

Workday Playdate
Erin Diehl | Passion Struck Network
TOP 1% GLOBAL PODCAST for People-First Leaders
Formerly the "improve it! Podcast." #9 in BEST 100 SELF LEADERSHIP PODCASTS.
I’m Erin Diehl, keynote speaker, business improv edutainer, and founder of improve it! (AKA your work bestie). Every Wednesday, Workday Playdate with improve it! helps HR professionals, people leaders, and culture-driven humans bring more laughter, levity, and purpose to their workdays. Because work is better when you play.
This is not your average leadership podcast. You’ll get research-backed strategies, improv-inspired tools, and candid conversations with top leaders, speakers, improvisers and authors who are rethinking how we work and lead.
Our promise is to give you tangible takeaways you can use immediately, plus a few laughs along the way.
Interested in partnering with us? Workday Playdate reaches thousands of people-first leaders who care about workplace culture, leadership, and team development.
Contact info@learntoimproveit.com to learn more about sponsorship opportunities. We promise laughs, impact, and zero awkward small talk. Think ROI with a side of LOL’s. Let’s make it happen!
Formerly the "improve it! Podcast." #9 in BEST 100 SELF LEADERSHIP PODCASTS.
I’m Erin Diehl, keynote speaker, business improv edutainer, and founder of improve it! (AKA your work bestie). Every Wednesday, Workday Playdate with improve it! helps HR professionals, people leaders, and culture-driven humans bring more laughter, levity, and purpose to their workdays. Because work is better when you play.
This is not your average leadership podcast. You’ll get research-backed strategies, improv-inspired tools, and candid conversations with top leaders, speakers, improvisers and authors who are rethinking how we work and lead.
Our promise is to give you tangible takeaways you can use immediately, plus a few laughs along the way.
Interested in partnering with us? Workday Playdate reaches thousands of people-first leaders who care about workplace culture, leadership, and team development.
Contact info@learntoimproveit.com to learn more about sponsorship opportunities. We promise laughs, impact, and zero awkward small talk. Think ROI with a side of LOL’s. Let’s make it happen!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 24, 2024 • 29min
235: Four Years In: What’s Next for the improve it! Podcast, and How Can We Continue to Improve and Inspire You?
Picture this: Erin sitting on a porch with a chicken on a laptop in the heat of the pandemic, asking herself how she was going to start a podcast. Yup, that’s the improve it! Podcast’s origin story and Erin is here today to tell you the tale. In today’s episode, Erin shares the logistics behind starting a podcast, the mistakes that she made so you don’t have to, and a step-by-step guide to how one episode of the improve it! Podcast gets made from start to finish. Erin also explains when she realized the name of the podcast needed to change and how she’s starting to monetize the show. If you’re interested in starting your own podcast or know someone who is – this is the episode for you. Special sprinkles on top of this episode: Erin’s “podcast closet” and how to create a community with your show listeners Show Links: Jenna Kutcher’s Podcast Lab
Pro Podcast Solutions Send a question/voice message on SpeakPipe here. Purchase Erin’s book, I See You! A Leader’s Guide to Energizing Your Team through Radical Empathy
Purchase the I See You Meditation Album
Get our free Book Club timeline and checklist here
Did today’s episode resonate with you? Please leave us a review for a chance to win a self-care package from us Want to book Erin to speak at your organization or large-scale event: Learn more here.
Connect with Erin Diehl: @itserindiehl on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter
Erin’s LinkedIn
improve it! TikTok Improve it! Instagram Improve it! Facebook improve it! website Book a Laugh Break Book a Workshop Email Erin: info@learntoimproveit.com
“I love this podcast and I love Erin!!” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this podcast! This helps Erin support more people – just like you – move toward the leader you want to be. Click here, click listen on Apple Podcasts, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with 5 stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let Erin know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. That way you won’t miss any juicy episodes! Thanks in advance, improve it! Peeps :)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Apr 17, 2024 • 45min
234: Tiffany Sauder on Dual Career Families: Can You Really Have It All Without Sacrificing What Matters Most?
What does laundry have to do with giving yourself the space to love & serve and not just do? An awful lot, according to CEO, Keynote Speaker, and Scared Confident Podcast Host, Tiffany Sauder. Tiffany is an expert in how to actually live your existence, not just manage it. She helps high-achievers have a space where they can love and serve, not just do. In today’s episode, Tiffany joins Erin to explain the moment when she decided to demand to love her days, her own personal journey to rebuilding the systems that ran her life, and why we cannot live an eternally additive existence. Tiffany shares the one thing that you may be forgetting about that could make your life so much easier: affordable outsourcing. If you’re looking for ways to work (and live) smarter, not harder – this is the episode for you. Special sprinkles on top of this episode: what “Change Moments” are and what it means to be “wired to do something.” Show Links: Purchase Erin’s newest book, I See You! A Leader’s Guide to Energizing Your Team through Radical Empathy
Purchase the I See You Meditation Album
Get our free 4-Step Consistency Planner here Did today’s episode resonate with you? Please leave us a review for a chance to win a self-care package from us Send a question/voice message on SpeakPipe here. Want to book Erin to speak at your organization or large-scale event: Learn more here.
Connect with Tiffany Sauder: Link to Poplin for laundry service Tiffany’s website
Tiffany’s LinkedIn
Tiffany’s podcast, Scared Confident
Tiffany’s free task planner tool
Connect with Erin Diehl: @itserindiehl on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter
Erin’s LinkedIn
improve it! TikTok Improve it! Instagram Improve it! Facebook improve it! website Book a Laugh Break Book a Workshop Email Erin: info@learntoimproveit.com
“I love this podcast and I love Erin!!” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this podcast! This helps Erin support more people – just like you – move toward the leader you want to be. Click here, click listen on Apple Podcasts, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with 5 stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let Erin know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. That way you won’t miss any juicy episodes! Thanks in advance, improve it! Peeps :)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Apr 10, 2024 • 44min
233: In a World Filled with Distractions, How Can You Live with an Expansive Mind? Nate Klemp Answers
Nate Klemp, PhD, is a writer, philosopher, and entrepreneur. Most recently, Nate is the author of the new book OPEN: Living with an Expansive Mind in a Distracted World. The book explores how screen addiction and political polarization have closed the modern mind. Using new science, age-old practices, and life experiments, Open investigates tools we can use to cultivate a more open mind. In today’s episode, Nate joins Erin to discuss what it means to open ourselves up to the other side, to really try to experience for ourselves the opposing belief system, and what that can create. Nate explains why he never experienced politics the same way after writing Open, what he means by “behavioral architecture” and “dopamine dessert,” and why overindulgence might be the answer sometimes. If you’re looking for a mindset shift on what it means to be curious in a world that banks on certainty and distraction addiction – this is the episode for you. Show Links: Sign up for the FREE virtual public book club for I See You! Happening on April 17th Purchase Erin’s newest book, I See You! A Leader’s Guide to Energizing Your Team through Radical Empathy
Purchase the I See You Meditation Album
Get our free 4-Step Consistency Planner here Did today’s episode resonate with you? Please leave us a review for a chance to win a self-care package from us Send a question/voice message on SpeakPipe here. Want to book Erin to speak at your organization or large-scale event: Learn more here.
Connect with Nate Klemp: Nate’s LinkedIn
Nate’s website
Nate’s books
Nate’s newsletter
Connect with Erin Diehl: @itserindiehl on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter
Erin’s LinkedIn
improve it! TikTok Improve it! Instagram Improve it! Facebook improve it! website Book a Laugh Break Book a Workshop Email Erin: info@learntoimproveit.com
“I love this podcast and I love Erin!!” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this podcast! This helps Erin support more people – just like you – move toward the leader you want to be. Click here, click listen on Apple Podcasts, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with 5 stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let Erin know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. That way you won’t miss any juicy episodes! Thanks in advance, improve it! Peeps :)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Apr 3, 2024 • 20min
232: Are You Missing Out on Team Building Opportunities? Discover the Power of a Leadership Book Club
Yes, you know what book clubs are. You’ve seen them in action, been a part of them, maybe even organized them on your own. But what if we told you that a book club was how improve it! began? In today’s episode, Erin tells the story of the book club she joined early in her career and how the first book they read changed her life and helped her build improve it! from the ground up. Erin also shares her 7-step method for creating your own book club and details on how to join improve it!’s own virtual book club. If you’re looking for how to start experiencing books and watching them play out in your daily life – this is the episode for you. Show Links: Sign up for the FREE virtual public book club for I See You! Happening on April 17th Purchase Erin’s newest book, I See You! A Leader’s Guide to Energizing Your Team through Radical Empathy
Purchase the I See You Meditation Album
Get our free 4-Step Consistency Planner here Did today’s episode resonate with you? Please leave us a review for a chance to win a self-care package from us Send a question/voice message on SpeakPipe here. Want to book Erin to speak at your organization or large-scale event: Learn more here.
Connect with Erin Diehl: @itserindiehl on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter
Erin’s LinkedIn
improve it! TikTok Improve it! Instagram Improve it! Facebook improve it! website Book a Laugh Break Book a Workshop Email Erin: info@learntoimproveit.com
“I love this podcast and I love Erin!!” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this podcast! This helps Erin support more people – just like you – move toward the leader you want to be. Click here, click listen on Apple Podcasts, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with 5 stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let Erin know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. That way you won’t miss any juicy episodes! Thanks in advance, improve it! Peeps :)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mar 27, 2024 • 46min
231: Ready to Negotiate Like a Pro in High-Stake Conversations? Tune in with FBI Insider Chris Voss
Chris Voss worked as a Supervisory Special Agent for the FBI, specializing in negotiation. Now Chris is the World's #1 Negotiation Coach, Keynote Speaker, Bestselling Author of Never Split The Difference, and CEO at The Black Swan Group, Ltd. In today’s episode, Erin and Chris discuss identification versus feeling when it comes to empathy, the power of the pause in high-stake conversations, and why tactical empathy is the key to collaboration. If you’re looking for tangible strategies for improving your communication skills – this is the episode for you. Show Links: Sign up for the FREE virtual public book club for I See You! Happening on April 17th Purchase Erin’s newest book, I See You! A Leader’s Guide to Energizing Your Team through Radical Empathy
Purchase the I See You Meditation Album
Get our free 4-Step Consistency Planner here Did today’s episode resonate with you? Please leave us a review for a chance to win a self-care package from us Send a question/voice message on SpeakPipe here. Want to book Erin to speak at your organization or large-scale event: Learn more here.
Connect with Chris Voss: Chris’s LinkedIn
Chris’s company website
Chris’s Tuesday newsletter, The Edge
Connect with Erin Diehl: @itserindiehl on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter
Erin’s LinkedIn
improve it! TikTok Improve it! Instagram Improve it! Facebook improve it! website Book a Laugh Break Book a Workshop Email Erin: info@learntoimproveit.com
“I love this podcast and I love Erin!!” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this podcast! This helps Erin support more people – just like you – move toward the leader you want to be. Click here, click listen on Apple Podcasts, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with 5 stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let Erin know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. That way you won’t miss any juicy episodes! Thanks in advance, improve it! Peeps :)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mar 20, 2024 • 52min
230: Ready to Land Your Dream Job? Matthew Sorensen Shares Insider Tips
Matthew Sorensen is the Creator/Host of The Job Interview Experience podcast. An expert in his field, Matthew is going to share everything you need to know from the perspective of the next person who’s recruiting you for your dream job. In today’s episode, Erin and Matthew discuss how to say no at the right times because you know what you’re worth, the ONE game changer you haven’t been including in your cover letters until now, and why offering a solution is the most effective way to catapult yourself to the top of the candidate pool. If you’re looking for foolproof ways to improve your job search experience – this is the episode for you. Show Links: Sign up for the FREE virtual public book club for I See You!
Purchase Erin’s newest book, I See You! A Leader’s Guide to Energizing Your Team through Radical Empathy
Purchase the I See You Meditation Album
Get our free 4-Step Consistency Planner here Did today’s episode resonate with you? Please leave us a review for a chance to win a self-care package from us. Send a question/voice message on SpeakPipe here.
Want to book Erin to speak at your organization or large-scale event: Learn more here.
Connect with Matthew Sorensen: Matthew’s LinkedIn
Connect with Erin Diehl: @itserindiehl on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter
Erin’s LinkedIn
improve it! TikTok Improve it! Instagram Improve it! Facebook improve it! website Book a Laugh Break Book a Workshop Email Erin: info@learntoimproveit.com
“I love this podcast and I love Erin!!” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this podcast! This helps Erin support more people – just like you – move toward the leader you want to be. Click here, click listen on Apple Podcasts, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with 5 stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let Erin know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. That way you won’t miss any juicy episodes! Thanks in advance, improve it! Peeps :)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mar 13, 2024 • 20min
229: Can a Leadership Book Change Your Team's Culture? A Sneak Peek into Our Virtual Book Club
As leaders, what if we thought about hitting key life metrics as much as we think about hitting key performance metrics? Sure, we want sales and production to increase, but we also want to see our teammates going to that pottery class after work because they have the capacity to do so, and because they want to do it. In today’s episode, Erin gives you the 411 on how to create a work culture that honors human beings, not human doings and the inside scoop on one of improve it!’s newest offerings: virtual book club. If you’re looking for a change at work but you’re not sure what it is yet – this is the episode for you. Show Links: Sign up for the FREE virtual public book club for I See You!
Purchase Erin’s newest book, I See You! A Leader’s Guide to Energizing Your Team through Radical Empathy
Purchase the I See You Meditation Album
Get our free 4-Step Consistency Planner here Did today’s episode resonate with you? Please leave us a review for a chance to win a self-care package from us. Send a question/voice message on SpeakPipe here.
Want to book Erin to speak at your organization or large-scale event: Learn more here.
Check out Harmony Insights, an organization led by Erich Kurschat. Using the DiSC model of behavior as a foundation since 2006, Erich focuses on natural behaviors and learned adaptability to create roadmaps for the relationships and connections that matter most to us. He facilitates a process of learning that is at once deeply introspective and highly interactive. Whether you’re learning how to navigate and manage personalities, seeking direction in your career, or simply looking to connect more successfully with the person directly in front of you, let Erich and Harmony Insights help you define your own path to achievement… one insight at a time! Connect with Erin Diehl: @itserindiehl on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter
Erin’s LinkedIn
improve it! TikTok Improve it! Instagram Improve it! Facebook improve it! website Book a Laugh Break Book a Workshop Email Erin: info@learntoimproveit.com
“I love this podcast and I love Erin!!” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this podcast! This helps Erin support more people – just like you – move toward the leader you want to be. Click here, click listen on Apple Podcasts, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with 5 stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let Erin know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. That way you won’t miss any juicy episodes! Thanks in advance, improve it! Peeps :)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mar 6, 2024 • 43min
228: Ever Wonder How to Master Storytelling? Ready for James Ontra’s Jaw-Dropping Presentation Tips?
James Ontra is the CEO and Co-Founder of Shufflrr. Shufflrr is AI Presentation Management, and gives users a fast, easy way to create and share a presentation. James joins Erin today to discuss the key components to every great presentation, why emotion is your most vital asset, and the difference between knowing the what of what you’re presenting and the why. If you’re looking for a refresh on your presentation style – this is the episode for you. Show Links: Purchase Erin’s newest book, I See You! A Leader’s Guide to Energizing Your Team through Radical Empathy
Purchase the I See You Meditation Album
Get our free 4-Step Consistency Planner here Did today’s episode resonate with you? Please leave us a review for a chance to win a self-care package from us. Send a question/voice message on SpeakPipe here.
Want to book Erin to speak at your organization or large-scale event: Learn more here.
Check out Harmony Insights, an organization led by Erich Kurschat. Using the DiSC model of behavior as a foundation since 2006, Erich focuses on natural behaviors and learned adaptability to create roadmaps for the relationships and connections that matter most to us. He facilitates a process of learning that is at once deeply introspective and highly interactive. Whether you’re learning how to navigate and manage personalities, seeking direction in your career, or simply looking to connect more successfully with the person directly in front of you, let Erich and Harmony Insights help you define your own path to achievement… one insight at a time! Connect with James Ontra: James’ LinkedIn
Connect with Erin Diehl: @itserindiehl on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter
Erin’s LinkedIn
improve it! TikTok Improve it! Instagram Improve it! Facebook improve it! website Book a Laugh Break Book a Workshop Email Erin: info@learntoimproveit.com
"I love this podcast and I love Erin!!" If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this podcast! This helps Erin support more people – just like you – move toward the leader you want to be. Click here, click listen on Apple Podcasts, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with 5 stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let Erin know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. That way you won’t miss any juicy episodes! Thanks in advance, improve it! Peeps :)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Feb 28, 2024 • 48min
227: Imposter Syndrome Got You Down? Get On the Up with Jule Kim
Jule Kim is an Executive Leadership Coach, imposter syndrome expert, and keynote speaker. Jule joins Erin today to discuss what we think imposter syndrome is versus what it actually is, the differences between imposter syndrome and people pleasing, and why her biggest lesson is to get your head on straight before you do anything. If you’re up for some hard truths to examine about yourself (and strategies to improve!) – this is the episode for you. Show Links: Purchase Erin’s newest book, I See You! A Leader’s Guide to Energizing Your Team through Radical Empathy
Purchase the I See You Meditation Album
Get our free 4-Step Consistency Planner here Did today’s episode resonate with you? Please leave us a review for a chance to win a self-care package from us. Send a question/voice message on SpeakPipe here.
Want to book Erin to speak at your organization or large-scale event: Learn more here.
Check out Harmony Insights, an organization led by Erich Kurschat. Using the DiSC model of behavior as a foundation since 2006, Erich focuses on natural behaviors and learned adaptability to create roadmaps for the relationships and connections that matter most to us. He facilitates a process of learning that is at once deeply introspective and highly interactive. Whether you’re learning how to navigate and manage personalities, seeking direction in your career, or simply looking to connect more successfully with the person directly in front of you, let Erich and Harmony Insights help you define your own path to achievement… one insight at a time! Connect with Jule Kim: Jule’s LinkedIn
Jule’s Instagram
Jule’s Tik Tok
Jule’s website
Jule’s Self-Love Affirmations & Reflections card deck
Connect with Erin Diehl: @itserindiehl on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter
Erin’s LinkedIn
improve it! TikTok Improve it! Instagram Improve it! Facebook improve it! website Book a Laugh Break Book a Workshop Email Erin: info@learntoimproveit.com
“I love this podcast and I love Erin!!” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this podcast! This helps Erin support more people – just like you – move toward the leader you want to be. Click here, click listen on Apple Podcasts, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with 5 stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let Erin know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. That way you won’t miss any juicy episodes! Thanks in advance, improve it! Peeps :)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Feb 21, 2024 • 28min
226: Want to Know My Author Story? Here’s How I Was Guided to Write My Book
In today’s episode, Erin tells you about the three P’s (pivoting, people-pleasing, and pain) that she experienced as the pandemic began in 2020, and how the tools and strategies she developed in her healing cocoon led her to the message she received to write her first book. Erin explains how you can look to every external source you want to, but that the real healing begins with you. If you’re up for a story time and some healing inspiration – this is the episode for you. Show Links: Purchase the I See You Meditation Album
Pre-order Erin’s newest book, I See You! A Leader’s Guide to Energizing Your Team through Radical Empathy
Get our free 4-Step Consistency Planner here Check out Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett’s podcast, Where Work Meets Life
Did today’s episode resonate with you? Please leave us a review for a chance to win a self-care package from us. Send a question/voice message on SpeakPipe here.
Want to book Erin to speak at your organization or large-scale event: Learn more here.
Connect with Erin Diehl: @itserindiehl on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter
Erin’s LinkedIn
improve it! TikTok Improve it! Instagram Improve it! Facebook improve it! website Book a Laugh Break Book a Workshop Email Erin: info@learntoimproveit.com
“I love this podcast and I love Erin!!” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this podcast! This helps Erin support more people – just like you – move toward the leader you want to be. Click here, click listen on Apple Podcasts, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with 5 stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let Erin know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. That way you won’t miss any juicy episodes! Thanks in advance, improve it! Peeps :)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.


