FAQs

What is The Messy Middle Matters podcast about?

The Messy Middle Matters is a podcast that highlights the often invisible work that keeps teams, projects, and organizations moving forward. We explore topics like glue work, emotional labor, cross-functional collaboration, leadership in complex environments, and what it really takes to get things done inside modern workplaces.

Who hosts the podcast?

The show is hosted by Indra Klavins, a coach, mediator, and longtime operations leader with 15+ years supporting teams across tech, product, design, and engineering. Indra’s work centers on making invisible work visible, elevating the people who hold everything together, and helping individuals navigate the “messy middle” of work and career.

Who is the podcast for?

This podcast is for operators, leaders, managers, program and project people, creatives, ICs, and anyone who finds themselves smoothing friction, connecting dots, or carrying the emotional and operational load at work. If you’ve ever been “the glue,” this is for you.

Where can I listen to the podcast?

You can listen on all major platforms: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon Music, iHeart, PocketCasts, Podbean, Overcast, Podchaser, Player FM, Listen Notes, Castro, Castbox, Podfriend, Goodpods, Boomplay, and Podcast Index.

What kinds of guests do you feature?

Guests include leaders, operators, designers, engineers, founders, coaches, and people who sit in or near the messy middle every day. We feature people who are honest about what it takes to lead through complexity, navigate change, collaborate across teams, and hold space for others.

How long is each episode?

Most episodes are around 25–35 minutes, with occasional longer conversations for deeper topics.

How often do new episodes come out?

Episodes are released regularly (typically weekly or biweekly), depending on the topic lineup and production schedule.

Can I be a guest on the podcast?

Yes! We welcome guests who have meaningful stories or insights about navigating complexity, managing change, collaborating across functions, or doing overlooked but essential work.
You can learn more and apply via our Guest One-Pager.

What is glue work?

Glue work refers to the essential—but often invisible—tasks that keep teams and projects functioning. Things like connecting people, smoothing communication, anticipating risks, coordinating work, and preventing fires before they start. Many people do glue work without recognition, and the podcast aims to name and celebrate it.

Why is it called “The Messy Middle”?

The “messy middle” is the space between strategy and outcomes—the place where real work happens. It’s where ambiguity, imperfect systems, and complex relationships meet the need to deliver results. This is also where people spend most of their work lives, yet it rarely gets the attention it deserves.

How did the podcast start?

The podcast began as a way to illuminate the unspoken realities of modern work. After years of coaching and operational leadership, Indra saw a gap in conversations about work: people were struggling in the messy middle without language, support, or acknowledgment. The show was created to fill that gap.

Do you offer sponsorship opportunities?

Yes. We partner with aligned organizations, tools, and services that support the people who keep work moving. If you’re interested in sponsoring or collaborating, reach out at podcast@themessymiddlematters.com.

Is there merch for the podcast?

Absolutely. Our merch celebrates the people who “do the work no one talks about,” including our best-selling phrases like “Don’t make me regret trying to be helpful” and “I Get Stuff Done.”
Visit MessyMiddleMerch.com.

How can I give feedback or suggest a topic?

We welcome listener feedback and topic suggestions. You can share your ideas through our Feedback Form linked on the website.

How can I follow the podcast?

You can subscribe to your favorite podcast platform or follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram | Threads, or YouTube for episode updates, behind-the-scenes content, and insights from the messy middle of work.