Take Your F**king Foot Off the Gas!

When fear hits, most people push harder. That instinct — to defend, explain, prove, or fight — is exactly what makes things worse . In this episode, Joe shares a critical life lesson he learned from his father that applies directly to moments of panic at work, especially when conflict, resistance, or pressure show up unexpectedly. You’ll learn why the first move isn’t steering or reacting; it’s removing the pressure. How slowing things down can instantly change the outcome of difficult conversations. And why fear-driven environments aren’t personal — even when they feel that way. ........................................................... Special thanks to the incomparable Lisa Baskett for her amazing late-night-DJ-smoother-than-silk voiceover ;-) If this episode resonated, consider subscribing to Making UX Work . Each episode explores the human side of UX and product careers — confidence, power, impostor syndrome, boundaries and the challenges that never show up in books or conference talks. No hype. No platitudes. Just honest perspective, earned the hard way.

You can listen to Take Your F**king Foot Off the Gas! online on Radio and Podcast. Open the player on this page to stream the available audio.

Take Your F**king Foot Off the Gas! is an episode from Making UX Work with Joe Natoli by Joe Natoli.

This episode is 12:05 long.

This episode was published on Jan 6, 2026.

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