FRIED. The Burnout Podcast Re-Release: 7 Stages of Burnout with Mandy Lehto
Jan 18, 2026
Mandy Lehto, a coach for senior executives and host of the Enough podcast, dives into the nuanced journey of burnout recovery. She introduces her seven stages of burnout, emphasizing that it's a gradual unraveling rather than a single breakdown. The conversation explores the denial, grief, and identity shifts that high achievers face. Mandy shares personal stories of physical collapse, the limits of external help, and the importance of embracing vulnerability. Ultimately, she advocates for acceptance and reclamation of self, suggesting that true healing involves messy integration.
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Denial Starts The Slide
- Many high achievers enter burnout through denial, rationalizing symptoms as bad timing or temporary setbacks.
- Denial delays help and often escalates physical and emotional signs until a clear event forces recognition.
Gym Collapse As Turning Point
- Mandy hired an intense trainer and increased caffeine to push through exhaustion, then collapsed during a boxing session.
- That gym collapse was a visceral turning point that made her finally accept something was wrong.
Triage Reveals Worth Tied To Doing
- Triage mode brings desperation and a hit to self-worth when performance defines identity.
- People often pile on tests and therapies hoping external fixes will restore their worth.
