What Works

The podcast delves into the troubling trend of 'leisure crafting,' where relaxation is transformed into another task to optimize. It critiques how this mindset blurs the lines between productive and passive leisure, potentially harming our ability to unwind. The discussion also emphasizes the need for a supportive work environment and how curiosity can propel personal growth while balancing workloads. Listeners are encouraged to assess their capacity for curiosity before diving into new pursuits, promoting a healthier relationship with work and leisure.

"Competence porn" is an indistinct genre of media that showcases people doing their jobs (loosely defined) exceptionally well, often using niche skills or uncommon expertise. You've no doubt seen it in documentaries, in short-form video, and even in a courtroom procedural or medical drama. What is it that's so appealing about competence porn? And why call it "porn?" And what can it tell us about what's missing from our work? This episode gets into all of that. But first, I gotta tell you about the day I became a boulderer.There are just 6 open spots in my next cohort of Making Sense! If you'd like to communicate more clearly and help others make sense of our complex and oft-confusing world, check out this 8-week interactive workshop. Get all the details and register here: makingsense.fyiFootnotes:Read the written version of this episode."My Summer of Strategic Incompetence" by Kate ManneFree Solo (2018 film)"Competence Porn is Comforting" by Rachel Ayers in ReactorLFG (2021 film)"The Uses of the Erotic" by Audre LordeTeaching to Transgress by bell hooksThe Society of the Spectacle by Guy Debord (00:00) - Desperately Seeking Embodied Competence (20:00) - Credits ★ Support this podcast ★

Explore the chaos that arises from unmet expectations and how it shapes personal growth. Discover three powerful mental models to navigate life's complexities and enhance communication. Unpack the contradictions of social media algorithms that prioritize engagement over quality content. Examine how societal norms and personal biases influence our perceptions of chaos, especially in health insurance and technology. Plus, learn about an interactive workshop designed to help transform insights into impactful media.

Explore the intriguing idea that sensemaking often begins in chaos. Discover how misaligned expectations can create confusion and frustration in everyday life. Learn about the essential role of mental models in communication and how they can shift perspectives for better outcomes. The discussion highlights the need for proactive updates to these models in today's chaotic media landscape. An upcoming workshop promises to empower individuals to transform their meaningful ideas into impactful media.

If you're like me, you often think about what you would have done to prepare for... this job, this economy, this political climate, this financial situation, etc... if only you'd known. But you didn't know (I didn't know). And you (I) couldn't know. Some of the loudest shoulds and supposed-tos we face are those we couldn't have achieved due to the time we were born or the family we grew up in.In this episode, I reflect on the rapid changes occurring in work and the economy in the 21st century and how they relate to how I guide my now 17-year-old daughter. Then, I share my interview with sociologist and political economist Mauro Guillén about his book The Perennials: The Megatrends Creating a Postgenerational Society.Footnotes:Read the written version of this episode.The Perennials by Mauro GuillénThe Folded Sky by Elizabeth BearMidlife by Kieran Setiya***Making Sense is back!This 8-week online seminar is a step-by-step framework for turning your meaningful ideas into remarkable media—and helping others make sense of our complex and often confusing world. Whether you're a creator, academic, marketer, speaker, podcaster, or any other kind of communicator, this program is for you.The program is limited to 15 participants and runs from September 16 to November 4.Enrollment opens soon!  ★ Support this podcast ★

No job is safer than a government job, right? Well, not anymore. At least not in the US. I’m paying special attention to the fight over government jobs (or, as the administration might put it, “bloat and inefficiency”) because it’s part of a more comprehensive narrative project—one that shapes how we think and talk about work, and therefore think and talk about who we are and how we fit into society. Questioning the narrative that government workers are lazy or that bureaucracy is bloated and unnecessary is one way to question the narratives we perpetuate in our own work lives. And that's what today's episode is all about.Footnotes:Read the essay version of this episode at whatworks.fyiJustice Jackson's dissent in Trump v American Federation of Government Workers (7.11.25)Michael Lewis on Cautionary Tales and his new book, Who Is Government?The Partnership for Public Service"Breaking the Validation Spiral" by Tara McMullin"All Parasites Have Value" by Tara McMullinAstra Taylor's book The Age of Insecurity and her interview on the Current Affairs podcastMythocracy by Yves Citton ★ Support this podcast ★

Exploring the value of re-reading, the discussion highlights how familiar stories shape personal identity, with Murderbot taking center stage. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on the comfort found in revisiting narratives amid today’s fast-paced content consumption. The conversation contrasts the fleeting nature of digital media with the deeper connections and insights gained through cherished texts. Personal anecdotes enrich the dialogue, showcasing the rediscovery of meaning and growth that comes from re-engaging with beloved works.

Why do we keep chasing external approval despite feeling depleted? The struggle between mediocrity and excellence is examined through a personal lens, highlighting the need for a healthy self-identity. The concept of the validation spiral is explored, revealing how it leads to burnout and dissatisfaction. Listeners discover strategies to break free from this cycle and embrace self-acceptance. Feminist theory is woven in, providing a thought-provoking perspective on rethinking our commitments and redefining success.

The discussion kicks off with the financial realities of supporting creators in today's economy, revealing the challenges they face. It delves into the fragile relationship between creator support and traditional charity, highlighting vulnerabilities. The future of media organizations is scrutinized, emphasizing the need for genuine support rather than profit motives. There's also a compelling look at how storytelling shapes desires and societal beliefs, advocating for narratives that empower communities. Plus, a seminar for creative thinkers promises to enhance critical thinking through adventurous exploration.

Navigating big goals is often unpredictable, resembling the twists of a roller coaster. Expect challenges as success can feel like failure, prompting emotional turmoil in the workplace. Embracing confusion can lead to valuable learning moments. The discussion includes insights on evolving procedures and the importance of adaptability in changing environments. A new seminar is introduced, blending speculative fiction with critical thinking, encouraging participants to explore complex work dynamics creatively.