The People Work Podcast

Alyssa Anderson Hicks
  • 4.7 (15)
  • Careers

For service providers, caregivers, and leaders who do people-centered work — and want to find joy in it.The People Work is a weekly podcast hosted by Alyssa Hicks — hairstylist, educator, mentor, travel agent, and someone who has spent her entire career showing up for people. This podcast exists for everyone in the service industry, healthcare, hospitality, education, and care work who loves what they do and still finds it heavy sometimes.Because here's the truth nobody talks about enough: when your work revolves around people, joy doesn't come automatically. It's something you practice. And connection — true, human, intentional connection — is the most important skill you'll ever develop in this kind of work.Every week, Alyssa brings honest conversations, real stories, and practical tools to help you:→ Choose joy deliberately — even on the hard days→ Connect more deeply with the people you serve→ Lead yourself and your team with grace and intention→ Protect the calling that brought you to this work in the first placeWhether you're a hairstylist, a nurse, a salon owner, a teacher, a caregiver, or anyone who serves people for a living — this podcast was made for you.Finding joy, purpose, and peace in people-centered work.New episodes every week. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts.

Episodes

  1. Sep 2

    10 Episodes, 10 Truths: The Lessons That Are Shaping This Podcast

    Episode 10 — 10 Episodes, 10 Truths: The Lessons That Are Shaping This Podcast Ten episodes in. I can't believe we're here. When I started The People Work, I had one goal: to say out loud the things that people-centered workers feel but nobody ever names for them. Ten episodes later, I'm still doing that — and you are still showing up. This episode is a celebration of that. I'm pulling the ten biggest takeaways from the first ten episodes — the lessons that have stayed with me, the ones you've responded to most, and the truths I want every single person who does this kind of work to carry with them. This episode covers: - Why showing up for others every day is something truly extraordinary - Joy as a deliberate practice — and what that actually looks like - The difference between serving someone and connecting with them - What Friday energy teaches us about workplace culture and openness - The Grace Method — Pause, Remove, Respond — and why it changes everything - How to unpack the emotional weight of people work before it unpacks you - Why intentional time away makes you better at the work you love - Why clarity is one of the kindest things you can offer your team - What your hands are doing beyond the skill and the technique - The one truth that ties all ten episodes together If you are new here — welcome. Start here and then go back to the beginning. If you have been here since episode zero — thank you. This one is for you. — CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction — ten episodes, ten truths 03:22 Connection as the core of meaningful work 04:52 Friday energy and what it teaches us 05:41 The Grace Method — pausing and responding with intention 06:31 Unpacking the emotional load of people work 07:16 The power of intentional time away 07:54 Why routine-breaking reframes everything 08:45 Clarity as an act of kindness 09:38 The healing power of presence and touch 10:39 The core truth — your work matters and deserves joy Follow and connect: 📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thepeopleworkpodcast 🎙️ Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify 🔗 Links & more: Find more connection here 📧 thepeopleworkpodcast@gmail.com — You are doing sacred work. And you deserve to find joy in it. Music Licensed through Soundstripe: UV3NPCWTXHNAO8ZO

  2. Aug 19

    What Your Hands Know: The Hidden Power of Touch in People Work

    What Your Hands Know: The Hidden Power of Touch in People-Centered Work My mom used to tell me my hands had healing in them. This episode is the one I wasn't ready to talk about until now. It's about what our hands actually do beyond the skill, beyond the technique, beyond everything we were trained for — and why the energy you bring to your work transfers through touch before a single word is ever spoken. This episode covers: - Why your hands are not just tools — they are vessels - How your internal state transfers to the people you serve whether you intend it to or not - The difference between hands that are moving and hands that are present - Why self-care is not separate from the physical work — it is the same work - What it means to show up with intention so that what flows through you is worth receiving If you work with your hands — behind a chair, at a bedside, in a classroom — this one is for you. — CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction — the unspoken power of touch 02:05 Personal stories of healing and connection 04:12 The energy transferred through touch 05:38 How self-awareness enhances service 07:12 Trusting the healing power of your hands 07:26 Closing thoughts — You are doing sacred work. And you deserve to find joy in it. Follow and connect: 📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thepeopleworkpodcast 🎙️ Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify 🔗 Links & more: Find more connection here 📧 thepeopleworkpodcast@gmail.com — You are doing sacred work. And you deserve to find joy in it. Music Licensed through Soundstripe: UV3NPCWTXHNAO8ZO

  3. Aug 5

    Burnout, Boundaries, and Starting Over: How Jen St. Gelais Went From Bedside Nurse to Travel CEO

    Episode 7 - Burnout, Boundaries, and Starting Over: How Jen St. Gelais Went From Bedside Nurse to Travel CEO "I wanted to be a nurse my entire life." And then one day, Jen St. Gelais realized it was time to make a choice. Jen is the founder and CEO of Practically Perfect Vacations — and a former bedside nurse who knows exactly what it feels like to pour everything you have into people-centered work until there's nothing left. In this conversation, she shares what burnout actually looked like for her, how she found her way to something new, and why nothing in her journey was wasted. This episode covers: - What led Jen from nursing to launching a family travel agency - How she learned to set boundaries — and why "clear is kind" changed everything - What self-care actually looks like when you're wired to take care of everyone else first - How helping others still drives her, just in a different way - What she wants to model for her children about joy, work, and a life well-lived "Nothing is ever wasted." This conversation is proof. — CHAPTERS 00:00 From nurse to CEO — the beginning of the story 07:32 Finding passion in travel and a new direction 12:39 Setting boundaries — clear is kind 18:20 Self-care and prioritizing personal well-being 23:40 The joy of helping others — a lifelong commitment — CONNECT WITH JEN 📸 Instagram: @practicallyperfectvacationsinc 🌐 Practically Perfect Vacations — New episodes every Wednesday. Subscribe so you never miss one. — You are doing sacred work. And you deserve to find joy in it. Follow and connect: 📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thepeopleworkpodcast 🎙️ Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify 🔗 Links & more: Find more connection here 📧 thepeopleworkpodcast@gmail.com — You are doing sacred work. And you deserve to find joy in it. Music Licensed through Soundstripe: UV3NPCWTXHNAO8ZO

  4. Jul 22

    The Familiarity Effect: Why Intentional Travel Makes You Better at the Work You Love

    Episode 6 - The Familiarity Effect: Why Intentional Travel Makes You Better at the Work You Love There is a stillness in Alaska that is hard to find anywhere else. Glaciers that have existed for thousands of years. Quiet that actually gets inside you. I went to Alaska and came back different. Not because I escaped my life — but because I woke up inside it. In this episode, I talk about what intentional time away actually does to you — to your nervous system, your relationships, your capacity to show up for the people who need you.  Because vacations aren't a band-aid. They're an investment in your soul. This episode covers: - What nature and stillness do to your perspective that nothing else can replicate - Why unfamiliar environments make you more self-aware - How intentional travel strengthens your most important relationships - The difference between escaping your life and waking up inside it - Why taking the trip makes you better at the work you love — CHAPTERS 00:00 The unexpected power of Alaska 00:30 Stillness and the perspective shift that comes with nature 01:42 Experiencing Alaska with someone you love 02:32 Community pride and genuine hospitality 02:56 Rethinking what a vacation is actually for 03:25 Familiarity, wakefulness, and the true purpose of travel 04:11 What it looks like to be fully present on a trip 05:03 Coming home better — to your work and your life 05:55 The power of intentional time with the people who matter 07:00 Encouragement to take the trip 07:31 Living fully awake 08:13 Closing — you are doing sacred work — New episodes every Wednesday. Subscribe so you never miss one. — You are doing sacred work. And you deserve to find joy in it. Follow and connect: 📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thepeopleworkpodcast 🎙️ Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify 🔗 Links & more: Find more connection here 📧 thepeopleworkpodcast@gmail.com — You are doing sacred work. And you deserve to find joy in it. Music Licensed through Soundstripe: UV3NPCWTXHNAO8ZO

  5. Jul 15

    Burnout in People-Centered Work: How to Stay Without Letting It Hollow You Out

    Episode 5 — Burnout in People-Centered Work: How to Stay Without Letting It Hollow You Out Burnout doesn't always look like quitting. Sometimes it looks like showing up every single day — and feeling nothing. In people-centered work, you give a lot. And that weight doesn't leave when you clock out. It accumulates. And if you never unpack it, eventually it unpacks you. In this episode, I talk about the emotional weight that comes with doing work that's all about people — and what it actually looks like to take care of yourself in a way that's real, not performative. This episode covers: - Why empathy accumulates and what that does to you over time - The difference between putting the backpack down and actually unpacking it - Why work-life balance is a myth — and what to reach for instead - Practical ways to process and release emotional weight before it becomes burnout - What authentic self-care actually looks like in people-centered work — CHAPTERS 00:00 The weight of people work 02:45 Unpacking emotional burdens 05:49 Finding balance in life and work — New episodes every Wednesday. Subscribe so you never miss one. — You are doing sacred work. And you deserve to find joy in it. Follow and connect: 📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thepeopleworkpodcast 🎙️ Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify 🔗 Links & more: Find more connection here 📧 thepeopleworkpodcast@gmail.com — You are doing sacred work. And you deserve to find joy in it. Music Licensed through Soundstripe: UV3NPCWTXHNAO8ZO

  6. Jul 8

    The Grace Method: A Three-Step Framework for Your Hardest Moments at Work

    Episode 4 — The Grace Method: A Three-Step Framework for Your Hardest Moments at Work Think about the last time you said something in the heat of a moment and immediately wished you could take it back. The question isn't if those moments will come in people-centered work. It's when. And what you do in that split second changes everything — the relationship, the room, and how you feel about yourself at the end of the day. In this episode, I'm introducing the Grace Method — my three-step framework for responding instead of reacting when the moment gets hard. This episode covers: - Why our default reactions in high-stakes moments work against us - The three steps of the Grace Method: Pause, Remove, Respond - How to separate the feeling from the fact in the middle of a difficult conversation - What it looks like to speak from a grounded, clear, intentional place - How to start applying this framework in real situations today — CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to the Grace Method 03:23 Understanding reactions vs. responses 06:16 The three steps — Pause, Remove, Respond 09:19 Applying the Grace Method in real situations 12:29 Closing and next steps — New episodes every Wednesday. Subscribe so you never miss one. — You are doing sacred work. And you deserve to find joy in it. Follow and connect: 📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thepeopleworkpodcast 🎙️ Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify 🔗 Links & more: Find more connection here 📧 thepeopleworkpodcast@gmail.com — You are doing sacred work. And you deserve to find joy in it. Music Licensed through Soundstripe: UV3NPCWTXHNAO8ZO

  7. Jul 1

    The Friday Effect: How Anticipation and Openness Create Better Workdays

    The Friday Effect: How Anticipation and Openness Create Better Workdays If you work in the service industry, you already know exactly what I mean when I say — there is nothing quite like a Friday. Something shifts. The energy changes. And suddenly it feels like everyone in the room is in it together. In this episode, I break down what's actually happening on Fridays — and why it's one of the best masterclasses in human connection you'll ever get. Because if we can figure out what makes Friday feel the way it does, we can start bringing a little more of that into every single day. This episode covers: - What makes Friday energy real — and why it's not just about the weekend - How anticipation changes the way we show up for each other - Why your team operates differently when the environment feels open and natural - Small things you can do any day of the week to create that Friday feeling — CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction — the energy you already know 00:31 Friday as a masterclass in connection and momentum 01:18 How Friday changes the atmosphere 02:12 The role of conversation and teamwork 02:42 Proactive support and what it looks like in action 03:28 The anticipation effect 04:25 How Friday shows up in mood, energy, and even how we dress 05:04 What Friday is actually teaching us about connection 06:02 The power of openness in a room 07:05 How to bring Friday energy into any day 08:23 Anticipation and permission as tools 09:08 Closing — you are doing sacred work — New episodes every Wednesday. Subscribe so you never miss one. — You are doing sacred work. And you deserve to find joy in it. Follow and connect: 📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thepeopleworkpodcast 🎙️ Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify 🔗 Links & more: Find more connection here 📧 thepeopleworkpodcast@gmail.com — You are doing sacred work. And you deserve to find joy in it. Music Licensed through Soundstripe: UV3NPCWTXHNAO8ZO

  8. Jun 24

    Human Connection Is the Most Important Skill Nobody Taught You

    Human Connection Is the Most Important Skill Nobody Taught You We talk a lot about customer service. But nobody ever taught us how to actually connect with another human being in the middle of a busy day — when we're tired, they're difficult, and the whole thing feels transactional. In this episode, I get into the difference between serving someone and actually connecting with them — and why that difference changes everything about how this work feels. This episode covers: - The real difference between serving and connecting - Three things that quietly block connection: distraction, assumption, and chasing the result over the relationship - Why slowing down and asking one more question changes the entire interaction - How connection turns a service into an experience If you work in service, healthcare, education, or anywhere people are the job — this one's for you. — CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 01:01 Serving vs. connecting 03:22 Why slowing down matters 05:14 The three barriers to real connection 11:35 How to practice connection in daily work 16:51 Why connection is the source of joy in this work — New episodes every Wednesday. Subscribe so you never miss one. — You are doing sacred work. And you deserve to find joy in it. Follow and connect: 📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thepeopleworkpodcast 🎙️ Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify 🔗 Links & more: Find more connection here 📧 thepeopleworkpodcast@gmail.com — You are doing sacred work. And you deserve to find joy in it. Music Licensed through Soundstripe: UV3NPCWTXHNAO8ZO

  9. Jun 17

    Why Joy Is a Practice, Not a Feeling: Choosing Joy in the Service Industry

    Why Joy Is a Practice, Not a Feeling: Choosing Joy in the Service Industry Nobody told me joy was something I'd have to fight for. I thought it would just be there — because I loved my work. Because I chose it. But somewhere in the middle of showing up every single day, I learned something that changed everything. Joy doesn't stay. You have to keep choosing it. In this episode, I share what that actually looks like in people-centered work — and five practical ways to start practicing joy today, even on the hard days. This episode covers: - Why joy is a skill, not a mood — and what that means for how you show up - How small moments throughout your day can shift everything - Why one hard moment doesn't get to define your whole day - How to end your day with grace instead of guilt If you work in service, healthcare, education, or anywhere people are the job — this episode is for you. — CHAPTERS 00:00 The fight for joy 01:23 Joy as a practice, not a feeling 03:22 The myth that joy should come automatically 05:14 What practicing joy actually looks like 11:35 Five ways to cultivate joy in your workday 16:51 Why connection and joy are inseparable — Follow and connect: 📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thepeopleworkpodcast 🎙️ Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify 🔗 Links & more: Find more connection here 📧 thepeopleworkpodcast@gmail.com — You are doing sacred work. And you deserve to find joy in it. Music Licensed through Soundstripe: UV3NPCWTXHNAO8ZO

  10. Jun 17

    Who I Am and Why I Started a Podcast About People-Centered Work

    Who I Am & Why I Started a Podcast About People-Centered Work Some moments stop you in your tracks. This is the one that started everything. In this episode, I share a story from a plane that completely shifted the way I see people-centered work — and why I started The People Work podcast. If you've ever felt the weight of caring for people for a living, this one is for you. This episode covers: - A moment of extraordinary grace witnessed at 30,000 feet - What it really means to do people work, and why it matters more than we think - Why this podcast exists and who it's for If you work in service, healthcare, education, caregiving, or anywhere people are the job — welcome. You're in the right place. — CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction and Alyssa's background 01:01 The story from a plane that changed everything 02:05 Witnessing grace and human connection in real time 02:57 What caregiving roles actually carry 03:57 The power of seeing the full humanity in others 04:52 Why this podcast exists 05:51 Closing encouragement — Follow and connect: 📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thepeopleworkpodcast 🎙️ Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify 🔗 Links & more: Find more connection here 📧 thepeopleworkpodcast@gmail.com — You are doing sacred work. And you deserve to find joy in it. Music Licensed through Soundstripe: UV3NPCWTXHNAO8ZO

  11. Season 1 Trailer

    The People Work Podcast

    Key Points Keywords burnout, connection, joy, service work, caregiving, podcast, people work, mental health, community, support Summary The People Work Podcast, hosted by Alyssa Anderson Hicks, addresses the challenges and joys of people-centered work. It aims to support service providers, caregivers, and leaders in navigating burnout while emphasizing the importance of connection and joy in their roles. The podcast is inspired by real-life moments that highlight the beauty and weight of this work, encouraging listeners to feel seen and understood. Takeaways Burnout can stem from the overwhelming nature of people work. Connection is essential in service-oriented professions. Joy is a deliberate practice that can be cultivated. The podcast aims to provide practical tools for listeners. Real stories and honest conversations are central to the podcast's mission. Alyssa's personal experiences shape the podcast's content. The importance of recognizing the emotional weight of caregiving roles. Listeners are encouraged to share the podcast with others in similar fields. The podcast seeks to create a community of support among service providers. Every episode aims to validate the experiences of those in people work. titles Navigating Burnout in People Work Sound Bites 00:00 "Are you feeling burnout?" Chapters 00:00 Introduction to The People Work Podcast 01:01 The Importance of Connection in Service Work 01:57 The Inspiration Behind the Podcast Music Licensed through Soundstripe: UV3NPCWTXHNAO8ZO Follow and connect: 📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thepeopleworkpodcast 🎙️ Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify 🔗 Links & more: Find more connection here 📧 thepeopleworkpodcast@gmail.com — You are doing sacred work. And you deserve to find joy in it. Music Licensed through Soundstripe: UV3NPCWTXHNAO8ZO

Trailer

4.7
out of 5
15 Ratings

About

For service providers, caregivers, and leaders who do people-centered work — and want to find joy in it.The People Work is a weekly podcast hosted by Alyssa Hicks — hairstylist, educator, mentor, travel agent, and someone who has spent her entire career showing up for people. This podcast exists for everyone in the service industry, healthcare, hospitality, education, and care work who loves what they do and still finds it heavy sometimes.Because here's the truth nobody talks about enough: when your work revolves around people, joy doesn't come automatically. It's something you practice. And connection — true, human, intentional connection — is the most important skill you'll ever develop in this kind of work.Every week, Alyssa brings honest conversations, real stories, and practical tools to help you:→ Choose joy deliberately — even on the hard days→ Connect more deeply with the people you serve→ Lead yourself and your team with grace and intention→ Protect the calling that brought you to this work in the first placeWhether you're a hairstylist, a nurse, a salon owner, a teacher, a caregiver, or anyone who serves people for a living — this podcast was made for you.Finding joy, purpose, and peace in people-centered work.New episodes every week. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts.

Information

  • Creator
    Alyssa Anderson Hicks
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    11
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The People Work Podcast
  • Show Website
    The People Work Podcast