Burn Brightly with Hannah Austin

In this episode of Burn Brightly, host Hannah Austin engages in a profound conversation with wellness advocates Miriam and Jackie.Together, they unravel the complex ties between physical health and mental wellness, explore how critical illnesses can shake mental stability, and stress the crucial step of recognizing and tackling burnout.The conversation pivots to the power of seeking support, the role of empathy in healing, and leveraging data to reform healthcare and corporate systems. The guests highlight the personal nature of burnout, advocating for self-honor and finding joy in work. They call for self-advocacy, cultural shifts in the workplace, and embracing the transformative shift from adversity to enlightenment.

In this heartfelt episode of the Burn Brightly podcast, we're joined by Kathy, who shares her transformative journey from a place of loneliness and strength to one of healing and self-discovery.Kathy reflects on her past TEDx talk experience, comparing her feelings of hollowness then to her current sense of groundedness and self-assurance. She offers insights into the difference between being strong and being healthy, and how self-care is about knowing and advocating for oneself.For those feeling a sense of emptiness, Kathy provides gentle advice to start looking at themselves with the same grace they would offer a child. She emphasizes the power of making decisions for oneself and the importance of internal validation.

In today's episode, Hannah shares her personal journey from corporate burnout to a balanced and fulfilling life. The discussion unfolds through pivotal moments, such as recognizing the need for change, creating a plan, and experiencing the positive ripple effect of prioritizing self-care. Hannah's candid reflections offer a relatable and empowering guide for those navigating their own burnout experiences.

In a world flooded with influencers and a barrage of 'best practices,' it's easy to lose our individuality in the pursuit of someone else's version of success. We've all been there, caught up in the race for that elusive corporate ladder or the perfect facade. But guess what? Life isn't one-size-fits-all. It's about tapping into your authenticity and embracing what works for YOU.Reflecting on societal pressures and personal aspirations, today Hannah shares her own journey of redefining success and embracing what truly aligns with her passions. From the corporate climb to realizing she craved creativity, learn how she silenced the noise and tuned into her gut.

In this episode, Hannah interviews YouTube Coach and Strategist Trena Little, on The Power of Prioritizing Yourself. Trena landed a “good” job with a government agency right out of college, but after 7 years of feeling like her soul was being ripped out every time she arrived in the parking lot, it was time for a change! Hannah and Trena dive into the magic of changing everything about your life in a moment, building something new, and the challenges and rewards that come with it. Listen in to discover more about leveraging your time to avoid burnout, prioritising yourself over traditional success markers and dancing with imposter syndrome when building something new.

In today's episode, Hannah shares insights on moving forward from burnout without regret. The discussion begins by recognizing burnout beyond the conventional signs, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and addressing burnout as the first step toward positive change.Hannah dives into the challenges of setting realistic expectations, particularly for women in society juggling multiple roles. The conversation unfolds with a focus on crafting a forward-focused plan, offering a personal mission statement as a guide for envisioning a fulfilling life.Listen today to discover the power of embracing change and moving forward from burnout.

In this episode, Christina Scalera shares her journey from landing her dream job as an in-house trademark attorney right out of law school to realizing that it felt more like a nightmare. Despite building a successful seven-figure business, Christina experienced burnout and decided to sell her company. The conversation explores the seasons of burnout and how a pivot became the catalyst for reigniting her passion. Christina is now focused on coaching and consulting through her website, helping business owners build seven-figure-plus businesses using tech talk and social media, and assisting those considering selling their businesses.

In this episode, I'll be sharing my five tips for avoiding burnout. When you're facing burnout, it can be really hard to even sit down and think about how to turn things around, but it is possible! Tune into the episode to find out more. You can also download my free guide, 5 Tips to Prevent Burnout here.

In this episode, Anna Huff joins me to share her journey of learning to say “yes” to big changes in her career in order to fulfill her dream and make more time and freedom in her life. Anna is a mindset and marketing coach for online service providers. Anna empowers women to kick self-doubt to the curb and tap into their limitless potential. Like many others, Anna began her career after college thinking that was what she wanted to do for the rest of her life until burnout set in. She knew it was time to make a change. Did you know that as well as hosting the Burn Brightly podcast, I'm a published author. My book Hello, Head, Meet Heart is the breakthrough story and self-help guide by yours truly, all about HOW to tap into your extraordinary life. You can find it in both paperback and eBook on https://sheshatters.com and Amazon.com.

We live in a fast paced society, and we are constantly trying to keep up and reach for “success”. But we may be settling unrealistic expectations, or we're being unrealistic with our timelines. In this episode, Hannah dives into what burnout looks like versus what finding the balance looks like. Learn all about Hannah's creation, The Burn Brightly Model that includes 6 steps to slowing the burn and finding balance.There is no quick fix to break free from burnout but you can absolutely get started today. You can transition from burnout to brilliance. If you're unsure about where you are at with all of this, I have a free quiz to help you see where you sit on the burnout scale and how you can cool things down. Visit https://sheshatters.com/quiz/ to get started!

As women, we're all too familiar with gender bias and inequality in the corporate world, with ‘finance' and ‘tech' being notorious boys' clubs. Then imagine the impossible challenge of being a queer woman of color, breaking into venture capitalism.It's not enough to get a seat at the table; we need a ticket to the line for a chance to be at the door and maybe in the room – let alone a seat at the table.But could fearlessness and authenticity be the key to more women taking the lead in finance, tech and the entrepreneurial stage?In this episode, we talk to the inspiring Arlan Hamilton, founder of Backstage Capital and Hire Runner. Having raised nearly $30 million for over 200 startups led by people of color and LGBTQ founders, she shares insights on taking your rightful seat at the table and creating a bigger table for those who come after.Listen, and see where fearlessness and authenticity take you in life.SO WHAT'S THIS EPISODE REALLY ABOUT:How fearlessness and authenticity took Arlan from homelessness to venture capitalist How to navigate the world as a queer black woman in tech and finance The importance of a mentor and the no-fluff advice that will accelerate your businessHow knowing oneself is the key to breaking the burnout cycleThe deep self-work it takes to understand the warning signs and triggers that you're about to burnoutHow living you unapologetically, in all facets of yourself, is enough. WHY YOU SHOULD LISTENAs women, especially women of color, the door of opportunity is often closed when it comes to our entrepreneurial dreams. In this episode, we learn when to break down the door, when to build your own, and how being fearlessly and unapologetically yourself is the key to your dream life.YOU CAN QUOTE ME ON THAT“You can't be carrying everybody on your back. It's not fair to you.” – Arlan Hamilton“Putting your mouth behind your money behind what you're saying.” – Arlan Hamilton“Knowing your boundaries and what you're not going to take, and then doing that, is important.” – Arlan Hamilton.“What do I owe people is the answer to what I owe myself.” - Arlan Hamilton“I wish I would have known that actions are everything.” – Arlan Hamilton.LINKS:SheBurns PodcastArlan's InstagramArlan's AcademyLIKE WHAT YOU HEAR? Please leave me a review – these stars won't burn out!

For more tips and tricks purchase my best-selling book, 'Hello, Head, Meet Heart' on Amazon now:https://www.amazon.com/Hello-Head-Meet-Heart-Extraordinary-ebook/dp/B0BRT9YYJHThe expectations placed on women to be perfect in all areas of life, including work and motherhood, are leading to a culture of burnout. But why do we put so much pressure on ourselves, and how can we prevent, understand, and recover from burnout?As women, we internalize burnout; it's not just a lack of something; we feel like a failure in every aspect of life. We tear ourselves apart, digging ourselves deeper into the burnout abyss.But what if we didn't…What if we could unpack all the nuances of burnout?What if, instead of punishing ourselves, we used it as an opportunity to take a much-needed internal audit?What if this was the invitation to know ourselves even better and create life-long habits and practices supporting us in every arena?And what if we started seeing burnout as the direct cause of not looking after ourselves and prioritizing our mental, emotional, spiritual and physical well-being?In this episode of the SheBurns podcast, we talk to Nikki Lau, the founder of Illuminate Development and Wisdom for Working Moms, dedicated to supporting career-driven women in balancing their work and family life sustainably and successfully without sacrificing their well-being.Nikki shares her 10-year journey of recovering from burnout in her career and motherhood. She candidly discusses her experiences and how she overcame the internal struggle of burnout by embracing discomfort, rethinking her narratives around success and identity, and prioritising self-care and self-acceptance. Listen, and let's start seeing burnout as a wake-up call rather than a failure.So what's this episode really about:The unrealistic expectation of ‘perfection and sacrifice' for women in all aspects of life, from career to relationships and motherhood.Understanding the relationship between poor well-being and burnout.Encouraging women to prioritize themselves as a direct antidote to burnoutRedefining success and turning inward to address the root causes of burnout without self-blame or judgment.Building daily, weekly, and monthly habits and rituals that connect the person with their body, better identifying and managing the symptoms of burnout.Strategies to embrace all aspects of your womanhood that light you up without burning out.Why you should listenAs women, mothers and talented people with so much to offer the world, we deserve to be in the arena. We deserve to take up space and live meaningful, fulfilled lives that embrace what we love, both at home and work, which means an end to toxic perfectionism, martyrdom, and never feeling good enough. This episode encourages you to go inwards, championing self-care, well-being and a redefined version of success as the antidote to burnout.You can quote me on that“I'm a career-driven woman. I love my work. But I also love my family. And I want to show both sides of my identity in a way that feels fulfilling, but also lights me up without burning out.” - Nikki Lau.“I kind of saw self-care as a luxury, and I now see it as self-preservation. And I learned through that experience that when you lose your well-being, it doesn't matter what else you've got, right? I couldn't be there for my children. I live in a beautiful house. I couldn't enjoy that. You know, I couldn't go out with friends. So it doesn't matter what else you've got.” - Nikki Lau."A lot of my practices are about bringing me back into my body. Because actually, there were a lot of little warning signs along my burnout journey that I would completely...

These days, both men and women have a great deal more freedom when it comes to defining – and redefining – our career paths. The problem with having more freedom is that it tends to cause decision paralysis, particularly in those of us who aren't sure exactly what we want or how to get there. Add to that the fact that our skills don't always align with our interests, and you've got a perfect recipe for confusion. The good news is, since the pandemic tipped the scale, job applicants have been in high demand, giving them greater freedom to make decisions – and wherever guidance is needed, a good career coach is a must. Known as the career activator, Madelyn Mackie is among the best in the career coaching business, with expertise spanning the job search process from “applied” to “hired”. During COVID, job applicants decided it was time to find a job that allowed for work-life balance and happiness, Madelyn's business went into growth mode, and now, her advice can help you do the same. Whether you're working on defining the job you want, building your professional brand, or nailing the interview, Madelyn has got you covered with practical tips founded on personal experience. In this episode of the She Burns podcast, Madelyn and Hannah talk all about the process of finding work that gives you happiness and fulfillment, from building networks to signing contracts. So what's this episode really about? The real value in “talking up” the company you work for Four steps towards finding the right job for youTaking the “personal” out of business decisions The unexpected paths we take to find our dream jobs Why you should listen Many of us spend eight hours (or more) at work each day, and spending all that time in the wrong job can be seriously detrimental to our mental health. If you're thinking about making a move and feeling unsure about how to navigate the process ahead, this episode will show you the way – and give you the nudge you need to make it happen. Links Madelyn Mackie LinkedInWebsite SheShatters LinkedInWebsite You can quote me on that…“If you want to go far, go together. A lot of us – in our jobs and careers – [have] a lot of far places we want to go, and we're going to need some help to do it.” - Madelyn Mackie “Don't be running away from something; run towards something.” - Hannah Austin “The future of an organization is succession planning because if you're succession planning correctly, you probably don't have to recruit as much externally, depending on the organization.” - Hannah AustinLike what you hear? Please leave me a review – these stars won't burn out!

Often, burnout comes in two waves: Overworking – trying to do way too much in not enough time. Wilful ignorance – refusing to acknowledge that the status quo isn't serving us, even when our bodies and minds start to self-destruct. If you've ever found yourself struggling with the cognitive dissonance that often comes with leaving a once-loved situation or environment that has become toxic, you'll know that this combination can be complicated and difficult to escape. It gets even harder when we compare what we're experiencing to what we assume others are going through, and inevitably decide that our experience isn't “difficult enough” to warrant raising the white flag. Still, many burnout sufferers will agree that it's much easier to give advice to others than to take that advice for themselves and slow things down for their health, perhaps because they consider their work to be an integral part of who they are, and they're afraid to lose it.The good news is, there are tools that can help with unraveling and defining those unhelpful behaviors, as well as strategies for confronting loud inner critics and setting effective goals – and if anyone knows about those things, it's Dr Jacqueline Kerr. A behavior scientist and burnout survivor, Dr Jacqueline researches health behavior change solutions for individuals and communities. After two decades in her career, she is on a mission to prevent burnout through comprehensive strategic planning for employee wellbeing and sustainable, impactful organizational change – and we think that's worthy of ALL the airtime. In this episode of the She Burns podcast, Hannah and Dr Jacqueline talk all things burnout, from the environments and belief systems to the darkness it can seed and grow. So what's this episode really about? The value in perceiving burnout as an institutional rather than individual problem What it means to bridge the gap between the internal and external worldHow our jobs tend to inform our identities The truth about suicidal ideationWhy you should listenWe could all do with more self-compassion, particularly during such a difficult time in world history – but, often, we have to take a few tumbles before we arrive at this realization. Dr. Jacqueline Kerr has been through many of these tumbles herself and come out stronger on the other side with plenty of wisdom to share. LinksSheShatters www.DrJacquelineKerr.comDr Jacqueline Kerr on LinkedInHow to stop burnout before it starts – Dr Jacqueline Kerr A quick guide to behavior-based systems change for workplace burnout - Dr Jacqueline Kerr You can quote me on that…“When [we] don't believe in something or [we] think something should be changed, I feel like it is our responsibility to be a part of that change.” - Hannah Austin“We can have a lot more self-compassion [when] we know that the system and these multilevel influences, they're not excuses – they're actually reasons why behavior change is so hard.” - Dr Jacqueline Kerr “If you...

In theory, maintaining a romantic relationship and a sex life is simple – and for some, it can be just as simple in practice, but it's also very common to go through different phases. No matter how strong your sexual connection with your partner is, burnout can kill your sex drive and dampen the sense of intimacy in your relationship. Unsurprisingly, when it comes to dealing with physical, mental and emotional exhaustion, sex often goes out the window altogether – and although that's a normal response, you don't want it to become the norm for you. Burnout doesn't have to spoil your relationship with your partner, with yourself, or with anyone else. Re-education is key – and the truth is, most of us have a lot to learn about the ins and outs of sex and intimacy, and after many years of study, Nicole Kammerlocher knows this better than most. Having completed a Masters in Community Mental Health Counseling and further training in the AASECT (American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counsellors and Therapists) Certification Program, Nicole has plenty of powerful insights on sex and intimacy to share. In this episode, Nicole talks to Hannah about the modern challenges facing people in loving sexual relationships, and how we can keep our bonds strong. So what's this episode really about? The difference between stress and stressors, and the impact of both on our sex livesImmediate actions you can take to alleviate stress What makes for effective communication around sex and boundaries with your partner How to reignite the spark after experiencing burnout Why you should listen Sex is a basic human need and a central component to most happy, healthy romantic relationships, but it can also be an incredibly complex subject – particularly once burnout enters the picture. If you have experienced (or are currently experiencing) burnout and looking for advice on maintaining your connection with your partner, this episode is for you. Links The Center for Couples and Sex Therapy SheShatters You can quote me on that… “There's no new normal to go back to – we're trying to figure our new patterns and rewiring old behaviors.” - Hannah Austin “One of the most important things to address with burnout is first separating the stress from the stressor. The stress is what is happening in your body – your body really ramps up to put all your power into dealing with the stressor.” - Nicole Kammerlocher“We are running modern software on ancient human firmware.” - Nicole KammerlocherLike what you hear? Please leave me a review - these stars won't burn out!

In the SheShatters community, we know the power of a good metaphor – and fire is a particularly powerful one. Cliches like “burning the candle at both ends” and “keeping the flame alive”, overused as they may be, have never been more important and relevant than they are today as burnout continues to spread. That's why we were so pleased when our latest guest, Dana LaVoie, raised a fiery metaphor of her own in a conversation about energy reserves and burnout in menopause. As the Founder of Menopause Made Easy, licensed in accupuncture and herbal treatments, Dana has devoted her life to women's health and eliminating symptoms of menopause. Needless to say, she has come a long way since she first sought treatment for a persistent cough from a natural medicine practitioner. The way Dana sees it, energy reserves are just like a candle, depleting over time – and the good news is that there are plenty of natural remedies that can slow the burn. In this episode, Hannah and Dana talk about everything from the magic of ancient Chinese medicinal practices to the importance of replenishing rituals at every stage of life. So what's this episode really about? The links between changing environments and energy depletion Why you need to preserve the energy in your immune system The subtle sign of burnout you need to look out for How women's menopause symptoms are still being misdiagnosed The options available to women seeking hormone treatment Why you should listen If you're not already into learning about energy and hormones, the whole space can seem pretty confusing – but Dana's help, you'll discover powerful new links between energy reserves, hormones, menopause and medicine. You'll also pick up an amazingly simple recipe for Dana's trademark hormone smoothie. LinksSheShatters SheShatters Instagramwww.danalavoielac.com See Dana's recipes hereYou can quote me on that…“So many of us, when we get on some kind of plan for feeling better, we're like, ‘This is working. That's it, I've found the solution.” We just think we're going to stay on that forever, but that's not the case – we need to update what we're doing to stay well.” - Dana LaVoie “Stress is like a big hole in the bottom of your guest tank where all your energy reserves are leaking out.” - Dana LaVoie “When you're burned out, and you're depleted, you don't have anything left for yourself, let alone your partner, [so you lose] intimacy, sex, and connection.” - Hannah Austin Like what you hear? Please leave me a review - these stars won't burn out!

Women are resilient creatures, but we're not bulletproof. In fact, certain experiences – like a cancer diagnosis, for example – can leave you completely shattered, and unsure of how to put yourself back together. Any serious illness raises uncomfortable questions about how you'll carry on, and beyond that, how you'll manage to leave a legacy that carries on after you're gone. There's a lot to think about post-diagnosis, but there's also a lot to do in order to keep things on the straight and narrow. We're talking: Finding (and nurturing) the community of supportive women in your life Letting your purpose take you to our passion – and making sure you get to do what you want to do with the time you haveDealing with your inner criticLearning to look after yourself To do all of those things is to create a powerful legacy, almost subconsciously – one that will encourage other women to be the best version of themselves – and Iselyn Hamilton-Austin has got it all covered. As a breast cancer survivor, she is experienced in the art of overcoming, finding another way and moving forward – and in her role as a pediatric nurse, she dedicates her time to sharing her wisdom with incoming generations. She is also the founder and CEO of Duckling to Diva, an organization championing young women's empowerment. In this episode of the She Burns podcast, Iselyn shares her hard-earned insights on everything from mortality motivation to defining your life path and creating positive relationships with others. So what's this episode really about? Finding the resilience to overcome life's biggest challenges The importance of doing the things you want to do before it's too lateThe power in a support network of driven, committed women Why you should invest time in learning good habits from childhood Why you should listen People who can blend unwavering support with total honesty are rare birds, and Iselyn Hamilton-Austin is one of them. As a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, author and breast cancer survivor, she has seen the harsh realities of life and kept her can-do attitude through it all. LinksSheShatters SheShatters InstagramIselyn Hamilton-Austin InstagramYou can quote me on that…“You don't need a man if you've got a book.” - Hannah Austin “Most women who are game changers have been blindsided at one [point] or another. It's how you pick your sh*t up off the ground and move forward.” - Hannah Austin “You've got to plant your own shit. You've got to dig your own hole and put your own seed in it – you have to. You can't let things and people stop you. You do have to take a moment, though.” - Iselyn Hamilton-Austin Like what you hear? Please leave me a review - these stars won't burn out!

We're all on our own paths in life, and sometimes, despite our best efforts, those paths can seem to twist and turn of their own volition. From uncontrollable factors like your birthplace, your family and your early years to the little decisions we make every day, there are an infinite number of different ways to go in life – and yet, still, many women find themselves boxed into one of a few well-trodden paths. Look closer still, and you'll find that many of those paths can be traced all the way back to the same practices society has been enforcing on us for hundreds – if not thousands – of years. The big question, now, is how can we find the courage to step off the path we've been told to walk and find the one that fits us better – and the answer can be found in the hard-won wisdom of Rebekah Bastian. Rebekah is the CEO and founder of Own Trail – a company dedicated to helping women find, share and celebrate their unique journeys through life. She's also an award winning writer, an artist, a tech executive mentor, a mother and an aerial acrobat. Own Trail is, in essence, part of the antidote to the tired Western way of life that insists five days on, two days off is still the best way – or even the only way – to live and work. Instead, Rebekah embraces big ideas and vision, discussions led by values, and, on occasion, well deserved time out from the busy work of the brain. In this episode of the She Burns podcast, Rebekah shares a host of fascinating insights into her very own “Own Trail”, the steps she has taken to build a company culture that deviates from the hustle, the virtues of the four-day work week, and much more. So what's this episode really about? The importance of having big ideas and visionThe value in building a value-driven company guided by the same “north star” Why every start-up founder needs a community of fellow entrepreneurs What “living your purpose” really looks like The truth about the myth of a “clean, linear path” Why you should listen They say comparison is the thief of joy, and if you've ever had yours unwittingly stolen by another woman – whether it's on social media, in the workplace or in your social circle – this episode (and the OwnTrail platform) is for you. LinksOwn Trail SheShatters You can quote me on that…“We often don't see people who look like us in the places we aspire to. [We go] through these motions of thinking we're supposed to know exactly where we're going and how we're going to get there, and feeling like we get it wrong because we don't see what other people's real journeys look like. Thinking about the power of what it looks like to navigate your career, but as a whole human and really fitting work into your life as opposed to your life into your work – in a way, that can open up a lot more possibilities.” - Rebekah Bastian “I feel like we're at a pivotal point in our universe in our lives – especially as women and men in our mid-40s and -50s, however old we are – where we're wanting something and yearning for something different and something more. It's about figuring out how to align our inner purpose with the work that we're doing to make the world a different place – a better place.” - Hannah AustinLike what you hear? Please leave me a review - these stars won't burn...

Many of us learn at an early age that sex is a dirty word – a subject that belongs in the space behind closed doors – and some would say it's precisely this attitude that has created our warped relationship with pornography and sex in general. With its distinct absence of consent, candid conversations and good sexual values, it's little wonder that the divide between porn makes such a minefield of sex education, and yet, it's still a major source of information for young people. In a world characterised by endless scrutiny and comparisons between bodies, relationships and every other aspect of our lives, body image issues are rife, and the “perfect” footage used in most pornography only exacerbates the problem. The good news is, porn is not the be-all and end-all of sexual attractiveness – at least, not if Cindy Gallop has anything to say about it. She's out to change it all – the way we think about porn, learn about sex and make love – in one fell swoop. Best described as the Michael Bay of business who likes to blow sh*t up, Cindy is a diversity consultant, speaker, founder and CEO of the world's first and only user-generated, human-curated social sex video sharing platform. In Cindy's own words, Make Love, Not Porn exists to “provide a unique window into the funny, messy, loving, awkward, beautiful sex we have in the real world”, and to give us what we really want: intimacy, human touch, connection, love and relationships that feel good. In this episode of She Burns, Cindy takes a deep dive into the crucial difference between sex and porn, the value of seeing real bodies in the media we watch, the profound impact of social sex videos on survivors of sexual abuse and assault, and more. So what's this episode really about? The real difference between sex and porn The unexpected pathway to happier, healthier sexual relationships The beauty in celebrating “realness” – both on camera and in conversation How sharing real-world sex can be as transformative for participants as for the rest of the world Why you should listen There's something very reassuring about being real, even in the most intimate spaces in our lives, and the content created by Cindy Gallop's “Make Love, Not Porn” is nothing if not real. If you have ever felt self-conscious about your body because of the media LinksMake Love, Not PornSheShattersYou can quote me on that…“You can talk body positivity all you like – you can preach self-love ‘til you're blue in the face… At the end of the day, nothing makes us feel great about our own bodies like seeing people who are no one's idea of aspirational body types getting turned on by each other, desiring each other, and having an amazing time in bed.” - Cindy Gallop “I am all about doing good and making money simultaneously, and so my aim with Make Love Not porn is to change the way the world has sex for the better and make a huge amount of money doing it.” - Cindy Gallop “[When women are suffering from burnout], sex and intimacy are the first things to go, and they're missing intimacy with themselves.” - Hannah Austin Like what you hear? Please leave me a review - these stars won't burn out!

There's no doubt that the pandemic has been a uniquely challenging time on a global scale – similar, in many ways, to a mountainous hike with no visible end point. Perhaps one of the biggest challenges has been learning to climb together and follow the same guiding star, despite our different views and preferences. For medical professionals, there has also been the challenge of acceptance – knowing that in some circumstances, things may not go to plan, no matter how meticulously the plan is created. As with any long climb, this is a journey of balance – of knowing when to push for the outcomes that matter, and when to pull back – and if anyone knows that balance, it's Dr Anne Zink. After becoming Alaska's Chief Medical Officer in 2019, Dr Zink was suddenly responsible for leading the state through COVID-19, and she learned a few important lessons on the way up. Sometimes, consistency is key, like in the guiding North star principles that have kept Dr Zink on her career path and the focus on filling her own cup first. Then, at other times, success is a moving target, as is always the case when dealing with individuals who have their own preferences, beliefs and desires. In medicine, the ascent to the top is never really done – and for many women, the real climb is only just beginning – but Dr Zink as a shining example of what it possible, it's easier to believe that we will make it. In this episode, Dr Zink shares her insights into the medical profession and what it takes to achieve success – for yourself, your patients and your team. So what's this episode really about? How important it is to set expectations and manage things accordinglyThe value of a solid “base” in allowing you to take on challengesShowing up for the climb – even if you're not sure you have the skills to reach the summit The strength of the human spirit, bringing us back together when it's needed mostWhy you should listen Going with the flow led Dr Anne Zink into the medical field, no matter how hard she tried to resist it – but only hard work could have led her on the trajectory of her career so far. Even after leading Alaska through the COVID-19 pandemic, she still has plenty to give, and an inspiring story to tell. LinksSheShatters You can quote me on that…“Don't plan. Don't worry about it. Don't try to map it out, because life is not very mappable.” Dr Anne Zink“We're still learning how to treat a heart attack, we're still learning [whether] to operate on an injured spleen from a motor vehicle accident or to watch it – so that's medicine, and that's life and our individual, cultural and societal preferences… We'll all continue to change and evolve.” Dr Anne Zink“A bright spot is really when everybody collectively can really feel that there's an impact and difference made.”Hannah Austin Like what you hear? Please leave me a review - these stars won't burn out!

Of all the things that have changed dramatically in the past few years, our shared understanding of “employee wellness” and what it really means is up there as one of the most important. Once used to refer to the occasional approved sick day, employee wellness now represents a serious investment for many corporations – and for good reason. Across the globe, burnout has become a full-blown epidemic, changing the world and our collective thinking so rapidly that many are still playing catch up.Of course, although the physical signs may be similar and far-reaching – from exhaustion and overwhelm to panic attacks and all-consuming depression – burnout is anything but universal. In fact, it's different for each of us, impacted by a culmination of unique experiences and traits – and if you're a leader with a team of employees behind you, your handling of the situation will hinge on this understanding. With that knowledge comes the weight of pressure and expectation, and if anyone knows a few things about managing all of it, it's Pam Ford. As a team leader and manager in the financial industry, Pam has spent more than 20 years juggling multiple priorities, from her own mental health to the highs and lows of motherhood, For Pam, the pandemic represented a significant burnout learning curve – one which took her from a total lack of burnout knowledge pre-COVID to an in-depth understanding of how it affects staff, leaders and individuals at every stage of their lives and careers. In this episode of the SheBurns podcast, Pam shares her no-holds-barred take on the pandemic, from her first experience of physical burnout symptoms to the support network and strategies that brought her out the other side – as a woman, a mother and a leader. So what's this episode really about? Why navigating burnout should be a team sport The true link between leadership and burnout – particularly for women How burnout can lead to imposter syndrome, and what you can do about itWhy you should start talking to your kids about burnout early on The extra pressure on mothers to “prove themselves” after having a childWhy you should listen For many of us, the concept of burnout is still fairly new, and it can be far more difficult to recognise in yourself than in other people. No matter where your journey has taken you so far, Pam's journey will give you hope in your ability to connect with and advocate for your own needs. Links SheShattersSheShatters InstagramPam Ford LinkedInYou can quote me on that…“You often look at these setbacks as just unnecessary and really painful road bumps, but I think, once you can separate yourself from the pain – and it's so immediate in those moments – you give yourself time to reflect and you realize, one: I got through that. Two: I'm so much stronger than I thought I was, and now I have all these learnings having gone through this experience that I can bring into situations and help others [to avoid] the same thing.” - Pam Ford“I feel like there is an individual component [to burnout] because who are you? Pam? How were you raised? There's always different characteristics in our personalities. Are you a people pleaser? Are you poor at setting boundaries? Are you someone that's a perfectionist? There's all these different buckets… that different people fall into,...

There's no denying that being a woman can be seriously tough. We have to manage everything from hormonal fluctuations to societal disadvantages and pay discrepancies, all while contending with ongoing comparisons to other women who seem to have it all. Amidst all of that, it's pretty easy to forget that men also have issues worthy of examining, but it's true. They do – and by taking part in the examination, we can find the answers to a wide range of questions we might never have thought to ask. Start with the classics and you'll unearth outdated ideals of men as the sole providers, charged with taking care of everything – even issues that don't belong to them. You'll also find the harmful, long-ranging impact of the belief that men aren't supposed to ask for help – even when they find themselves up against impossible situations. The idea that emotions and vulnerabilities are taboo, not only at work but also in the home, has caused generations of men a great deal of pain and anxiety. Then there's the fallacy that men should be able to work without rest, and that doing so should be seen as a mark of manhood. We could go on (and on), but the underlying truth is that men are affected by burnout – and more often than not, the effects carry over to everyone else in their households. Former corporate leader Jim Young knows all about the impact burnout can have on men. After a 25-year career, he reinvented himself and forged a new trajectory as a coach, speaker and author for male leaders. Along the way, he coined the term “expansive intimacy” – a game-changing addition to the lexicon for male leaders everywhere. The lessons Jim has learned about setting boundaries, experiencing emotions and vulnerability, finding strong male role models and forming connections with others deserve an audience – and that's what the SheBurns podcast is all about. In this episode, Jim shares a few key insights into burnout and relationships for men, the lies society perpetuates about how men work, and the power of intimacy in dismantling burnout. So what's this episode really about? The biggest lesson we all learned from the pandemic Why it's so important to make the experience of burnout more relatable to menNew ways to identify, support and connect with the men in your life who are suffering from burnout Why burnout as we know it is not a “problem”The importance of setting firm post-burnout boundaries with those you care about Why you should listen As partners, fathers, brothers and friends, men play such an important role in many of our lives, and when burnout affects them, it often has a run-on effect. By gaining an understanding of their experiences, we can not only create more harmonious relationships in our homes, but also glean new insights into our own struggles with burnout. Links SheShattersSheShatters InstagramThe Centered CoachYou can quote me on that…“A lot of the people that I speak with, they actually put a timeline on their burnout and they think it was just with their corporate job, but now that they look back…like you said, in their childhood, those seeds are planted along the way. It...

They say the truth will set you free, but the path to freedom isn't always easy; in fact, it can be quite the opposite. That's why, when you come up against truths that refuse to be swallowed, creating your own truth is often the best way forward. Whether that truth comes from biblical quotes, life experiences, or a well-worn personal mantra, a particularly powerful string of words can often make even the most difficult situations manageable – that, and a strong foundation of challenges faced and positive outcomes achieved. If you have challenges to face and positive outcomes to achieve, Tricia Fishburne is the leading lady you'll want to know. After experiencing sexual assault at a young age, Tricia learned a few hard lessons about hitting rock bottom and beginning the long journey back to “normal” – lessons that so many other female victims have also had to learn. It's not all doom and gloom, though – through that journey, Tricia also came to understand the importance of being in flow, accepting the nonlinear nature of recovery, and learning to sit with negative emotions in a compassionate way. These are all foundational lessons – and as a certified mindset coach and hypnotherapist, Tricia is uniquely qualified to share them with you. In this episode, she shares some powerful truths about rising above negative experiences, finding self-worth and following your passion. So what's this episode really about? The real (and often non-linear) journey back from rock bottom Coping with the aftermath of sexual assault The life-affirming power of the words “I am” Risking everything to prioritize your mental health and happiness How your ability to succeed in any field comes back to self-worth Why you should listenSometimes, in order to burn at your brightest, you have to work through dark spots – and it's at those turning points that a strong foundation is most important. In the words of Tricia Fishburne herself, once you know your worth, you can really achieve anything in life, and this episode will inspire you to do just that. LinksSheShattersSheShatters InstagramTricia Fishburne InstagramYou can quote me on that…My biggest goal is to achieve more by doing less. Yes, yes. Which sounds so counterintuitive, you know, and it's been really uncomfortable, like a part of me, when I sit and kind of follow the flow of my business. It's like that part of me is activated. And I'm like, wait a minute, okay, I have to do more, I have to do something. Right. So it's like building that habit of allowing myself to just follow those like intuitive, right lunches, follow the flow. And what I'm noticing is that when I have my biggest successes in business, it's when I'm so in the flow, nice, like when I don't even try, right? - Tricia “I just know from speaking to women, day in and day out, [that] there's always a million people that are listening and saying, I've been through that. It was her sharing her story that made me feel comfortable coming out about the story or [helped] me get up from the bathroom floor or stopped me from committing suicide.” - Hannah Austin Like what you hear? Please leave me a review – these stars won't

For all of the division in the world right now, there's one thing that brings us all together: We all love that feeling of achieving – whether your big win is getting a gold medal in an Olympic swim meet or just getting out of bed on a tough day. The thing is, like any good thing, too much of that winning feeling can be problematic and even damaging for your sense of wellbeing. This is especially true if, like so many high achievers, you feel the pull to do more, be more and achieve more, often without ever slowing down to appreciate your achievements to date. If anyone can relate to all that, it's Nikki Kett. As a former collegiate athlete, high-performing coach, and serial college graduate, Nikki has spent much of her life at a pinnacle of success – but as many all-round overachievers will attest, the wins don't come without sacrifice. Athletes, in particular, tend to push themselves to higher standards rather than pausing to process and appreciate the progress they have made – and all of those emotions left unprocessed can be a bigger problem than they first appear. The medal-winning question is this: how can we balance pursuing and achieving our dreams with self-compassion? In this episode, Nikki and I search for answers, exploring Olympic highs and lows, the cycle of performing, controlling and achieving, and the real value of coaching along the way. So what's this episode really about? The mental health challenges that affect elite athletes – and what we can do about it Why it's so important to feel things in order to move through them The best mind-clearing alternatives to meditation How to create space for yourself to truly experience each moment The parallels between coaching and going to Disney World Why you should listenThey say comparison is the thief of joy, and yet it plagues so many of us, no matter what our focus might be. If you often find yourself rushing from one goal to the next rather than reflecting, blaming others rather than taking ownership, and comparing your everyday life to others' highlight reels, this episode is full of thought-provoking points that will help you understand and redirect those behaviors. LinksShe ShattersShe Shatters Instagram Nikki Kett Coaching Instagram You can quote me on that…“I think [the pressure to compete and perform] comes from a place of scarcity where you're not enough as you are, and that creates even more fear of our emotions [and] of our flaws, and shame.” - Nikki Kett “I think a lot of athletes – especially as they retire, when they're off the stage and the race is over – [they] look [themselves] in the mirror and say, ‘who am I and what am I, to myself and to other people? What other things do I contribute to the world?'” – Hannah Austin “It's hard to describe a state that you're in now versus the optimal state that you could be in, because you have to share and show someone that there's a better opportunity and life for them, and trying to explain that is very challenging.” – Hannah AustinLike what you hear? Please leave a review – these stars won't burn out!

Right now, there are more masks in the world than ever before. 52 billion disposable masks were produced in 2020 alone. That's one billion masks for every week of the year. While they were a crucial part of the effort to protect our health, these masks have had one common and unwanted side effect: A sense of isolation – both physically and emotionally. We have spent the past two years learning how to stay connected in a world that has enforced space – and if you have struggled with that, you're not alone. Beyond the social stressors of the pandemic, many of us have also struggled with the additional workload, the pressure of making new decisions and the challenges of everyday life – all of which suddenly seemed much harder to juggle. For healthcare professionals, life in the midst of COVID was a different kind of juggling act, supporting our communities and each other while navigating a complex political climate and putting once-in-a-lifetime medical training into practice. The thing is, even in these intense situations, it's often the same tried-and-true techniques that keep our mental and physical health intact. During trying times, Dr Kate Abbasi swears by goal setting, volunteering and anything that gives you a sense of purpose. A physician and hospitalist working in Portland, Oregon, Kate is a natural carer, a hard worker and a believer in the power of life's simple joys. On this episode of the SheBurns podcast, we chat about the power of a resilient mindset, learning to live with less, and the unexpected benefit of working in the healthcare industry through COVID. So what's this episode really about? What we could all learn from living with lessThe unexpected COVID bonus for healthcare professionals The beauty on the other side of acceptance Why you should seek out opportunities to look at life from others' perspectives Why you should listen Whether you're a physician, a patient, or just a person navigating the post-COVID world day by day, the extra distance in the world can feel a little lonely at times. This episode is a great reminder that if you look for opportunities to connect, you'll find them, along with a host of other people who feel the same way. Links SheShattersYou can quote me on that…“I think it's one thing to have a pandemic, which none of us could control – but now we have a potential option to control some of it and people choosing not to be able to control it or choosing the other direction, and that can be pretty hard.” - Hannah Austin “People who say ‘things happen for a reason' – I actually really hate that saying. I hate it so much because I have to go into the hospital, and what reason am I going to give this person who doesn't have long to live?” - Dr KateLike what you hear? Please leave me a review – these stars won't burn out!

Raise your hand if you've ever felt as though you had to plan your way through life in order to be successful…Most of us have been there – myself included – and there are plenty of signs. We buy fancy planners to write our meetings in, we use calendar apps on our phones and we schedule important meetings with colleagues and clients weeks in advance – but sometimes, life just doesn't work that way. Sometimes, life demands that we improvise our own solutions. COVID-19 has been a perfect example of improvisation in action. It sent the world scrambling to adapt to new methods of living, working and connecting – and at the time, many of us would have agreed that it seemed as though nothing good could come of it. Months later, an alternative perspective – a story about working from home, spending more time with family and enjoying the simple pleasures in life – has taken hold in our collective consciousness, and reminded us of something important: We all have the power to choose our own paths, and (perhaps even more importantly) the way we feel about them. In this way, life is a lot like a round of improvisation – and if there's one woman who can shed some valuable light on that subject, it's Meridith Grundei. As a public speaking coach, an award-winning theatre director and producer, and former improvisation teacher, Meridith teaches professionals how to present themselves with confidence and achieve better results in their careers. Despite her busy workload, Meridith isn't a fan of following plans. Instead, she turns brave spur-of-the-moment decisions into adventures – and if you like the idea of flowing through life unfazed, you'll like what she has to say. On this episode of the SheBurns podcast, Meridith and I cover everything from her background in theatre and youth programs to the value in saying no, holding space for yourself and mortality motivation. So what's this episode really about? The power of networking and connecting with others – even when it feels like a performance Why we should embrace life as an adventure – including the scariest parts How to be an extrovert in the modern era The common thread between acting and interacting The importance of deep listening, presence and trusting in the moment Why you should listenNo one gets a linear path in life, and although jolts and jerks in new directions can feel like they have thrown you off course, they can also set you onto a new path – one which is better than you could have imagined. If you have ever experienced a major shift in your path, this episode will resonate – and if you haven't, it will leave you a little better prepared for whatever may come. Links Meridith Grundei Coaching Instagram Meridith Grundei LinkedIn SheShatters SheShatters InstagramYou can quote me on that… “Every day in our relationships – even with our partners and marriage and kids – it's like, ‘Okay, how can I practice or rehearse how this is going to sound better or… be better delivered?'” - Hannah Austin “Every coaching session can be formatted like an AA meeting.” - Hannah...

They say change is the only constant – and in the past few years, that saying has turned into a way of life. During COVID, many of us have had to change the way we work, live and interact with others. In an era driven by setting goals, achieving milestones and pushing boundaries, COVID pushed back – and when our (busy) routines were disrupted, two things happened: Perfectionism went out the window. Let's be honest – even though you and I both know deep down that perfection has always been an impossible goal, the pandemic was the last straw. If there was ever a time to extend grace to yourself, this was it. Authentic self-reflection flew in. The pandemic was an opportunity to ask some difficult questions and find answers without the constant noise of hustling and rushing. Talk about doing things differently!With that self-reflection came an opportunity to reset personal boundaries and encourage others to do the same, and in that process, humanity returned to the workplace. One human the workplace was thrilled to see? Recovering perfectionist Kt McBratney. As the COO and co-founder of Own Trail – a platform that encourages women to visualize and navigate their unique paths through life – Kt has been through her fair share of partnerships along with all the boundary-setting required to make them successful (not perfect). Whether you're managing personal relationships, professional connections, or teams, success is founded on boundaries, mindfulness and self-awareness. With a trail of her own traversing digital agencies, higher education, tech entertainment and the arts, Kt is an expert in doing things differently – and preventing burnout along the way. In the first episode of Season 2, Kt and I covered everything from the power of mindfulness and self-reflection to the process of finding the right partner, in business and in life. So what's this episode really about? Why great leaders must understand the value of strong boundaries The balance between boundaries and “bringing your whole self to work” Networking, serendipity and what it means to find a truly complementary partner The introspective questions every busy woman (and mother) should answerEmbracing creativity as a coping mechanism – for ourselves and for others Why you should listen Unfortunately, for many of us, being a woman is still synonymous with limitations and injustices – and fighting them can be draining, to say the least. The good news is, with the right support and a few fire-proof strategies in mind, a breakthrough is not just possible but inevitable. This episode is for every woman who wants to align the pieces of herself. Links OwnTrailShe ShattersYou can quote me on that…“I don't want to go back to the way things were working because they weren't working for all of us, and they weren't designed to work for all of us – so I'm hoping that the momentum of individual and systemic change that the pandemic and other events have forced, in a way, continues.” - Katie “I think that the piece about entrepreneurs that people don't understand is-you have to have the big vision, the mission, the values, the big picture, but then you've got to also have a plan for the tangible next steps. You've got to have the both the marching orders and drive to move things forward – and juggling those is the biggest challenge.” - Hannah“I...

In many ways, growing up is about becoming self-sufficient, and nothing forces you to grow up faster than making major life changes at a young age. Whether you move out of home, make a major decision about your education, or bring a new life into the world, these events often mark the precipice of adulthood - and for some, the beginning of a battle with burnout. Of course, there are always some things we can do to make things easier on ourselves. Getting regular exercise and meditation, sourcing plenty of inspiration from female role models (and serendipitous magazine entries), knowing when to say no - these things all make a difference…But ultimately, it's about taking control and responsibility for your own decisions, and making the changes you need to make for your own health and career - even under the extra pressure of once-in-a-lifetime events like the COVID-19 pandemic. Fortunately for Zenana Rose, she learned how to do all of these things at a young age. Zenana is a registered nurse, certified lactation consultant, former owner of Zenana Wellness Spa, and host of the YouTube channel “Natural Living With Zenana”. She's also a daughter, wife, mother, and grandmother who knows a few things about finding the delicate balance between being fiercely independent and nurturing family values - and when it comes to burnout, she's got plenty of sage advice to give. In this episode of the SheBurns podcast, Zenana talks about family values, setting career boundaries, the responsibility that comes with independence, and finding inspiration in the most unexpected places. So what's this episode really about? The responsibility we feel for other people's success and how this can push us into burnoutRealizing that you can have a career and a family Going deeper to arrive at a deeper understanding of yourself How your upbringing and family values impact the outcomes in your life Why you should listenIn many cases, burnout is the result of two factors combined: the expectations and boundaries we set for ourselves, and our ability to communicate those things. Things get difficult when we realize that the expectations and boundaries we carry with us are - at least partially - the result of our upbringing, because it means making major, fundamental shifts in the way we think. If you're ready to get introspective, this episode could be the beginning of that shift for you. LinksYouTube Channel: Natural Living With Zenana SheShattersYou can quote me on that… “[I asked myself], ‘What do I want to do with my one and precious life? And I realized I do not want to be exhausted, I didn't want to be burnt out. I didn't want all of my time to be focused on the business - sometimes choosing the business even over my family, and oftentimes choosing the business over myself.” - Zenana “Isn't it ironic, though, that you had a wellness spa, and you're crashing and burning... you were trying to get other people to relax and stay healthy, and then you crash and burn yourself.” - Hannah AustinLike what you hear? Please leave me a review - these stars won't burn out!

They say that when it rains, it pours - and for cancer patients in oncology clinics across the country, that truth has a sharp point. As COVID-19 has ravaged hospitals and medical staff, these are the people who have experienced some of the worst effects of the pandemic - and often in isolation, without the physical proximity and support of friends and family. Undeniably, the medical professionals on hand in these clinics have been the heroic presence we all need, but the question demands to be asked…What happens when the people looking after us don't have a chance to look after themselves? In times like these, there's a lot to be said for little moments of human connection and physical outlets, especially for radiation oncologists like Kristina Young. Kristina's passion for her field began with the cancer diagnosis of a close friend's mother, and that passion has led her into a long career researching breakthrough technology and immune therapy for breast cancer. When she's not on the job, Kristina enjoys boxing, hiking, and gardening with her family, but sometimes, even those outlets are not enough to alleviate burnout - especially when she's worried about protecting her family from burnout… And in those times, we do what humans have been doing for years: We talk about it. In this episode of the SheBurns podcast, Kristina talks about the emotional burden of helping her patients through COVID-19, her family support network, and how she's using the hard times as teaching opportunities with her children. So what's this episode really about? The shift in our collective attitude towards the medical professionHow to manage the stress of caring for your family and the rest of the worldThe intense, transformative relationship between the physician and the patientLearning to be okay with the way things turn out Why you should listen For parents all over the world, the pandemic has shifted protective instincts into overdrive - and while we've been working hard to keep our kids safe, they have been learning brand new lessons in a brand new world. If you've been feeling stressed, guilty, or worried about the changes in your role as a parent, this episode will remind you that you are far from alone - and that there is a silver lining to every burned-out cloud. LinksKristina Young on LinkedIn SheShatters You can quote me on that… “Getting a cancer diagnosis is almost a death sentence - scary in a lot of people's minds. And then you add COVID on top of it. So it's been such a difficult time for cancer patients, I would imagine having to juggle their treatments, and then having to be not only careful about their regular immune system, but then, ‘oh my gosh, there's a virus out there that could also kill me'.” - Hannah Austin “I think having connection is always something that has helped me in times where I'm feeling low, and my tank feels empty - and then doing things to fill my tank.” - Kristina Young Like what you hear? Leave me a review - these stars won't burn out!

If you were being chased by a bear, how would you feel? Terrified, exhausted, and pretty damn stressed, right? Now, because it has been a hot minute since most people have had to fight off nature's predators for survival, that scenario might be difficult to imagine - but the reality is, those same stress hormones are still flowing through many of us on a daily basis. The ability to stretch our stress response can be a beautiful thing, allowing us to experience the fullest expression of life, but it only stretches so far…And if you're going into stressful situations (like a bear chase, or a pandemic) with a heavy load of existing stressors tied to your back, chances are that you won't be able to carry them for long. At least, not without a few robust coping mechanisms in place. Like most pursuits in life, there's a good and not-so-good way to deal with stressors, and it's simpler than you might expect: The key is to accept uncontrollable situations, rather than trying in vain to control them, and knowing the difference between the two - and if there's one person qualified to share that knowledge, it's Dr. Csilla Veress. Dr. Csilla is a primary care doctor at True North Health Center in Santa Rosa, California whose mission is to provide the education and inspiration we all need for holistic health. Csilla is also an author, podcast contributor, naturopathic physician, and licensed acupuncturist - and when she gets a free moment from all of that, she makes an amazing podcast guest! In this episode of the She Burns podcast, Csilla shared powerful insights on the importance of working with all the systems in the body, the value of clear self-perception, and the questions we all need to ask ourselves for better health. So what's this episode really about? What a truly holistic approach to healthcare looks like Strategies for understanding and managing stressors in a productive wayWhy self-worth is such an important part of holistic health How focussing on the basics can lead to life-changing transformation Why you should listen Some people make wellness seem overly complicated, difficult, or inaccessible, but not Dr Csilla. She's all about a wholesome combination of in-depth knowledge and actionable advice, and once you experience the benefits of holistic health for yourself, you won't be able to get enough! LinksDr Csilla Veress She ShattersYou can quote me on that… “Wellness isn't just medical and health anymore. It's really mental.” - Hannah Austin “One of the best ways that you can protect your adrenals, that you can actually help prevent burnout and also start to reverse the process, is social connection.” - Csilla Veress“Sleep is like an airplane, not like a helicopter...You have to go on this runway and get enough speed so that you can fall asleep.” - Csilla VeressLike what you hear? Leave me a review! These stars won't burn out.

Perhaps the most frustrating thing about dreams is that they are not linear. No matter how passionate you are about your life right now, there's always the chance that something that feels even bigger and more exciting will emerge from that part of your soul that can't always be heard. The thing is, achieving those dreams depends on your ability to keep moving forward when life gets difficult, and there are plenty of things that threaten to get in your way. Whether you're facing up against a lack of resources, a limiting set of attitudes and beliefs, or even the restrictive thoughts and feelings of those around you, there will always be obstacles to your biggest dreams. I would argue that the key to overcoming it all and achieving your dreams lies not in knocking down obstacles, but in becoming a person who sees each of them as an opportunity. A person like Candice Eastman. Candice is a life coach, a hairstylist, a therapist, and a writer who loves nothing more than the magic of watching others embark on their dreams and make them come true. Having done just that for herself when she launched Elle Leva, her own online publication for women, Candice has learned a few important lessons about the value of support – from your family, your community, and most importantly, from yourself. In order to step into herself, Candice needed to overcome the limitations of growing up in a low-income family and the burdens of others' troubles and truly embody her alter ego, “The Queen” – and it all makes for a great story. In this episode of the She Burns podcast, Candice talks through the experiences that led her to follow her passion and consciously create every part of her life in the process. SO WHAT'S THIS EPISODE REALLY ABOUT? The hidden “blessing” of lockdownHow to consciously create your behaviors and your life The importance of a “no excuses” mindset How we can raise children to be strong and mindful amidst burnout culture The power of positive role models and supportive partnersWHY YOU SHOULD LISTEN As a firm believer in personal development and following passions, Candace embodies everything we stand for at She Shatters and proves that there's no such thing as a dead-end on this journey of life. Like our community, the Elle Leva magazine was created to bring women together and celebrate our gifts, and we can never have too many opportunities to do just that. LINKSShe Shatters Elle Leva YOU CAN QUOTE ME ON THAT… “You don't need to save the day for people. You can extend yourself but you can also have a boundary.” – Candice Eastman“[It's about] surrounding yourself with people, things, thoughts, manifestations – whatever you want to call it – to come into your true self to basically excavate those negative thoughts or excavate that negativity around you, and really become that shining bright Queen diamond.” – Hannah Austin LIKE WHAT YOU HEAR? Leave me a review! These stars won't burn out.

By the time we're young adults, starting out in a new industry, we're already hearing about how difficult – or impossible – it is to “have it all”. The thing is, with such vast differences in cultural ideals, it's impossible to create a universal definition of what “having it all” really means – whether it's getting married at 18 or nailing seven interviews for a lounge assistant job. One thing that stays consistent across cultures, though, is our hunger for shared experience and guidance from people who have walked the paths we want to walk. There are obstacles, as there always seem to be – from cultural biases to privilege by location and relationships that don't work out the way we wish they would… But the impact of seeing powerful women go ahead and set the job out in front of you cannot be understated. Ranmalie Jayasekera credits this very force with helping her get to where she is today, but it didn't happen without a lot of hard work and a little bit of burnout. After leaving the marriage she entered into at 18, Ranmalie was determined to shatter the life path set out for women in Sri Lankan culture – in a good way, of course. The obstacles she faced on the way – including the second-hand mindset she received from those above her on the ladder and the physical symptoms of her anxiety and cognitive dissonance – didn't stop her from giving voice to her struggles. She even managed to cultivate empathy for the people who mistreated her and focus, instead, on those who offered her support – and now, she has a story well worth sharing. In this episode of the She Burns podcast, Ranmalie talks about how her early life experiences and role models shaped her, how she let go of her fear and the powerful combination of big dreams and self-love. SO WHAT'S THIS EPISODE REALLY ABOUT? The power of creating a support systemThe magic of honesty and integrityWhy loving yourself is so important in setting strong boundaries How to think your way through the barriers and excuses you create for yourself How envisioning – actually asking yourself what you want – can change your life WHY YOU SHOULD LISTEN Every woman who has ever left a challenging situation without a safety net knows the fear of the unknown – of stepping out of your job or your life as is in the hope of something better. Ranmalie Jayasakera has been there, done that, and still managed to build a career and a life that serves her, and her advice will set you on course to do the same. LINKSMarian Ranmalie JayasekeraShe ShattersYOU CAN QUOTE ME ON THAT… “I always wondered, like, wait a minute, I want to get an education, I want to get a new place, I want to get a nice job, I want to go up the ladder…but it wasn't something that I saw that much in my country. But [because] there were powerful women in my life that supported that mission, [I] saw that it could be different. [I] saw that the world was a little bit bigger.” – “One of the things as women, I think we need to do is pay it forward, get the tools that you need to be able to be a good supervisor or boss, and pay it forward for women who don't know how to do it and need to learn.” – Hannah AustinLIKE WHAT YOU HEAR? Leave me a review! These stars won't burn out.

There's no denying that the pandemic has hit hard, but the toll isn't limited to the thousands of deaths, sick people, and emergency room chaos - it's also about what's going on in our heads. After months of isolation, confusion, and fear, the negative thoughts and feelings we all experience have become a plague of their own, leading us to experience extreme stress, full-blown burnout, and even death. Two plagues at once? Yep - it's a lot, and while no one has felt the strain more keenly than our healthcare workers, adults and families everywhere are struggling. The thing about trauma is that it's bigger than fear or anxiety alone and more difficult to handle. It affects our development as people, and if we aren't careful about managing it, we also pass it down to our children. Don't panic, though - there is some good news: with the right techniques, you can come to a better understanding of how your mind works and how you can give yourself the support you need.The relationship between trauma and burnout, the importance of listening to all three of your “brains”, and the power of creating a positive narrative - these are the cornerstones of anti-burnout. Don't believe me? Just ask Diane Spindler. Diane is a psychotherapist and founder of Gentle Processing Resources with experience in managing the effects of PTSD. With over 30 years of experience in clinics, agencies, and private practice, she knows a few things about managing emotions and external influences - for your own good and the good of your family. In this episode of the She Burns podcast, Diane drops some hot tips on managing trauma, reducing anxiety, and looking after yourself during tough times. So what's this episode really about? The four elements of trauma and how you can deal with it more effectivelyHow other people can cause and contribute to your burnout, and how you can counteract this by rethinking your own beliefs about yourself The importance of learning to listen to your gutCommunicating in the language of your subconscious mind A simple analogy for the relationship between trauma and energy and how you can create more of the latter in your lifeWhy you should listen They say life goes on after traumatic experiences, but sometimes we need a little help to shift our brains back into a productive state and clear out the dark matter bogging us down. Like the Marie Kondo of the subconscious mind, Diane Spindler is an expert in the art of clearing, and in this episode, you'll pick up a handful of tips on understanding your own body and mind so that you can make burnout a thing of the past. LinksGentle ReprocessingShe ShattersYou can quote me on that… The back of your brain is your reptilian brain - your primitive brain - and it doesn't have a future or past; it only has a present. So that trauma gets put in the back of your brain waiting for you to process it, but life is so quick these days that you get a lot of those traumas put in the back of your brain over and over and over again. - Diane Spindler You have your brain, which is your logical brain, your heart is your emotional brain, your stomach, your gut, is your intuition. Now, when all three brains agree on something, the decision is easy. If you have two out of three, agree, it's not quite as easy, but it's better. But what we usually do is we listen to our logical brain, and our gut, in our gut in our heart is going, what about us? - Diane Spindler I think a lot of people...

Have you ever heard a sentence come out of your mouth and thought, “I sound exactly like my mother”? It happens to all of us eventually - and is it any wonder, given all of the research behind the Social Proximity Effect? You can't underestimate the impact that your top five - the five people you spend the most time with - have on your life and the person you become. For Linda Weston, founder of consulting practice Rapporto, those five people include her parents, her daughter, and her closest friends, and she credits those relationships with creating the person she is. After more than 30 years of experience across senior leadership, tourism, professional sports, and entrepreneurship, Linda has learned a few valuable lessons about two interrelated things: The importance of finding your people, and… How those people can help you navigate the challenges of burnout. These days, Linda credits her parents, daughter, and friends with giving her the traits that have carried her through each time she got a little too close to burnout. That, and short walks. Seriously - that's where the mental health magic is. She and the team at Rapporto help organizations to improve their governance, strategy, and fundraising, paving a future-proof path into the future. In this episode of the She Burns podcast, Linda talks all about the life lessons and role models that shaped her and how she balances a fierce work ethic with her most important relationships. So what's this episode really about?How to create others' expectations and set boundaries through your actions The one thing that sets good networkers and communicators apart The value of small rituals in relationshipsHow giving back can become fuel in the form of volunteer work Pushing through the boundaries of fear that restrict our opportunitiesWhy you should listenWhether you're a parent, a workaholic, a passionate volunteer, or a combination of all three, you'll relate to Linda Weston. Linda has taken on all of these roles and found a way to “do it all” - a way to pursue the things that ignite her passion without pushing herself over the edge. Links Rapporto She ShattersYou can quote me on that… “A lot of people aren't raised [to understand] what a boundary is [and] how to set them, versus actually having the tools in your tool belt.” - Hannah Austin“I took time off work, but I would just stay at home and do a staycation. People were calling me at home, they were still wanting me to do stuff - so it dawned on me that what I really needed to do was to be totally gone.” - Linda Weston “I created that set of expectations by my own behaviour, so I was the one who had to change.” - Linda WestonLike what you hear? Please leave me a review - these stars won't burn out!

When I was young, I wanted to be “someone”, as I think many of us do – and when you think about it, there is no better time to want such things. In childhood and adolescence, we have big dreams, hopes, and plans, and all the energy we need to bring them to life.Then, as we get older, we come face to face with situations that awaken a sense of overwhelming pressure; pressure to be – and have – it all. Since the beginning of COVID-19, perhaps no one has felt that pressure more acutely than medical and mental health professionals… But the pandemic has also given rise to extraordinary “ordinary” people with skills and talents that will carry us further along the road to recovery. People like Emily Jensen. As the CEO of Thinking Tree Spirits, a distillery based in Oregon, Emily has mastered the art of pivoting, transforming her business into a large-scale producer of much-needed hand sanitizer for her community. Emily became “someone” to the community almost overnight as the pandemic swept through the nation – but that transformation comes at a cost. In this episode, Emily divulges her experience of finding purpose during the pandemic and how you can make the best of what you have with the people who matter the most. SO WHAT'S THIS EPISODE REALLY ABOUT?What it really means to have it all (and whether it's possible) How moment-to-moment consciousness can help you to avoid burnout The impact of your childhood and school years on the person you will become Handling changes in your closest relationships and taking care of those who matter most The value of a supportive community in creating culture shifts and movements WHY YOU SHOULD LISTENIn a world where you can be anything, Emily Jensen is many things: an environmental advocate, a qualified clinical music therapist, a mother, and a distillery CEO who produces life-saving hand sanitizer. If you're looking for a source of resounding hope and inspiration, you'll find it in her story. LINKS Thinking Tree SpiritsShe ShattersYOU CAN QUOTE ME ON THAT… “Having it all, in my family, as a child, was about having the freedom to be surrounded by the beauty of the earth. Having it all meant time and freedom.” – Emily Jensen“People want to help each other. They're intrinsically good. I believe that and I would much rather operate from that standpoint.” – Emily Jensen “Hearing Emily talk about her journey reminds us of how impactful it can be when we get to dig deeper into women's lives and backgrounds and hear their stories. These stories validate that we are not alone in our circumstances of burnout. It gives us hope and challenges us to work on ourselves from the inside out.” – Hannah Austin LIKE WHAT YOU HEAR? Please leave me a review – these stars won't burn out!

If you're a woman suffering from burnout, you probably have the same complaints as the millions of others just like you - not enough time, not enough energy, and too little space to focus on the things that light you up. The thing is, overcoming burnout is not complicated. The first step to doing just that and reclaiming your time and your agency in the process is exactly what you think it is: Making time and space for yourself and for the things that matter to you, and reserving some of that precious energy for that pursuit. It's simple, but that doesn't mean it's easy. In fact, it might be one of the most difficult things you ever do, especially if you're a loving mother, a passionate career woman, and a feminist - oh, and a weekend hiker-slash-mushroom hunter. Just ask Mandy Gettler. Mandy works as the co-leader of the Women's Innovation Network at the University of Oregon, a nine-month program for female entrepreneurs, and volunteers for Bristol Hospice as an end-of-life doula. In other words, she knows more than most about the highs and lows of being a woman and about the cognitive dissonance that comes with working 50-hour burnout weeks in a job you love. Fortunately, Mandy also knows all about the value of self-care practices like journaling, list-making, and giving herself time and space to wind down - and it's those things that have helped her find her own spark again. In this episode of the She Burns podcast, Mandy talks about the influence she received from her mother, how she balances her rigorous career requirements with her family responsibilities and taking a leap of faith towards better things. So what's this episode really about? How parental influence affects our approach to every facet of life The importance of knowing your options Why it's often so difficult for women to shed responsibilities - even on the brink of burnoutThe self-made origins of burnout for many women Why you should listen Women are often called upon to manage more than their fair share of the domestic duties on top of their career responsibilities, and in tough times, that impossible balance can push us to breaking point. If you have spent the past few years feeling stuck and unable to let anything go, this episode will let you know that you're not alone - and that if you're willing to look for it, there is always another way. Links Mandy Gettler on LinkedInShe Shatters You can quote me on that… “[I love Thich Nhat Hanh's] metaphor of like, you being a house and anger being this fire, and what you want in your house is burning. What you want to do is run after the person who left your house on fire, but meanwhile, your house is burning to the ground, and really, you know, you're better served putting out your fire - figuring out what happened, and then going to talk to the person.” Mandy Gettler“The old paradigm is at work - and you know, this, you're seeing this now, I've experienced this, you've experienced this - is ‘work harder'. The harder you work, the better off you're viewed in the industry, corporate environment - whatever you want to call it. Then it's more work, whether you put that on yourself, or a supervisor lovingly gives it to you, because they say, ``Oh, you're so good at this.” - Hannah Austin Like what you hear? Please leave me a review - these stars won't burn out!