No one talks about how networking can feel absolutely awful.

In this episode of Brains Gone Bold, Maria and Jeanine get brutally honest about the pressure of meeting new people, making small talk, and pretending networking doesn’t drain the life out of you.

Jeanine shares that she’s literally driven to networking events, sat in the parking lot, and left without ever going inside. More than once. And honestly? A lot of us probably get it.

The conversation dives into why networking can feel fake, awkward, exhausting, and weirdly performative, especially for introverts or people who overthink every conversation. They also talk about the pressure behind the question, “So… what do you do?” and why that question can feel a little too personal, a little too loaded, and a little too much like being sized up.

There are also plenty of funny moments along the way, including:

“I evaluated all my operating systems, and they said no.”
An accidental debate about Planet Fitness
A failed attempt to join a laughing group at an event
And the idea of creating a “no BS” networking group where nobody asks what you do for a living
If networking makes you want to hide in your car, this episode is probably for you.

Tune in, laugh with us, and maybe send us your best “how to survive networking” tips. We clearly need them.