The Workplace Wonderers: Workplace Lessons from Experts
Welcome to ”The Workplace Wonderer,” the podcast where we explore the exciting world of workplace wellness, mental health, burnout, psychological safety, HR, leadership theories, and much more. Join hosts Blake Cohen and Kara Kirby, leadership experts, as they interview the top professionals in these fields to learn all about the latest trends, best practices, and insights. With an open mind and an eagerness to learn, the hosts take on the role of curious wonderers, asking probing questions and diving deep into the most pressing issues affecting modern workplaces. Whether you’re a CEO, manager, or employee, this podcast will inspire you to make positive changes in your workplace and take your leadership skills to the next level. So come wonder with us, as we explore the fascinating world of workplace wellness and uncover the secrets to a happier, healthier, and more productive work environment.
Episodes

Sunday Sep 10, 2023
Sunday Sep 10, 2023
Join us on this week's episode of the Workplace Wonderer where we welcome our guest, Greg Mazzeo, in discussing Inclusive Leadership.
Greg sheds light on what it means to become an inclusive leader, develop an inclusive workplace, and offers insight into why inclusivity is more relevant today than ever!
Please enjoy this important and enlightening conversation with Gregory Mazzeo.
Want to learn more about Blake's organization? Check out:
https://NextLevelRecoveryAssociates.com

Monday Aug 14, 2023
Monday Aug 14, 2023
Join Brian Wall and I on the Workplace Wonderer: Lessons From The Experts Series where we discuss the topic of "The Loyalty Fallacy".About Brian Wall:Brian possess over two decades of expertise in steering individuals and teams to advance clinical objectives. He's a leader in the implementation of innovative clinical programs and initiatives that holistically address behavioral health and addiction issues.
Brian and I discuss knowing our own worth and understanding when it's time for us to move on from a position that we've outgrown or that's not right for us any longer.
Brian is an expert clinician and an all around fantastic person. Enjoy this episode of the Workplace Wonderer!

Thursday Aug 03, 2023
Thursday Aug 03, 2023
Join Marsha Stone and I on this week's episode of the Workplace Wonderer: Lessons From The Experts Series on the topic: Authentic Leadership in Behavioral Health.About Marsha Stone:Experienced Chief Executive Officer with a demonstrated history of working in the health and wellness industry. Skilled in Leadership, Growth, Crisis Intervention, Family Therapy, Case Management, and Prevention. Strong business and brand development professional with a Doctor of Law (JD) focused in Law from North Carolina Central University School of Law. Marsha is now the founder of Foundation Stone Family of Programs and is always seeking to provide excellent, state-of-the-art behavioral healthcare to those that need it most!
The first time I got to see Marsha Stone speak she was discussing the topic of Authentic Leadership.If you know me, this is a topic that makes me giddy so I was on the edge of my seat throughout her whole presentation.What made it so special, however, wasn't the data she presented. She stood on stage in her truth and walked the walk of authentic leadership. She was vulnerable and heart-open. Even more special, though, was seeing some of her team-members in the audience agreeing with everything she said. It was clear she was up there being truly authentic.Authentic leadership is about being true to ourselves, our emotions, our mission, and "followers". This style of leadership creates bonds that go beyond the standard leader/follower relationship because authenticity is at the root of what connects us all.
To learn more about Blake's company, Next Level Recovery Associates Inc, check out:
NextLevelRA.com

Friday Jun 23, 2023
Friday Jun 23, 2023
Join Brandi Derr and I on the Workplace Wonderer: Lessons From The Experts Series on the topic: The Black Leadership Female Experience.About Brandi Derr:Dr. Brandi Derr is the Director of the Leadership PsyD program at William James College and is the founder of Cosmos Consulting. Dr. Derr is an Organizational Psychologist that provides all levels of leadership and team development, organizational assessment and intervention, and change management.
This conversation with Dr. Derr is one of my favorites and is, probably, one of the most candid and open discussions we've had to date. This episode is packed with gems and golden nuggets of information pertaining to what it truly means to be an inclusive and diverse organization, how to handle diversity related situations, and how having empathy is at the root of inclusivity.
To learn more about Blake's company, Next Level Recovery Associates Inc, Check out: https://www.nextlevelrecoveryassociates.com/workplaceservices
To learn more about Dr. Brandi Derr's organization, Cosmos Consulting, Check out: https://cosmosconsulting.info

Monday Jun 05, 2023
Monday Jun 05, 2023
Join Ryan S. Gallik 🧠 (He/Him) and I on this week's episode of the Workplace Wonderer: Lessons From The Experts Series on the topic: Happiness as a Leader.About Ryan Gallik:After working nearly two decades as a Firefighter/ Paramedic, Ryan discovered that the lack of focus on mental hygiene directly has human and financial impacts. During his tenure in Public Safety, he learned that suicide is the leading cause of death among first responders; also learning that 132 people die by suicide daily in the United States. he responded to calls where people were experiencing depression, anxiety, grief, and even suicidal ideations.
He opted to retire from the Fire Service and become an Entrepreneur, Author, Professional Speaker, Trainer and Strategic Partner; to share his passion and knowledge on how to be resilient, mindful and empower on how to get away from the syndromes and into the strategies of being happy and healthy.
This conversation discusses how find the elusive happiness, contentment vs. happiness, and a leader's role in inspiring happiness amongst their teams.
Please enjoy this week's episode of the Workplace Wonderer!
To learn more about Ryan's Company go to:
https://mentalhygieneproject.com/
To learn more about how Next Level can help your organization, go to:
https://www.nextlevelrecoveryassociates.com/workplaceservices

Monday May 15, 2023
Monday May 15, 2023
Join Matt Cardone and I on the Workplace Wonderer: Lessons From The Experts Series on the topic: Meditation and It’s Power for Employees.About Matt Cardone:Matt Cardone is a transformational leader focused on creating positive change through collaboration, gathering insights, and strategic planning to enable flawless execution with Advanced Recovery Systems.
Matt details his experience of traveling through India, overcoming addiction, moving towards mastering meditation, and what life looks like for him today after leaving corporate America and transitioning to teaching others in the workplace the benefits of meditation.
Learn more about Blake's company at:
https://www.nextlevelrecoveryassociates.com/workplaceservices

Friday May 05, 2023
Friday May 05, 2023
Join Allison Stark and I on this episode of the Workplace Wonderer: Lessons From The Experts Series on the topic: No One Size Fits All Approach To Global Wellness.About Allison Stark:Allison Stark is the Senior Manager of Global Wellness at Hewlett-Packard Enterprises. She is an HR professional with over twenty years of experience in the areas of global wellness design, benefits administration, client and vendor implementation, program management, vendor management and consulting.
This conversation is a great one! Imagine operating a wellness program globally across dozens of countries, cultures, and 60K+ employees!
We hope you enjoy this week's episode of the Workplace Wonderer!
To learn more about what Blake's company does with workplaces, please visit: https://www.nextlevelrecoveryassociates.com/workplaceservices

Monday Apr 17, 2023
Monday Apr 17, 2023
Join Priscilla Torres, M.S. and I on the Workplace Wonderer: Lessons From The Experts Series on the topic Navigating Generational Differences at Work!About Priscilla Torres, MS:Priscilla Torres is a dynamic HR professional with over 15 years’ experience mostly working in the healthcare, nonprofit and automotive companies. She has proven success in creating cultures of teamwork and implementing change to achieve organizational excellence. Priscilla currently serves as the Human Resources Executive for Health Choice Network, Inc. a non-profit healthcare organization that provides services to Community Health Centers and Federally Qualified Health Centers across the nation. Priscilla maintains a part-time appointment as an Adjunct Faculty Professor at Broward College and as a speaker and trainer for speaking engagements, HR conferences and more.
Listen carefully as Priscilla beautifully guides us through a minefield of generational differences at work.
Enjoy!
To learn more about Blake's Company, check out:
https://www.nextlevelrecoveryassociates.com

Monday Apr 10, 2023
Monday Apr 10, 2023
Join Enin Rudel and Blake Cohen on the Workplace Wonderer: Lessons From The Experts Series on the topic of Facing the Difficult Conversations with Grace!About Enin Rudel,Dr. Enin Rudel holds a PsyD. in Organizational Leadership Psychology with a concentration in the Neuroscience of Leadership, and an MSW in Clinical Social work. As an organizational psychologist, through the use of dialogic practices, he creates space for employees to bring their authentic selves into the workplace. He is a thought leader, and an innovator in DEI. Dr. Rudel’s approaches are rooted in emotional intelligence and his award-winning, publication titled: “Emotional Intelligence, Organizational Social Architecture, and Black Male Leadership”, offered the first resource for global DEI leaders on how to elevate retention and leadership of Black male executives.
The ability to have a difficult conversation, especially at work, is a key ability of a leader. Difficult conversations range from simple disagreements on how to solve problems to much larger, racially charged, discussions that can affect the entire organization's ability to function appropriately.
Enjoy this engaging convo with Dr. Enin Rudel!
More information on Blake's company at:
https://www.nextlevelrecoveryassociates.com

Monday Apr 03, 2023
Monday Apr 03, 2023
Join Anthony Meeks and Blake Cohen on this week's episode at of the Workplace Wonderer: Lessons From The Experts Series on the topic Burnout and How to Employers Can Help!About Anthony Meeks:Anthony Meeks is a result-oriented, strategic, and transformational leader with over eighteen years of comprehensive experience in fast pace customer-centered, growing environments working on and overseeing multidisciplinary teams. Experienced in transforming organizational systems to achieve optimal performance. Proven experience in leadership, mental health, addiction, coaching, business, and healthcare start-ups.
Burnout is a significant problem in the modern workplace, with more and more employees experiencing the negative effects of chronic stress and overwork. According to a recent study by the American Institute of Stress, over 80% of workers in the United States report feeling stressed at work, with almost half citing burnout as a significant problem. Burnout can lead to a range of physical and mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and chronic illnesses like heart disease. It can also have a significant impact on productivity and employee engagement, with burned-out workers experiencing lower job satisfaction and higher rates of absenteeism and turnover. Employers must take proactive steps to address burnout and support their employees' mental and physical health to promote a healthy and productive work environment.
Learn more about Blake's company and how they can help your workplace here:
https://www.nextlevelrecoveryassociates.com