Making Work Fun Again with Jake Brown: ADHD, Bad Bosses, and the Power of Doodling
Author, coach, and self-proclaimed workplace fun-bringer Jake Brown joins Elaine for a refreshingly honest and wildly insightful conversation. From surviving toxic bosses to teaching thousands how to doodle their way into hyperfocus, Jake shares practical tools and laugh-out-loud stories for thriving at work—especially if you think a little differently. Whether you lead a team or lead yourself, this episode will leave you energized, empowered, and maybe a little more doodle-happy.
0:00 Welcome + Meet Jake Brown
2:03 Why Fun is a Survival Skill
5:20 The Conference Moment That Changed Everything
8:40 Doodling for Dopamine: Why It Works
13:45 Skeptics Welcome: When Weird Works
18:10 How “Coworking Calls” Changed One Company’s Culture
21:40 The Book That Almost Wasn’t
27:10 Storytelling with Heart and Humor
31:35 The W.I.P.E. Framework for Work (and Life)
37:15 When You’re the Bad Boss (To Yourself)
42:00 Real Talk About Trust, Delegation, and Managing Up
47:00 Current Reads + Inspired Recommendations
50:40 How to Work with Jake (or Just Get a Good Laugh)
Resources:
Whether you’re stuck in a toxic job or just trying to make your workday feel a little less overwhelming, Jake reminds us that fun is fuel, stories are strategy, and even the messiest jobs can lead to something meaningful.
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