Shows
The Unlearning Work Podcast25. The Pause That Changes the Room: Why Seeing Another Side Makes Work EasierThe Pause That Changes the Room
Have you ever walked into a work conversation already knowing how it would go only to leave frustrated when it didn’t?
In this episode of Unlearning Work, Erin shares a simple pause that helps interrupt the mental shortcuts we build with familiar people at work. You’ll learn why your brain fills in the story too fast, how that creates tension, and one small exercise that helps you see more, react less, and communicate more clearly.
This episode isn’t about being nicer or giving in. It’s a...
2026-02-0908 min
The Unlearning Work Podcast24. If Work Feels Hard, It’s Probably Not Because of YouWhy does work feel hard, even when you’re capable and committed?
Often, it’s not burnout, poor focus, or lack of motivation.It’s the way work is set up and passed between people.
In this episode of Unlearning Work, Erin Merideth breaks down why work becomes exhausting when expectations are unclear, decisions never quite land, and everything feels urgent. When work has no clear shape or stopping point, people don’t disengage—they start guessing, overcompensating, and carrying work home in their heads.
This conversation helps listeners understand:
Why work s...
2026-01-2609 min
The Unlearning Work Podcast23. Making Sense of WorkWhy does work feel exhausting even when you care and work hard? Often, it’s not burnout or lack of motivation—it’s unclear systems.
In this episode of Unlearning Work, Erin Merideth explores how workplace systems shape behavior, stress, and self-doubt. When expectations are fuzzy, feedback is vague, and priorities keep shifting, people don’t disengage—they start guessing.
This conversation helps listeners understand:
Why work stress is often a system problem, not a personal failure
How learned work habits form in response to unclear environments
Why performanc...
2026-01-1213 min
The Unlearning Work Podcast22. The Employee FormulaMost employees believe their biggest challenge is the organization—unclear priorities, inconsistent leadership, or constant change. But in reality, 80% of performance friction comes from something far simpler—our own clarity, ownership, and feedback habits.
When expectations are fuzzy, ownership is reactive, and feedback loops break down, even great employees end up spinning their wheels. The good news? You don’t need perfect leadership to thrive—you just need your own formula.
Clarity + Ownership + Feedback = Self-Leadership.
In this episode of Unlearning Work, Erin Merideth flips The Leadership Formula on its head—showing how employ...
2025-11-1710 min
The Unlearning Work Podcast21. The Leadership Formula Most leaders think their biggest challenge is people: motivation, attitude, or accountability. But in reality, 80% of leadership problems come down to something far simpler—clarity.
When expectations are fuzzy, actions are vague, and follow-through is inconsistent, frustration builds on both sides. The good news? You can fix most of it with one formula.
Clear Expectations + Actions + Accountability = Desired Results.
In this episode of Unlearning Work, Erin breaks down the Leadership Success Formula—a simple behavioral system that helps you align, engage, and activate your team without micromanaging. You’ll learn how to...
2025-11-0310 min
The Unlearning Work Podcast20. Sludge, Friction, and the Secret Power of Making Work Harder (on Purpose)We live in a world obsessed with speed. Instant messages. Auto-replies. One-click everything.
But behind all that convenience lies a secret: companies use sludge—intentional friction—to shape your behavior. Ever tried to cancel a subscription and ended up trapped in a maze of “Are you sure?” pop-ups? That’s sludge. A behavioral barrier designed to slow you down and protect their goals.
In this episode of Unlearning Work, Erin flips the strategy inward—showing how individuals can use friction deliberately to protect their time, energy, and reputation. Instead of fighting every request and interruption...
2025-10-2014 min
The Unlearning Work Podcast19. Playing Detective by Separating Emotion from OutcomesWe’ve all been there: a colleague doesn’t reply to your email, your boss doesn’t give feedback on a presentation, or a friend doesn’t text you back. And almost immediately, the stories begin: “They must not value me. I must have failed. Something’s wrong.”
But here’s the thing, those stories aren’t facts. They’re interpretations. They’re the “why” your brain creates to fill the silence. And most of the emotional turmoil we feel comes not from the situation itself, but from attaching meaning too quickly.
In this episode of Unlearning Work, Erin i...
2025-10-0612 min
The Unlearning Work Podcast18. The Emotional Tax at Work and How to Reduce ItWe all know about income tax, sales tax, even luxury tax. But there’s another tax you’ve been paying silently and it may be costing you more than all the others combined.
The emotional tax is the hidden toll you pay every day at work: the overthinking after meetings, the late nights staying “visible,” the self-editing in emails, and the pressure to prove your worth again and again. It doesn’t show up on your paycheck, but it drains your energy, focus, and joy.
In this episode of Unlearning Work, Erin unpacks the concept of emotion...
2025-09-2209 min
The Unlearning Work Podcast17: Back to School, Back to Work Reset September has always carried a certain energy. Fresh notebooks. New routines. A clean slate. Even if you don’t have kids in school, this time of year feels like a natural reset.
But at work, we rarely give ourselves the same permission. Instead, we drag old habits, stale meetings, and unfinished projects into a new season—and wonder why we feel stuck.
In this episode of Unlearning Work, Erin shares how to harness the back-to-school momentum to reset your systems, rituals, and perspective at work. Drawing on personal stories—including her new season as an empty n...
2025-09-0815 min
The Unlearning Work Podcast16. The CopyCat Productivity TrapYou’ve bought the planner, downloaded the app, color-coded the calendar… but a few weeks later, it’s buried under papers or deleted from your phone.
In this episode of Unlearning Work, Erin unpacks why productivity systems often fail — not because you’re undisciplined, but because they weren’t built for the way your brain actually works. We explore the hidden costs of forcing yourself into someone else’s system, the science behind why certain tools click for some but not others, and how to design a workflow that plays to your strengths.
Erin introduces the four Work...
2025-08-1815 min
The Unlearning Work Podcast15. Trying to Do More Instead of What MattersYou’re checking boxes, staying busy, and moving fast… but something still feels off.
In this episode of Unlearning Work, Erin unpacks a common trap high performers fall into: doing more—but not doing what matters. We explore how productivity theater, the urgency effect, and avoidance disguised as action are keeping you stuck in motion without momentum.
Erin breaks down the real reason burnout is so widespread (hint: it’s not laziness), the neuroscience behind why we chase small wins over deep work, and how hustle culture trains us to value busyness over purpose.
If you...
2025-08-0419 min
The Unlearning Work Podcast14. Reduce friction, and finally build systems that support your brain
In this episode of Unlearning Work, host Erin Merideth tackles a common—but rarely named—struggle: what if you’re not unmotivated or undisciplined… just using the wrong system?
Through the lens of neuroscience and coaching experience, Erin introduces the four brain-based Work Styles that shape how we process motivation, time, and structure. If you’ve ever felt like you “just can’t follow through,” this episode offers both clarity and compassion.
You’ll learn how to recognize your Work Style, reduce friction, and finally build systems that support your brain—not fight it. Listeners are inv...
2025-07-2112 min
The Unlearning Work Podcast13: Motivation is a Myth - Build Systems Instead
If motivation were enough, you'd already be doing it.
Episode Number: 13Host: Erin MeridethWebsite: unlearningwork.com
🔍 What this episode is about:
In this episode of Unlearning Work, Erin exposes the myth of motivation and unpacks what actually drives behavior change—simple, repeatable systems.
Backed by insights from BJ Fogg (Tiny Habits) and James Clear (Atomic Habits), this episode reveals how to stop waiting for motivation to strike and instead design systems that support consistency, clarity, and progress—especially on the days when you’re...
2025-07-0709 min
The Unlearning Work Podcast12: Dread is Not the Problem, Avoidance Is. Episode Number: 12 Host: Erin Merideth Website: unlearningwork.com
Episode Summary
In this episode of Unlearning Work, host Erin Merideth explores the neuroscience behind why we avoid certain tasks at work—and how to finally stop dreading them.
Through the lens of behavioral science and real-world leadership coaching, Erin unpacks the paradox of the Law of Least Effort: even though our brains are wired to conserve energy, we often make work harder than it needs to be through procrastination, perfectionism, overthinking, and identity-driven sabotage.
Whether you’ve got a lingering email...
2025-06-2315 min
The Unlearning Work Podcast11. From Reality TV to the Work World: Lessons in Drama, Conflict and Performance.From Reality TV to Real-World Leadership: Lessons in Drama, Conflict, and Performance
🎙 Episode Title: From Reality TV to Real-World Leadership: Lessons in Drama, Conflict, and Performance 📅 Episode Number: 11 🎧 Host: Erin Merideth 🔗 Website: unlearningwork.com
Episode Summary
In this episode of Unlearning Work, host Erin Merideth takes a surprising look at how the world of reality TV can teach us to rethink leadership, teamwork, and performance. By unpacking what drama and conflict really do in a high-stakes environment, Erin shows how leaders—and anyone at work—can use healthy tension and narrative to fue...
2025-06-0916 min
The Unlearning Work Podcast10. Clarity Over Chaos: Making Decisions When You’re Stuck in Your HeadClarity Over Chaos: Making Decisions When You’re Stuck in Your Head
Episode Title: Clarity Over Chaos: Making Decisions When You’re Stuck in Your Head Episode Number: 10 Host: Erin Merideth Website: unlearningwork.com
Episode Summary
In this episode of Unlearning Work, host Erin Merideth explores the messy middle of decision-making—those moments when you're stuck in your head, spiraling in uncertainty, and waiting for the “perfect” answer that never seems to come.
Using insights from behavioral science and her work as a leadership coach, Erin introduces the concept of...
2025-05-2619 min
The Unlearning Work Podcast9. "Should Happens": How Language Shapes Our Work and Creates Self-SabotageShould Happens: How Language Shapes Our Work and Creates Self-Sabotage
Episode Title: Should Happens: How Language Shapes Our Work and Creates Self-SabotageEpisode Number: 9Host: Erin MeridethWebsite: unlearningwork.com
Episode Summary
In this episode of Unlearning Work, host Erin Merideth breaks down how one simple word—“should”—shapes our work, limits our leadership, and sabotages our side hustles.
Drawing on behavioral science and client stories, Erin explores how “should” statements often mask fear, judgment, or unmet needs. Whether you're saying “They should know better” at work or “I should be furthe...
2025-05-1216 min
The Unlearning Work Podcast8. Imposter SyndromeBreaking the Imposter Syndrome Loop: How to Build Confidence Through Action
Episode Title: Breaking the Imposter Syndrome Loop: How to Build Confidence Through ActionEpisode Number: 8Host: Erin MeridethWebsite: unlearningwork.com
Episode Summary
In this episode of Unlearning Work, host Erin Merideth unpacks a common but rarely discussed challenge for high performers: imposter syndrome. Even when you're excelling at work or building a passion project, that nagging feeling of “I’m not good enough” can creep in and stall your progress.
Using insights from cognitive behavio...
2025-04-2818 min
The Unlearning Work Podcast7. The Side Hustle Paradox - When you are accountable at Work and Not For Your Side Hustle The Side Hustle Paradox: Why You’re Accountable at Work—But Struggle in Your Own Business
Episode Title: The Side Hustle Paradox: Why You’re Accountable at Work—But Struggle in Your Own Business 📅 Episode Number: 7 🎧 Host: Erin Merideth 🔗 Website: unlearningwork.com
Episode Summary
In this episode of Unlearning Work, host Erin Merideth explores a surprising paradox: why are so many professionals reliable and consistent at their 9-to-5 jobs—but struggle with accountability when it comes to their own projects, businesses, or creative goals?
Through the lens of behaviora...
2025-04-1416 min
The Unlearning Work Podcast6. Breaking Unhelpful Habits at Work a Step-by-Step Guide To Making a Different ChoiceBreaking Old Habits at Work – A Step-by-Step Guide to Making a Different Choice
🎙 Episode Title: Breaking Old Habits at Work: A Step-by-Step Guide to Making a Different Choice 📅 Episode Number: 6 🎧 Host: Erin Merideth 🔗 Website: unlearningwork.com
Episode Summary
In this episode of Unlearning Work, host Erin Merideth walks through an actionable, eight-step guide to help you break free from old, counterproductive work habits. Whether you’re battling procrastination, struggling with constant distractions, or stuck in outdated routines, this episode offers a clear path to building better habits—one small st...
2025-03-2422 min
The Unlearning Work Podcast5. Breaking Old Habits at Work – A Comprehensive Guide to Making Lasting ChangesBreaking Old Habits at Work – A Comprehensive Guide to Making Lasting Changes
🎙 Episode Title: Breaking Old Habits at Work: A Comprehensive Guide to Making Lasting Changes 📅 Episode Number: 5 🎧 Host: Erin Merideth 🔗 Website: unlearningwork.com
Episode Summary
In this episode of Unlearning Work, host Erin Merideth explores how old habits shape our professional lives and, more importantly, how we can break them to unlock our full potential. From procrastination to over-reliance on email, we examine why these habits form, their impact on productivity and mental well-being, and practical strateg...
2025-03-1014 min
The Unlearning Work Podcast4. Reinforcement Patterns: How Leaders Can Create a Thriving Feedback CultureReinforcement Patterns: How Leaders Can Create a Thriving Feedback Culture
🎙 Episode Title: Reinforcement Patterns: How Leaders Can Create a Thriving Feedback Culture 📅 Episode Number: 4 🎧 Host: Erin Merideth 🔗 Website: unlearningwork.com
Episode Summary
In this episode of Unlearning Work, host Erin Merideth unpacks why feedback is so often avoided, feared, or misunderstood—and what leaders can do to shift that dynamic. Drawing from behavioral psychology, Erin explores how reinforcement patterns, loss aversion, and conditioned responses shape the way we give and receive feedback at work.
From recognizing...
2025-02-2414 min
The Unlearning Work Podcast3. Harnessing the Power of Feedback at WorkThe Psychology of Feedback: Why It’s So Hard and How to Make It Easier
🎙 Episode Title: The Psychology of Feedback: Why It’s So Hard and How to Make It Easier 📅 Episode Number: 3 🎧 Host: Erin Merideth 🔗 Website: unlearningwork.com
Episode Summary:
In this episode of Unlearning Work, host Erin Merideth explores the psychological dynamics that make giving and receiving feedback feel so emotionally charged—especially during performance reviews. If you’ve ever left a feedback conversation feeling misunderstood, discouraged, or unsure how to improve, this episode is for you.
Root...
2025-02-1016 min
The Unlearning Work Podcast2. Turning Self Awareness into ActionTurning Self-Awareness into Action
🎙 Episode Title: Turning Self-Awareness Into Action: A Simple Framework for Lasting Change 📅 Episode Number: 2 🎧 Host: Erin Merideth 🔗 Website: unlearningwork.com
Episode Summary:
In this episode of Unlearning Work, host Erin Merideth explores what it really takes to turn self-awareness into sustained behavioral change. While understanding your work habits is an essential first step, the real challenge comes next—rewiring your brain and routines to make better choices every day.
Drawing from behavioral science and real-world examples, Erin breaks down why old habits are so hard to b...
2025-01-2713 min
The Unlearning Work Podcast1. Self AwarenessUnlocking the Power of Self-Awareness
🎙 Episode Title: Unlocking the Power of Self-Awareness: Your First Step Toward Meaningful Change 📅 Episode Number: 1 🎧 Host: Erin Merideth 🔗 Website: unlearningwork.com
Episode Summary:
Welcome to the very first episode of Unlearning Work! As we kick off a new year, many professionals are setting ambitious goals—but why do so many of those goals fizzle out? In this episode, host Erin Merideth unpacks the foundational skill behind sustainable growth and behavior change: self-awareness.
From missed deadlines to misaligned career goals, a lack of self-awarenes...
2025-01-1310 min
Artists for JoyThe Spiritual Invitation of MovementHave you felt a spiritual stirring during a long walk or a workout? What connection do creativity and movement have? Why did so many famous artists throughout history take long walks in the afternoon? This week, Merideth explores how movement helps us connect to something larger than ourselves and invites us to practice self-acceptance, deep listening, and completing the stress cycle. Body Image Episode Kristin Vanderlip's Shop Sara Delighted's Shop Submit your question: hello@artistsforjoy.org or leave us a voicemail 302-415-3407 Buy Merideth a coffee Erin Ellis, cellist Let us know what you think of this episode on IG...
2023-12-0828 min
Artists for JoyMusical Meditation: The Joy ToolkitSelf coaching questions: Hearing- What's that one song that makes your heart flutter with joy every time you hear it? What band makes you do a fist bump in the car? Whose voice calms and soothes and reassures you? Is there a poem that you love to hear read aloud? What sounds of the natural world remind you of the glory of creation? Write some sounds down that spark joy. Seeing– What's that one show or movie that you could watch over and over? Whose eyes can you look into and feel a release the stress of the day...
2022-08-1212 min
Artists for JoyThe Joy ToolkitThis week's show was recorded live in Brooklyn, NY! Merideth shares an idea picked up at this year's Writer's Digest Conference, a practical step in cultivating joy. Picasso's "Girl in the Mirror" https://mo.ma/3zVTEtE Erin Ellis, cellist https://spoti.fi/3d0YT2d Leave a comment or submit a question https://bit.ly/38bKMSF Transcript of this episode https://bit.ly/3PJ4bNR (auto-generated, may contain errors)
2022-08-0524 min
The Ecomcrew Ecommerce PodcastE354: EcomCrew's Top 10 Podcast Episodes of 2020Welcome to Episode 354 of the EcomCrew podcast! It seems like it wasn't too long ago when we started recording the first one, but here we are, closing 2020 out with the 354th episode. Throughout the year, we've talked to lots of interesting people in the industry and learned a bunch of new stuff both from their expertise and their mistakes. To cap it all off, we've thrown together a list of the best episodes of 2020. It includes 7 of our most downloaded episodes plus a few other favorites handpicked by our staff. What...
2020-12-2826 min
Rise to SuccessBe a Social Elephant in Your Business w/ Erin Zimmerman Erin Zimmerman runs Elephant Social, which offers full-service social media management and consulting services, and she specializes in helping small businesses owners grow through relationship-based strategy online. Her specialties? Video and content repurposing. She's known far and wide as the Social Media Matchmaker. Inspired by her friend whose time on earth was recently cut short, Erin’s taking her future fully into her own hands, and is now living her dream by jumping out of bed every morning to help small business owners rule the world. In this conversation, Erin and I talk about a maj...
2016-11-1144 min