S1E25: WE MADE IT! Nicola and Gina season 1 finale and reflection on toxic workplace podcast

Have you ever wondered what the most toxic person in a workplace looks like? It's a question we've pondered over, and our exploration leads us into shedding light on the nuances of toxic work dynamics, which are less about specific demographics and more about detrimental traits. Join us on a reflective journey as we navigate the fascinating world of toxic workplaces, digest the wisdom of experts, share our favorite moments from past episodes, and contrast our own experiences with their insights.

Throughout the season, Nicola and Gina have fearlessly tackled the disappointment of workplace toxicity head-on, providing a fresh perspective and injecting much-needed spice into the conversation. Week after week, they've brought on courageous guests who shared their real-life experiences of navigating toxic workplaces. Together, they've fostered a powerful sense of encouragement and unity, transforming the tough topic of negativity in the workplace into a movement for positivity.

We've been faced with our own demons and grappled with burnout as we laughed and learned through our podcasting journey. As we share our personal encounters and emotional rollercoasters, we also explore the role of empathy to combat toxicity, the significance of a growth mindset, and the perilous impact of trying to grow too soon. It's been a riveting mix of laughter, learning, and self-discovery, with funny stories and impactful advice shaping our perspective and helping us understand the dynamics of toxic workplaces better.

Lastly, we raise a toast to our podcast's success, and we couldn't be more thrilled with the reception from Canada to Kenya, the Bahamas to Thailand. We also delve into some personal updates, business concerns, and a glimpse into our future plans. With a new season on the horizon, we are eager to continue our exploration and bring you more intriguing and enriching content. We've had a blast so far, and we can't wait to see where the journey takes us next!

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Transcript

Speaker 1: 0:00

This podcast may contain adult themes. This podcast is for entertainment purposes only The views and opinions in this podcast are expressly our own.

Speaker 3: 0:09

Honestly, every time I try to do something fun or exciting, you make it not that way. Is it okay if I kick your boss's ass That?

Speaker 1: 0:18

won't affect your workplace chemistry, will it? Alright, who did this?

Speaker 3: 0:23

I'm not mad. I just want to know who did it so I can punish them When I get to the workplace. I like to fuck shit up.

Speaker 2: 0:29

Welcome to Let's Break Up Toxic Workplace Stories hosted by me, nicola, and me, gina both with many years working in corporate roles. Come along as we introduce some awesome guests from around the world about their experiences with toxic workplaces, sharing lessons learned and providing safe, supportive place to share their stories with those who might be experiencing similar situations.

Speaker 1: 0:51

Each week, we will provide tips and ways to identify some of the challenges associated with toxic workplaces In today's episode.

Speaker 2: 1:01

Let's do it. Can you believe that it's our last episode of the season? No, I really can't. Does that blow your mind?

Speaker 1: 1:11

Yeah and like.

Speaker 2: 1:13

Anyway, i tell people that I know not to listen because I don't need them hearing my annoying voice outside of me actually talking to them.

Speaker 1: 1:22

Yeah, i know I get that, but I was just kind of like you should at least. He's like how's that going? I'm like I don't know. You should probably listen, like I was annoyed. It's like you should probably just listen. Don't ask me how it is, dumbass.

Speaker 2: 1:35

But, um, we got a question, though. We got a legitimate question, which I'm going to say for the end. Okay, what are some of the things that you think we have learned about podcasting in this season?

Speaker 1: 1:50

Alright, so first of all I just want to say that I can't believe this is like That. My little tiny idea, with all of your extra help and work, has kind of like turned into something that we never Like. We were like remember the beginning. We were like I wonder if three people will listen the first time outside of the people we actually told like our friends.

Speaker 2: 2:15

We were excited when three people listened.

Speaker 1: 2:18

We were like, oh my god, this is so cool. And then of course, somehow the word got out and it just kind of got like I mean, of course we're not like superstars in the space yet or anything, but it has. It has way. It's gotten so much more like attention from people than I ever thought it would, Oh for sure. And so that I'm like super grateful for Like I think it's so cool and I hope that we are helping people, like I think we are, but hopefully more than we know This is, though, like everybody we've spoken to at some point says two things to us.

Speaker 2: 2:55

They say oh my god, it was so fun talking to you. A, obviously Obs And B. The other thing they say is this is a really important topic and no one really talks about.

Speaker 1: 3:06

That's actually true. So I think that you hit the nail on the head. That's Which, to me, i was kind of like why don't people talk about this? But the more that we've heard people's stories, it's like it becomes clear. And I didn't even talk about it until after the fact. So I guess I just never really thought that through. You know, because there's like job security issues, there's psychological issues, there's so many additional things that like are on someone's plate that, yeah, it's, It does make sense. And also, i've learned so much Like, so so much Like all of these different ways that people cope, like different ideas. You know what works, what doesn't. You know, i've learned a lot.

Speaker 2: 3:55

Leadership strategies, growth mindset, like we've kind of hit all of the arcs.

Speaker 1: 4:02

And I think that we also, like I also learned. Like I mean, i learned a lot about myself with trying to be really honest with our experience, how I had a part to play. You know how we all have a part to play in our own stories. It's not just like victim mode, but and then I've learned a lot about other people and how they look at stuff, and it's just been really eye-opening.

Speaker 2: 4:29

It has been really eye-opening. It's been really, i think, how our conversations with the experts has been really interesting, because they've all got a different opinion on it, but it's all the same topic.

Speaker 1: 4:44

It is, and I think, like most of them are just like. So I think it's like empathy that a lot of these people are. Like a lot of the people who are taught, who kind of foster a toxic workplace. I think it's empathy that a lot of them are missing. That's true. I can see that, and also just like the micro management, i think, is also A big one.

Speaker 1: 5:12

And I know you and I have mentioned that over various points in our little chats in the beginning or whatever. So yeah, and it's also made me so chuckle how much our ex plays of employment. I feel like they listened to us and I think that they reacted because of some of the things we said And that might be a little bit ego, like egotistical of us, but I mean, if you've listened to season one, you know that they've, like, done some really weird things in response to just little old us.

Speaker 2: 5:49

Yeah, but I noticed, though, recently they're coming up with some really nice looking things, so hopefully they've taken on the feedback and they're on an upswing.

Speaker 1: 6:01

I mean I don't, i never really paid attention to them because I was never. I never knew who they were, so I started working there. So they're not really like part of my life. But good, i mean the idea is okay overall. I think they should come clean about the whole premise of the idea behind it. But whatever, and yeah, i mean good for them if they're getting their shit together.

Speaker 2: 6:28

I can only but hope. What do you think about each other?

Speaker 1: 6:32

I've learned. Okay, so I've learned that you're super organized. I've learned I am not super organized. Like I'm organized in my mind but when it comes to it, like I know what I have to do, like my mind's like a great little filing cabinet, but I'm not good at like Like I just do it. You know what I mean. Like I just do what I need to do. But, yeah, i've learned that you're super organized And without you I'd be like a bumbling, like idiot on this podcast. I'd be like I don't even know who we're listening to, who we have today, who are you? Tell me about yourself, like I would you know. Yes, i've learned. I've learned a lot about you personally. I know some people had feedback like they don't know who you are as like the podcast host, but I feel like I got a lot closer to you. I've learned more about you personally and like some of the things that you've been through and stuff like that. Yeah, what did you learn?

Speaker 2: 7:30

Yeah, that I'm definitely the type A in this situation.

Speaker 1: 7:38

Yeah.

Speaker 2: 7:40

Who's the stuff we're talking to today? This person, okay.

Speaker 1: 7:45

I was like two minutes before every podcast, but like it's like then I'm like oh wait, i knew I read that, but like I don't know, yeah of Yeah, you're way more organized.

Speaker 2: 7:54

But also, i think one of the things that's really stood out to me this season is that you've been really vulnerable about like a lot of your stories and that a lot of the stuff that you've shared has been really vulnerable, and I think that's something really cool that I've learned about you as your vulnerability for sure.

Speaker 1: 8:12

I know, because I think, like when we work together you probably just didn't realize like I think I just I think I kind of come in with this like bravado, almost like I'm here to get work done, i'm getting this shit done and I do. But I think that is almost like does a disservice to myself, because there is that other side of me, yeah.

Speaker 2: 8:32

What do you think you've learned about yourself?

Speaker 1: 8:34

That I'm not organized. I used to think I was, but I'm not. I have like, as my mom would say, I have my own brand of organization, because she's like that's your own brand of logic, like your own brand of organization, And I'm like all right, fair enough, you know it is. Yeah, I think that, and I think that I learned a lot more about how to be a better leader too, You know like I just think that I maybe there are some other solutions out there that I didn't know about.

Speaker 1: 9:08

You know, nobody's perfect, so always good to know different ways of doing things. What did you learn?

Speaker 2: 9:16

I have got such an annoying voice Oh my God, No, you don't.

Speaker 1: 9:21

Whatever I listen to our podcast, I'm like Nicholas voice is so cute because like the little accent and everything.

Speaker 2: 9:28

I cannot hear you.

Speaker 1: 9:30

No, that's why they're being told.

Speaker 2: 9:34

Okay, definitely that I'm annoying, No, but I think one of the things that I kind of noticed is a lot of the leadership qualities that we've been told about or taught are ones that I naturally use with my team And I'm like, okay, maybe I don't suck all together. Yeah, got some toxic traits, sure, sure, sure, we're all human, we're all human. But I think it made me feel really confident in my own management and leadership style because I was like I don't micromanage, i elevate everybody, i hope for the best for everybody. So that kind of made me kind of reaffirmed my own kind of style, i guess. Yeah, i think that was probably the key one is a kind of just made me feel confident, a little bit more confident because we've all got imposter syndrome, but it made me feel a little bit more confident about the fact that, okay, making the right decisions as a manager, yeah, No, I can see that Yeah.

Speaker 2: 10:40

All right. What are some of the things we've learned from interviewing people?

Speaker 1: 10:46

that that every single job you could ever have ever has the potential to be a toxic workplace. It doesn't matter what your dream job does not fucking matter. Whatever industry, nothing, just no one's exempt. It's a great, it's a good equalizer right.

Speaker 2: 11:08

I think the one thing we've learned from interviewing people is you have got to got to got to vet people.

Speaker 1: 11:16

Oh yeah, we fucked that one up in the very beginning. Oh my God, yeah, that was that. some people just like to waste our time.

Speaker 2: 11:27

Should we? I feel like maybe we should add a little clip from one of the episodes that didn't make it in.

Speaker 1: 11:35

I mean you and I had a good laugh about it.

Speaker 2: 11:41

I'm still like I'm still mind blown about it.

Speaker 1: 11:46

So we should we tell how this happened.

Speaker 2: 11:49

Yes.

Speaker 1: 11:51

So this was before we were like, I think it was after this particular thing that happened.

Speaker 2: 11:56

Oh, for sure It was. this was the line in the sand.

Speaker 1: 11:59

Yes, because we hadn't really been really really lucky up until that thing that we would just like book people in to start the podcast, like no pre chat, no vetting nothing. And we had some really great people already on people, even people that were not associated with us prior, like the first couple, were like our friends. But we did have a few experts in there that just booked with us and we just went with it. We were like cool, let's just show up and see what happens, yeah. So then we booked with someone and what did they say? they were an expert in. It was like workplace Just not to screw. Yeah, something about being disabled in the workplace nation, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. Disability discrimination, which is actually a fantastic right, awesome. I was so excited. I would love to hear more about that because, you know, that's like a subject that I don't. I haven't really I don't know much about. However, what happened during? what happened during the actual call?

Speaker 2: 13:11

I didn't realize that having your period was infected disability.

Speaker 1: 13:19

Me either, and I would like to go back and get all of my disability money from wherever I can get it. I for like, since I've been like 12 or 13.

Speaker 2: 13:32

I was look, i will play the clip.

Speaker 1: 13:37

Yeah, play the clip, but so essentially the short.

Speaker 2: 13:41

Yes, yeah, not me being like we're going to wrap this up. I would be really curious to know if maybe we're in the wrong And in fact, this is a valid point. So tell us a little bit about some of the toxic workplaces that you have come across. What are some of the things that have happened with some of the really bizarre world things that have happened with you and the work that you've done?

Speaker 4: 14:10

Oh, i have heard women talk about how they weren't allowed to go to the bathroom during their periods And somebody's women can be the worst, and I have known women who have said I have had blood dripping down my leg While I was working.

Speaker 2: 14:26

Wait, what? Okay, why couldn't they go to the bathroom?

Speaker 4: 14:30

firstly, Because they were either booked up so much that there was no time for it.

Speaker 2: 14:39

They were. who's booking them up? Are they booking themselves up or are they?

Speaker 4: 14:42

could work in a salon. Okay, it could be a fast food place. Other situations are I I've been told I need to be careful talking about the bathroom. But the bathroom is a big thing because we all use the bathroom And the workplaces have have are set up like school teachers they don't get to go to the bathroom, and so because they're watching their kids and I've talked to school teachers that are like Where do I get to go to the bathroom? I may have to go to the bathroom, may have my period, and I can't leave the classroom. Because what am I supposed to say? Hey, johnny, you're in second grade, will you take over while I go change my tampon?

Speaker 1: 15:22

I think that's a little bit of a co teachers. I mean, i don't think it's very I think that might be a little antiquated that there's usually in most public charter private there's usually co teachers. I don't know what other people think. However, anyone we've mentioned it to was like Wait, what? like there was like a definite like like scratching pause, like yeah, and there was some other, like some weird mentions of other like really big topics that we were like.

Speaker 1: 16:00

Yeah, I was like I'm not, I'm not getting into this, I don't know enough about it. This is not something that you and I want to know, even potentially start getting into.

Speaker 3: 16:11

So yeah yeah, I'd be curious.

Speaker 1: 16:14

That's a good one. I'd be curious to know what people think Okay, okay, what, what?

Speaker 2: 16:20

okay, granted, that was bizarre and never even made it to air. What has been your favorite episode to date?

Speaker 1: 16:31

That's so hard, because I liked something about every single thing, like every single one, whether it was like some weird way you made me laugh or or like really enjoyed the person and what they had to say. So I think, i think, so, i think Dr Jodi, like she and I were like on some weird ass wavelength that day yeah, it was so weird. It was so weird You got a free counseling session from, like that's amazing which I didn't want.

Speaker 1: 17:03

Like I didn't go into it thinking that was going to happen. I was like trying to keep my shit together. I was just so emotional that day. No, i don't know what I think that was just statistically.

Speaker 2: 17:13

That was our most popular podcast of all time.

Speaker 1: 17:16

I mean that is fucking crazy. But yeah, i mean it just everything aligned that day. Like I was in a very strange mood. I was very upset, emotional, whatever. I think I was overtired and it just kind of like, and she just started talking about shit. That like it was exactly what I was feeling like, with no precursor. I had never spoke to her before and I think that was the one that you vetted on your own because you forgot to send me like it was just like some weird shit was going on with that. So I think, for the like in a good way, like that one I think was probably personally my favorite, but I think, like professionally, i think, i think, after Daniel Lord and Joanna, Oh yeah, i feel like, i feel like Joanna was our first like famous person.

Speaker 1: 18:11

Right, i was just like so cool and so nice and like we all vibe so well together, like it was just a fun time, like she was like so proper. But then she really wasn't, like I don't know, i think, and I like, i like Dr, dr Danielle, because she was like she really like brought her shit And it was like she knew so much right, like she was cool.

Speaker 2: 18:39

I don't know what were your favorites. I, okay, i personally still to this day laugh like by myself about fucking cardsies episode where she fucking squashed the grapes with her feet. Oh my God, yeah, i still, i do this day, i still like just will laugh because I'm like, oh my God, like, but you, can't So good, and there was, like always, some weird little nugget that stood out to us right so hard, but what else?

Speaker 1: 19:15

that one, that one was fucking funny because we're all like you know what we've all considered like some weird Craig looks.

Speaker 2: 19:23

Like, like, like, like I can dodge or a side hassle Me. I would say that my I really liked like favorites wise. I loved all of my experts. I think was amazing, i have to say, storytelling wise. I think Rainer's episode was my favorite because she told the story so well.

Speaker 1: 19:48

And she had receipts. She had fucking receipts. She came with her sheet receipts. I know it's so hard to pick.

Speaker 2: 19:57

I know, because we've had some really.

Speaker 1: 20:02

I know.

Speaker 2: 20:03

I know it's been so good, But even like with Taylor's episode and the fucking text where she's like when you don't have congratulations.

Speaker 1: 20:10

I know you're, i know you're pushing out a baby, bt dub.

Speaker 2: 20:14

I'm like Jesus Christ, like what is even happening on the planet.

Speaker 1: 20:19

I don't know, i don't know Nobody, i don't think anyone knows, but like, yeah, there's been. Okay, i like that you actually categorize it as storytelling. I think my, i actually think Rainer might have been my favorite because it was so captivating.

Speaker 2: 20:34

It was so captivating But, like you know, like the like, just you could see the way she had told the story, like you could see the flakes from the face falling in the fucking keyboard. Like I was just like I can't, like I know, i felt like I was there in the I think she was.

Speaker 1: 20:55

she was a good storyteller, so I agree with you on that. Yeah, yeah.

Speaker 2: 21:01

Okay, next question What do you think? because both of us we had a number of experts come on the podcast to talk to us about burnout and then we burnt out.

Speaker 1: 21:14

Oh my God. I know we were like not going to happen to us.

Speaker 3: 21:18

We're still doing things.

Speaker 1: 21:19

We can do anything and everything.

Speaker 2: 21:22

We can do all the things. Fuck everybody.

Speaker 1: 21:25

But it doesn't exist for Gina and Nicola.

Speaker 2: 21:29

Like two weeks.

Speaker 1: 21:31

I like had an emotional breakdown for like the past two months. It was so bad and I think burnout was part of it Like I think I was just so friggin tired and spread thin.

Speaker 2: 21:41

Yeah, i think I think what I've learned about burnout, though, and I quote I saw quotes about it the other day And it made me really hyper away, because now we've been doing this podcast, right, and I'm like fuck. Okay, this has made me super hyper aware and I think I'll share the quote as well, but it was something along the lines of your weekend should be used for doing things you enjoy, not for rest and rehabilitation from the week you've just had, okay, and so why we? you shouldn't be so tired and miserable from the work that you've done in the week that you just don't even enjoy your weekend because you're so, okay, i get it.

Speaker 1: 22:22

yeah, um Yeah, but also, if you want, if the things you enjoy, our rest and relaxation do it.

Speaker 2: 22:31

You know I love it rest and relaxation, oh yeah, okay, so I didn't love the burnout. I felt the burn out, me too. I felt miserable from the burnout as well.

Speaker 1: 22:41

I was just like Yes, yeah, you slept for like a really long time that full time.

Speaker 2: 22:46

Yeah, i did like I think I slept for what like four days straight.

Speaker 1: 22:51

I know you slept for like over the weekend, like straight through.

Speaker 2: 22:55

Yeah, i was just.

Speaker 1: 22:57

Okay, so what is our next question?

Speaker 2: 23:00

Our next question is Yes, all right, we're going to. We're going to circle back to some of the statistics, but Yeah, i would like to. Yeah, i've got some fun statistics for us. However, no, we're coming back to the statistics first. we're going to go The question that we have. Yes, i heard, so we have. we have a lovely guy called Matt who listens to our podcast regularly. Matt, we love you. Thank you, matt.

Speaker 1: 23:28

Do we know Matt in any capacity?

Speaker 2: 23:30

I do actually know Matt. Okay, i had a feeling Yeah, matt's a delight, love Matt, love Matt. And his question, which then sparked a round table discussion, and I said no, no, no, i think we are on the same page, you and I, they will. All everybody at the dinner table needed to wait for this episode to hear the answer. Okay, what's the question? The question is what do we think is the demographic of the most toxic person in a workplace?

Speaker 1: 24:06

This is a great question. All right, I'm going to. I'm going to let you go first. What do you think?

Speaker 2: 24:11

I don't think it is a demographic, i don't think it's a guy or a girl, i don't think it's an age group. I think, like you said earlier, i think it's someone that lacks empathy and is completely oblivious to people's emotions, essentially And I think that they hit all those notes of like narcissism You know the acts of micromanagement So it's like lack of self confidence internally. I think that's the person that is going to make your workplace a toxic shit show.

Speaker 1: 24:47

So I think even said this in a previous episode and don't ask me which one it is, because we all know I'm not organized But I think you and I even said even way before this this question was asked to us that we said we don't think it's like a male or a female of this age. we think it's a set of traits.

Speaker 2: 25:06

Yes, it's 100% of traits that you possess and any person can possess those traits.

Speaker 1: 25:13

Yes, and it right, you could be a newcomer. It doesn't even mean that you have to be in a position.

Speaker 2: 25:19

You look at. You look at the place we came from. That's a young woman in her early 30s.

Speaker 1: 25:27

And I think that's one of the things that I think that leads right into, like the self confidence thing that you were talking about.

Speaker 2: 25:50

And the micromanagement and the lack of abilities.

Speaker 1: 25:52

Right it just leads into one another.

Speaker 2: 25:55

Yeah.

Speaker 1: 25:58

And, and I think feeling threatened also has a thing like, has a like as part of that. It's like if they don't, if they are not confident in their experience, they're going to feel threatened much easier over like the smallest things, and then it's like a snowball effect.

Speaker 2: 26:15

Oh for sure, oh, 100% for sure.

Speaker 1: 26:17

So we, what did the dinner table round table come up with? Oh, was it everywhere the different?

Speaker 2: 26:24

And everywhere where you know some of the table was like it's older woman that are more toxic. I'm like is that the experience that you've had, though, and that's what you're getting it with? Yeah, and then for a lot of them it was it's older men, because you've got that misogyny and you know you've got that kind of patriarchy. Yeah, the experience that you've experienced, though, right, because it's just been so across the board for all of the episodes that I think it's a set of traits as well. I do too.

Speaker 2: 26:54

It's not a singular demographic. It's absolutely a set of traits that you possess.

Speaker 1: 27:00

I agree And I, and we have said that before- Yeah. Yeah, and I think it's also the No. I think that's exactly what it is. I was going to say like it also is like doing things in a certain way that like just not being teachable, like stopping, like, just like the ability to not learn a different or new way.

Speaker 2: 27:20

I think it was Debs Like Debs from episode, i think, six. It was early on when we were still happy when 10 people listened. She spoke about. She spoke about growth mindset, And I think that's the big one right is if you stop having that growth mindset or you lack the ability to kind of push yourself a bit further, That's for sure one of the nails in the coffin.

Speaker 1: 27:49

Yeah, because I think when you're so, so it's so funny because, like, if you growth is such a weird concept, right, because, like you always want to do a little bit better than the year before or like the day before or whatever, but if you grow too fast, that's not good. If you grow too slow, that's not good. It's like a delicate balance. Like you have to just like, yeah, so it's just like what? just do a little bit better than the day before and see what happens. Like like, don't like these companies that are like over in a, in an aggressive growth stage. It's like that's probably not smart because, like, look at what happens to like we work.

Speaker 1: 28:25

There was this organic place in New York that was really taking off and it was like millions of different locations all at once at a business like bankrupt. There's so many big companies that have tried to grow to too far, too fast and it ends up like it's a house of cards. It just like collapses at some point. So you have to strike that delicate balance And yeah, it's hard but it's doable.

Speaker 2: 28:49

I agree. Yeah, all right, let's look at some of these statistics which I'm excited to hear these Okay are you ready? Okay, so I want to point out that before we went into this Yeah, okay, marketing statistics. Sure Got those in my pocket, let's go. However, i've never done a podcast before. I don't know what statistics you look for in a podcast.

Speaker 1: 29:14

I don't know The blind leading the blind in some ways, i know that.

Speaker 2: 29:19

So this was a first for me and I thought like I assumed that kind of the download rate was like really low, because it's smaller numbers than what you would see on engagement rate Or reach or all of these other statistics that I'm really comfortable and confident in right, and I thought we were like sucking for the longest time. I was Yay, three people downloaded, yay, but in fact we've done Okay for ourselves.

Speaker 1: 29:48

All right.

Speaker 2: 29:50

We are in the top 10 podcasts will top 10% of podcasts worldwide.

Speaker 1: 29:56

But what is? what is the criteria to be?

Speaker 2: 30:00

there The criteria is a certain number of downloads that you get per episode in the first seven days. Okay, and we've hit that target consistently since about month two.

Speaker 1: 30:12

That's awesome.

Speaker 2: 30:15

Yeah, it's fucking cool. Yeah, we have grown our LinkedIn organically to over 500 followers, which I think is like mind blowing. I think that's pretty fucking cool. Thank you, You know. Great, it's not 10,000, whatever, but I feel like that's huge.

Speaker 1: 30:36

And we didn't even do that much, like we didn't even attempt to grow LinkedIn. we didn't put any additional effort into it. I think it just goes to show that, like this is a topic, that it's like a hot button topic in a lot of ways, so based on our stats over the first seven days.

Speaker 2: 30:55

So the first seven days are the most important ones is to track in comparison to others. All right, okay, according to our stats with the most seven days, our most popular episode was I feel like it was number two is Jodi's episode.

Speaker 1: 31:09

Dr Jodi Whoa, now the crazy. So now you know what. now we need you to get to be a little bit more vulnerable.

Speaker 2: 31:17

I don't have an emotion, all right. What I'm lies, okay. What I do get really excited about, all right Is our countries and locations of downloads. Okay, 7% of all of our listeners come from the United States. Okay, 7% from New Zealand, 6% from Canada, 3% from the UK, 3% from Australia, and then next on the list. So let's call it our top one. Two, three, four, five, six. Our top six. The next one down, south Africa, oh yeah. However, when we look at cities, the first two cities on the list are both New Zealand cities.

Speaker 1: 32:02

Yeah, Nicola.

Speaker 2: 32:04

Yeah, So Auckland, Wellington, New York, Then we have Chicago, Illinois, Los Angeles, California, Sydney, New South Wales. go Sydney, Greensboro, North Carolina, Carolina. Denver I don't know who's there Denver, colorado, houston, texas, and then San Jose, california, is our kind of top 10. That's crazy, how bizarre a world is that we also have some cool people over in Asia and Europe and South America But they don't make it kind of to the top 10, but they're still there.

Speaker 1: 32:46

We love everybody Yeah yeah, of course we do.

Speaker 2: 32:51

Okay then now this is interesting 62% of our listeners listen on Apple, 18% of them listen on Spotify. Hey, all you Apple and Spotify listeners Our Apple listeners, because they give really good stats. We've had over 11,000 plays on Apple. That's a wild, with over 1000 hours listened to.

Speaker 1: 33:20

So I feel like this is a good thing, because I mean, it's just cool, but also your voice can't be that annoying, nicola, if it's people who are listening to us for like a thousand, you know thousands of hours According to Apple's statistics, our most popular episodes were episode number one, episode 12, which was mean girls at work with Dr Amber. Oh my God, i love Dr Amber. See, it's so hard to say who would are fit. Like there was something so awesome in each episode, like I really truly mean that.

Speaker 2: 33:58

It's like All right in total. Do you want to know how much money we've made?

Speaker 1: 34:04

Can I guess, can I guess?

Speaker 2: 34:06

Yeah, please do Please.

Speaker 1: 34:07

Okay, so right now we're only making like one cent per like. isn't that what it is, one cent per like? One point four One point four I'm sorry, one point four cents for every ad that is listened to, and like the ads have their own weird algorithm, like they're not in every single episode, like it's nobody. I don't understand it. Maybe you do, nicola, i don't think you do. I think the most we made at one given time was like $9.

Speaker 2: 34:41

Oh my God, it was like Christmas payday. I was like yeah, i was like what?

Speaker 1: 34:46

So right now we're not making anything on this podcast, but with those one point four cents, like it goes right back into hosting or whatever, like yeah, that's any of it. So much since March right and we only became eligible since March. I want to say we made like 40 bucks.

Speaker 2: 35:02

We have made exactly 40 bucks Have we Do.

Speaker 1: 35:06

I guess that 40 bucks 22 cents Oh my God, that's hilarious. Wow, we're over the past like six months.

Speaker 2: 35:15

We're living our best lives. All right, we sure are. Okay, some more statistics. So we have maintained staying in the top 200 podcasts in America for the last couple of months. This week we're 144. It fluctuates quite a bit, like we go quite high and then we drop quite down, but it's mainly around rankings and it's mainly around people that give reviews. So you know, like follow, share, review and stuff that would be nice.

Speaker 1: 35:44

So wait, my most recent favorite review. I like. I just was like. Somebody was like we're awesome, this is awesome. I love you guys.

Speaker 2: 35:54

I love this episode, like I love this show.

Speaker 1: 35:57

They're like sharp interrupting And I was like I'm sorry, what now? How would we be ourselves if we weren't like constantly talking over each other Like this is who we are. If you don't like it.

Speaker 2: 36:11

Thank you, thank you, thank you. Thank you very much for your rating and your and your commentary. We really appreciate it. Please give more.

Speaker 1: 36:19

So it's actually a really cute rating. It says I love this podcast because they've been through what many of us have and it's totally relatable. My only criticism you lost me at criticism. Whoever you are, Let your guests speak without a lot of interruption.

Speaker 2: 36:35

Otherwise, excellent, Ma'am do you know us? Okay, so right now, as of this week, we're in the top 100 in Canada, so a number 63 in Canada at the moment. Okay, number 13 in Latvia.

Speaker 1: 36:53

You know that Latvian podcast chart.

Speaker 2: 36:56

Number 14 in the Bahamas. Okay, okay, bahamas, show up. Yes, bahamas, top 100 in Kenya. Okay, maybe, represent. Yeah, we're also. We're 118 in Ghana. So if we're taking Ghana and Kenya is just Africa in general, we're coming to the party there. We're number 131 in Oman. We're also we're not doing so great in Thailand though 221. Sawadee ka, sawadee, mai, sawadee, sawadee, come on Thailand.

Speaker 1: 37:31

I don't know what she said, but it sounded good, so go with it.

Speaker 2: 37:35

All right, what else? All right, what else is on our statistics list? Okay, so Google Play. A lot of people don't use Google Play. I don't think who's using it.

Speaker 1: 37:46

It's not like 2010. I feel like Google Play was like a thing in like 2010.

Speaker 2: 37:51

However, on Google Play. Rainer's episode racked up 3200 minutes of playtime.

Speaker 1: 38:02

Were we looking extra bad or extra good? that No I mean. granted, her story was really compelling.

Speaker 2: 38:13

So well told, All right Now. Now what I'm really curious for us to get into, because now we've circled all the way through this whole season, I still can't believe we've done an entire season like this actually fucking blows my mind Like agreed.

Speaker 1: 38:29

Like we have 29 episodes, what do?

Speaker 2: 38:31

you think was our least favorite episode. Just side note.

Speaker 1: 38:34

Like, based on statistics or just our own?

Speaker 2: 38:37

Well, okay, i would say go with what your gut feel is, and I'll tell you what the statistics for that are.

Speaker 1: 38:43

Unfortunately, I think it was my friend Joelle and her nightlife. I think we were still starting out though.

Speaker 2: 38:49

So I feel like we were, and we were still kind of learning. You know, we were still kind of feeling our way, feeling our way through the darkness.

Speaker 1: 38:59

Yes, yes, that's what she said.

Speaker 2: 39:03

Pretty much No. our most unpopular episode was our consultant episode.

Speaker 1: 39:11

Yeah, well, that's why we abandoned it, because nobody gave a shit.

Speaker 2: 39:16

No one listened.

Speaker 1: 39:20

That's okay. I mean, listen, our first year was like we're going to try it out and see what happens. It wasn't like nothing was guaranteed. We were just like let's see what happens. So we tried it, like don't try to. you know, it's kind of like let's not try to do too many things because we're only good at a few things. Like so yeah, we heard our audience loud and clear. Nobody can.

Speaker 2: 39:43

Yeah, we got you, booze, We got you. Yeah, we got you all.

Speaker 1: 39:48

Now I think I blocked that out of my memory because it was so painful.

Speaker 2: 39:52

And it was really difficult to edit as well, like it was the hardest thing I've ever edited.

Speaker 1: 39:57

Oh, my God. Okay, so we're not going to do that to ourselves anymore.

Speaker 2: 39:59

But what we are going to do though, do you remember in CardZB's episode? at the end of CardZB's episode, she gave us card readings.

Speaker 1: 40:10

Do you remember that We did, Oh my God, And they were like we were like wait. So actually, I think our hears came true. I think they did for both of us.

Speaker 2: 40:23

Do you need a refresher?

Speaker 1: 40:25

So I remember yours, I think, better than I remember my own. Because I was like so invested in your love life, because you asked some questions about your personal love life, because it was a little tumultuous at that point.

Speaker 2: 40:40

And I believe she was miserable And I was just like oh. What did she say about May, April, May? No, she was like in like four weeks.

Speaker 1: 40:50

You're going to meet like something's going to happen.

Speaker 2: 40:53

And they're just going to go, like she was. Like you know they're just going to come straight for you Like you're not even going to. You know they're not going to.

Speaker 1: 41:01

There's like none of that extra noise around it, yeah.

Speaker 2: 41:04

Yeah, she's just like coming in hot, coming in hot, right.

Speaker 1: 41:08

So what happened with that?

Speaker 2: 41:10

So I've now got a really nice boyfriend.

Speaker 1: 41:12

So I'm asking that question like I don't know the answer. I knew the answer. I just wanted Nicola to say I've got a really nice boyfriend. He's, so He seems really nice Yeah.

Speaker 2: 41:22

So nice.

Speaker 1: 41:24

And everyone and, like your and your kids, get along and everything.

Speaker 2: 41:28

Yes.

Speaker 1: 41:29

That's awesome, So do you think that it came true? I?

Speaker 2: 41:34

you know what You know, I'm kind of on the fence as whether or not it's like true or not true or whatever, But I'm going to say in this instance it was pretty bloody close It was close And I also feel like sometimes, maybe, like that, it's, maybe not even that it's come true.

Speaker 1: 41:50

It's just like maybe we need to hear it from like an objective person to have our mind and our heart open. Yeah, and that's what happens. It's the power of suggestion. Almost It's like she suggested, you know, and so in the back of our mind, maybe we are looking for it or we're just like oh well, something's going to happen and we're like our energy is different, Or I don't know, But I do think she was kind of on with you.

Speaker 2: 42:14

I know, so I'm going to, i'm going to play the club, yeah.

Speaker 3: 42:19

Yeah, ok. So do you guys want individually, like what are you?

Speaker 1: 42:23

looking, i actually I'm going to go with for individually OK.

Speaker 3: 42:28

We would like to go first.

Speaker 2: 42:29

Gina can go first. I'm super curious Are you taking notes? Oh, we recorded the whole conversation. Are you taking notes, Gina?

Speaker 3: 42:36

OK, so is there anything specific that you want to focus on?

Speaker 1: 42:41

I think my company, because and I'll tell you why you probably already heard like we were doing really well before COVID and then COVID hit and we kind of got like F'd in the A in every possible way.

Speaker 1: 42:53

So we're just kind of starting to regroup, like like, yeah, kind of get back on track, but not in the same way as 2019 when we were like literally printing money. So I kind of would like to know, like, when are we going to be back at a place where I'm not always concerned about what's in our business banking account? Yeah, yeah.

Speaker 3: 43:18

No, totally.

Speaker 1: 43:19

And also, maybe, also, maybe I'm sad Can you tell me if my my partner is actually going to get his full divorce?

Speaker 3: 43:27

Yes, let's see what comes through. Let's see what's what's happening. Ok, so anything in the cards that you need to know at the base, i always look at what comes up with that first. I feel like in terms of your business and asking when is it going to be in like a better flow state? nine of Pentacles is the card of like wealth and like completion of cycles. So I even feel for you like big things coming in September. Does it mean that it's going to be hell until September?

Speaker 2: 43:56

Does that sound right Like how's September looking?

Speaker 1: 43:58

So it's hard to say because we're just in July, but I think she, i think I think she's right because she goes on to say about how, like in June, may, june, i think, like things kind of start to settle and they have for me. Ok, they have Yeah.

Speaker 3: 44:15

But like that feels like it is a big like correction point or a turnaround point. So Virgo season, like August to September, looks really big. I also feel like, but there's you're going to see signs of this beforehand That could be that there's some sort of payout. I don't know if that's like a bonus, like a chunk of like there's tangible things coming for you in September. But I feel like you're going to get important news even in May. So you have, did you get important?

Speaker 1: 44:45

news in May. I didn't get important news in May. I got important news in, probably in.

Speaker 3: 44:50

June, April, May for like the news, the like aha moments, But I feel like, in terms of like tangible, you noticing a big like increase in your bank account September, but all of the things that start around that April May point and like the news that you receive and like the information that you get is going to lead to that success in September. I feel like, in terms of like the personal stuff you're current, like so like the situation with your partner like it's. this is nothing that he it doesn't even feel like that he's not doing. I feel like he's being very like honest in terms of what you feel about that.

Speaker 1: 45:23

So I think he was being honest to the best of his ability at that time. I think he was probably lying to himself and then lying to me or not really being fake, like not really being truthful with himself about the situation, And therefore he couldn't be truthful to me. But he wasn't lying, So she's right He wasn't. I just think he needed you know, it's like you have to go through things in your own time and it's like he needed to get to a point where he could really see which might, what might have been obvious to everyone else. But you know, when you're in something, it's hard to kind of have that. So I think she was right with that.

Speaker 3: 46:03

Yeah, right, nicola, yes, your turn.

Speaker 2: 46:07

I need a refresh on my love life. Can we just refresh all of that?

Speaker 1: 46:12

Yeah, like dead in the water this year. It's an refreshing release.

Speaker 2: 46:17

An energetic release, An energetic refreshing release.

Speaker 3: 46:21

Ok, like I learned that once, guys, now I know. Oh, so we're looking at Nicola's love life. Let's see.

Speaker 2: 46:32

Oh, this is going to be, if you just pick up, like death I'm I understand.

Speaker 3: 46:38

Makes sense. Thank you, that's how mine has felt as well. No, this is actually OK. So you have four of wands. Four of wands is the Kerry Bradshaw inspired card and my deck, because it's ruled by Venus and Aries And it's like. It's kind of like that, but I think of the opening scene of Sex in the City, where it's like stepping into your dream life. So, in terms of love, the next like Aries season, so four weeks, which actually does you?

Speaker 2: 47:00

want to know something really trippy.

Speaker 1: 47:02

Didn't you meet him four weeks after this?

Speaker 3: 47:05

Yes, and also he's an Aries, but this that, as I think, even take us into Aries, which is I love when the timing is perfect like that. So, four weeks from now, four of wands, also the start of Aries, son and Aries. So let's are sorry, venus and Aries, let's take a look more specifically. Ok, so did you have like a breakup that was like challenging the over the past year. Was this like like a sticky one? Yes, it continues to be sticky. Yeah, ok, ok, this makes sense, i feel like to me.

Speaker 2: 47:39

Anyway, ok, so what are we? what are we going to do for season two, gina? Like what's going to happen, i don't know. What do you?

Speaker 1: 47:44

think should happen.

Speaker 2: 47:46

Well, i think I think a couple of things. Let's hear it. Ok, my first suggestion We've got a couple of interviews lined up already for season two. We've already recorded them. They're good to go Like, let's just kind of crack into it. Right, we've got them in the barrel. I think for season two we should dive in a little bit to well known toxic workplaces and unpick what information we can find out about them Like we work right. Oh my God, i know. Or Patreon, your favorite, my personal fave, yeah.

Speaker 1: 48:30

Yeah, no, i actually think it's a great idea. I would love to hear what our audience thinks about it. And like if we can get people who use to work at these places, we'll attempt to. We can't guarantee anything. We'll reach out to people, but like what an?

Speaker 2: 48:44

unbelievable experience, like what, like you know what a what an environment to work in. So I'd be curious to, i think you know, still getting in our interviewers, because we've got a couple of really interesting ones. Yeah, i think that, and I think something else that we should do is I think we should maybe talk on some stuff that's like a little bit more topical. Right Is maybe spend some time unpicking our personal favorite, quiet quitting, quiet. Spend an entire episode on quiet quitting, quiet hiring, quiet firing.

Speaker 1: 49:23

Quiet quitting is just fucking like slacking off. It's not even that. It's just like create a boundary, be like okay, i don't have no problem doing that work. Am I getting compensated for it? Like say what you want, don't be a don't?

Speaker 2: 49:38

Well then let's empower people to say what they want.

Speaker 1: 49:41

Yes, i know, okay, I love this. I'm like getting into like Patreon and WeWork and even like what's going? I don't know what's going on with Twitter. I would have to like dig deep into Twitter, but I know there's a lot of nonsense going on there and I feel like it would take a little bit of research, but I think it could be really interesting and fascinating.

Speaker 1: 50:01

No, it will take a little bit of research, but we can like come up with a list and, like you'll do one episode, i'll do the you know. Like we can like swap episodes, that way it's not just one person researching the whole thing. Yeah, i think that's a good idea actually.

Speaker 2: 50:15

Okay, okay. Well, that's okay, listeners, that's what season?

Speaker 1: 50:20

to me Yes, that's season two. We just came up with it right now. Yeah, i love it, yeah.

Speaker 2: 50:24

All right, So we are going to be on a break for a couple of weeks. It's not a huge amount of time, but you know hashtag burnout life Also hashtag.

Speaker 1: 50:36

We have to now prepare for season two, so thanks Yeah.

Speaker 2: 50:41

Now we have work to do. God damn it, Nicola. But what I do have loaded in the barrel to keep people entertained so that they don't miss my annoying voice during the break.

Speaker 1: 50:54

And our multiple interruptions. What do you have?

Speaker 2: 50:56

Interruptions is I've got some stuff that's never gone to air. I love it Yeah, it's just like you and me bantering off, but it's just stuff that's never gone to air And I thought, oh, that'll be nice for like the interim, right, yeah. So let me tell you the dates so that people know when to come back to us.

Speaker 1: 51:16

I know, don't leave us, come back.

Speaker 2: 51:19

Yeah, don't leave, don't leave. All right, so we will go live this week, on the 5th of July, for our reflection episode, which is this one that we're doing right now Great.

Speaker 3: 51:31

Perfect.

Speaker 2: 51:33

We'll take a four week break where we'll have these like little mini episodes running just to keep everybody entertained, and then we are back on the 9th of August. All right, so we're not even going to be gone that long, no, we're just. We just need sleep and downtime and not having to do this, burn ourselves out. Yeah, burn ourselves out. So just a nice summer break.

Speaker 1: 51:58

Well, i want to thank everyone who has liked shared, wrote a review, anyone who's ever listened to any of our episodes.

Speaker 2: 52:06

Thank you, i know How cool is it that people listen to this? I just love it, i know.

Speaker 1: 52:12

I know It's, it's pretty mind blowing, but so, yeah, i just want to thank everybody. It's been like like I said when we first opened the episode and I know this this episode is probably not the most dynamic, but I think everyone needs to remember like we've never done this before. So this was just totally like trial and error, like we figured we'll do, we'll do 25 episodes or whatever, and then we'll see what happens. And I mean it's it's been way more positive than you and I both ever thought it would be. So I just want to say thanks to everyone and I'm kind of excited to get back into season two, because I felt very like, since we haven't been recording recently, like I just feel like I haven't been as like attached to yeah about it.

Speaker 1: 52:59

So I think it's going to be good. It's going to be good for us.

Speaker 2: 53:03

Yeah, and I'm curious to see our new people that we interview.

Speaker 1: 53:09

That we have set up and then we'll be. Do you want to have a?

Speaker 2: 53:11

little. Do you want a little teaser? Do you want a little teaser? So we've got recruitment in the tech industry. We have got what I can only describe as one of the funnest people. We've interviewed, brian, with the insurgents.

Speaker 1: 53:30

Oh yeah.

Speaker 2: 53:32

All these different shirts. No, that was the other Brian. That was T-shirt Brian Oh.

Speaker 1: 53:37

T-shirt Brian. Oh my God, yeah, brian with the insurgents was very funny.

Speaker 2: 53:41

Yeah, um, we had the lady with four million jobs. Do you remember that one Mm? hmm, i know Where she had like what was it Like? 47.

Speaker 1: 53:54

Like her first. Like her first line out of the box was like I've had 46 jobs in the past 30 years and we're like what.

Speaker 2: 54:05

We've got Amy, who talks to us about toxic positivity, which is pretty cool, and then we had Stu, who was our most recent recording, yeah, talking about leadership, which I'm pretty bloody excited about.

Speaker 1: 54:20

And now so we'll be doing some more interviews, but also sprinkling in some of the research episodes.

Speaker 2: 54:25

Yeah, and then we'll be doing some research episodes is going to like is our next kind of step right? That's our evolution.

Speaker 1: 54:33

And we'll see what happens. We'll see what you guys like more And if you have any comments, thoughts, reactions, just reach out to us.

Speaker 2: 54:39

Yeah, We really appreciate everybody's comments. Yeah, We've had. I just, I just get so excited when someone comments, So if you could comment like like subscribe, share follow all those good things. Come join us on LinkedIn. Come join us on.

Speaker 3: 54:55

Instagram, yeah, yeah Find us a good place.

Speaker 4: 54:57

We'd be happy to have you.

Speaker 2: 54:59

And we'll see you in season two. Couple weeks, yeah, yeah, a couple weeks. Thank you for joining us today. If you would like to share your story, we would love to hear from you.

Speaker 1: 55:10

Also, leaving a review helps us create more content because it shows us there's an interest in this topic.

Speaker 2: 55:16

For those of our listeners who do better with reading, we have closed caption available on YouTube.

Speaker 1: 55:20

See you next week, same time and same place.