Why Does This Podcast Exist?
Everyone sees the nonsense we call “normal” at work.
This podcast decodes it.
of US adults say they hold back their views for fear of consequences
— Cato Free Speech Survey
Not Playing Along is a podcast about the cultural patterns we’re taught not to question — especially at work — and the cost of calling them normal.
Each episode breaks down a familiar pattern – why it exists, who it serves, and the hidden cost – before outlining a smarter alternative.
Improving corporate dysfunction can have a huge impact on collective mental health - and make companies a lot more money
Not Playing Along is a podcast about the cultural patterns we’re taught not to question — especially at work — and the cost of calling them normal.
Each episode breaks down a familiar pattern — why it exists, who it serves, and the hidden cost — before outlining a smarter alternative.
The real culprit behind nonsense at work:
Not society
Not company leaders
Not even the people
Invisible incentives.
Work is just one stage.
Incentives shape media.
Politics.
Relationships.
Attention.
The same patterns repeat.
What listeners leave with:
Validation — “it’s not just me.”
You’re not crazy.
What you’re experiencing isn’t personal — it’s patterned.
Language for what’s actually happening.
Clear words for dynamics that usually stay unspoken.
Once you can name it, you can’t unsee it.
A new lens to see what shaped this culture.
An understanding of how behavior is designed — not random.
Culture stops feeling mysterious and starts feeling moldable.
The ability to change outcomes by changing invisible incentives.
You don’t need to fix people.
You adjust the incentives — and behavior follows.