The Burnout Collective

You can't use your PTO when you're dead. We're sure you know that, but we just wanted to be sure. Cuz hey! Even we still struggle with the guilt (read: trauma) tied to taking time off. In this episode, we discuss everything from unlimited PTO (and how it's not actually unlimited) to the internalized shame that keeps us asking for time off even when we’re burnt out af. 

We talk about navigating PTO while juggling ...

We kick off Episode 30 with the winners of our giveaway announced! (Unfortunately, the first two winners didn't respond, so we picked two new winners.) Congrats to @z_mertz and @liz_aday for winning some Burnout Merch! 

This week has been A WEEK. We wanted to talk about those times when you can't even. When you  can't even muster the energy to do basic things—brushing teeth, taking out trash, feeding your children (jk...

This week we're joined by Adan Hinojosa (aka @manicsocratic) to talk about the highs and lows of being a live content creator. We cover everything from fitting into the retro gaming scene, managing petty community drama (Rebecca's fav), and the emotional labor that comes with being a Twitch streamer. 

Sparked by a life reboot that took him from the desert to the Pacific Northwest, Adan rediscovered his love of Nintendo, st...

This week, we got comfy with the talented Liz Aday to discuss her journey as a singer, musician, and producer. She talks about her battle with physical and mental health (including how she lost her voice to vocal cord paralysis) and how she copes with burnout. 

Liz discusses the devaluation of music, her experience with sexism in the industry over the years, and the importance of hope in her creative practice (which inspires us!).

Be...

Rebecca couldn't make this week's episode, but will be back next week! 

We were stoked to welcome Joel Tamas from the band Red Heaven to the show this week to talk about the modern-day musician who must wear too. many. hats. 

The first thing you need to know is that Joel rocked out with robot cats in Second Life before V-tubers were even cool (and still does live shows in SL today!). He goes on to share some sketchy music b...

"Hey, do you have a minute to chat?"

"Hey, how are you? How was your weekend?"

If your anxiety just skyrocketed or you feel triggered, we get it. That's why Episode 26 is all about the bane of our corporate existence: meetings. 

Listen. The chaos and exhaustion of (mostly pointless) meetings can turn even the most on-it Type A into a burnt out mess. How are you supposed to get any work done when you're in...

Since it's our birthday month and we wanted to do a special stream, we did what anyone else would have done and procrastinated until the last day of the month for our stream (and giveaway announcement!). 

But first, we decided to take a little journey down memory lane and share stories from when we were kids. We reminisce about hilarious and cringey high school moments, talk about our childhood dreams, and wonder if we would ev...

On this week’s episode, we chat with Dr. Priyanka Rao, a psychologist and executive coach who specializes in neurodivergence. We immediately dive into the world of adult ADHD and autism—why so many get diagnosed later in life, how it shows up, and why it's so fucking difficult to get diagnosed at all.

Each of us share our personal struggles with having a late diagnosis (Pri, too!). Jamie tries to get Pri to diagnose her parents...

In this episode, we welcome Morgan Smith, who shares with us about working in HR, quitting her job for her mental health—oh, and the state of online dating (we hear it's a bit murdery out there). 

After shedding a soul-sucking job and an even more soul-sucking relationship, Morgan talks about how she went from feeling the weight of "golden handcuffs" to making the brave leap into the unknown by quitting her job and fo...

Jamie was sick this week, so sorry for the delayed episode release, Burnouts! 

We had a an absolute ball talking to one of our favorite writers this week: Taylor Medine. Taylor shares her own journey of overcoming burnout by shedding light on the challenges of freelancing, transitioning to full-time work, and finding balance between career ambitions and personal life. 

Once Taylor stops bragging about how great living in Hawaii is, s...

This week we had an impromptu slumber party that was a little unhinged (but in the best way). Elyssa was visiting Jamie, so we took advantage and brought her on to chat about prioritizing and rehumanizing ourselves. 

We discuss setting boundaries, being vulnerable, and not being responsible for other people's reactions to you. We also talk about how vital it is to do the things that are important to you and keep the promises we...

This week we celebrated our 20th podcast episode! Proof even the most ADHD brains can, in fact, stick with things. 

Earlier in the week, Jamie had a meltdown over the seemingly impossible job market. So, we wanted to discuss the struggles of finding a job (especially after being laid off). We talk about frustrations with current hiring practices, LinkedIn scammers, and the emotional toll of constant rejection.

To lighten the mood, we...

PSA: Rebecca took a Lorazepam before the show. Then, we all found out about frolfing (it doesn't mean what you think it means! we swear!). Here we go.

Adult friendships are hard. You know, like how the hell do you even make friends as an adult in the first place? Where do you find these people? And how do you keep up with each other? 

From awkward social encounters to long-time internet friends, we cover all the different "...

Narrator: And now it's time for Silly Songs with Larry, the part of the show where Larry comes out and sings a silly song.

To get hyped for the show this week, we watched everyone's favorite Christian vegetables (Veggie Tales). It turns out Silly Songs With Larry was the only good thing we can recall from our religious upbringings, but let’s get into it anyway.

We delve into our personal experiences with religious trauma an...

Hey, everyone! We’re back. And it’s just the two of us this week which we haven’t done in a while. We decided to talk about all things cozy, comfy, and coping—and we all know Rebecca is all about the warm and fuzzies. 

Jamie starts by talking about her visit to Super Nintendo World over the weekend and how magical it was to see her childhood come to life. Then, we dive in to our go-to comforts.

From our favorite nostalgic TV shows an...

"Are You Tired of Being Paid Less Than You're Worth?" or How Rachel Ended Up an Electrician Apprentice

This week, we're joined by Rachel Cannon, Rebecca's sister, who has had one heck of a career journey. She graduated during a recession, worked as a bicycle tour guide, switched majors, and picked up plenty of peculiar internships—like putting snails in jars at the Smithsonian. Rachel eventually found her ca...

This week our guest is Robin Saks Frankel who Jamie worked with at her last job. After Jamie gushes over Robin's no-nonsense communication style and mentorship, we explore the themes of empowerment, especially among women, in the workplace. We talk about the importance of asking questions at work, even when it feels intimidating, and how Robin challenged the norm by always speaking up. Jamie outs herself as the office chatterb...

This week, we welcome guest Madeline Shores. She basically said "eff this" and quit her full-time job of 10 years to focus on herself (because surprise! she was burnt out af). So on her 1-Year Anniversary of Being Jobless, she shares the surprising realities of living without a full-time corporate gig, as well as the financial and emotional aspects of her transition.  

Madeline also lays out the true cost of having a job t...

Well, Rebecca took a pain killer right before the show (that's where we're at). But this week, we're talking about dealing with chronic illnesses, both mental and physical, especially in the workplace. We discuss the struggle of working through pain in high-stress job hellscapes because we're sometimes afraid to take time off. 

We also talk about the invisible illnesses others don't see and how it sucks to f...