Grossly Competent

Steve Counsell and Patrick Aleshire
  • 5.0 (3)
  • CAREERS

Join Steve Counsell and Patrick Aleshire, your faithful - yet hideous - hosts as they share their love of Learning, Adulting, and all that is absurd in their world. If you like learning about careers, adult education, or listening to embarrassing stories from ugly people, look no further! Come for the chat, stay for the laughs, and run from their faces: they're Grossly Competent.

  1. APR 1

    Vacation, All Ugly Club Ever Wanted

    "It's very interesting...but I'm not interested."  In this episode of Grossly Competent, hosts Steve and Patrick trade their usual “grossly competent” professional advice for something a little lighter—vacations, travel, and what it really means to unplug. From Door County, WI charm to Florida Keys serenity, they break down what makes a great getaway. Spoiler: it’s less about luxury and more about slowing down, good food, and not being trapped in a tourist t-shirt vortex. Along the way, they debate hotels vs. Airbnbs, confess their mutual distrust of hostels, and firmly agree that camping is… not it. Before that, Steve makes it all about himself by announcing an upcoming speaking gig at DisruptHR (and giving Patrick full credit for his elite editing skills) while Patrick discusses the finer points of his time with the ATD (Association for Talent Development). Here are some links you might like: Kayla with NAPS Chicago The Go-Go's Vacation DisruptHR Assocaition for Talent Development (ATD)Come for the chat, stay for the laughs, and run from our faces: we're Grossly Competent! Grow Potential With Humata ConsultingEmpowering Company Success through Customized Learning and Development SolutionsHang out with Zero Proof PassMindful Drinking Starts Here - Hang out without the Hangover.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show Connect, chat, or chastise us, and here's how: Check out our website!LinkedIn: Steve LinkedIn: Patrick Follow us on Instragram: @grosslycompetentEmail: grosslycompetent@gmail.comStay Ugly out there!

    57 min

  2. MAR 25

    Inadvertent Therapy with L&D

    ... and how does that make you... feel? In this episode of Grossly Competent, hosts Steve and Patrick discuss the secret job responsibility of all Learning and Development professionals: that of built-in therapist. Is it a consequence of being a support position in the work environment? Or are they looking for an advocate? Is it because they are affiliated with HR? Or not really HR? Find out what the boys think in this episode! But first, Patrick talks about all things March Madness while Steve describes his wish of seeing Sebastian Janikowski kick a field goal with stipulations. And if that's not enough, the boys sprinkle in a few stories - some told and others teased - of almost becoming a Tolkein character and another about the dangers of sitting on escalators. Here are some random links based on the content you might find fascinating: Did you know that professional Golf used to put the fate of the world in the public's hands!Why Sebastian Janikowski making wishes come true (NSFW - Language)An absolute banger: Frodo of the Nine FingersEscalators are basically Satan's playthingCome for the chat, stay for the laughs, and run from our faces: we're Grossly Competent! Grow Potential With Humata ConsultingEmpowering Company Success through Customized Learning and Development SolutionsHang out with Zero Proof PassMindful Drinking Starts Here - Hang out without the Hangover.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show Connect, chat, or chastise us, and here's how: Check out our website!LinkedIn: Steve LinkedIn: Patrick Follow us on Instragram: @grosslycompetentEmail: grosslycompetent@gmail.comStay Ugly out there!

    1 hr

  3. MAR 18

    Let's Circle Back on Worn-Out Work Tropes

    In this episode of Grossly Competent, hosts Steve and Patrick taking an in-depth look at Worn-Out Work Tropes. Y'know, those tired old phrases and ideals that get tossed around the workplace that have lost all purpose and meaning like trying to play a cassette tape on a smart speaker. What do they actually say about your organization and why do they keep getting used? Listen in and find out! But first, Patrick continues to regale us with his newfound and continuous fame while Steve panders to potential event organizers in an attempt to get Grossly Competent LIVE and on the road. Come for the chat, stay for the laughs, and run from our faces: we're Grossly Competent! Grow Potential With Humata ConsultingEmpowering Company Success through Customized Learning and Development SolutionsHang out with Zero Proof PassMindful Drinking Starts Here - Hang out without the Hangover.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show Connect, chat, or chastise us, and here's how: Check out our website!LinkedIn: Steve LinkedIn: Patrick Follow us on Instragram: @grosslycompetentEmail: grosslycompetent@gmail.comStay Ugly out there!

    50 min

  4. MAR 11

    Flying Into the Invisible Curriculum

    In this episode of Grossly Competent, hosts Steve and Patrick dive into the psychological world of Invisible Curriculums as they present themeslves in professional environments. What are they? How do they come into being? What do they mean? And what type of effect do they have on the growth of employees and the company overall? Join the boys while they dissect this topic to give you a better understanding of your own professional environments. Speaking of environments, Patrick shares his newfound respect of mosh pits and spares no expense slowly and carefully chirping at Steve into explaining why this episode was recorded off-schedule. And it's definitely 'for the birds'. Interested in some of the topics covered? Here are some links for ya! Avatar and their toe-tapping song 'Hail the Apocalypse'The Doorway Effect or Location Updating EffectThe Power of Habit by Charles DuhiggNavigating the Hidden Curriculum - Notre Dame LearningJulie Menden - Executive Forum extraordinaireSara Valentine - HEART LEadership Podcast (Say hi from Steve and Patrick!)Come for the chat, stay for the laughs, and run from our faces: we're Grossly Competent! Grow Potential With Humata ConsultingEmpowering Company Success through Customized Learning and Development SolutionsHang out with Zero Proof PassMindful Drinking Starts Here - Hang out without the Hangover.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show Connect, chat, or chastise us, and here's how: Check out our website!LinkedIn: Steve LinkedIn: Patrick Follow us on Instragram: @grosslycompetentEmail: grosslycompetent@gmail.comStay Ugly out there!

    1h 3m

  5. MAR 4

    State of the Grossly Address: Celebrating 25!

    In this episode of Grossly Competent, hosts Steve and Patrick take some time to reflect on the last 25 episodes and discuss favorite episodes and moments. This isn't merely a self-serving episode - No! No! - instead, it's an opportunity to reflect on what has worked well, what could be improved, and future aspirations: the very spirit of Learning and Development. As per typical, Steve cheats on his list and Patrick offers up a riveting new segment: Tales of the Gross-ery Store! And if all of that wasn't entrancing enough, you can hear the boys sing a fantastic, non-copyright version of Happy Birthday to a special listener! Come for the chat, stay for the laughs, and run from our faces: we're Grossly Competent! Grow Potential With Humata ConsultingEmpowering Company Success through Customized Learning and Development SolutionsHang out with Zero Proof PassMindful Drinking Starts Here - Hang out without the Hangover.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show Connect, chat, or chastise us, and here's how: Check out our website!LinkedIn: Steve LinkedIn: Patrick Follow us on Instragram: @grosslycompetentEmail: grosslycompetent@gmail.comStay Ugly out there!

    43 min

  6. FEB 25

    They Came For the Chat: Lynell Meeth Interview!

    In this episode of Grossly Competent, Steve and Patrick welcome L&D and 'Real Talk' HR Royalty, Lynell Meeth! From her wealth of knowledge and experience, Lynell shares her views on Learning and Development, HR trends, and the benefits of finding and seeking opportunities in spaces previously unknown. It's a great conversation filled with light-hearted jabs, sincere anecdotes, and an unexplainable shared experience of being locked in mundane places. Want to get in touch with Lynell? Click here! Happen to be in the New York area and looking to support an incredible dance group (that also happens to be Lynell's son)? Here you go! Come for the chat, stay for the laughs, and run from our faces: we're Grossly Competent! Grow Potential With Humata ConsultingEmpowering Company Success through Customized Learning and Development SolutionsHang out with Zero Proof PassMindful Drinking Starts Here - Hang out without the Hangover.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show Connect, chat, or chastise us, and here's how: Check out our website!LinkedIn: Steve LinkedIn: Patrick Follow us on Instragram: @grosslycompetentEmail: grosslycompetent@gmail.comStay Ugly out there!

    1h 6m

  7. FEB 18

    The KISS Method (Keep It Simple, Steve)

    On this Valentine's Day, it's important to KISS (or Keep It Simple, Stupid). In this episode of Grossly Competent, hosts Steve and Patrick provide a nice overview of how important it is to Keep It Simple (KISS) the topic you are discussing when leading others or facilitating groups. (Don't think for a second the irony is lost on Steve and Patrick telling everyone how to keep things concise and simple for the masses.) Before that, Patrick shoots for a chance at redemption from his woes of locked bathroom doors and ultimately adds more to the heap of things adults should not do. Steve does his best to keep things PG and not get the episode flagged by the looming censor-monster of Apple Podcasts. Come for the chat, stay for the laughs, and run from our faces: we're Grossly Competent! Grow Potential With Humata ConsultingEmpowering Company Success through Customized Learning and Development SolutionsHang out with Zero Proof PassMindful Drinking Starts Here - Hang out without the Hangover.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show Connect, chat, or chastise us, and here's how: Check out our website!LinkedIn: Steve LinkedIn: Patrick Follow us on Instragram: @grosslycompetentEmail: grosslycompetent@gmail.comStay Ugly out there!

    1h 6m

  8. FEB 11

    Two Ugly Guys Give (Ugly) Advice

    We never said it was 'good' advice, but it is definitely advice. In this episode of Grossly Competent, hosts Steve and Patrick discuss advice for facilitators that they believe everyone should know, from being prepared versus memorizing, establishing intent of your sessions, giving A.L.E. to your audience, and not using your session as a means to hold a captive audience for your sales pitch. But before that, the boys commiserate about what it would be like if regular people were a part of the Winter Olympics thanks to a tweet from Bill Murray many years ago. Bill Murray's Tweet about including an Average Person in all Olympic events Come for the chat, stay for the laughs, and run from our faces: we're Grossly Competent! Grow Potential With Humata ConsultingEmpowering Company Success through Customized Learning and Development SolutionsHang out with Zero Proof PassMindful Drinking Starts Here - Hang out without the Hangover.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show Connect, chat, or chastise us, and here's how: Check out our website!LinkedIn: Steve LinkedIn: Patrick Follow us on Instragram: @grosslycompetentEmail: grosslycompetent@gmail.comStay Ugly out there!

    1h 3m
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5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Join Steve Counsell and Patrick Aleshire, your faithful - yet hideous - hosts as they share their love of Learning, Adulting, and all that is absurd in their world. If you like learning about careers, adult education, or listening to embarrassing stories from ugly people, look no further! Come for the chat, stay for the laughs, and run from their faces: they're Grossly Competent.

Information

  • Creator
    Steve Counsell and Patrick Aleshire
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    29
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Grossly Competent
  • Show Website
    Grossly Competent