The Hilariously Unemployed

Hosted by Dana Duckworth

Business Comedy Education Health FitnessInterviews guests

Episodes

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About the show

Welcome to "The Hilariously Unemployed" podcast, your ultimate guide to conquering job loss with humor and wisdom! 🎉 In this debut episode, hosted by the brilliant Dana Duckworth AKA Speak Up Dana we're bringing you the funniest layoff stories that will leave you in stitches! 😆 Join our hilarious guests as they recount their most unforgettable experiences bidding farewell to the daily grind. But wait, there's more! 🚀 We're not just here to entertain; we've got some profound expertise to share. Get ready for game-changing recruiting advice that will skyrocket your job search success. 🚀 From crafting attention-grabbing resumes to mastering the art of interview charm, our insider tips will make you the top candidate in any room! Unemployment doesn't have to be a gloomy road; it can be a journey of self-discovery and growth! 🌱 Join us as we explore the power of humor in facing career challenges and how a positive mindset can lead to new opportunities. 😊 🎧 Tune in now to "The Hilariously Unemployed" and transform your job hunt into an adventure of laughs and triumphs. Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe to spread positivity far and wide! 🌟

Listen to episodes

39 recent

51 min

Beyond Titles

In this empowering episode of Hilariously Unemployed, your favorite opportunity seeker, The Big Speaker, sits down with powerhouse tech executive, author, and authentic leadership champion Suezette Yasmin Robotham.Fresh off the release of her new book Beyond Titles: Fearlessly Leading As Your Authentic Self, Suezette opens up about the unexpected layoff that collided with her book launch, the shock of suddenly becoming the person she wrote this roadmap for, and the freedom that comes with redefining success on your own terms.Together, we dig deep into what it really means to lead with authenticity, how to rebuild your identity when the job title disappears, and why so many Black women are reevaluating corporate spaces altogether. Suezette shares insights from her two-decade career in tech and education, the values that anchor her next chapter, and how we can all cultivate careers rooted in intention instead of survival.If you’re navigating a transition, craving clarity, or simply trying to remember who you are outside of your job, this conversation will meet you right where you are. Grab your notebook this episode comes with homework, healing, and a whole lot of truth.Get the Book: Beyond Titles: Fearlessly Leading as Your Authentic Self : available on Amazon, Audible, Barnes & Noble, and wherever you get your reads.Companion workbook and additional resources: suezette.comDisclaimer:The views and opinions expressed by guests on the Hilariously Unemployed podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the show’s host, production team, or affiliates. All content provided is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Listeners are encouraged to form their own opinions and make independent decisions based on personal research and judgment.

50 min

Scam Likely

In this episode of Hilariously Unemployed, your favorite opportunity seeker, The Big Speaker, sits down with returning guest Jay Jones, “The Profiler,” who has made it his mission to expose the growing world of job scams and recruitment fraud.As scammers become more sophisticated, job seekers are being targeted in new and unsettling ways. Jay breaks down how fake recruiters use emotional manipulation, false validation, and convincing digital tactics to exploit people searching for work. Together, we will explore how to recognize red flags, verify real opportunities, and protect your peace while navigating today’s unpredictable job market.From recruiter “love bombing” to fake interviews and offer letters, this conversation reveals what’s really happening behind the scenes and how to take your power back.If you’re currently job searching or simply want to sharpen your awareness, this episode will give you the tools and insight to stay one step ahead.Learn More About How To Stay Safe During Your Search: The Profiler Protection AgencyThe views and opinions expressed by our guests on the Hilariously Unemployed podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the show's host, production team, or affiliates. All content provided by guests is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. Listeners are encouraged to form their own opinions and make independent decisions based on their own research and judgment.

40 min

The Layoff Journey: From Dismissal To Discovery - Author Steve Jaffe

In this episode of Hilariously Unemployed, your favorite opportunity seeker The Big Speaker sits down with Steve Jaffe, author, speaker, and marketing veteran who has faced four layoffs and lived to write the book about it—The Layoff Journey: From Dismissal to Discovery.From navigating the stages of grief after job loss to finding faster, healthier ways to bounce back, Steve shares his honest experiences and the coping skills that helped him recover each time. Together, we unpack why layoffs carry so much stigma, how to break free from shame, and what it really takes to move forward with confidence.We talk about the myths of “fault,” the emotional rollercoaster of being let go, and why nearly 40% of Americans will experience a layoff in their career.If you’ve been laid off, know someone who has, or just want to be prepared for the unpredictable, this one is for you.The views and opinions expressed by our guests on the Hilariously Unemployed podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the show's host, production team, or affiliates. All content provided by guests is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. Listeners are encouraged to form their own opinions and make independent decisions based on their own research and judgment.

57 min

Choosing the Change

In this episode of Hilariously Unemployed, your favorite opportunity seeker The Big Speaker sits down with Jenna Hasenkampf, a creative strategist and former product manager who has navigated multiple career pivots with purpose and honesty. From leading brand and content work to choosing to walk away on her own terms, Jenna shares what it looks like to own your change.We talk about the pressure to stay productive, the challenge of sitting still, and how clarity often comes when we finally stop chasing titles.Whether you're at a crossroads or quietly planning your next move, this one is for you.The views and opinions expressed by our guests on The Hilariously Unemployed podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the show's host, production team, or affiliates. All content provided by guests is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. Listeners are encouraged to form their own opinions and make independent decisions based on their own research and judgment.

47 min

Lady NOKIDS

In this episode of Hilariously Unemployed, your favorite opportunity seeker, Big Speaker, sits down with the bold and brilliant Christine Burns. She’s a leadership facilitator, team dynamics expert, and the creator of Lady NoKids. Christine’s story is full of career pivots, corporate truths, and the kind of wisdom that comes from being laid off, getting back up, and deciding to define success in her own way.Christine shares the unexpected moment she got laid off for the first time after years of climbing the HR and consulting ladder. What followed was a season of deep reflection and reinvention. Instead of returning to a traditional role, she built two powerful ventures fueled by curiosity, purpose, and a desire to create meaningful change.💼 From accounting to consulting to global HR 🎯 The phone call that ended one chapter and started a more authentic one 💡 Unlearning old ideas of success and building a life with more freedom and impact 🌸 Why she started Lady NoKids and what it means to live boldly without childrenThe Big Speaker is back with another story of reinvention and truth telling. If you’re in a moment of career limbo, trying to find clarity, or curious about what happens when you finally bet on yourself, this one’s for you.The views and opinions expressed by our guests on The Hilariously Unemployed podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the show's host, production team, or affiliates. All content provided by guests is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. Listeners are encouraged to form their own opinions and make independent decisions based on their own research and judgment.

51 min

Employee Of The Month

In this episode of Hilariously Unemployed, your favorite opportunity seeker, Big Speaker, sits down with the dynamic Natasha Thakkar Founder & CEO of Moksha Marketing a brand storyteller, startup survivor, and former tech sales queen who has lived every twist the tech world could throw at her and still came out shining. She’s the definition of a multi-pivot powerhouse.In this episode, Natasha breaks down her non-linear, absolutely relatable career journey:💼 From dreaming of being a news anchor to suddenly managing marketing analytics (and executive calendars ) in Silicon ValleyThe Big Speaker, is back for another round of laughs, lessons, and letting go of corporate delusions.]Whether you're mid-pivot, post-layoff, or low-key wondering if it's time to bet on yourself, this one’s for you.The views and opinions expressed by our guests on The Hilariously Unemployed podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the show's host, production team, or affiliates. All content provided by guests is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. Listeners are encouraged to form their own opinions and make independent decisions based on their own research and judgment.

48 min

The Corporate Athlete

In this episode of Hilariously Unemployed, your favorite opportunity seeker, Big Speaker, sits down with the dynamic Chess Jakobs, Head of Social Impact at Culture Amp.Together, they dive into Chess's journey from cleaning homes and landscaping in high school to leading global responsibility initiatives at major organizations like Niantic Labs (creators of Pokémon GO) and LiveRamp. Chess opens up about the realities of navigating layoffs, survivor's guilt, and how he's built a career grounded in purpose, strategy, and authentic leadership.From building impactful DEI programs to balancing vertical career leaps at a young age, Chess shares candid insights on what it means to be a “corporate athlete” and sustain success in a rapidly changing workforce.The views and opinions expressed by our guests on The Hilariously Unemployed podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the show's host, production team, or affiliates. All content provided by guests is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. Listeners are encouraged to form their own opinions and make independent decisions based on their own research and judgment.

48 min

UnTold Impact

In this episode of Hilariously Unemployed, your favorite opportunity seeker, Big Speaker, sits down with the inspiring Alana Cheeks-Lomax, co-founder of Untold Impact. Together, they explore Alana’s bold leap from her corporate role as Global Head of Inclusion and Diversity at Cash App to building a mission-driven startup focused on unlocking potential in underrepresented communities.Alana shares her journey of transformation, resilience, and purpose, candidly discussing what it takes to bet on yourself and embrace change. From navigating uncertainty to creating authentic connections for multicultural consumers, Alana's insights offer inspiration and actionable advice for anyone considering a bold career move.🔑 Key Takeaways:How to trust your intuition and take the leap into entrepreneurship.The importance of mission-driven work and community impact.Strategies for building authentic connections with diverse audiences.Connect with Untold Impact: untold-impact.comThe views and opinions expressed by our guests on The Hilariously Unemployed podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the show's host, production team, or affiliates. All content provided by guests is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. Listeners are encouraged to form their own opinions and make independent decisions based on their own research and judgment.

34 min

"Get Me Hired Kristi"

In this episode of Hilariously Unemployed, your favorite opportunity seeker, Big Speaker, sits down with the phenomenal Kristi, the powerhouse behind Get Me Hired Kristi. Together, they unpack the realities of layoffs, building personal brands, and breaking into the tech industry.Kristi shares her candid journey from layoff uncertainty to becoming a trusted voice for job seekers, offering actionable advice for navigating today’s job market. From optimizing your LinkedIn profile to leveraging transferable skills, Kristi's insights are a game-changer for anyone looking to level up in their career.🔑 Key Takeaways:The importance of personal branding for job seekers.Kristi’s strategies for finding remote and entry-level opportunities in tech.The views and opinions expressed by our guests on The Hilariously Unemployed podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the show's host, production team, or affiliates. All content provided by guests is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. Listeners are encouraged to form their own opinions and make independent decisions based on their own research and judgment.

48 min

The Joi of Recruiting

In this episode of Hilariously Unemployed, Big Speaker Dana Duckworth sits down with "The Joiful Recruiter," to talk all things job hunting and career resilience! Joi shares her previous experiences with layoffs, the realities of job searching without a degree, and how she bounced back to find success in talent acquisition. 🎙️✨Together, they dive into the importance of building genuine rapport with recruiters, navigating career setbacks, and the steps job seekers can take to stand out in competitive markets. Joi provides invaluable tips from her recruiting lens on how to position yourself effectively and avoid common job-hunting pitfalls.🔹 Topics Covered:Building Trust with RecruitersNavigating Layoffs and Career GapsTips for Job Seekers from a Recruiter's PerspectiveCareer Resilience and Personal BrandingThe views and opinions expressed by our guests on The Hilariously Unemployed podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the show's host, production team, or affiliates. All content provided by guests is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. Listeners are encouraged to form their own opinions and make independent decisions based on their own research and judgment.