Toxic Workplace

No Job Is Worth This: Sunny's Story of Working as a Therapist for Sexual Predators 26.01.2025 37min

In this episode, we hear Sunny’s story—a therapist and military veteran who took her first civilian job at a civil commitment center for sexual offenders, hoping to grow as a clinician by working with a challenging population. Instead, she found herself in a toxic workplace filled with traumatic experiences, overwhelming demands, and unrealistic demands from leadership. From being forced to process her trauma in front of abusers to enduring severe burnout and a lack of support, Sunny’s journey reveals the emotional toll of working in such an environment. Ultimately, she shares how she found the strength to walk away, rebuild her confidence, and prioritize her well-being, offering valuable insights for anyone struggling in a toxic workplace.Content Warning: This episode includes descriptions of sexual misconduct and other sensitive topics that may not be suitable for all listeners.

On the Cheap: Buli's Toxic Workplace Story of Bad Management with Dodgy Practices 23.09.2024 40min

Buli, fresh out of college and living in the UK, joined the Kickstart scheme to find work. She was placed in a company where management cut corners, from skipping proper training to forging certificates, all while overworking their staff. Buli found herself burdened with an overwhelming workload, earning minimum wage for her efforts. As the company prioritized cost-cutting over care, Buli and her colleagues bore the brunt of the mismanagement. Her story highlights the red flags and shady practices that many employees encounter in poorly run workplaces. Ultimately, Buli’s resilience helped her rise above it all, finding strength and confidence through the struggle.*****Do you have a toxic workplace story to share?***********Go to www.toxicworkplacepodcast.com and click on "Be a Guest." Your story will be shared anonymously. All names are changed to protect the employee and the company.Does listening to this podcast help you navigate your toxic workplace? Be sure to leave a review on Apple Podcasts.You may also go to www.toxicworkplacepodcast.com and leave a private review.Follow Toxic Workplace on Facebook, TikTok, X and Instagram @ToxicWorkplacePodcast

Buried in a Pile of Work: Grace's Toxic Workplace Story of an Excessive Workload and a Non-Existent Manager 29.07.2024 42min

Grace graduates with a Master’s degree with high hopes that she will pave a new career path in the tech world. She lands a position in Product with a well-known tech company and is excited about the possibilities. Soon after she is onboarded, she realizes her new manager is completely hands off, giving her zero direction and feedback. The low morale and cut-throat competition in her department makes it challenging for her to onboard and progress in her position. She’s left to fend for herself and feels like she’s in a sink or swim situation, where her manager is merely sitting back and watching, waiting for her to sink. However, she doesn’t give up and pushes through without any recognition. Grace realizes some hard learned truths about herself and what she’s truly searching for in her career.

Revolving Door of Poor Leadership: Chelsea's Toxic Workplace Story of A Non-Profit School with No Direction 25.04.2024 55min

Chelsea is an educator who finds herself entrenched in a toxic workplace characterized by poor leadership and revolving door turnover. The organization is constantly undergoing new leadership which causes a lack of direction, misaligned roles, unchecked behavior, and nepotism, Chelsea grapples with frustration and confusion while juggling personal tribulations. However, her dedication to her family and unwavering work ethic kept her persevering through the storm. Ultimately, Chelsea emerged with a newfound perspective, prioritizing her well-being and aspirations over the toxicity of her workplace.*****Do you have a toxic workplace story to share?***********Go to www.toxicworkplacepodcast.com and click on "Be a Guest." Your story will be shared anonymously. All names are changed to protect the employee and the company.Does listening to this podcast help you navigate your toxic workplace? Be sure to leave a review on Apple Podcasts.You may also go to www.toxicworkplacepodcast.com and leave a private review.Follow Toxic Workplace on Facebook, TikTok, X and Instagram @ToxicWorkplacePodcast

Bullied to the Brink: Kylie's Toxic Workplace Story of a Bullying Manager 18.03.2024 53min

Kylie lands a job at a large utility company, which starts on a positive note. She excels in her accounting role and earns praise from colleagues and supervisors. However, her experience takes a sharp downturn when she begins reporting to a bullying manager. Despite her persistent dedication, Kylie faces numerous obstacles, including being denied necessary overtime, burdened with increasing workloads, and subjected to unfounded accusations of poor performance. Additionally, opportunities for professional advancement within the company are consistently withheld from Kylie, leaving her feeling trapped and undervalued. Through Kylie's narrative, this episode highlights the destructive effects** of workplace bullying and underscores the pressing need for systemic changes to cultivate healthier work environments.***Please note, this episode discusses suicide.Do you have a toxic workplace story to share?Go to www.toxicworkplacepodcast.com and click on "Be a Guest." Your story will be shared anonymously. All names are changed to protect the employee and the company.Does listening to this podcast help you navigate your toxic workplace? Be sure to leave a review on Apple Podcasts.You may also go to www.toxicworkplacepodcast.com and leave a private review.Follow Toxic Workplace on Facebook, TikTok, X and Instagram @ToxicWorkplacePodcast

Not All That Glitters Is Gold: Victoria's Toxic Workplace Story of Cheap Sales and a Sham Business 08.01.2024 49min

Victoria is a dedicated real estate professional and busy mom who discovers a promising opportunity in real estate sales. Impressed by a wonderful interview experience, she eagerly joins the company, initially captivated by their seemingly excellent professionalism and integrity. However, as she begins her new role, Victoria becomes disillusioned when she realizes the company engages in cheap sales practices and the management fosters a toxic workplace culture. The initial excitement turns into disappointment as she grapples with the contrast between her expectations and the harsh reality of management's unethical business practices and toxic work environment.*****Do you have a toxic workplace story to share?***********Go to www.toxicworkplacepodcast.com and click on "Be a Guest." Your story will be shared anonymously. All names are changed to protect the employee and the company.Does listening to this podcast help you navigate your toxic workplace? Be sure to leave a review on Apple Podcasts.You may also go to www.toxicworkplacepodcast.com and leave a private review.Follow Toxic Workplace on Facebook, TikTok, X and Instagram @ToxicWorkplacePodcast

Faithful Facade: Haylee's Toxic Workplace Story of a Christian Non-Profit with Hidden Political Motives 11.12.2023 52min

Haylee gets the opportunity to work with a trusted, long-time family friend, Jenna, in an exclusive Christian non-profit organization. Haylee is led to believe this non-profit is funding amazing projects that brings goodness into the world, but in reality they're funding political agendas. Haylee looks up to Jenna and believes she is going to gain professionalism and mentorship under her direction, but is quickly disappointed when she learns Jenna is a micromanager with a passive aggressive personality. Jenna starts to form the untrue narrative that Haylee doesn't respect her authority and is not well received by her colleagues.*****Do you have a toxic workplace story to share?***********Go to www.toxicworkplacepodcast.com and click on "Be a Guest." Your story will be shared anonymously. All names are changed to protect the employee and the company.Does listening to this podcast help you navigate your toxic workplace? Be sure to leave a review on Apple Podcasts.You may also go to www.toxicworkplacepodcast.com and leave a private review.Follow Toxic Workplace on Facebook, TikTok, X and Instagram @ToxicWorkplacePodcast

Door-to-Door Deception: Amanda's Toxic Workplace Story of Working for a Magazine Crew Cult 12.11.2023 43min

Amanda is fresh out of high school and ready to escape her small hometown in Nebraska. She meets a guy at a rock concert who invites her to join his travels around the country as a "salesman." He offers her a one-way bus ticket to Texas to join him on a sales opportunity. Seeking adventure and excitement Amanda accepts, but on arrival she is disappointed to find herself thrown into a door-to-door sales routine with a magazine crew that operates more like a cult than a legitimate business. The manipulative crew leaders isolate her from family and friends while gradually introducing deceptive practices to boost sales and strip Amanda of her identity. She faces a complex web of psychological manipulation and coercive tactics. Her story unfolds as a quest for self-discovery amidst the unexpected dangers of seeking a new life away from home.Resources:Magazine Crews:* https://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2015/04/trapped-into-selling-magazines-door-to-door/388601/* http://america.aljazeera.com/articles/2015/2/24/human-trafficking-victim-mag-crew-kid-at-door.html* https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Honey_(film)General Cult/Trafficking Info:https://freedomofmind.com/cult-mind-control/influence-continuum/ https://freedomofmind.com/cult-mind-control/bite-model/ * https://janjalalich.com/help/characteristics-associated-with-cults/* https://freedomofmind.com/cult-mind-control/trafficking/* https://polarisproject.org/labor-trafficking/ (Anything on Janja Lalich or Steven Hassan's websites are great for cult research/education. I have some of their books as well!)Commercial Cults:* https://www.marketplace.org/2020/03/10/five-signs-your-workplace-might-turning-into-a-cult/* https://www.economist.com/business/2022/03/05/company-or-cult* https://www.huffpost.com/entry/multilevel-marketing-companies-mlms-cults-similarities_l_5d49f8c2e4b09e72973df3d3*****Do you have a toxic workplace story to share?***********Go to www.toxicworkplacepodcast.com and click on "Be a Guest." Your story will be shared anonymously. All names are changed to protect the employee and the company.

Stern Stares and Side Eye: Sam's Toxic Workplace Story of Bullying and Discrimination as a Male Nurse in Rural NC 30.10.2023 34min

Sam is a recent college graduate who lands an RN position in a pediatric unit at a rural North Carolina hospital. Sam is quickly disheartened when he realizes he is not welcome by the other nurses. As the only black, male nurse in the hospital he experiences discrimination, relentless questioning of his abilities, and a demoralizing work environment. He grapples with constant bullying and exclusion. Despite his determination to make a difference, the hostile reception at the hospital leaves Sam struggling with crushed self-esteem and questioning his capabilities.Do you have a toxic workplace story to share? Go to www.toxicworkplacepodcast.com and click on "Be a Guest." Your story will be shared anonymously. All names are changed to protect the employee and the company. Does listening to this podcast help you navigate your toxic workplace? Be sure to leave a review on Apple Podcasts. You may also go to www.toxicworkplacepodcast.com and leave a private review. Follow Toxic Workplace on Facebook, TikTok, X and Instagram @ToxicWorkplacePodcast

Troubled Waters: Anna's Toxic Workplace Story of an Environmental Non-Profit Run by a Berating Boss 16.10.2023 44min

Anna lands a dream job at a non-profit dedicated to safeguarding the local lakes, the community's primary water supply. Initially thrilled by the opportunity to contribute to a meaningful cause, Anna is welcomed into the organization by a seemingly supportive boss. Anna quickly realizes, however, a stark contrast between the charismatic façade and the true nature of her boss when she reads a berating email sent to a previous employee. The workplace atmosphere becomes increasingly toxic as he berates employees, takes undue credit for their collective achievements, and micromanages their work.Do you have a toxic workplace story to share? Go to www.toxicworkplacepodcast.com and click on "Be a Guest." Your story will be shared anonymously. All names are changed to protect the employee and the company. Does listening to this podcast help you navigate your toxic workplace? Be sure to leave a review on Apple Podcasts. You may also go to www.toxicworkplacepodcast.com and leave a private review. Follow Toxic Workplace on Facebook, TikTok, X and Instagram @ToxicWorkplacePodcast

Alley-Oops and Overload: Adam's Toxic Workplace Story of a Basketball Non-Profit Run by Poor Management 03.10.2023 44min

Adam lands a job at a non-profit organization with a noble mission—mentoring teens through basketball. Little did he know, his new boss brings a different kind of game to the table. Adam finds himself in a chaotic mix of disorganization, poor time management, and a glaring lack of leadership skills at the helm. As he tries to navigate the challenges, the overwhelming workload consumes him. This episode sheds light on the importance of effective leadership and organizational structure, even in the well-intentioned world of non-profit mentorship through sports.*****Do you have a toxic workplace story to share?***********Go to www.toxicworkplacepodcast.com and click on "Be a Guest." Your story will be shared anonymously. All names are changed to protect the employee and the company.Does listening to this podcast help you navigate your toxic workplace? Be sure to leave a review on Apple Podcasts.You may also go to www.toxicworkplacepodcast.com and leave a private review.Follow Toxic Workplace on Facebook, TikTok, X and Instagram @ToxicWorkplacePodcast

Working Twice as Hard for Respect: Cassie's Toxic Workplace Story of Working as a School Therapist 26.08.2023 39min

From day one Cassie is treated as an outsider by the teachers and parents of the school she works for. The school is in a mostly white, upper-class, neighborhood and Cassie is a woman of color with a diverse background. The administration and her colleagues do not welcome her with open arms. They are cold, distant, and second guess her professional insight. Cassie works hard to win the respect of the administration, but no matter how hard she tries, they continue to dismiss her. The environment eventually pushes Cassie into an anxiety ridden state where she finally gets the courage to do something about it.Do you have a toxic workplace story to share? Go to www.toxicworkplacepodcast.com and click on "Be a Guest." Your story will be shared anonymously. All names are changed to protect the employee and the company. Does listening to this podcast help you navigate your toxic workplace? Be sure to leave a review on Apple Podcasts. You may also go to www.toxicworkplacepodcast.com and leave a private review. Follow Toxic Workplace on Facebook, TikTok, X and Instagram @ToxicWorkplacePodcastReference: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/stress-dreams-why-do-we-have-them-and-how-to-stop/#:~:text=Frequently%20having%20stress%20or%20anxiety,thoughts%20and%20stress%20in%20order.

Looks Can Be Deceiving: Sarah's Toxic Workplace Story of a Non-Profit Organization Run by a Narcissistic Leader 31.07.2023 51min

Sarah is excited to work at a non-profit organization whose mission aligns with her own values and passions. From the outside, this organization looks perfect. They emphasize "women empowering women," but Sarah starts to see the complete opposite as her self-serving, narcissistic boss has no shame in embarrassing Sarah and her colleagues in front of others.Do you have a toxic workplace story to share? Go to www.toxicworkplacepodcast.com and click on "Be a Guest." Your story will be shared anonymously. All names are changed to protect the employee and the company. Does listening to this podcast help you navigate your toxic workplace? Be sure to leave a review on Apple Podcasts. You may also go to www.toxicworkplacepodcast.com and leave a private review.Follow Toxic Workplace on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram @ToxicWorkplacePodcast

You Better Have a Fake Smile on Your Face: Judy's Toxic Workplace Story of Burnout and Career Sabotage 01.07.2023 34min

Judy works as a Senior Software Engineer at a health care clinic. She quickly realizes her new employer doesn't believe in work/life balance when she gets interrogated for taking a day off to attend her aunt's funeral. She is expected to drop everything on her days off to respond to work related questions. Her boss is sexist and demeaning. Leadership expects everyone to maintain a positive attitude despite the burnout culture.Do you have a toxic workplace story to share? Go to www.toxicworkplacepodcast.com and click on "Be a Guest." Your story will be shared anonymously. All names are changed to protect the employee and the company. Does listening to this podcast help you navigate your toxic workplace? Be sure to leave a review on Apple Podcasts. You may also go to www.toxicworkplacepodcast.com and leave a private review.Follow Toxic Workplace on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram @ToxicWorkplacePodcastReference: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress/art-20046037

Blurring the Lines: Birdie's Toxic Workplace Story of an Insecure Councilman with No Boundaries 16.05.2023 32min

Fresh out of college, Birdie lands a job working for a councilman in Louisiana. At first, the councilman seems endearing and has a casual demeanor, but not long after Birdie starts in her position she realizes the councilman has no boundaries and a verbally abusive temper. He takes his frustrations out on Birdie while overloading her with work that is beyond the scope of her position.*****Do you have a toxic workplace story to share?***********Go to www.toxicworkplacepodcast.com and click on "Be a Guest." Your story will be shared anonymously. All names are changed to protect the employee and the company.Does listening to this podcast help you navigate your toxic workplace? Be sure to leave a review on Apple Podcasts.You may also go to www.toxicworkplacepodcast.com and leave a private review.Follow Toxic Workplace on Facebook, TikTok, X and Instagram @ToxicWorkplacePodcastReference:https://www.mckinsey.com/~/media/mckinsey/dotcom/client_service/public%20sector/pdfs/how_can_american_government_meet_its_productivity_challenge.ashx

Targeted for Termination: Herman's Toxic Workplace Story of Being Forced Out by Management After a Company Merger 20.03.2023 30min

Herman spends 15 years working for a local newspaper before it gets bought out by another newspaper. He is relieved when he doesn't lose his job right away, but things are never quite the same. After the merger, the company morale declines and burnout increases. He and his colleagues are treated as second-rate employees by management and Herman quickly finds himself as a moving target for a director that tries to stump his productivity and push him out the door.Do you have a toxic workplace story to share? Go to www.toxicworkplacepodcast.com and click on "Be a Guest." Your story will be shared anonymously. All names are changed to protect the employee and the company.Does listening to this podcast help you navigate your toxic workplace? Be sure to leave a review on Apple Podcasts. You may also go to www.toxicworkplacepodcast.com and leave a private review.Follow Toxic Workplace on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram @ToxicWorkplacePodcastReference:https://hbr.org/2019/12/what-happens-when-your-career-becomes-your-whole-identity

Death by a Thousand Cuts: Rose's Toxic Workplace Story of a Bullying Boss and Finding Her Confidence 27.02.2023 43min

Rose gets promoted to a managerial position shortly after joining a non-profit organization. The director she reports to gives no direction, is dismissive to her suggestions, had poor management skills and creates low morale within Rose's department. Rose starts to realize her director is nothing but a bully which triggers lingering insecurities from adolescence. Rose decides to take a stand and speak out for what she knows is right, which empowers her with newfound strength and courage.Do you have a toxic workplace story to share? Go to www.toxicworkplacepodcast.com and click on "Be a Guest." Your story will be shared anonymously. All names are changed to protect the employee and the company.Does listening to this podcast help you navigate your toxic workplace? Be sure to leave a review on Apple Podcasts. You may also go to www.toxicworkplacepodcast.com and leave a private review.Follow Toxic Workplace on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram @ToxicWorkplacePodcast

Pushed to the Breaking Point: Josh's Toxic Workplace Story of Extreme Burnout and Overload 13.02.2023 31min

Josh lands a job with a city planning agency in an up-and-coming suburban city. The management hierarchy is run by a director that emulates a Tony Soprano vibe; he's hard to get through to and expects people to hustle for his approval. In addition, Josh's workload is that of two people. The workload and poor management start to weigh on Josh after he gets put on a PIP and he works his way out of it. The exertion to prove himself takes a toll on his health and he goes through one of the most challenging times in his life.Do you have a toxic workplace story to share? Go to www.toxicworkplacepodcast.com and click on "Be a Guest." Your story will be shared anonymously. All names are changed to protect the employee and the company.Does listening to this podcast help you navigate your toxic workplace? Be sure to leave a review on Apple Podcasts. You may also go to www.toxicworkplacepodcast.com and leave a private review.Follow Toxic Workplace on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram @ToxicWorkplacePodcastReferences:Harvard Health Publishing: Is Adrenal Fatigue "Real"?

Set Up to Fail: Miranda's Toxic Workplace Story of Gossip, Bullying and Lack of Training by Management 30.01.2023 24min

Miranda works in the accounting and finance industry. She lands a job at a firm where she is set up for failure from the start. The person assigned to her training is incompetent and makes things confusing. Miranda's boss is aggressively frustrated with her mistakes during her training. Her co-workers openly gossip about her peers with bullying, racist and sexist remarks. Miranda's confidence starts to dwindle as she feels isolated and anxious in this hostile environment.*****Do you have a toxic workplace story to share?***********Go to www.toxicworkplacepodcast.com and click on "Be a Guest." Your story will be shared anonymously. All names are changed to protect the employee and the company.Does listening to this podcast help you navigate your toxic workplace? Be sure to leave a review on Apple Podcasts.You may also go to www.toxicworkplacepodcast.com and leave a private review.Follow Toxic Workplace on Facebook, TikTok, X and Instagram @ToxicWorkplacePodcast

Trained in Unethical Sales: Jules' Toxic Workplace Story about a Relentless Push by Management 16.01.2023 31min

Jules is a recent college graduate who lands a sales position at a large corporation. The compensation package is excellent and the job growth and development seems promising, but once Jules becomes acclimated she realizes management only cares about one thing... sales. The pressure from management on Jules and her team is relentless. The expectation is that the sales associates are to take any measures necessary to close a sale, including misleading and lying to customers. This causes Jules to be pushed to a moral breaking point.*****Do you have a toxic workplace story to share?***********Go to www.toxicworkplacepodcast.com and click on "Be a Guest." Your story will be shared anonymously. All names are changed to protect the employee and the company.Does listening to this podcast help you navigate your toxic workplace? Be sure to leave a review on Apple Podcasts.You may also go to www.toxicworkplacepodcast.com and leave a private review.Follow Toxic Workplace on Facebook, TikTok, X and Instagram @ToxicWorkplacePodcast