The Corporate Burnouts Podcast

Whether you're the boss or the employee, giving and receiving feedback is one of the hardest parts of any workplace, and nobody teaches you how to do it.This week, the Mandys break down a real-life corporate nightmare: a manager who calls out his entire team on a weekly group call, gets called out himself for it, and completely falls apart. From there, the conversation goes deep on what actually makes feedback land, and what makes it blow up in everyone's face.They cover:Why bad bosses use feedback as an outlet for frustration (and how to spot it)The "praise in public, coach in private" rule and when to break itHow to give feedback that actually changes behavior vs. just ventingWhat to ask your team before you ever give feedbackHow to separate the delivery from the content when feedback is given badlyThe mindset shift that turns even the worst feedback into real growthIf you've ever had a boss who couldn't take what they dished out, managed someone who shuts down at the first sign of criticism, or just want to get better at this stuff, this episode is for you.The Corporate Burnouts is your no-BS, real-talk podcast for anyone who's ever wanted to quit, already quit, or is somewhere in between.New episodes every week. Follow so you never miss one.

We've talked about burnout a lot. But this week, we brought in someone who can explain why it's happening in your body — at a biological level.International bestselling author and physiotherapist Jessica Maguire joins the Mandys to break down the nervous system science behind burnout, and honestly? Everything finally makes sense.This episode covers:What the vagus nerve actually is and why it controls so much more than you thinkWhy burnout isn't a willpower problem — it's a physiology problemThe "hot water" analogy that perfectly explains how we end up completely depletedWhy the freeze response gets unfairly judged (and why it's not weakness)The physical symptoms of burnout you're probably not connecting to your job — gut issues, brain fog, immune problems, loss of libido, and moreHow to start regulating your nervous system if you're already deep in itWhy play — yes, actual play — is one of the most powerful recovery toolsThe role of shame, perfectionism, and overachieving in keeping you stuckJessica has trained over 25,000 people through her nervous system programs and her book The Nervous System Reset has been published in 9+ languages. This one is packed.Find Jessica: Website: https://www.jessicamaguire.com/ Instagram: @repairing_the_nervous_systemPurchase her book (The Nervous System Reset): https://bit.ly/4w5kNpiSubmit your anonymous corporate secrets: https://www.thecorporateburnouts.com/secretsSubscribe & leave us a review!

Layoffs are happening. Are you ready?This week, Mandy & Mandy get into one of the most important, and most overlooked, conversations in your career: how to negotiate your severance package. Most people sign whatever is handed to them in that emotionally charged moment. Turns out? That's exactly what they're counting on.We break down:Why you should never sign your severance package on the spotWhat's actually on the table (hint: it's not just cash — think insurance, equity, laptops, and more)How to approach the negotiation based on your personality type, even if you hate conflictRed flags that mean it's time to lawyer upWhy quitting before you get fired might be costing you thousands The NDA situation you didn't know could work against youAs always, zero judgment, full chaos, real talk.Submit your anonymous severance story at  https://www.thecorporateburnouts.com/secrets and don't forget to share with a friend and leave a review!

Are corporate politics holding you back or are you just not playing the game yet?In this episode of The Corporate Burnouts, Mandy Alt and Mandy Holt break down one of the most misunderstoodskills in career growth, navigating corporate politics. Forget the toxic stereotype. This conversation reframes workplace politics as a practical tool for getting promoted, earning raises, and unlocking opportunities you've been working hard for but never getting credit for.What we cover:Why hard work alone isn't enough to get noticed at workHow to build strategic visibility without being fake or loudThe power of cross-functional relationships for career advancementHow to self-promote authentically (yes, without the cringe)Humble bragging, recap emails & other tools to showcase your impact (see episode 35 - Building Your Personal Brand Before You Quit, for a deeper discussion on this!)The hidden career risks of staying invisible at workWhy your work doesn't speak for itself, butpeople doWhether you're climbing the corporate ladder, navigating a small business, or building something on your own, thisepisode will change how you think about influence, visibility, and career growth.Subscribe so you never miss an episode, leave a review if this resonated, and share it with someone who's been putting in the work but not getting the recognition they deserve.

Is company loyalty secretly costing you your career?In this episode of The Corporate Burnouts, Mandy Alt and Mandy Holt unpack one of the biggest myths in corporate America, that staying loyal to one company is always the smart move.After decades in corporate careers, the Mandys get real about how the workplace has changed: layoffs, restructuring, shifting leadership, and a loyalty that was never truly two-way. They break down the difference between genuine loyalty and fear disguised as loyalty, and why so many professionals stay stuck out of comfort or uncertainty rather than choice.In this episode, you'll learn:The truth about the "loyalty tax", and what staying put is really costing you financiallyWhy job hopping may actually grow your salary faster than staying loyalHow to tell the difference between alignment and comfortWhy your identity shouldn't be tied to any one companyHow to give yourself permission to explore without the guiltWhether you're feeling stuck, questioning your next move, or wondering if you've simply outgrown where you are, this episode will help you take an honest look at your career and what you actually deserve.New episodes every Thursday. Subscribe so you never miss one!Connect with The Corporate Burnouts:Instagram - @thecorporateburnoutspodcastFacebook - @thecorporateburnoutspodcastYouTube - @thecorporateburnoutspodcastTikTok - @thecorporateburnoutsWebsite - https://www.thecorporateburnouts.com/

In this episode of The Corporate Burnouts, Mandy Alt and Mandy Holt take on one of the most emotionally charged topics in modern work culture: can working moms really “have it all”? From corporate careers and high performance expectations to motherhood, mental load, and burnout, this conversation pulls back the curtain on what it actually feels like to try to be everything to everyone. Mandy and Mandy share raw, honest experiences about balancing career ambition with family life, the constant pressure of perfectionism, and the invisible mental load that keeps working moms in a cycle of stress, guilt, and exhaustion. They unpack the truth behind the idea of “having it all,” explaining how many women are unknowingly trying to live two full lives at once—career-driven professional and fully present parent—without the time, energy, or support to sustain either at a healthy level. The result? Burnout, resentment, and a loss of joy in both work and home life. This episode dives into the real reasons behind that feeling, including societal expectations, comparison, fear of missing out, and the pressure to meet unrealistic standards in every role. Most importantly, they challenge listeners to rethink success, redefine priorities, and make intentional choices about where to focus their energy without guilt or judgment. Whether you’re a working mom, considering leaving corporate, or simply feeling stretched too thin trying to do it all, this episode will help you step back, get honest with yourself, and realize that success isn’t about having everything, it’s about choosing what actually matters. If this conversation resonates with you, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs permission to stop trying to do it all.

In this episode of The Corporate Burnouts, Mandy Alt and Mandy Holt revisit one of their most talked-about topics, quiet quitting vs quiet survival, but this time, they go deeper. After reflecting on their original conversation and listener feedback, they unpack a powerful realization, there isn’t just one version of quiet quitting, there’s a full spectrum. From disengaged employees doing the bare minimum to overextended high performers on the edge of burnout, this episode breaks down the real behaviors happening inside today’s workplace and why so many professionals feel stuckbetween burnout and checking out completely. Mandy and Mandy introduce a game-changing concept, the “intentional high performer”, a middle ground where you can still grow in your career, set boundaries, protect your energy, and stop tying your identity to your job performance. Through honest storytelling and real-life examples from their own corporate experiences, they explore the dangers of people-pleasing, the hidden “hero complex” that fuels burnout, and how high achievers often confuse overworking with value. They also share practical ways to recognize where you fall on the quiet quitting spectrum, how to stop overextending yourself, and how to start making intentional decisions that actually align with your goals, your mental health, and your life outside of work. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, undervalued, burned out, or unsure if you should stay, quit, orjust pull back, this episode will help you reframe everything.You don’t have to choose between being overworked or underperforming. There is a better way. If this episode resonates, make sure to subscribe,leave a review and share it with someone who needs to hear that they can still succeed in their career without sacrificing themselves to it.

In this episode of The Corporate Burnouts, hosts Mandy Alt and Mandy Holt unpack a powerful mindset shift for anyone feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unhappy in corporate life. After attending the BECOME Conference, they reflect on a surprising realization: maybe you don’t actually hate your job… maybe you’re just working in a way that doesn’t align with how you function best.From time management and people-pleasing to lack of control, burnout, and misalignment, this episode dives into the real reasons professionals feel drained at work. Mandy and Mandy share honest experiences from their corporate careers, including juggling expectations, navigating multiple bosses, struggling with productivity, and dealing with tasks that feel meaningless. They also explore practical ways to regain control, set boundaries, align your work with your strengths, and reduce stress without necessarily leaving your job.If you’re experiencing burnout, considering a career change, or simply trying to enjoy your work again, this conversation will help you reframe your perspective and take actionable steps toward a more fulfilling professional life. You’ll walk away realizing you’re not lazy, unmotivated, or broken—you may just be in the wrong structure or approaching your work in a way that isn’t serving you.This episode also highlights key lessons from entrepreneurship, marketing collaboration, productivity strategies, and personal growth, making it a must-listen for corporate professionals, entrepreneurs, and anyone navigating career burnout or work-life balance.If this episode resonates with you, share it with someone who needs it, subscribe to The Corporate Burnouts, and follow along for weekly conversations on surviving and thriving in corporate life.

In this episode of The Corporate Burnouts Podcast, Mandy Holt and Mandy Alt take a hilarious and painfully relatable dive into one of the most infamous parts of corporate life: meetings that should have been emails. From calendars packed with back-to-back meetings to chaotic conference calls, endless PowerPoint presentations, and the dreaded “meeting after the meeting,” the Mandys unpack the good, the bad, and the absolutely ridiculous realities of corporate meetings. Drawing from their years in corporate environments, they share stories about living and dying by a color-coded calendar, sitting through hours of information that could have been delivered in an email, and the exhausting cycle of meetings that produce more tasks but very few decisions. They also break down what actually makes a productive meeting in the workplace, including why every meeting needs a clear agenda, the right people in the room, a strong leader to keep conversations on track, and the discipline to end early when the work is done. Along the way, they talk about the psychology of corporate culture, the pressure to contribute in meetings, why so many employees take on extra work just to look good, and how the corporate structure can create layers of unnecessary communication. The conversation also touches on the funny and awkward moments that happen in meetings, from technology mishaps and camera disasters to coworkers who just can’t stop talking. If you’ve ever stared at a packed calendar, wondered why you’re in a meeting that has nothing to do with your job, or secretly wished someone would just cancel the call, this episode will feel painfully familiar. Whether you’re still navigating corporate life or you’ve escaped the endless meeting cycle, you’ll walk away with insight into how meetings can be run more efficiently, how to protect your time and energy at work, and why setting boundaries around meetings can make a huge difference in productivity and burnout. If this episode reminds you of a meeting you survived, share it with a coworker who knows exactly what you’re talking about, and follow The Corporate Burnouts Podcast for more honest conversations about corporate culture, workplace burnout, leadership, and life after corporate.

In this episode of The Corporate Burnouts Podcast, Mandy Holt and Mandy Alt dive into one of the most frustrating realities of corporate life: paid time off (PTO). From denied vacation requests and last-minute PTO cancellations to guilt from bosses and the pressure employees feel about stepping away from work, the Mandys unpack the complicated culture surrounding vacation time in the United States. They explore why nearly half of American employees don’t use all of their PTO, how corporate policies like accrued vacation time, manager approval, use-it-or-lose-it policies, and unlimited PTO often create more stress than freedom, and why burnout is often tied directly to the inability to truly disconnect from work. Drawing from their own experiences in corporate leadership, the restaurant industry, and now entrepreneurship, they discuss the emotional and professional trade-offs between traditional corporate benefits and the reality of running your own business or working as a 1099 contractor where paid vacation technically doesn’t exist. Along the way, they break down the psychology behind workplace guilt, favoritism in PTO approval, how vacation culture differs in Europe where workers receive 20–30 days of vacation by law, and whether unlimited PTO is actually a perk or a hidden productivity strategy used by companies. If you’ve ever struggled to get vacation approved, felt guilty about taking time off, wondered whether corporate benefits are worth it, or tried to balance work, burnout, and personal life, this episode will resonate with you. Listen now to join the conversation about PTO culture, workplace expectations, and finding healthier boundaries around work and rest, and don’t forget to follow The Corporate Burnouts and share your own PTO horror stories, workplace frustrations, or terrible boss experiences at thecorporateburnouts.com for a chance to have your story featured in a future episode.And don't forget, there are still a couple of tickets available for the Become Women's Summit in St. Louis March 12-13. Use this link to get your ticket before they sell out! https://littleblackbook.wildapricot.org/event-6349380

In this episode of The Corporate Burnouts, Mandy Holt and Mandy Alt unpack the reality of stepping into leadership, getting promoted, or starting a business, and why the next rung on the ladder isn’t always what you think it will be. From middle management burnout to becoming the boss with noone above you saying “good job,” this honest conversation explores the hidden emotional shift that happens when you move from being the high-performing employee to the leader responsible for everyone else’s success. The Mandys dive into control issues, delegation, micromanaging, loneliness in leadership, resentment overrecognition, and the mindset shift required to find validation in your team’s wins instead of your own applause. They discuss how corporate culture conditions us to chase promotions without questioning whether leadership is actually aligned with our strengths, and why some people are meant to be coaches while others are meant to be stars. If you’re navigating a promotion, building a small business, feeling isolated as a leader, or wondering whether you’re in the right seat on the bus, this episode will challenge your expectations and help you rethink where your fulfillment should come from. Listen in, reflect on whether you need a mindset shift or a role shift, share this episode with someone stepping into leadership, and follow The Corporate Burnouts for real conversations about burnout, business ownership,corporate life, and finding the right path for you.If youw would like to join us at The Become Women's Summit in St. Louis March 12-13, there are only a couple tickets left. Use this link to register today before they sell out!  https://littleblackbook.wildapricot.org/event-6349380

In this special one-year anniversary episode of The Corporate Burnouts, Mandy Alt and Mandy Holt dive into one of the most debated workplace topics, office romance. From dating a coworker to dating your boss, navigating power dynamics, favoritism, jealousy, workplace gossip, and messy breakups, this episode explores the real pros and cons of workplace relationships.With over 60% of people experiencing a workplace romanceand nearly half leading to long-term relationships or marriage, it’s no surprise that office dating is common. But is it worth the risk? The Mandys share personal stories from their restaurant industry days, unpack the psychology behind why workplace relationships feel so intense, and discuss the professional risks that come with mixing business and pleasure. They also break down power imbalances, HR policies, performance reviews, manipulation risks, and the legal and career consequences that can follow when dating crossesprofessional lines.From wild cheating scandals and corporate horror storiesto real examples of marriages that started at work, this episode covers the full spectrum of workplace drama. If you’ve ever had a crush on a coworker, dated your manager, considered disclosing a workplace relationship to HR, orsurvived a messy office breakup, this conversation will feel uncomfortably relatable.As The Corporate Burnouts celebrates one full year and 52consecutive episodes without missing a week, this conversation reflects on growth, risk, personal responsibility, and the lessons learned from corporate life and beyond. If you’re navigating corporate culture, workplace politics,career burnout, or trying to figure out how relationships impact your professional path, this episode is for you.If you would like to see the TikTok video(s) the Mandyswere discussing, here is the link to part 1 of this series. You can find the rest on this creator's channel. https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZThQg7hry/⁠Make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share thisepisode with a friend who needs to hear it. If you or someone you know has a wild workplace romance story, corporate burnout journey, or small business transition story, reach out through thecorporateburnouts.com. We’d love to feature you on an upcoming episode.

In this episode of The Corporate Burnouts, Mandy Holt and Mandy Alt tackle one of the biggest workplace and cultural conversations happening right now: artificial intelligence. From ChatGPT and AI-generated content to AI in hiring, layoffs, resume screening, creativity, mental health, and even drive-thru ordering, this conversation explores both the benefits and the unintended consequences of AI in business and everyday life. The Mandys openly discuss how they use AI for brainstorming, SEO, marketing strategy, schema markup, coding, and workflow efficiency, while also questioning whether reliance on AI is weakening creativity, critical thinking, and human connection. They dive into controversial topics like AI replacing jobs, AI scanning resumes and impacting the job market, environmental concerns around data centers, AI-generated art and music lacking “soul,” AI being used for therapy and validation, and the growing cultural tension around authenticity versus automation. This episode challenges listeners to think critically about how AI is shaping the future of work, education, entrepreneurship, hiring practices, and even personal relationships. If you’ve wondered whether AI is a productivity tool or a creativity killer, whether it’s helping or harming the workforce, or how to use AI responsibly without losing your human edge, this conversation will stretch your perspective. Listen in, reflect on how you’re using AI in your own career and home life, share this episode with someone navigating technology overwhelm, and follow The Corporate Burnouts for honest conversations about work, burnout, culture shifts, and the evolving future of business.And if you’re looking for inspiration and education that leads to actionable change, check out the Become Conference in St. Louis this March 12-13 and come say hi, we’d love to meet you. Here is the link to register for Become now - https://littleblackbook.wildapricot.org/event-6349380

In this episode of The Corporate Burnouts, Mandy Holt and Mandy Alt sit down with Whitney Kenter for an honest conversation about what happens when you do everything “right” on paper but still feel deeply unfulfilled. Whitney shares her journey from building a successful corporate career to realizing that achievement without alignment leads straight to burnout, resentment, and emotional exhaustion. Together, they unpack the quiet warning signs so many high performers ignore, how grief, pressure, and identity become tangled up in work, and why walking away from a stable career can feel both terrifying and freeing. This conversation explores burnout recovery, redefining success, trusting your intuition, and what it actually takes to rebuild a life and career that bring joy instead of constant stress. If you’ve ever felt stuck in a job you’re good at but no longer connected to, questioned whether burnout is a season or a signal, or wondered if it’s possible to start over without losing yourself, this episode offers clarity, validation, and permission to want more. Listen in, reflect on what fulfillment really means for you, share this episode with someone navigating burnout or career transition, and follow The Corporate Burnouts for honest conversations about work, identity, healing, and life beyond corporate expectations.If you liked hearing from Whitney, here are some ways to find her - Website: https://www.gloweconnective.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gloweconnective/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/whitney-k-glowe/Come see her keynote at the Become Women's Conference: https://littleblackbook.wildapricot.org/event-6349380

In this episode of The Corporate Burnouts, Mandy Holt and Mandy Alt take a deeper look at the viral workplace trend and ask the question no one seems to be answering honestly: are people really disengaging from work, or are they simply trying to survive it? Drawing from lived corporate experience, leadership roles, and burnout recovery, the Mandys unpack how quiet quitting is often less about laziness or lack of ambition and more about self-preservation, boundary-setting, and exhaustion after years of over-performance. They explore how toxic work cultures, unclear expectations, emotional labor, and constant pressure have pushed employees into doing the bare minimum not out of rebellion, but out of necessity. This episode challenges the narrative pushed by hustle culture and corporate leadership, reframes quiet quitting as a signal rather than a problem, and helps listeners identify whether they’re pulling back because they’ve checked out, or because they’re protecting their mental health. If you’ve been accused of quiet quitting, feel guilty for no longer “going above and beyond,” or are questioning your relationship with work altogether, this conversation will help you name what’s really happening, validate your experience, and consider what sustainable work should actually look like. Listen in, reflect on where you might be surviving instead of thriving, share this episode with someone who feels burned out but unseen, and follow The Corporate Burnouts for honest conversations about work, burnout, boundaries, and life after corporate.And if you’re looking for inspiration and education that leads to actionable change, check out the Become Conference in St. Louis this March 12-13 and come say hi, we’d love to meet you. Here is the link to register for Become now - https://littleblackbook.wildapricot.org/event-6349380

In this episode of The Corporate Burnouts, Mandy Holt and Mandy Alt unpack what they call the “corporate personality hangover”, the lingering habits, people-pleasing instincts, and emotional masking that follow you long after leaving corporate life. Sparked by a difficult client situation, the Mandys explore how corporate conditioning shows up in conflict, communication, crisis management, and boundary-setting, even when you’re running your own business. From phone voices and media training to over-apologizing, diffusing situations at your own expense, and struggling to separate professionalism from authenticity, this conversation dives deep into how years of corporate survival shape who we become. They talk honestly about client boundaries, firing the wrong clients, why “the client is always right” mentality causes burnout, and how prolonged masking erodes mental health over time. The episode also touches on people-pleasing, brand identity, emotional labor, and learning how to be both direct and kind without abandoning yourself. If you’ve left corporate but still feel the reflex to over-perform, over-explain, or swallow your instincts to keep the peace, this episode will help you recognize the hangover, unlearn the damage, and redefine what healthy professionalism actually looks like. Listen in, reflect on where you might still be masking, share this episode with someone navigating burnout or business ownership, and follow The Corporate Burnouts for honest conversations about work, identity, boundaries, and life after corporate.And if you’re looking for inspiration and education that leads to actionable change, check out the Become Conference in St. Louis this March 12-13 and come say hi, we’d love to meet you. Here is the link to register for Become now - https://littleblackbook.wildapricot.org/event-6349380

In this episode of The Corporate Burnouts, Mandy Holt and Mandy Alt sit down with Joy Peterson to unpack what burnout really looks like when you’ve spent decades saying yes, grinding nonstop, and tying your entire identity to your job. Joy shares her journey from working 22 years in the service and hospitality industry, rising from server to director of restaurant training, to hitting a breaking point during COVID that forced her to quit without a backup plan. Together, they explore how burnout sneaks up on high performers, why quitting can sometimes be a health decision, and what it looks like to take intentional time off to reset, recover, and rediscover who you are outside of work. The conversation dives into mental health, boundary-setting, redefining success, transferable skills from service industry careers, and why stepping away career-wise doesn’t mean moving backward. Joy also shares how she rebuilt her career with clearer boundaries, predictable work hours, and a role that supports her life instead of consuming it. If you’re burned out, questioning your career path, coming from the service or hospitality industry, or wondering whether you’re tired or truly done, this episode offers permission, perspective, and practical reassurance. Listen in, reflect on what boundaries you need to set, share this episode with someone who’s running on empty, and follow The Corporate Burnouts for honest conversations about work, burnout, and building a life that actually fits. And if you’re looking for a reset, check out the Become Conference in St. Louis this March 12-13 and come say hi, we’d love to meet you. Here is the link to register for Become now - https://littleblackbook.wildapricot.org/event-6349380?CalendarViewType=1&SelectedDate=3%2F7%2F2026

In this episode of The Corporate Burnouts, Mandy Holt and Mandy Alt kick off 2026 by flipping the usual New Year conversation on its head and focusing on what they’re not doing anymore at work. From people-pleasing, working outside of work hours, and operating on everyone else’s timeline to gatekeeping information, going above and beyond without return, and setting themselves on fire to keep others warm, the Mandys unpack the habits that quietly fuel burnout in corporate life and entrepreneurship. Drawing from decades of leadership experience and real conversations with listeners, they explore why work is ultimately transactional, how loyalty can be unintentionally exploited, and why boundaries, delegation, and intentional priorities are essential for sustainability. They also share personal shifts around movement, routines, social energy, saying no without guilt, and redefining success in a way that protects time, health, and relationships. If you’re burned out, feeling resentful at work, or realizing that over-investing hasn’t paid off the way you were promised, this episode will help you name what needs to stop so you can make room for what actually matters. Listen in, reflect on what you’re done tolerating in 2026, share this episode with someone who needs permission to set boundaries, and follow The Corporate Burnouts for honest conversations about work, burnout, boundaries, and building a healthier way forward. And if you’re looking for a reset in the new year, check out the Become Conference in St. Louis this March and come say hi, we’d love to meet you. Here is the link to register for Become now - https://littleblackbook.wildapricot.org/event-6349380

In this New Year’s episode of The Corporate Burnouts, Mandy Holt and Mandy Alt reflect on the past year while rethinking everything we’ve been taught about goals, resolutions, and personal growth. From surviving grief and burnout to finding clarity through therapy, intention setting, and honest self-assessment, they unpack what it really looks like to move from survival mode into thriving. The conversation explores why traditional New Year’s resolutions often fail, how SMART goals create momentum without pressure, and why choosing a single word or intention for the year can be more powerful than any checklist. They share personal goals around health, time management, automation, boundaries, mindset, and letting go of control—especially as careers evolve, kids grow up, and priorities shift. This episode is a reminder that growth doesn’t require perfection, massive overhauls, or January 1st deadlines, just intentional choices, accountability, and grace for where you are right now. If you’re burned out, rethinking your career, navigating personal change, or simply looking for a healthier way to set goals for the new year, this conversation will help you reset with clarity and purpose. Listen in, reflect on your own intentions, share this episode with someone who needs it, and follow The Corporate Burnouts for weekly conversations about work, burnout, growth, and building a life that actually feels good.

In this Christmas Day episode of The Corporate Burnouts, Mandy Holt and Mandy Alt keep things light, relatable, and painfully accurate by decoding corporate emails and translating what they actually mean when no one is allowed to say it out loud. From “just checking in” and “per my last email” to “friendly reminder,” “let’s circle back,” and emails that quietly CC your boss, the Mandys break down the passive-aggressive language, unspoken expectations, and emotional landmines baked into professional communication. Drawing from years of corporate leadership experience, they explore why email tone causes spirals, how paper trails protect people more than they solve problems, and why so many misunderstandings could be avoided with direct conversations, clearer priorities, and a little less corporate fluff. Along the way, they unpack leadership styles, feedback preferences, ADHD productivity realities, and why humor is sometimes the only way to survive professional life. If you’ve ever reread an email six times, felt personally attacked by “no rush,” or laughed to keep from screaming at your inbox, this episode will make you feel seen. Listen in, share this with a coworker who needs the laugh, and follow The Corporate Burnouts for honest conversations about work, burnout, communication, and life after corporate. And if you’re looking for a reset in the new year, check out the Become Conference in St. Louis this March and come say hi, we’d love to meet you. Here is the link to register for Become now - https://littleblackbook.wildapricot.org/event-6349380

In this episode of The Corporate Burnouts, we unpack one of the most confusing (and important) questions professionals and business owners face, especially at the end of the year. Burnout and being done can feel exactly the same, but the solutions couldn’t be more different. We talk honestly about holiday burnout, corporate exhaustion, loyalty, glass ceilings, financial fear, health insurance handcuffs, and the moment when daydreaming shifts from “how do I fix this?” to “what’s my exit plan?” This conversation applies whether you work in corporate, own a business, manage a team, or feel stuck in a role that no longer fits your life. We also dig into how vacations, boundaries, and restructuring can help when it’s burnout, and how to recognize when no amount of rest will fix misalignment. We also share why community, inspiration, and mentorship matter when you’re navigating burnout or big transitions, and invite you to join us at the Become Women’s Conference in March in St. Louis, where you’ll hear from women who’ve faced burnout, pivoted careers, built businesses, and found clarity for what’s next. Mandy will be on a marketing panel discussing podcasting, social media, SEO, and digital marketing, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions specific to your business or career. You can learn more and register here: https://littleblackbook.wildapricot.org/event-6349380?CalendarViewType=1&SelectedDate=3%2F7%2F2026. If this episode resonates, share it with someone who’s feeling the same way, subscribe to The Corporate Burnouts, and remember, you don’t have to let your work be the thing that makes you unhappy.

In this episode of The Corporate Burnouts, Mandy Holt and Mandy Alt unpack the corporate red flags so many professionals see, but often ignore. From “we’re a family here” culture and open-door policies that don’t actually fix anything, to perks replacing boundaries, loyalty being weaponized, and pay practices that quietly undermine employees, this conversation dives deep into how burnout really happens. Drawing from years of corporate leadership experience, the Mandys explore why smart, capable people overlook warning signs, how emotional manipulation can show up disguised as opportunity, and when the red flags become too heavy to ignore. They also share the personal moments that finally forced clarity, lost time, shifting priorities, and the realization that work should never cost you your life outside of it. If you’re questioning your job, feeling stuck, or wondering whether it’s time to reset boundaries, pivot careers, or design something new, this episode will help you name what you’re seeing, stop gaslighting yourself, and give yourself permission to want better. Listen in, reflect honestly, and join the conversation by sharing this episode, leaving a review, and following The Corporate Burnouts for more real talk about work, burnout, and life after corporate. If you are interested in joining us at the Become Women’s Conference, March 12-13 in St. Louis, where you’ll hear from women who’ve faced burnout, pivoted careers, built businesses, and found clarity for what’s next. You can learn more and register here: ⁠https://littleblackbook.wildapricot.org/event-6349380?CalendarViewType=1&SelectedDate=3%2F7%2F2026⁠.

In this episode of The Corporate Burnouts, Mandy and Mandy sit down for an honest conversation about what it really feels like to get fired. It doesn’t matter whether you saw it coming, never expected it, or still aren’t sure if it was “deserved.” Losing a job can shake your confidence, mess with youridentity, and leave you wondering who you are without a title. Inspired by the book All the Cool Girls Get Fired by Christina O’Neill and Laura Brown, the Mandys talk through the fear,embarrassment, ego bruises, and even the strange sense of relief that sometimes shows up afterward. So many high-achieving women eventually outgrow environments that never fit them in the first place, and this episode leansinto that truth.The conversation touches on everything from toxic bossesand HR disasters to workplace politics, burnout, and those “is it me or is this place actually unhinged” moments. They spend time breaking down what happens emotionally after a firing, how to rebuild your sense of self, and what it looks like to reenter the job market without dragging all the shame along with you. There’s also a practical side to the discussion, including how to talk about being fired in interviews, questions you should ask to avoid another toxic situation, and why a setback might actually be a setup for somethinghealthier.The Mandys also pulled in real stories from TikTok. Someare ridiculous, some are painful, and some are so familiar you’ll swear someone has been reading your journal. The point is simple. You’re not the only one who has been blindsided or confused or humiliated by the way a company chose topart ways. And you’re certainly not the only person who has walked away stronger.If this episode made you laugh, helped you breathe alittle easier, or reminded you that you’re not alone, hit subscribe, leave a review, share it with a friend, and tag us so we can cheer for you during your comeback season.Want to read All the Cool Girls Get Fired? Here are a few places you can grab a copy:Amazon: ⁠https://a.co/d/h1e3pC1⁠ Barnes & Noble: ⁠https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/all-the-cool-girls-get-fired-laura-brown/1146922297?ean=9781668067451⁠If you are interested in joining us at the Become Women’s Conference, March 12-13 in St. Louis, where you’ll hear from women who’ve faced burnout, pivoted careers, built businesses, and found clarity for what’s next. You can learn more and register here: ⁠⁠https://littleblackbook.wildapricot.org/event-6349380?CalendarViewType=1&SelectedDate=3%2F7%2F2026⁠⁠.

In this episode of The Corporate Burnouts, Mandy and Mandy break down what personal and professional development actually looks like when you’re stuck, overwhelmed, or recovering from burnout. From holiday chaos and family traditions to rebuilding confidence and figuring out who you are outside of your job, they explore the real, human side of growth.The Mandys talk through different types of development, self, professional, creative, parenting, financial, and physical, and how each one plays a role in finding clarity. They share stories from their corporate careers, including development expectations, leadership lessons, networking wins, conference takeaways, and the mindset shifts that helped them rediscover their direction.You’ll hear why therapy matters, how burnout affects your health, how creative hobbies can reset your brain, and how financial education protects your future. They also explain how to request company funding for your own development in a way leadership will actually support.By the end, you’ll feel inspired to choose one development goal, big or small, that moves you toward purpose, confidence, and a healthier career path, whether you're staying in corporate or building something new.If this episode resonates, subscribe, leave a review, and tell us your development goal for this season. And if you are here to get the verbiage (given by Tenice Wehmeyer - guest on episode 39) to use to get your company to pay for your development plans, here it is:Hi [Leader Name],I’d like to request approval to participate in _______________. This program will help me _____________, specifically __________.The coaching structure includes __________________. I will apply the tools immediately, share relevant insights with the team, and keep you updated on progress.The estimated investment is _________. If approved, I’d prefer to begin on _____________.Thank you for your consideration and openness to investing in my growth. Please let me know if you have any questions.Sincerely,“Invested Employee”If you are interested in joining us at the Become Women’s Conference, March 12-13 in St. Louis, where you’ll hear from women who’ve faced burnout, pivoted careers, built businesses, and found clarity for what’s next. You can learn more and register here: ⁠⁠https://littleblackbook.wildapricot.org/event-6349380?CalendarViewType=1&SelectedDate=3%2F7%2F2026⁠⁠.

If you’ve ever dealt with a toxic boss, felt unheard by HR, or found yourself burning out in the middle of corporate chaos, this episode of The Corporate Burnouts Podcast is for you. We’re joined by executive coach Tenice Wehmeyer, who brings over two decades of HR and leadership experience from startups to Fortune 100 companies. She’s seen exactly how poor leadership, unclear expectations, and constant pressure lead to burnout, and she breaks it all down in a way that finally makes sense.In this conversation, we talk about what really creates burnout at work, why HR often feels disconnected from employees, and how to recognize the difference between a stressed leader and a genuinely toxic one. Tenice also explains how powerful 360 feedback can be, what it reveals about leadership blind spots, and how to use it for real growth instead of taking it personally.We dive into the unique challenges of middle managers, the people stuck between executive demands and team burnout. Tenice shares how to advocate upward, protect your team, communicate with impact, and lead without losing yourself. We also explore career clarity for high performers who don’t actually want to manage people, and the healthy alternatives they can pursue.Most importantly, we talk about the personal patterns that fuel burnout, people-pleasing, lack of boundaries, and carrying more than your share, and how to start breaking those habits with self-awareness and support.If you’re trying to survive corporate life, fix your relationship with work, or simply become a healthier leader, this episode offers clarity, validation, and practical tools.Learn more about Tenice - Website: https://wehmeyerassociates.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wehmeyercoachingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wehmeyercoaching/If you are interested in joining us at the Become Women’s Conference, March 12-13 in St. Louis, where you’ll hear from women who’ve faced burnout, pivoted careers, built businesses, and found clarity for what’s next. You can learn more and register here: ⁠⁠https://littleblackbook.wildapricot.org/event-6349380?CalendarViewType=1&SelectedDate=3%2F7%2F2026⁠⁠.

In this powerhouse episode of The Corporate Burnouts, hosts Mandy Holt and Mandy Alt sit down with Alison Niermann, CEO of Tilly Workforce Solutions and an expert in recruitment strategy, talent development, and career transformation, for a deep dive into how job seekers can finally land the roles they deserve in 2025. With over 20 years in recruiting, Alison pulls back the curtain on what recruiters actually look for, how the hiring process really works, and why the job market feels so different right now. She explains the difference between a job and a role, the power of building a personal brand statement, and how to create an “ideal candidate profile” that helps you stand out in a crowded market. The conversation covers everything from AI-filtered resumes and quiet hiring to salary negotiation, interview prep, recruiter relationships, and knowing your worth. You’ll learn how to ask about salary ranges without sounding pushy, how to negotiate confidently when the offer comes in, and how to advocate for yourself once you’re already in a role, whether that’s asking for a raise, redefining your value, or documenting your impact for future promotions. Alison also shares practical tips for writing resumes that beat the ATS (AI filtering systems), using the STAR method to answer interview questions, and keeping your story positive even after a toxic job or layoff. If you’ve been ghosted by hiring managers, burned out by applications, or nervous about your next interview, this episode is a master class in how to present yourself with clarity, confidence, and conviction. Listen now to learn how to build a career that fits your values and a life that matches your worth, then subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a friend who needs to hear it. Your dream job isn’t gone, you just need the right strategy to find it.Where you can find Alison Niermann - Website: https://tilleyworkforcesolutions.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alisonniermann/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alisonniermann/Recruitment Training Course: www.hiringtothrive.com

In this insightful and laugh-out-loud episode of The Corporate Burnouts, hosts Mandy Holt and Mandy Alt take a real-world dive into one of the biggest hidden causes of burnout today, digital overload and notification fatigue. From chaotic inboxes and nonstop group chats to the never-ending Teams messages, emails, and app pings, the Mandys unpack how the “always-on” culture of modern work drains creativity, focus, and mental health. They share personal stories about learning to unplug, manage technology intentionally, and set real boundaries without losing productivity, or their minds. You’ll hear their honest conversation about the anxiety that comes with constant communication, how to structure your notifications for sanity, and why mastering your digital environment might just be the most important self-care tool in your burnout recovery toolkit. They also discuss Getting Things Done by David Allen and how his practical productivity methods helped them regain control over chaotic schedules, multiple client platforms, and the endless demands of entrepreneurship.Tune in for authentic advice, relatable laughter, and actionable strategies to create a healthier relationship with technology. Don’t miss the challenge at the end, audit your apps, silence unnecessary notifications, and reclaim a little peace of mind. Subscribe to The Corporate Burnouts on Spotify and YouTube, leave a review, and share your favorite “notification burnout” story on Instagram @thecorporateburnouts.

In this episode of The Corporate Burnouts, hostsMandy Holt and Mandy Alt tackle one of the most underestimated career game-changers, soft skills. Building onlast week’s conversation about personal branding and digital identity, this episode dives deeper into how your communication style, adaptability, empathy,and emotional intelligence can be the difference between staying stuck in burnout and stepping boldly into your next opportunity.  The Mandys share real-world examples from theirown careers, showing how success in any industry, whethercorporate, creative, or entrepreneurial, comesdown to your ability to lead, connect, and collaborate. They discuss the soft skills that matter most in 2025, why they’re often more important than hard skills, and how to identify and showcase your natural strengths on your resume, in nterviews, and across your online presence.  You’ll also learn how to translate experiencefrom one career to another, build confidence in your professional identity, and turn imposter syndrome into unstoppable motivation. Whether you’re a teacher ready for a new chapter, a corporate professional craving something different, or a business owner learning to pivot, this conversation will help you rediscover the value you already bring to the table and use it to create new opportunities. The Mandys also open up about mindset, mentorship, and the importance of surrounding yourself with people who remind you of your worth when you forget it. Tune in now to The Corporate Burnouts and don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with omeone who’s ready to recognize their strengths and take the next step toward purpose.

In this episode of The Corporate Burnouts, Mandy Holt and Mandy Alt dive deep into one of the most overlooked parts of any career transition, your personal brand and digital footprint. Have you ever Googled yourself? What shows up might surprise you and what’s missing might matter even more. From understanding your online presence to shaping the narrative of your professional reputation, this candid conversation explores how to prepare for your next chapter before you ever turn in your resignation. The Mandys break down the emotional and strategic sides of leaving a corporate job gracefully, building a personal brand that aligns with your future goals, and making sure your online identity reflects who you truly are. You’ll hear real stories from their own journeys leaving corporate life, including what they wish they’d done sooner to build credibility, expand their network, and create an authentic online story that opens doors instead of closing them. This episode is packed with practical advice about networking, social media clean-ups, personal storytelling, and reputation management, as well as reminders to leave your job, and your legacy, on the best possible note. Whether you’re starting a business, job-hunting, or simply ready to redefine who you are outside your job title, this conversation will help you take control of your brand, your voice, and your next adventure. Tune in, take notes, and start curating the version of yourself that Google, and your next opportunity, deserve to see. If this episode inspired you, subscribe, leave a review, and share The Corporate Burnouts with someone else who’s ready to step out of burnout and into purpose.

In this episode of The Corporate Burnouts, Mandy Holt and Mandy Alt take a deep dive into what it really means to get comfortable outside your comfort zone, in business, relationships, and life. From Boston adventures and family updates to fear, growth, and the “never say never” list, this conversation blends laughter, vulnerability, and hard-won wisdom. The Mandys talk openly about how stepping into discomfort leads to growth, how fear and courage always arrive together, and why staying “fine” is often the biggest trap we fall into in both corporate life and personal relationships.They share powerful stories of quitting corporate jobs, building businesses, and public speaking fears, all illustrating how true growth happens when you stop chasing control and start chasing courage. You’ll hear relatable insight on imposter syndrome, the illusion of safety in the workplace, the fear of judgment, and the surprising joy that comes when you say yes to something new. Whether you’re stuck in a corporate rut, afraid to make a big move, or just craving inspiration to shake things up, this episode is your reminder that courage creates transformation.In this heart-centered and hilarious episode, the Mandys challenge listeners to make their own “Never Say Never” list, the bold things they once swore they’d never do, but now might be ready to try. From trying new styles to chasing new careers, they show how each step toward discomfort is really a step toward freedom.Thank you for listening! Please subscribe to The Corporate Burnouts and if you've been listening for awhile, please leave a review. And don’t forget to tag us with your own Never Say Never List using the hashtag #thecorporateburnouts.

In this episode of The Corporate Burnouts, Mandy Holt and Mandy Alt sit down with special guest Amanda Hausmann, an attorney-turned-tech founder who left behind a high-powered corporate career to create MomMoment, an innovative app helping moms balance work, family, and personal well-being. Amanda shares her powerful journey from law school and in-house counsel roles at AAA and Nationwide, to leading major teams at BJC Healthcare, and finally to making the bold decision to walk away fromburnout and build her own business.This candid conversation dives into the realities of working moms, stay-at-home moms, and mom guilt, exploring how women are redefining what it means to succeed both at home and in the workplace. From the pressures of raising young children while managing corporate demands, to thegrowing trend of moms leaving the workforce, Amanda opens up about the moment that changed everything for her and how she turned pain into purpose with a community-driven platform.Listeners will hear firsthand about the rise of fractionaljobs, part-time opportunities, and flexible work options that give moms more freedom and fulfillment. Amanda explains how Mom Moment empowers women to outsource tasks like laundry, meal prep, Goodwill drop-offs,and more, helping moms reclaim their time and energy while creating a supportive marketplace where moms help moms.If you’ve ever struggled with burnout, work-life balance, mental health, or the pressure of being “everything to everyone”, this episode will remind you that you’re not alone. Together, we break down the stigma of askingfor help, challenge the unrealistic expectations placed on women, and celebrate the power of community, innovation, and harmony over balance.If you’re ready to rethink burnout, motherhood, and what balance really looks like, don’t miss this inspiring conversation. Learn more about the MomMoment app by visiting the website here - https://www.mommomentapp.com/Download the MomMoment app on the Apple App Store or Google Play by searching MomMoment Helper or MomMoment Asker, depending on which one you are. Don't forget to follow Amanda’s journey on Instagram, and share this episode with a mom who needs to hear she’s notalone. https://www.instagram.com/mommoment.app/And as always, subscribe to The Corporate Burnouts on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen for more raw, relatable conversations on life beyond corporate.

Burnout isn’t just about feeling tired, it’s a mentalhealth crisis that impacts millions of professionals across corporate life, entrepreneurship, and leadership roles. In this episode of The Corporate Burnouts, hosts Mandy Alt and Mandy Holt welcome international guest Lauren Davis, a clinical psychologist and workplace mental health coach from South Africa. With over two decades of experience,Lauren helps leaders and organizations build healthier workplace cultures that protect capacity, prevent exhaustion, and prioritize mental well-being.Together, we unpack the reality of burnout beyond the buzzword. Lauren explains why burnout often looks like depression, anxiety, or even PTSD, and why it takes years, notweekends, to recover. We explore the hidden cost of hustle culture, why mental health days should be treated like sick days, and how leaders can shift from surface-levelperks to real systemic change. This conversation dives into practical strategies for recognizing early warning signs, the role of therapy and coaching in recovery, and how to set boundaries that stick, even if it means having tough conversations with your boss.Whether you’re a corporate professional, business owner, or leader, this episode will challenge you to rethink what “success” and “resilience” really mean, and why it’s okay to not be okay, but not okay to stay that way.Tune in now to learn how to protect your mental health, reset your boundaries, and recover from burnout with clarity and purpose.Don’t forget to subscribe to The Corporate Burnouts on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube, and leave us a review to share how this conversation resonated with you. Connect with Lauren Davis and explore her podcast Beneath the Busy using these links - https://open.spotify.com/show/0AozpjvouFSbcJx9VhgkYEhttps://www.facebook.com/lauren.davis.33671748https://www.instagram.com/laurendaviswellbeing

Welcome back to The Corporate Burnouts, the podcast that helps you navigate the messy, stressful, and often hilarious realities of corporate life while finding smarter ways to thrive outside of it. In this episode, Mandy and Mandy dive deep into the world of side hustles, corporate burnout, and financial freedom,nexploring whether pursuing a side gig is a survival strategy, a passion project, or the key to escaping the 9–5 grind.From MLMs and social selling to DoorDash, Instacart, Etsy shops, affiliate marketing, and even TikTok Shop, they unpack the opportunities and challenges of earning extra income while still managing demanding corporate jobs. You’ll hear personal stories about balancing full-time careers with secret late-night hustles, the stigma of being “too salesy” on social media, and the real risks companies pose when they demand you shut down your passion project.The Mandys also share insights on:Why corporate America frowns on side hustles—and why that needs to change.The difference between hustles that supplement your paycheck and those that can become a full-time exit strategy.How side hustles can either fuel burnout or actually protect you from it by giving you a creative outlet.Why financial security and freedom are worth breaking through the stigma.This episode is packed with real talk, laughter, and practical advice for anyone stuck between corporate demands and entrepreneurial dreams.If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s possible to juggle a career, a family, and a side hustle without losing your mind, this conversation will leave you encouraged, challenged, and ready to rethink what’s possible.Don’t forget to subscribe to The Corporate Burnouts on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube so you never miss an episode. Leave us a review, share this with a friend who’s hustling on the side, and connect with us on social media for even more conversations about surviving (and escaping) corporate burnout.

In this milestone episode of The Corporate Burnouts, Mandy Holt and Mandy Alt sit down with their longtime friend and former teammate, Maci Taylor, to talk about leaving corporate burnout behind, going back to school in her 30s, and navigating today’s tough job market.Maci shares her journey from 15+ years in marketing and corporate life to finishing her degree debt-free, only to face the reality that even with experience and education, landing a job today isn’t easy. From AI resume scanners and unpaid interview projects to the mental toll of endless applications, the three unpack the frustrating truths of the hiring process and why networking, boundaries, and pacing yourself are more important than ever.This conversation is real, encouraging, and a reminder that it’s never too late to reinvent yourself, set non-negotiables, and build a career that aligns with the life you actually want. If you’ve ever wondered why a degree doesn’t guarantee a job anymore, how to avoid burnout while still chasing success, or how to find the right fit in a changing job market, this episode will hit home.Make sure to subscribe to The Corporate Burnouts on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube, and join the conversation with us on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook @thecorporateburnouts.

In this episode of The Corporate Burnouts, Mandy Holt and Mandy Alt dive deep into the hidden cost of corporate life and how constantly “turning it on” reshapes your personality and leaves you questioning who you really are outside of work. From concerts with Red Clay Strays and Pantera to binge-worthy Netflix documentaries like The Unknown Number: The High School Catfish, the conversation starts lighthearted but transitions into a powerful discussion on authenticity, identity, and the corporate chameleon effect.Together, the Mandys unpack what it means to read the room, adjust your personality to fit every audience, and balance professional adaptability with personal authenticity. They share stories of how corporate life teaches you to lead up, down, and across, but also how that constant shape-shifting can cause burnout, imposter syndrome, and even an identity crisis when you step away from the job.The key takeaway? Being adaptable is a valuable skill, but if it comes at the cost of losing your true self, the price is too high. This episode is a gut-check for anyone navigating the blurred line between who you are at work and who you are at home, and a reminder that authenticity should always be at the core of your identity.If you’ve ever found yourself putting on a “work mask,” struggling with burnout, or questioning how corporate culture has changed you, this episode will resonate deeply.Be sure to subscribe to The Corporate Burnouts wherever you listen to podcasts, leave us a comment with your own experiences of corporate masking, and share this episode with a friend who needs the reminder that their worth isn’t defined by their job title. For more conversations and resources, visit us at thecorporateburnouts.com.

In this episode of The Corporate Burnouts, Mandy and Mandy dive deep into the hidden costs of corporate life and how misplaced priorities can silently erode your most important relationships. From juggling work trips, school pick-ups, and family obligations to the exhaustion that comes with always being “on call,” they share raw stories about how career pressures once overshadowed their personal lives, and how they’ve learned to flip the script.This candid conversation unpacks the very real tension between work-life balance, burnout recovery, and relationship strain. Whether it’s with a spouse, kids, friends, or even coworkers. Together, they explore how corporate culture and high-achiever mindsets feed the “always available” trap, why boundaries aren’t enough without clear priorities, and how redefining success means choosing presence over performance.The big takeaways? Burnout doesn’t just drain your energy, it steals connection, joy, and the ability to show up for the people who matter most. Real change starts with honest communication, redefining priorities, and letting go of the hero complex that keeps us glued to emails and work emergencies that aren’t really emergencies.If you’ve ever felt torn between climbing the corporate ladder and maintaining healthy relationships, or if you’ve sacrificed vacations, friendships, or even your marriage for work, this episode will resonate. It’s not about hating your job, it’s about learning how to live beyond it.Tune in now, share this episode with someone who needs a gut-check on their work-life balance, and don’t forget to leave us a review. We’d also love to hear your stories (and your secrets) at thecorporateburnouts.com. You can even submit anonymously. Because at the end of the day, your life isn’t defined by your job, it’s defined by the relationships you nurture along the way!

In this episode of The Corporate Burnouts, Mandy and Mandyget real about the truth of working from home, the good, thebad, and the burnout. From juggling puppies and parenting to finding balance between discipline and flexibility, they share firsthand stories of what remote work actually looks like when the glamour wears off.We dive into the surprising statistics about burnout for remote workers vs. in-office and hybrid employees, why boundaries and routines are crucial for avoiding exhaustion, and the hidden challenges no one talks about when it comesto working from home. From accountability calls and time blocking to investing in comfort and protecting your calendar, this conversation is packed with practical strategies to help you stay productive without losing yourself in theprocess.Key takeaways include: the importance of daily routines, the role of accountability in remote work, how to avoid blurred boundaries between home and work, and why movement, comfort, and intentional breaks make all the differencein protecting your mental health and preventing burnout. Whether you’re thriving as a remote worker, dreaming of leaving the office, or struggling with blurred lines and constant “always-on” pressure, this episode will give youboth relatable laughs and actionable tips.If you’ve ever thought, “I need a job where I can work from home”, this episode is a must-listen before you take the leap.Don’t forget to subscribe to The Corporate Burnouts on Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Share this episode with a friend, coworker, or anyone navigating the work-from-home life, and join the conversation by sending us your own best tips for avoiding burnout. Becauseprogress, not perfection, is what keeps us moving forward.

In this episode of The Corporate Burnouts, Mandy and Mandy get real about work friendships, work besties, and what happens when those relationships collide with real life. We’ve all had that coworker who felt like family. The daily texts, inside jokes, and shared trauma from a toxic boss are all bonding, but what happens when you leave corporate? Do those friendships stick…or do they fade once the office glue is gone?We swap stories from our own corporate days, from bonding over Taylor Swift concerts and road trips to realizing that some friendships only worked because we were in the trenches together every day. We also tackle the whole “work wife/work husband” thing (spoiler: it gives us the ick) and dig into what really makes a friendship last once you’re out of the corporate bubble.This is a real talk about the difference between situational friends and lifelong besties, why making friends as an adult feels so hard, and how to tell when a friendship is worth fighting for. You’ll hear how we figured out who our real friends were after leaving corporate, why intentionality matters so much, and why it’s okay if some friendships were just meant for a season.If you’ve ever wondered whether your work bestie is your real bestie or if you’re just trying to figure out how to keep meaningful friendships alive outside of the office, this conversation will hit home.Be sure to subscribe to The Corporate Burnouts Podcast on Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts so you don’t miss new episodes every Thursday. And if this one made you think of your own work bestie, send it their way. They’ll get it.

In this episode of The Corporate Burnouts, Mandy and Mandy dig deep into the difference between being truly productive and just looking busy—a habit so many of us learned in school, perfected in corporate life, and accidentally carried into entrepreneurship and everyday life. From performative busyness to protecting your creative energy, they share real stories from their own careers—like faking a packed Outlook calendar, proving the worth of a new role, and navigating a corporate culture where “busy” was worn like a badge of honor.They unpack how this constant need to appear busy often backfires, leading to burnout, missed opportunities, and the perception that you’re unapproachable. The conversation also explores how early life experiences, from school lunch schedules to “keep working or they’ll give you more work” mindsets, shape the way we manage time and productivity today. Post-corporate, they’ve learned to value intentional work over endless hustle, and they share practical ways to break the cycle—setting boundaries, communicating effectively, tracking wins instead of hours, and prioritizing tasks that actually move the needle.Whether you’re stuck in the grind of corporate life, running your own business, or simply juggling the many roles life throws at you, this episode will help you reframe productivity, drop the martyrdom of busyness, and reclaim your time without guilt.If you’re ready to ditch the fake busy and focus on what truly matters, hit play now—and if you have tips for thriving while working from home, they want to hear from you!Please don't forget to jump on the website, thecorporateburnouts.com, and tell us your coporate stories!

If you’ve ever avoided a difficult conversation at work (or in your personal life), this episode of The Corporate Burnouts is for you. This week, Mandy Holt and Mandy Alt dive deepinto the must-read book How to Say Anything to Anyone by Shari Harley—a practical guide to giving and receiving feedback that doesn’t end in awkward silence or fiery resentment.From parenting fails to navigating passive-aggressive bosses, the Mandys share real-life stories of how poor communication led to burnout, and how this book helped them turn things around. They break down the communication contract,” walk through Shari’s 8-step feedback formula, and reflect on what happens when expectations aren’t set, feedback isn’t shared, and trust breaks down.Whether you're a corporate leader, team member, entrepreneur, parent, or just someone tired of lettingthings simmer until they explode, this episode gives you the tools to start saying what needs to be said with kindness, clarity, and confidence.In this episode, we cover:Why feedback without trust feels like an attackThe exact formula for giving constructive criticism without causing defensivenessHow to set communication expectations at work, home, and everywhere in betweenWhy silence is selfish when expectations aren't metHow learning your team's (or kid’s!) preferred feedback style can change everythingPersonal stories of conflict, resolution, and communication wins that changed careers and relationshipsIf you've ever felt stuck, silenced, or scared to speak up, this is your sign to change the game AND your sign to read this book.You can find How to Say Anything to Anyone by Shari Harley anywhere you buy books. Here is a link to the book on Amazon.com - http://bit.ly/4ldfX2gLet’s hear from you!Want a FREE copy of How to Say Anything to Anyone? We’re giving one away! Just comment your biggest takeaway from this episode on Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts, and we’ll randomly choose a winner on September 7, 2025.✨ Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode with the friend who definitely needs to hear it. The conversation doesn't stop here—come back next Thursdayfor more real talk from The Corporate Burnouts.

This week on The Corporate Burnouts, we're back with part two of our personality test conversation—and this time, we're going even deeper. We're joined by culture strategist, leadership coach, and DISC-certified practitioner Amy Nunn, who helps leaders decode communication breakdowns and build feedback-driven teams that actually work.We cover how to read and apply DISC assessments at work, what “adaptive vs. natural” behaviors reveal about your leadership style, and why so many teams fail to give or receive feedback the right way. You’ll get tactical strategies for navigating feedback without creating conflict, plus real-life examples on how communication impacts culture, collaboration, and even your own burnout.From defensiveness and unsolicited criticism to developing emotionally intelligent teams, this conversation is for anyone who's ever dreaded performance reviews, misunderstood their boss, or avoided giving hard feedback. Learn Amy's “observation, impact, expectation” formula, and discover how to create a safe culture where people actually want to stay and grow.This episode is a must-listen for:✨ Team leaders, entrepreneurs, and corporate employees navigating feedback✨ Managers looking to improve communication and reduce turnover✨ Anyone feeling undervalued, misunderstood, or stuck in a toxic cultureIf you’ve ever said, “That feedback didn’t feel fair,” or “I don’t know how to say this without causing conflict,”—you need this episode.Listen now, share with a friend, and don’t forget to follow, rate, and review. Every review helps this podcast reach more burnt-out professionals like you.Featuring: Amy Nunn (@AmyKNunn on socials)Books: Dirty Lenses (http://bit.ly/4fx6Sk1) and Inspire and Lead (https://amzn.to/3GOfjul)Podcast: Next to Nunn Website: https://nexttonunn.com/#CorporateBurnout #LeadershipDevelopment #DISCProfile #EmotionalIntelligence #FeedbackMatters #WorkCulture #CommunicationTips #TeamLeadership #ManagementSkills #CareerGrowth #SelfAwareness #CorporatePodcast

In this episode of The Corporate Burnouts Podcast, Mandy and Mandy dive headfirst into one of their favorite topics: personality tests. From DISC to Myers-Briggs, the Predictive Index, the Four Color Personalities, and even the 5 Love Languages (in the workplace!), they explore how knowing yourself—and your teammates—can drastically improve communication, reduce workplace stress, and help prevent burnout.You’ll hear them laugh through past results, reflect on their differences, and get vulnerable about the times they’ve had to work against their natural tendencies in corporate life—something that accelerated burnout faster than they expected.Understanding your personality type helps you work with your strengths instead of against them. Tests like Myers-Briggs (MBTI), DISC, and the Predictive Index can clarify how you communicate, collaborate, and lead. Recognizing the difference between your adaptive and natural behavior under stress can reveal burnout triggers you didn't know you had. The Mandys also dig into how using personality insights should never be an excuse for bad behavior—it should inspire self-awareness and growth. Whether you're leading a team or simply trying to stay sane in a chaotic workplace, this episode will help you see how understanding your style—and others'—can make all the difference. They also talk about how leaders can build stronger, more cohesive workplaces by learning the appreciation languages of their team. And it turns out, personality assessments aren’t just for work—they can strengthen relationships and even help you parent better.By the end of the episode, you’ll be ready to take a personality test yourself, and the Mandys encourage you to share your results. They suggest starting a conversation at work or home about how you prefer to communicate and be appreciated. Most importantly, they encourage you to tune in next week for Part 2, where workplace personality expert Amy Nunn will help interpret their DISC assessments and show how to apply these tools to your own team dynamics.Follow and share to help us grow this community of recovering corporate folks. Connect With Us:Spotify: The Corporate BurnoutsYouTube: @TheCorporateBurnoutsInstagram: @thecorporateburnoutsFacebook: The Corporate BurnoutsTikTok: @thecorporateburnouts

Is Gen Z redefining the future of work, or just refusing to play by the rules we were taught to follow? In this lively and thought-provoking episode of The Corporate Burnouts, Mandy and Mandy unpack the generational tension brewing in today's workforce. From job hopping to unapologetically setting boundaries, Gen Z might just be onto something, and it’s challenging everything we thought we knew about “professionalism.”We dive into how Gen Z is shifting loyalty from companies to themselves, embracing mental health as a non-negotiable, and demanding that diversity, ethics, and flexibility be more than just buzzwords. They aren’t afraid to ask “Why are we doing it this way?” and if the answer is outdated, they’re not afraid to change it.At the same time, we reflect on what older generations (especially Millennials and Gen X) can learn from this bold, boundary-setting workforce. We talk through our own experiences with burnout, being told to “pay our dues,” and the ways bitterness and jealousy sometimes get disguised as tradition.You’ll also hear:Why working smarter isn’t the same as being lazy.How Gen Z is reshaping the definition of success.Why asking for flexibility, transparency, and mental health support is not weakness, it’s wisdom.And yes... we talk about the viral “Gen Z stare,” boom boom rooms, and whether breakroom sex is really on their wishlist. Read this article to see what you think - https://nypost.com/2025/06/15/lifestyle/gen-z-finally-wants-to-have-more-sex-at-the-office/ This episode is a call to curiosity, not judgment. If you’re Gen Z, keep pushing, but lead with professionalism and respect. You’ll make more impact that way. If you're a leader or from an older generation, stay open. The workplace is evolving, and those who don’t evolve with it will get left behind.Got thoughts? Share your take or anonymously submit your workplace “secrets” at thecorporateburnouts.com.

We loved this episode with our awesome guest, Heather Swan, owner of YarnCom. It was so interesting to hear her corporate story and how she lived through and got caught up in a toxic workplace. What we loved most was what she learned from it and how she took those lessons and started her own business with amazing culture.Once again in this episode, we have another guest talking to us about boundaries. Set your boundaries in the workplace upon starting a job or even after years in the office. Communicate them and stand by them to enjoy your work/life balance so much more.Heather also gave some great tips to make your current situation work for you. She walked through some steps to work with HR to help rectify your work issues.We hope you will follow Heather and YarnCom and reach out to her with any fiber arts materials you may need!YarnCom Website: https://www.yarncomstl.com/YarnCom YouTube:  ⁨@yarncom⁩  YarnCom Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yarncom/YarnCom TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yarncom

Did you know that your social media presence can potentially alienate employers and clients? We have always known this but have learned a lot recently about how deeply people can dig to see all of your activity online.In this episode, we discussed some surprising ways that potential and current employers can track you online, including being able to see all the comments you make on others' social media posts. This was wild to learn about. They can see it all!We also shared a story that a listener sent in about how she got in trouble at work because of a day in the life post she made. We learned that what seems harmless can still be frowned upon by your employer or clients.Last, we discussed positive things you could post on your socials that will actually help you at work. If you can think of any we didn't share, throw them in the comments!Want us to share your story or your secret on the pod? Use these links to submit them now!⁠ https://www.thecorporateburnouts.com/tell-us-your-story⁠⁠ https://www.thecorporateburnouts.com/secrets⁠

We loved this episode with our guest, Kelli Risse! Kelli is a peak performance executive coach, professional speaker, and author, whose mission is to help overworked, overwhelmed, and overstressed high-achievers shift into peak performers to avoid or recover from burnout. She is so full of knowledge about burnout and we learned so much!Kelli walked us through the steps to go from being a high achiever to becoming a peak performer. This means that you are the same person but you are balancing everything you have to and want to do better. You still get good results but you won't end up in strain and burnout.Once again in this episode, we were given the advice that self-care has to be a focus when you are trying to avoid burnout or recover from it. And once again we went to therapy with our guest and had a couple great breakthroughs!Kelli shared so much great info but she has so much more that we couldn't fit in this episode. If you want to learn more from her, she has a One Day Breakthrough Experience for rapid transformation. She is also a speaker that is perfect for your next event or conference. And of course, you can pick up her book (the 1st one in a 4 book series), Mindset Mastery. Use these links to find Kelli!Website - https://kellirisse.com/Book Kelli - https://kellirisse.com/speaking/Mindset Mastery Book - https://www.amazon.com/Succeed-Ease-Principles-Outsmart-Redefine/dp/B0DWN9DRZB/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2USP2Q3U0PA6N&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.MAm5ExZhTKd8G2eN6ZaoBv4Yh-P7ShrvW2E-VQ-Ueng.70KBCAZjByFuCgT-U2iog0y0Su0ytgta5oakb_ATPPs&dib_tag=se&keywords=mindset+mastery+kelli+risse&qid=1744921063&sprefix=mindset+mastery+kelli+risse%2Caps%2C1408&sr=8-1Kelli on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellirisse/Kelli on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Kellirisse

Attention corporate and ex-corporate besties - you need to hear this! Your coporate career wasn't a waste. There are so many skills and processes and experiences that you can take with you into your future endeavors, whether it's starting a business or working for a smaller company. You will definitely have a leg up on the competition.We loved having Annie Callaway on the podcast this week! Her experience in corporate was very similar to ours and we love her point of view on what you can get from your corporate journey.She took her corporate experience and used it to become a very successful entrepreneur, especially now, as a Realtor and Real Estate Broker. She shared so much about how a corporate background can help all Realtors but if they don't have that kind of background, no problem - she will help you with that training herself!Annie and her business partner Chad Elledge are the co-owners of Realty ONE Group Trifecta in O'Fallon, MO and co-hosts of the podcast REal Chat with Annie & Chad. We absolutely love their podcast, where they talk about real shit, loosely related to the real estate industry. Their banter is so fun and their knowledge about real estate is incredible. If you are a Realtor looking to learn more about the industry you're in, these two will not only entertain you but keep the knowledge nuggets coming about the industry. Use one of these links to listen to their podcast wherever you listen to podcasts.Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7G8z3gMZe2XZfBgfU33Sr3?si=fjsMBXq5RKOyBkXeJOw0uQYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7GvwY0U2h4&list=PLu1Bhr-cFmHWdstxQ682jIRR-jcSbiz9HApple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/real-chat-with-annie-and-chad/id1774323039Are you a St. Louis area Realtor and looking for a new brokerage? Check Realty ONE Group Trifecta out on social media and their website. Here are the links you will need. Website: https://www.realtyonegrouptrifecta.com/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/rogtrifecta/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@realtyonegrouptrifectaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/rogtrifecta

We needed a light episode for this week and playing "Would You Rather?" was so fun for us! We found out that we have a lot of triggers still from corporate. We also had some great friend conversation and loved it. Come laugh with us!And for anyone watching who noticed Mandy Alt's jump scare, we don't know what happened either while watching it back. 😂 It's a true mystery.We would love to hear in the comments how you would have answered some of these. And once again, please share your corporate secrets with us! Use this link to share your secret anonymously - https://www.thecorporateburnouts.com/secrets

We're so excited to introduce our guest for this episode, Miranda Malone, owner of Essential Rejuvination Medical Esthetics and founder of Elley's Hope. Her integrity while in corporate and after she left is inspirational and a huge reason why she is perfect to run a non-profit.Miranda's corporate story is tough, but she has come out on top and is a successful business owner today! She also runs a newer but also successful non-profit and she spent some time with us explaining the best ways to get your non-profit started.Looking to start a non-profit? Miranda explained the process of getting the 501c3. It's extensive, difficult and expensive, but she did the work and got hers quickly! She did it all without a lawyer and says if she had it to do again, she would have hired someone to help do this for her after some hiccups in the first year. She also talked us through so much other great advice for getting a non-profit set up. You don't want to miss it.Miranda also gave advice to anyone who wants to help a non-profit. The easiest way she recommended was to share, comment, and like non-profit posts on social media. She also recommends volunteering and asking your company to sponsor events. If you are looking for a non-profit that you are passionate about helping, we hope you will consider donating your time or money to Elley's Hope. Please follow them on socials and check out their website to stay up-to-date on upcoming fundraisers and events. And if you are a survivor who could use the services of Elley's Hope, please apply for a grant today!Apply For A Grant - https://static1.squarespace.com/static/6626a3f806a31b094eefc9b7/t/665f7a429b7dbb7984da9ec9/1717533250959/Grant+Application.pdfElley's Hope Website - https://www.elleyshope.org/Elley's Hope Socials - https://www.instagram.com/elleyshopenonprofit/ https://www.facebook.com/ElleysHopeEssential Rejuvination Medical Esthetics Website - https://www.essrejmed2023.com/Essential Rejuvination Medical Esthetics Socials - https://www.instagram.com/essentialrej23/ https://www.facebook.com/EssentialRej23

This episode was cathartic for us! We dug all the way into the feelings we had leaving corporate. The identity crisis was wild. Who am I without the job that was such a huge part of my life? The imposter syndrome, the major change in lifestyle/social life and routines, and the chaotic, hot mess of starting something new are so real for a lot of people.We hope that everyone who may be struggling post-corporate knows that it's hard for everyone. It's not a crisis, it's a process and you're not alone.