WELCOME TO
WORK IS THIRD
A podcast for people who are done letting work take the lead.
Hosted by Dawn Hunter, Work is Third invites you to rethink the role of work in your life—and imagine something more whole, more joyful, and more human.
We believe that work isn't the main event. It's just one part of a meaningful, well-lived life. In each episode, we sit down with leaders, creatives, and change-makers to talk honestly about boundaries, rest, play, and radical self-care—and how they’re redefining success on their own terms.
Whether you're navigating burnout, building a career with intention, or just tired of the grind, you’ll find practical wisdom, inspiration, and a few well-earned laughs here.
The Movement Starts Here
This is what collective care sounds like. This podcast shines a light on the community that supports and connects us—so we all feel a little more informed, a little more inspired, and a lot less alone. With expert guests and real conversations, we share best practices, tangible tools, and stories of struggle and strength to help you build a life with more joy, more boundaries, and more room to breathe.
“I believe joy is strategic. Boundaries are radical. And work should never come first.”
Joyful rebel. Culture shifter. Boundaries enthusiast.
Dawn Hunter is the voice behind Work is Third, a podcast about rethinking work, reclaiming rest, and building lives rooted in care and connection. A public health leader and lawyer turned movement-builder, Dawn brings sharp insight, deep heart, and a healthy dose of humor to every conversation. The podcast is just one piece of her work helping people and organizations lead with intention and live with more joy.
MEET DAWN
Pause the Hustle.
Press Play.
EPISODE 1
WORK IS THIRD: THE STORY BEHIND THE PODCAST
Host Dawn Hunter opens up about the burnout, loss, and reflection that led her to reimagine her life - and create Work is Third. From productivity shame and grief to morning rituals and joy-filled boundaries, Dawn shares the real story behind the podcast’s name and her journey to reclaim rest and redefine success.
EPISODE 2
SHOWING UP AS YOUR WHOLE-ASS SELF: BEING INTENTIONAL AND BUILDING COMMUNITY WITH JAMILA WEATHERS
Jamila Weathers - joy specialist, community curator, and founder of Win Some, W(h)ine Some - joins me for a rich, real, and affirming conversation about what it means to reclaim your joy and your time. From daily affirmations in a federal workplace filled with uncertainty to nurturing sisterhood and healing through grief, Jamila shares how she’s rewriting the rules of success on her own terms
EPISODE 3 - BONUS CLIP
JOY, TRANSFORMATION, & REPROGRAMMING BELIEF WITH JAMILA WEATHERS
In this bonus clip, Jamila Weathers joins me for a rapid-fire round of questions on joy, boundaries, and belief in yourself. From saying “yes” to rest to navigating mom duties and reprogramming limiting beliefs, Jamila offers powerful reflections - with a whole lot of honesty and heart.
EPISODE 4
PROTECTING YOUR BEST SELF: MEGAN ALBERTSON ON BOUNDARIES, IDENTITY, AND JOY
How do you protect your best self in a world that demands more, faster, now? In this episode of Work is Third, host Dawn Hunter sits down with public health leader and joyful disruptor Megan Albertson for a rich, funny, and heartfelt conversation about what it means to live a purpose-driven life and why your boundaries are sacred.
EPISODE 5 - BONUS CLIP
LESSONS ON SURRENDER, GREATNESS & LETTING GO WITH MEGAN ALBERTSON
In this bonus clip from Episode 4 of Work is Third, Megan Albertson reflects on how her relationship to work, boundaries, and purpose has evolved over time. What does it mean to stay connected to your mission without becoming emotionally undone by it? What happens when the work you love starts to fall apart?
EPISODE 6
FRAZZLED, FEARLESS, AND FINDING THE MAGIC IN SAYING YES WITH DR. LINSEY GROVE
In this episode of Work is Third, Dr. Linsey Grove joins host Dawn Hunter for a joyful, insightful, and hilarious conversation about finding creativity in unexpected places, the power of third spaces, the myth of productivity, and the risks that change our lives. Plus: Godzilla, smutty fantasy books, and why bats are awesome.
EPISODE 7
FIGHT OR FOLD: INTENTIONALLY CHOOSING A LIFE OF JOY WITH DR. TONICIA FREEMAN-FOSTER
In this episode of Work is Third, Dawn Hunter is joined by Dr.Tonicia Freeman-Foster, leadership coach, cancer warrior, and unapologetic joy-seeker. They share their personal stories of survival, the healing power of Zumba, the importance of boundaries at work, and what it takes to lead ourselves first so we can lead others well.
EPISODE 8 - BONUS CLIP
TRUST THE STORY, YOURS AND THEIRS, WITH DR. TONICIA-FREEMAN FOSTER
In this powerful reflection, Dr. Tonicia Freeman-Foster shares what she’d tell her younger self—and it’s not just about being fierce or fearless. It’s about trusting your own light and giving others space to find theirs. Because sometimes, the most loving thing we can do is step back and let someone live their own story.
Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and join a growing community of people who are putting life back in focus.
DONʼT SETTLE FOR THIRD PLACE. UNLESS ITʼS WORK,
THEN DEFINITELY SETTLE.
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HEAR FROM LISTENERS
HEAR FROM LISTENERS
HEAR FROM LISTENERS
I’ve been thinking a lot about how to design a life on my own terms, so this podcast couldn’t have come at a better time. It’s the kind of conversation that makes you feel seen, and sparks the courage to actually make a change.
Motherhood broke open everything I thought I knew about work-life harmony. Listening to these stories, and hearing people name the questions I’ve been sitting with, feels like being guided back to myself.
This was awesome and such needed content right now for all us burned out folk. Looking forward to more episodes!