Episode 7 - Questioning Loyalty, Means-To-An-End, and Balance

The Slog Pod

#MBA #Business News #Fitness #Business #News #Mental Health #Government #Dustin Flatt and TJ Westphal #Dustin Flatt #TJ Westphal

1:54

Jerry Seinfeld jokes about the phrase "it is what it is' in his Netflix special, "23 Hours To Kill".

about a year ago 44:14

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TJ and Dustin discuss how loyal they should be to their organizations. The hosts also delve into what it's like working at a job where it's a "Means to and end." Ultimately, they continue to seek balance while assessing the purpose and value recognition they hope to gain.

29 episodes

Episode 7 - Questioning Loyalty, Means-To-An-End, and Balance

The Slog Pod

published about a year ago

MP3•Episode home

29 episodes

#MBA #Business News #Fitness #Business #News #Mental Health #Government #Dustin Flatt and TJ Westphal #Dustin Flatt #TJ Westphal

All episodes

The Slog Pod

1
Episode 2.18 Anecdotes and the Truth: Finding Balance in Personal Stories 23:10

1 day ago23:10

23:10

This episode of The Slog Pod explores why people often rely on personal stories as truth and how anecdotal evidence can distort beliefs and decisions. The hosts discuss the psychological comfort of anecdotes, their potential damage in public discourse, and emphasize the importance of seeking truth beyond personal experiences. They argue that while anecdotes can be emotionally compelling and validate personal experiences, they should not be used to make broad generalizations or shape public policy. The episode calls for skepticism, curiosity, and a broader approach that includes scientific data and multiple perspectives to understand the bigger picture and make more informed decisions. TheSlogPod #ThinkCritically #BeyondTheAnecdote #SeekTheTruth #DataOverDrama #CulturalReflection #NarrativeMatters #PodcastClip #AskBetterQuestions #BiasAwareness…

The Slog Pod

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Episode 2.17 Facing the Mirror: America in Therapy 20:16

5 days ago20:16

20:16

The episode centers on the therapy-inspired concept that change, both in individuals and in broader cultural systems, happens through sitting with discomfort and self-reflection, not through quick fixes or avoidance. The hosts draw parallels between individual therapy clients recognizing and addressing dysfunction and the American culture's current state of denial, projection, and polarized responses. They advocate for collective self-awareness and incremental change, emphasizing that small, reflective actions can lead to significant cultural shifts.#TheSlogPod #SitWithDiscomfort #CulturalHealing #TherapyInspired #CollectiveAwareness #SelfAwarenessIsPower #FixTheSystem #ReflectToTransform #DiscomfortIsData #ConsciousCulture…

The Slog Pod

1
Episode 2.16 The Art of Seeing Others: Crafting a Considerate Culture 24:21

8 days ago24:21

24:21

In this episode of 'The Slog Pod', the hosts discuss the noticeable decline in politeness and awareness in public spaces such as grocery stores, airports, concerts, and traffic. They share personal stories of encountering thoughtless behavior and analyze the reasons behind this trend, including the impact of technology, the pace of modern life, and individualistic mindsets. They stress the importance of awareness and intentionality in fostering a considerate public atmosphere. The conversation concludes with a call to action for listeners to reflect on their behaviors and strive to contribute to a more harmonious and connected society. #TheSlogPod #ConsiderateCulture #EverydayKindness #PolitenessMatters #MindfulLiving #ConnectedCommunity #ModernEtiquette #IntentionalLiving #PodcastClip #BePresent…

The Slog Pod

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Episode 2.15 D-Day: Honoring Our Past, Confronting Our Present 22:05

12 days ago22:05

22:05

This episode marks the 81st anniversary of D-Day, reflecting on the courage of young Americans who fought fascism in 1944. It contrasts that bravery with modern-day apathy and authoritarian threats in the United States. The hosts criticize President Donald Trump's actions and the rise of fascist tendencies. They explore the dangerous patterns of disinformation, attacks on the press, loyalty demands, and xenophobia. The episode questions American exceptionalism and calls for a renewed commitment to democracy, truth, and civic engagement. Using a therapeutic lens, they discuss societal avoidant behaviors, warning that denial of problems prevents healing. The hosts advocate for active participation, support for journalism, and urgent, honest conversations about the country's trajectory. #DDay80 #TheSlogPod #ProtectDemocracy #CivicDuty #MentalHealthMatters #TherapyCulture #VoteToSurvive #TruthTellingPodcast #Authoritarianism #FromSilenceToAction…

The Slog Pod

1
Episode 2.14 Society in Therapy: Identifying Our Collective Issues 18:34

14 days ago18:34

18:34

This episode of 'The Slog Pod' features a therapy-themed discussion where the hosts, Dustin and TJ, explore the state of modern culture through a therapeutic lens. They discuss how society resembles a traumatized client showing signs like denial, projection, and emotional numbing. They emphasize the importance of first recognizing and admitting there's a problem, exploring cultural behaviors and beliefs, and using therapeutic tools like CBT, systems theory, and narrative therapy to find solutions. The conversation also stresses the need for self-awareness, emotional literacy, and the creation of authentic communities. The overall goal is to treated culture's dysfunctions collectively, much as an individual would address personal mental health issues.…

The Slog Pod

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Episode 2.13 The Sound of Silence 9:02

19 days ago9:02

9:02

Dustin hosts this episode of The Slog Pod alone while his co-host TJ is away. He discusses the pervasive issues plaguing modern society, including cultural and systemic failures. Using Simon and Garfunkel's 'The Sound of Silence' as a metaphor, Dustin highlights how society has created idols out of destructive systems. He shares personal experiences with reaching rock bottom and the importance of confronting and acknowledging these low points for genuine change. Advocating for authenticity and empathy, Dustin calls for a collective awakening through examining and challenging harmful systems and beliefs. The episode emphasizes the need for continuous self-awareness and societal change to achieve genuine human connection and overall mental health.…

The Slog Pod

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Episode 2.12 Living the Lie: When Personal Narratives Take Over Truth 22:01

23 days ago22:01

22:01

In this episode of the Slog Pod, the hosts explore the human tendency to shape and curate reality. They discuss why people resist facing facts, focusing on the psychological and cultural motivations behind this behavior. The conversation delves into how individuals and institutions manipulate narratives to protect identity, avoid pain, and maintain social harmony. They also address the emotional costs, such as loss of trust, internal dissonance, and cultural confusion, emphasizing the necessity of self-awareness and recognizing when this distortion occurs. The episode concludes with practical advice on allowing time for uncomfortable truths to emerge and the importance of valuing honesty for personal and collective well-being.…

The Slog Pod

1
Episode 2.11 Unmasking Performative Agreement: Truth vs. Flattery 31:38

26 days ago31:38

31:38

This episode delves into the increasing prevalence of performative agreement, empty flattery, and fear-based silence in various spheres such as corporate meetings, social media, and politics. Hosts discuss how sycophancy has become a career strategy and its impacts on organizational culture, political loyalty, and media landscapes. They highlight the negative consequences, including the suppression of truth, lack of innovation, and erosion of trust. The conversation also explores the psychological underpinnings of this behavior, such as fear of exclusion and the desire for safety. Emphasis is placed on the importance of leaders fostering an environment where honesty is valued and dissent is not only allowed but rewarded. The episode concludes with actionable insights on how to cultivate a culture of authenticity and constructive criticism.…

The Slog Pod

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Episode 2.10 Breaking the Silence: Understanding Everyday Powerlessness 17:42

29 days ago17:42

17:42

This episode of 'The Slog Pod' addresses the feeling of powerlessness, particularly the insidious kind that arises in everyday situations such as work, relationships, and society. The hosts discuss how powerlessness stems from awareness hitting a wall, which is not always external, sometimes originating in our minds. They differentiate powerlessness from helplessness, introducing concepts like learned helplessness, internalized gaslighting, and moral injury. They share anecdotal examples from work and life to illustrate these feelings and discuss strategies to combat them. These include naming the feeling, seeking areas of influence, avoiding self-blame, and engaging in small acts of integrity. The hosts emphasize the importance of sharing these feelings to enter supportive systems and encourage listeners to participate by sharing their own experiences and strategies. admin@theslogco.com…

The Slog Pod

1
Episode 2.09 Rebuilding Trust: From Mistrust to Moderation 22:07

5 weeks ago22:07

22:07

This episode of The Slog Pod delves into the pervasive distrust in media, science, and government, examining the causes and consequences of binary thinking. The hosts discuss the tendency to view systems as entirely corrupt or entirely trustworthy and emphasize the importance of embracing complexity and ambiguity. They encourage critical thinking and engagement with local systems, rather than falling into nihilism or apathy. Through examples from public health, media biases, and government distrust, including personal experiences from the veteran community, the episode advocates for a balanced approach: critiquing flawed systems while still using them and striving for reform and improvement. #Distrust #Polarization #PolarizedThought #FindingBalance #MentalHealth #WorkplaceMentalHealth admin@theslogco.com…

The Slog Pod

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Episode 2.08 The Slog of Discovery: Firing Confirmation Bias 18:55

5 weeks ago18:55

18:55

In this episode of The Slog Pod, hosts delve into the concept of confirmation bias, describing it as a persistent force that shapes our ego, distorts our thinking, and upholds unproductive systems. The discussion focuses on how confirmation bias manifests in our personal and professional lives, including in hiring practices and cultural beliefs. Through personal anecdotes, such as one host's preference for classic rock, they illustrate how confirmation bias can limit our experiences and growth. They emphasize the importance of challenging one's own biases by seeking out dissenting opinions and sitting in discomfort to foster growth. The episode concludes with a challenge for listeners to identify and attempt to disprove one of their own beliefs, thereby reducing the hold of confirmation bias in their lives.…

The Slog Pod

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Episode 2.07 The Slog to Belief: Navigating Uncertainty 21:48

6 weeks ago21:48

21:48

In this episode of the Slog Pod, the hosts dive into the theme of human beliefs, exploring how certainty often feels safer than doubt and how various systems exploit our fear of uncertainty. They encourage listeners to engage in the mental slog of questioning and adapting beliefs, recognizing biases, and understanding the conditioning behind these beliefs. Through listener feedback and personal examples, they illustrate the difficulty and necessity of challenging long-held beliefs. The hosts emphasize the importance of cognitive fluidity and resilience, urging listeners to embrace discomfort and uncertainty for personal and societal growth. They conclude by inviting listeners to share their own experiences and continue the discussion. admin@theslogpod.com www.theslogco.com #theslogpod #EmbraceUncertainty #…

The Slog Pod

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Episode 2.05 God can handle your doubt, can you? 29:09

6 weeks ago29:09

29:09

The episode discusses the complex role of religious belief in individual lives and society. The hosts explore how religion can be both a personal guide and a means of institutional control. They share personal backgrounds and experiences with religion, highlighting shifts in religious norms and how faith can sometimes short-circuit critical thinking. The conversation touches on the impact of religion on identity, politics, and social systems, emphasizing the dangers of dogmatic thinking. They advocate for maintaining fluidity of thought and healthy skepticism while respecting personal beliefs, ultimately calling for open discussions about religion's influence on culture and society.…

The Slog Pod

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Episode 2.04 Bridging Paradigms: Gen X in Business, Media and Politics 17:16

7 weeks ago17:16

17:16

The podcast discusses the unique position of Generation X in today's society. The hosts argue that Gen Xers serve as cultural translators, bridging the gap between analog and digital realms and fostering a balance between skepticism and pragmatism. They reflect on their formative experiences, such as living without the internet and dealing with significant historical events like the Cold War and 9/11. The discussion delves into how Gen Xers' traits—independence, directness, and a focus on functionality—could be beneficial in political leadership. The hosts lament the current lack of Gen X representation in politics while highlighting the need for thoughtful, pragmatic leaders who can cut through the noise and achieve effective governance. Ultimately, they call for more Gen X participation in the cultural and political landscape, stressing the importance of embracing their experiences to guide society through its current complexities.…

The Slog Pod

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Episode 2.03 Selling Outrage: A Business Model 18:23

7 weeks ago18:23

18:23

In this episode of “The Slog Pod,” the hosts discuss the pervasive influence of outrage culture in today’s society, particularly on social media platforms like X and Instagram. They explore how businesses, media, and religious institutions capitalize on outrage to drive clicks, views, and profits, often at the cost of social and cultural health. The conversation delves into the psychological impact of rigid belief systems and the difficulty of changing deeply ingrained identities. The hosts advocate for awareness, fluid thinking, and a commitment to seeking truth as antidotes to the current polarized and profit-driven landscape. They also touch on the need for businesses and leaders to adopt more honest communication and avoid exploiting outrage for profit. The episode concludes with a call to “unsubscribe from outrage,” and embrace a healthier, more balanced approach to beliefs and social interactions.…

The Slog Pod

1
Episode 2.02 Breaking Chains: Due Process and Cultural Awakening 21:13

8 weeks ago21:13

21:13

This episode of The Slog Pod addresses recent alarming actions by the Trump administration regarding deportation of individuals to El Salvador bypassing due process and defying the Supreme Court. The hosts discuss the broader implications of these actions for the American justice system, democracy, and constitutional values. They emphasize the importance of cultural change, flexibility in thought, and the willingness to reconsider and change beliefs. The conversation includes concerns about eroding checks and balances, the rise of authoritarian practices, and the necessity of empathy and compassion. The hosts call for listeners to strived to be better and be willing to challenge and change entrenched beliefs for the betterment of society.…

The Slog Pod

1
Episode 2.01 Tariffs and the Victim Mentality 26:29

8 weeks ago26:29

26:29

In this episode of “The Slog Pod,” the hosts shift their focus from mental health in the workplace to analyzing the broader American political atmosphere, culture, and corporate impact through a sarcastic lens. They express frustration with recent U.S. policies, particularly tariffs, which they argue are harmful to American consumers and irrationally disrupt global trade relationships. They discuss how tariffs and other policies reflect a victim mentality and narcissistic behavior, particularly in the context of the Trump administration. The hosts emphasize the importance of open, honest discourse about these issues, the dangers of nationalism, and the necessity of balance and compromise in maintaining a healthy democracy. They also touch on how cognitive dissonance and a lack of empathy shape political beliefs and actions, call for a more compassionate, well-informed American society.…

The Slog Pod

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Episode 12 - A new perspective on workplace mental health 1:19:51

38 weeks ago1:19:51

1:19:51

Dustin and TJ welcome Heather MacDonald to a conversation about current strategies for workplace mental health. The group discusses contemporary solutions and potential systemic solutions for the future. Heather works in the space, explaining what she encounters in her everyday work and why she is seeking a new way forward.…

The Slog Pod

1
Episode 11 - Why social interactions are the foundation. Investment vs expense 49:32

41 weeks ago49:32

49:32

TJ and Dustin revisit the reasons they are continuing the discussion and why they press organizations to see and improve mental health through a social-cultural perspective. They are advocating for companies to prioritize social interactions as a key element of a healthy culture and mental well-being. They also aim to help others recognize that investing in this therapeutic process is essential and an investment, rather than just an expense.…

The Slog Pod

1
Episode 10 - Identifying a poor organizational culture. #1-authenticity 44:32

49 weeks ago44:32

44:32

The hosts discuss whether most people would even admit if they have a poor organizational culture. We often have blinders and bias leading us to dismiss what may need to be corrected. Is that you? Additionally, do you start with authenticity?

The Slog Pod

1
Episode 9 - Be genuine, leaders don't need to know, and focus on culture. 40:08

1 year ago40:08

40:08

Dustin and TJ dive into being genuine at work along with a discussion about leaders needing to know everything. Overall, they press asking questions driving cultural change and offer that the foundation for organizations should be cultural rather than individual.

The Slog Pod

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Episode 8 - Are you a cultural fit, self-aware, and open to incremental change? 43:55

1 year ago43:55

43:55

Dustin and TJ question the idea behind being a "cultural fit" as well as wonder where most people are on the road to self-awareness. They also discuss having patience for incremental cultural and individual change in organizations.

The Slog Pod

1 year ago28:32