova (content creator and advertising executive), with special appearances from industry thought leaders and economists.
TLO is hosted by Matt Sunbulli (serial tech entrepreneur, Founder @ Fishbowl and First Draft AI), Aaron Calafato (Storyteller, Narrative Designer & Content Strategist), and Leah Ova (content creator and advertising executive), with special appearances from industry thought leaders and economists.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 4, 2024 • 34min
Stop the Job Search & Start a Company
Starting your own business is something many dream about, but few actually do. This week, ‘Emma’ is torn between taking a job promotion or pursuing her passion.Is there ever a right time to make the leap? Do you really have to say ‘goodbye’ to your social life? We take you through the hard truths of forming that first LLC.Hosts: Matt Sunbullihttps://www.linkedin.com/in/sunbulli/https://www.threads.net/@mattsunbullihttps://www.firstdraft.vcAaron Calafatohttps://www.7minutestoriespod.com/https://www.aaroncalafato.com/Leah Ovahttps://www.tiktok.com/@leahovaEditorial:Matt SunbulliBrooks BordenKen WendtAaron CalafatoOpening Story Performed by:Aaron CalafatoAdapted by:Matt Sunbulli & Aaron CalafatoAudio: Ken WendtJan CruzResearch: Zaid SafeMatt Sunbulli

Aug 30, 2024 • 13min
Fake Jobs Reaction & Are Job Seekers Being Gaslit?
The latest government job report issued a massive revision on the number of jobs that were actually in the market, throwing a wrench into the narrative of the "booming market" earlier this year.. We break down how these inflated job numbers, especially in the professional services sector— tech, finance, consulting—misled workers and painted a false picture of opportunity. Joining us this week is Bob Coursey, an employment lawyer, who sheds light on the rise of fake job postings and what it could mean for legal and government crackdowns on this growing issue.Hosts: Matt Sunbullihttps://www.linkedin.com/in/sunbulli/https://www.threads.net/@mattsunbullihttps://www.firstdraft.vcAaron Calafatohttps://www.7minutestoriespod.com/https://www.aaroncalafato.com/Guest:https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobcoursey/Audio Production: Ken WendtJan Cruz

Aug 28, 2024 • 29min
Remote Jobs Most at Risk for AI Takeover
AI is eating our skills and taking away our remote jobs. From the operating room to the cubicle, it appears that our trusty sidekicks may be planning a takeover. How is this different from the software revolution? And which jobs are most at risk? Matt Beane, author of The Skill Code, joins us this week to take on the machines.Special Guest:Matt BeaneLearn more about Matt's book: The Skill Code: How to Save Human Ability in an Age of Intelligent Machineshttps://www.mattbeane.com/https://www.ted.com/talks/matt_beane_how_do_we_learn_to_work_with_intelligent_machinesHosts: Matt Sunbullihttps://www.linkedin.com/in/sunbulli/https://www.threads.net/@mattsunbullihttps://www.firstdraft.vcAaron Calafatohttps://www.7minutestoriespod.com/https://www.aaroncalafato.com/Leah Ovahttps://www.tiktok.com/@leahovaEditorial:Matt SunbulliBrooks BordenKen WendtAaron CalafatoOpening Story Performed by:Aaron CalafatoAdapted by:Matt Sunbulli & Aaron CalafatoAudio: Ken WendtJan CruzResearch: Zaid SafeMatt Sunbulli

Aug 21, 2024 • 35min
Choose One: Your Job or Kids?
Career or kids? That’s the question facing many young adults like Kennedy who are in the middle of job transitions. Can you be a great parent and have a successful career? And what's behind the rise of 'childless cat owners'? We get real with comedian and parent Azhar Usman.Hosts: Matt Sunbullihttps://www.linkedin.com/in/sunbulli/https://www.threads.net/@mattsunbullihttps://www.firstdraft.vcAaron Calafatohttps://www.7minutestoriespod.com/https://www.aaroncalafato.com/Leah Ovahttps://www.tiktok.com/@leahovaSpecial Guest: Azhar Usmanhttps://azhar.com/Editorial:Matt SunbulliBrooks BordenKen WendtAaron CalafatoOpening Story Performed by:Aaron CalafatoAdapted by:Matt Sunbulli & Aaron CalafatoAudio: Ken WendtJan CruzResearch: Zaid SafeMatt Sunbulli

Aug 14, 2024 • 38min
Fake Job Posts Are Everywhere
Unfortunately for job seekers, fake job posts have flooded career sites. This week, a fake job post aimed at replacing ‘Serenity’ led her to work double and hire her little sister.Why do companies do it? And how do you spot one? Corporate recruiter Karen Young joins us to dish the truth on fake job posts.Hosts: Matt Sunbullihttps://www.linkedin.com/in/sunbulli/https://www.threads.net/@mattsunbullihttps://www.firstdraft.vcAaron Calafatohttps://www.7minutestoriespod.com/https://www.aaroncalafato.com/Leah Ovahttps://www.tiktok.com/@leahovaSpecial Guest: Karen Younghttps://www.linkedin.com/in/kareneyoung/Editorial:Matt SunbulliBrooks BordenKen WendtAaron CalafatoOpening Story Performed by:Aaron CalafatoAdapted by:Matt Sunbulli & Aaron CalafatoAudio: Ken WendtJan CruzResearch: Zaid SafeMatt Sunbulli

Aug 7, 2024 • 35min
Is Your Job Spying on You?
The shift to remote work has led companies to invest in surveillance software in attempt to increase worker productivity. Is it a breach of privacy? Why do companies resort to it? And should you buy a mouse jiggler from TikTok? This week, we cover it all with comedian Chanel Ali.Hosts: Matt Sunbullihttps://www.linkedin.com/in/sunbulli/https://www.threads.net/@mattsunbullihttps://www.firstdraft.vcAaron Calafatohttps://www.7minutestoriespod.com/https://www.aaroncalafato.com/Leah Ovahttps://www.tiktok.com/@leahovaSpecial Guest: Chanel Alihttps://www.chanelali.com/Editorial:Matt SunbulliBrooks BordenKen WendtAaron CalafatoAudio: Ken WendtJan CruzResearch: Zaid SafeMatt Sunbulli

Jul 31, 2024 • 23min
Should I Work for an ‘Evil’ Corporation?
Do you ever put your morals on pause for a job? How have workers’ considerations of 'evil' companies evolved with the rise of frameworks like ESG? From the excesses of Wall Street companies in the 90s to Tech companies pillaging our privacy for gold in the 2000s—in this episode, we're debating the age-old battle of morals vs. money.Hosts: Matt Sunbullihttps://www.linkedin.com/in/sunbulli/https://www.threads.net/@mattsunbullihttps://www.firstdraft.vcAaron Calafatohttps://www.7minutestoriespod.com/https://www.aaroncalafato.com/Leah Ovahttps://www.tiktok.com/@leahovaEditorial:Matt SunbulliBrooks BordenKen WendtAaron CalafatoAudio: Ken WendtJan CruzResearch: Zaid SafeMatt Sunbulli

Jul 26, 2024 • 9min
Job Bytes: “AI Relief Fund”, UBI, and Hushed Hybrid
TLO cohosts dive into the largest UBI study ever conducted, backed by OpenAI's Sam Altman, exploring its potential as a disaster relief fund for those displaced by AI. The hosts also tackle the evolving workplace dynamics, discussing the rise of 'hushed hybrids,' where employees navigate the balance between office mandates and remote work.Hosts:Matt Sunbullihttps://www.linkedin.com/in/sunbulli/https://www.threads.net/@mattsunbullihttps://www.firstdraft.vcAaron Calafatohttps://www.7minutestoriespod.com/https://www.aaroncalafato.com/Leah Ovahttps://www.tiktok.com/@leahovaEditorial:Matt SunbulliBrooks BordenKen WendtAaron CalafatoAudio:Ken WendtJan CruzResearch:Zaid SafeMatt Sunbulli

Jul 24, 2024 • 34min
When Dream Job Meets Nightmare Boss
You did it. You landed your dream job. When all of a sudden, the boss who hired you does a complete 180. This week, ‘Kenya’s’ attentive, supportive boss from her interview has turned into a toxic, micromanaging nightmare. What do you do when reality is much, much worse than the expectation? And how do you sniff out a ‘bad boss’ in the interview process? Comedian Chanel Ali joins us to talk about surviving bad bosses.Hosts: Matt Sunbullihttps://www.linkedin.com/in/sunbulli/https://www.threads.net/@mattsunbullihttps://www.firstdraft.vcAaron Calafatohttps://www.7minutestoriespod.com/https://www.aaroncalafato.com/Leah Ovahttps://www.tiktok.com/@leahovaSpecial Guest: Chanel Alihttps://www.chanelali.com/Editorial:Matt SunbulliBrooks BordenKen WendtAaron CalafatoAudio: Ken WendtJan CruzResearch: Zaid SafeMatt Sunbulli

Jul 23, 2024 • 9min
Returning to Work Post-National Crisis
In the wake of last week's shocking assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump and the ensuing chaos, the nation is grappling with unprecedented uncertainty. How do employees and employers cope with such turmoil? Join the TLO crew as we explore the impact on the workplace and discuss strategies for finding stability and productivity in these challenging times. Hosts: Matt Sunbullihttps://www.linkedin.com/in/sunbulli/https://www.threads.net/@mattsunbullihttps://www.firstdraft.vcAaron Calafatohttps://www.7minutestoriespod.com/https://www.aaroncalafato.com/Leah Ovahttps://www.tiktok.com/@leahova