Welcome to The Lonely Office: a podcast about the increasingly blurry line between work and life, brought to you by Glassdoor. We discuss topics based on real s...
When high-achieving Meghana discovered her stellar work at Instagram wasn't enough to impress leadership, she learned a crucial lesson: success isn't just about what you do—it's about how you tell your story.
Together with psychologist and author Allison Fragale, we explore the delicate balance between being likeable and assertive at work. Are you undermining your own success by staying quiet about your achievements? And what's the secret to promoting yourself without coming across as arrogant?
Connect with Alison Fragale
Hosts:
Matt Sunbulli
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sunbulli/
https://www.threads.net/@mattsunbulli
https://www.firstdraft.vc
Aaron Calafato
Listen to Aaron's 7 Minute Stories
Before you start a podcast, talk to Aaron!
Leah Ova
Follow Leah on TikTok
Editorial:
Matt Sunbulli
Brooks Borden
Ken Wendt
Aaron Calafato
Audio:
Ken Wendt
Jan Cruz
Research:
Zaid Safe
Matt Sunbulli
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21:03
The Lonely Office Greatest Hits of 2024
When one job seeker's 145-application odyssey became Glassdoor's most viral post of 2024, it captured the year's challenging job market perfectly. From eight-month job searches to office toe-nail clippers, we're diving into the stories that defined workplace life this past year.
Join us for a candid look at 2024's biggest trends, most heated debates, and what they tell us about the future of work in 2025. Plus, our Gen Z researcher finally reveals himself to weigh in on the generational divide that's reshaping offices everywhere.
Hosts:
Matt Sunbulli
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sunbulli/
https://www.threads.net/@mattsunbulli
https://www.firstdraft.vc
Aaron Calafato
Listen to Aaron's 7 Minute Stories
Before you start a podcast, talk to Aaron!
Leah Ova
Follow Leah on TikTok
Editorial:
Matt Sunbulli
Brooks Borden
Ken Wendt
Aaron Calafato
Audio:
Ken Wendt
Jan Cruz
Research:
Zaid Safe
Matt Sunbulli
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28:11
TikTok on Trial: When Government and Gen Z Collide
As Congress pushes to ban TikTok, a generational battle is brewing. For Harold, a disillusioned young professional who found solace in endless scrolling, the proposed ban wasn't just about losing an app—it was the last straw in a series of broken promises.
From surveillance concerns to freedom of speech, we explore why 150 million Americans are fighting to keep their favorite platform. Is this about protecting privacy, or are we missing the bigger picture about how younger generations consume information?
Hosts:
Matt Sunbulli
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sunbulli/
https://www.threads.net/@mattsunbulli
https://www.firstdraft.vc
Aaron Calafato
Listen to Aaron's 7 Minute Stories
Before you start a podcast, talk to Aaron!
Leah Ova
Follow Leah on TikTok
Editorial:
Matt Sunbulli
Brooks Borden
Ken Wendt
Aaron Calafato
Audio:
Ken Wendt
Jan Cruz
Research:
Zaid Safe
Matt Sunbulli
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30:51
Office Parties Gone Wrong (And How to Survive Them)
Office holiday parties walk a delicate line between celebration and career sabotage. When Morgan abandoned her one-drink rule and mixed up the CEO's birthday with the VP's, she learned that some party memories follow you back to your desk on Monday.
From inappropriate revelations to ill-timed layoff announcements, we explore the dos and don'ts of navigating the annual workplace ritual. With 12% of employees admitting to romantic encounters and the average attendee consuming 4.1 drinks, are these celebrations worth the risk?
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24:40
Side Hustles Are Redefining How We Work
In an era where everyone seems to be monetizing their passion, the line between day job and side hustle grows increasingly blurry. When Chelsea's vintage artifact business collided with her corporate role, she learned the hard way that not all companies embrace the hustle economy.
From MMA fighters turned TikTok food critics to corporate employees building startups in secret, we explore how to balance your dreams with your day job. Is the remote work revolution making it easier to pursue your passion, or just easier to get caught?
Hosts:
Matt Sunbulli
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sunbulli/
https://www.threads.net/@mattsunbulli
https://www.firstdraft.vc
Aaron Calafato
Listen to Aaron's 7 Minute Stories
Before you start a podcast, talk to Aaron!
Leah Ova
Follow Leah on TikTok
Editorial:
Matt Sunbulli
Brooks Borden
Ken Wendt
Aaron Calafato
Audio:
Ken Wendt
Jan Cruz
Research:
Zaid Safe
Matt Sunbulli
Welcome to The Lonely Office: a podcast about the increasingly blurry line between work and life, brought to you by Glassdoor. We discuss topics based on real stories sourced firsthand from anonymous conversations: like the rise of job ghosting, why unlimited PTO is a scam, and how to handle a nightmare boss. We also provide insider advice on navigating layoffs while negotiating severance, and cover outrageous work stories like candidates vaping during interviewees or employees getting fired for free speech at work. You don’t need to brave the professional world alone, so join us and listen in.
It’s hosted by Matt Sunbulli (serial tech entrepreneur, Founder @ Fishbowl and First Draft AI), Aaron Calafato (podcaster, 7 Minute Stories), and Leah Ova (content creator and advertising executive), with special appearances from comedians, industry thought leaders and economists.