Some trips are about checking boxes. Others are about slowing down, getting lost, and figuring things out as you go.In this episode of The Real Work Podcast, Jennifer Tarle and Rob Pakulski share their experience traveling to Joshua Tree National Park and Death Valley National Park—two desert landscapes that look similar on the surface but feel completely different in real life.Their story highlights a different kind of work: the real work of exploration, flexibility, and unplugging from routine.In this conversation we discuss:• how to plan a national park trip (and what not to overplan)• why unstructured travel leads to rich experiences• the key differences between Joshua Tree and Death Valley• why unplugging from technology can transform a family tripFrom sunrise hikes and golden hour sunsets to unexpected moments like spotting a SpaceX rocket launch, this trip shows how meaningful experiences often come from what you don’t plan.One idea stood out:In a world built around constant connection, the real work may be learning how to disconnect.Some of the best moments happen when there’s no signal, no schedule, and no clear next step—just the willingness to explore.The real work is learning how to unplug and be present.🎙️ Part of The Real Work Podcast➡️ Subscribe for more conversations about leadership, reinvention, and the real work behind meaningful lives.Resources Mentioned➡️ Jennifer Tarle Travel Recommendations @plannin https://plann.in/YiBgw4Parks Discussed• Joshua Tree National Park• Death Valley National ParkConnect with Jennifer Tarle ➡️ Travel Site: https://plann.in/YiBgw4✨ The Real Work Podcast explores the discipline, strategy, and mistakes behind meaningful work—from founders and educators to artists, researchers, and leaders.Because the real story of success is rarely the one people see.

Some people find their path early. Others discover it by trying many things and paying attention to what keeps drawing them forward.In this episode of The Real Work Podcast, I spoke with Jason Wavle, an attention curator, video producer, and theology graduate who has spent years helping people notice what truly matters.His story shows how meaningful work often grows through curiosity, community, and the discipline of paying attention to the ordinary moments of life.

In our conversation we explored:

• why many career paths are non-linear and why that’s often a strength

• how vulnerability is essential for building real community

• why curiosity and experimentation are important in early career decisions

• the idea of “attention curation” in a distracted world

• how ordinary moments often reveal deeper purpose

One idea stood out:In a world competing for our attention — social media, notifications, endless information — the real work may simply be learning where to focus.Meaningful work often grows quietly through small decisions, consistent habits, and the willingness to notice what others overlook. The real work is paying attention.

🎙️ Part of The Real Work Podcast

➡️ Shop Resources Jason Mentioned: https://www.amazon.com/shop/tarlespeechlanguageservices-englishpronunciation/list/3HQMYR4MV3WMU?ref_=cm_sw_r_tw_ud_aipsflist_8GAX1BYBXVZEPZNDK9RK

➡️ Connect with Jason

Website: https://jasonwavle.co

YouTube: @JasonWavle

Instagram: @JasonWavle

✨ The Real Work Podcast explores the discipline, strategy, and mistakes behind meaningful work — from founders and educators to artists, researchers, and leaders. Because the real story of success is rarely the one people see.

The real work of leadership often begins long before a career. It starts with discipline, tradition, and showing up when the pressure is highest.

In this episode of The Real Work Podcast, former University of Michigan Drum Major Rodney Weir shares what it takes to lead one of the most iconic marching band traditions in college sports. From sticking with learning an instrument to performing the famous Michigan drum major backbend in front of more than 100,000 fans, Rodney explains how preparation, confidence, and tradition shaped his experience.

Rodney also discusses the legendary baton toss over the goalposts—an iconic Michigan ritual where catching the baton is said to predict a Michigan win.

Today, Rodney brings those same leadership skills into his career as a physical therapist, researcher, and mentor. His work now supports both the medical field and the next generation of musicians through scholarships and education.

🎙️ Part of the Real Work series

📺 Watch or listen wherever you get your podcasts➡️ Subscribe for more conversations about leadership, reinvention, and the real work behind meaningful careers.

Connect with Rodney Weir

➡️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rodney-weir-610586b7

➡️ Publications: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Rodney-Weir

➡️ Coloma Band Student Scholarship:https://www.berriencommunity.org/coloma-band-students-get-new-scholarship-opportunityMedia / Traditions Discussed

➡️ Shop and Listen: https://amzn.to/4cAEo9z

University of Michigan Drum Major Backbend tradition

Baton toss over the goalposts legend associated with Michigan football games

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