(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!