Shift Happens: The Health Podcast for Healthcare Workers

I got a comment on Instagram that I couldn't stop thinking about. Someone said, "I didn't work my ass off to get here just to give up. I guess I'll stay here." And I get it — I really do. But that mindset? It's keeping more healthcare workers stuck than the job ever could. In this episode I'm getting into why using your healthcare background outside the box society put it in is not giving up — it's actually one of the most powerful things you can do for the profession and for yourself. I also drag you along through the last few chaotic weeks of my life, including a mastermind retreat in New York, moving my sister two states away in a truck I hated driving, and what all of it reminded me about what's actually possible when you stop backing yourself into a corner. You are not stuck. And by the end of this one, I hope you actually believe that. 🔗 Join the burnout intervention which starts May 18th!  👋 Come say hi on Instagram!

Burnout doesn't always look like crying in the break room. Sometimes it looks like inhaling a bag of pretzels at 3am, staring at the ceiling after 8 hours of sleep, or not being able to finish a single thought. Sound familiar? In this episode I'm breaking down 3 things you probably don't realize are burnout — plus what you can actually do about them (that isn't just "take a bath and journal"). In this episode we cover: Why you can't stop snacking (hint: it's your cortisol, not your willpower) Why you never feel rested no matter how much you sleep — and the simple breathing technique that actually helps Why your brain won't shut up, and the one boundary I set that changed everything The goods ⬇️ 🔥 Join the Burnout Intervention - 3 day masterclass! Begins May 18th! 💤 My favorite sleep supplement Come say hey on IG 👋🏼

I got the opportunity to speak to a group of senior nursing students last week and I walked out of that room honestly a little fired up… and a little heartbroken. Because these girls haven't even graduated yet… and they're already experiencing the toxic culture. And yeah, we can sit here and blame staffing, management, the system… all of that plays a role. But there's something else we're not talking about enough: How absolutely shitty we can be to each other in healthcare. In this episode we're getting into: the "eat your young" mentality that is still VERY much alive the generational tension happening in healthcare right now (and why it's not all bad 👀) how bullying and toxic coworkers are making burnout 10x worse and the hard truth: some of the people complaining about healthcare… are also part of the problem   📝Take the burnout quiz (2 minutes, actually useful 👀) 👯‍♀️Want help navigating your situation? DM me on Instagram: @healthyinhealthcare_

I'm bringing on my friend Josie Kausal; registered nurse, former travel nurse of 10 years, business owner, and the founder of Live Travel Vibe, where she creates incredible group trips for women who want more than just working, paying bills, and waiting for "someday." Josie took a very different path than most. She started in IT, got laid off, eventually found nursing in her 30s, and built a career that gave her flexibility, financial stability, and the chance to see the world. But like so many of us in healthcare, burnout still crept in. And after years of bedside nursing, travel nursing, and pushing through the emotional and physical demands of the job, she realized she wanted something more. That "something more" turned into Live Travel Vibe; a travel company and women's community built around feeling truly alive, exploring the world, and creating meaningful connection. In this episode we talk about: how Josie found nursing later in life how solo travel pushed her way out of her comfort zone why travel can be so healing and life-giving what makes her women's trips so special We also get into her Croatia trip, how she helps women feel safe and supported even if they've never traveled internationally before, and why stepping outside your comfort zone can completely change how you see your life. If you've been feeling burnt out, stuck, or like life has become way too much responsibility and not enough actual living, this episode is going to light a fire under you in the best way. Connect with Josie ⬇️ 👯‍♀️Instagram: @thejetlaggednurse 🧳Live, Travel, Vibe: @livetravelvibe ✈️Book your trip to Croatia: livetravelvibe.com   Your Host, Mary! ⬇️ 👯‍♀️Loved the episode? Come say hi on Instagram!  🔥Burnout too familiar lately? Find what stage you're in (and get the hell out!) ✨Join Healthy in Healthcare; The 12 week group coaching program for women who are done living only for the scrubs!

Last week I had my first full week away from the hospital… and honestly? I kind of freaked the fuck out. Not because anything was wrong. Not because my business was falling apart. Not because my clients weren't taken care of. But because for the first time in years, my time was actually mine… and I realized just how much structure the hospital had forced me into. So in this episode, I'm breaking down exactly what happened, why having more time actually overwhelmed me, and the same method I used to get myself back on track in less than 24 hours. If you constantly feel like you never have enough time, like your days are running you instead of the other way around, or like you're drowning in a never-ending to-do list, this episode is going to help. I'm walking you through: why a time audit changes everything how to figure out where your time is actually going why your screen time might be stealing more from you than you realize how to "chunk" your tasks so your brain stops feeling pulled in 47 directions and how to start owning your schedule instead of feeling owned by it I also share what shifted for me after leaving the hospital, why I'm so damn proud of this next season, and a little peek at what's coming inside the next round of Healthy in Healthcare. If time management feels impossible right now, this one is for you.   👯‍♀️ Come say hi on Instagram! 🔥Find what stage of burnout you're in (and get the hell out!)

It's officially my first episode no longer working as a hospital employee, and honestly? I still don't think it has fully sunk in. Part of me feels like I'm just on summer break and eventually I have to go back. And the other part of me knows my life is about to change in a really big way. In this episode, I'm sharing what comes next. Because no, I'm not leaving healthcare. I'm just stepping into a different role in it. One where I get to focus fully on advocating for the people who keep the system running: you. I talk about why I really left the hospital, what I believe is broken in healthcare, why burnout didn't suddenly start with COVID, and why I feel so strongly that healthcare workers deserve more than a life of being overworked, under-supported, and completely consumed by the badge. This one is short, honest, a little selfish in the best way, and gives you a real look at what I'm building next, including the movement, the mission, and the masterclass I'm kicking off to help healthcare workers finally start leaving work at work. 🔥Join the Burnout Recovery Reset: My 3 day masterclass for you if you're sick of living life for work! We kick off Monday March 16th! 👯‍♀️Come say hi on Instagram 📝 Find what stage of burnout has you stuck using my 2 minute Burnout Quiz!

If you're counting down the minutes before you even clock in… this episode is for you. This week is emotional as hell for me because it's my last week working in the hospital — and even though I'm not leaving because I hate healthcare, I am leaving because I'm sick of watching it chew women up and spit them back out. And here's the gut punch: burnout isn't just "short staffing" or "long shifts." Those are real, but the bigger problem? No one ever gave us tools to cope with a career that throws trauma at our nervous system on repeat and then tells us to hurry up and take the next patient. So in this episode, I'm giving you four tools you can start using immediately to stop taking the shift home with you, plus how to start teaching your body that it's safe to rest again. I'm talking about nervous system overload, how "fight or flight" becomes your default… and what to do about it! PS: If you're listening like, "Mary… this is me. I need a full reset, not just a few tips…" 🎉 Doors are open for The Burnout Recovery Reset (my 3-day masterclass) and we start March 16th. After the workshop you'll feel confident to: ✅ Leave work at work so you can finally be present with your family. ✅ Actually feel like you've slept for the first time in a decade. ✅ Embrace living as more than just a healthcare worker! BONUS: Guided tapping technique, 3 day trial to my app, and a post workshop evaluation so you can submit anything that might still be tripping you up to get direct 1:1 feedback from me on how to overcome it! ➡️ JOIN HERE!

I'm sitting down with Sarah Salain, RN (aka the queen of hormones) to talk about what's actually happening in your body when you're working long shifts, living in fight-or-flight, skipping meals, and wondering why your energy, mood, cycle, or even fertility feels off. Sarah shares her own ER-to-holistic-health pivot after burnout + health issues hit hard, and we get into the real connection between stress, cortisol, progesterone, and why your body stops caring about "thriving" when it's stuck in survival mode. We also keep it real about making hormone-supportive choices without needing a million supplements or a Whole Foods budget — plus we nerd out about cyclical nutrition, the Dirty Dozen/Clean 15, and of course… border collies (because apparently we both have a type 😅). Guest: Sarah Salane, RN Find Sarah: @simplysarahhealing Grab your free hormone alignment guide here! Struggling to leave work at work? Find what stage of burnout you're in! 👯‍♀️ Come say hi on IG and let me know what you loved about the episode!

You've probably seen the TikToks… "Quit your staff job, make six figures, and live on the beach." And listen, travel healthcare can be amazing. I've been a traveler for 5 years, I've worked in over a dozen hospitals, and travel genuinely changed my life. But I'm not here to sell you a fantasy. In this episode, I'm breaking down what a traveling healthcare worker actually is, who travel is (and isn't) for, and exactly how to get started if you're ready to go. Because yes, the pay can be great. Yes, the flexibility can be unmatched. But you also need to understand the trade-offs before you pack your whole damn life into your car and drive into a new hospital like, "Hi besties!" 😅 In this episode, I cover: 1) What is a traveling healthcare worker? 2) Is travel healthcare right for you? 3) How do you get started? 🙋🏼‍♀️Once you've listened and thought of a million other questions about becoming a traveler, come ask me on Instagram or TikTok! I'd love to help you decide if this is right for you. 🌴Local to Florida? Snag your tickets to Modern Nurse Fest and come say hi! Sick of pre-shift anxiety, snapping at your spouse, and struggling to feel rested between shifts? You're burnt out my friend. 📝Take the quiz here to find what stage you're in and how to get out! 👯‍♀️Let's work together! But only if you want to become more than an overworked body in scrubs.

Recently, I shared that I'm stepping away from hospital work to fully support healthcare workers in a different way. The response was incredibly supportive, until one message stopped me in my tracks. A message that suggested burnout is a choice. That if you really wanted to, you could "just leave work at work."   And I couldn't let that go.   💔Because it is not that simple.   It's not simple to do post-mortem care and then go home and make dinner. It's not simple to do CPR on a fatal accident and then hug your partner like nothing happened. It's not simple to witness abuse, death, and trauma and pretend you can compartmentalize it away.   In this episode, I talk honestly about why so many healthcare workers carry their work home — and why that doesn't make you weak, broken, or bad at boundaries. It makes you human. We were never meant to absorb this much trauma without support.   I share my own story of burnout, how this job once cost me my health and my identity, and how learning to truly disconnect changed my life. Not overnight. Not easily. But possible.   If you've ever felt gaslit into believing this is your fault… this episode is for you.   If this resonated, come talk to me on Instagram @MaryKathrynFitness. I'd love to hear what hit home and help give you strategy to feel like you again.   Want the support to learn how to leave work at work, without losing the part of you that cares? ➡️ Apply for coaching here.   You deserve a life that feels like yours again.💕

If you're a healthcare worker who's heard of macros but still feels confused, overwhelmed, or convinced they "don't work," this episode is for you.   I'm breaking down exactly what we covered inside my Macros Made Simple: Healthcare Edition challenge — because even after years of talking about nutrition, I'm still blown away by how many women in healthcare were never taught how food actually works in their bodies. And no, that's not your fault.   In this episode, I walk through what macros actually are, why protein, carbs, and fats all matter (yes, even carbs), and why tracking macros is very different from just counting calories. I talk about why low-carb culture did so much damage, why eating 1,200 calories is a fast track to feeling like garbage, and how missing lunches, long shifts, and stress completely change how nutrition needs to be approached in healthcare.   I also get into why macros don't have to be restrictive, complicated, or time-consuming — and how most people overcomplicate them to the point of quitting. This isn't about perfection, protein bars, or living in a tracking app. It's about learning how to eat in a way that actually supports your energy, your hormones, and your life outside of work.   ➡️ Since the challenge is now closed, I'm also sharing a bonus just for podcast listeners — a free way to audit your current nutrition and finally understand what needs to shift to support your health and weight loss goals without burning yourself out. DM me on IG here to get started!    If you want food to feel simpler, less stressful, and actually work with your schedule, this episode will help you see macros very differently.   Need to tackle burnout before macros? Find your burnout type here!   

If you're still stuck thinking your health goals are just about the scale or your pant size… this episode is your friendly little kick in the ass. Today I'm breaking down a mindset shift I'll die on a hill for: your health is your wealth. Not "wealth" like you need to be rich. Wealth like: energy, confidence, freedom, options, and a life that doesn't feel like you're surviving between 12-hour shifts. Because here's the truth: the version of you who's barely sleeping, skipping meals, living on caffeine and chaos… isn't the version of you who's going to start the business, travel, go after the promotion, speak on stage, or even just feel good in your own skin. In this episode, I talk about: Why "health" is bigger than weight loss (and why chasing the scale keeps you stuck) How prioritizing the basics builds real confidence (the kind you can use in your life) The connection between energy + habits + career growth (yes, even if your goal isn't to leave healthcare) Real client examples of what happens when someone finally chooses themselves What you can do today to start building a "wealthy" life… without overhauling everything And if you're sitting there like, "Cool Mary… but where do I even start?".. that's literally why I'm here. 📩 DM me on Instagram with your goals (health, career, life… all of it). I'll point you in the right direction! 

How the hell do healthcare workers see what they see… and not go home and eat/drink themselves into a coma? So let's talk about it. Because if you've ever gotten off a brutal shift, felt completely fried, and found yourself face-first in the pantry like a raccoon with scrubs on… you're not broken. You're human. And there's a reason this hits healthcare workers so hard. In this episode, I break down: Why stress makes you crave sugar/carbs/fat (yes, there's a real science reason) How the binge → guilt → restrict → repeat cycle keeps running on autopilot The simplest way to reduce binge urges: eat throughout your shift (I know… wild) How to build a post-shift routine for the really traumatic days so food isn't your only coping skill Why you have to create an identity outside of the hospital if you don't want this job consuming your whole life And if you're in that place where you're like, "Yep… this is me," I just want you to hear me: you're not alone and you're not stuck. Next? ⬇️ ✅ Join my FREE 4-day challenge: Macros Made Simple: Healthcare Edition (starts Monday!) I'll help you make nutrition simple as hell, build meals that work with 12-hour shifts, and stop feeling like your food choices are a full-time job. ✅ Take my FREE Burnout Quiz Find out what type of burnout you're dealing with and what to do about it (because no, you're not "just tired").  ✅ Come say hey on Instagram + TikTok Come tell me if you've watched The Pit and DM me "I'm in" once you join the challenge so I can hype you up and make sure you're set. IG + TT: @MaryKathrynFitness Now go drink some water, eat something that isn't just caffeine, and remember: you're allowed to be a whole human outside of the scrubs.

I recorded this episode from my hotel bed during that weird in-between week when Christmas is over, the new year hasn't quite started, and everyone feels the pressure to "get it together." Instead of a fluffy New Year's pep talk, I wanted to have an honest conversation about goal setting — especially for healthcare workers — and why most goals fall apart so fast. In this episode, I talk about why New Year's resolutions fail, why vague goals like lose weight or have more energy don't work, and the one piece people skip that almost guarantees burnout by February. I also share how my own health journey started as a New Year's resolution, why I still believe this time of year can be powerful when done right, and what I've learned from helping women in healthcare set goals that actually fit their real lives. This isn't about doing more, being perfect, or trying harder. It's about getting clear, being intentional, and setting goals that work with long shifts, missed meals, and real life in healthcare. If you're going into 2026 feeling tired, skeptical, or like you've failed at goals before, this episode is for you. 📆 Join Macros Made Simple: A four day challenge for healthcare workers who don't want to live in the kitchen but DO want sustainable fat loss and more energy in 2026! 👯‍♀️Come say hi on Insta! 🤳🏼Get wild on TikTok!

This episode is basically you riding home with me while I unpack the last nine years of my life. Healthcare, burnout, travel contracts, starting a business, and all the "what the hell am I doing?" moments in between. I originally thought I'd do a cute end-of-year recap… and then realized this year wasn't about one year at all. It was about closing a nine-year cycle that started back in 2017 when I graduated x-ray school and thought I had life figured out (spoiler: I did not). We talk about: Why healthcare burnout isn't a personal failure The uncomfortable truth about outgrowing jobs, roles, and identities Travel life vs. "normal" life (and why neither magically fixes everything) How my health journey, coaching business, and career decisions are all way more connected than I realized And why I'm done pretending discipline is the problem when the system is the real issue This episode is messy, honest, recorded in my car, and probably a little too real. But if you've been feeling restless, exhausted, or like something in your life just isn't fitting anymore, this one will hit.   🥗Join Macros Made Simple: Healthcare Edition -  my FREE 4 day challenge!  👯‍♀️ Let's be friends on IG! 🤳🏼 Come laugh on TikTok!  📝 Find your burnout type!

Working 12s, living on caffeine, and crashing the second your butt hits the couch? Yeah… same. In today's episode, I'm breaking down exactly why your energy sucks — and it has nothing to do with "willpower."   From travel-assignment chaos (and free Diet Coke miracles) to the real basics that actually move the needle for healthcare workers, I'm showing you how I keep my energy up while waking up at 3 AM, driving three hours, and still not feeling like a zombie.   If you want simple habits that fit your schedule and bring you back to life, start here.   📝 Burnout is a bitch - find which type is dragging you down and ditch it!   👯‍♀️ Come say hey on IG!    🩺 Join Healthy in Healthcare - the 8 week reset that has helped over 100 women in healthcare overcome burnout so they can feel confident in their skin and their life!

In this episode of Shift Happens, I'm sharing a big life update — yes, I quit my full-time hospital job — but I'm talking about it for one reason: to show you what's possible when you stop telling yourself you "don't have time." Because for months, I said the same thing you probably say every day: I'm exhausted. I don't have the hours. My schedule is the problem. But when I finally got honest, I realized I was the problem — and that small shifts create way more freedom than we think. In this episode, I break down: ✨ How to find more time for your health even if you work 12s ✨ Why you feel stuck (and how to get out of your own way) ✨ How to use the pockets of time you already have without adding stress ✨ The mindset shift that made everything easier — and can do the same for you ✨ A real client example that proves you don't need a perfect schedule to see results My goal isn't to convince you to quit your job — it's to show you that you're not as trapped as you feel. You have more control, more flexibility, and more opportunity than you think… and this episode will help you finally see it. If you're ready to stop surviving your life and start shaping it, this episode is for you. 📝 Find your burnout type here and get an exclusive invite only for email peeps! 👯‍♀️Come say hey on IG! 🏥 Join Healthy in Healthcare

Happy Black Friday, friends — and welcome to the most chaotic, unedited, brutally honest episode yet. I'm giving you a big life update, spilling some tea, and finally answering all the questions you constantly DM me about travel healthcare.   If you've ever wondered: ✨ How to become a healthcare traveler ✨ Whether it's worth the money ✨ How contracts, recruiters, and pay actually work ✨ What red flags to look out for ✨ Or why the hell I decided to go back to traveling… …this episode is your new best friend. Before we get into the travel talk, I'm giving you the real story of why I stepped away from my full-time hospital job, what finally pushed me over the edge, and why taking a risk on myself (again) felt like the only right move. We're talking burnout, messy middles, scary decisions, pay cuts, gut feelings, and the weird full-circle moment that brought a travel offer straight into my inbox the same week I submitted my PRN notice. If you've been sitting on the decision to travel, feeling stuck, or just curious how the whole thing works… buckle up. And YES — because it's Black Friday, I'm also giving early access (and a free month + bonuses) to Healthy in Healthcare for my podcast listeners only. The link is below because I love you. 😘   🩺 Join Healthy in Healthcare (Black Friday deal ends Dec 1): Get a month free, a 1:1 coaching call, + extended payment plan! 🎉 👯‍♀️ Follow my travel journey on Instagram ⏰ Connect on TikTok!

We're getting real about healthcare burnout, mental health, and what it actually takes to pull yourself out of the hole you didn't even realize you were sinking into. I'm joined by PA-C Leigha Barbieri—healthcare worker, world traveler, burnout coach, and someone who literally had to leave medicine to save her sanity. This episode is your permission slip to stop pretending you're "fine." Leigha and I talk about: 🔥 What burnout really feels like for healthcare workers (hint: it's not just being tired) 🔥 The slow, sneaky signs of emotional exhaustion most providers ignore 🔥 Why misdiagnosis is so common—especially in women—and how to advocate for yourself 🔥 How boundaries (yes, those) can literally save your career 🔥 What a sabbatical for healthcare workers looks like and how to do it without blowing up your life 🔥 The truth about taking FMLA for mental health (and why more clinicians need to) 🔥 How she left her PA job, traveled to 11 countries, and finally started healing from years of chronic burnout 🔥 The exact habits healthcare workers need to feel human again—inside and outside the hospital If you've ever come home from a shift and sat in your car thinking, "I can't keep doing this," this episode will hit hard… in the best way. Whether you're a nurse, PA, RT, tech, NP, or any woman working in scrubs, this conversation will make you feel seen and remind you that you deserve more than survival mode. Not sure what type of burnout you're in? ✨ Take My Burnout Quiz 💪🏼 Apply for 1:1 coaching with Mary 👯‍♀️Come say hey on IG!  🤝 Meet Leigha on IG! ✈️ Off Duty on Purpose 🎙️ So You Want to Work in Healthcare?

Let's be real — you don't need more time, you just need to know where the hell your time is going. ⏰ In this episode of Shift Happens, I'm giving you a raw, practical breakdown of how to actually find time for your health (even when you're buried under patient orders, 12-hour shifts, and laundry piles). Because the truth is — you do have 24 hours a day. The problem isn't time… it's how you're spending it. I'm walking you through the same 3-step framework I use with my clients (and my own chaotic schedule) to finally make time for workouts, meal prep, and rest without sacrificing your sanity. If you're ready to stop saying "I don't have time" and start saying "I've got this," this one's for you.   ✨ In This Episode, I'll Chat: The real reason you keep saying you don't have time (and how to fix it) My 3-step Audit → Change → Maintain method for mastering your schedule How to get back hours of your day without quitting your job Simple hacks that save you energy (and brain space) before and after your shifts Why "something is better than nothing" will change how you look at progress forever   📆 Join the Shift Schedule Solution - the 5 day challenge where I'm showing you exactly how to make healthy habits fit for your schedule (yes, even if you don't get a lunch break 😉) 📝 Find your burnout type using my 2 minute quiz!  👯‍♀️ Come say hey on IG! 

You don't really want weight loss.. you want your life back. 💥 In this heart-to-heart episode, I'm getting brutally honest about what you're really chasing when you say you want to lose weight. It's not about the number on the scale.. it's about waking up with energy, hiking without gasping for air, rebuilding your confidence (and maybe your marriage), and finally living your damn life again. After coming back from hiking through Utah's national parks, I had a massive realization: we don't crave weight loss, we crave the freedom that comes with feeling strong, healthy, and alive in our bodies. If you've ever caught yourself saying "I'll start after the holidays," or if you're tired of missing out on the life you actually want to live, this episode is your wake-up call. ✨ Get ready for:  The real reason most women in healthcare struggle to stay consistent Why weight loss goals fail (and what your brain is actually trying to tell you) My husband's health journey and the mindset shift that changed everything How to start feeling better now, not in January 💬 Resources 🔥 Take the free Burnout Quiz to find out what type of burnout is keeping you stuck. 💌 DM me your biggest "why" on Instagram 🌄 Follow our hiking adventures and more real-life health tips @MaryKathrynFitness 📆 Join the waitlist for the Healthy in Healthcare 👯‍♀️Sick of waiting? Apply for 1:1 coaching today!

Let's be real.. burnout isn't just mental. It's physical, and your body's been trying to tell you something for a while now.   In this episode, I'm breaking down the three biggest physical symptoms I experienced when I was deep in burnout. From rapid weight gain and back pain to that stubborn, stress-triggered acne that made me want to scream. We'll talk about how your body's basically waving a big red flag saying, "Hey, I can't keep doing this," and what happens when you finally start listening.   You'll hear: Why your body holds on to weight even when you're "doing everything right" How burnout physically manifests as pain, inflammation, and fatigue Why your skin freaks out when your stress does And how setting simple boundaries (yes, even between patients) can start reversing it all   If your body feels like it's revolting against you.. it's not. It's begging for rest, boundaries, and balance. ✨ Take my free Burnout Quiz here to find your burnout type — because once you know what's draining you, you can finally fix the right problem. 👯‍♀️ Come say hey on IG!  So grab your coffee, clock out mentally for a few minutes, and let's talk about what burnout is really doing to your body.

💬 Show Notes Description What if we've been labeling it wrong this whole time? In this episode of Shift Happens, I sit down with Dr. Lori Laws, nurse scholar, author of Nursing Our Healer's Heart, and founder of The Halen Academy, to talk about why healthcare burnout isn't actually burnout — it's nurse-specific (and occupational) trauma. This conversation hit me hard (and honestly gave me chills more than once). Dr. Lori breaks down why bubble baths and yoga aren't fixing the problem, the science behind how trauma impacts our nervous system, and how we can start truly healing instead of just surviving shift to shift. We dive into: Why "burnout" is the wrong diagnosis — and how trauma-informed care changes everything How trauma shows up in healthcare workers (even if you think you're "fine") What happens to your vagus nerve and mitochondria under chronic stress Why your nervous system literally can't heal when it doesn't feel safe The Microdoses Matter practice you can do in 30 seconds between patients to start regulating your nervous system How Dr. Lori's Innate Care Plan Framework helps healthcare workers map out their symptoms and heal from the inside out Why community and co-regulation are essential (and why "self-care" culture has failed healthcare workers) This episode is deep, powerful, and packed with real solutions — not just surface-level fluff.   💬 Connect ⬇️ 🩺 Dr. Lori Laws' Website 📘 Book: Nursing Our Healer's Heart 🧠 Free Trauma Symptom Assessment 🌿 The Haelen Academy: — Dr. Lorre's nonprofit supporting healers through trauma recovery Follow Dr. Lorre Laws on: 🔗 LinkedIn 👯‍♀️ Instagram   Follow Mary Hodson on: 💪 Instagram: @MaryKathrynFitness 🧩 Free Burnout Quiz: Find your burnout type (Over-Giver, Silent Struggler, Invisible Achiever, or Checked-Out Queen) and start fixing the real problem

You're tired, starving, and the last thing you want to do after your shift is spend three hours cooking. Been there, done that. In this quick, no-BS episode of Shift Happens, I'm walking you through my exact step-by-step process to get a full week of meals prepped in under an hour — without living out of soggy Tupperware or eating dry chicken and plain rice. We'll talk about: How to plan your week's meals in 10 minutes or less My go-to "one cooks, one bakes, one chills" method to multitask without chaos The meal prep mindset shift that actually saves your sanity Why it's not about eating perfectly — it's about staying prepared when life (or your shift) hits the fan If you're sick of overcomplicating meal prep and want to stop relying on vending-machine dinners, this one's for you. 👉 Take my free Burnout Quiz to find out which burnout type is running your life — and how to finally fix it. 👯‍♀️ Come say hey on IG! Listen in, grab your coffee, and let's make meal prep simple again.

In this episode of Shift Happens, I'm getting real about something I've wrestled with for months.   😮‍💨Admitting that I'm not happy where I am. After years of traveling as a rad tech, I thought settling into a permanent job would finally give me peace. But instead, I've found myself struggling with guilt, frustration, and that gut-punch feeling of burnout all over again.   I'm sharing what happened during my recent evaluation. The moment I finally spoke up, the fear of retaliation that followed, and what it's taught me about the difference between being grateful and being fulfilled. This is as honest as it gets.   If you've ever felt stuck, unappreciated, or scared to make a change because you don't want to rock the boat, this one's for you. Staying stuck is still a choice and while change might suck, so does staying miserable.   👉 Take my Burnout Quiz to find your burnout type and how to start climbing out. 👉 Then come say hey (or vent.. I get it) over on Instagram @marykatherynfitness.   🥰 PS: Putting together my biggest giveaway yet as a huge thank you to YOU for helping the podcast get to over 1K downloads in under 3 months! 🎟️ To enter, simply rate/review the podcast then share the show to your story and don't forget to tag me! Winner will be selected in November!   

Okay, buckle up because this one's a ride. I'm taking you through my entire TravCon experience!   The missed flights, the pink blazer I almost didn't wear, the nerves, the "holy shit, I did that" moment, and everything in between. This isn't a polished recap; it's me using this mic as my voice journal so I never forget what it felt like to go from doubting myself in an airport to standing on stage in Vegas talking about burnout to a room full of people who just got it.   If you've ever felt stuck in the hospital grind, wondering if you're crazy for wanting more, I think you'll hear pieces of yourself in this.   👉 Curious what kind of burnout has been chewing at you? Take my Burnout Quiz. It'll hit close to home, but also have you just as confident on how to break free as these people in my room did! 👉 And if something I said made you feel seen, come say hey on IG @marykathrynfitness. My DMs are always open for venting, messy bun selfies, or just talking real life.

In this episode of Shift Happens, I'm pulling back the curtain on what it really takes to become a rad tech (or survive healthcare at all). Forget the glossy brochures. This is the raw, unfiltered truth straight from someone who's lived it for over a decade. I'm answering the questions future rad techs are dying to ask but rarely hear honest answers about: How to start your journey (and avoid shady schools that'll eat your money alive) Why "less physically demanding" doesn't exist in healthcare—spoiler: your body is the job The study hacks that kept me sane (and passing) during a brutal program while still working How I juggled full-time shifts and school without completely losing my mind The moment I realized radiology was actually my career (and how you can figure out if it's yours) Whether you're already in scrubs, thinking about going back to school, or just curious what goes on in the radiology world, this episode will give you the no-BS perspective you won't find on a university website.   ‼️It's the LAST DAY to join Healthy in Healthcare! ➡️Save your spot here while you still can! Have a question I didn't answer? 👯‍♀️DM here on IG

September came in hot and I'm not mad about it. Quick life update: Indy event with a room full of badass women, 180+ of you rocked the Burnout Recovery Reset, house renos (send help + a dishwasher fairy), and I'm packing for Vegas to speak at TravCon. Wild. Now, the real talk: the top 5 signs you're burnt out as a healthcare worker and how that quiet burnout is wrecking your health more than you think. If you're moody as hell, sleeping like a rock but still exhausted, anxious over everything, avoiding a social life, and the scale won't budge no matter what you try… you're not "just tired." You're burnt out. And no, a pizza party won't fix it. In this episode, I cover: The five loud-as-hell burnout symptoms you've normalized Why mental bandwidth has to come before macros and workouts Tiny shifts that actually help when your shifts are chaos How to stop letting the job bleed into your entire life If you're done being a warm body in scrubs and ready to feel human again, Healthy in Healthcare is open now. We kick off Sept 29. Spots are limited because I actually want to know your life, not treat you like a number. 🎉Join here! 🏃🏼‍♀️Hurry, doors close Wednesday Sept 24 (or when spots are filled!)

Real healthcare life, real results. In this episode I'm pulling back the curtain on how my client Amy dropped 27 pounds while working unpredictable IR cases, juggling locations, and dealing with perimenopause. Without quitting her job or living in the gym. We cover: Macros for healthcare workers (the non-influencer way): why we focused on protein + calories and kept fats smart for hormone support. When you "forget to eat" on shift: fixing under-fueling so you don't face-plant into the pantry at 9 p.m. Movement that fits rotating schedules: step stacking, off-day walks, and no-BS expectations (no 5 a.m. lifts required). Mindset > perfection: how Amy enjoyed cinnamon rolls with her grandkids and still made progress. The wins: 27 lbs down, first pain-free squat in 10 years, smaller scrubs, and actual energy to live a life outside the hospital. This is your proof that you don't need to torch your career to feel human again. You just need a plan that was built for women in scrubs. 👉 Want in early? DM me "HIH" on Instagram (@MaryKathrynFitness) for early access to Healthy in Healthcare (custom nutrition, community Slack, jumpstart workouts, and my BONUS 30-min 1:1 kickstart call). Spots are limited! Run, don't walk. 🏃🏼‍♀️

Let's be real, healthcare is heavy. You walk through the door after a brutal 12-hour shift, straight into the freezer, the pantry, or the bottom a wine bottle. Then comes the guilt. The cycle repeats. I know, because I lived it. I didn't gain the "freshman 15"… I gained the "healthcare 30." In this week's episode of Shift Happens, I'm sharing exactly how I broke free from the binge-guilt-repeat loop, lost 30 pounds, and stopped letting this career run me into the ground. We're talking boundaries (yes, they matter more than you think), rebuilding your identity outside the scrubs, and taking care of your body without falling into another toxic cycle. This isn't about quick fixes or pretending the system isn't broken. It's about getting brutally honest with yourself and finally putting YOU first because surviving isn't the goal, thriving is. 👉 Plus, if this episode hits home, you'll want to snag a seat in the Burnout Recovery Reset! It's the free 3 day masterclass for women in healthcare who actually want to hit their weight loss goals without another BS low carb diet.  📆Sept 8, 10, & 11 @ 1PM EST, but don't worry, replays available if you're on shift! 🏆Plus those who join have the chance to win some fun prizes like Fabletics gift cards, coffee gift cards, and pop up coaching with me! ➡️Whatcha waiting for? Snag your seat! 👯‍♀️Come say hey on IG! 

You clock out and keep working. Answering texts, skipping meals, dragging all that stress home. This week I'm talking boundaries. The real kind. Not just "say no to overtime" (though, yeah, that too). I mean: Eating during your damn shift, even if it's just a protein bar between patients. Putting your phone down when you clock out (your manager will survive). Using your PTO without guilt — because newsflash you earned it. Learning how to leave the heavy hospital shit at the hospital so your family doesn't get the leftovers. And the home boundaries that actually let you breathe again. This isn't about being selfish. It's about survival. It's about not letting healthcare run your entire life. Because you deserve to feel like a whole human, not just a body in scrubs. ✨Join the Burnout Recovery Reset! The 3 day masterclass for women in scrubs who are DONE with burnout, weight gain, and being absolutely exhausted.  🎉Save your free seat here! We kick off September 8th!  👯‍♀️Come say hey on IG! 💬PS: Loving the Pod? It would mean the world to me if you took just a minute to rate, review, and share it with a friend!

Here's the truth: every patient care role is physically demanding. In this episode of Shift Happens, I'm breaking down the reality of healthcare life: 🫣the constant lifting 🫣the long hours on your feet 🫣why so many of us end up exhausted 🫣aching before our shift even ends. But I'm also giving you the real solution: it's not about wishing the job was easier, it's about making your body, your boundaries, and your habits strong enough to handle it. I'll share how focusing on my own health completely changed the game for me and my career, plus how you can start protecting yourself from burnout. Yes, even if you feel like you're already too far gone. 👉 As promised, you're also getting first dibs to THE event if you want to stop dragging ass and breaking your back during your shift. ⬇️Join my free 3-day Burnout Recovery Reset! The masterclass where I'll walk you through how to plan for chaos, fuel like a pro, and create routines that actually survive healthcare life. 📅Hurry, we kick off September 8th. Giveaways. Replays. Free. Nothing to lose but a lot to gain. 😎 Snag your seat here ➡️  Burnout Recovery Reset!  👯‍♀️Say hi on IG! 📱Connect on Tiktok!

In this episode of Shift Happens, we're breaking down realistic time management strategies designed for healthcare workers. No overcomplicated planners or Pinterest-perfect schedules. Just practical, real-world tips to help you manage your time, protect your energy, and actually enjoy life outside of work! We'll dive into:  What's really taking your time and how to take it back! A real life example of how to time block per day! The biggest tips on time management as a healthcare worker.   📝 Take the Burnout Quiz Here. 👯‍♀️ Come say hi on IG! 🩺 Join the waitlist for Healthy in Healthcare

Working night shift doesn't have to mean wrecking your health, ditching your goals, or losing your grip on reality—and in this episode, I'm breaking down exactly how to stay sane, nourished, and actually human when you're working nights. Whether you love the calm and chaos-free vibe of the night crew (hi, me!) or you're stuck on nights and feeling like a shell of yourself, this episode is your no-BS guide to building a routine that works with your schedule, not against it. I'm walking you through: Why I never flip between days and nights (and what to do if you have to) How to track your macros and meals without losing your mind over the weird shift hours Tips to stop feeling like you're missing out on life when everyone else is awake while you're asleep How to fight off the constant snack cravings that come with disrupted hunger hormones The exact routines (sleep, food, movement) that helped me stop feeling like a hot mess express every time I worked nights ✨ Plus: why gas station dinners aren't cutting it anymore, why your blackout curtains are both a blessing and a curse, and why looking cute just to rot on the couch is 100% a wellness habit. Whether you're a seasoned night shifter or new to the game, this one's packed with honest, actionable tips from someone who's been there—and wants you to feel good while you're there too. 👉 Take the Burnout Quiz : Find out your burnout type and get real strategies (not just "drink water") to feel like yourself again. 👯‍♀️ Come say hey on IG!

Let's get one thing straight: healthcare isn't just hard.. it's hazardous. In this episode of Shift Happens, I'm breaking down the shocking stats about what healthcare is actually doing to us behind the scenes (think: physical injuries, chronic illness, and mental burnout)... and why you don't have to be one of them. We're talking: Why healthcare workers are 2x more likely to be injured at work The wild truth that 1 in 3 HCWs have a chronic illness like diabetes, heart disease, or hypertension The heartbreaking reality that 50% of us are silently battling mental health struggles But I'm not here to just rattle off numbers. I'm giving you the tools to break out of the cycle: 💥 How strength training changed everything for my energy (and my back) 🧠 Why mental health care isn't optional and what boundaries actually look like ☕ Three simple ways to stop feeling like a walking statistic and start feeling like you again This isn't your typical "drink water and manifest better shifts" episode. It's real, raw, and designed to give you actual, doable steps to feel better.. physically, mentally, emotionally. 🔥 P.S. If you haven't taken the burnout quiz yet… what are you waiting for?! 👉 Take it here! 👯‍♀️Need help setting those boundaries? Let's talk it through in the DMs!

If you think burnout only happens in healthcare, think again. In this episode, I chat with nutrition coach Kim Ritter - former marathoner, corporate girlie, and queen of guilt-free Chick-fil-A — about how she overcame burnout, set boundaries at work, and lost weight without giving up fast food or her sanity. We dive into: ✨ Why burnout looks the same in scrubs and behind the desk and what to do about it ✨ How to set realistic boundaries with your job (and your phone 📱) ✨ The truth about eating fast food while losing weight ✨ Simple, no-BS strategies to fuel your body, even when you're busy Whether you're stuck at a desk, on your feet for 12 hours, or somewhere in between, this episode will help you take back control of your health and your time. Follow Kim here! ➡️ https://www.instagram.com/nutritionwithkim/ Grab Kim's Macro Friendly Fast Food Guide! ➡️ https://nutritionwithkim.myflodesk.com/fastfoodguide 👯‍♀️Come tell me what you loved about the episode!  📚Grab your burnout quiz here!

If you've tried diet after diet and still feel stuck, exhausted, burnt out, and frustrated that nothing seems to work with your healthcare schedule.. this episode is for you. I'm breaking down the exact 3-step process I used to lose 30 pounds (while working 12+ hour shifts) and the same system I use with my clients who've lost 20–60+ pounds without cutting carbs, spending hours at the gym, or drinking some magical "mocktail." We'll talk about: ✅ Why you keep falling off track and how to fix it ✅ What actually works for healthcare workers (and what doesn't) ✅ How to build habits that actually stick even on your busiest weeks Stop blaming your hormones or your schedule and start making changes that actually work for you. Hit play and let's do this. 👯‍♀️Want help on applying these steps to your life? DM me on IG and I'll walk you through it! 📚Take my free burnout quiz from step 1 here!

You work 12+ hour shifts, see things most people will never understand, and still come home to questions and expectations from everyone else. If you've ever felt like nobody in your life really "gets it," this episode is for you. I'm sharing how burnout and unspoken expectations almost wrecked my closest relationship  and what finally helped me feel supported, even when no one really understood what it's like to work in healthcare. I'll walk you through how to actually ask for what you need, set boundaries without guilt, and stop trying to carry it all by yourself. It's not their job to understand the inside of the hospital but it is okay to teach them how to help you outside of it. 👯‍♀️Let's be friends on IG! @marykatherynfitness 📄Take my free burnout quiz here!    

You show up early, stay late, teach the newbies, crush every shift… and still feel completely invisible. If you're the one everyone depends on but no one acknowledges, you're not crazy, and you're not alone. You're likely an Invisible Achiever, and this episode is your wake-up call. We're diving into: The trap of tying your worth to your work ethic Why burnout can look like over-functioning without praise How to stop waiting for recognition and start celebrating yourself Blunt (but loving) truths about your value and visibility If you're tired of giving your all and getting crumbs in return, this one's for you. Grab a latte (or treat yourself to one after this), because we're talking real healing, real boundaries, and real celebration. The kind you don't need to earn. 📝 Take the free Burnout Quiz and uncover your exact burnout type: 👉 marykathrynfitness.com/burnoutquiz 📲 Ready to be seen, celebrated, and supported? Let's be friends on IG: 👉 @marykathrynfitness

Feeling like you're just a body in scrubs going through the motions? You might be the Checked Out Queen: one of the four burnout types no one talks about but way too many of us are living. If you dread your alarm, completely tune out on shift, and wonder when you stopped giving a damn… this one's for you. In this episode of Shift Happens, we dive into: The telltale signs you're deep in burnout (and not just tired) What actually causes you to check out emotionally How to close the stress cycle so you stop feeling numb and start feeling human again Tiny joys, movement, and other doable ways to reconnect with yourself This isn't about quitting your job or journaling your way out of burnout. It's about reclaiming you. 🎧 Take my free Burnout Quiz to find your burnout type & get customized tips that actually work with your healthcare life: marykathrynfitness.com/burnoutquiz 📲 Let's vent, rant, or celebrate surviving another shift together over on IG: @marykathrynfitness

You've got polished scrubs, a forced smile, and your "I'm fine" game is strong. But inside? You're running on fumes and hiding it from everyone. This episode is for my Silent Strugglers, the healthcare women who hold it all together on the outside while falling apart on the inside. In this raw and honest conversation, we're uncovering: Why your high-functioning burnout is easy to miss (even by you) How perfectionism is keeping you stuck in silence What to do when asking for help feels like failure Real strategies to finally get support (without judgment) If you're tired of pretending you're okay and you just want someone to see the real you behind the badge, this episode will feel like a warm hug and a gentle wake-up call. 📝 Take the free Burnout Quiz and uncover your exact burnout type (plus get custom tips that work with your life): 👉 marykathrynfitness.com/burnoutquiz 📲 Need a safe space to vent? DM me on Instagram: 👉 @marykathrynfitness

You're the one they always call when someone calls out. The first to answer the call light. The one picking up extra shifts like it's your side hustle. And now? You're one more "team player" compliment away from snapping. Welcome to the world of the Over Giver. One of the most common (and most exhausting) burnout types in healthcare. In this episode of Shift Happens, I'm unpacking exactly how this burnout shows up, why it's not your fault, and how to finally set some boundaries without feeling selfish. 🔍 Inside this episode: Signs you're the Over Giver (and why your guilt isn't serving you) How "being a team player" isn't always a compliment The exact mindset shift that helped me stop people-pleasing and start protecting my peace Quick-start strategies to stop giving to everyone but yourself ✨ TAKE THE QUIZ → Not sure what burnout type you are? Take my free burnout quiz and get custom tips that actually work! 💬 Let's be friends! → Come vent with me on IG at @MaryKathrynFitness. 

Still blaming the pandemic for your burnout? Let's cut the crap. In this episode of Shift Happens, I'm pulling back the curtain on the real causes of burnout in healthcare—and spoiler alert: it's not a virus, it's the system. From skipped lunches and cold coffee to pizza party "solutions" and Press Ganey meetings from hell, we're calling out the bullsh*t and talking about how to actually feel better again. If you've been running on fumes, rage-scrolling job boards, or crying in the breakroom (no shame, we've all been there), this episode is your permission slip to stop surviving and start taking your life back. One brutally honest truth bomb at a time. 🔍 Inside this episode: Why "patient first" is keeping you stuck and sick What burnout really looks like behind the scenes How to stop being the hospital's yes-girl The 4 types of burnout (and how to find yours) 🎧 Hit play, then come be friends on IG → @MaryKathrynFitness 🔥 Ready to find out which burnout type is keeping you stuck (and how to fix it)? Take my free quiz → www.marykathrynfitness.com/burnoutquiz

Burnout didn't start in 2020. Nnd no, you're not crazy for feeling like healthcare has chewed you up. In this episode, I'm calling out the real reasons healthcare workers are so exhausted, why patient-first culture is a lie, and how to actually start healing from burnout. 📚Take the quiz to find your burnout type here! 👯‍♀️Come be friends on IG → @marykathrynfitness