Joe Johnston: Dark Humor and Deep Listening

Joe Johnston: Dark Humor and Deep Listening

Joe Johnston, ombuds at Rochester Institute of Technology, has spent over 30 years in higher education across residence life, student conduct, and ombuds work. What’s stayed constant? His commitment to deep listening—and, at times, dark humor. In this episode, Joe shares how he helps people navigate complex situations, what decades of hearing others’ stories has taught him, and how he stays grounded in emotionally heavy work. A thoughtful, candid conversation about the human side of ombuds work and the quiet skills that make it impactful.

Tracey Brant: Welcoming what is in the Room

This episode features an interview with Tracey Brant, ombuds at Dartmouth College since 2022. Her ombuds practice is shaped by her 15 years as a certified coach with the International coach federation and her work with loss, grief and emotional literacy.  She is deeply interested in how grief and loss affect workplace well-being and passionate about helping individuals through transition,conflict, and healing.