This type says, "Woe is me." They aren't necessarily looking for a solution; they are looking to be seen. It’s often childlike behavior lingering in adults. They need validation, and unfortunately, they’ve learned that the squeaky wheel gets the grease.

Remember when making friends was as simple as sharing a swing set? You’d ask, "Do you like blue?" They’d say, "Yes!" And boom, best friends for life. As Marty pointed out, we were thrust into environments like school and neighborhoods where proximity did all the heavy lifting. We had ten best friends because we saw them every single day. Fast forward to adulthood. We have colleagues, gym buddies, and other parents at drop-off, but the glue of proximity isn't as strong. We

Marty and Derek dive deep into the financial traps, the emotional toll, and the liberating power of stepping out of the race. If you've ever bought something just to impress people you don't even like, this episode is a wake-up call you need to hear.

Stop making excuses. If your team misses a target, take responsibility. If you make a bad call, admit it openly. Vulnerability isn't weakness; it's the ultimate proof of strength. When you hold yourself accountable, you give your team permission to be honest too.

Why do we put so much pressure on January 1st? As Marty points out, it’s an arbitrary date we’ve all agreed is the "starting line." But psychologically, it acts as a massive reset button. This brings a surge of hope and anticipation; the feeling that this is the year everything changes. We picture the 2.0 version of ourselves: fitter, wealthier, happier.

The beauty of email drip campaigns is their versatility; they’re not confined to email alone. With a little adaptation, they can easily transform into phone scripts, face-to-face sales pitches, or even video presentations. The key is to remember that selling, when done ethically and with genuine passion, isn’t about pushing, it’s about connecting. When you have a product or service that truly helps people, why not enjoy the process of presenting it? Every “yes” starts with a

In this special Encore Episode, Marty tackled the topic of catastrophizing, our tendency to imagine the worst-case scenario in every situation. Joined by his sons, Nate and Luke, the trio shared personal stories, like locking themselves out of an Airbnb or dealing with workplace frustrations, to illustrate how we often blow things out of proportion. Through humor and heartfelt discussions, they reminded listeners that most problems aren’t as catastrophic as they seem.

This episode is packed with moments that will have you grinning ear to ear. Marty’s hilarious tale of re-gifting the same potpourri set for three years straight (yes, really!) and Tiffany’s childhood Christmas memories of giving her grandma a book of stamps are just a few of the gems. These stories aren’t just funny, they’re relatable, heartwarming, and a reminder of the joy that comes from giving and connecting with others.

Great leaders are like emotional Jedi. They’re self-aware, manage their emotions like pros, and know how to read the room. They make people feel valued, heard, and supported. When leaders focus on emotional intelligence, magic happens, like happier teams, lower turnover, and fewer awkward “I quit” emails.

Hidden within his controversial advice are timeless pearls of wisdom about leadership, motivation, and loyalty. Machiavelli was obsessed with stability, how a leader could build a state that lasts. In the modern business world, what is employee retention if not the pursuit of stability? It's about creating an organization so strong, so compelling, that your best people choose to stay, contribute, and grow with you. By reframing his core principles, we can uncover powerful, po

Think about it: When you ask a question, you aren't slowing the team down; you are ensuring the job gets done right. You are on a quest for knowledge. You are brave enough to admit you don't know everything, and that is a hallmark of true confidence.

I remember being in a workshop once, completely lost as the presenter explained a complex theory. My heart pounded. Should I just nod along? Instead, I took a deep breath and raised my hand. "I'm sorry," I said, "I'm a bit of a dufus with this topic. Could you explain it another way?" The presenter smiled, and a few other people visibly relaxed. My question unlocked a simpler explanation that helped not just me, but half the room. Being honest didn't make me look silly; it ma

Resignation Season Prep is the career equivalent. Employees who have decided to leave in the New Year begin their job search long before they give notice. They are quietly packing their professional parachutes while still on your payroll. The signs are subtle, but they are there if you know what to look for.

We kicked things off by diving straight into the most controversial aspect of Barnum’s legacy: his use of hoaxes. Was he a liar, a con man, or something else entirely? Nate immediately framed him not as the ultimate salesman, but as the "ultimate showman," which set the stage for a fascinating debate.

Holiday Attitude Drift is when this stress spills over into the workplace. You’ll see a noticeable shift in an employee's demeanor. They become less patient, more reactive, and emotionally checked out. Their usual positive attitude drifts into irritability. This isn’t intentional insubordination; it's a symptom of being stretched too thin.

If there’s one thing this episode proved, it’s that kindness is timeless. Marty couldn’t even get these two to argue! Their playful banter about karaoke songs and favorite musicals was a masterclass in how to communicate with warmth and humor. Chris’s advice to “be curious and open-minded” and Lauren’s suggestion to “pretend you know nothing and ask questions” are lessons we can all take to heart.

Quiet Dodging is the workplace equivalent. It’s when employees subtly sidestep responsibility, accountability, and challenging assignments. It’s not a flat-out "no." It's a "maybe later," a "let me check my calendar," or a complete disappearing act when a tough project is being discussed.

For Joe’s team, these values even spell out "TACOS" (Teamwork, Accountability, Continuous Improvement, Optimism, and Service). Marty adds that culture isn’t just for employees, it should also guide your relationships with clients and vendors.

It’s the employee who used to chime in with brilliant ideas during the 2:00 PM brainstorm but now sits silently, nodding just enough to prove they’re awake. It’s the email that gets answered tomorrow instead of today. It’s the "Not my job, not my problem" energy radiating from cubicle four.

This episode of Bacon Bits with Master Happiness is more than just a guide to dealing with difficult coworkers; it’s a reminder that we’re all human, and sometimes, a little humor and a lot of BACON can make even the toughest situations better. Whether you’re dealing with a micromanager, a free rider, or just someone who rubs you the wrong way, Marty, Tiffany, and Kevin have you covered.