Workplace Weirdness
Workplace Weirdness
Podcast Description
Welcome to "Workplace Weirdness," the podcast that takes a deep dive into the delightful oddities of office life. Ever wondered why the break room smells like a science experiment or why your boss insists on using 'synergy' in every meeting? We've got you covered!
Join Maya and her revolving door of guest hosts as they unravel the mysteries of cubicle culture and decode the cryptic behaviors of your coworkers. From bizarre email sign-offs to the enigma of office fridge politics, no topic is too weird for us to tackle.
Each week, we'll talk about hot HR topics, answer listener questions and dissect an awkward workplace theme, all while keeping things light, fun, and packed with HR humor. Tune in, because in the world of work, the only thing you can count on is the unexpected!
So, grab your coffee, put your feet up on that ergonomic footrest, and let's get weird at work together. Trust us, it’ll be a productivity boost like no other!
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast explores a range of themes related to office life, including the significance of play in workplace culture, the impact of recognition for Gen Z employees, navigating favoritism and political discussions, and tips for managing micromanagement. Specific episodes cover topics like the three C's of play, the importance of authenticity, and handling awkward moments in professional settings.

Welcome to Workplace Weirdness™, The Non-HR HR Podcast™ that takes a deep dive into the delightful oddities of office life. Ever wondered why the break room smells like a science experiment or why your boss insists on using ‘synergy’ in every meeting? We’ve got you covered!
Join Maya and her revolving door of guest hosts as they unravel the mysteries of cubicle culture and decode the cryptic behaviors of your coworkers. From bizarre email sign-offs to the enigma of office fridge politics, no topic is too weird for us to tackle.
Each week, we’ll talk about hot HR topics, answer listener questions and dissect an awkward workplace theme, all while keeping things light, fun, and packed with HR humor. Tune in, because in the world of work, the only thing you can count on is the unexpected!
So, grab your coffee, put your feet up on that ergonomic footrest, and let’s get weird at work together. Trust us, it’ll be a productivity boost like no other!
In this episode of our Workplace Weirdness™ summer series, “Out of Office,” Maya Kadar Kovalsky explores the theme of “rookie mistakes” and “rookie smarts” in the workplace, highlighting how early career blunders often lead to valuable learning experiences.
We hear stories from various guests from past episodes who share their early career journeys, with missteps such as overconfidence in a corporate setting, accidental termination emails, inappropriate gifts and more.
Maya and her experts from throughout the season, emphasize the importance of maintaining a “rookie mindset,” which allows for fresh perspectives and innovation.
Episode Chapters:
[00:12] Introduction to Rookie Mistakes
[00:50] Story of Overconfidence- Neil Sharma
[02:45] Accidental Email Mishap- Peter Vincent
[03:43] The Champagne Incident- Dorie Clark & Maya Kadar Kovalsky
[05:02] The Wrong Office- Kavita Vora
[5:58] Awkward Text Message – Yolonda Deon Tyler
[06:28] Rookie Smarts- Billy Samoa Saleeby
[8:44] It’s Amazing How Open Young People Are – Hannah Dubin
[10:12] The Superpower of “Dumbassery”- Gary Ridge
[12:34] Conclusion: Embracing the Mistakes
Resources and Links:
Neil Sharma, co-founder of SolarKal
· SolarKal Website – https://www.solarkal.com/
· LinkedIn – / neil-sharma-045117
Peter Vincent, executive coach and HR expert
Dorie Clark, WSJ & USA Today Bestselling Author and Marketing strategist
· Website: https://dorieclark.com/
· Linkedin: / doriec
Kavita Vora, Chief People Officer of BrainPOP
Yolonda Deon Tyler, founder of Mindful Play Learning
· Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/yolondadeon_/
Billy Samoa Saleebey, founder and CEO of Podify
· Podify Website – https://podify.com/
· LinkedIn – / billysamoa
· Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/billysamoa/…
Hannah Dubin, founder of The Group Forward
· The Group Forward – https://www.thegroupforward.com/
· LinkedIn – / hannah-feldberg-dubin
Gary Ridge, former CEO of WD-40
· LinkedIn – / garryridge
· The Learning Moment – https://thelearningmoment.net/
Maya Kadar Kovalsky
· LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayakadar/
Workplace Weirdness™
· Email: [email protected]
· Website: workplace-weirdness.com
· Instagram: @workplaceweirdpod
Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is intended for entertainment purposes only and should not be construed as professional, legal, or workplace-specific advice. Listeners are encouraged to seek guidance from qualified professionals for their individual situations.

Disclaimer
This podcast’s information is provided for general reference and was obtained from publicly accessible sources. The Podcast Collaborative neither produces nor verifies the content, accuracy, or suitability of this podcast. Views and opinions belong solely to the podcast creators and guests.
For a complete disclaimer, please see our Full Disclaimer on the archive page. The Podcast Collaborative bears no responsibility for the podcast’s themes, language, or overall content. Listener discretion is advised. Read our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy for more details.