Fire Without Burnout

In this solo update, host Trisha Lawless (author of Wild. Precious. Life. Building Fire Without Burnout) gives her hot take on why we should reframe downshifting as a strength rather than a weakness. Using a memorable bike ride story, she illustrates how slowing down strategically can help preserve energy, avoid burnout, and create more long-term resilience.

She also shares updates what’s happening in her work and family life, and what listeners can expect when the show returns in the fall.

Chapters

00:02 Opening question: is downshifting uncomfortable?

00:33 Podcast intro

01:06 Speaking opportunity about burnout and resilience in cybersecurity

01:44 The bike ride story that changed Trisha’s thinking

03:22 Why slowing down can actually make you stronger

03:53 Podcast plans

04:37 Work changes and a busy season in cybersecurity

05:07 Family life, summer chaos, and making room for what matters

06:13 Human connection as a weapon against burnout

06:49 Looking ahead to podcast season three in the fall

07:19 Final encouragement: downshift when it makes sense

Follow Trisha Lawless on Instagram and Facebook

Read "Wild. Precious. Life. Building Fire Without Burnout" - available on Amazon.

In this episode of Fire Without Burnout, host and burnout survivor Trisha Lawless shares a heartfelt conversation with Amie Peele Leake, a champion for women and a successful attorney and business owner. 

Amie and Trisha share the unusual way they first met, their shared challenges with burnout, the importance of finding things that bring you joy - even if they’re “nerdy,” and the need for a supportive work culture. Amie shares her personal experiences with burnout, how she recognizes burnout triggers, and her personal strategies for preventing it. This candid discussion emphasizes the significance of joy, connection, and the importance of evolving through life's challenges.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Fire Without Burnout
• 05:48 Navigating Burnout: Personal Stories and Insights
• 13:12 Building a Supportive Work Culture
• 20:11 Recognizing Burnout Triggers
• 23:53 Practical Strategies for Preventing Burnout
• 30:27 Embracing Joy and Connection
• 36:56 The Importance of Evolution and Pivoting

CONNECT WITH AMIE

Amie Peele Leake is the founding partner of Peele Law Group. Based in the Indianapolis area, Amie has deep experience in branding, eCommerce, business, and advertising law.  Amie has helped clients including multinational enterprises, Fortune 100 firms, marketing agencies, publishers, sports organizations, entrepreneurs, celebrities, and more. She is also launching a consulting business in 2026, Turnaround Dynamic.

Learn more on the Peele Law Group website.

CONNECT WITH TRISHA

Bio: Trisha Lawless started her first “Author’s Club” as an elementary school kid writing mystery novels on a banged-up typewriter in her parents’ garage. It got better from there.

Her writing career has spanned a variety of niches including television news, magazine features, non-profit marketing, corporate cybersecurity communications, public speaking, poetry. She published her first book, a memoir, Know When to Run: Lessons from the Diary of a Gen X Mom, in 2015, and her second book in 2025, Wild. Precious. Life. Building Fire Without Burnout. She is a longtime contributor to Indy’s Child parenting magazine and website and has become a champion for those seeking to create a fiery, fulfilling life of achievement without succumbing to burnout. 

Purchase Trisha’s latest book, “Wild. Precious. Life. Building Fire Without Burnout” on Amazon

Follow on Instagram @trishalawlessbooks or LinkedIn

Contact at [email protected]

Follow the Fire Without Burnout podcast on YouTube, Spotify or Apple Podcasts

Keywords: burnout, self-care, work-life balance, women empowerment, personal growth, mental health, supportive workplace, joy, connection, pivoting

Nurse, mindset coach and mom of four Regina Sloan reveals how shifting your mindset can unlock lasting resilience and joy.

In this eye-opening conversation with host and burnout survivor Trisha Lawless, Regina - also known as "Your Mindset Nurse" - shares her personal journey from feeling overwhelmed to discovering the transformative power of mindset work. She opens up about her experiences with burnout, her inspiring pivot from teenaged parent, to nursing to coaching, and the small daily practices that create big shifts—like microdosing joy with music or capturing mental snapshots of happy moments.

You'll discover concrete tools like the "model" framework that reveals how your thoughts drive your emotions and actions—and how to rewire these to finally break free from burnout. Regina breaks down the hidden beliefs that hold us back, showing how small mindset tweaks can lead to profound breakthroughs. Learn why emotional safety and openness are essential for change, and how simple routines—like savoring elemental pleasures or sending love to bothersome people—can dramatically boost your wellbeing.

Connect with Regina: @yourmindsetnurse on social media

[email protected]

Connect with Trisha:

@trishalawlessbooks on instagram

[email protected]

Book: Wild. Precious. Life. Building Fire Without Burnout, available on Amazon

In this solo episode of Fire Without Burnout, former news anchor and burnout survivor Trisha Lawless shares personal stories about seizing opportunities that bring joy, even when they seem impractical.

Learn how trusting your gut, budgeting creatively, and savoring small joyful moments can help you recover from or prevent burnout while enriching your life.

Key Topics:

• The importance of saying "yes" to experiences that bring joy, even if they feel impractical

• How gut instincts can guide meaningful decisions

• Making big adventures happen on a tight or flexible budget

• Celebrating small doses of joy through everyday rituals

• The value of recording and savoring joyful memories for long-term well-being

00:00 - Welcome & episode overview: embracing joy and saying yes

00:30 - Why your gut is a powerful guide in decision-making

01:24 - Personal story: attending son’s baseball season opener despite logistical challenges

02:10 - Overcoming practicality to pursue meaningful moments with loved ones

04:26 - The joy of deciding when to splurge: booking a 21st birthday trip to New York to see daughter's favorite artist

06:44 - How to make memorable experiences work on a budget

08:24 - Spontaneous family trip to the Smoky Mountains: creating memories with simple pleasures

09:37 - Small daily joys: dancing, solo walks, and micro doses of happiness

10:25 - Tips for capturing and preserving joyful moments through writing or photos

11:15 - Excerpt from “Wild. Precious. Life.” chapter 33, “Solo in the Big Easy”: embracing big adventures and relishing the details

12:06 - Recognizing the gift of spontaneous connections and travel

13:25 - The importance of supporting your loved ones’ passions and milestones

14:17 - Reflecting on the power of travel, family, and nature 

CONNECT WITH TRISHA

Bio: Trisha Lawless started her first “Author’s Club” as an elementary school kid writing mystery novels on a banged-up typewriter in her parents’ garage. It got better from there.

Her writing career has spanned a variety of niches including television news, magazine features, non-profit marketing, corporate cybersecurity communications, public speaking, poetry. She published her first book, a memoir, Know When to Run: Lessons from the Diary of a Gen X Mom, in 2015, and her second book in 2025, Wild. Precious. Life. Building Fire Without Burnout. She is a longtime contributor to Indy’s Child parenting magazine and website and has become a champion for those seeking to create a fiery, fulfilling life of achievement without succumbing to burnout. 

Purchase Trisha’s latest book, “Wild. Precious. Life. Building Fire Without Burnout” on Amazon

Follow on Instagram @trishalawlessbooks or LinkedIn

Contact at [email protected]

Follow the Fire Without Burnout podcast on YouTube, Spotify or Apple Podcasts

Ever felt overwhelmed by life's demands? Want to avoid going back to that feeling? Host and author Trisha Lawless walks us through helpful tools and tricks to overcoming burnout by “outsourcing your overwhelm” with guest Vikki Duke, founder of Insomnia Mom. Vikki shares her personal experiences and offers practical ways to manage your workload and reset your relationship with your calendar.

Vikki and Trisha share some of their favorite personal stories and tips, and explore how professional services through Insomnia Mom can help you make more time and space for what matters most to you.

Chapters:

• 00:00:03 Introduction to Overwhelm

• 00:00:25 Guest Introduction: Vikki Duke

• 00:02:00 Vikki’s Journey from Breakdown to Breakthrough

• 00:03:48 Outsourcing Your Overwhelm: Services Offered by Insomnia Mom

• 00:06:09 Saying “Yes” to Help

• 00:07:35 Life Hacks to Beat Overwhelm

• 00:09:08 Key Tip: Shop Sharing

  CONNECT WITH VIKKI

  Vikki Duke from Zionsville, Indiana, is a proud parent of a teenaged daughter, owner of Vikki Duke Real Estate and founder of Insomnia Mom, a business dedicated to helping busy women outsource their overwhelm, repair your relationship with your schedule, and find strength in community — everything she touches is done with with humor, heart, and vetted, real-life solutions.

  Learn more at Insomniamom.com

  Follow on Instagram @insomnimomindy

  Bio: 

  CONNECT WITH TRISHA

  Bio: Trisha Lawless started her first “Author’s Club” as an elementary school kid writing mystery novels on a banged-up typewriter in her parents’ garage. It got better from there.

  Her writing career has spanned a variety of niches including television news, magazine features, non-profit marketing, corporate cybersecurity communications, public speaking, poetry. She published her first book, a memoir, Know When to Run: Lessons from the Diary of a Gen X Mom, in 2015, and her second book in 2025, Wild. Precious. Life. Building Fire Without Burnout. She is a longtime contributor to Indy’s Child parenting magazine and website and has become a champion for those seeking to create a fiery, fulfilling life of achievement without succumbing to burnout. 

  Purchase Trisha’s latest book, “Wild. Precious. Life. Building Fire Without Burnout” on Amazon

  Follow on Instagram @trishalawlessbooks or LinkedIn

  Contact at [email protected]

  Follow the Fire Without Burnout podcast on YouTube, Spotify or Apple Podcasts

  
  

When you think about money, and your financial situation, do you feel relaxed, empowered, and confident? Fearful, stressed and powerless? 

A healthy and proactive money mindset can free up mental energy to supercharge your burnout resilience. Host Trisha Lawless, burnout survivor and author of “Wild. Precious. Life. Building Fire Without Burnout” invites guest Manny Lagmay to help us connect the dots between financial independence and burnout independence. Manny is a cybersecurity professional who is passionate about the Financial Independence topic as well as mental health and overcoming burnout.

As a California native a happy transplant to Indianapolis, he’s also a real estate hobbyist who manages a highly successful short-term rental property with a self-described “nerdy” theme. Manny is transparent in sharing details of his humble roots, saying that he never would have believed when he was younger that he’d have achieved the level of financial stability and momentum he has today.

This conversation will give you ideas of small and large steps that will help you begin building your own version of financial independence, which in turn gives you more options, more peace of mind, and more power to say NO to things that burn you out!

(00:00) Connecting the dots between financial independence and burnout independence

(02:39) From evicted and “almost homeless,” to building financial stability

(05:02) Power move: How to supercharge your financial wellness by relocating to a lower cost-of-living area

(06:14) Investing in your future through real estate, retirement investments, and family time

(09:08) What it feels like to enjoy the mental benefits ofa financial buffer

(12:33) Manny’s advice for those who want to start a journey to become more financially free

(13:58) A real estate side hustle with a “nerdy” twist

(16:41) “I got crazy and attacked that debt.” How to make a game changing difference in your financial journey 

About Podcast Guest Manny Lagmay 

Manny is a cybersecurity professional who is passionate about the Financial Independence (FI) movement as well as mental health and overcoming burnout. As a California native a happy transplant to Indianapolis, he’s also a real estate hobbyist who manages a highly successful short-term rental property with a self-described “nerdy” theme. Manny is transparent in sharing details of his humble roots, saying that he never would have believed when he was younger that he’d have achieved the level of financial stability, career success and momentum he has today.

Connect with Host Trisha Lawless

Trisha Lawless’ writing career has spanned a variety of niches including television news, magazine features, non-profit marketing, corporate cybersecurity communications, public speaking, poetry. She is the author of Wild. Precious. Life. Building Fire Without Burnout, available on Amazon, a former television journalist, a longtime contributor to Indy’s Child parenting magazine and website and a champion for those seeking to create a fiery, fulfilling life of achievement without succumbing to burnout. Writing honors include the Society of Professional Journalists Best of the Best in Indiana Journalism award, the Illinois Broadcasters' Association Silver Dome Award, and the Indiana Broadcasters' Association Spectrum Award. 

Purchase Trisha’s latest book, “Wild. Precious. Life. Building Fire Without Burnout” on Amazon

Follow on Instagram @trishalawlessbooks or LinkedIn

Contact at [email protected]

Follow the Fire Without Burnout podcast on YouTube, Spotify or Apple Podcasts

Podcast Production by Jen Edds, Brassy Broadcasting Company

Can you picture your dream job…and dream life?

What does it look like? What do your days feel like? 

How far away is your dream…from your reality?

And what’s standing in your way? 

Maybe today is the day you figure out at least one concrete step you can take now to get un-stuck…to start inching your way down the path toward a more fulfilling, sustainable life..the life you deserve.

Join host Trisha Lawless on the "Fire Without Burnout" podcast as she takes us along on the inspiring journey of Sonya Sigler, founder of PractiGal. Discover how Sonya transformed her career from a high-powered corporate lawyer to a passionate advocate for work-life balance. Through personal stories of overcoming burnout and redefining success, Sonya shares actionable insights on designing a career that aligns with your true self. Whether you're feeling stuck or seeking a more fulfilling path, this episode offers a roadmap to ignite your passion without burning out. It’s a conversation that will light up your career journey.

(01:02) Trisha shares highlights and surprises from the Book Launch Celebration for Wild. Precious. Life.

(05:10) Sonya shares a game changing burnout moment that led to an ER trip

(11:06) What Sonya did after facing age discrimination in her 40s

(12:07) Making the pivotal decision to leave a corporate job and build a business

(12:57) Regrouping after divorce, drawing a mind map, and deciding what matters most

(18:40) How to get un-stuck and what gets in the way

(22:34) How to build momentum and change your life by taking ONE action each day

(25:36) Making JOY and creativity a priority 

(31:29) How to connect with Sonya

CONNECT WITH TRISHA

Trisha Lawless started her first “Author’s Club” as an elementary school kid writing mystery novels on a banged-up typewriter in her parents’ garage. It got better from there.

Her writing career has spanned a variety of niches including television news, magazine features, non-profit marketing, corporate cybersecurity communications, public speaking, poetry. She published her first book, a memoir, Know When to Run: Lessons from the Diary of a Gen X Mom, in 2015, and her second book in 2025, Wild. Precious. Life. Building Fire Without Burnout. She is a longtime contributor to Indy’s Child parenting magazine and website and has become a champion for those seeking to create a fiery, fulfilling life of achievement without succumbing to burnout. Writing honors include the Society of Professional Journalists Best of the Best in Indiana Journalism award, the Illinois Broadcasters' Association Silver Dome Award, and the Indiana Broadcasters' Association Spectrum Award. 

Purchase Trisha’s latest book, “Wild. Precious. Life. Building Fire Without Burnout” on Amazon

Follow on Instagram @trishalawlessbooks or LinkedIn

Contact at [email protected]

Follow the Fire Without Burnout podcast on YouTube, Spotify or Apple Podcasts

Connect with Sonya:

Sonya Sigler is the founder of PractiGal, an executive leadership coaching and business strategy firm where she helps high-achieving professionals—especially women—get un-stuck, and find or design a job they love that aligns with their work-life vision. As Sonya says, it took her many years to learn to do this and now she helps others design and live their balanced life.

She previously spent 25 years as an in-house corporate and Intellectual Property lawyer, with leadership roles at companies like Intuit and SEGA, and now she combines that experience with a passion for solving complex business and operational challenges. A frequent speaker and advocate for women in tech, she’s also deeply involved in philanthropy and mentoring. Outside of work, Sonya enjoys playing trombone and other brass instruments, performing in community theater, and creating hand-made pieces through arts such as quilting, scrapbooking, and costume design. 

Learn more about Sonya’s consulting practice and books:

https://sonyasigler.com

If you’re like me, you want a fulfilling, exciting, FIERY life. But how do you build that fire, and make the most of your one wild and precious life, without burning out? I’ve learned some important lessons along my burnout recovery journey, and I’m now happier, healthier, and more at peace than I ever have been. And I want this for YOU too. 

I’m your host, Trisha Lawless, a journalist, author and burnout survivor. In today’s episode, burnout survivor and award-winning journalist-turned communications strategist Jennifer Carmack Brilliant offers her own relatable burnout and recovery stories, plus strategies that may help fuel YOUR fiery journey. From the burnout of a career clashing with health and family priorities, to journeys with fertility and miscarriages, to losing parents, Jennifer shares how she has found peace and purpose in the way we can rise after life’s challenges knock us down.

(00:00) Reinventing yourself after career burnout

(03:15) Redefining dreams after burnout

(04:31) Turning rock bottom moments into career pivots

(9:57) Taking a full-stop during a pandemic breaking point

(12:38) Battling competing priorities with aging parents and pregnancy complications

(14:44) How leaning into purpose helps defeat burnout

(16:58) Choosing your tools for burnout recovery: what do do after you rise with something you didn’t fall with. 

(19:51) How parenthood later in life adjusts priorities

(22:13) Discover the freedom of lowering your standards and embracing imperfection

(22:54) Find the best motivation to take care of your body

(24:58) How to connect with Trisha and Jennifer

CONNECT WITH TRISHA

Bio: Trisha Lawless started her first “Author’s Club” as an elementary school kid writing mystery novels on a banged-up typewriter in her parents’ garage. It got better from there.

Her writing career has spanned a variety of niches including television news, magazine features, non-profit marketing, corporate cybersecurity communications, public speaking, poetry. She published her first book, a memoir, Know When to Run: Lessons from the Diary of a Gen X Mom, in 2015, and her second book in 2025, Wild. Precious. Life. Building Fire Without Burnout. She is a longtime contributor to Indy’s Child parenting magazine and website and has become a champion for those seeking to create a fiery, fulfilling life of achievement without succumbing to burnout. Writing honors include the Society of Professional Journalists Best of the Best in Indiana Journalism award, the Illinois Broadcasters' Association Silver Dome Award, and the Indiana Broadcasters' Association Spectrum Award. 

Purchase Trisha’s latest book, “Wild. Precious. Life. Building Fire Without Burnout” on Amazon

Follow on Instagram @trishalawlessbooks or LinkedIn

Contact at [email protected]

Follow the Fire Without Burnout podcast on YouTube, Spotify or Apple Podcasts

CONNECT WITH JENNIFER

Bio: Jennifer Carmack Brilliant Jennifer is an award-winning journalist turned communications strategist. She knows firsthand what it means to burn out and come back stronger. With nearly two decades in news and more than a decade in nonprofit leadership, media relations, and cause marketing, Jennifer has reinvented her career by helping others find their voice. Today, she works with mission-driven organizations, nonprofits, and brands to craft the right story for the right audience at the right time. As an executive producer and advisor, she uses video and storytelling to elevate voices that make a difference. 

Jennifer Carmack Brilliant - LinkedIn

Brilliant Marketing and Communications

Welcome to the Fire Without Burnout Podcast! This limited podcast series is for ambitious people who want to live a “fiery” and fulfilling life without burning out. Author, journalist, and burnout survivor Trisha Lawless shares raw stories, hard-earned tools, and inspiring guest interviews to help you make the most of your one wild, precious life.

To connect with Trisha visit @trishalawlessbooks on Instagram, email [email protected], or find her on LinkedIn.