The Corporate Cliché Podcast

Episode Overview
This week, Jess and Jen share jaw-dropping HR horror stories—from bizarre performance feedback to court room drama, poop deliveries, and more. Tune in for shocking workplace stats, hilarious anecdotes, and practical tips to survive corporate chaos.
Got your own HR Nightmare? Email us at thecorporateclichepodcast@gmail.com or DM us on Instagram at @thecorporateclichepodcast.
What to Expect
Why HR Nightmares Resonate: You’re not alone—61% of U.S. employees have witnessed workplace discrimination.
Wild Stories:
Fired for not being “fun”
Finger swirl coffee shop drama
Poop deliveries, IT audits, and aggressive customers.
Practical Tips:
Handling criticism professionally.
Staying calm with difficult coworkers or customers.
Navigating workplace harassment and retaliation.
Call to Action
Got a story to share? Send it to thecorporateclichepodcast@gmail.com or DM us on Instagram!
If you loved this episode, share it with a friend and leave us a rating and review. See you next time!

Welcome back to the Corporate Cliché podcast! Join Jess and Jen as they dive into the realities of corporate life through relatable and unfiltered watercooler conversations.
In this episode, we’re tackling a foundational topic: Existential Crisis in Corporate.
🔥 Episode Highlights:
✅ Defining Existential Crisis
Inner conflict, anxiety, and questioning the meaning of life and work.
Common triggers: major life changes, societal pressures, and philosophical contemplation.
✅ Our Personal Experiences
Jess shares a harrowing story about receiving a death threat while working as a mortgage loan officer, which made her question her career.
Jen recounts her postpartum struggle of returning to work after just three weeks, highlighting the emotional toll of inadequate maternity leave.
✅ Signs You’re Experiencing an Existential Crisis at Work
Feelings of emptiness despite external success.
Disconnection from your work and social circles.
Questioning your purpose and sense of futility.
✅ The Pandemic’s Influence on Corporate Mindsets
Shift in priorities toward personal happiness and work-life balance.
Data shows that 26% of American workers planned to leave their jobs after the pandemic, with Millennials leading at 34%.
✅ Generational Perspectives on Existential Crisis
Boomers: Mid-life crisis realization after decades at the grind.
Gen X & Millennials: Burdened by student debt and societal expectations.
Gen Z: Prioritizing boundaries and refusing to settle for toxic environments.
✅ Callout to Corporate Leaders
Encourage empathy, provide adequate parental leave, and foster a culture that values the well-being of employees.
🛠️ Tips to Navigate an Existential Crisis:
💡 Get to the Root of the Issue – Identify what’s causing your dissatisfaction. 🧘 Embrace the Present Moment – Practice mindfulness and gratitude. 📚 Reflect and Journal – Gain clarity by exploring your thoughts. 🎨 Pursue a Passion Project – Channel your energy into something fulfilling. 🤝 Connect with Others – You’re not alone. Seek support from your network.
💬 Key Takeaways:
Feeling stuck, unrefreshed after a break, or questioning your path? You may be experiencing an existential crisis.
You’re not alone. Many around you may be feeling the same way—reach out and talk about it.
You have resources and options. Explore different paths, connect with mentors, and prioritize your well-being.
👥 Join the Conversation!
🔗 Engage with Us: We’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences! Reach out to us and share your own existential crisis moments or how you navigated them.
🎧 Listen & Subscribe: Don’t miss future watercooler conversations—subscribe now on your favorite podcast platform!
📝 Rate & Review: If you’re loving Corporate Cliché, leave us a review to help others find the show!

In Episode 3 of The Corporate Cliché Podcast, Jess interviews Jen, exploring her personal journey from childhood resilience to corporate success, and her quirky passions like Zelda and Disney adventures. Jen shares valuable lessons on self-advocacy, preparation, and finding joy, inspiring listeners to take control of their careers and cherish what makes them unique.
Key Moments:
Meet Jen:Utah-raised, mom of two boys, dog mom to Italian Greyhounds, gamer, and Disney fan.
Fears & Fun:Clowns creep her out, but she’s swum with hammerhead sharks. Loves Zelda and Fortnite for the adventure and puzzles.
Corporate Lessons:Jen shares how advocating for herself led to better pay and career growth. Key advice: be your own hero.
Embarrassing Moment:Her childhood award-winning story (hint: it involves candy wrappers and an unforgettable moonlit moment).
Zombie Survival Skills:Jen’s prepping game is strong, but survival? TBD.
Life Mantra:“I trust life to bring me my highest good.”
Key Takeaways:
Advocate for yourself—don’t wait for recognition.
Affirmations can align you with your goals.
Prep for the unexpected (zombies or otherwise).
Make career moves that inspire you - trust your gut!
Connect With UsFollow us on Instagram @TheCorporateClichePodcast and share your icebreaker stories! Don’t forget to rate, review, and share with your work bestie.
🎧 Thanks for tuning in—see you next week!

In this episode, Jess shares her journey, from navigating Corporate life without a degree to pursuing her passions and embracing a growth mindset. She emphasizes the value of curiosity, authenticity, and learning while sprinkling in personal insights, including her love for cheeseburgers, travel, and avoiding Grizzly bears!
Episode Highlights
Who is Jess Combs?A wife, mom of two, and main provider—but also a fun-loving, spiritual, and curious person who sings loudly in the car.
Passions & PersonalityObsessed with personality tests and astrology (Capricorn sun, Leo moon). A 1-3 Generator in Human Design who thrives on curiosity and learning.
Life LessonsMoving every two years as a child built resilience and adaptability, shaping Jess’s outlook on change.
Proud MomentsThriving in corporate life without a degree, marrying young, and living passionately with her family.
Bucket ListVisiting all 50 states, living abroad, and building this podcast.
Biggest Fears & LessonsDying young, brain aneurysms, and—dark humor—grizzly bears. Corporate wisdom: keep learning, invest effort where it’s reciprocated, and live life fully.
Key Takeaways
Success doesn’t require a degree—create your journey.
Lifelong learning fuels growth.
Match your energy to what you receive.
Live life with purpose, determination and humor (beware of grizzly bears).
Connect with UsFind us on Instagram @TheCorporateClichePodcast. Share, rate, and subscribe! Thanks for listening—see you next week!

Welcome to The Corporate Cliché Podcast! In this first episode, co-hosts Jen + Jess share the story behind the podcast and their mission to bring relatable, unfiltered conversations about the ups and downs of corporate culture. They introduce the show’s goals, structure, and why they’re excited to connect with listeners on navigating the 9-to-5.
Key Moments
Meet the HostsJess and Jen share their excitement about launching The Corporate Cliché and discuss how a spontaneous conversation turned into the idea for this podcast. They bonded over their experiences in corporate life and a shared passion for helping others thrive in the workplace.
Our Career Journeys
Jess: From starting work without a college degree to eventually launching a bakery, Jess’s winding career path taught her resilience and adaptability.
Jen: Starting her career early and working through various roles while completing her MBA, Jen brings years of experience and a deep desire to empower others in corporate settings.
The Podcast’s MissionWith over 20 years of combined experience, Jess and Jen aim to provide relatable stories, advice, and a supportive community for those working in corporate. Their goal is to turn surviving the 9-to-5 into thriving, empowering listeners to feel less alone in the corporate landscape.
Podcast Structure
Future episodes will cover:
Corporate 101 – Tips to help you thrive at work.
HR Nightmares – Listener-submitted stories.
Work-Life Balance – Insights into the hosts’ lives outside work.
Watercooler Conversations – Honest talk about corporate clichés.
Be Bold Series – Interviews with special guests.
Book Club – Books that shaped their personal and professional lives.
Takeaways
Jess and Jen’s authenticity and humor set the tone for a podcast that aims to provide both laughs and valuable insights into corporate life. They’re here to support listeners through the highs, lows, and clichés of the workplace.
Connect With UsFollow us on Instagram @thecorporateclichepodcast, share this episode with a friend, and let us know your thoughts. Thanks for joining us on this journey into The Corporate Cliché!