Hi friends. Does anyone else feel like they blinked and it was suddenly March?! Now if only this Midwest weather would make up its mind already! Snow one day, patio weather the next… sheesh!

Song of the day: We’ll be listening to Bruno Mars’ new album “The Romantic” for the foreseeable future.

Have a Q for WorkDaze or the podcast? Let’s hear it. Oh, and while you’re at it, listen to Are You Mad At Me? here.

Our favorite internet finds this week

We love you, Punch!

With everything happening in the world, it feels like we say “take care of yourself” every week, but we really mean it! While it’s important to stay informed, the daily chaos and uncertainty can be incredibly overwhelming, so we’re going to keep reminding you to pause and recharge until we’re blue in the face!! 

Your well-being matters just as much as being plugged in, so to help bring a little joy to the week, we’ve rounded up a few feel-good internet moments for you below. 

Punch The Monkey

If you’re anything like us, you’ve been completely dialed in to Punch the Monkey at Ichikawa City Zoo. After a rocky start (abandoned by his mom and bullied by others), Punch’s luck is finally turning a corner, and he’s been spotted grooming and hugging a fellow monkey. If only he knew that the entire world is rooting for him!

Hilary Duff’s Son Luca Interviews Her

Hilary Duff just dropped her new album Luck Or Something, and her son Luca immediately steals the show in their Billboard interview, and humbles her in under 10 seconds.

Jeff Daniels’ Favorite Sandwich

Pita, peanut butter, potato chips…and BBQ sauce?? You already KNOW we’re always down for a good sando, but Jeff Daniels’ favorite combo has us seriously rethinking all of our life choices (or maybe just his).

Connor Storie And The US Women’s Hockey Players On SNL 

Our favorite hockey players, Connor Storie and the WOMEN’S US hockey team, stole the show on SNL this weekend…oh, and the men’s team was invited too. 🙃

Shelter Dogs Choosing Their Owners

After a fake AI video of dogs choosing their owners went viral, shelters across the country have been recreating the moment with their own pups. The events have led to multiple adoptions where these sweeties have found their FURever homes. We’re not crying, you’re crying… okay, we’re def crying. 

Viola Davis’ NAACP Acceptance Speech

“There is no man behind the curtain that has control over your life.” Viola Davis’ speech while accepting the NAACP’s Chairman’s Award was so inspiring and moving.

…while you Google “How’s Punch the Monkey doing today?”

Deli sandwich meets dip! 🤝 Olivia Noceda’s Grinder Sandwich Dipping Oil gives us the best of both worlds.

Happy_Arranging does it again! Check out this month’s gorgeous Trader Joe’s flower combos and try them for yourself.

Nicole Sura’s conversation with her younger self is purely brilliant. May we all take a page from her book.

Thanks so much for rocking with us today! We’ll see you back here, same time, same place in two weeks. 🙂 

—Rod and Gabi

Hey guys! Whether you celebrated with your sweetie, hung out with your best pals, or curled up on the couch with your pup, we hope everyone had a cute little Valentine’s weekend filled with lots of love and laughs.

Song of the day: Congratulations to all who were able to score Noah Kahan tickets; we’ll just be listening to “The Great Divide” on repeat until we’re (maybe) able to score some ourselves. 

Need to vent? Want advice? Have feedback? We wanna hear from you!

Listen to our podcast, Are You Mad At Me? wherever you listen to podcasts!

How to Avoid a Mid-Thirties Crash Out

Some things we do when we’re reminded that we’re a good 10ish years older than the Friends cast is supposed to be?

• Soak in the nostalgia. Crank a throwback playlist, watch an old favorite show, or grab a childhood snack (Gushers, anyone?). Even a little blast from the past can remind you that fun isn’t just for TikTok trends these days.

• Celebrate your wins throughout the years. Make a little list of what you can do that the kids these days can’t. Whether it’s adulting skills (yes, we finally know the difference between a Roth IRA and 401) or career achievements (long gone are your “taking coffee order” days), a splash of confidence is the instant fountain of youth.

• Get moving! Dance with your besties in the kitchen, try that new pilates studio down the street, or take a walk with a podcast (may we suggest one 😉?). Being physically capable and feeling strong can help remind your brain that you’ve still got it!

How to not feel like you’re not failing at your job search

Let’s talk about a few things below to help improve your search, without piling on the stress of it all.

Switch up your search strategy. While clicking the “Easy Apply” Button on LinkedIn may feel productive, a lot of those résumés end up getting lost in the HR abyss. Instead, aim for one networking event a month (and yes, actually go). Follow up with past hiring managers you’ve interviewed with, and don’t be afraid to ask what would’ve made you a stronger candidate.

Practice makes prepared. Record yourself answering common interview questions, and practice until you feel confident with your answers. If you’re open to it, consider asking a friend to conduct a mock interview for you and provide feedback. (We know, we know… but advice about wrong answers now, just may lead us to the right gig later.)

Do something non-work-related as a reminder that you’re more than your career. Join a rec sports league. Take a pottery class. Host a dinner. When your whole identity becomes “jobless,” every rejection feels quite literally like the worst thing ever. Build proof outside of work that you’re competent, interesting, and way more than a silly little 9-5 could ever be. 

We know it can feel like you’re never going to get out of this job search slump, but you will! Try your best to be patient and kind to yourself in the meantime.  

Got a Q? We wanna hear it here!

…while you take a PTO day to hang out with your dog.

Our mouths are watering after seeing Sam Milton’s high-protein take on the Viral Grillo’s Pickle Dip. Brb running to the store to get a giant jar of pickles. 

Olympians… they’re just like us! Check out what some of the best athletes in the world do for a living when they’re not going for the gold.

If birth months were personality traits… why is this so spot on though?!

Thanks so much for reading WorkDaze today! We hope you have the best rest of the week, with minimal “following up on this” emails in your inbox!

—Rod and Gabi

Hi friends. As we navigate through these uncertain times, we want to just remind you all to be kind to yourself and others. 

Song of the day: We’ll be listening to Bruce Springsteen’s new song “Streets of Minneapolis” for the foreseeable future. Power to the people. 

Need to vent? Want advice? Have feedback? We wanna hear from you!

How to Care for Yourself and Others When the World Feels Heavy

Caring for yourself:

🧘 Regulate before you react. Remember that you’re allowed to take a break. Log off, sleep, eat, take your meds, go outside. Get your nervous system out of fight-or-flight so you’re able to show up as your best self. 

👍 Do your best. Productivity is going to look different right now, and that’s okay. Struggling to focus isn’t laziness; it’s a normal response to the constant chaos and sadness going on right now. Pro tip: Take a sick day to recharge and rest!

✨ Find joy without guilt. Laughing, resting, celebrating, and finding happiness don’t mean you don’t care; they mean you’re human. Joy isn’t a distraction from the fight, it’s what keeps you strong enough to stay in it. 

Caring for your community:

💵 Turn rage into receipts. Donate when and what you can, and support immigration legal defense + bond funds. Here’s a good place to start if you need some guidance.

ℹ️ Share credible info. Instead of panic posting, share Know Your Rights resources, verified alerts, and information only from trusted organizations.

🗳️ Show up and vote out. Call your reps (5calls.org makes it so easy!), register and vote in upcoming primaries, and check in on your neighbors to ask what they need.

Remember in order to help others, you have to put your oxygen mask on first. Log off when we need to, stay grounded, share resources, check on your people, and build community where you can. 🫶

Got a Q? We wanna hear it here! 

…after you book your weekend getaway out of this cold.

Nothing better than a bowl of ramen when we’re dealing with sub zero temps outside! We’re drooling over Angelica Nunagray’s Creamy Spicy Chicken Ramen.

Have a yummy soup recipe? Reply to this email and share it, we’d love to share it!

The Devil Wears Prada 2 trailer just dropped and it’s actually…

Some of our favorite celebs showed up at the Grammy’s last weekend and said “F*ck ICE,” and we couldn’t agree more.

Thanks so much for hanging out today! Take care of yourself and others, and we’ll see you soon.

—Rod and Gabi

Hi guys! Everyone out here surviving the Polar Vortex right now? Fun fact: we’re less than 60 days away from spring, so hang in there! 

Song of the day: “Warm”… one thing we all want to be right now. We suppose listening to Ariana’s version will have to do for now. 🥶

Have a Q for WorkDaze or the podcast? Let’s hear it.

Oh, and while you’re at it, listen to Are You Mad At Me? here.

10 hacks for a little life reset

I think we can all agree that it’s been a looooong first few weeks of January. Whether you came in hot with resolutions that quietly fell apart by day two (oops!), or you’re just feeling generally overwhelmed by like pretty much everything… you’re not alone.

But instead of one big dramatic overhaul that’s never going to stick, how about we focus on a few small, realistic hacks that can actually help reset your life without completely burning out. Let’s chat about them below!

⏰ Pick one simple routine to do daily. Maybe that means the same wake-up time, your nightly skincare ritual, or taking a short walk. Consistency is key!

🧹 Clean one surface a day. A messy space can totally add to the chaos! Make an effort to pick up or clean one small area a day, instead of overwhelming yourself by doing it all at once.

💸 Do a 10-minute money check once a week. We’re not talking about updating a full-on Excel file, but a simple budget check can help keep your spending straight and ease your mind about your moolah.

📵 Put your phone down during one meal a day. Allow your brain to remember how time works, and maybe even enjoy your meal instead of fixating on the Heated Rivalry lore on TikTok.

🙅 Set one gentle boundary. It’s okay to leave earlier, say no to plans, or even stop explaining yourself for every little thing.

💦 Hydrate! Start your morning with a glass of H2O before having three shots of espresso by 9 am. 

🌄 Go outside every day. Okay, well, maybe when it’s not -10 degrees like today, but the next time the sun is shining (and you can feel your toes) a few minutes of fresh air will do you wonders.

✅ Write down tomorrow’s top three tasks. Prepare your brain for tomorrow’s activities so it can rest a bit tonight.

📆 Automate one annoying thing. Not to be dramatic, but automatic payments have changed our lives. Set it and forget it, you’ll thank us later.

🛌 Get in bed 15-30 minutes earlier. Winding down your body earlier never hurt anyone. And if you can’t fall asleep right away, reading or journaling is a great way to calm that busy little brain of yours.

Remember, starting small can make the biggest of impacts, and ultimately lead to a less stressful and more fun and fulfilling life.

…while you wrap yourself in a blanket on the couch and pretend it’s not negative degrees outside.

You know we’re all about a food trend, and we’ve heard that cabbage steaks are all the rage right now?! Reply and let us know if you’ve made them! 

Watching Hilary Duff rewatch all of her old ~masterpieces~ with Vanity Fair is just 🤌.

Everyone posting their pics from 2016 is a lovely (and painful) little reminder of just how old we’re really getting over here…

Thanks so much for hanging out today! We hope you guys have a great rest of the week, stay toasty out there!

—Rod and Gabi

Happy New Year, friends! We all have until EOW to say that and then we’re done, okay? We missed you guys these last few weeks while we took a much-needed holiday break, and we hope you got some rest too! 

Song of the day: “is it new year’s yet?”- literally us all 2025… but also the name of another one of our fave Sabrina Carpenter bops.

Have a Q for WorkDaze or the podcast? Let’s hear it here! 

Ins and Outs for 2026

Everyone’s always like “new year, new me,” but what about “new year, slightly upgraded (yet still always tired) me” instead?

As 2026 pops off, we’re so over pretending we’re becoming brand new people overnight. This year’s ins are all about evolving, not reinventing. We’re focusing on keeping what works, deleting what doesn’t (emotionally and digitally), and making changes that don’t require a 5 am wake-up or complete personality revamp. 

Welcome to 2026: same us, just a tad wiser and (hopefully) better at boundaries. Let’s chat about some ins we’re welcoming with open arms and the outs we’re kicking to the curb this year.

Cheers to 2026! Remember to choose intention over reinvention, hold onto what feels good, and leave behind what doesn’t.

And if you have any good ins and outs you want to share… we wanna hear them here!

…while you try to remember what you do for work after being off for the holidays.

Our toxic trait is having food at home and still ordering out. So another one of our ins this year? Making our lunches more! And Bad Batch Baking’s BLT Salad seems like the perfect recipe to start with…

Hilary Duff just announced that her new album luck… or something drops February 20th. And all we have to say is… hey now, hey now, this is what dreams are made of!

Instagram post

“If I had to live my life over, I would start barefoot earlier in the spring and stay that way later in the fall.” We’re loving this 85-year-old’s letter to her younger self. 🫶

Thanks so much for rocking with us for another year! Now, let’s all make it a good one!

—Rod and Gabi

Hiiiii guys! Every year, we say we’re going to start our holiday shopping earlier, and every year, we fail.

So if you’re in the same boat as us and scrambling to get those last stocking stuffers, fear not! The 2025 WorkDaze Gift Guide is here to help you look like you totally had it together all along.

Today’s tunes: It’s the most beautiful time of the year to have Justin Bieber’s “Mistletoe” on repeat.

Have a Q for WorkDaze or the podcast? Let’s hear it here! 

The 2025 WorkDaze Holiday Gift Guide

‘Tis the season for Secret Santa exchanges with the cousins you rarely talk to. Whether you’re unsure of what to get your work bestie or trying to surprise your mom with something special, our 2025 WorkDaze Gift Guide has something for everyone!

P.S. We’re trying our best to support small businesses and those who give back to the community, and we encourage you to, too!

Give Back

Rod’s recently partnered with The American Foundation For Suicide Prevention to help raise awareness and provide support to those who need a little extra help, especially around the holidays. Remember, there is always help. We’re all in this together. 🫶

Art

Art and wine and phone cases, oh my! Our BFF Laundry Room Studios, has something for everyone on your gift list. Dear Santa, we’ll take one of each please!

Nothing’s better than having a nice little hobby other than sending your BFF way too many TikToks while scrolling the day away on your phone. Jenny Hart’s embroidery kits can help with that!

Rod’s gotten some fun little prints from Simply Wall Art Design on Etsy, and they make the perfect gifts for your bestie’s go-to movie… or maybe for yourself, because self-love is the plot twist we all need.

Kitchen

There’s just something about starting your day by making your own coffee… like, wow, look at you already accomplishing things before 9 am!! A Moka Pot brews rich, delicious espresso right at home, and the best part? Every MiiR product sold helps fund nonprofit organizations.

Stationary

Treat yourself to a new, cute little notebook to write down all of your manifestations for the new year. Chicago’s Bon Femmes (everything they carry is from women-owned businesses) is a great place to browse with so many other fun goodies.

Comfies

When founder Arielle Cole started taking SSRIs and got hit with those oh-so-chic night sweats (ugh!!), she decided enough was enough. Enter Arid Blayne: cooling, comfy sleepwear that keeps you dry so you can snooze comfortably.

Self-Care

We’re loving these ayate washcloths from Volverde, a Latinx and women-owned store that sources all of its products from women, Asian, Black, Brown, and Indigenous-owned businesses.

Dog Lovers

Fluff & Tuff’s dog toys are the perfect little stocking stuffies (literally) for your pup! Bonus points: they’re made in Michigan and ship worldwide!

Good Boys Social Club’s merch is the perfect gift for your friend who treats their pup like a full-time personality trait (same). And if you’re in Southern California, definitely check out their meet-ups and events!

We 🫶 Chicago!

Treat someone to a little sniff sesh at Aroma Workshop in Lincoln Park, Chicago, where they can create their own fragrance! Plus, everything’s vegan and cruelty-free.

We 🫶 Detroit!

George Gregory smells better than any store has a right to, and also happens to have the most effortlessly chic men’s clothing and the best little gifts in town. Oh, and we’d be silly not to mention Phoebe, the sweetest little shop dog/sales associate!

…while you do your last-minute shopping with our gift guide.

TBT to when we thought we were the coolest kids on the planet every time we ordered a Shirley Temple. Ashley Tassano brings us back to the good days with her festive Santa Shirley for the holidays!

The duo we never knew we needed! We’re obsessing over Variety’s Actors on Actors with Ariana Grande and Adam Sandler.

We can always count on Brianna West to find the words we never can. Check out her list of people you should thank this year. Because she’s probably right, you know.

Thanks so much for reading! We’re wrapping up this year and taking the next few weeks off to rest and recharge with the ones we love. See you next year!

—Rod and Gabi

Hiya friends! We’re busy mentally preparing ourselves for the ten pounds of stuffing and mashed potatoes we’re about to consume tomorrow. Hbu?

Song of the day: It’s tiiiiiiime! Once the clock strikes midnight on December 1st, we’re cranking Mariah’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You” loud and proud, baby!

Have a Q for WorkDaze or the podcast? Let’s hear it here! 

How to Have Less Holiday Stress

As ~joyful~ as the holidays are for some, that may not be the case for others. Whether it’s your uncle complaining about Mamdani’s mayoral sweep while passing the green bean casserole, the mounting cost of Secret Santa gifts draining your bank account, or the nonstop holiday happy hours throwing off your routine, the holidays can be a lot.

So, let’s talk about a few things that have saved our sanity this time of year.

As the holiday season lights up, remember to create a season that works for you. A little planning, a few boundaries, and some intentional downtime can go a long way in keeping the holiday stress at bay. 

…after you go back for seconds of pumpkin pie.

Brightmomentco’s Fig and Goat Cheese Phyllo Rolls are the perfect recipe when the dinner party host hits you with a “bring a side” text.

In need of a serotonin boost? Babies and dogs being besties always seem to do the trick for us!

Did you know that without the Star Search, we may not have been able to learn the entire “Oops!…I Did It Again” choreography? Check out Netflix’s new trailer for the reboot hosted by Anthony Anderson, premiering in January.

Thanks so much for reading! We wish you all a happy, healthy, and safe holiday week. See you back here so soon!

—Rod and Gabi

Hey there! No matter how long we’ve lived in the Midwest, we’re always surprised when the first snow falls. Find us in our cozies in front of our YouTube fireplaces until further notice…

Song of the day: We’ve been kind of obsessed with Sombr lately, and can’t get “back to friends” out of our silly little heads.

Need to vent? Want advice? Have feedback? We wanna hear from you!

How to Stop Being Jealous of your Friend

First, take a deep breath and remind yourself: envy doesn’t make you a bad friend,  it makes you human. The goal isn’t to eliminate jealousy but to keep it from ruining the friendship (cue Taylor Swift). Here’s how to start shifting that dynamic:

• Acknowledge your own feelings. Admit to yourself that you’re feeling jealous or left behind. The moment you call it what it is, it loses some of its power. Hot tip: journaling or venting to a neutral friend or therapist can help you process without projecting.

• Change your POV. Instead of comparing lifestyles, focus on what still connects you. Some good ones to remember? Your friendship history, shared humor, values, and inside jokes.

• Refocus your energy. Instead of letting jealousy eat you alive, channel that energy into your own goals or joys, big or small. Whether it’s finally taking that pottery class or planning a mini getaway (that doesn’t have to be 10 days in Europe), building a life you’re proud of makes comparison a thing of the past.

Friendships change, especially when life paths start looking wildly different. Just remember, real friends survive career glow-ups, relocation, and the occasional humble brag about first-class seats.

What You Should Expect From Your Coworkers

Any relationship, whether it’s your best friend, your situationship, or your work bestie needs expectations to stay healthy. They’re the guardrails that keep things respectful, balanced, and slightly less chaotic. The trick is knowing what kind of expectations belong where.

Because here’s the thing, your friends might know that you texted your ex the other night, but your coworkers just need to know your project deadlines. You can still expect mutual respect and accountability without expecting your teammates to double as your emotional support squad.

Three expectations that help build a strong and healthy work relationship?

At the end of the day, we’re all just trying to do good work without losing our minds. Setting healthy expectations keeps things running smoothly and saves everyone from unnecessary drama. So expect respect, practice teamwork, and remember that your coworkers are collaborators, not therapists.

Got a Q? We wanna hear it here! 

…while you pull our the holiday decorations in between video calls.

You all know how we feel about Caesar salad and soup. But what about Josh Elkin’s Caesar Salad Soup?! Let us know if you try it!

We’re feeling about 100 years old now after hearing Reneé Rapp, call Jordin Sparks’ “No Air” an oldie. 😅

Our bestie is BACK! Hilary Duff’s new song “Mature” makes our millennial hearts beat as fast as the 2000s flew by.

Thanks so much for reading today! We’ll see you back here soon. Take care of yourself and each other in the meantime.

—Rod and Gabi

Happy Halloween week to all you ghouls and goblins… as if it’s not scary enough out there! Sidenote: We can’t wait to hit the aisles on Saturday to stock up on all of the leftover trick-or-treat candy on sale. 

Today’s tunes: Bum bum be-dum, bum bum be-dum bum. Rihanna’s “Disturbia” will forever be on our Halloween playlist. 

Need to vent? Want advice? Have feedback? We wanna hear from you!

How to Resurrect Your Work/Life Balance From the Dead

Remember when work felt like just a part of your life, and not something that brought the everyday scaries to you? Somewhere along the way, your “flexible schedule” turned into endless late-night pings, weekend check-ins, and the creeping dread of Sunday evenings. The line between work and life? More invisible than a ghost. 

Work will always get busy, but if “flexible” has started to mean “always on,” it’s time to reestablish boundaries before you burn yourself out. So let’s chat about a few things you can do to dig up that work/life balance from the grave.

Bringing your work/life balance back from the dead won’t happen overnight, but it can happen if you’re willing to honor your boundaries. Silence the notifications that haunt your evenings and mark the end of your workday with a little ritual. Do this consistently, and you’ll exorcise burnout and get back to enjoying your life outside the office crypt.

Got a Q? We wanna hear it here! 

…while you watch Hocus Pocus in the background while you work.

Need something easy to bring to your friend’s Halloween party? These Pumpkin Pizza Bombs by MakeLifeSimpler_ on TikTok are the perfect little treat.

Boss hates Halloween? Say less. We’re dying at this prank a work team did for the spooky season!

Name a more iconic trio than the Sanderson sisters. We’ve watched these 10 iconic moments from Hocus Pocus more times than we’ll admit. ‘Tis the season!  

Thanks so much for reading! We hope you have the best week ever, with lots of treats and no tricks! See you back here soon!

—Rod and Gabi

Hi friends. We’re so saddened by the loss of the wonderful and iconic Diane Keaton. If you’re anything like us, so many of her movies bring us an immense amount of comfort and happiness. Two of our all-time faves? Something’s Gotta Give and Because I Said So. What about yours?

Song of the day: Yes, it’s been two weeks and we’re still playing The Life of a Showgirl on repeat, so sue us. Also, Gabi may or may not have spent entirely way too long learning the “The Fate of Ophelia” dance.

Have a Q for WorkDaze or the podcast? Let’s hear it here! 

When Should You Say Yes?

While we’re always going to be your hype people when it comes to the importance of saying no and establishing boundaries, today we’re flipping the script and making the case for saying yes once in a while (only when it feels right, though!). Sure, “no” protects your peace, but “yes” might land you a new friend, a random adventure, or, at the very least, maybe a solid main character moment.

Saying yes doesn’t mean abandoning your boundaries; it just means being open to what could go right. You can still protect your time and energy while leaving room for joy, growth, and the occasional out-of-the-ordinary decision.

Let’s chat about some things you should consider not writing off when it makes sense.

…while you have a Diane Keaton movie marathon for the foreseeable future.

We’re kicking off soup szn, with BritaCooks’ Creamy Hatch Chile Chicken & Rice Soup from Instagram. Have any other good soup recipes? Send ‘em our way!

Cute art AND cute wine?! Sign us up. Our friends at Laundry Room Studios just added a new Cab Sauv to their guest check, and we’re kind of obsessed.

No one, and we mean NO ONE, will ever wear a chunky high-waisted belt or fedora quite like Diane Keaton. All hail the queen and her iconic cinematic freak-outs that are a little too relatable… 

Thanks so much for reading! Have the best rest of your week. We’ll see you cuties next time!

—Rod and Gabi

Hey guys! Today’s word of the day? Flummox. Meaning to confuse or perplex. I was flummoxed and annoyed when my coworker scheduled a meeting for 8am on a Monday. 

Song of the day: Olivia Dean’s “Man I Need” instantly puts us in a good mood. And well… we think we all could use a little more of that these days!

Need to vent? Want advice? Have feedback? We wanna hear from you!

You Don’t Need To Climb the Corporate Ladder

🙏 Show Appreciation
You can say: "I really appreciate your confidence in me and the opportunity. It means a lot to know my work is being recognized."

🙂 Express Contentment and Current Focus
You can say: "Right now, I’m really enjoying the work I’m doing and feel like I’m still growing and learning a lot in my current role."

🚪 Keep the Door Open for the Future
You can say: "I’m definitely open to growing into more responsibility down the line, but at this moment, I’d prefer to continue deepening my expertise here."

What To Do When You Disagree With Your Boss

• Acknowledge their insight – Privately talk to your boss and let them know that you see their point and appreciate their perspective.
  

• Own it – Admit that you were wrong, what you missed, and/or misunderstood, without over-apologizing. Save your sorries for when you really need them!
  

• Learn the lesson – How you handled the situation, the actual solution… they’re all lessons to learn from. Take this experience and apply it to whatever else comes along in the future. 

Got a Q? We wanna hear it here! 

…while you ask your dog if he’s a “good boy” 100 times before 9am.

It’s baking season! And to kick it off, we’re making saltnsprinkles’ Salted Caramel Banana Cake recipe! We’re drooling already…

Seth Myers, Bowen Yang, and Matt Rogers walk into a bar… you’ll have to watch the rest.

We were today-years-old when we found out that Exulansis is the actual word used to describe the tendency to want to give up talking about an experience because people are unable to relate. BEEN THERE! Check out more emotions you’ve felt but can’t explain, here. 

We appreciate you guys so much for hanging out this week! Hope something amazing happens to you today. See you next time!

—Rod and Gabi

Hi there. We wanted to take a second and check in because the world is so heavy right now.

Today’s tunes: Take two minutes away from any noise of the world and do this quick grounding meditation with us. We all could really take a beat these days.

Have a Q for WorkDaze or the podcast? Let’s hear it here! 

It’s the Guns

Instagram photo credit: Sandyland324

Gut-wrenching headlines. Graphic content. Endless scrolling. Rinse and repeat. It’s all so much. 

The emotions we’ve felt lately are a lot to take on, so first and foremost, we want to acknowledge that and encourage you to hold space for yourself when you need it. 

The lack of gun control has turned our country into an incredibly frightening place to live. 

Countless lives of political figures, elementary school students, next door neighbors, (unfortunately, the list goes on and on) have been taken because of the decision so-called “leaders” have made. A decision to make these oh-so powerful machines more accessible than drinking water in some US cities.

There is no arguing that children are supposed to grow up in a home with loving parents, yet the number who don’t because of gun violence spans beyond the lives of powerful figures in recent news headlines. 

First graders are supposed to be learning addition and subtraction, not how to barricade their classroom doors. College campuses should be safe, not places where students look for the nearest escape route “just in case”. 

While we all take in the weight of the world this past week, let us all take the time to learn how we can make this a safer country.

The current administration has made it abundantly clear that they are unwilling to do something about the most common murder weapon in our country. So as much as it shouldn’t be, it’s up to us. Those thoughts and prayers? They’ll never save us.

Some local and state elections are coming up in November. We implore you to do your research. What must we do to live in a country that’s safe for everyone? We have the power to vote out those who continue to allow these preventable acts of gun violence to continue, and to vote in those who are willing to stand up for a safer America. 

Until then, hang in there and be gentle to yourself and others. 

We love you.

—Rod and Gabi

Hey guys! We were today-years-old when we learned that Allodoxaphobia is the term for when people have a fear of others’ opinions. And while we’re not ones to diagnose, this explains a lot about some of our past coworkers…

Song of the day: We’ve had Sabrina Carpenter’s new album Man’s Best Friend on repeat since it dropped last week. Which song is your fave?

Need to vent? Want advice? Have feedback? We wanna hear from you!

How to Know If You’re Living Intentionally

• You’re checking in, not checking out. Living intentionally doesn’t mean you have everything figured out; it just means you’re pausing to ask why you’re doing what you’re doing. If your choices (no matter how big or small) reflect your values, you’re on the right track! 

• You’ve made peace with saying “no.” Our favorite “B” word! Intentional living includes having boundaries. Skipping the group chat plans or turning down opportunities that don’t align with your values isn’t selfish; you’re just considering your own needs at the moment. 

• Growth feels uncomfy but not aimless. Intentional living still has chaos, but there’s some sort of direction, even if it takes a while to get there. If you feel like you're growing (even if it’s a bit messy), you’re getting somewhere!

How To Adjust Going Back To The Office

💼 Give yourself some time to adjust. If you actually enjoy your job (even wearing those real clothes), that’s a good sign. The transition sucks, but if the work itself still energizes or fulfills you, it might be worth sticking it out and finding a new rhythm.

🧘‍♀️ Switch up and rebuild your routine. Try meal prepping on the weekend, on-demand workout programs, and packing yourself a little treat to go along with that pricey salad. Little things can make all the difference when you’re going through a big change. 

👀 Recognize if it’s RTO or the job. If the only thing exciting about your job is leaving at the end of the day, that’s a big clue. Loving WFH is valid, so if you give it some time and you’re still not vibing with the new RTO policy, it might be time to explore roles that better fit your lifestyle.

Got a Q? We wanna hear it here! 

…after you put in PTO after being out for the long weekend.

Carrot cake anything… sign us up!! We’ve officially added James.bok’s carrot cake baked oats recipe into the morning rotation. 

In honor of Heidi Gardner leaving SNL, we’re throwing it back to the time when Beavis and Butt-Head (Ryan Gosling and Mikey Day) had her breaking character and cracking up for a solid six minutes.

For the love of hot sleepers! After noticing night sweats were a side effect of taking SSRIs, our friend Arielle Cole founded Arid Blayne, a pajama company with cozies specifically engineered to keep you cool and dry throughout the night.

Thanks so much for sticking around today! Hope the rest of the week is short for you. See you next time!

—Rod and Gabi

Hey guys! The word of the day that also goes along nicely with today’s topic? Doldrums.The workday doldrums hit so hard, you start romanticizing about moving to an island with your dog, where the only reception you have is a smoke signal.  

Song of the day: Speaking of being bored? Ariana Grande knows a thing or two when it comes to it…

Have a Q for WorkDaze or the podcast? Let’s hear it here! 

Is it Burnout or Boredom?

Boredom at work might make you restless, but burnout makes you feel like your internal battery is fried. Knowing the difference can save you from trying to “push through” when what you really need is a total freaking reset, not just another to-do list of things you’ll never actually complete. 

Let’s chat about how to tell the difference between the two. 

🔥 Signs you may be burnt out:

• You let Mondays ruin your Sundays. Your Sunday scaries are so debilitating you can’t even enjoy your entire weekend.

• Every email notification makes you shudder. Your inbox is overflowing, and you’ve gotten three “following up on this” emails in the last 20 minutes that you don’t even have fake answers to.

• You're emotionally and physically drained. You feel like your soul needs a major software update, but the spinning rainbow wheel of death just keeps going round and round. 

😴 Signs you may be bored:

• You’ve rearranged your desk more times than you’ve worked today. You did your work with your eyes closed this morning, and now need something else to do to feel accomplished for the day.

• You watch the clock like it’s an episode of The Hunting Wives (more on this show below btw). And honestly, it’s the only thing holding your attention. 

• You start making up mini projects. You make detailed “status updates” for things no one even asked about because what else can you possibly be doing at this point?

It’s important to recognize if you’re bored and just need to shake things up a bit, or if you’re truly burnt out so you can make a plan to take care of your well-being. Remember, no one gets a trophy for being the most burnt out on the block!!

…while you stare and take pics of your sleeping dog instead of writing that email.

If you’re like us, you’re looking for anything to cool down in this heat, so how about you try HowWeMocktail’s creamy lemonade with us?

We love a good scandal, so we must confess that we’re obsessed with Netflix’s latest show The Hunting Wives, starring Brittany Snow and Malin Akerman. A must-watch for drama lovers! 

We must confess that we’re obsessed with Netflix’s latest show The Hunting Wives, starring Brittany Snow and Malin Akerman. A must-watch for drama lovers!

Thanks so much for reading today! Go get yourself a little treat, will ya? See you next time!

—Rod and Gabi

Hi friends! We don’t know about you, but we’re still recovering from a very long and fun weekend at Lollapalooza. If anyone else was there, email us and let us know your favorite performance!

Song of the day: Too many good artists at the fest this year, but seeing T-Pain live absolutely transported us back to the good old days. 

Have a Q for WorkDaze or the podcast? Let’s hear it here! 

How To Communicate Effectively At Work

Clear communication in the workplace helps keep everyone on the same page and lowers the risk of you receiving that final “following up on this” email that makes you contemplate selling feet pics instead. Good communication can save you from working an entire day on the wrong version of a slide deck or sending that classic passive-aggressive “per my last email” message.

So, let’s chat about a few minor but effective ways that’ll help keep you sane.

…after you spend two hours googling photos of Pamela Anderson and Liam Neesom’s cutie new relationship.

Don’t think we’ve ever met a Chicken Caesar Wrap that we didn’t like, including Eman_InTheKitchen’s delicious recipe we found on TikTok! 

Sabrina Carpenter’s getting pretty clever with her “Juno” positions, and we’re here for it!

We all can use a little inspiration lately from wallofselflove on Instagram.

Thanks so much for hanging with us today! Hope your week fast forwards to Friday super quickly. See you back here soon!

—Rod and Gabi

Hi friends! Today’s word of the day? Cantankerous: a word used to describe a person who is often angry and annoyed. “Monday mornings bring out the cantankerous side of me when I see an email at 9 am.”

Song of the day: She’s hereeeee! We’ve been waiting for Fletcher’s new album “Would You Still Love Me If You Really Knew Me?” to drop for months, and it’s safe to say that we’re OBSESSED. 

Need to vent? Want advice? Have feedback? We wanna hear from you!

How To Stay Motivated When You’re Over It

1. Learn as much as you can: One thing we both agree on (it’s rare, we know)? There’s always something to learn. Even if you’re not geeked about this role, use the time you have left to learn some new skills. That experience may come in handy when you’re applying for your next role. 

But with that being said…

2. Take it little by little: Learning a new role is exhausting, especially when you’re forced to do it. Listen, Rome wasn’t built in a day, so don’t feel the need to learn everything immediately. Trying to do everything at once is just going to bury your motivation further.

And during all of this learning…

3. Decide what you want in your next role. Low key, we want to fight your old manager, but we’ll save that for another day. You deserve to have a job that accepts you for who you are, not one you’re forced into because your personality wasn’t cut out for the last one. Think about what makes you the most happy and excited, and we bet your personality will fit right in with it. 

When To Say Something Vs. When To Let It Go

Did you discuss keeping the tiff to yourselves? If not, it’s not fair to confront your friend about it. Not to take their side here, but if you needed the issue to be private, you really should have communicated that to them at first. 

Your friend needs support, too. We’re going to go ahead and assume that your friend confided in your mutual buddy because they needed some support, and not because they were talking sh*t. We all need an outlet, and since you guys resolved the issue before you found out the other friend knew about it, we say let this one go and move forward in both friendships. 

But listen, if bringing it up to your friend is going to help you sleep better at night, by all means, share your feelings. But if you’re able to brush it off, we highly recommend doing just that this time around.

Got a Q? We wanna hear it here! 

…when you realize summer’s more than halfway over.

Mason jar salads don’t get the credit they deserve. BRB, making JackieHartLaub’s Grinder Sub Salad recipe from TikTok for the entire rest of the week.

We don’t know about you, but we’re having Love Island withdrawals… specifically Amaya Papaya’s wise words!

A fave new follow! Happy_Arranging on Instagram shows how to make the most gorgeous flower bouquets with Trader Joe’s flowers!!

Thanks so much for reading! You guys are the best, and we never forget it! See you back here soon. 

—Rod and Gabi

Hi friends! Hope everyone’s back in the swing of things after the long weekend. We’re still recovering from the 20 hot dogs and pounds of potato salad.

Song of the day: Since we’re still sweating our butts off in this 90-degree heat, might as well throw it back to a 90s summer with LFO’s “Summer Girls.”

Have a Q for WorkDaze or the podcast? Let’s hear it here! 

How to Be a Good Boss to the Intern

Looking back on our time as interns, we were both lucky to have some pretty good mentors, except for one of Gabi’s sending her an email with the subject line “any ketchup on floor 7?”... she sat on the ninth floor.

Besides the condiment chatter, our bosses made sure our internships were a lot less about organizing the snack drawers and more about learning real-life work skills. We credit them for helping shape our work ethic and teaching us skills that we honestly still use in our careers to this day. 

We know taking an intern under your wing adds extra work to your plate, so let’s talk about some key things to help you succeed as a manager and help your intern walk away with more than just the entire office’s coffee order memorized. 

• Set clear expectations and goals: Don’t just throw them into the work chat and hope for the best. On day one, spell out what they should be doing, when it’s due, and what “crushing it” actually looks like (spoiler: it's not just refilling the coffee machine… that hasn’t been cleaned in years btw). 

• Be accessible and approachable: There’s nothing worse than seeing your boss read your message at 9:42 am and you’re still without a response come 3 pm. Let your intern know your door is always open, and they don’t have to schedule office hours just to ask how to use the copier. A chill, supportive vibe makes it way easier for them to admit they have no idea what they’re doing, and easier for you to help them figure it out.

• Recognize their contributions: Even if it’s just learning how to book a meeting room through the office’s archaic system (we still don’t know how to do it TBH). A quick “thank you” or team-wide shout-out goes a long way. Small wins deserve big hype when you’re new and mildly terrified. 

• Leave the office politics at the door: While every office has some drama, your intern doesn’t need to be dragged into it. They’re here to learn. Let them focus on tasks, not decoding who got left off the calendar invite on purpose.

Sponsored by Microsoft 365 Copilot

Meet Your Intern’s Work Bestie: Microsoft 365 Copilot

Nothing like getting an email from HR stating:

Hi, meet your new intern! You have two months to teach them everything you’ve learned in the past two years! Good luck!

Listen, don’t get us wrong, interns rock! But that doesn’t mean showing them the ropes doesn’t require additional time and effort outside of the work you’re currently drowning in. 

And from our many days of internships (unpaid at that!), we know darn well they have no idea what they’re doing when they step foot in that office with decor from the 60s for the first time. Classic corporate! 

One thing we wish we had back then? Microsoft 365 Copilot. An AI-powered tool created to help with various work tasks, tailored to your work and company. And even better than that? It’s integrated in the productivity tools you’re probably already using at work (Word, Teams, Outlook, etc.), which is why we’re excited to be partnering with them. 

According to LinkedIn, AI literacy is the most in-demand skill of 2025. But only 40% of employees say they’re familiar with AI agents. Not only can you help your intern have the edge you wish you had back then, but it’s never too late to rack up manager-of-the-summer points while you’re at it. 

Some things Microsoft 365 Copilot can help with to help your intern soar? 

• PowerPoint edits surge 122% in the 10 minutes before meetings. Using Copilot in PowerPoint can auto-generate and refine decks based on meeting agendas or previous notes.

• Most employees send/receive 50+ chats outside business hours. If it’s one thing an intern should walk away from an internship with, it’s boundaries. Copilot can draft and schedule messages for core hours to respect that work/life balance.

• Need those notes from the meeting that was put on your calendar five minutes before it started? Copilot can auto-summarize and flag follow-ups, ensuring continuity.

For the sake of you being able to tackle 39 out of 50 of those projects and give your intern the boost of confidence you wish you had back then, Microsoft 365 Copilot’s the move. 

Learn more about Microsoft 365 Copilot here.

…while eating a pint of Ben & Jerry’s Cherry Garcia for lunch.

A little dip in the pool with a yummy little dip by the pool? This Roasted Tomato Burrata dip with Garlic Roasted Crostinis by Carly’s Cookbook is the perfect addition to your Saturday poolside hangs. 

Looking to dissociate from the world for a bit? Catch up on the latest episodes of our podcast, Are You Mad At Me? Listen here on Spotify, or wherever else you listen to podcasts!

We’re not crying, you’re crying (okay, we’re crying!) We’re currently in our feels scrolling The Unsent Project’s Instagram… a collection of unsent text messages to first loves.

Thanks so much for reading! Hope everyone is staying cool and hydrated out there. We’ll see you next time!

—Rod and Gabi

Hi friends. We know a LOT is going on out there right now, so we hope you’re all taking good care of yourselves. And since it’s also been a bajillion degrees recently, this is your reminder to take a sip out of that cute little Owala, will ya?

Song of the day: To stay on theme with the UV index, we’re turning up the volume to Sean Paul’s “We Be Burnin’”… because we literally are (no like, we’re sweating as we speak).

Have a Q for WorkDaze or the podcast? Let’s hear it here! 

How to Give Yourself a Mid-Year Evaluation

Talking about ourselves can be hard, and criticizing ourselves can be far too easy (even when we don’t deserve it!). So, if you’re not sure where to start whne it comes to mid-year evaluations, we’ve got you! Let’s chat about some things below you can do to make sure you’re giving yourself enough credit while keeping yourself honest.

Reflect on your current work and goals

• Identify what’s been working. Go over the goals you set at the beginning of the year (or for any ongoing projects) and assess how much progress you've made. Highlight key achievements, milestones, and any contributions you're proud of or that helped move the needle (classic corporate speak) for your company.
  

• Check back in with yourself: Are those milestones or goals still relevant? Are you on track to meet them, or do they need some adjusting? Identify any obstacles that may keep you from reaching those goals, so you can tweak accordingly. 

Identify areas for improvement

• Be honest with yourself: Think about any areas where you can improve or challenges you faced that have slowed your progress. A few areas to consider include communication, time management, and collaboration. 

• Constructive self-criticism:  Remember, as our queen, Miley once sang, “Everyone makes mistakes.” It's important to look at slip-ups or areas of difficulty as opportunities for growth. This shows that you’re self-aware and proactive about development.

Set an actionable plan for the remainder of the year

• Refine your goals: Based on your progress this first half of the year, adjust/set realistic and measurable goals for the second half. Focus on what you want to accomplish in the next six months and make sure your goals align with both your personal and professional development.
  

• Action plan: Break down the bigger goals into smaller tasks. Decide on specific steps or changes you need to make to stay on track and keep improving. Write the plan down to hold yourself accountable at the end of the year.

Pro Tip: If you didn’t do this for the first half of the year, make sure you’re saving a document with all the accomplishments you’ve done, no matter how small. You’d be surprised how many important things you’ve done that you’ve forgotten about among everything else!

…while catching up on Love Island during a meeting on mute.

In this 90+ degree heat, we obvi have nothing but cool, sweet treats on the brain, like these Cookie Tacos by ItsMeJuliette for starters.

We can’t tell you how many times we’ve watched this TikTok and LOL’d at Maddie Goetz trying to give her boyfriend the ick. 

Kathryn Hahn and Kate Hudson reunited for Variety’s Actors on Actors and talked all things friendship and work… but most importantly How To Lose A Guy in 10 Days.

Thanks so much for rocking with us today! Wishing you a lot of cancelled meetings and no “following up on this” emails for the rest of the week. 

—Rod and Gabi

Hey friends! Although it’s not even summer yet, why do we already feel like it’s over? Time flies when your heads down in Excel every day, eh?

Song of the day: How ironic that Sabrina Carpenter’s new single “Manchild” comes out when the same person running our country, is well, ruining it. We said what we said. And they say women are too emotional to be in power…

A note about today’s edition: While WorkDaze was created to bring joy and a little break to your workday, we believe it’s also important to speak up on issues that others may not have the privilege to do.

Have a Q for WorkDaze or the podcast? Let’s hear it here! 

Families Belong Together

The United States is made up of immigrants from all over the world, and we believe all families belong together. Over the past several days, immigration raids in Los Angeles have sparked protests throughout the city, with our current administration inciting panic and chaos.

Let’s talk a little more about what’s happening, what’s to come, and ways to stay informed and support.

What’s happening in Los Angeles?

• Last Friday, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) made several immigration sweeps across LA, separating many parents from children, some of who are reportedly being detained in inhumane conditions.

• Clashes between protesters and law enforcement prompted Trump to override Governor Gavin Newsom’s control of California’s National Guard and deploy over 2,000 National Guard and 700 Marines throughout the city. 

• Governor Newsom has filed an emergency motion in federal court asking to block Trump and the Department of Defense’s expansion of military presence in LA. The emergency motion was denied, and a hearing is set for Thursday.

• Important to note: Governor Newsom never requested additional help from the administration and accused Trump of a “brazen abuse of power.” The last president who overrode a governor to deploy the National Guard was President Lyndon B. Johnson during the Civil Rights Movement.

What’s going to happen next?

• Governor Newsom has urged Los Angeles residents to remain peaceful in their protesting and not give the administration “the spectacle that they want.”

• As of Tuesday night, LA Mayor Karen Bass declared a curfew for part of the downtown area after some businesses were looted Monday night.

• Trump announced the National Guard will be on the ground in LA for “60 days or at the discretion of the Secretary of Defense."

• Federal officials have stated they’ll continue with immigration raids every day.

How to get involved

People are upset, people are sad, and most importantly, people are scared in the country that declares “freedom and liberty for all.”

As things change rapidly, we encourage you to do your research! And if you’d like to support and are looking for a place to start, below are some helpful resources. 

• L.A TACO: Street-level journalism

• CHNGE’s Los Angeles Immigration Resources + Organization Guide 

• Immigrant Legal Resource Center 

• Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA)

• Day Labor Network: Know Your Rights

…after screaming into a pillow during your lunch break.

Summer goal: try every margarita known to mankind. And we’re starting with AmandaMaeHome’s Cherry Dr. Pepper Margarita. 🍒

“Is that a person on a TV show?” We’d love to be as blissfully unaware as Dakota Johnson is in Vanity Fair’s lie detector test.

Goodbye Excedrin, hello McDonald’s?! People swear this Micky D’s order will cure your migraine. 

Thanks so much for reading! Be kind to yourself and others this week. Day by day, we’ll all be okay. 🫶

—Rod and Gabi

Hi friends! Hope you guys had a fun long weekend! We spent ours obsessively checking the UV index and all we got were farmer’s tans to show for it! (…friendly reminder to wear your SPF!).

Song of the day: When things get tough, turn on Atomic Kitten’s “The Tide is High",” and hold the heck on, because you’re “not the kind of girl, who gives up just like thaaaaaat!”

Have a Q for WorkDaze or the podcast? Let’s hear it here! 

35 Lessons In 35 Years

Rod here! Not sure if anyone could love their birthday more than Stassi but I did however turn the big 3-5 last week! While trying not to think about how I’m that much closer to joining AARP, I did reflect on 35 lessons I’ve learned throughout my little life so far and thought I’d share them with you!

Thank you all for being in my life for the past five years. Looking forward to what the next five hold! :)

...after you take a 10-minute nap between meetings.

BRB, saving Jenneatsgood’s Lemony Chicken Thighs and Rice Bake recipe from TikToK for this week’s dinner menu!

Leave it to Chicken Shop Date’s Amelia Dimoldenberg to humble men when we need her to. We love to see it!

In anticipation of the sequel to The Devil Wears Prada, Anne Hathaway takes a trip down memory lane with Vanity Fair to revisit iconic scenes and share a few special memz.

Thanks so much for reading today! FYI: We’re taking a podcast break from Are You Mad At Me? this week, but we’ll be back next! TTYL!

—Rod and Gabi