As I Was Saying - with April Simpkins

Family and business don’t always mix as easily as Sunday dinner. In this episode, April unpacks the fine line between fairness and favoritism in family-run companies where loyalty, legacy, and leadership can collide. From legal gray areas to cultural consequences, she breaks down how favoritism (even when it’s not illegal) can still harm morale, trust, and retention. Whether you’re a leader, employee, or part of the family, you’ll walk away with clear, practical takeaways to protect both your business and your relationships.

In this episode, April Simpkins discusses the importance of self-advocacy in the workplace, particularly in relation to HR's role and mental health. She emphasizes that while HR is there to assist employees, they are not therapists and cannot guarantee confidentiality. The episode provides practical strategies for advocating for oneself, including understanding company policies, knowing legal rights, and effective communication with HR and management. Simpkins also highlights the significance of documentation and using appropriate channels for requests related to mental health accommodations.

In this episode, April Simpkins discusses the hidden challenges of remote work, including its impact on mental health, feelings of isolation, blurred work-life boundaries, and the physical strain of inadequate workspaces. She offers practical tips for both leaders and employees to foster better mental health and productivity in a remote work environment. The conversation emphasizes the importance of connection, setting boundaries, and taking care of one's physical and mental well-being while working from home.

Engagement isn’t a one-time spark—it’s a temperature that rises or falls based on what’s happening in the room. And just like a thermostat, someone’s always adjusting the dial. But here’s the real question: who’s in control? In this episode of As I Was Saying, April Simpkins explores the concept of workplace engagement, likening it to a thermostat that can be controlled through effective communication and leadership. She discusses the importance of trust and clarity in fostering an engaged workforce, the different levels of employee engagement, and practical strategies for leaders to reignite engagement within their teams. The conversation emphasizes the need for purpose, recognition, and autonomy in the workplace; while also addressing the challenges of remote work and the mental toll it can take on employees. If you’ve ever walked into a meeting and thought, “Wow, it’s chilly in here—and not because of the AC,” this one’s for you.

"Good vibes only" sounds harmless—until you're crying in a bathroom stall because you dared to have a human emotion on a Tuesday. In this episode of As I Was Saying, April Simpkins peels back the glittery facade of toxic positivity and reveals the emotional cost of workplaces where only smiles are welcome. From “just be grateful” to “fake it till you make it,” we explore how constant positivity can become emotional censorship—and why that’s not wellness, it’s denial with a company logo. April shares stories from the field, insights from psychology, and even her own grief journey to make one thing clear: suppressing emotions at work doesn’t build culture—it kills it. You’ll hear the real consequences of silencing employees and the quiet harm of “cheerfulness as policy.” And of course, she offers a practical playbook for leaders and employees alike—because fixing this starts with giving people permission to be real. If your workplace vibes feel more like a stage play than a safe space, this episode is for you.

What do you get when you're part therapist, part human Google, part vending machine whisperer—and fully burned out? You get the Go-To Person. And if that’s you… whew, let’s talk. In this episode of As I Was Saying, host April Simpkins pulls back the curtain on the unspoken emotional toll of being everyone’s everything at work. From the Rockstar employee who held it all together until she couldn’t, to the leader who realized a little too late that “praise” doesn’t equal “support,” we explore the mental strain, workplace blind spots, and what happens when boundaries are ignored for too long. April doesn’t just vent—she gives you three solid action items to fix the dysfunction before your best employees walk out the door (mid-pizza party, no less). Whether you’re the go-to, manage the go-to, or just want to avoid becoming one, this episode is your reality check wrapped in wit, data, and hard-earned wisdom. Because burnout isn't a badge of honor—it's a bright red warning sign.

In the debut episode of As I Was Saying, host April Simpkins—Strategist, mental health advocate, and workplace truth-teller—shares why she launched this podcast and why mental health in the workplace is long overdue for an honest conversation.  Drawing from 35 years of experience and insights from thousands of employees and leaders, April explores how emotional strain shows up at work and why it’s more than “just part of the job.” If you've ever felt like you had to push through exhaustion just to make it through the day, this episode, this podcast is for you.

Mental health at work is messy—and we don’t talk about it enough.   I’m April Simpkins, and on this solo podcast, we’re done with the silence. I’ve spent decades watching people try to smile through burnout. Showing up at work, saying “I’m fine” when behind the mask you are mentally spiraling. I break down the silent stressors of modern work and share practical tools to help you protect your peace and your paycheck. If your job is draining your soul more than your inbox, you’re in the right place.   Hit play, subscribe, and join me bi-weekly. Let’s get into some honest takes, surprising truths, and just enough sarcasm to get you through your next team meeting.