Podcast
Career Warrior Podcast
Hosted by Let's Eat, Grandma Resume Services · EN
Chris Villanueva, CEO & Co-Founder of Let's Eat, Grandma resume service, proudly hosts the Career Warrior Podcast for job seekers of all backgrounds. You will hear job-hunting strategies from industry leaders, resume experts, and top coaches to help guide you through your career.
This show retells the stories and struggles of job seekers, industry professionals, and brave startup founders. Hear about their career pitfalls and how they climbed out of them in these episodes.
The Career Warrior Podcast covers the best career-related content by discussing all topics relevant to all entry-level applicants, mid-career candidates, and high-level executives - from the ideal resume page formatting to writing a resignation letter. We want you to become the best professional you can be in your career!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
20episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
#396) From Burnout to Joy at Work: Why Stress Isn’t a Success Strategy (with Amy Leneker)
2w ago00:33:34Tap to summarizeBurnout is often treated like a badge of honor—but what if constant stress is actually sabotaging your performance?In this episode of the Career Warrior Podcast, Chris Villanueva sits down with leadership advisor and former C-suite executive Amy Leneker, who once experienced over 100 stress-induced panic attacks in just three months while leading at the highest levels of business. Despite advising Fortune 100 companies and building a high-powered career, Amy realized she had mistaken constant stress for a meaningful life. She recently released the book: Cheers to Monday: The Surprisingly Simple Method to Lead and Live with Less Stress and More Joy, which is currently climbing best seller lists.Now a leadership consultant who has helped 100,000+ professionals and executives, Amy shares the science and strategy behind working with less stress and more joy—without sacrificing ambition or results.Together, Chris and Amy explore why high achievers often glorify stress, how burnout sneaks up on even the most successful professionals, and what leaders can do to perform at their best without sacrificing their health or happiness.You’ll also learn Amy’s practical framework for “unstressing” your work life, the surprising research behind why 79% of people perform best when connected to joy, and simple habits you can use immediately to create more clarity, focus, and energy in your career.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why ambitious professionals often confuse stress with purposeThe moment Amy realized her “dream job” had become a nightmareA powerful framework for sorting and managing different types of stressThe ABC of Joy (Awareness, Breathe, Connection) and how it impacts performanceWhether stress is actually necessary for successWhat to do when you have to work long hours but still want to avoid burnoutIf you’re a driven professional, leader, or job seeker trying to grow your career without sacrificing your well-being, this conversation will help you rethink how high performance, joy, and ambition can coexist.Resources MentionedCheers to Monday: The Surprisingly Simple Method to Lead and Live with Less Stress and More Joy (Wiley // March 24, 2026)Follow Amy on LinkedInLess Stress, More Joy Podcast Amy’s InstagramConnect with Chris, the hostLet’s Eat, Grandma — Resume writing services to help you stand out with clarity and confidence. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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#395) Stand Out in a Sea of AI Resumes
4w ago00:13:42Tap to summarizeAI resume builders are everywhere. And while they promise the “perfect resume in 2 minutes,” something interesting is happening in the job market: resumes are starting to look exactly the same.In this episode, Chris Villanueva, Founder and CEO of Let’s Eat, Grandma, breaks down what recruiters are actually seeing right now—and why the rise of AI-generated resumes is creating a huge opportunity for job seekers who know how to stand out.Chris shares his firsthand observations from reviewing resumes and testing popular AI resume tools. While many of these platforms offer slick interfaces and impressive keyword optimization, they often produce documents that feel generic, keyword-heavy, and lacking the one thing that actually gets interviews: a compelling human story.You’ll learn why relying too heavily on AI can hurt your chances, what mistakes many AI-generated resumes make, and how to craft a resume that cuts through the noise.If you’re serious about landing interviews in today’s competitive market, this episode will show you how to do the opposite of what everyone else is doing.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why many AI-generated resumes are starting to look identicalThe biggest weaknesses of AI resume buildersWhy keyword optimization alone isn’t enoughThe difference between responsibilities and real accomplishmentsHow recruiters spot generic resumes immediatelyWhy your story and context matter more than everPractical ways to make your resume uniquely yoursKey Takeaway: AI can help with editing and formatting, but it can’t replace your personal story, context, and achievements. The only way to beat the competition is to stand out—and that means going deeper than keywords and templates.Free Resume Critique: If you want expert eyes on your resume, head over to letseatgrandma.com and request your free resume critique.Unlike many tools out there, our critiques are done by real experts—not AI. You’ll also get subscribed to our newsletter for practical job search insights and updates on how hiring technology is changing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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#394) Your Job Search: Effort Doesn’t Guarantee Results | Fix Your Mentality First | Diana Pagano
Mar 3000:32:38Tap to summarizeYour Job Search: Effort Doesn’t Guarantee Results | Fix Your Mentality FirstWhen ambitious professionals hit a plateau, the instinct is simple: work harder. Add more hours. Push through.But according to my next guest, Diana Pagano, that reflex often backfires.She argues that “work harder” is often a learned pattern that keeps people busy, burned out, and stuck. In today’s careers, knowing when to stop or pull back is a competitive advantage—not a weakness.Diana is the author of The More Mindset. A first-generation Mexican American and former single mother, she spent years working seven days a week to survive—before realizing those same patterns were limiting her growth. After rewiring them, she became an international speaker and executive leader driving 500% revenue growth.Today, she coaches executives and founders on the cognitive habits that shape career growth—and why effort alone eventually stops working.Setting the StagePeople want more—especially listeners of this show (myself included). But when does that drive start working against you?Chris shares how it’s often harder to stop than to start, especially for Career Warriors—constantly adding more, rarely pulling back.Diana, you’ve lived this—working nonstop before realizing it was holding you back. What were those patterns, and how did you rewire them?What We’ll CoverWhy knowing when to stop is a competitive advantage—not a weaknessHow to recognize when it’s time to stop pushing and recalibrateAdvice for job seekers: when to persist vs. when to pivotThe difference between unhealthy career spiraling and productive reflectionANTs (Automatic Negative Thoughts): what they are and how they fuel career spiraling—and the antidoteHow to hit goals (even in sales-driven roles) without simply working harderWhat AI can never replicate in your careerResources & LinksOrder Diana’s book, The More Mindset: https://www.amazon.com/More-Mindset-Mental-Extraordinary-Results/dp/1394388683/Connect with Diana on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-pagano/Connect with Chris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-villanueva-cprw/Let’s Eat, Grandma — Resume writing services to help you stand out with clarity and confidence Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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#393) Nice Girls Don’t Get the Corner Office | An Interview with Dr. Lois Frankel
Mar 1600:41:30Tap to summarizeThis episode is for our Career Warrior Women. Since 2004, Dr. Lois P. Frankel’s New York Times bestseller has been an essential resource for women seeking advice and empowerment to stop sabotaging their careers and get ahead in the workplace. This completely updated and revised vital new 3rd edition is everything a modern working girl needs to get what she wants.Though the workplace looks different than it did twenty years ago, women still face considerable challenges that men do not.In today’s episode, we discuss talking points from the 3rd edition of Nice Girls Don’t Get the Corner Office, Dr. Lois P. Frankel teaches you how to reject the “nice girl” mentality, which manifests as a distinctive set of behaviors learned in girlhood that ultimately sabotage you as an adult, and still exists in today’s modern workplace. We’ll bring unconscious mistakes that could be holding you back in your career. Mistakes such as:Mistake #4: Believing Negative Self-Talk. Counter negative messages with positive ones. Mistake #26: Fear of Coming Across too Strong. Don’t dumb down, shut down, or tone down–be assertive! Mistake #32: Not Calling Attention to Wins. You did the work, now let the people know.Mistake #55: Poor Boundaries. If you’re going to work from home, set boundaries.Mistake #85: Doing Instead of Leading. Picking up others’ slack becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.Mistake #70: Allowing “Bropriation.” Never allow someone to claim your idea as their own.You have the power to take control of your career without being controlling, to speak your mind while still being respected, and to chase your ambitions without fear or shame.Get the book: https://www.amazon.com/Nice-Girls-Dont-Corner-Office/dp/1455546046Connect with Dr. Lois Frankel on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drloisfrankelThanks for tuning in! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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#392) How to Use AI Responsibly In Your Job Search: 6 Techniques
Feb 2300:16:17Tap to summarizeAI is everywhere in the job search—and it’s being marketed like crazy. But if you’ve tried using it, you know the truth: it’s confusing, overwhelming, and easy to misuse.In this episode of the Career Warrior Podcast, Chris Villanueva—Founder & CEO of Let’s Eat, Grandma—pulls back the curtain on how to use AI responsibly and strategically in your job search without losing your voice, your sanity, or your results.Chris breaks down where AI is powerful, where it’s dangerous, and how job seekers should actually be using tools like ChatGPT across their resume, cover letters, and outreach—especially as ATS systems continue to evolve.You’ll hear real, practical examples, including:How to use AI for job search lead generationHow AI fits into a smart job search strategy (and where it absolutely doesn’t)A breakdown of advanced search tactics (including sourcing decision-makers) and how to ethically use that dataHow to ask AI where you should apply if you’re feeling unclear or stuckUsing AI to check spelling, expose keyword gaps, and identify the right titles and nouns recruiters look forHow to tailor resume summaries and cover letters for specific roles without sounding roboticWhen AI helps creativity—and when it quietly sabotages your chancesChris also shares updates on how ATS systems are changing, what job seekers need to do differently in 2026, and why relying too heavily on AI can actually reduce intent and callbacks.RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE SHOW:👉 Get a free resume critique at letseatgrandma.com—reviewed by real experts, not AI. (You’ll also be subscribed to our newsletter for ongoing job search insights.)AI isn’t the enemy. But using it blindly might be.GOOGLE QUERY EXAMPLE IN THE EPISODE: site:Linkedin.com/in "VP of Operations" "Austin" "@gmail.com" OR "@yahoo.com” OR “@hotmail.com” OR “@outlook.com” OR “@aol.com” OR “@icloud.com"CHATGPT QUERY EXAMPLE FROM THE EPISODE: Format the data below into a table with these columns: Full name, Company name, Website URL, Email, Phone Number Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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#391) Lessons from 250,000 Trained Leaders | Ashley Herd, Former McKinsey Head of HR
Feb 900:45:03Tap to summarizeMost leaders strive for this praise but are thrown into the deep end - responsible for up to 260 meetings a year and expected to know how to motivate teams, navigate tough conversations, and drive results with little guidance. This episode is all about becoming leadership. So if you’re trying to step into a new role or even just become a better boss, this episode is for you. Today’s guest is Ashley Herd, former Head of HR North America at McKinsey, national keynote speaker, and LinkedIn Top Voice who has trained over 250,000 managers.She has a new book coming out tomorrow, February 6th entitled, The Manager Method: A Practical Framework to Lead, Support, and Get Results (February 10, 2026 // Hay House), she helps managers at every level lead with confidence, navigate challenges, build strong teams, and avoid burnout.Topics we explore in this episode: Major challenges that managers faceWhy you should challenge yourself to become a better leader. Shouldn’t real world experience be enough?How a career quilt, a collection of career experiences, can shape you as a leader.How the “Pause–Consider–Act” framework helps managers lead with confidenceWhy leaders NEED to take time offWays a manager can stop micromanaging while keeping accountability highHow AI can make leaders more human by improving communication, time management, and connectionResources MentionedORDER ASHLEY’S BOOK, THE MANAGER METHOD: Managermethod.com/bookConnect on LinkedIn with Ashley Herd: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyherd/Connect with Chris, the host: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-villanueva-cprw/Let’s Eat, Grandma — Resume writing services to help you stand out with clarity and confidence. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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#390) Why Your Resume Isn’t Getting Interviews Anymore | Top Mistakes in 2026
Jan 2000:09:29Tap to summarizeAI tools are everywhere. Resume templates are getting longer. Applications are easier than ever to submit. And yet—fewer people are getting interviews.In this episode of the Career Warrior Podcast, we break down what’s quietly going wrong on modern resumes—and why “doing what everyone else is doing” is now working against you.You’ll hear how well-intentioned strategies are backfiring, why more effort doesn’t always mean better results, and how the job search has shifted in ways most professionals haven’t fully adjusted to yet. We’ll also talk about where candidates are losing credibility without realizing it and what actually cuts through the noise in today’s crowded market.If you’re a mid-to-senior level professional applying for roles and wondering why your resume isn’t opening doors like it used to, this episode will help you recalibrate before you waste another month applying the same way. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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#389) 5 Ways to Hit the Ground Running in 2026
Jan 500:09:57Tap to summarizeAs we kick off a new year, it’s not enough to hope things get better at work—you need a plan. In this episode, we break down 5 practical ways to hit the ground running, whether you’re staying put, eyeing a promotion, or quietly preparing for your next move. The job market has shifted, managers are stretched thin, and “business as usual” career advice no longer cuts it. This is about being intentional, strategic, and realistic.You’ll learn how to:Have a clear, adult conversation with your boss about intent—without making it awkward or riskyRevisit your accomplishments (even the messy ones) and turn last year into leverageUse a simple Start / Stop / Continue exercise to create momentum fastSet income goals that don’t rely solely on your current jobIdentify roles you actually want—and talk to insiders who can help you get thereIf you’re job seeking, we’ll also cover one of the most powerful (and underused) networking questions you can ask—and how to set the intention so people actually help you.Get more help on your applications from Let’s Eat, Grandma Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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#388) How to Stop Settling and Finally Choose Work You Want | George Appling
Dec 2200:39:36Tap to summarizeAre you feeling stuck, overworked, or like your career is moving without intention? In this episode, I sit down with George Appling, author of Don’t Settle: A Pick-Your-Path Guide to Intentional Work, to explore how you can design a career that actually fits your values, strengths, and goals.We dive into questions like:How do you know if you’re settling in your career—and what to do about it?What are the five paths most people overlook when choosing work?Can “following your passion” actually be bad advice?How can you make intentional career choices without burning out or overthinking?George shares actionable insights, real-life stories, and the framework he used to build a meaningful career on his own terms. By the end, you’ll walk away inspired to take control of your work, rethink your options, and pick the path that’s right for you.Learn more about George Appling and his book here:George Appling – WebsiteDon’t Settle – Pick-Your-Path Guide to Intentional Work Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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#387) Why the End of the Year Is One of the Best Times to Get Hired | Dr. Eric Woodard
Dec 800:38:38Tap to summarizeThis is the Let’s Eat, Grandma Career Warrior Podcast, where our goal is not only to help you land your dream job but to help you live your best life! Today we’re going to talk about why the End of the Year Is One of the Best Times to Get Hired.But today we’re not just here to talk about December and timing. This episode will cover ways to get competitive in a time when you think there are no opportunities. We’ll cover AI, the current job market, and common mistakes people are making at this time. My next podcast guest is a gem and his mission is to knock down stories that are holding people back. Dr. Eric Woodard is a career and leadership strategist who has helped more than 10,000 professionals across 70 countries build confidence and clarity in their job search.He is the founder of Win at Work, a Washington, DC–based coaching firm that helps professionals land better jobs, faster. Eric also has a fascinating background, having served in roles at the White House, the U.S. Senate, the State Department, and the Smithsonian Institution. He is recognized as a Master Certified Coach (MCC) by the International Coaching Federation.Questions we explore in this episode:How can professionals stay confident when the job market feels uncertain or discouraging?What are the most common blind spots holding high-achievers back in their careers?What mindset shifts matter most when transitioning industries, leveling up, or reinventing yourself?How can candidates manage stress and self-doubt during interviews?What does effective career strategy actually look like today?What are Eric’s “Win at Work” principles—and how can you apply them immediately?Resources MentionedLet’s Eat, Grandma — Resume writing services to help you stand out with clarity and confidence.Dr. Eric Woodard — Learn more about his coaching work, free consultations, and career development resources at WinAtWork.io.Connect with Eric on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericwoodard/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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