Podcast Summary: EP16 - Burnt Out
Podcast Information:
- Title: The Authentic Society
- Host: The Authentic Society (Jamie)
- Episode: EP16: Burnt Out
- Release Date: April 2, 2025
- Description: The official podcast for The Authentic Society. Stay tuned for updates & news regarding podcast releases!
Introduction
In Episode 16 of The Authentic Society titled "Burnt Out," host Jamie delves deep into her personal experiences with burnout, anxiety, and the challenges of balancing a demanding job with her passion for podcasting. This candid and introspective episode offers listeners an authentic glimpse into Jamie's life, highlighting the emotional and mental toll of maintaining multiple responsibilities.
Balancing Work and Podcasting
Jamie opens the episode by addressing her absence from the podcast last week, attributing it to her need for a personal reset amidst a hectic schedule. She shares insights into her role as a marketing manager and events coordinator for several breweries in Raleigh, North Carolina, emphasizing the intense workload during peak seasons.
Jamie [02:15]: "I haven't had a weekend off in like three weeks."
Jamie describes the variety of events she manages, from private gatherings like wedding showers and rehearsal dinners to community activities such as cornhole tournaments and sushi nights. The seasonal spike in activity, particularly in spring and fall, leaves her feeling overwhelmed and drained.
The Struggle with Burnout
Transitioning from her professional life, Jamie discusses the concept of burnout, especially how it uniquely affects women who often feel pressured to excel in all aspects of life. She contrasts her own experiences with her husband's more laid-back approach, highlighting societal expectations placed on women to maintain perfection in appearance and performance.
Jamie [10:45]: "We have to look good, we have to have our eyebrows done... Men don't think this way."
This section underscores the relentless pursuit of perfection and the emotional exhaustion that accompanies it, leading Jamie to moments of complete disengagement and inactivity.
Mental Health Challenges: Anxiety and Depression
Jamie candidly talks about her long-term battle with anxiety and depression, sharing how these conditions interplay with her professional and personal life. She reveals her reliance on anxiety medication, recounting a recent incident where she forgot to refill her prescription, which exacerbated her anxiety and disrupted her sleep.
Jamie [18:30]: "I am on anxiety medication for nearly half of my adult life."
The episode elaborates on how anxiety manifests for Jamie, especially during high-stress periods, and the delicate balance she maintains between creativity and mental well-being.
Sleep Struggles and Nighttime Rituals
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to Jamie's persistent sleep issues. She describes her rigid nighttime routine, which includes showering, applying lotion, and adhering to specific habits to ensure restful sleep. Despite these efforts, she often experiences restless nights, vivid dreams, and frequent awakenings.
Jamie [25:20]: "My nighttime routine... if I have anything that is outside of my nighttime routine, I do not sleep as good."
Jamie's sleep difficulties are compounded by her family's history with sleep disorders and her husband's snoring, making restful nights a rare occurrence.
Coping Mechanisms and Personal Growth
Jamie reflects on her coping strategies, emphasizing the importance of finding a sustainable pace in life to manage her anxiety. She discusses the therapeutic aspects of podcasting, even as it sometimes contributes to her stress levels. Jamie shares her journey towards self-acceptance, learning to work alongside her anxiety rather than against it.
Jamie [35:00]: "What keeps my anxiety under control is if I'm going at a good pace and I'm not trying to go too fast."
She highlights the significance of incorporating enjoyable activities and maintaining a balance between productivity and relaxation to mitigate burnout.
Ins and Outs: A Lighthearted Segment
Towards the end of the episode, Jamie introduces the "Ins and Outs" segment, a playful reflection on what is currently in and out of her life. She shares various personal updates, including her love for permanent jewelry, recent reading habits, and frustrations with pollen during springtime.
Jamie [48:10]: "I want 10,000 more cowboy romance books."
This segment adds a whimsical touch to the episode, showcasing Jamie's ability to blend serious discussions with lighthearted musings.
Conclusion
Jamie wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to share their own "Ins and Outs" and to embrace moments of silliness and fun despite life's challenges. She reiterates the importance of not taking life too seriously and allowing oneself grace amidst the chaos.
Jamie [55:45]: "Remember, this isn't a serious episode. Leave in the comments something that's in this week, something that's out and make me laugh."
The episode concludes with Jamie expressing gratitude to her listeners and hinting at the possibility of future episodes, leaving the door open for ongoing, authentic conversations.
Notable Quotes:
- Jamie: "I haven't had a weekend off in like three weeks." [02:15]
- Jamie: "We have to look good, we have to have our eyebrows done... Men don't think this way." [10:45]
- Jamie: "I am on anxiety medication for nearly half of my adult life." [18:30]
- Jamie: "My nighttime routine... if I have anything that is outside of my nighttime routine, I do not sleep as good." [25:20]
- Jamie: "What keeps my anxiety under control is if I'm going at a good pace and I'm not trying to go too fast." [35:00]
- Jamie: "I want 10,000 more cowboy romance books." [48:10]
- Jamie: "Remember, this isn't a serious episode. Leave in the comments something that's in this week, something that's out and make me laugh." [55:45]
Final Thoughts
Episode 16 of The Authentic Society offers a heartfelt exploration of burnout and mental health, interwoven with personal anecdotes and relatable struggles. Jamie's honest and vulnerable storytelling provides a comforting and engaging experience for listeners navigating similar challenges. Her blend of seriousness and humor encapsulates the essence of an authentic and supportive community.