FRIED. The Burnout Podcast

Burnout is the feeling of exhaustion physically and mentally from the problems you have in everyday life. Similar to wildfires, where everything is burned out to ash. However, life is a cycle of death and rebirth, which is critical in keeping the balance in the world. With the right resources, we can return to life beautiful and stronger. Our speaker today, Sarah Vosen, a burnout recovery coach at FRIED, explains the relation of wildfires to being burned out, why you should honor the cycle in life, and how Sarah can help in your burnout recovery journey. Tune in to learn more!Episode Highlights:Sarah discusses the similarities between burnout and wildfires. Just like wildfires, where everything is burned, fall, decay, and turn into ash, being burned out will feel like our life is falling apart. However, a burned forest will go through a rebirth cycle, and everything will return beautifully. Similarly, experiencing burnout will allow us to be reborn, and with the right resources, we can come back to life.Sarah highlights the importance of honoring the cycle in life. We don’t need to be burned completely to have a renewal; we just need to realize that life is constantly changing, and resting is necessary to balance our work. We need to stop forcing ourselves to be the same every day. Slow down and give some time and space to process your emotions, set boundaries, and know the most important things in your life.Burnout is normal, so just acknowledge your problems or difficulties and pay attention to control them. Recognize that you have the ability to control it, heal, and recover to become stronger.Connect with Sarah Vosen:https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahvosenlac/  https://www.instagram.com/sarah.vosen/https://www.facebook.com/sarah.vosenBook a call to start your burnout recovery together with Sarah: https://caitdonovan.as.me/sarah Connect with Cait:https://friedtheburnoutpodcast.comhttps://caitdonovan.comBook a free 1:1 call: bit.ly/callcaitBook a free 1:1 call with Sarah: bit.ly/callsarahvGet info on FRIED's group program for burnout recovery: https://caitdonovan.com/unfried  

Do you ever feel like you have to hide something about yourself from the world? In this episode, you will hear an honest and heartfelt conversation with Ruth Rathblott, a speaker, coach, and author of the book Singlehandedly: Learning to Unhide and Embrace Connection. Ruth shares her story of living with a limb difference and how she used it as a tool to start conversations and create safe spaces for others to share their stories. She also reveals the secrets of unhiding, which is the process of releasing shame, overcoming fear, and embracing your true self, without worrying about what others think.Episode Highlights:Ruth Rathblott opens up about the common phenomenon of hiding, which affects many people who feel like they are the only ones who have a visible or invisible difference, such as a disability, a mental health issue, a family background, or a personal struggle. She explains how hiding can make us feel isolated, exhausted, and limited, and how unhiding can help us live more authentically and confidently.Ruth shares some practical tips and exercises to help you unhide in your own life and create more meaningful connections with others. She emphasizes the importance of being the first to go first, which means sharing something about yourself that you are hiding or uncomfortable with, in order to create a safe space for others to do the same.This episode is a powerful reminder that you are not alone in your hiding journey. You have the power to unhide and live your truth. Listen to this episode now and start your own unhiding journey today. You will be amazed by the freedom and joy that comes from being yourself and connecting with others who accept you as you are!Connect with Ruth Rathblott:https://ruthrathblott.com/ https://www.instagram.com/ruthrath/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruth-rathblott/ https://twitter.com/ruthrath https://www.amazon.com/Singlehandedly-Learning-Unhide-Embrace-Connection-ebook/dp/B0B95TSJBS  Connect with Cait:https://friedtheburnoutpodcast.comhttps://caitdonovan.comBook a free 1:1 call: bit.ly/callcaitBook a free 1:1 call with Sarah: bit.ly/callsarahvGet info on FRIED's group program for burnout recovery: https://caitdonovan.com/unfried  

In today's episode, I will discuss my own experiences with burnout recovery and talk about all the misconceptions that often surround it. I will give emphasize the importance of seeking support, learning from setbacks, and acknowledging that progress may not always follow a linear path. Episode Highlights:Cait Donovan talks about experiences and mistakes during her burnout recovery journey and the challenges of progress recognition, the need for ongoing effort, the dangers of prematurely ending recovery efforts, the importance of allowing others to come to their own realizations, and the pitfalls of overexertion and comparing one's experiences to others. She highlights the complexity of the recovery process and the personal growth it entails.Cait advises listeners about the challenges of self-trust, the need to overcome the desire to prove oneself, and the importance of embracing failure as part of the recovery process. She realizes the impact of sharing her story and encourages everyone to learn to trust themselves and their feelings during their own burnout recovery.Remember, growth comes from acknowledging one's evolution and using newfound knowledge to navigate similar situations in a more empowered way. Connect with Cait:https://friedtheburnoutpodcast.comhttps://caitdonovan.comBook a free 1:1 call: bit.ly/callcaitBook a free 1:1 call with Sarah: bit.ly/callsarahvGet info on FRIED's group program for burnout recovery: https://caitdonovan.com/unfried 

[Shownotes supported by AI! :))]In today's episode, I have a heartfelt conversation about an often overlooked aspect of burnout – its intersection with autism and neurodivergence. My guest, Paula Liub, a burnout coach for people who identify as neurodivergent, shares her personal journey of overcoming burnout as a neurodivergent individual, getting a late autism diagnosis and offers valuable insights into understanding and managing burnout within the neurodivergent community.Episode Highlights:Paula Liub shares her personal burnout story, which she describes as having three distinct stages. She recounts her journey from experiencing repetitive burnouts, recognizing the need for change, and finally discovering her autistic diagnosis as the missing piece that led to complete recovery and prevention of further burnout.Paula encourages listeners, especially those within the neurodivergent community, to embrace their sensitivities and needs. She highlights the importance of self-validation, trusting one's body and experiences, and prioritizing well-being without waiting for a formal diagnosis.Remember, your burnout recovery journey is valid and unique – prioritize your well-being and embrace your neurodivergent strengths.Connect with Paula Liub:https://www.paula-mindfulness.comhttps://www.instagram.com/paula.mindfulness/https://www.linkedin.com/in/paula-liub/Free meditation guide for people who don't like to meditate: https://tinyurl.com/mr3we3t6Connect with Cait:https://friedtheburnoutpodcast.com https://caitdonovan.comBook a free 1:1 call: bit.ly/callcaitBook a free 1:1 call with Sarah: bit.ly/callsarahvGet info on FRIED's group program for burnout recovery: https://caitdonovan.com/unfried

Certified Speaking Professional and renowned psychologist Owen Fitzpatrick discusses the concept of belief leadership and its impact on burnout recovery. He explores the victim and villain mindsets, encouraging listeners to adopt a hero mindset. The podcast also delves into the power of affirmations, identity, and the effectiveness of neurolinguistic programming in facilitating belief and behavior changes.

Introduction:In this episode of Fried. The Burnout Podcast, I delve into the topic of differentiating between burnout and stress. I often encounter this question from you, my magic listeners, and others: whether it's at conferences, speaking gigs, or even in the Facebook group. Understanding the distinction between burnout and stress is crucial to address the issue effectively. So let's explore how to recognize and differentiate between these two conditions.1. Defining Burnout and Stress:Burnout is not simply an escalated form of stress but rather an end result of chronic, unresolved stress over extended periods. According to the World Health Organization, burnout is characterized by three key elements:Feelings of physical and emotional exhaustionCynicism and detachmentA lack of impact and productivity2. Stress:Stress, on the other hand, is a natural response of the body to any challenge, be it environmental, emotional, or physical. It is a short-term reaction with a time-bound measure, meaning it arises and subsides, especially when the stress cycle is completed.3. Recoverability as a Differentiating Factor:One way to distinguish stress from burnout is by assessing recoverability. When experiencing stress, a few days of rest or a good night's sleep can often suffice to rejuvenate and return to a state of equilibrium. However, in the case of burnout, recovery becomes challenging. Even extended periods of rest may not alleviate the symptoms, making individuals feel stuck in a perpetual stress cycle.4. Identifying Burnout Symptoms:Burnout manifests in a host of physical and mental symptoms, such as headaches, digestive issues, explosive emotions, frequent colds and flus, anxiety, and depression. These symptoms persist and hinder one's ability to move forward.5. The Timeframe for Burnout Recovery:Addressing burnout requires understanding that it is not a quick fix. Unlike simple stress, which can be managed relatively swiftly, burnout recovery can take anywhere from 12 months to three years, and in some cases, even longer. Patience and consistent effort are vital during this process.6. Seeking Professional Support:Navigating burnout alone can be overwhelming. Seeking help from professionals specializing in burnout recovery can significantly speed up and ease the process. Burnout coaching and therapy can work hand in hand to provide comprehensive support.Conclusion:The key takeaway from this episode is that if you find yourself unable to recover from exhaustion and stress despite various attempts, it might be burnout rather than just stress. Recognizing the difference is crucial to implement the right strategies for recovery. Remember, seeking help from professionals can make a significant difference in your burnout recovery journey. You don't have to face it alone.To access coaching sessions with Cait or Sarah, book a call at bit.ly/callcait or bit.ly/callsarahv, respectively. Our expertise can guide you through the process and offer support for your full burnout recovery process! :)[Show Notes Captured thanks to ChatGPT]

In this episode, Jim Young, a burnout recovery coach, explores the topic of burnout in men and the importance of building intimate connections. He shares his personal journey of burnout and highlights the lack of resources specifically tailored to men's experiences. Jim emphasizes the need for deeper connections, not just in romantic relationships, but also in friendships and other areas of life. He delves into the societal expectations placed on men and the shame they often feel when they don't meet those expectations. Through vulnerability and breaking the shame barrier, Jim discusses how men can recover from burnout and cultivate a more fulfilling life.Show Notes:[00:16:57] Introduction to the topic of burnout in menJim shares his personal burnout journey and the lack of resources for men's experiencesThe unique challenges men face when it comes to burnout [00:17:38] Importance of creating intimate connectionsJim discusses the significance of developing deeper connections in various aspects of lifeHighlighting the value of friendship and rebuilding social connections during burnout recovery [00:18:58] Recognizing the role of intimacy in burnout recoveryJim reflects on his own recovery and identifies creating intimate connections as a key factorThe misconception of intimacy being solely focused on romantic relationships [00:19:25] Breaking the traditional male experienceChallenging the societal expectations for men to handle emotions alone and not ask for helpThe importance of breaking free from the shame associated with seeking support [00:23:13] Integration versus segmentationDiscussing the continuum of boundaries and the importance of finding balanceBreaking the pattern of building walls and opening gates to healthy connections [00:26:00] Overcoming shame and seeking supportAddressing the shame men feel regarding their provider role and societal expectationsThe transformative power of sharing vulnerability and breaking through shame [00:28:45] Introduction to Jim's group program for men dealing with burnoutJim announces the launch of the Expansive Success programFocusing on holistic success in different areas of life, including relationships, health, and purpose [00:31:56] The structure of the group programAn eight-week interactive course facilitated by JimWeekly meetings, curriculum, exercises, and facilitated conversations [00:35:00] The power of community and impactful changeRecognizing the ripple effect of personal growth on organizations and relationshipsBuilding new friendships, networks, and supports through group experiences[00:37:11] Going beyond expectationsThe significance of providing more than expected in coaching programsGuiding individuals towards their true needs and potential [00:40:00] Inclusivity and serving all peopleEmphasizing the goal of helping all individuals through the lens of serving menCreating safe and expansive spaces for everyoneJim Young's work focuses on addressing burnout in men by emphasizing the importance of building intimate connections and breaking the shame barrier. Through his group program, Expansive Success, he guides men in recovering from burnout and achieving holistic success in various areas of life. By fostering vulnerability, community, and personal growth, Jim aims to create spaces that benefit individuals of all genders. Resources:Jim’s Upcoming Mastermind:https://www.thecenteredcoach.com/expansive-successJim’s Book:https://www.thecenteredcoach.com/bookYNAB (You Need a Budget)https://ynab.com--------------------------FRIED. The Burnout Podcast was created and is hosted by Cait Donovan, burnout recovery specialist.Cait is on a mission to #endburnoutculture. She does this throughSpeaking (Hire Cait for your next event here)1:1 Coaching with Cait (limited places available) or her #1 FRIED Guide Sarah VosenGroup Coaching with Sarah Vosen (Join the Waitlist for the next small group here)FRIED (You’re already here 🙂)Writing (Snag a copy of Cait’s book here)

Dr. Mandy Lehto was a people pleaser for such a long period of time that she ended up completely disconnected from herself. She found herself snappy and irritable, consistently pushing herself harder and farther beyond the limits of what she could handle. After a scary moment collapsing while boxing, Dr. Lehto realized something was wrong that even the world’s strongest coffee would not be able to fix. Through her burnout recovery journey, Dr. Lehto identified 7 realistic phases of burnout which she uses to guide others through their own burnout recoveries.  As a perfectionist and people-pleaser, it is common to be so focused on external validation that you lose sight of what you actually want and need. Like most people, Dr. Lehto started off her burnout journey in phase 1, denial. It took fully collapsing and then developing an unfortunate face rash to finally admit to herself that there was a problem. She went into the triaging phase with the same perfectionist approach she used when facing anything, trying to be the absolute best at meditating and downing kale smoothies. She tried every method she could access for hacking her healing from cutting gluten to attending spiritual retreats until at last reaching the stage of reluctant surrender. It was not going to be possible to completely recover on her own, and she would need to allow others to help her. She accepted that it was finally time to release the false fire of that external validation and fuel herself from within, stepping into the chutes and ladders phase of experimentation to discover which parts of herself were real and which were performance. Lastly, she embraced the final stage that wholeness equals whole mess, acknowledging that it's okay to not be perfect.  Dr. Lehto’s seven burnout phases are deeply relatable for anyone experiencing burnout regardless of where they currently are in their recovery journey. If you struggle with people-pleasing and being your authentic self, consider approaching your healing through the lens of these seven phases. Quotes• “Being a people pleaser perfectionist, I wasn't connected to myself, to my own likes, dislikes, to my own needs, to my own wants, because it was always about external validation.” (15:09 | Dr. Lehto)• “There's a phrase by Cheryl Strayed, that acceptance is a small quiet room. And that's exactly what this phase felt like.” (20:24 | Dr. Lehto)• “Just because a system is one way in one place, that doesn't mean that it's that way in every other place.” (30:10 | Cait)• “I don't need to contort myself to be who I think I need to be so that other people will approve of me and validate me.” (40:19 | Dr. Lehto) LinksConnect with Dr. Mandy Lehto:www.mandylehto.comhttps://www.instagram.com/mandylehto/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/mandylehtopersonalbrandimage/ Coach with Cait: bit.ly/callcaitCoach with Sarah: bit.ly/callsarahvHire Cait for Your Event: https://caitdonovan.as.me/inquiryJoin the FB Group: https://facebook.com/groups/friedtheburnoutpodcastXOXO,C If you know that it’s time to actually DO something about the burnout cycle you’ve been in for too long - book your free consult today: bit.ly/callcait https://friedtheburnoutpodcast.com/quiz Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Mel Hopper Koppelman was so burned out that in spite of being longtime friends with host Cait Donovan, she did not immediately recognize her own connection with childhood trauma and burnout. Growing up labeled as a “gifted kid”, Mel developed blind spots regarding aspects of her neurological development that were lacking. As an adult, she developed complex chronic health issues. Because of her blind spots, it would be years before Mel realized the connection between her childhood experiences, her health issues, and burnout. Now, as the founder of Synthesis Health Lab, Mel helps other people who are struggling with chronic health issues to heal and live their best lives.   While some conditions of burnout are environmental, others can be linked to neurological development, adverse childhood experiences, and genetic factors. For Mel, much of her burnout and chronic health issues ended up being linked to uneven neurological development. Through testing, Mel discovered that she retained primitive reflexes, typically not seen beyond one year of age, that influenced nervous system dysfunction. When nervous system dysregulation stems from delayed or uneven neurological development, the resulting burnout needs to be approached differently. The same techniques that work for burnout for someone with an evenly developed brain will not work the same way for someone whose neurological development differs.   If you are struggling from complex, chronic health problems like fibromyalgia, gastrointestinal disorders, autoimmunity, or chronic fatigue, consider getting tested for retained primitive reflexes. Your nervous system may be dysregulated due to differences in your neurological development.    Quotes • “We might be having a difficult time understanding development because we are underdeveloped ourselves.” (8:06 | Cait) • “One of the things that goes along with certain types of developmental issues, like we see with a lot of neurodiversity, is a characteristic unevenness of skills.” (9:52 | Mel) • “Things can run in families that are not necessarily genetic.” (15:10 | Mel) • “When we have adverse childhood events…and development is not unfolding optimally, then those primitive reflexes, instead of getting integrated, which means that the brain matures and kind of stops them from being active,…those reflexes are still there.” (26:59 | Mel) Links Connect with Mel Hopper Koppelman: https://essays.synthesishealth.co/ https://www.instagram.com/synthesishealth.co/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/melhopperkoppelman/ https://synthesishealth.co/join-us https://www.drrobertmelillo.com/ Coach with Cait: bit.ly/callcait Coach with Sarah: bit.ly/callsarahv Hire Cait for Your Event: https://caitdonovan.as.me/inquiry Join the FB Group: https://facebook.com/groups/friedtheburnoutpodcast XOXO, C   If you know that it’s time to actually DO something about the burnout cycle you’ve been in for too long - book your free consult today: bit.ly/callcait   https://friedtheburnoutpodcast.com/quiz   Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm  

Coping mechanisms are something that you use every single day, probably without even realizing it. These coping mechanisms start to develop as soon as you are born, forming based on your relationship with your primary caregiver. Depending on how that relationship goes, you form one of four attachment styles, three of which can make you more prone to burnout later in life. In today’s #straightfromcait episode, host and burnout aficionado Cait Donovan explains what coping mechanisms are and how to tell whether your current coping mechanisms would be considered adaptive or maladaptive.   Pretty much all coping mechanisms can be either adaptive or maladaptive depending on the intention behind them. Sometimes, even if a coping mechanism is not technically healthy, it may still be useful for your survival in the moment. When a coping mechanism is maladaptive, it means that while it may help you temporarily, it also has the potential for consequences that could be worse than the initial problem you were trying to solve. Examples of maladaptive coping mechanisms include rumination, substance abuse, self harm, daydreaming, hypervigilance, and disengagement. Adaptive coping mechanisms are those that are considered both helpful and healthy in the long run, such as emotion regulation, speaking with a therapist or a friend, and intentional forced distraction.    While healing from trauma and burnout, you will engage many coping mechanisms. In the same way that your burning out was not your fault, your default coping mechanisms are also not your fault. They were determined long before you had any say in what they were. Instead of demonizing behaviors that were helpful for you in the past for being maladaptive, look at how you can update them to be more healthy going forward and leave behind the ones that are no longer serving you.    Quotes • “A coping mechanism is an action or a behavior that you engage in when you need to overcome a difficulty.” (1:37-1:44 | Cait) • “The initial response of your primary caregiver to those needs that you are trying to convey is what guides how you will eventually long term create your particular style of coping.” (2:03-2:16 | Cait) • “Children who form secure attachments go through life with more self confidence, more resilience, and more ability to trust the people around them.” (2:39-2:49 | Cait) • “Most coping mechanisms can be adaptive or maladaptive depending on the intentionality with which they are used.” (12:00-12:06 | Cait)    Links  https://positivepsychology.com/coping/ https://positivepsychology.com/maladaptive-coping/   Coach with Cait: bit.ly/callcait Coach with Sarah: bit.ly/callsarahv Hire Cait for Your Event: https://caitdonovan.as.me/inquiry Join the FB Group: https://facebook.com/groups/friedtheburnoutpodcast XOXO, C   If you know that it’s time to actually DO something about the burnout cycle you’ve been in for too long - book your free consult today: bit.ly/callcait   https://friedtheburnoutpodcast.com/quiz   Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm