Podcast
Redefining Rest for Public Health Professionals
Hosted by Marissa McKool, MPH · EN
The Redefining Rest podcast is for early to mid-career public health professionals with a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree who are burnt out, stressed, overwhelmed, and exhausted. If you want to experience more rest, have more time, do the things that bring you joy and fulfillment, and ultimately create a life you love… then this is the podcast for you.
In each episode, Career and Life Coach Marissa McKool, MPH will unpack how our society and the public health field itself promotes the narrow and false idea that rest that has to be earned and productivity makes you worthy. She will teach you how to free yourself from internalized society bias and unrealistic workplace expectations that rest is limited and finite so you can define what rest truly is for you, take more of it, and eliminate your burnout without having to quit your job.
Together, we will collectively redefine how the public health workforce thinks about productivity and rest so we can do more good in the world without compromising ourselves.
Get her free course on how to reduce your stress at https://www.mckoolcoaching.com/courses
12episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
The Redefining Rest Podcast Will No Longer Be Available After January 1st, 2026
Dec 800:01:41Tap to summarizeThe Redefining REST Podcast will officially sunset on January 1st, 2026. After that date, all episodes will be removed from Apple, Spotify, and other platforms. If there are episodes you want to re-listen to, catch up on, or hear for the first time, now is the time to do it before the podcast comes down. If you're here for the From Panic to Purpose lessons, you'll still have access to the video version of the full series. Need help accessing your videos? Email info@publichealthcoach.com. In 2026, I'll be sharing new support resources designed to help you set boundaries, reduce stress, and reclaim your time. The best way to stay updated is to join the email list using the link below. Links From Panic to Purpose (video access): https://publichealthcoach.com/panic-to-purpose Be the first to know about new upcoming resources:Join my email list HERE! Email me: info@publichealthcoach.com
Transcribe →From Panic to Purpose Ep 10: Harnessing Your Purpose to Make a Bigger Impact in Public Health
May 9, 202500:23:39Tap to summarizeThis episode is from a special video series, From Panic to Purpose, designed to help public health professionals navigate the stress and uncertainty of today's turbulent environment. As a public health professional, you've likely been feeling the impact of a rapidly changing landscape—political instability, funding cuts, layoffs, and increasing pressure to navigate crises. These challenges can leave you feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and unsure of where to turn next. This series will help researchers, evaluators, project officers, managers, leaders and anyone else in public health navigate the stress and uncertainty of today's turbulent environment. Whether you're concerned about job security, political changes, or how to stay grounded through it all, this series will provide you with practical tools to address these challenges and more. This episode teaches you to Harness Your Purpose to Make a Bigger Impact in Public Health In this final training, you'll learn: ✅ The three ways you can view any challenge — and why choosing the right one changes everything ✅ The two choices you have right now in the face of crisis (and why only one leads to true freedom) ✅ How to curate proof that the impact you want to make is still possible — no matter what's happening around you ✅ How to turn your intention into impact and truly live into your purpose — personally and professionally But that's not all! At the very end of today's episode, I'm also sharing an exciting announcement! 📣 A very special opportunity just for YOU. A personal invite to meet with me 1:1. Just you and me, troubleshooting any challenges you are facing. If you've found these episodes helpful — even just a little bit — imagine what would happen if you had direct, customized support tailored exactly to your life, your challenges, and your goals. That is what this opportunity gives you. I'll share more about this opportunity at the end of today's episode — so make sure you listen until the very end! You can also sign up to see the video versions of this episode at publichealthcoach.com/panic-to-purpose If you need a transcript of this episode, please email us at info@publichealthcoach.com
Transcribe →From Panic to Purpose Ep 9: How to Feel More in Control of Your Emotions
May 2, 202500:21:45Tap to summarizeThis episode is from a special video series, From Panic to Purpose, designed to help public health professionals navigate the stress and uncertainty of today's turbulent environment. As a public health professional, you've likely been feeling the impact of a rapidly changing landscape—political instability, funding cuts, layoffs, and increasing pressure to navigate crises. These challenges can leave you feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and unsure of where to turn next. This series will help researchers, evaluators, project officers, managers, leaders and anyone else in public health navigate the stress and uncertainty of today's turbulent environment. Whether you're concerned about job security, political changes, or how to stay grounded through it all, this series will provide you with practical tools to address these challenges and more. This episode teaches you How to Feel More in Control of Your Emotions In this episode, you'll learn: ✅ Why your emotions aren't caused by challenges themselves, but by your brain's response to them ✅ How to process emotions (instead of resisting them) so they pass more quickly and feel less intense ✅ Three simple steps to help you feel more in control, no matter what's happening around you PLUS: At the end of this episode, I share a very exciting announcement about a time-sensitive opportunity to get direct and personalized support on May 13th! Here's a hint: ✨ It's a live and interactive. ✨ You'll see real-time transformations. ✨ It's a rare opportunity—I've only hosted it once before, and over 150 public health professionals joined last time! You can also sign up to see the video versions of this episode at publichealthcoach.com/panic-to-purpose If you need a transcript of this episode, please email us at info@publichealthcoach.com
Transcribe →From Panic to Purpose Ep 8: Two Powerful Tools to Build Confidence and Certainty in Uncertain Times
Apr 25, 202500:14:04Tap to summarizeThis episode is from a special video series, From Panic to Purpose, designed to help public health professionals navigate the stress and uncertainty of today's turbulent environment. As a public health professional, you've likely been feeling the impact of a rapidly changing landscape—political instability, funding cuts, layoffs, and increasing pressure to navigate crises. These challenges can leave you feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and unsure of where to turn next. This series will help researchers, evaluators, project officers, managers, leaders and anyone else in public health navigate the stress and uncertainty of today's turbulent environment. Whether you're concerned about job security, political changes, or how to stay grounded through it all, this series will provide you with practical tools to address these challenges and more. This episode teaches you Two Powerful Tools to Build Confidence and Certainty in Uncertain Times In this video, you'll learn: ✅ Two exercises to help you overcome any challenge you are facing. ✅ How to reconnect with your inner strength using the Triumph Story technique ✅ A practical way to reframe fear-based thoughts using "Yes, and" thinking—so you stay grounded and in your power You can also sign up to see the video versions of this episode at publichealthcoach.com/panic-to-purpose If you need a transcript of this episode, please email us at info@publichealthcoach.com
Transcribe →From Panic to Purpose Ep 7: How to Calm Your Mind and Stop Negative Thoughts
Apr 18, 202500:14:12Tap to summarizeThis episode is from a special video series, From Panic to Purpose, designed to help public health professionals navigate the stress and uncertainty of today's turbulent environment. As a public health professional, you've likely been feeling the impact of a rapidly changing landscape—political instability, funding cuts, layoffs, and increasing pressure to navigate crises. These challenges can leave you feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and unsure of where to turn next. This series will help researchers, evaluators, project officers, managers, leaders and anyone else in public health navigate the stress and uncertainty of today's turbulent environment. Whether you're concerned about job security, political changes, or how to stay grounded through it all, this series will provide you with practical tools to address these challenges and more. This episode teaches you how to How to Calm Your Mind and Stop Negative Thoughts In this episode, you'll learn: ✅ Why your brain clings to worst-case scenarios (even when you're not in physical danger) ✅ How to interrupt the spiral of negative thoughts and start feeling more grounded ✅ A realistic way to start thinking on purpose—not just reacting to fear You can also sign up to see the video versions of this episode at publichealthcoach.com/panic-to-purpose If you need a transcript of this episode, please email us at info@publichealthcoach.com
Transcribe →From Panic to Purpose Ep 6: Surviving an Anti-Science Administration
Apr 11, 202500:19:07Tap to summarizeThis episode is from a special video series, From Panic to Purpose, designed to help public health professionals navigate the stress and uncertainty of today's turbulent environment. As a public health professional, you've likely been feeling the impact of a rapidly changing landscape—political instability, funding cuts, layoffs, and increasing pressure to navigate crises. These challenges can leave you feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and unsure of where to turn next. This series will help researchers, evaluators, project officers, managers, leaders and anyone else in public health navigate the stress and uncertainty of today's turbulent environment. Whether you're concerned about job security, political changes, or how to stay grounded through it all, this series will provide you with practical tools to address these challenges and more. This episode teaches you how to Surviving an Anti-Science Administration In this episode, you'll learn: ✅ Why your survival brain is on high alert (even when there's no immediate danger)✅ How to interrupt the panic spiral and feel more in control✅ Two simple tools to help you stay calm, clear, and grounded—no matter what's happening You can also sign up to see the video versions of this episode at publichealthcoach.com/panic-to-purpose If you need a transcript of this episode, please email us at info@publichealthcoach.com
Transcribe →From Panic to Purpose Ep 5: Navigating the Politics of Public Health
Apr 9, 202500:13:23Tap to summarizeThis episode is from a special video series, From Panic to Purpose, designed to help public health professionals navigate the stress and uncertainty of today's turbulent environment. As a public health professional, you've likely been feeling the impact of a rapidly changing landscape—political instability, funding cuts, layoffs, and increasing pressure to navigate crises. These challenges can leave you feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and unsure of where to turn next. This series will help researchers, evaluators, project officers, managers, leaders and anyone else in public health navigate the stress and uncertainty of today's turbulent environment. Whether you're concerned about job security, political changes, or how to stay grounded through it all, this series will provide you with practical tools to address these challenges and more. This episode teaches you how to Navigate the Politics of Public Health In this episode, you'll learn: ✅ Why public health has always been political—and why resisting this truth creates frustration and exhaustion. ✅ How political challenges in public health impact your mental well-being. ✅ The power of shifting your perspective and reframing "political" can help you navigate challenges with more confidence and clarity. You can also sign up to see the video versions of this episode at publichealthcoach.com/panic-to-purpose If you need a transcript of this episode, please email us at info@publichealthcoach.com
Transcribe →From Panic to Purpose Ep 4: Regaining Control in Uncertain Times
Apr 9, 202500:12:03Tap to summarizeThis episode is from a special video series, From Panic to Purpose, designed to help public health professionals navigate the stress and uncertainty of today's turbulent environment. As a public health professional, you've likely been feeling the impact of a rapidly changing landscape—political instability, funding cuts, layoffs, and increasing pressure to navigate crises. These challenges can leave you feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and unsure of where to turn next. This series will help researchers, evaluators, project officers, managers, leaders and anyone else in public health navigate the stress and uncertainty of today's turbulent environment. Whether you're concerned about job security, political changes, or how to stay grounded through it all, this series will provide you with practical tools to address these challenges and more. This episode teaches you how to Regain Control in Uncertain Times In this episode, you'll learn: ✅ Why public health's current crisis is also a mental health crisis ✅ How trying to control external events leads to more stress and overwhelm ✅ The paradox of control—and how shifting your focus inward helps you feel more certain, no matter what's happening You can also sign up to see the video versions of this episode at publichealthcoach.com/panic-to-purpose If you need a transcript of this episode, please email us at info@publichealthcoach.com
Transcribe →From Panic to Purpose Ep 3: Managing Panic in Public Health
Apr 9, 202500:15:37Tap to summarizeThis episode is from a special video series, From Panic to Purpose, designed to help public health professionals navigate the stress and uncertainty of today's turbulent environment. As a public health professional, you've likely been feeling the impact of a rapidly changing landscape—political instability, funding cuts, layoffs, and increasing pressure to navigate crises. These challenges can leave you feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and unsure of where to turn next. This series will help researchers, evaluators, project officers, managers, leaders and anyone else in public health navigate the stress and uncertainty of today's turbulent environment. Whether you're concerned about job security, political changes, or how to stay grounded through it all, this series will provide you with practical tools to address these challenges and more. This episode teaches you how to Manage Panic in Public Health In this episode, you'll learn: ✅ What panic actually is and how it develops ✅ Why your brain reacts to uncertainty with panic ✅ How to calm your nervous system and regain control You can also sign up to see the video versions of this episode at publichealthcoach.com/panic-to-purpose If you need a transcript of this episode, please email us at info@publichealthcoach.com
Transcribe →From Panic to Purpose Ep 2: How to Cope with Anxiety During Uncertain Times
Apr 9, 202500:15:19Tap to summarizeThis episode is from a special video series, From Panic to Purpose, designed to help public health professionals navigate the stress and uncertainty of today's turbulent environment. As a public health professional, you've likely been feeling the impact of a rapidly changing landscape—political instability, funding cuts, layoffs, and increasing pressure to navigate crises. These challenges can leave you feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and unsure of where to turn next. This series will help researchers, evaluators, project officers, managers, leaders and anyone else in public health navigate the stress and uncertainty of today's turbulent environment. Whether you're concerned about job security, political changes, or how to stay grounded through it all, this series will provide you with practical tools to address these challenges and more. This episode teaches you How to Cope with Anxiety During Uncertain Times In this episode, you'll learn: ✅What anxiety actually is (it's not what you think!) ✅Why your brain reacts to uncertainty with anxiety ✅How to cope with anxiety in ways that truly help—not just numb or distract You can also sign up to see the video versions of this episode at publichealthcoach.com/panic-to-purpose If you need a transcript of this episode, please email us at info@publichealthcoach.com
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