What happens when your calling—the thing that once felt like holy ground—starts draining you? In this compelling conversation, Alan sits down with Dr. Arianna Anderson, author of the new book Healthy Calling: From Toxic Burnout to Sustainable Work.
Arianna combines academic research, personal story, and spiritual wisdom to expose the surprising dark side of calling. Together, they unpack why some of the most driven and passionate people—those who feel most called to their work—are also the most vulnerable to burnout.
From relational shame to boundary shaming, calling-driven burnout has unique roots—and this episode offers practical ways forward.
About Dr. Arianna Molloy
Arianna is a Communication professor at Biola University, where she designs and teaches Organizational Communication courses. She has also partnered with Biola’s Office of Faculty Advancement, leading the Pedagogy Development Consulting program.
Her research focuses on meaningful work, work as a calling, and the link between humility and burnout, with publications in premier journals such as the International Journal of Business Communication and Communication Studies. One of her collaborations won “Article of the Year” in the Journal of Management, Spirituality, and Religion.
She views her role as a professor through the lens of being a mentor who loves to learn. While she’s been honored with awards like Biola’s Provost Award for “Excellence in Teaching” and the “Faculty Excellence” award, her deepest joy comes from witnessing the transformation in her students' lives.
What You’ll Learn:
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Why calling can lead to deeper burnout than a regular job or career
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The difference between general burnout and "calling burnout"
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The role of humility in avoiding burnout and leading sustainably
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How boundaries (and boundary-shaming) impact your emotional health
Reflection Questions:
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Am I pursuing my calling—or idolizing it?
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How close am I on the spectrum from healthy to burnout?
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Have I been shamed for setting boundaries… or doing that to others?
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Am I confusing hustle with faithfulness?
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What would Sabbath look like if I truly stopped for one day each week?
Pick Up the Book: Healthy Calling: From Toxic Burnout to Sustainable Work by Dr. Arianna Molloy Now available wherever books are sold!
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