(tw: mention of suicidal ideation) In this episode of 'More Than Work,' host Rabiah Coon sits down with Mike Nellis, a Democratic strategist and creator of the Substack newsletter "Endless Urgency." Mike shares his compelling personal journey from struggling with depression and weight management to becoming a prominent voice in Democratic politics and digital strategy. He opens up about his philosophy of "endless urgency" - living every moment fully and intentionally - which emerged from his own transformational journey from 600 pounds to a healthier, more engaged life.

The conversation covers Mike's 20-year career in political strategy, his work on major campaigns including Bernie Sanders' 2016 run, and his role as a co-founder of "White Dudes for Harris." He discusses the current state of the Democratic Party, the importance of engaging with voters across the political spectrum, and why Democrats need to be more strategic about communicating with all Americans - including those who disagree with them. Mike also reflects on the challenges of the 2024 election, the need for Democrats to understand and wield power more effectively, and the critical importance of showing up in uncomfortable spaces to have difficult conversations.

Throughout the episode, Mike emphasizes the value of building systems, staying present, and finding joy even during challenging political times. He shares mantras and advice for maintaining momentum, from "1% better every day" to being a "joyful warrior" in the face of adversity.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

00:35 Welcome and guest introduction

01:31 What is "Endless Urgency"?

01:47 Mike's journey: from 600 pounds to transformation

09:19 What the Substack offers: No BS Democratic strategy

14:29 How Mike got into political strategy

19:51 Staying in the Democratic Party vs. going independent

20:31 Kamala Harris and the 2024 election: what went wrong

24:37 Strategic messaging and power

31:51 Handling family members who voted for Trump

35:48 Why cutting people out weakens democracy

38:41 Going on Fox News and right-wing media

43:16 "White Dudes for Harris" and organizing men

44:31 Mantras and advice: 1% better every day

47:16 Being a "joyful warrior"

52:19 Who inspires Mike right now

Note from Rabiah (host):

Mike Nellis and I quickly found out we have more in common than we could have realized! You’ll hear about what when you listen. And please do listen because Mike is doing the hard work that is so needed right now which the work of speaking out against the Trump administration and working to get Democrats elected. He is doing it his way and after our conversation I have even more respect for him. Honestly, Mike is doing a version of what I would have done if I’d had the courage. I’ve been volunteering for various Democratic candidates, the general party and with non-partisan voter registration for years but he pursued the work as a career. What he is doing really is More Than Work. Mike was very open and honest so I’ve added a trigger warning to this episode. It is that kind of honestly I like to approach conversations with too and I am grateful that he made it through his early battles and is here today. Enjoy our conversation. And check your voter registration while you do.

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Find Mike

Website: https://endlessurgency.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mike_nellis

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More than Work Social Media: @morethanworkpod (Facebook, Instagram) and @rabiahcomedy (TikTok)

Please review and follow anywhere you get podcasts. Thank you for listening. Have feedback? Email morethanworkpod(at)gmail.com!

In this episode of 'More Than Work,' Rabiah sits down with Jessica DeGroot, president and founder of the ThirdPath Institute. Jessica shares how her organization has been advocating for work-life integration for 25 years, operating as a virtual organization long before the pandemic made remote work mainstream. She discusses the importance of creating partnerships at home and in the workplace, supporting leaders to live whole lives beyond their careers, and building communities where people can find support in balancing work with caregiving, personal passions, and other life priorities. Jessica opens up about her own struggles with balance, the concept of "code red moments," and practical strategies for avoiding chronic overwork. They explore topics including remote work culture, the importance of quiet time for reflection, and how to build meaningful connections in virtual environments. Plus, Jessica shares insights about her family, her 96-year-old mother's inspiring outlook, and the skills ThirdPath teaches to help people create sustainable, fulfilling lives.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to More Than Work

00:38 Meet Jessica DeGroot: President and Founder of ThirdPath Institute

02:30 What is ThirdPath Institute?

04:36 Working Remotely for 25 Years

07:30 Who ThirdPath Serves and How

11:45 Jessica's Career Journey and Starting ThirdPath

15:58 The Importance of Partnership at Home

19:41 Balancing Work and Life as a Leader

22:18 Code Red Moments and Getting Out of Balance

26:34 Remote Work and Building Community

30:42 Tips for Teams: Creating Connection Virtually

33:28 Advice for the Overwhelmed

37:04 The Importance of Quiet Time

39:50 Mantra: It's Not Impossible, It Just Feels Impossible

40:34 Fun Five Questions

44:30 Who Inspires Jessica Right Now

45:42 How to Find ThirdPath Institute

46:30 Closing Thoughts

Note from Host:

Jessica DeGroot and I first met via email and then for a chat to see if we were a good fit for each other’s podcast. The truth is, when I spoke with her, it was like speaking with someone I had known for years. I can only hope to reach her level of wisdom. I was fortunate enough to be a guest on the “Taking Your Third Path podcast (listen here) and am happy to share this episode with Jessica on More Than Work now.

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Find Jessica

Website: https://thirdpath.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThirdPathInst/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thirdpathinstitute/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfgfxBj51QGCHc-2px2H_rKxx4u76QfUg

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thirdpathinst/

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More than Work Social Media: @morethanworkpod (Facebook, Instagram) and @rabiahcomedy (TikTok)

Please review and follow anywhere you get podcasts. Thank you for listening. Have feedback? Email morethanworkpod(at)gmail.com!

In this episode of 'More Than Work,' Rabiah sits down with Dave Birss, founder of the Gen AI Academy and LinkedIn Learning instructor specializing in AI and prompting. Dave shares his fascinating journey from musician and recording engineer to BBC comedy performer, then through a 20-year advertising career before becoming one of the leading voices in AI education. They discuss his unique approach to teaching AI that prioritizes human thinking over technology, the ethical concerns around AI including environmental impact and copyright issues, and his vision for the future of humanity in an AI-driven world. Dave also opens up about his philosophy of leadership, his concerns about workplace engagement, and why he believes companies need to put humans before shareholder profits.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to More Than Work

00:34 Meet Dave Birss: AI Educator and Former Creative Director

00:57 Dave's Background: From Scotland to London

02:07 Edinburgh Fringe and Early Performance Days

03:19 The Unexpected Comedy Career

06:11 From Music to Advertising

10:43 Philosophy of Servant Leadership

17:24 Leaving Advertising to Start Teaching

19:41 The Power of Sharing Knowledge

25:07 Introduction to AI and ChatGPT

30:42 Creating the Most Popular AI Course on LinkedIn Learning

31:27 Founding the Gen AI Academy

34:34 Ethics of AI: Copyright, Environment, and Humanity

42:18 Energy Consumption: Putting AI in Context

45:02 The Future of Humanity and Brain Atrophy

50:00 Mind Gyms: The Next Fitness Revolution

51:41 Teaching Management Skills for the AI Age

56:10 Rethinking Capitalism and Corporate Structure

62:08 Advice and Mantra: Leave the World Better

62:48 The Fun Five Questions

70:40 How to Find Dave and Closing Thoughts

Note from Rabiah (host):

I first wrote to Dave as a fan of his LinkedIn Learning courses. I was hesitant about using AI for some of the exact reasons Dave talks about in our chat but he made me want to push myself. Plus he was very entertaining which is unusual for skills courses! He wrote back and we ended up having one of my favorite chats. I was slow to edit and publish but am excited to finally share this episode with you, the listener. Thank you for being here and giving me your time! Enjoy.

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Find Dave

Website: davebirss.com

Gen AI Academy: thegenaiacademy.com

LinkedIn Learning Courses: linkedin.com/learning/instructors/dave-birss

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More than Work Social Media: @morethanworkpod (Facebook, Instagram) and @rabiahcomedy (TikTok)

Please review and follow anywhere you get podcasts. Thank you for listening. Have feedback? Email morethanworkpod(at)gmail.com!

In this episode of 'More Than Work,' Rabiah sits down with Freddie Titcombe, co-founder of Evolve Journey. Freddie shares how he and his brother turned their personal journaling practice into a bestselling all-in-one journal and a thriving community focused on reflection, action, and accountability. He discusses the challenges of building discipline, the importance of balancing the four pillars of happiness, and how Evolve Journey helps people move from feeling stuck to making real progress. The conversation covers Freddie’s career journey from tech sales to care work to entrepreneurship, the power of community, and practical strategies for building better habits. Plus, Freddie shares his favorite productivity tool, the story behind his “Eat the Frog” method, and answers the Fun Five questions.

00:00 Introduction to More Than Work

00:26 Meet Freddie Titcombe & Evolve Journey

01:08 Freddie’s background and the start of Evolve Journey

03:10 Journaling, reflection, and building a business with his brother

05:07 Why blank-page journaling didn’t work—and creating a better system

08:07 Developing the all-in-one journal and its unique features

10:14 How the journal blends gratitude, habit tracking, and productivity tools

12:00 Advice for people who struggle with daily journaling

14:16 Launching the Accountability Academy and building community

17:00 Coworking, office hours, and the power of accountability

20:00 Consistency, discipline, and the value of partnership

23:00 Balancing health, wealth, relationships, and freedom—the four pillars of happiness

27:00 The “Eat the Frog” productivity method explained

29:00 Building confidence and overcoming self-doubt

32:00 Freddie’s career journey: from tech sales to care work to startups

36:00 Sam’s background and their complementary skills

39:00 The importance of service, helping others, and finding balance

43:00 Fun Five Questions

48:00 Freddie’s inspirations and how to connect with Evolve Journey

50:31 Closing thoughts and credits

Note from Host:

This episode took me way too long to get from recording day to publish day.i Ihad to deprioritize or maybe just reprioritize the podcast for a little while. The next one will be out soon too and was recorded during the same week.

I loved chatting with Freddie. We had fun and he shared a lot of wisdom along the way. Personally, I’ve started going through the journal he and his brother sell and think that journaling, in some form everyday, is the way to go. It is a form of mindfulness and can really compliment another practice. Check out Evolve Journey after you listen.

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Find Freddie

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evolve.journey

Website: https://www.evolvejourney.co.uk/

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More than Work Social Media: @morethanworkpod (Facebook, Instagram) and @rabiahcomedy (TikTok)

Please review and follow anywhere you get podcasts. Thank you for listening. Have feedback? Email morethanworkpod(at)gmail.com!

In this episode, Rabiah talks with Ravi Holy—a vicar, comedian, and leader of a therapeutic program for adult survivors of child abuse. Ravi shares his remarkable journey from punk theater and addiction to recovery, faith, and finding his calling in the Church of England. He discusses the intersection of comedy, ministry, and therapy, the challenges of serving a community, and the importance of honesty and resilience. Plus, Ravi answers the Fun Five and shares how you can connect with him.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

00:34 Meet Ravi Holy: Vicar, Comedian, and Program Leader

01:22 Ravi’s Background: From Cambridge to London

02:10 Punk Theater, Addiction, and Recovery

04:14 Finding Faith and the Path to Sobriety

06:04 Experiences with Religion: From Cult to Church of England

09:45 Becoming a Vicar and Discovering a Calling

13:30 The Realities and Surprises of Vicar Life

15:00 Comedy and Ministry: How Standup Informs Preaching

18:00 Getting Started in Comedy and Early Gigs

21:00 Running Heal for Life: Supporting Survivors of Child Abuse

25:00 Integrating Comedy, Ministry, and Therapy

27:00 Burnout, Resilience, and Staying Sane as a Clergy Member

29:00 Advice and Mantras: Honesty and Growth

30:00 Fun Five Questions

33:00 Where to Find Ravi and Closing Thoughts

Note from Host:

Since they are people, a lot of comics are more than just comics. With Ravi Holy, that was obvious when I met him. He was dressed in clericals. I was intrigued that a vicar was performing comedy and loved his set. Since then we have gigged together and have had the chance to chat and now I’m sharing one of those chats with you.

I know episodes have been sparse. I love sharing my conversations and will keep going until I don’t love it anymore. And I’ll try to share more regularly. Thank you for reading and thank you for listening. It is a privilege to have any ears or eyes on the podcast and I appreciate your time. If it is your first time here, check out more. There are over 100 cool people to listen to and find inspiration from!

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Find Ravi

Instagram: @revraviholy

Facebook: Ravi Holy

Learn more about Heal for Life: [Google "Heal for Life UK"]

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More than Work Social Media: @morethanworkpod (Facebook, Instagram) and @rabiahcomedy (TikTok)

Please review and follow anywhere you get podcasts. Thank you for listening. Have feedback? Email morethanworkpod(at)gmail.com!

In this episode of 'More Than Work,' Rabiah sits down with Has Shah, the owner of Cleaners and Coffee in London. Has shares how his background in fashion retail and passion for coffee led him to take over his father's dry cleaning business and transform it into a unique community space that offers both high-quality garment care and exceptional coffee. He discusses the influence of his upbringing, his global work experiences, and the values instilled in him by his family. They also delve into the importance of community, the meticulous work involved in dry cleaning, and his team’s dedication. Plus, Has talks about his inspirations, the challenges of running the business, and the joy he finds in engaging with his customers.

00:00 Introduction to More Than Work

00:34 Meet Has Shah: Owner of Cleaners and Coffee

01:22 The Unique Concept of Cleaners and Coffee

04:36 Has Shah's Background and Journey

06:11 Connecting with Roots and Family Legacy

09:17 Building and Growing the Business

15:58 The Coffee Passion and Business Expansion

19:41 Team Dynamics and Community Focus

22:18 Challenges and Rewards in Dry Cleaning

26:34 Fun Five Questions

30:42 Closing Thoughts and Contact Information

Note from Host:

I love my neighborhood in London. I walk by some shops and wave hello to people I know in them. I have my local pub. And as a coffee drinker, I have a few places, both chain and independent that I frequent. The most unique of these is Cleaners and Coffee. I asked Has to do the podcast a year or two ago but finally followed up this year and we made it happen. Grab a coffee (or tea, or neither) and enjoy this episode. I enjoyed making it!

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Find Has

Website: https://www.cleanersandcoffee.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cleanersandcoffee/

Mentioned in this episode

Penelope Coffee - https://www.penelope.coffee/

Reline Uniforms - https://www.relinelondon.com/

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More than Work Social Media: @morethanworkpod (Facebook, Instagram) and @rabiahcomedy (TikTok)

Please review and follow anywhere you get podcasts. Thank you for listening. Have feedback? Email morethanworkpod(at)gmail.com!

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In this episode of 'More Than Work,' host Rabiah sits down with Amanda Castello, Associate Director of Employee Engagement at UCSD's Rady School of Business, Ayurvedic coach, and yoga teacher. They discuss Amanda's journey from Michigan to San Diego, her career evolution, the importance of communication skills in job seeking, and her work in career coaching. Amanda also delves into her holistic wellness practices, including Ayurveda and yoga, and how they complement her professional life. They touch on the importance of giving your time to the community and finding inspiration from your surroundings.

00:00 Introduction to More Than Work Podcast

00:34 Meet Amanda Castello: Career Coach and Yoga Teacher

02:54 Amanda's Journey to Career Coaching

04:11 Challenges and Insights in Career Coaching

06:52 The Importance of Communication Skills

13:49 Amanda's Personal Journey with Yoga and Ayurveda

21:06 Balancing Multiple Passions and Taking Breaks

22:36 Balancing Passion and Career

23:37 Artistic Expression and Personal Growth

24:56 Ayurveda and Career Integration

26:52 Athena STEM Women and Community Involvement

30:27 Women in Tech and Career Reflections

34:56 Fun Five Questions

40:30 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Note from Host:

I love interviewing people I haven’t met because it is an opportunity to get to know someone brand new. But it is even more exciting to get to chat with someone I do know a little better and explore subjects that we never have in real life. Amanda was one of the most supportive non-comics on the comedy scene when I was starting out in San Diego. Our paths crossed briefly before I headed to the UK but her now husband was one of my comedy buddies and she was often a face in the crowd and on the sidelines I was always happy to see. I have followed her career over time and we were finally able to connect. She is impressive, she is compassionate and she is someone I know I will keep learning from. Listen up and learn about Ayurveda, career growth and more!

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Find Amanda

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandascastello/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanda.ayurvedichealth

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More than Work Social Media: @morethanworkpod (Facebook, Instagram) and @rabiahcomedy (TikTok)

Please review and follow anywhere you get podcasts. Thank you for listening. Have feedback? Email morethanworkpod(at)gmail.com!

Sue Kurta on Cheesemaking, Changing Careers, and Embracing Life's Passions

Rabiah welcomes Sue Kurta, owner and cheesemaker at Boss Mouse Cheese, to this episode of 'More Than Work'. Sue shares her intriguing journey from working in the music industry, transitioning to a successful administrative career, and eventually finding her passion for cheesemaking. The episode delves into Sue's life on her beautiful, old farm in Kingsley, Michigan, her various pets, and her thoughts on finding joy outside of traditional career paths. Sue discusses the challenges and rewards of turning a hobby into a livelihood, shares the inspiration behind her unique business name, and expresses her admiration for historical cheesemakers. With humor and optimism, Sue offers insightful advice on following one's passions, the importance of self-awareness, and appreciating life's gifts.

00:00 Introduction to More Than Work

00:34 Meet Sue Kurta: Owner and Cheesemaker

01:10 Life on the Farm

03:51 From Music Industry to Cheesemaking

08:16 The Journey to Becoming a Full-Time Cheesemaker

11:12 The Joy and Challenges of Cheesemaking

20:15 The Story Behind Boss Mouse Cheese

24:32 Cheese Making Inspirations

24:52 Challenges in the Cheese Industry

25:27 Pursuing Cheese Education

26:02 Gender Dynamics in Cheese Making

27:15 Perseverance and Passion

28:29 The Fun of Cheese Contests

32:45 Local and Online Cheese Sales

34:54 The Fun Five Questions

42:12 Inspirations and Final Thoughts

46:08 Closing Remarks and Credits

Note from Host:

This episode is painfully overdue, by several months. I won’t get into it but there has been a lot going on. And, as I mention in the episode, sometimes we hear a message at the right time. When I resumed editing and heard Sue talk, I was eagerly listening again and absorbing again.

Two things to note:

1. At the end of 2024, Sue closed Boss Mouse Cheese but as she posts on Instagram still teaches cheesemaking classes on her farm and she can still be reached via Instagram.
2. This episode was recorded before the 2024 election and we both had hope in our voices. I know my voice has changed but I still have a little bit of hope. It is important to know when it was recorded though because, well, you’ll hear. I don’t know about Sue but my answer to who I admire would include what she said that day.

I met Sue in London and a comedy and writing event. She isn’t a comedian. She makes cheese. I’m cheesy. We got along and it was a joy to get to speak with her. Enjoy the joy and the podcast will be back with another chat soon.

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Find Sue

Website: https://bossmousecheese.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bossmousecheese/

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More than Work Social Media: @morethanworkpod (Facebook, Instagram) and @rabiahcomedy (TikTok)

Please review and follow anywhere you get podcasts. Thank you for listening. Have feedback? Email morethanworkpod(at)gmail.com!