Why Does It Feel So Wrong To Be Human At Work?

Ep 08 | Why Does It Feel So Wrong (Or Good) to Gossip?

Episode Summary

Let’s be honest – when someone says, “Don’t tell anyone, but…” – you lean in. Gossip is a natural part of work culture, but is it harmless bonding or a trust killer? In this episode, Chris and Pinaki dig into why we love to spill the tea, when gossip strengthens connections, and when it turns toxic. Can workplace rumors be used for good? Let’s find out.

Episode Notes

Season 2, Episode 8: Why Does It Feel So Wrong (or Good) to Gossip at Work?

Episode Description

“Don’t tell anyone, but…” As soon as you hear those words, you lean in. Gossip—it’s irresistible, unavoidable, and often misunderstood.

In this juicy and thoughtful episode of Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Be Human at Work?, hosts Pinaki Kathiari and Chris Lee explore the complicated nature of gossip in the workplace. Is it toxic? Is it therapeutic? Or is it something in between?

They dig into:

Why gossip is inevitable—and maybe even necessary
The fine line between venting and tearing others down
How gossip builds bonds but can break trust
The role of culture, leadership, and communication gaps in fueling rumors
When to use gossip strategically (yes, really)
Why being left out of the loop feels like exile

From The Office’s Michael Scott and family drama to internal comms campaigns and informal influence networks, this episode is both lighthearted and layered, offering a refreshingly human take on a taboo topic.

Timestamps

00:00 – “Don’t tell anyone, but…”: Why we love secrets
02:00 – Family gossip, cultural roots, and generational drama
04:30 – Defining gossip: How it’s different from information
06:30 – Gossip as a spectrum: From malicious to useful
08:00 – Psychology Today search exercise: Three expert takes on gossip
10:30 – Why it’s satisfying to gossip (and why it’s so human)
13:00 – When managers weaponize gossip
15:00 – Constructive vs. corrosive: Who gossip serves and hurts
17:00 – Gossip as intel: Can it help you navigate people and decisions?
20:00 – Gossip as comms strategy: Using the “whisper network” intentionally
22:00 – What poor communication breeds: Rumors, not results
25:00 – How leaders can stop spinning and start listening
27:00 – Heart rate, fear, and sarcasm: Signals we might be miscommunicating
29:00 – Do some leaders avoid the truth? Why transparency matters
32:00 – Wisdom That Feels So Right + final thoughts

Wisdom That Feels So Right

Mic-Drop Moments

“Gossip is how humans download each other’s software updates.”

“If I’m talking about you to someone else, I’ve either already told you—or I’m ready to tell you now.”

“The more fear in your words, the less clarity in your message.”

Connect with Us

Pinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn | Local Wisdom

Chris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher Communication

Special Thanks

Much love to Local Wisdom for building a home for digital communication unicorns and celebrating 25 years of real talk and strong teams. Huge appreciation to Brielle Saracini for producing this podcast and to our amazing audio crew at SBX Productions (Vince, Taylor, and Bill) for keeping us crisp.

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going

Did this episode make you rethink how you talk about others—or yourself—at work? Got a gossip story with a twist? Share your take, tag us, or drop a DM. And if your team’s ready to tackle human workplace truths in a workshop or at your next conference, check out whydoesitfeelsowrong.com.