The Bad Boss Brief Podcast

EP 85: The Fear And Work Show 01.07.2026 30min

What are you afraid of?  How does fear show up at work? Today we talk about shame, stage fright (hint, Eugene has none, Stephanie has lots) and the various ways fear shows up and damaged teams – and families.Watch, listen, share with your friends!Please send your show ideas, comments or thoughts to us: wtf@badbossbrief.com. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit badbossbrief.substack.com/subscribe

EP 84 The Man/Woman Show 17.06.2026 32min

Eugene and Stephanie compare notes on bodies, violence, plastic surgery, trauma dumping and more. Watch, listen, share with your friends!Please send your show ideas, comments or thoughts to us: wtf@badbossbrief.com. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit badbossbrief.substack.com/subscribe

EP 83 Judgement Day 03.06.2026 31min

In this episode of The Bad Boss Brief, we discuss:- how judgement can help you set good boundaries- can judgement and forgiveness co-exist- why you want your bosses and partners to have good judgement and moreAnd, no, we’re not choosing topics based on Eugene’s tattoos but if the shoe fits...Watch, listen, share with your friends!As always, send us show ideas, comments or thoughts to wtf@badbossbrief.com. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit badbossbrief.substack.com/subscribe

EP 82 Do You Want to Know 20.05.2026 34min

In this episode, we talk about what and if you really want to know. Do you want to know if your partner has cheated? Do you care how many people they had sex with before you? Or it is better to just not know?Please note that we do talk, briefly, about Gisele Pelicot’s new memoir discussing her rapes and horrific abuse by her husband and others.And no, we’re not going to tell you what Eugene reminded Stephanie of at the end of the episode and what we discussed after we turned off the recording. Listen or watch now, and share this episode!As always, send us show ideas, comments or thoughts to wtf@badbossbrief.com. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit badbossbrief.substack.com/subscribe

EP 81 You Asked For It 06.05.2026 31min

We answer your questions on surviving a lay off, using your words and freelance vs full time foolishness.You, our favorite listeners, sent in some great questions and we get to some of them in this episode.How does a man who was laid off from his public health job after budget cuts do better in interviews? What happens when your boss or co-workers don’t use their words but expect you to anticipate their needs? Eugene and Stephanie have different experiences with and decide it is gendered.You’re freelance and left out of the loop by your full time co-workers. What can you do? Hint – working across time zones with an international team should never be this hard. Listen or watch now, and share this episode!As always, send us show ideas, comments or thoughts to wtf@badbossbrief.com. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit badbossbrief.substack.com/subscribe

Ep 80 Art, Artists, and AI 22.04.2026 35min

Eugene and Stephanie talk about why they don’t use AI in their creative work, how AI has changed the notion of ownership, but not the fact that people who claim other artist’s work as their own should be roundly shamed and wonder if someone in the future is going to be surprised that writers like Eugene and Stephanie actually wrote their own s**t, from scratch, without AI?From the Colson Whitehead article in the NYTimes“Some people say, “I just use it (AI) to brainstorm ideas.” If you don’t know what to paint or compose or write, you’re in the wrong job. Art is the business of making up stuff — go make up some stuff.”The Bad Boss Brief is a viewer-supported broadcast. To receive new episodes and support our work, consider becoming a paid subscriber. As always, send us show ideas, comments or thoughts to wtf@badbossbrief.com. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit badbossbrief.substack.com/subscribe

The Best Laid Plans Show | BBB – 79 08.04.2026 37min

You make a plan. It’s a great plan. And then it all goes to s**t. It might be fate, terrible bosses, or a war.- How do you navigate plans falling asunder?- How important is perseverance?- The value of staying flexible to stay employed.- Can you reframe your metrics for success to make sure they are accurate?All this and more in the audio or video version of The Bad Boss Brief Episode 79 The Best Laid Plans Show.As always, send us show ideas, comments or thoughts to wtf@badbossbrief.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit badbossbrief.substack.com/subscribe

The Analogy Show | BBB – 78 25.03.2026 34min

Life isn’t like a box of chocolates, but in today’s show we talk about analogies - how good ones can help teams learn, and bad ones can fan the flames of conflict. Listen or watch now, and please share this still free substack with your friends!If you've got an idea for a show topic, message us here or email us at wtf@badbossbrief.com. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit badbossbrief.substack.com/subscribe

We Are Not Algorithms | BBB – 77 11.03.2026 32min

When we were growing up, we would never have believed that people would sign up to be tracked every minute of their lives.Yet here we are.Today we talk AI, surveillance, the dystopia we signed up for and why people make decisions that work against their well-being and throw away happiness with both hands.Listen or watch now, and please share this still free substack with your friends!If you've got an idea for a show topic, message us here or email us at wtf@badbossbrief.com. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit badbossbrief.substack.com/subscribe

The Accountability Show | BBB – 76 25.02.2026 32min

We talk about what you can do if you’re a worker with less power and what you can - and should - do as a leader or executive to build a culture of accountability.How to handle illegal and unethical behavior as well as the irritating but not forbidden shirking of duties.And the guy who went after his bad boss with a brick. Which we do not recommend.Listen, watch and please share!Eugene and StephanieIf you've got an idea for a show topic, message us here or email us at wtf@badbossbrief.com. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit badbossbrief.substack.com/subscribe

The Not Normal Show | BBB – 75 11.02.2026 32min

When the world is burning and everything is very much not normal, how can you show up for work and keep your sanity, dignity and job? Eugene's on tour, calling in from a coffee shop, and we're talking about how to navigate working when your life - or the world - is on fire. We talk about:– The emotional energy it takes to pretend to be normal when you are not.– Don't expect your employer to be much help. – It's ok to allow yourself to be distracted by work. – Find places where you can be with your people. If you've got an idea for a show topic, message us here or email us at wtf@badbossbrief.com. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit badbossbrief.substack.com/subscribe

The Danger Zone – Is Your Job At Risk? | BBB – 74 28.01.2026 31min

How do you know if you’re in trouble at work and about to be laid off?Eugene and Stephanie talk about:– How do you know if you’re in danger of being laid off? We answer a listener's question and talk – PIPs (Performance Improvement Plans) and how to tell a good faith one from a bad faith one– Why we don’t sue even when we could – What the face of your boss’s spouse can tell you about your professional future. – And Eugene’s newest fashion accessoryListen now and drop a note in the comments about what decisions you are making right now. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit badbossbrief.substack.com/subscribe

The Cut and Run Show | BBB – 73 14.01.2026 32min

If you are starting the new year trying to decide whether to stay or go in a job, relationship or anything else you want to listen to this episode. Eugene and Stephanie talk about:- The Potential Trap, where you stay because there’s “so much potential”- Giving yourself permission to leave by challenging your ideas around quitting- Why you can’t push rope- Good reasons to stay in a bad situation- The Two Year Rule - if these are your last two years of your life, will you be glad you spent it doing what you are doing? Watch or listen now and drop a note in the comments about what decisions you are making right now. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit badbossbrief.substack.com/subscribe

The Not Rich Show | BBB – 72 17.12.2025 33min

What if one friend can afford to retire early and the other can’t?What if that friend is Eugene and Stephanie finally confesses her envy?Listen as Eugene and Stephanie discuss:- What to do if your friends or co-workers have more money than you do- How being broke in your youth can impact you for the rest of your life- What to do if fear of finances makes you ignore important money issues- How to get back on track with basic financial literacy This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit badbossbrief.substack.com/subscribe

Stupid Tricks: Gender Conflict | BBB – 71 03.12.2025 41min

Stupid Men tricks? Stupid Women Tricks? Stupid Relationship Tricks?Eugene and Stephanie argue gender dynamics.Mostly we agree, but in the latest Bad Boss Brief (EP 71 Stupid Tricks: Gender Conflict) we talk about the ways in which the gender divide can cause problems at work and at home.Choose someone and then try to get them to change?Use your beauty and sexual attractiveness to win at work?The “tyranny of expectations” and how Sesame Street taught boys to cry. Did that set up a generation of men who cry too easily? Or should men share more and develop more friendships?Listen in as two old friends talk about the gender divide. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit badbossbrief.substack.com/subscribe

The Uncertainty Show | BBB – 70 21.11.2025 32min

“Job hugging” is on the rise as people cling to jobs during a time of economic and political uncertainty. How can you stay sane and employed when you’re terrified you’re going to lose your job? Watch the latest Bad Boss Brief for help.Welcome to the Bad Boss Brief — your no-BS guide on how NOT to be an a*****e at work. Hosted by an executive and an executive coach, we dive into real stories and practical insights on bad bosses, better leadership, and unpack how to recognize if you’re the problem.Together, we bring over 50 years of exec-level scars from Intel, Apple, Adobe, Publicis, and Nikon — plus a creative edge from our work in advertising, marketing, and the arts. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit badbossbrief.substack.com/subscribe

The Dunning Kruger Show | BBB – 69 05.11.2025 31min

"When people who are bad at something think they’re great and vice versa. Superpowers and how to find yours, managing with superpowers.” Listen for more on the latest Bad Boss Brief.Welcome to the Bad Boss Brief — your no-BS guide on how NOT to be an a*****e at work. Hosted by an executive and an executive coach, we dive into real stories and practical insights on bad bosses, better leadership, and unpack how to recognize if you’re the problem.Together, we bring over 50 years of exec-level scars from Intel, Apple, Adobe, Publicis, and Nikon — plus a creative edge from our work in advertising, marketing, and the arts. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit badbossbrief.substack.com/subscribe

The Gift of Being Bad At Something | BBB – 68 22.10.2025 32min

“When we try anything new – a new sport or skill or language – we are bad before we get good. But that very badness can be a gift.” Listen for more on the latest Bad Boss Brief.Welcome to the Bad Boss Brief — your no-BS guide on how NOT to be an a*****e at work. Hosted by an executive and an executive coach, we dive into real stories and practical insights on bad bosses, better leadership, and unpack how to recognize if you’re the problem.Together, we bring over 50 years of exec-level scars from Intel, Apple, Adobe, Publicis, and Nikon — plus a creative edge from our work in advertising, marketing, and the arts. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit badbossbrief.substack.com/subscribe

Performative Politics | BBB – 67 08.10.2025 33min

“In an age where politics are hard to avoid at work, we talk about people making it a performance. Plus, how to protect your social media posts from your boss and the death threats Eugene got.” Listen for more on the latest Bad Boss Brief.Welcome to the Bad Boss Brief — your no-BS guide on how NOT to be an a*****e at work. Hosted by an executive and an executive coach, we dive into real stories and practical insights on bad bosses, better leadership, and unpack how to recognize if you’re the problem.Together, we bring over 50 years of exec-level scars from Intel, Apple, Adobe, Publicis, and Nikon — plus a creative edge from our work in advertising, marketing, and the arts. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit badbossbrief.substack.com/subscribe

Quiet Cracking | BBB – 66 23.09.2025 33min

“When your mental health is suffering so acutely that you can’t work, the last thing you need is a catchphrase like the currently trendy “quiet cracking”. You need to understand that no one in corporate America is coming to save you. But we’ve got some ideas that might help.” Listen for more on the latest Bad Boss Brief.Welcome to the Bad Boss Brief — your no-BS guide on how NOT to be an a*****e at work. Hosted by an executive and an executive coach, we dive into real stories and practical insights on bad bosses, better leadership, and unpack how to recognize if you’re the problem.Together, we bring over 50 years of exec-level scars from Intel, Apple, Adobe, Publicis, and Nikon — plus a creative edge from our work in advertising, marketing, and the arts. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit badbossbrief.substack.com/subscribe