Episode 12: Dawn Hunter on Joy, Boundaries, and Putting Work in Its Place
We’ve been taught for as long as we can remember: work hard, go to school, get the degree, land the job, provide for your family, and always give it your all. Somewhere along the way, though, “working hard” shifted into work above all else. And in that shift, we’ve neglected something essential, our boundaries, our health, our families, and our joy.
That’s why I can’t think of a better way to close out Season One of Small Things, Big Life than with this conversation with Dawn Hunter.
Dawn is a joyful rebel, culture shifter, and boundaries enthusiast. She’s also the voice behind Work is Third, a podcast about rethinking work, reclaiming rest, and building lives rooted in care and connection. With a background as a public health leader and lawyer turned movement-builder, Dawn brings sharp insight, deep heart, and humor to the conversation.
Together, we explore:
Why joy is strategic and boundaries are radical.
What it really looks like to put yourself first, boundaries second, and work third.
How saying no (or not right now) can be one of the most freeing choices you make.
Why the messy middle matters and why none of us are navigating it alone.
This conversation is about permission. Permission to stop centering work as your identity, to honor your own needs, and to live in a way that feels sustainable and meaningful.
Season One Reflections
This episode marks the finale of Season One. Whether you’ve joined me for one episode or all twelve, I’m deeply grateful. I’ve loved sharing my stories, listening to my guests, and hearing how we all navigate the messy middle differently and yet, not alone.
If Season One has taught me anything, it’s this: growth is not linear, boundaries are essential, and community matters.
I’ll be back in January 2026 with Season Two renewed, refreshed, and with more stories to share. In the meantime, I’ll also be joining Dawn as a guest on her podcast Work is Third, so be sure to follow her show and keep an eye on my socials for updates when that episode goes live.
