
Work is central to the human experience. It helps us shape our identities, care for those we love, and contribute to our communities. Work can be a source of power and a catalyst for change. Unfortunately, that's not how most of us experience work—even those who work for themselves. Our labor and creative spirit are used to enrich others and maintain the status quo. It's time for an intervention. ... more
| Publishes | Weekly | Episodes | 432 | Founded | 11 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | EntrepreneurshipPhilosophyBusinessSociety & Culture | |||

"No matter how hard you post or what sites you do it in it’s never going to be 2019 again." — Amanda Mull on Bluesky
I'm thinking about getting back on social media. Weird, I know. But (1) I have a distribution problem, and (2) it's not what it used... more
Eight months before ChatGPT launched to the world, I wrote about "the eggbeater effect," or the tendency for labor-saving tools to create new labor. Four years later, I'm revisiting that idea. Remember: just because you can doesn't mean you should.
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You can always rely on me to channel my righteous indignation at shoddy data analysis into a lengthy podcast episode.
Footnotes:
• Read the essay version of this episode.
• "How Short-Form Clips Took Over the Internet" on Galaxy Brain with Charlie... more
Another episode featuring HBO's The Pitt? You know it. This time: finding your course of action in the space between personal challenges and systemic and structural failings.
Footnotes:
• Read the essay version here.
• "Rethinking Busyness" on What... more
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Tara brings clarity and depth to complex ideas. Her episode on enabling structure is a standout—it shifted how I think about creating the right conditions for growth and evolution, both personally and professionally. Smart, inspiring, and thought-provoking in all the right ways.
I just listened to one of the newest episodes (Freedom to Buy). I appreciated the well-researched history of how we ended up with our current healthcare system. But more importantly, it left me reflecting on how I think of freedom - what it IS and what it is NOT. Such a thoughtfully produced podcast!
What Works is a game-changer for anyone rethinking the traditional work model. Each episode offers valuable insights into navigating the modern economy without losing oneself. A must-listen for entrepreneurs, independent workers, and employees seeking to redefine success in the 21st century. Highly recommend!
Tara puts into words concepts, ideas, and critiques for the modern era of creative work.
Really well-produced and written. Highly recommended!
Tara puts into words concepts, ideas, and critiques for the modern era of creative work.
Really well produced and written. Highly recommended!
Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.
How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.
Apple Podcasts | #133 | |
Apple Podcasts | #248 |
Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.
Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.
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Across recent episodes, the show probes how work and leadership shape modern life, blending philosophy, economics, and practical business insight. Listeners get thoughtful critique of productivity culture, explorations of wage dynamics, and strategies for sustainable entrepreneurship—often through guest perspectives from media, academia, and industry. Notable throughlines include the tension between independence and collaboration, the politics of labor, and a preference for systems-thinking over quick-fix hacks. The host's interdisciplinary approach and willingness to challenge conventional wisdom make it a compelling listen for founders, managers, and anyone rethinking what work should look like in the 21st century.
A standout niche is th... more
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These podcasts share a similar audience with What Works:
1. ReThinking
2. Tara Brach
3. Creative Pep Talk
4. Financial Feminist
5. The Amy Porterfield Show
What Works launched 11 years ago and published 432 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
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Recent guests on What Works include:
1. Sarah Marshall
2. Edward Elson
3. Dr. Lauren Lassabe Shepherd
4. Mauro Guillén
5. Neelai Patel
6. David Pearce
7. Sari Azout
8. Sara Petersen
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