Some people wait for the right time to adapt. Others realize the shift is already happening—and start learning in real time.In this episode of The Real Work Podcast, I spoke with Rob Pakulski, a business leader and strategic operator, about what it actually looks like to start using AI in your daily work—and why waiting may be the biggest risk professionals face today.His perspective cuts through the noise: AI isn’t a future trend. It’s becoming basic workplace literacy—just like email, spreadsheets, and the internet.His story shows how meaningful progress with AI doesn’t come from mastering complex tools—but from starting small, staying curious, and building confidence through use.In our conversation we explored:• why AI is now a required skill—not a “nice to have”• how to get started (even if you have zero experience)• the difference between searching and prompting• how giving context improves AI results dramatically• why AI should be treated like a collaborative assistant• how using AI frees you from repetitive tasks to focus on higher-value workOne idea stood out:In a world where many feel behind, the real risk isn’t using AI incorrectly—it’s not using it at all.Growth doesn’t come from waiting until you understand everything.It comes from starting, experimenting, and learning as you go.The real work is getting started.🎙️ Part of The Real Work Podcast➡️ Based on this conversation:✨ The Real Work Podcast explores the discipline, strategy, and mistakes behind meaningful work—from founders and educators to operators and leaders navigating real change.Because the real story of success is rarely the one people see.

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

RuPaul's Drag Race

Retirement isn’t the end. It’s a recalibration.In this episode of Real Work, Jennifer Tarle sits down with Denise E. Williams — occupational therapist of 45 years, intuitive healer, classically trained singer, dancer, speaker, and founder of Holistic Hoop — to explore what it means to live rhythmically, intentionally, and spiritually aligned.From managing pediatric clinics and keynote speaking… to studying intuition for decades… to being invited to perform in New York in her seventies, Denise shares how curiosity, movement, and discipline have shaped every season of her life.This isn’t about slowing down.It’s about creating your own day.In this episode, we discuss:-Why rhythm is essential for mental and physical health-How to reinvent “retirement” through movement and purpose-The power of intuition — and how anyone can develop it-Voice, breathing, and speaking with clarity and confidence-Acting “as if” to overcome fear and performance anxiety-Why you must be your first patient before serving others-Healing through humor, creativity, and self-expressionDenise reminds us that growth doesn’t stop — it evolves.🎙️ Part of the Real Work series📺 Watch or listen wherever you get your podcastsConnect with Denise E. Williams➡️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@holistichoop3295/shorts➡️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/denise.e.williams/➡️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/denise.e.williams/➡️ Threads: https://www.threads.com/@denise.e.williams➡️ TikTok: @desniseewilliams72Shop Media from Episode: https://amzn.to/40A2IAYBooksShow Your Work! — Austin KleonKeep Going — Austin KleonPerformance Anxiety Music / artistsDuke EllingtonCount BasieSarah Vaughan

Authenticity isn’t a buzzword—it’s a strategy, a mindset, and sometimes a survival skill.In this episode of Real Work, Jennifer Tarle sits down with Teacher Will (Ask Teacher Will), an educator, mentor, and community builder whose journey spans business development, international teaching, and leadership in adult education.From getting laid off on his birthday during the 2008 financial crisis, to earning his TESOL certification, to spending 2011–2022 teaching and training in Saudi Arabia, Will explains how discipline, curiosity, and service shaped his path. Then, how five students (“the core”) pushed him onto social media in 2016, where he built a global “family,” not just followers.This conversation goes beyond “tips and tricks.” It’s about pronunciation vs. accent, training your ear, cultural humility, and claiming your voice without chasing someone else’s definition of “proper English.”

In this episode, we discuss:

Reinvention after setbacks

What it means to teach naturally (not “sound like a native”)

Accent bias, native-speakerism

“Faces of English” perspective

How to be better understood: ear training, pronunciation, and confidence

Building a network that changes your life and paying it forward.

🎙️ Part of the Real Work series

📺 Watch or listen wherever you get your podcasts

📌 Find Teacher Will:Instagram / YouTube / Snapchat: @ask_teacherwill (Ask Teacher Will)

Faith isn’t meant to stay inside a building.In this episode of Real Work, Paul Sanftner reflects on the real work of ministry and fellowship—not only within church walls, but in everyday life and professional environments. He shares how service, encouragement, and intentional community shape both personal growth and workplace culture.Paul discusses what it means to live out your faith consistently, how fellowship strengthens leadership, and why helping others is not a side activity—but central to a meaningful life.

This conversation explores:

Fellowship inside and outside of work

Serving others through everyday leadership

Faith as a lived practice, not just a beliefBuilding authentic community in professional spaces

This isn’t about titles or positions.It’s about showing up for others, living with integrity, and doing the real work of service wherever you are.

🎙️ Part of the Real Work podcast

📺 Watch or listen wherever you get your podcasts

What if the most powerful speech therapy doesn’t happen in a clinic but at home, during everyday life?In this episode of Real Work, Jennifer Tarle sits down with Michael Neary, a speech-language pathologist with over 20 years of experience and the founder of Chattertots, LLC. Together, they explore early communication, parent coaching, and why early intervention is less about “fixing” children and more about empowering families.Michael shares his journey through public schools, hospitals, early intervention, and private practice. Then discusses why he chose to step away from traditional therapy models to focus on caregiver coaching. Drawing on his background in theater and music, he brings creativity, flexibility, and joy into communication work with young children and their families.In this conversation, we discuss:-What Birth-to-Three and early intervention really look like-Early communication red flags parents shouldn’t ignore-Why parent coaching creates better outcomes than weekly therapy alone-How play, music, and following a child’s lead support language growth-Navigating waitlists, burnout, and broken systems in healthcare and education-Why asking questions early is not panic—it’s powerThis episode is for parents, educators, clinicians, and anyone interested in meaningful work that supports children, families, and real connection.🔗 Learn more / connect with Michael🌐 Website: https://www.chattertotsllc.com📸 Instagram: @chattertotsllc📘 Facebook: Chattertots, LLC💼 LinkedIn: Chattertots, LLC