On this episode, we’re diving into the importance of play — and how bringing more joy, laughter, and connection into your work life might just be the key to creating a healthier, happier you.

Joining us is our special guest, Blake Cohen. Blake is an incredible Corporate Speaker, TEDx Speaker, and Work Culture Expert whose mission is to transform workplace dynamics by fostering connection, purpose, and joy. He brings a powerful blend of lived experience and academic insight, currently pursuing his doctorate in Leadership and Organizational Psychology, with a master’s in Leadership and a bachelor’s in Psychology already under his belt.

Before focusing on executive coaching, corporate speaking, and consulting, Blake worked in the mental health and recovery space, helping people rebuild their lives and rediscover purpose. He’s also a best-selling author and the host of The Workplace Wonderer podcast, where he explores what it really means to feel human at work.

In our conversation, we talk about how leadership, culture, and authenticity all intersect — and why embracing play, laughter, and human connection in the workplace isn’t just “nice to have,” but essential for well-being.

WHAT WE’RE TALKING ABOUT:

• Why play and joy aren’t distractions — they’re powerful tools for better work
• The link between leadership, trust, and company culture
• How to recognize burnout and micromanagement
• Blake’s journey from recovery to leadership
• What neuroscience says about laughter, creativity, and connection at work
• How to bring more fun, authenticity, and humanity into your day-to-day

Blake's Links:

• Visit Blake's website: https://blakeevancohen.com/
• Watch Blake's TedX Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQF_kmOcJt0
• Follow Blake on Instagram: blake_e_cohen
• Connect with Blake on LinkedIn

Support the show

• Support The Underwire Podcast!:
  If you enjoy our episodes and would like to help keep the show running, consider supporting by "buying me a coffee (it's like a Pateron). You can donate $5 once or become a monthly member for only $5 or $10 at buymeacoffee.com/theunderwirepod. Your support means the world and helps to continue bringing you inspiring content!
  
  
• All links in LINKTREE <---!
• Curious about 1:1 coaching? Start HERE!
  
  
• If you liked this episode, please leave a comment, share and give a 5 star rating to help reach more listeners
  
  
• Contact:
  • Email: TheUnderwireOfficial@gmail.com
  • DM: TheUnderwireOfficial on Instagram

On this episode, we’re diving into why most productivity tools keep failing us—and the fix you didn’t know you needed.

Ever feel like you’re working twice as hard just to keep up—like everyone else got the manual for life except you? The truth is, most “perfect” systems were never designed for how your brain actually works.

In this episode, I’m joined by my longtime friend Matt Canning—a technologist, entrepreneur, ex–Fortune 50 executive, former touring musician, and the founder & CEO of NoPlex.ai, the first productivity and personal organization system built specifically for adults navigating ADHD and anxiety.

We dive into:

• Why traditional productivity tools miss the mark for so many people and why NoPlex is different
• How to design systems that work with your brain instead of against it
• The role of strengths, weaknesses, and the people you surround yourself with
• The understanding that multi-millionaires are JUST people too
• Plus, a mysterious musical talent of Matt's

If you’ve ever felt like “staying organized” is an uphill battle—or you’re ready to ditch the one-size-fits-all approach to productivity—this episode is your permission slip to find a system that finally sticks.

RESOURCES & LINKS:

• Check out NoPlex HERE! (and receive a complimentary coaching session for signing up!):
  • 🔗 https://www.noplex.ai/underwire
• Follow NoPlex on Instagram:
  • 📸 noplex.ai — https://www.instagram.com/noplex.ai/
• Join the NoPlex Reddit Community:
  • 👥 https://www.reddit.com/r/NoPlex/

Keywords: productivity tools, ADHD systems, personal organization, mental wellness, workflow design, NoPlex, productivity hacks, anxiety tools, systems that stick

Support the show

• Support The Underwire Podcast!:
  If you enjoy our episodes and would like to help keep the show running, consider supporting by "buying me a coffee (it's like a Pateron). You can donate $5 once or become a monthly member for only $5 or $10 at buymeacoffee.com/theunderwirepod. Your support means the world and helps to continue bringing you inspiring content!
  
  
• All links in LINKTREE <---!
• Curious about 1:1 coaching? Start HERE!
  
  
• If you liked this episode, please leave a comment, share and give a 5 star rating to help reach more listeners
  
  
• Contact:
  • Email: TheUnderwireOfficial@gmail.com
  • DM: TheUnderwireOfficial on Instagram

On this episode, we’re diving into what it really takes to build something from the ground up—creatively, consistently, and without a roadmap.

Joining me is my good friend Mike McGinnis, a veteran of the South Jersey and Philly hardcore scene. Mike is the founder of Knife Hits Records and Heavy Claw Shipping, two self-made businesses rooted in the same DIY mentality that shaped him through years in the punk and hardcore scenes.

Mike’s one of those people who just does the thing, and this convo pulls back the curtain on what it actually looks like to be your own boss, navigate self-doubt, make messy progress, and build something sustainable while staying true to who you are.

He also shares how perfectionism might be the reason you’re stuck, and why just talking about your big idea isn’t the same as actually doing the damn thing. We also talk about the power of taking breaks, what to do when self-doubt creeps in, and how beating a rented video game in 36 hours (yes, really) might have been early training for the kind of grit it takes to run a business.

Follow Mike and check out his work:

• knifehitsrecords.com
• heavyclaw.com
• Rid of Me on Spotify
• Fight Amp on Spotify

WHAT WE'RE TALKING ABOUT:

• The origin stories behind Knife Hits Records & Heavy Claw Shipping
• Owning your self-doubt without letting it run the show
• How urgency culture and outside pressure can sabotage your decision-making
• The power of small steps
• How music + DIY ethics shaped his work ethic
• Practical ways to reset your brain when you’re stuck
• Why talking about ideas can be a sneaky trap

A HUGE THANK YOU TO MY MONTHLY “BUY ME A COFFEE” SUPER SUPPORT SQUAD SUBSCRIBERS:

• Chrissy Duffin
• Sean Downing

• ALL LINKS HERE
• Instagram: @TheUnderwireOfficial
• Now on TikTok!: @TheUnderwireOfficial
• 1:1 Coaching: START HERE to Learn More!

Support the show

• Support The Underwire Podcast!:
  If you enjoy our episodes and would like to help keep the show running, consider supporting by "buying me a coffee (it's like a Pateron). You can donate $5 once or become a monthly member for only $5 or $10 at buymeacoffee.com/theunderwirepod. Your support means the world and helps to continue bringing you inspiring content!
  
  
• All links in LINKTREE <---!
• Curious about 1:1 coaching? Start HERE!
  
  
• If you liked this episode, please leave a comment, share and give a 5 star rating to help reach more listeners
  
  
• Contact:
  • Email: TheUnderwireOfficial@gmail.com
  • DM: TheUnderwireOfficial on Instagram