Work Is Third

Have you ever felt like you didn't belong somewhere but couldn't explain why? Organizational scientist, adjunct professor, and keynote speaker Andrea D. Carter has spent years studying exactly that feeling — and she has the data to prove it's not in your head. It's in your nervous system.Her belonging research, validated across 8 industries and over 150,000 people, makes one thing undeniable: belonging isn't soft. It's science. It's infrastructure. It's how people perform.In this episode, Dawn and Andrea explore why the human nervous system is constantly scanning for safety or threat, what psychological safety actually protects (hint: it's not comfort), why resilience is not a solo sport, and the difference between fitting in and truly belonging. This is the conversation workplaces aren't having but desperately need.📚 Guest InfoWebsite: https://andreacarterconsulting.com | https://belongingfirst.comLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreadcarter/Substack: https://andreadcarter.substack.com/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/belongingfirst/Adler:https://www.adler.edu/faculty-engagement/faculty-directory/carter-andrea-d/📚 RESOURCES MENTIONEDCanada's Largest Belonging in the Workplace Study — conducted in the mining industry, 2021–2022, 3,508 participants"The Body Keeps the Score" — referenced in conversation (book by Bessel van der Kolk)Neuroception — concept by Dr. Stephen Porges; the nervous system's unconscious scanning for safety or threatAmy C. Edmondson — pioneer in Psychological Safety🔗 Let’s Stay Connected· 🎧Subscribe to the show!· 📬Subscribe to ⁠The Joyful Rebellion Newsletter⁠· 📸 Instagram: ⁠@the_dawn_hunter⁠· 🌐 Website: http://workisthird.com/

Are you building a life that feels right for you , or one shaped by expectations, achievement, and what you think you're supposed to do?In this episode of Work Is Third, Dawn Hunter sits down with Calvalyn Day to explore freedom, flexibility, reinvention, and the choices that shape our lives. Together, they unpack why so many people live by the "shoulds," how external validation can quietly drive our decisions, and why feeling stuck is often an invitation to get curious rather than stay still.Calvalyn shares her own journey of choosing a different path and offers practical insights on values, healing, self-trust, and creating a life aligned with what matters most.They discuss:Why flexibility is more than just your work scheduleBreaking free from external validationWhy you're never too old — and never too stuck — to choose differentlyThe role values play in shaping decisionsHealing, reinvention, and learning to trust yourselfWhy work should be thirdBecause building a meaningful life doesn't start with havingall the answers. It starts with listening to your own voice.📚 Guest InfoWebsite: https://www.calvalynday.com/YouTube: https://youtube.com/@calvalyn?si=d6Gr6bjzTttMmiclInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/calvalyn/?hl=enTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@calvalynday🎶Calvalyn's contribution to Work is Third: The Soundtrack: T.I., Let 'Em KnowLet’s Stay Connected🎧 Subscribe to the show!📬 Subscribe to The Joyful Rebellion Newsletter📸 Instagram: @the_dawn_hunter

What if protecting your peace doesn’t mean staying quiet—but finally speaking up? In this episode of Work is Third, Dawn Hunter talks with Rene Rivas, entrepreneur, nurse, and founder of RevIVe+ Mobile IV Concierge, about healing, presence, vulnerability, and redefining success on your own terms.Rene shares his journey from difficult workplace experiences to building a business rooted in prevention and wellbeing. Together, Dawn and Rene explore the power of community, how joy can be a daily choice, why adulthood may need to be reimagined, and the difference between being a thermometer who reacts to the room—or a thermostat who sets the tone.📚 Guest InfoWebsite: revive2you.com Socials: @revive2yoLet’s Stay Connected🎧 Subscribe to the show!📬Subscribe to The Joyful Rebellion Newsletter📸 Instagram: @the_dawn_hunter

We’re taught to hustle. We’re never taught to heal. That changes in this episode.Mindset and wellness coach Adam Wilson joins Work Is Third for a powerful and vulnerable conversation about healing, habits, father and mother wounds, breaking generational patterns, and learning to rest. Adam shares how childhood trauma shaped his early life, what pushed him out of tech and into coaching, how he helps men reconnect with their Inner King, and the importance of sleep, routines, rest, and perspective in healing. Together, we explore transitions, self-doubt, boundary-setting—especially with parents—and practical steps to break the cycles we inherited. This episode is a reminder that healing is possible, seasons change, and you always have the power to rewrite your story.📚 Guest InfoIG/Tiktok: @Theadamwilson_Facebook: Adam J Wilson🎶Adam's contribution to The Joyful Rebellion Spotify Playlist: Miguel, Skywalker 📚 Resources MentionedThe Untethered Soul by Michael A. SingerThe Garden Within by Dr. Anita PhillipsAdam’s podcast: Hustle & HealInstitute of Integrative Nutrition (IIN)💬 Key Quotes “What’s uncomfortable now can be comfortable later.”“You are your best project. When are you going to take time for yourself?”“I love you, but I love me more.”“We’re taught to hustle, but nobody teaches us how to heal.”“Sometimes you have to rest to remember who you actually are.”Let’s Stay Connected🎧 Subscribe to the show!📬Subscribe to The Joyful Rebellion Newsletter📸 Instagram: @workisthirdlife 📂 Section Markers00:46 Section 1: Life Transitions and Childhood Patterns25:14 Section 2: Routines, Rest, and Rewriting Your Story 📌Episode Chapters/Timestamps00:00 Navigating Transitions and Embracing Change02:46 The Power of Mindset and Daily Routines05:13 Integrating Technology in Coaching08:11 The Importance of Sleep and Rest10:49 Creating Healthy Habits and Routines17:01 Exploring Sleep and Body Awareness20:08 The Journey to Coaching and Personal Growth22:34 Understanding Childhood Patterns and Their Impact25:58 The Role of Male Mentorship and Support28:35 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Building Confidence30:07 The Power of Perspective and Reading37:08 Finding Purpose Beyond a Job39:47 Embracing Rest and Personal Development41:03 The Importance of Rest and Recovery45:13 The Hustle and Heal Podcast Journey46:29 Setting Boundaries with Family46:56 Childhood Trauma and Its Impact48:35 Embracing Uncomfortable Growth

How do you run a business, care for a parent, and thrive with a chronic health condition? In this heartfelt and practical conversation, systems strategist and author Averri Simone Liggins shares the structures and routines that help her run a thriving business while also serving as a full-time caregiver and navigating chronic health challenges. We talk about the real-world power of systems as tools that make space for joy, boundaries, and taking care of both your future self and your present self.We dig into:• Why systems are the secret to more freedom• How caregiving reshaped her business• Saying no with confidence• Managing energy, not just time• The joy of hobbies, WWE nights, and creative adventures• And the importance of planning both rest and funIt’s a conversation full of warmth, wisdom, and real talk about life, business, boundaries, and what it takes to build a life that supports you.📚 Guest InfoAutopilot Your Success —Averri’s BookWebsite: www.blackwomenmoguls.com Social media: @blackwomenmoguls💬 Key Quotes “My purpose is to build my business around my life—not the other way around.”“No is a complete sentence. You’re not being selfish by prioritizing yourself.” “If I don’t take care of myself, I won’t be able to take care of my mother.” “Knowing when to stop before you’re forced to stop is so important.” “Systems are usually the last thing we think about—until we need them.” Let’s Stay Connected🎧 Subscribe to the show!📬 Subscribe to The Joyful Rebellion Newsletter📸 Instagram: @workisthirdlife 📂 Section Markers01:01 Section 1: Why Systems Matter for Building a Life That Works23:30 Section 2: Health, Wealth, and Taking Care of Your Future Self📌Episode Chapters/Timestamps00:00 Introduction to Systems and Success01:34 The Birth of 'Autopilot Your Success'07:10 The Importance of Systems in Business10:55 Balancing Caregiving and Entrepreneurship13:43 Listening to Your Body and Planning Breaks19:24 Building a Business Around Your Life20:33 Setting Boundaries for Personal Well-being24:07 Navigating Personal Relationships and Boundaries28:21 Future Self and Decision Making29:41 Finding Balance in Life32:31 Embracing Hobbies and Interests36:45 Self-Care Practices and Rituals39:28 The Importance of Exercise and Health43:06 Navigating Health Challenges45:09 Setting Boundaries and Saying No45:16 Delegating and Asking for Help

What does it mean to lead with heart—and stay grounded when everything changes? In this warm and reflective episode, Dawn reconnects with her former boss and friend, Lynn Gallagher, former Secretary of Health for New Mexico.Together, they share stories of friendship, grief, leadership, and joy—from mismatched earrings and “Power Squad” calls to lessons learned through loss and career transitions. They explore what it means to redefine yourself after leadership, how to lead with kindness and courage, and why who you are matters more than what you do.This episode is a love letter to strong, compassionate women in leadership and a reminder that staying rooted is one of the bravest things you can do.🎶Lynn's additions to The Joyful Rebellion playlist:Fight Song by Rachel PlattenGirls Just Wanna Have Fun by Cyndi Lauper📘 Books & Resources Mentioned:We Should All Be Millionaires — Rachel RodgersDesigning Your Life — Bill Burnett & Dave EvansAttention Span — Gloria MarkStart with Why — Simon SinekIt Starts with Us — Colleen HooverOf Mice and Men — John SteinbeckSlaughterhouse-Five — Kurt VonnegutThe Plague — Albert CamusA Different Kind of Power — Jacinda ArdernThe Passage — Justin Cronin💬 Key Quotes:“Who am I, if I’m not who I was?”“She changed people’s lives just by remembering their names.”“Staying rooted in who you are is part of boundary setting.” Let’s Stay Connected🎧Subscribe to the show!📬Subscribe to The Joyful Rebellion Newsletter📸 Instagram: @workisthirdlife 📂 Section Markers01:07 Section 1: From Power Squad to Finding Purpose24:10 Section 2: The Legacy of Kindness and Leading with Heart 📌Episode Chapters/Timestamps00:00 Reconnecting and Catching Up02:26 Shared Experiences in Public Health Leadership06:39 Navigating Grief and Transition in Leadership10:07 The Impact of Political Changes on Public Health14:59 Personal Growth and Self-Discovery17:36 The Legacy of Kindness in Leadership29:13 The Importance of Rest and Recharge35:20 Work-Life Balance: Putting Work Third44:08 Celebrating Growth and Staying True to Yourself

Is your body strong enough to sustain your ambition?In this episode, fitness coach and founder of Impackt Fitness, Tyneka Pack, joins Work Is Third to talk about what it really means to sustain your ambition — not just chase it.From building a body that can carry your vision to embracing mindset shifts and the power of flexibility, Tyneka shares how high-performing women can lead with intention instead of exhaustion. We talk about redefining productivity, honoring your body’s natural rhythms, and how to make movement part of a holistic leadership strategy.Guest Info@tdeniise/@impackt_fitness (IG)LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyneka-pack-4221a441Website: www.impacktfitness.com💬Key Quotes“You can’t carry out the vision if the vessel is depleted.”“Boundaries don’t matter unless they’re enforced.”“Rest and recovery should be built into your wellness plan.”“Wellness is not a luxury — it’s a leadership strategy.” 📂 Section Markers01:06 Section 1: The Body Carries the Vision23:54 Section 2: Breaks, Mindset Shifts, and the Power of Flexibility 📌Episode Chapters/Timestamps00:00 Introduction and Recouping Energy03:00 Daily Routines and Time Management05:39 The Journey to Impackt Fitness09:04 Holistic Approach to Fitness12:21 Maintaining Personal Wellness15:50 Recognizing and Managing Burnout19:11 Setting Boundaries and Prioritizing Self-Care22:10 Scheduling Around Energy Levels28:18 The Importance of Taking Breaks30:43 Flexibility in Fitness Routines33:37 Mindset Shifts in Fitness34:43 Creating Space for Self-Care37:25 Setting Boundaries with Work41:26 Creating a Nighttime Routine44:11 Identifying Joy and Self-Care Challenges44:25 Time Management and Overbooking Challenges Let’s Stay Connected🎧 Subscribe to the show!📬Subscribe to The Joyful Rebellion Newsletter📸 Instagram: @workisthirdlife

What does it mean to live without ego and lead with love?In this episode, Dawn sits down with Freddy Jackson, inspirational speaker and founder of the Love No Ego Foundation, to explore what it truly means to practice at life. From grounding in nature to creating the conditions for peace, Freddy shares how authenticity, curiosity, and courage shape his work mentoring youth and speaking across the country. This conversation will leave you reflecting on how to meet life as it is—fully, intentionally, and with love.Guest Info· Website: https://www.mrlovenoego.org/· National Love…No Ego Day: https://www.nationaldayarchives.com/day/national-love-no-ego-day· The Love No Ego Experience: https://www.lovenoego.org/thelneexperience· SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS @mrlovenoegoIG: https://www.instagram.com/mrlovenoego/LI: http://www.linkedin.com/in/mrlovenoegoFB: https://www.facebook.com/MrLoveNoEgo/YT: https://www.youtube.com/mrlovenoegoTT: https://www.tiktok.com/mrlovenoegoBookso "Love...No Ego, Where Are You Living From?"o "The Youser's Manual"Projects: The future "Love No Ego, Youth Community Park" Events: https://www.mrlovenoego.org/speakingevents💬 Key Quotes “You have to practice at life. We practice sports, we practice work—but how often do we practice simply being alive?”“Reality is the now. Everything else is something we made up.”“If you create the conditions for peace, peace will come.”“Love heals. Ego destroys.”“What you’re looking for, you already have.”📂 Section Markers01:16 Section 1: Practicing Life and the Power of Presence21:28 Section 2: Creating the Conditions for Peace and the Courage to Be You 📌Episode Chapters/Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and Connection to Nature02:37 The Importance of Being Present06:55 Understanding the Love No Ego Philosophy10:47 Teaching Kids About Ego13:49 Creating Conditions for Success17:01 The Power of Now and Personal Responsibility20:49 Challenges as Opportunities for Growth24:16 The Disconnect from Childhood Joy28:22 Reflections on Life's Journey28:51 The Courage to Be Authentic30:59 Navigating Midlife Crises32:05 Daily Practices for Inner Peace33:52 Creating a Serene Environment35:53 The Importance of Grounding38:02 Time Confetti: Managing Life's Distractions40:16 Removing Physical and Emotional Clutter42:46 Intentional Living and Self-Reflection43:28 Personal Reflections on Love and Acceptance Let’s Stay Connected🎧 Subscribe to the show!📬 Subscribe to The Joyful Rebellion Newsletter📸 Instagram: @workisthirdlife