Waffles Friends Work

Waffles Friends Work
  • 5.0 (2)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT

Waffles Friends Work is a values-driven leadership and personal development podcast that explores how we show up for ourselves, in our relationships, and at work. Drawing from sources ranging from Parks and Rec and The Good Place to Brené Brown and Adam Grant, Waffles Friends Work gives relatable examples and actionable takeaways for your day-to-day life. Hosted by moms, business partners, and sisters Kara Wight and Jensie Wight, the podcast is a light—hopefully funny—way to think about growing into the person you want to be. The name Waffles Friends Work comes from the Leslie Knope quote "We need to remember what's important in life: friends, waffles, work. Or waffles, friends, work. Doesn't matter, but work is third." As such, each mini-season will explore a theme and apply it to those three areas giving listeners a mix of philosophical and down-to-earth concepts to think about and try.

Episodes

  1. 12/15/2025

    Boundaries in and with Work

    Feeling a little resentful toward your job or coworkers? Maybe it's time to set some boundaries at and with work. We have a few ideas on how and where to set boundaries while staying professional and friendly at work. And some reminders on having hobbies and relationships outside of work so it doesn't become your whole life.  Takeaways Setting boundaries is crucial to prevent burnout. It's okay to not love your job all the time. Taking time off is essential for mental health. Sick days should be respected; prioritize your health. Finding hobbies outside of work can enhance life satisfaction. Work relationships can complicate professional boundaries. Intentional sharing of personal information is important. Be mindful of how much energy you give to work. Role clarity helps in managing responsibilities effectively. Over-functioning for others can lead to resentment. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Work and Boundaries 03:06 Understanding Work Resentment and Boundaries 05:48 Setting Personal Boundaries with Work 08:34 The Importance of Taking Time Off 11:35 Navigating Sick Days and Work Expectations 14:32 Creating a Work-Life Balance 17:36 Finding Hobbies Beyond Work 20:21 The Impact of Work on Personal Energy 23:22 Role Clarity and Responsibilities 26:01 The Dangers of Over-Functioning at Work 28:50 Building Healthy Relationships with Coworkers 31:53 Navigating Friendships in the Workplace 34:53 The Importance of Intentional Sharing 37:36 Setting Boundaries with Coworkers 40:24 Final Thoughts on Work Boundaries Keywords work, boundaries, work-life balance, burnout, personal growth, productivity, relationships, self-care, career, mental health

    41 min

  2. 12/12/2025

    Setting Boundaries in Our Relationships

    Summary We've talked through setting boundaries with and holding ourselves accountable, but things get a little trickier when we start involving other people. Setting boundaries helps us set our relationships up for success by reducing resentment and helping others understand how we want to be treated. Takeaways Boundaries are essential for building stronger relationships. Misusing the term 'boundary' can lead to controlling behavior. Healthy boundaries involve personal choices, not dictating others' actions. Setting boundaries can improve interpersonal dynamics. Trusting others to set their own boundaries is crucial. Boundaries can be flexible and adjusted as needed. It's important to communicate boundaries clearly and kindly. Pop culture references can help illustrate boundary concepts. Navigating boundaries in family relationships can be complex. Encouraging friends to set boundaries fosters healthier connections. Chapters 00:00 The Art of Rambling and Podcasting 02:46 Understanding Boundaries in Relationships 05:34 Misconceptions About Boundaries 08:26 Examples of Healthy Boundaries 11:20 Navigating Boundaries with Family 14:14 Pop Culture References and Boundaries 16:50 Workplace Boundaries and Friendships 19:56 Setting Boundaries with Friends 22:58 The Importance of Trust in Boundaries 25:48 The Role of Boundaries in Self-Care 28:57 The Spectrum of Boundary Violations 31:35 Encouraging Others to Set Boundaries 34:40 The Flexibility of Boundaries 37:11 Final Thoughts on Boundaries Keywords boundaries, relationships, self-care, communication, personal growth, podcasting, friendships, family dynamics, workplace boundaries, emotional intelligence

    33 min

  3. 12/12/2025

    How to Set Boundaries

    Keywords boundaries, accountability, self-care, personal growth, relationships, emotional health, setting limits, self-awareness, communication, personal development Summary This episode covers the 3 steps to setting boundaries: identifying where we need to set a boundary, determining what the boundary should be, and enforcing those boundaries. Setting boundaries takes practice and giving yourself grace—like so many other things in life. Takeaways Boundaries are essential for personal accountability. You are the only one responsible for holding your boundaries. Start small when setting boundaries to build confidence. Identify areas in your life where you feel drained or resentful. Enforcing boundaries can be challenging but is necessary for self-care. Expect pushback when setting boundaries, especially from those who benefit from your lack of them. Communicate your boundaries positively to maintain relationships. Jealousy can arise in others when you set boundaries they can't or won't. Teaching boundaries to others is part of the process. Give yourself grace as you navigate the complexities of boundary setting. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Boundaries 02:48 Understanding Boundaries and Accountability 04:12 Identifying When to Set Boundaries 05:59 Starting Small with Boundaries 08:34 Practical Examples of Setting Boundaries 10:51 Enforcing Boundaries with Others 12:54 Teaching Boundaries to Children 14:37 Final Thoughts on Boundaries

    32 min

  4. 12/12/2025

    How Do We Hold Ourselves Accountable?

    Keywords accountability, boundaries, emotional honesty, self-compassion, personal development, Ted Lasso, Brene Brown, leadership, emotional bandwidth, values-driven leadership Summary We think accountability partners are great tools, but what if you could be your own accountability partner? By taking the time to understand why you aren't doing the things you want to do instead of beating yourself up, you can become reliable to the most important person: yourself. Takeaways The intention of the season is to explore boundaries. Setting boundaries requires understanding accountability. Curiosity is key in accountability relationships. Emotional labor is involved in being accountable. Emotional honesty is a skill to develop. Shame can hinder accountability and personal growth. Recognizing reasons versus excuses is crucial for accountability. Self-compassion is essential in holding oneself accountable. The best version of oneself looks different every day. Resources like Brene Brown can aid in understanding shame. Titles Navigating Accountability and Boundaries The Power of Self-Compassion in Leadership Sound bites "Curiosity solves a lot of problems." "Shame is like a flesh-eating bacteria." "The best looks different every day." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Values-Driven Leadership 00:32 Exploring the Theme of Accountability 03:51 The Role of Accountability Partners 07:45 Becoming Your Own Accountability Partner 09:22 Understanding Emotional Bandwidth 12:01 The Impact of Emotional Honesty 15:22 Dismantling Shame in Accountability 19:22 Reasons vs. Excuses in Accountability 28:41 Reclaiming Accountability for Yourself

    33 min

  5. 11/15/2024 · BONUS

    Holiday Values Hitlist

    Yes, they are here already. We know it's overwhelming to get through the holiday season and there's a lot of pressure on moms to Do It All. What we'd like to propose is using your values to guide your prioritization and schedule this holiday season. By focusing on what really matters to you and your family and consciously letting some things go, you can relieve some of the busy-ness of the season. Jump in to hear some ideas on being intentional about your holidays and get what matters most on your calendar this year.  Download your Holiday Values Hitlist HERE.

    21 min

  6. 01/02/2024

    Episode 7: How Can Your Values Help You Set Better Goals?

    In this final episode (probably really this time) of season one, Kara and Jensie break down the official Waffles Friends Work tried, proved, tested, and approved five-step goal setting process. By aligning your goals with your values, you'll have more success in completing those goals. Why? Because when you anchor those goals in who you are and what really resonates with you, you'll focus those goals on things that YOU want. Not the goals you think you should have (or what's trending on TikTok). Listen in to learn the 5 steps and how your values are key to setting the right goals for you.

    44 min

  7. 11/10/2023

    Episode 6: What Are Slippery Behaviors?

    Catch up with Kara and Jensie a couple of months after they recorded the first 5 episodes. They have some thoughts and experiences to share after thinking through personal values, including some challenging conversations they had and what they learned. Listen in to see how they're working to live their values AND learn how "slippery behaviors" can help you identify where you're starting to veer off the path of living your values.  Get all the resources from this episode on our website.

    44 min

  8. 09/06/2022

    Episode 1: What are Values and Why Do They Matter?

    In the first episode of Waffles Friends Work, Kara and Jensie set the table for a rich season-long discussion of personal values. After convincing you that articulating your personal values is a worthwhile endeavor, they give some ideas on how to actually figure out what your values are. Using examples from their own personal values, you'll learn that no two people share the same values or the same route to finding out what those values are. Also, find out why Kara admires Leslie Knope so much, what Jensie admires in The Dude from The Big Lebowski, and why most of their family is obsessed with the parents from Easy A. Get all the resources from this episode on our website.

    55 min

  9. 09/06/2022

    Episode 2: How Do You Show Up for Yourself?

    How does knowing your values improve your self-care? In this episode, Kara and Jensie make the case that knowing your values is self-care and finding ways to honor them makes your self-care practice much more effective. With practical examples from their own values and self-care practices to a story on being mansplained on how to drink more water, join them to get some ideas on how to incorporate your own values into how you show up for yourself every day. Self-care looks different for everyone, just ask Tom, Donna, and Ben from Parks & Rec—then find a way to treat yo self. See all resources and show notes on our website.

    46 min

  10. 09/06/2022

    Episode 3: How Do You Show Up in Relationships?

    Showing up for ourselves and in our values can have a profound impact on our relationships. By knowing who we are, we allow the people in our lives to love us as we are, not as who we think they want us to be. And, in turn, gives us the perspective to love those around us as they want to be loved. In this episode, Kara and Jensie cover resentment and self-betrayal along with ways to identify both and most importantly, what to do when you find yourself in either space. Jump in to hear some ways to start small in learning to trust your gut and how to communicate with loved ones early and often. Find all the resources and other goodies from this episode on our website.

    46 min

  11. 09/06/2022

    Episode 4: How Do You Show Up at Work?

    Living your values at work can be really tricky! Between navigating coworker relationships, leading a team, and even feeling comfortable and safe in your workplace, work can really be the "testing ground" for your values. In this episode, Kara and Jensie talk about ways to identify self-betrayal at work, how to course correct when you need to make changes, and how knowing your values can improve your experience at work. They also (finally) talk about the relationship that inspired this whole project: Leslie Knope and Ron Swanson from Parks and Recreation. Get all the references and resources on our website.

    49 min

  12. 09/06/2022

    Episode 5: How Do You Pull it All Together?

    In the final episode of this first season, Kara and Jensie give a full round-up of personal values and how they impact the ways we show up for ourselves, in our relationships, and at work. From starting small to doing it anyway, they run through some of the highlights of the season with a reminder that there is no such thing as balance. We're all just making it up as we go and doing the best we can, and understanding our personal values can give us a starting point for making small and big decisions. Thanks again to everyone for joining in for this first season! Get all the notes and goodies from this episode on our website.

    36 min
  • 12 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Waffles Friends Work is a values-driven leadership and personal development podcast that explores how we show up for ourselves, in our relationships, and at work. Drawing from sources ranging from Parks and Rec and The Good Place to Brené Brown and Adam Grant, Waffles Friends Work gives relatable examples and actionable takeaways for your day-to-day life. Hosted by moms, business partners, and sisters Kara Wight and Jensie Wight, the podcast is a light—hopefully funny—way to think about growing into the person you want to be. The name Waffles Friends Work comes from the Leslie Knope quote "We need to remember what's important in life: friends, waffles, work. Or waffles, friends, work. Doesn't matter, but work is third." As such, each mini-season will explore a theme and apply it to those three areas giving listeners a mix of philosophical and down-to-earth concepts to think about and try.

Information

  • Creator
    Waffles Friends Work
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025
  • Show Website
    Waffles Friends Work