Life in the Layoff

Madelyn Sugg
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Careers
  • Biweekly

Life in the Layoff is a podcast about what happens when you stop waiting for the “right time” and just start. After being laid off from her nine-to-five fintech job, host Madelyn Sugg is open to anything and everything. Each week, she sits down with self-starters across industries who have taken bold leaps of their own. From creatives launching passion projects to professionals reevaluating their careers, each episode explores the messy, honest, often unexpected reality of building something new. Whether you’ve been laid off, feel stuck, or are simply ready for a change, this is a space for anyone interested in taking the first step even without knowing exactly where it leads.

Episodes

  1. 1d ago

    Launching a Private Security Business with Eric Kennedy-Smith

    Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! Eric Kennedy-Smith is an entrepreneur in Zanesville, Ohio. He keeps a nine-to-five at Capital One and also runs WOKS Private Security, a company he started this year with a close friend. He is also an online hobby shop owner and a foster parent. In this conversation he explains why he likes having backup income when "you never know what tomorrow brings." Inside this episode: How a local artist's event request turned into a security businessLicensing, insurance, invoicing (Eric recommends Zoho Books) and what it takes to add services like process serving and private investigationWorking with a trusted business partner, and why Eric starts as an LLC owner with a plan to reassess laterFinding clients, including what has and hasn't worked on LinkedIn and FacebookWhat private security involves: access control, first response, de-escalation, and the "post orders" that define each contractEric's ideal contracts, like warehouses and distribution centers, and why he'd start with six-month termsPractical advice for new business owners: do your research, set realistic expectations, get a P.O. box and a burner number If you're thinking about starting something on the side, this episode is for you. Eric's business currently serves clients in Ohio only. You can find him by searching WOKS Private Security on Facebook.

    Launching a Private Security Business with Eric Kennedy-Smith

  2. Sep 17

    Creative Writing with JT Jones

    Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! Most people think a layoff means one path: either leap all in on your dream or stay stuck in survival mode. JT Jones proves there’s a third way—and it might be the most sustainable one for creative people trying to build something real. Poet, writer, and Tulsa creative JT Jones sits down to unpack what happened after a company merger upended his job, how he chose to stay and pivot internally, and why that decision pushed him back toward poetry, horror writing, and showing up in his local arts scene. The result is a conversation about financial reality with work that actually matters to you. You’ll discover: - How a corporate merger and forced location closure became the wake-up call that changed JT’s relationship to work - Why poetry became his “fun” writing—and eventually the thing Tulsa started recognizing him for - How open mics, writer groups, book clubs, and random coffee shop conversations are building real creative opportunity - Why writing every day only works when you stop waiting to feel inspired and start using deadlines, page goals, and small daily wins JT also shares the hard part nobody talks about: trying to create while working evenings, sacrificing PTO just to show up, and mentally switching between analytical job mode and creative mode. This episode matters if you’re wondering how to keep your creative life alive while your paycheck still depends on a day job. It’s especially useful for writers, artists, and anyone trying to build a name locally while juggling time, energy, and uncertainty. If you need a reminder that community, consistency, and a little creative stubbornness can open real doors, this one belongs in your queue. Perfect for anyone who’s trying to make art without blowing up their entire life. JT Jones can be found on Instagram at @atomic.sonnet and on Substack at Sublime Curation.

    Creative Writing with JT Jones

  3. Aug 14

    Freelance Writing with Faith Harl

    Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! Today my guest is writer and Tulsa native, Faith Harl. This episode explores Faith’s career pivot into freelance work, the side hustles she uses for supplemental income, her relationship with media, and her passion for community. Enjoy, and thank you for tuning in!

    Freelance Writing with Faith Harl

  4. Jul 29

    Graphic Design with Josue Saucedo

    Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! Today my guest is Josue Saucedo. We chat about his career in graphic design, including his recent layoff and decision to launch his own agency. We’ll discuss what he looked for when choosing a business partner, how he runs his business, and what advice he would give to someone else. This was a great episode and I hope you enjoy. Thank you for tuning in!

    Graphic Design with Josue Saucedo

  5. Jul 29

    Welcome to Life in the Layoff

    Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! Hello and welcome to Life in the Layoff! We have a short solo episode for you today, all about me (your host) and my recent journey. I’ll share a little bit about my career background, recent layoff, and what brought me to creating this podcast. I hope you enjoy, and hope you tune in for more! Thank you for listening.

    Welcome to Life in the Layoff
  • 5 Episodes

About

Life in the Layoff is a podcast about what happens when you stop waiting for the “right time” and just start. After being laid off from her nine-to-five fintech job, host Madelyn Sugg is open to anything and everything. Each week, she sits down with self-starters across industries who have taken bold leaps of their own. From creatives launching passion projects to professionals reevaluating their careers, each episode explores the messy, honest, often unexpected reality of building something new. Whether you’ve been laid off, feel stuck, or are simply ready for a change, this is a space for anyone interested in taking the first step even without knowing exactly where it leads.

Information

  • Creator
    Madelyn Sugg
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    5
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Madelyn Sugg 2026
  • Show Website
    Life in the Layoff