The Human Side of Work
The Work, Wisdom, & Why podcast explores the human side of work and vocation through honest conversations about values, growth, and the pursuit of a life well lived.
Each episode is a candid interview with a thoughtful guest about their career journey, the experiences that have shaped them, and the lessons they've learned along the way. Guests also choose a topic they care deeply about to explore in more depth.
Themes We Explore
- Professional identity
- Purpose and intentionality
- Meaning and motivation
- Core values in action
- Failure, resilience, and growth
- Balance, boundaries, and sustainability
Pilot Episodes — Limited Preview
We're currently in the pilot phase of the show, sharing a limited preview of our first two episodes while we test the format and plan our next steps. Have a listen below — and if you have a moment, we'd love your feedback to help guide the future of the podcast.
Episode 1: Finding Belonging Across Boundaries, with Rachel Roca
PhD candidate Rachel Roca reflects on her journey as a researcher and educator whose interdisciplinary work brings together mathematics, data science, education, and social justice. We discuss identity, belonging, and the challenges—and opportunities—of doing work that doesn't fit neatly into traditional categories.
Episode 2: Doing It Scared, with Gina Merritt
Therapist and entrepreneur Gina Merritt shares the deeply personal experiences that shaped her calling, from growing up with a parent struggling with mental illness to building a thriving counseling practice rooted in compassion and authenticity. Together, we explore imposter syndrome, vulnerability, and why meaningful growth so often begins by stepping into discomfort rather than avoiding it.
Tell Us What You Think
We're still in the pilot phase, so your feedback will help shape what the show becomes. We're eager to hear your thoughts on the format, the guests, the sound quality, or anything else you'd like to share.
Exploring What Matters, One Conversation at a Time
Jonathan Hodge, Ph.D.
Jonathan is a higher education leader with more than two decades of experience as a professor, department chair, and dean. He holds a Ph.D. in mathematics and a master’s degree in negotiation, conflict resolution, and peacebuilding.
An intensely curious person, Jonathan believes that every person has a story worth hearing. Work, Wisdom, & Why is his attempt to capture and share those stories, in the hope that listeners will discover ideas and inspiration they can carry into their own lives.
Jonathan lives in Austin, Texas with his wife, three kids, and their slightly neurotic maltipoo.
Let's Talk
Interested in being a guest, have a question about the show, or just want to say hello? We'd love to hear from you.
Become a Guest
Think you'd be a good fit for the show? We're always looking for thoughtful guests with something meaningful to share.
Get in touch →General Inquiries
For press, partnerships, or anything else, reach out and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.
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