Shows
The Slog PodEp. 2.29 Diagnosing Dysfunction: When Culture Needs TherapyIn this episode of 'The Slog Pod', the hosts explore the idea that burnout and other stress-related issues are not personal failings but symptoms of a sick culture or system. They argue that the environment—in broader society and specific workplaces—plays a crucial role in these problems. The discussion identifies several cultural distortions, such as constant productivity demands, emotional dysregulation, loneliness, and learned helplessness, all contributing to mental health issues. In workplaces, symptoms like unacknowledged emotional labor, performative leadership, and the false notion that wellness is an individual's responsibility rather than the company's are highlighted. The episode advocates for...2025-07-2717 minThe Slog PodEpisode 2.28 The Identity Trap: Are We More Than Our JobsThis episode discusses how people often tie their identities to their job titles, leading to emotional and mental consequences when facing job loss or career setbacks. The hosts share personal experiences and observations about the societal trend of defining oneself by profession rather than personal qualities. The conversation extends to the concept of 'invisible labor' and the emotional toll of constantly proving one’s worth at work. They highlight problematic patterns such as labeling, personalization, and emotional reasoning, which contribute to workplace anxiety and burnout. The discussion also touches on systemic issues in organizations and society, like grind culture an...2025-07-2324 minThe Slog PodEpisode 2.27 The Mask of Cultural Fit: Breaking Free from Workplace PerformancesThe episode of the Slog Pod addresses the phenomenon of 'cultural fit' in the workplace, arguing it often equates to emotional conformity rather than shared values. Hosts discuss personal experiences and offer insights on suppressing authentic emotions, emotional numbing, and internalizing failures due to workplace cultures. They propose transitioning from fitting into a culture to actively forming it, suggesting open discussions and self-reflection as potential solutions. #CulturalFit, #WorkplaceCulture, #AuthenticityAtWork, #TheSlogPod, #EmotionalNumbing, #CultureShift, #MentalHealthAtWork, #BeAuthentic, #RethinkWorkadmin@theslogco.comwww.theslogco.com2025-07-1932 minThe Slog PodEpisode 2.26 The Optics of Politics: When Governance Feels PerformativeThe hosts of The Slog Pod discuss how modern politics appears to be more about optics and managing outrage rather than achieving real outcomes. The hosts argue that politics has turned into a form of customer service where citizens are given lip service but no substantial action. They draw parallels to mental health, discussing how this performative governance leads to learned helplessness and emotional exhaustion among citizens. The conversation emphasizes the importance of honesty and accountability, both from politicians and citizens, and calls for a more engaged and less complacent electorate. They also critique the polarization of political parties...2025-07-1722 minThe Slog PodEpisode 2.25 Assumption Apocalypse: How Faulty Thinking Shapes Our WorldThe Slog Pod explores how harmful thought patterns such as mind reading, jumping to conclusions, catastrophizing, black-and-white thinking, should statements, emotional reasoning, and personalization impact both individuals and organizations. The hosts discuss how these cognitive distortions contribute to increased anxiety, conflict, and poor decisions. They reference data from various studies to underline the prevalence and consequences of such thinking. The podcast emphasizes the importance of recognizing and questioning these patterns to foster healthier thinking and decision-making, both personally and within organizational and societal contexts. They advocate for creating a culture that values curiosity over certainty and suggest practical steps...2025-07-1318 minThe Slog PodEp. 2.24 Rethinking Talent: The Case for Generalists in a Specialist WorldThe podcast episode from The Slog Pod discusses the preference of companies for hiring hyper-specialists over generalists and the implications of this trend. The hosts argue that generalists, who can think, adapt, and navigate chaos, are often overlooked despite their potential to innovate and manage uncertainty. They cite studies and personal experiences to highlight how focusing on specialists can limit a company's agility and adaptability. The episode concludes with a call to re-evaluate hiring and promotion practices, encouraging organizations to value breadth of experience and creative problem-solving skills. #GeneralistVsSpecialist #FutureOfWork #WorkplaceCulture #HiringTrends #CorporateCulture #TheSlogPodadmin@theslogco.com2025-07-0718 minThe Slog PodEp. 2.23 Beyond Merit: How Luck and Privilege Shape Our CareersThis episode of the Slog Pod explores the often-overlooked impact of luck on professional success and upward mobility. The discussion highlights how corporate narratives typically downplay luck, privilege, and timing in favor of promoting hard work and merit, which can lead to burnout and shame among employees. Various studies and personal anecdotes are cited to demonstrate the role of self-serving bias, the luck versus skill paradigm, and the importance of humility in leadership. The conversation stresses the need for leaders to acknowledge the influence of luck in their careers openly, to foster healthier workplace cultures and mental health. #TheSlogPod...2025-07-0217 minThe Slog PodEpisode. 2.22 Unpacking Old Beliefs: A Fresh Look at Sex and DrugsThis episode of the Slog Pod delves into the cultural and personal influences shaping our views on sex and drugs. The hosts discuss the shame, confusion, and inherited stories many harbor about these topics, often without knowing their origins. They advocate for honest conversations to evaluate whether current beliefs and practices are effective or harmful. By reflecting on personal experiences, they highlight the need for better questions and open discussions about the potential benefits and detriments of sex and drug use. The goal is to move beyond polarized views and develop well-informed, balanced values that lead to healthier outcomes...2025-06-2826 minThe Slog PodEpisode 2.21 Exploring Authenticity in Organizational CultureThis Slog pod episode explores applying therapeutic principles used with individuals to larger systems and cultures. The hosts discuss the importance of authenticity, curiosity, and open-ended questions in understanding and improving organizations and societal systems. They emphasize meeting systems where they are, acknowledging discomfort and resistance without preplanned agendas, and seeing the full picture before rushing to solutions. The conversation delves into the difficulties of this approach, including fear, conditioning, and shame, and underscores the belief that genuine change requires a willingness to sit with and understand current realities. #TheSlogPod #TherapyForSystems #AuthenticCulture #OrganizationalHealth #CuriosityOverControl #MeetTheSystem #ChangeWithoutPretense #CultureWork #SystemicInsight #SlowDownToChange 2025-06-2515 minThe Slog PodEpisode 2.19 Tracing the Origins: Unpacking Inherited Beliefs and Conditioned TruthsIn this episode of the Slog Pod, the hosts delve into the concept of conditioning; how our beliefs, behaviors, and perceptions are predominantly shaped by inherited and reinforced systems such as family, school, media, religion, and politics. They explore personal experiences and societal structures that mold our thinking, often before we have the ability to question them. The discussion also addresses the difficulty of unlearning ingrained conditioning and emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and critical thinking. The hosts propose solutions such as externalizing perspectives, seeking understanding, and fostering a culture that encourages questioning as a pathway to reclaiming personal...2025-06-2129 minThe Slog PodEpisode 2.18 Anecdotes and the Truth: Finding Balance in Personal StoriesThis episode of The Slog Pod explores why people often rely on personal stories as truth and how anecdotal evidence can distort beliefs and decisions. The hosts discuss the psychological comfort of anecdotes, their potential damage in public discourse, and emphasize the importance of seeking truth beyond personal experiences. They argue that while anecdotes can be emotionally compelling and validate personal experiences, they should not be used to make broad generalizations or shape public policy. The episode calls for skepticism, curiosity, and a broader approach that includes scientific data and multiple perspectives to understand the bigger picture and make...2025-06-1723 minThe Slog PodEpisode 2.17 Facing the Mirror: America in TherapyThe episode centers on the therapy-inspired concept that change, both in individuals and in broader cultural systems, happens through sitting with discomfort and self-reflection, not through quick fixes or avoidance. The hosts draw parallels between individual therapy clients recognizing and addressing dysfunction and the American culture's current state of denial, projection, and polarized responses. They advocate for collective self-awareness and incremental change, emphasizing that small, reflective actions can lead to significant cultural shifts.#TheSlogPod #SitWithDiscomfort #CulturalHealing #TherapyInspired #CollectiveAwareness #SelfAwarenessIsPower #FixTheSystem #ReflectToTransform #DiscomfortIsData #ConsciousCulture2025-06-1320 minThe Slog PodEpisode 2.16 The Art of Seeing Others: Crafting a Considerate CultureIn this episode of 'The Slog Pod', the hosts discuss the noticeable decline in politeness and awareness in public spaces such as grocery stores, airports, concerts, and traffic. They share personal stories of encountering thoughtless behavior and analyze the reasons behind this trend, including the impact of technology, the pace of modern life, and individualistic mindsets. They stress the importance of awareness and intentionality in fostering a considerate public atmosphere. The conversation concludes with a call to action for listeners to reflect on their behaviors and strive to contribute to a more harmonious and connected society. #TheSlogPod #ConsiderateCulture #EverydayKindness...2025-06-1024 minThe Slog PodEpisode 2.15 D-Day: Honoring Our Past, Confronting Our PresentThis episode marks the 81st anniversary of D-Day, reflecting on the courage of young Americans who fought fascism in 1944. It contrasts that bravery with modern-day apathy and authoritarian threats in the United States. The hosts criticize President Donald Trump's actions and the rise of fascist tendencies. They explore the dangerous patterns of disinformation, attacks on the press, loyalty demands, and xenophobia. The episode questions American exceptionalism and calls for a renewed commitment to democracy, truth, and civic engagement. Using a therapeutic lens, they discuss societal avoidant behaviors, warning that denial of problems prevents healing. The hosts advocate for active...2025-06-0622 minThe Slog PodEpisode 2.14 Society in Therapy: Identifying Our Collective IssuesThis episode of 'The Slog Pod' features a therapy-themed discussion where the hosts, Dustin and TJ, explore the state of modern culture through a therapeutic lens. They discuss how society resembles a traumatized client showing signs like denial, projection, and emotional numbing. They emphasize the importance of first recognizing and admitting there's a problem, exploring cultural behaviors and beliefs, and using therapeutic tools like CBT, systems theory, and narrative therapy to find solutions. The conversation also stresses the need for self-awareness, emotional literacy, and the creation of authentic communities. The overall goal is to treated culture's dysfunctions collectively, much...2025-06-0518 minThe Slog PodEpisode 2.13 The Sound of SilenceDustin hosts this episode of The Slog Pod alone while his co-host TJ is away. He discusses the pervasive issues plaguing modern society, including cultural and systemic failures. Using Simon and Garfunkel's 'The Sound of Silence' as a metaphor, Dustin highlights how society has created idols out of destructive systems. He shares personal experiences with reaching rock bottom and the importance of confronting and acknowledging these low points for genuine change. Advocating for authenticity and empathy, Dustin calls for a collective awakening through examining and challenging harmful systems and beliefs. The episode emphasizes the need for continuous self-awareness and...2025-05-3109 minThe Slog PodEpisode 2.12 Living the Lie: When Personal Narratives Take Over TruthIn this episode of the Slog Pod, the hosts explore the human tendency to shape and curate reality. They discuss why people resist facing facts, focusing on the psychological and cultural motivations behind this behavior. The conversation delves into how individuals and institutions manipulate narratives to protect identity, avoid pain, and maintain social harmony. They also address the emotional costs, such as loss of trust, internal dissonance, and cultural confusion, emphasizing the necessity of self-awareness and recognizing when this distortion occurs. The episode concludes with practical advice on allowing time for uncomfortable truths to emerge and the importance of...2025-05-2722 minThe Slog PodEpisode 2.11 Unmasking Performative Agreement: Truth vs. FlatteryThis episode delves into the increasing prevalence of performative agreement, empty flattery, and fear-based silence in various spheres such as corporate meetings, social media, and politics. Hosts discuss how sycophancy has become a career strategy and its impacts on organizational culture, political loyalty, and media landscapes. They highlight the negative consequences, including the suppression of truth, lack of innovation, and erosion of trust. The conversation also explores the psychological underpinnings of this behavior, such as fear of exclusion and the desire for safety. Emphasis is placed on the importance of leaders fostering an environment where honesty is valued and...2025-05-2331 minThe Slog PodEpisode 2.10 Breaking the Silence: Understanding Everyday PowerlessnessThis episode of 'The Slog Pod' addresses the feeling of powerlessness, particularly the insidious kind that arises in everyday situations such as work, relationships, and society. The hosts discuss how powerlessness stems from awareness hitting a wall, which is not always external, sometimes originating in our minds. They differentiate powerlessness from helplessness, introducing concepts like learned helplessness, internalized gaslighting, and moral injury. They share anecdotal examples from work and life to illustrate these feelings and discuss strategies to combat them. These include naming the feeling, seeking areas of influence, avoiding self-blame, and engaging in small acts of integrity. The...2025-05-2017 minThe Slog PodEpisode 2.09 Rebuilding Trust: From Mistrust to ModerationThis episode of The Slog Pod delves into the pervasive distrust in media, science, and government, examining the causes and consequences of binary thinking. The hosts discuss the tendency to view systems as entirely corrupt or entirely trustworthy and emphasize the importance of embracing complexity and ambiguity. They encourage critical thinking and engagement with local systems, rather than falling into nihilism or apathy. Through examples from public health, media biases, and government distrust, including personal experiences from the veteran community, the episode advocates for a balanced approach: critiquing flawed systems while still using them and striving for reform and...2025-05-1622 minThe Slog PodEpisode 2.08 The Slog of Discovery: Firing Confirmation BiasIn this episode of The Slog Pod, hosts delve into the concept of confirmation bias, describing it as a persistent force that shapes our ego, distorts our thinking, and upholds unproductive systems. The discussion focuses on how confirmation bias manifests in our personal and professional lives, including in hiring practices and cultural beliefs. Through personal anecdotes, such as one host's preference for classic rock, they illustrate how confirmation bias can limit our experiences and growth. They emphasize the importance of challenging one's own biases by seeking out dissenting opinions and sitting in discomfort to foster growth. The episode concludes...2025-05-1318 minThe Slog PodEpisode 2.07 The Slog to Belief: Navigating UncertaintyIn this episode of the Slog Pod, the hosts dive into the theme of human beliefs, exploring how certainty often feels safer than doubt and how various systems exploit our fear of uncertainty. They encourage listeners to engage in the mental slog of questioning and adapting beliefs, recognizing biases, and understanding the conditioning behind these beliefs. Through listener feedback and personal examples, they illustrate the difficulty and necessity of challenging long-held beliefs. The hosts emphasize the importance of cognitive fluidity and resilience, urging listeners to embrace discomfort and uncertainty for personal and societal growth. They conclude by inviting listeners...2025-05-1021 minThe Slog PodEpisode 2.05 God can handle your doubt, can you?The episode discusses the complex role of religious belief in individual lives and society. The hosts explore how religion can be both a personal guide and a means of institutional control. They share personal backgrounds and experiences with religion, highlighting shifts in religious norms and how faith can sometimes short-circuit critical thinking. The conversation touches on the impact of religion on identity, politics, and social systems, emphasizing the dangers of dogmatic thinking. They advocate for maintaining fluidity of thought and healthy skepticism while respecting personal beliefs, ultimately calling for open discussions about religion's influence on culture and society.2025-05-0629 minThe Slog PodEpisode 2.04 Bridging Paradigms: Gen X in Business, Media and PoliticsThe podcast discusses the unique position of Generation X in today's society. The hosts argue that Gen Xers serve as cultural translators, bridging the gap between analog and digital realms and fostering a balance between skepticism and pragmatism. They reflect on their formative experiences, such as living without the internet and dealing with significant historical events like the Cold War and 9/11. The discussion delves into how Gen Xers' traits—independence, directness, and a focus on functionality—could be beneficial in political leadership. The hosts lament the current lack of Gen X representation in politics while highlighting the need for thou...2025-05-0217 minThe Slog PodEpisode 2.03 Selling Outrage: A Business ModelIn this episode of “The Slog Pod,” the hosts discuss the pervasive influence of outrage culture in today’s society, particularly on social media platforms like X and Instagram. They explore how businesses, media, and religious institutions capitalize on outrage to drive clicks, views, and profits, often at the cost of social and cultural health. The conversation delves into the psychological impact of rigid belief systems and the difficulty of changing deeply ingrained identities. The hosts advocate for awareness, fluid thinking, and a commitment to seeking truth as antidotes to the current polarized and profit-driven landscape. They also touch on the nee...2025-04-2918 minThe Slog PodEpisode 2.02 Breaking Chains: Due Process and Cultural AwakeningThis episode of The Slog Pod addresses recent alarming actions by the Trump administration regarding deportation of individuals to El Salvador bypassing due process and defying the Supreme Court. The hosts discuss the broader implications of these actions for the American justice system, democracy, and constitutional values. They emphasize the importance of cultural change, flexibility in thought, and the willingness to reconsider and change beliefs. The conversation includes concerns about eroding checks and balances, the rise of authoritarian practices, and the necessity of empathy and compassion. The hosts call for listeners to strived to be better and be willing to ch...2025-04-2621 minThe Slog PodEpisode 2.01 Tariffs and the Victim MentalityIn this episode of “The Slog Pod,” the hosts shift their focus from mental health in the workplace to analyzing the broader American political atmosphere, culture, and corporate impact through a sarcastic lens. They express frustration with recent U.S. policies, particularly tariffs, which they argue are harmful to American consumers and irrationally disrupt global trade relationships. They discuss how tariffs and other policies reflect a victim mentality and narcissistic behavior, particularly in the context of the Trump administration. The hosts emphasize the importance of open, honest discourse about these issues, the dangers of nationalism, and the necessity of balance...2025-04-2226 min
The Slog PodEpisode 12 - A new perspective on workplace mental healthDustin and TJ welcome Heather MacDonald to a conversation about current strategies for workplace mental health. The group discusses contemporary solutions and potential systemic solutions for the future. Heather works in the space, explaining what she encounters in her everyday work and why she is seeking a new way forward. 2024-09-261h 19
The Slog PodEpisode 11 - Why social interactions are the foundation. Investment vs expenseTJ and Dustin revisit the reasons they are continuing the discussion and why they press organizations to see and improve mental health through a social-cultural perspective. They are advocating for companies to prioritize social interactions as a key element of a healthy culture and mental well-being. They also aim to help others recognize that investing in this therapeutic process is essential and an investment, rather than just an expense. 2024-09-0449 min
The Slog PodEpisode 10 - Identifying a poor organizational culture. #1-authenticityThe hosts discuss whether most people would even admit if they have a poor organizational culture. We often have blinders and bias leading us to dismiss what may need to be corrected. Is that you? Additionally, do you start with authenticity?2024-07-1244 minThe Slog PodEpisode 9 - Be genuine, leaders don't need to know, and focus on culture.Dustin and TJ dive into being genuine at work along with a discussion about leaders needing to know everything. Overall, they press asking questions driving cultural change and offer that the foundation for organizations should be cultural rather than individual. 2024-06-1340 min
The Slog PodEpisode 8 - Are you a cultural fit, self-aware, and open to incremental change?Dustin and TJ question the idea behind being a "cultural fit" as well as wonder where most people are on the road to self-awareness. They also discuss having patience for incremental cultural and individual change in organizations. 2024-05-2843 min
The Slog PodEpisode 7 - Questioning Loyalty, Means-To-An-End, and BalanceTJ and Dustin discuss how loyal they should be to their organizations. The hosts also delve into what it's like working at a job where it's a "Means to and end." Ultimately, they continue to seek balance while assessing the purpose and value recognition they hope to gain.2024-05-0744 minThe Slog PodEpisode 6 - Challenging Belief, Patterned Thought, and Questioning Team PlayersThe hosts discuss challenging belief within an organizational setting while also question what it means to be a "team player." They also look into mental health among professional athletes and how systemic pressures can further the difficulty to change problematic decisions and thought.2024-04-1259 minThe Slog PodEpisode 5 - Entitlement, Questioning Authority, and why TJ Sucks at Fantasy SportsThe hosts take jabs at each other concerning their fantasy teams while discussing some common workplace problems. They specifically look into a common theme of assumed entitlement and the potential problematic outcomes this produces for the organization, manager, and employees. They also ponder questioning authority within the therapeutic framework described in previous episodes.2024-03-2049 min
The Slog PodEpisode 4 The Initial SlogTJ and Dustin discuss their first job together and what led them to discuss leadership, culture, and their workplace environment. This support amongst each other brought about an ever increasing search to find and create better workplaces beyond their initial jobs in the US Army.2024-03-1153 minThe Slog PodEpisode 3 - A Broader UnderstandingAttempting to utilize a therapeutic lens, Dustin and TJ dissect an example. Finding probable problematic thought, they discuss how this clinical viewpoint could change future thought or interactions creating healthier outcomes for both the organization and the individual. 2024-02-2725 minThe Slog PodEpisode 2 - The FrameworkAfter having discussed the reasons for looking into mental health at the workplace, TJ and Dustin begin to break down interactions in our workplaces. Through a systems and therapeutic lens, they provide starting points and a basic plan to recognize poor outcomes and analyze individual problematic thought as well as interactions common in the workplace. 2024-02-0722 min
The Slog PodEpisode 1 - The WhyDissatisfaction with organizational culture and management practices has spurred two friends to undertake a comprehensive assessment and propose innovative solutions aimed at fostering improved mental health in the workplace. In episode 1, the focus centers on the foundational question of why this initiative has been undertaken and outlines the trajectory the authors aspire to navigate. 2024-01-1828 min