Best Midcareer Podcasts (2025)

1
328: Ask This Question To Reduce Holiday Drama & Honor Your Boundaries 13:22

Play Pause

6d ago13:22

13:22

Send us a text Do holiday conversations, workplace tension, or family dynamics leave you emotionally drained and unsure how to respond? At mid-career, the pressure to stay composed, supportive, and “professional” can feel exhausting, especially when stress is already high in your job or career. In this episode of The Mid-Career GPS Podcast, I intro…

1
327: Not Unhappy to Quit, But Not Loving Your Job Either 20:54

9d ago20:54

20:54

Send us a text Many mid-career professionals sense something is off but struggle to articulate it. Feeling “fine” at work can be one of the most misleading signals in your career, especially in a volatile job market. In this episode of The Mid-Career GPS Podcast, I name and unpack a growing mid-career pattern called job-hugging. It is the instinct …

1
Feeling Successful but Exhausted? Learn How Aligning With Your Strengths Turns Burnout Into Peace S5E06 21:29

14d ago21:29

21:29

If you feel exhausted by your business even though you’re doing everything "right"… this episode is for you. Today, I share a powerful case study from a recent client session that reveals why following "expert" advice might be exactly what’s draining you. It’s not about working harder. It’s not about time management. It’s about the subtle but dange…

1
326: Why People-First Cultures Win in 2026 with Kat Ortiz 34:16

19d ago34:16

34:16

Send us a text In this episode, John is joined by industrial-organizational psychologist Kat Ortiz to break down how evidence-based practices can transform workplace culture, leadership effectiveness, and employee experience in ways that genuinely support performance and growth. Kat’s unconventional career journey sets the stage. From earning her G…

1
325: Dealing with a Difficult Boss 32:04

25d ago32:04

32:04

Send us a text If you are a mid-career professional feeling drained, discouraged, or stuck because of a difficult boss, this episode gives you a clear path forward. Many professionals stay silent or shut down when leadership becomes unpredictable, controlling, or inconsistent. In today’s job market, that silence can stall your visibility, performan…

1
Unleash Your Potential: Conquering Fear to Achieve Career Success S5E05 15:41

28d ago15:41

15:41

If you feel stuck, scared to make a change, or frustrated that you’re not following through on the ideas and dreams in your heart… this episode is for you. Today, Sheri unpacks the real reason ambitious, successful mid-career women freeze when they feel called to something more. It’s not lack of clarity. It’s not motivation. And it’s definitely not…

1
324: Lessons in Leadership | What "Quiet Piggy" Really Means 41:26

1M ago41:26

41:26

Send us a text Workplace bullying is more common than many mid-career professionals realize, and its impact on confidence, performance, and career clarity can be long-lasting. In this episode, we unpack a high-profile moment that reopened old workplace wounds for many. When power is misused to silence or diminish someone, it is more than a headline…

1
The #1 Habit of Leaders Who Are Truly Flourishing, and Why Getting Out From Behind Screens and Into Scenes Might Be the Strategic Edge Worth Doubling Down On Right Now 44:54

1M ago44:54

44:54

Today’s episode goes deeper into one of the most important signals that has emerged from our work over the past year. The leaders who are truly flourishing are getting out from behind screens and into scenes. That search for people who truly embody this practice is what led me to today’s guest, Kate Brigham. Kate’s career spans more than two decade…

1
323: Stop Asking “Got Any Feedback?” And Other Career-Saving Tips 20:53

1M ago20:53

20:53

Send us a text When you reach mid-career, feedback often fades or gets frustratingly vague. You may hear you’re “doing great” or that you should “be more strategic,” but those comments rarely help you grow or move forward. In this episode, John Neral breaks down how to restart your feedback loop so your work stands out, your reputation strengthens,…

1
From Uncertainty to Optionality: The Mindset and Practices That Move Creative Leaders Forward 39:21

1M ago39:21

39:21

What does winning look when work is full of paradoxes? Today I’m joined by my friend and longtime mentor of more than 20 years, Patrick Jones, a builder at heart and one of the most multidimensional creative leaders I know. Patrick’s career has been spent at the intersection of education, media, and workforce innovation, helping people and organiza…

1
The AI Interview Revolution: Your Guide to Landing a Dream Job 36:46

2M ago36:46

36:46

Unlock the secrets to interview success with "The Mid-Career Makeover Show." This episode, "The AI Interview Revolution," is a game-changer for seasoned professionals looking to gain a competitive edge in today's dynamic job market. Host LaVonne James demystifies the world of artificial intelligence in recruitment, revealing how you can leverage cu…

1
322: Leading Without the Title: How Mid-Career Professionals Build Trust and Get Noticed 23:14

2M ago23:14

23:14

Send us a text Are you doing great work but still waiting for recognition or a promotion that never seems to come? In this episode of The Mid-Career GPS Podcast, John Neral explores how to elevate your reputation, credibility, and leadership impact without waiting for a new title. This conversation focuses on leading through influence, not authorit…

1
5 Steps You Can Take This Week to Create Work You Love (Even If You Have Another Job) S5E04 29:10

2M ago29:10

29:10

You’ve worked hard. You’ve built a successful career. On paper, everything looks great — yet deep down, you feel that quiet restlessness… That tug for something of your own. Something more fulfilling, more purpose-driven, and more aligned with who you’re becoming. If you’ve been craving a new direction — but you’re not ready to walk away from the s…

1
321: How to Protect Your Reputation When Someone Throws You Under the Bus 28:31

2M ago28:31

28:31

Send us a text Every mid-career professional has faced that gut-punch moment when a colleague shifts blame, steals credit, or takes a public swipe to protect their image. In this episode of The Mid-Career GPS Podcast, John Neral dives into why “bus-throwing” happens, how to stay composed when it does, and what to do next to protect your professiona…

1
The Rise of Portfolio Careers: Is It Your Path to Success? S5E03 32:53

2M ago32:53

32:53

Is the traditional "career for life" concept outdated? In this episode, we are exploring the rise of Portfolio Careers. Listen in to discover what a portfolio career is (it's more than just a "side hustle"!), why it's becoming so popular for both companies and individuals, and how it can offer a "risk-free" path to finding your calling. We'll break…

1
From Silos to Scenes: The Practice That Sets Creative Leaders Apart 46:50

2M ago46:50

46:50

In this episode, I dig into a leadership practice that can seem obvious but is far more nuanced than it looks, and I’ve come to believe it’s a critical discovery in our exploration of what it takes to go from fear to flow and uncertainty to optionality. I'm now referring to the people who embody this as creative leaders. These leaders aren’t stuck …

1
320: Asking This One Question to Your Colleagues May Redefine Your Career 16:01

2M ago16:01

16:01

Send us a text Feeling stuck, tired, or unsure how long you can keep pushing through your role? In this episode of The Mid-Career GPS Podcast, John Neral shares one golden question that can help you rediscover purpose, evaluate fit, and make smarter decisions about your career: Why do you come back to work every day? This simple yet powerful questi…

1
How to Actually Lead With Hospitality, Empathy & Creative Bravery: Lessons From Disney and Beyond 44:22

2M ago44:22

44:22

When I think about career as a team sport, I can’t help but think back to my post-college internship at Disney and the lifelong friendships that started there. That experience, grounded in Disney’s legendary Traditions training program, taught me the power of hospitality, purpose, and connection. It also introduced me to this week’s guest, Taylor S…

1
319: Do It Scared: Reinventing Your Career with Emmy-Winning Journalist Lindsey Mastis 49:05

2M ago49:05

49:05

Send us a text What does it take to walk away from a successful career to build one that aligns with your passion and future? In this episode, Emmy-winning journalist Lindsey Mastis shares her journey of leaving a 20-year career in tv news, to create an independent reporting career focused on AI and emerging technology. If you’ve ever wondered how …

1
Find Your Calling: What Your 3 a.m. Wake-Up Call Is Trying to Tell You S5E02 16:13

2M ago16:13

16:13

Find Your Calling: What Your 3 a.m. Wake-Up Call Is Trying to Tell You Have you ever woken up at 3 a.m. with your mind spinning — questioning your career, your purpose, or whether you’re meant for something more? Those quiet middle-of-the-night moments aren’t random. They’re often the truest whispers of your calling… showing up before the world get…

1
Emotional Stamina, Embracing Our Truth, and The Power of Step by Step 46:45

2M ago46:45

46:45

Feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure how to begin the next chapter? In this episode we sit down with longtime friend and powerhouse coach Katie Benway to explore what it takes to really begin a shift. Katie shares powerful tools for building emotional stamina, telling yourself the truth, and letting go of the need for certainty. Whether you're in …

1
318: The Six Skills Every Mid-Career Professional Needs for 2026 24:09

3M ago24:09

24:09

Send us a text The ground keeps moving and for mid-career professionals, that shift feels sharper than ever. As we approach 2026, success will hinge on your ability to adapt, communicate strategically, and lead through change. In this episode, leadership and career transition coach John Neral breaks down six essential skills that will define your v…

1
Career Evolution & Previously Impossible Stories: Erich Archer on Cutting-Edge Video Editing, Finding Your AI Force Multiplier, & Diving Into a Scene 37:56

3M ago37:56

37:56

What if you could find the intersection of cutting technology with your personal passion and expertise? And what if you could develop a reputation for learning, experimentation, and generously sharing your knowledge along the way? Well, that's exactly what you'll learn from today's guest, Emmy-winning television producer Erich Archer. He's has spen…

1
317: Running on Empty: How to Lead, Work, and Live with More Clarity and Calm 24:42

3M ago24:42

24:42

By John Neral

1
The Power of the Pivot: Letting Go to Create Space for Your Calling S5E01 18:25

3M ago18:25

18:25

I'm back! After a nine-month pause, I’m excited to return to the microphone to share what I’ve been working on, the lessons I learned, and what’s next for the show. In this episode, I explain why the break was necessary to finish my new book, Discovering Your Calling. I also share a significant pivot in my business: the decision to stop developing …

1
From Hollywood to Hydrogen: A Playbook for Reinvention 34:04

3M ago34:04

34:04

What does it take to really reinvent your career? This week's episode features a detailed breakdown of exactly that. After decades of success as a Hollywood producer, and later blending entertainment and tech in Silicon Valley, Derek Stoops found himself at a crossroads. Not long after launching his own production company, the phone stopped ringing…

1
316: The 4 C's of Effective Leadership Presence 21:42

3M ago21:42

21:42

Send us a text Have you ever been told you “lack executive presence” but never received a clear explanation of what that means? You’re not alone. For many mid-career professionals, this overused buzzword becomes a frustrating barrier to promotions and leadership opportunities. In today’s episode of The Mid-Career GPS Podcast, John Neral challenges …

1
The Truth About Career Identity & Turning Sunk Costs Into New Chapters 41:26

3M ago41:26

41:26

By mid-career, Karen Kelly has reinvented herself more times than most people dare to dream. From ad agency burnout in New York City, to scrubs and red tape as a speech pathologist, to moonlighting as a photographer, to running a seven-figure media business, to CMO and later President of a tech company, to volunteer community organizer and change-m…

1
315: Free Speech, At-Will Employment, and Protecting Your Career 19:15

3M ago19:15

19:15

Send us a text The line between personal expression and professional consequences has never been more blurred. With recent headlines putting workplace conduct and public statements in the spotlight, many mid-career professionals are asking a tough question: Could what I say cost me my job? In this episode of The Mid-Career GPS Podcast, we unpack wh…

1
The Great 40-Year Career Makeover: Your Ultimate Guide to a Fulfilling Next Chapter 19:54

3M ago19:54

19:54

Are you ready for a career change at 40? This comprehensive episode of The Mid-Career Makeover Show is your ultimate guide to navigating a successful career change in your 40s and beyond. Whether you're experiencing a career change at 30, career change at 35, career change at 45, career change at 50, or even a career change at 55, this episode prov…

1
What it's really like working in pro sports, and why it's such an incredible training ground for marketing and media pros 57:29

3M ago57:29

57:29

What is it really like to work in professional sports? Most of us only see the highlights: the packed arenas, the high-profile players, the big sponsorships. But behind the scenes, sports is one of the most intense training grounds in business. It is relentless, unpredictable, and filled with lessons that few other industries can offer, especially …

1
314: Interview Tip: How Personal AI Stories Make You Memorable in Interviews 19:19

3M ago19:19

19:19

Send us a text At some point in your career, you will be asked how you’ve used AI. Most candidates will talk about optimizing resumes or practicing interview questions, but what if your answer could be more memorable? In this episode, I share a deeply personal story about saying goodbye to my beloved cat, Amy Farrah Meowler, and how I turned to Cha…

1
Tools for Creative Leadership and The Power of Conviction 48:58

4M ago48:58

48:58

If you’re leading a company, department, or team, this conversation is for you. If you’re running your own consultancy, doing fractional work, or guiding clients in your role at an agency, you’re in the right place. And if you believe in the power of self expression and the opportunity to make an impact by leaning into your own creativity, yes, thi…

1
313: When Being Qualified Isn't Enough with Gina Riley 38:00

4M ago38:00

38:00

Send us a text Why do some highly qualified candidates land the job while others get passed over? The answer often lies in how well they tell their career story. In this episode of The Mid-Career GPS Podcast, Career Transition Coach and Forbes Coaches Council member Gina Riley, joins me to share insider strategies from her experience at Intel and a…

1
The Hard Truth of Soft Skills: How to Be More Creative and Be Kind To Yourself In The Process with Heather Doyle Fraser 58:02

4M ago58:02

58:02

In a year of research on the nature of work and mid-career evolution, one word keeps surfacing: compassion. Compassion for others, yes. But more importantly, self-compassion. It's essential for sustained performance at work, and essential for navigating the messy middle of mid-career. This week’s guest reinforces that idea and expands our understan…

1
Salary Negotiation Secrets for Mid-Career Professionals (That Actually Work) 12:58

4M ago12:58

12:58

Unlock the secrets to successful salary negotiation as a mid-career professional with this essential episode of The Mid-Career Makeover Show. Host LaVonne James dives deep into strategies that actually work, helping you overcome common hurdles like the 'loyalty tax,' imposter syndrome, and the fear of asking for more. Learn how to confidently align…

1
312: How One Mid-Career Professional Landed His Ideal Job After 125 Applications with Chris Bond 37:31

4M ago37:31

37:31

Send us a text If you’re in the middle of a job search and feeling frustrated by the lack of responses, this episode is a must-listen. Today, I’m joined by Chris Bond, who candidly shares the data from his six-month job search in 2025. His story sheds light on what’s working, and what’s not, in today’s competitive mid-career job market. Chris appli…

1
Making Moves in Mid-Career: A Deeply Honest Take From a Senior Brand Leader 58:29

4M ago58:29

58:29

How do you find career clarity when everything feels uncertain? Frank Hwang - now Senior Director of Marketing at Viking Range and formerly a brand and marketing leader at SharkNinja, Sperry, EF Education First, Timberland, Cannondale, and more - has navigated multiple transitions, including a recent move from full-time to consulting and back into …

1
311: FAQ About Mid-Career Job Search Frustrations: How to Stay Confident, Stand Out, and Move Forward 23:17

4M ago23:17

23:17

Send us a text Are you tired of sending out job applications and hearing nothing back? Wondering if you’re overqualified or not qualified enough? If you’re a mid-career professional struggling in today’s competitive and employer-driven job market, this episode is for you. In this episode of The Mid-Career GPS Podcast, I’m answering some of the most…

1
He had a thriving marketing business in high school, then skipped college and built a content agency for pro athletes and top brands 1:13:01

4M ago1:13:01

1:13:01

He had a full client roster, was running paid media campaigns, and building lead gen systems before he could legally vote. Aaron Wagenheim had already lived two distinct career chapters before most of us had even picked a major. First came digital marketing. Then came the pivot: helping high school athletes build personal brands before NIL had full…

1
310: Level Up Your Leadership: Michelle Myers’ Proven Strategies for Women to Stay Visible and Influential 34:35

4M ago34:35

34:35

Send us a text In 2025’s rapidly shifting workplace, women leaders face a unique set of challenges: staff cutbacks, fewer advancement opportunities, and the persistent shadow of imposter syndrome. For mid-career professionals, the pressure to remain visible, relevant, and confident has never been higher. In this episode of The Mid-Career GPS Podcas…

1
10 AI Tools Mid-Career Professionals Should Be Using to Boost Productivity and Visibility 16:23

4M ago16:23

16:23

This episode of The Mid‑Career Makeover Show dives deep into the AI revolution reshaping mid‑career success. Host LaVonne McIver James counts down 10 essential AI tools that help mid‑career professionals enhance productivity, elevate their personal brand, and stay competitive in today’s rapidly evolving job market. You’ll hear how ChatGPT‑5 can dra…

1
309: Build Your Mid-Career Networking Strategy Now 23:05

5M ago23:05

23:05

Send us a text If you’re a mid-career professional feeling stuck in your job, the thought of “networking” might make you cringe. Maybe it feels transactional, forced, or just plain awkward. But when networking is done “right,” it doesn’t feel like networking at all. In fact, it can be fun and energizing. In this episode of The Mid-Career GPS Podcas…

1
From morning radio to agency owner to CEO of a game-changing healthcare startup: leading different in mid-career 50:51

5M ago50:51

50:51

Brad McNamara has created companies, built teams, and learned how to lead differently at mid-career. We start this episode by diving into Brad’s unlikely journey from on-air personality at Boston’s top station to becoming an agency owner, to serial entrepreneur, and current CEO of a truly innovative healthcare startup. We talk about the difference …

1
308: Quick Fixes Don’t Work for Your Mid-Career Job Search (And What to Do Instead) 24:34

5M ago24:34

24:34

Send us a text Are you tempted by the bold career promises flooding your social media feed like “land your dream job in 30 days” or “double your income using AI”? For mid-career professionals navigating job dissatisfaction, these flashy shortcuts can feel like a lifeline. But the truth? Real career growth isn’t about gimmicks. It’s about strategy, …

1
Creativity, ADHD, and How to Get the Best From Your Brain 50:22

5M ago50:22

50:22

What if the way your brain works is actually your greatest strength? In this episode of The Afternoon Shift, I talk with Lindsay Binette, founder of The Wavy Brain, a Neurodiversity Coaching & Advisory Practice supporting individuals and companies. We start with her dream career in marketing, leading culture-shaping campaigns for brands like Nike a…

1
307: Should You Use AI to Write Your Cover Letter? 5 Tips to Help You Decide 19:14

5M ago19:14

19:14

Send us a text Ever wondered if ChatGPT, or any AI tool, could just write your cover letter for you? You’re not alone. With today’s competitive job market and the pressure to stand out, many mid-career professionals are turning to AI to help speed up their application process. But here’s the truth: while AI can be a helpful tool, it’s not a shortcu…

1
Reverse Mentoring: High School Entrepreneur x Veteran Growth Marketer 45:36

5M ago45:36

45:36

Today we learn from growth marketing expert Anuj Adhiya and 16-year-old entrepreneur Sabrina Bhattacharjya as they challenge what it means to thrive in a rapidly shifting creative landscape. Anuj, who literally wrote the book on modern growth marketing, opens up about the uncertainty he feels around AI and career evolution. And his “reverse mentor”…

1
306: Boundaries, Bold Moves, and Building Your Legacy: Insights from NextUp's Rising Stars Conference 21:12

5M ago21:12

21:12

Send us a text Are you a mid-career professional wondering what legacy you’re leaving behind at work? In today’s competitive job market, career clarity and leadership presence matter more than ever. This episode of The Mid-Career GPS Podcast offers a powerful reflection on how to take ownership of your professional development and grow into the imp…

1
The #1 Thing We Get Wrong About Creativity 35:46

5M ago35:46

35:46

We often think of creativity as the output. But as Kaitlin Maud shares in this episode, creativity is actually a process. A way of thinking. A form of intelligence we all possess, and can strengthen. Kaitlin is a superstar strategist, coach, and now, licensed art therapist based in Austin, TX. Over the past decade, she’s helped shape campaigns for …