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