In this episode of Behind the Glitz, I sit down with Cait Donovan, host of Fried the Burnout Podcast (the #1 burnout podcast on Spotify), to unpack the surprising power of resentment and how burnout can take over every area of our lives. We get into the real talk about what burnout actually is, what causes it, and how it shows up differently for men and women. Plus, we cover the warning signs you should be looking for and the risk factors that might be setting you up for burnout.

Cait brings a fresh perspective on resentment—an emotion we all experience but usually try to avoid. She explains how resentment isn’t just negative, but can actually be a tool for growth and self-awareness if we use it right. We also dive into the essentials of self-care and why putting your physical and emotional well-being first is a non-negotiable when you’re recovering from burnout.

We talk about how childhood experiences can shape your burnout tendencies, the role of gratitude in healing, and how Eastern medicine—like Chinese medicine—can offer a totally different approach to recovery. Cait even shares a fascinating concept about how burnout can mess with your perspective—like losing your peripheral vision—and how leaning on support can help you see clearly again. And, we break down her Devil-Angel-Human exercise for setting boundaries and having those tough conversations we all need to have.

Takeaways:

Burnout doesn’t just affect your work—it can creep into every part of your life.
Perfectionism, people-pleasing, lack of boundaries, unclear values, childhood trauma, and health issues are all burnout risk factors.
Protect yourself from burnout by setting boundaries, asking for help, and making self-care a priority.
Resentment can actually be a tool for growth—if you know how to use it.
Gratitude is powerful, but recovery is personal—what works for one person may not work for another.
Eastern medicine, like Chinese medicine, can offer unique approaches to burnout recovery.
Resentment journaling can help you release negative feelings and create space for more gratitude and generosity.
The Devil-Angel-Human exercise is a simple and effective way to set boundaries and communicate clearly.
Burnout recovery is different for everyone—there’s no one-size-fits-all solution.
Burnout can narrow your perspective, but support from friends, family, or professionals can help you regain clarity.
Focus on foundational self-care, creating a safe space, and leaning on your support system to fully recover from burnout.

016 Three Non-Negotiables for Burnout Recovery w/ Cait Donavan