Workplace Weirdness

Workplace Weirdness

Welcome to "Workplace Weirdness," the podcast that takes a deep dive into the delightful oddities of office life. Ever wondered why the break room smells like a science experiment or why your boss insists on using 'synergy' in every meeting? We've got you covered! Join Maya and her revolving door of guest hosts as they unravel the mysteries of cubicle culture and decode the cryptic behaviors of your coworkers. From bizarre email sign-offs to the enigma of office fridge politics, no topic is too weird for us to tackle. Each week, we'll talk about hot HR topics, answer listener questions and dissect an awkward workplace theme, all while keeping things light, fun, and packed with HR humor. Tune in, because in the world of work, the only thing you can count on is the unexpected! So, grab your coffee, put your feet up on that ergonomic footrest, and let's get weird at work together. Trust us, it’ll be a productivity boost like no other!

Episodes

Southwest Layoffs, JetBlue Origins, and Pregnant Work Travel

April 30, 2025 • 41 mins
In this episode of Workplace Weirdness, host Maya Kadar Kovalsky interviews culture-building expert Ann Rhoades, President of Peopleink and Former VP for the people department of Southwest Airlines. With experiences spanning JetBlue, Southwest Airlines, and DoubleTree Hotels, Ann has cultivated values-based corporate ecosystems, emphasizing the integral symmetry between employee and customer satisfaction.  They discuss Ann's journ...
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Ghost Posts, Start-up Takeover Glitches and Desk-Perchers

April 16, 2025 • 42 mins
In this episode of Workplace Weirdness, host Maya Kadar Kovalsky dives into the peculiarities of office life with guest Menaka Chang, a Fractional Chief People Officer. From an ex-employee treating the office like a personal lounge to navigating bureaucratic slowdowns in startups, they discuss the nuances of building high-performance cultures. They delve into the transition challenges when startups get acquired and how to maintain ...
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Meta Layoff Shame, Fake Recruiters and Dodgy Handoffs

April 2, 2025 • 45 mins
In this episode of Workplace Weirdness, host Maya Kadar Kovalsky sits down with Adam Alpert, serial entrepreneur and founder of Pangea—a global talent marketplace shaking up the way companies hire contract and fractional workers. Adam’s career reads like a startup thriller, packed with wild twists, from pandemic-era "hacker houses" to the awkward nightmare of firing a co-founder while still sharing the same roof. His stories blur t...
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Navigating Creepy Boss Dads and Coasting Co-Workers

March 19, 2025 • 42 mins
Some workplace problems have clear solutions, while others leave you wondering, Is this really happening? Imagine working for a small, family-owned business where the boss makes wildly inappropriate comments and hovers over female employees—while his wife, who runs HR, conveniently looks the other way. Do you speak up? Walk away? Just try to survive the workday? In this episode of Workplace Weirdness, host Maya Kadar Kovalsky team...
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Steering Honesty as a Policy + Awkward Flattery No-Nos

March 5, 2025 • 41 mins
In this episode of Workplace Weirdness, host Maya Kadar Kovalsky sits down with Karen Borchert, founder and CEO of Alpaca, an edtech company dedicated to supporting educators. They dive into the often-overlooked challenges teachers face—especially when it comes to engagement and recognition. Karen shares how Alpaca started with simple care packages and evolved into offering pulse surveys to help schools better understand and suppor...
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Back-stabbing Boss and Post-COVID Wellness

February 19, 2025 • 43 mins
Ever wondered how to handle a boss who indulges in office gossip? In this episode of Workplace Weirdness, host Maya Kadar Kovalsky sits down with Maya Cadena, founder and CEO of Vetted Pet Health, a primary pet care service.  Maya opens up about the unique challenges women face in business—especially when it comes to networking and securing investment. She shares her own struggles with bias, particularly in male-dominated spaces, ...
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Treating Trauma with AI Plus AWOL Coworker

February 5, 2025 • 43 mins
Can AI help heal trauma—and what does that mean for the workplace? In this episode of Workplace Weirdness, host Maya Kadar Kovalsky welcomes Omer Golan, serial entrepreneur and founder of MyWhatIf, a nonprofit using AI to transform trauma care.  Omer’s remarkable journey—from surviving a life-altering event to building cutting-edge solutions for mental health—is as inspiring as it is thought-provoking. And yes, you’ll also hear th...
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Surviving Small-Town Imposter Syndrome and Meditation Bias

January 22, 2025 • 46 mins
What if the key to a thriving workplace was something as simple as play? Could fostering creativity, community, and cognitive development unlock innovation and connection among employees? In this episode of Workplace Weirdness, host Maya Kadar Kovalsky is joined by Yolonda Deon, founder of Mindful Play Learning, to discuss the power of "play" in the workplace. Yolonda, a certified birth and postpartum doula, shares her unique jour...
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Cracking Gen Z Recognition, Jealous Bosses, And Stinky Offices

January 8, 2025 • 50 mins
What makes a workplace truly exceptional? Is it the recognition employees receive—or how meaningful that recognition really is? How can leaders inspire trust, foster strong team dynamics, and bridge the generational gap? And when those awkward moments inevitably pop up—how do you handle them with finesse and empathy? In this episode of Workplace Weirdness, host Maya Kadar Kovalsky is joined by the ever-inspiring David Homan—a CEO, ...
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Handling Election-Year Politics and Other Office Power Plays

December 25, 2024 • 40 mins
What truly makes or breaks a thriving workplace? From whispered favoritism to tense political discussions during election seasons, the workplace is often a microcosm of life's most complex dynamics. These challenges don’t just shape daily interactions; they ripple through employee morale, mental health, and even career trajectories. Add in the need for authenticity, self-advocacy, and mentorship—especially for underrepresented grou...
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Navigating Micromanagement and Awkward Moments at Work

December 11, 2024 • 41 mins
Are you tired of feeling like you’re stuck in a bizarre workplace circus? Ever wonder how those cringe-worthy micromanagement moments or awkward encounters can actually be transformed into stepping stones for growth? Welcome to the very first episode of Workplace Weirdness! Join host Maya Kadar Kovalsky as she kicks off this exciting journey into the quirks and challenges of the modern workplace. In this debut episode, Maya chats ...
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Workplace Weirdness - Trailer

November 21, 2024 • 1 min
Welcome to "Workplace Weirdness," the podcast that takes a deep dive into the delightful oddities of office life. Ever wondered why the break room smells like a science experiment or why your boss insists on using 'synergy' in every meeting? We've got you covered! Join Maya and her revolving door of guest hosts as they unravel the mysteries of cubicle culture and decode the cryptic behaviors of your coworkers. From bizarre email si...
Mark as Played

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