The actual moment of surrender isn't cinematic. It's 4am, a work laptop, and an email that says: I can't come in.

In episode 20 of Share. Inspire. Explore. -- Part 2 of my three-part burnout story -- I share what came after the collapse. What asking for help really looked like. What psychiatry, psychotherapy, and rehabilitation actually gave me. And what burnout showed me about myself once I finally stopped running.

This is for anyone who has hit their limit and is trying to understand what recovery actually involves -- beyond the tidy narrative.

⚠️ 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐞: This episode contains honest discussion of burnout, psychiatric care, and a serious physical health event.

Share. Inspire. Explore. is the podcast from Where I'm At -- lived-experience conversations on burnout, career change, and what comes next.

Where I'm At is based on lived experience, reflection, and educational support. It is not therapy, counselling, crisis support, or professional advice. Please consult a qualified professional for individual medical or psychological support where relevant.

𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞⁣

⁣

📝 Join the burnout recovery community: https://community.whereimatcommunity.com/store/product

⁣

⭐ If this episode helped you, please rate it, follow, and leave a comment, it helps more people find this burnout-safe space.⁣

⁣

☕ Want to support the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/whereimatcommunity⁣

This is part one of a three-part personal story.

Burnout doesn't start at work. For me, it started in Northern Ireland during the Troubles. Growing up where the world could shift without warning, I learned, quietly, without anyone teaching me, to stay braced, stay useful, and stay small. I carried that wiring into every room I walked into for the next 30 years.

In this episode, I trace the patterns that drove me: the fear underneath the ambition, the coping that quietly became a problem, and the moment I couldn't hold it together anymore.

Share. Inspire. Explore. is the podcast from Where I'm At — honest conversations on burnout, career change, and what comes next.

⚠️ 𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠: bomb explosion, burnout, mental health, alcohol dependency. Please take care of yourself first.

Where I'm At is based on lived experience. It is not therapy, crisis support, or professional advice.

𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞⁣

⁣

📝 Join the burnout recovery community: https://community.whereimatcommunity.com/store/product

⁣

⭐ If this episode helped you, please rate it, follow, and leave a comment, it helps more people find this burnout-safe space.⁣

⁣

☕ Want to support the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/whereimatcommunity⁣

𝐀𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤? 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐬𝐲𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲 𝐁𝐞𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐀𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝟐⁣

⁣

In this second part of a two-part conversation, I continue speaking with Alina Meyer-Riad about the psychology behind work addiction.⁣

⁣

If Part 1 focused on recognising the pattern, Part 2 explores where these patterns may come from and what recovery can begin to look like.⁣

⁣

We talk about perfectionism, people pleasing, fear of failure, early conditioning, support, resilience, and some of the practical ways people can begin creating healthier boundaries around work.⁣

⁣

This episode may resonate with professionals, founders, burnout survivors, and anyone trying to build a healthier relationship with work without shame or self-blame.⁣

⁣

𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐞:⁣

• the deeper psychology behind work addiction⁣

• feeling worthy only through work⁣

• perfectionism, people pleasing, and fear of failure⁣

• why reaching out matters⁣

• what resilience means in recovery⁣

• small practices that can support healthier boundaries⁣

⁣

If you are joining here first, Part 1 lays the foundation for this conversation by exploring what work addiction is and why it can be so hard to spot.⁣

⁣

𝐀𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐝𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐭⁣

⁣

Share. Inspire. Explore. is the podcast from Where I’m At, a lived-experience platform focused on burnout, recovery, career change, and honest reinvention.⁣

⁣

Through honest stories, reflection, and expert conversations, the podcast helps working professionals understand what may be happening and explore what comes next.⁣

⁣

𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐫⁣

⁣

This podcast is grounded in lived experience and educational conversation. It is not therapy, crisis support, or individual professional advice.⁣

⁣

𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐚 𝐌𝐞𝐲𝐞𝐫-𝐑𝐢𝐚𝐝⁣

⁣

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amrresilienzstaerken/⁣

Website: https://www.amr-resilienz-staerken.de/⁣

⁣

𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞⁣

⁣

Join the burnout recovery community waiting list: https://www.whereimatcommunity.com/community⁣

⁣

If this episode helped you, please like, subscribe, and leave a comment, it helps more people find this burnout-safe space.⁣

⁣

Want to support the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/whereimatcommunity⁣

Addicted to Work? The Psychology Behind Work Addiction, Episode 18 Part 1

In this first part of a two-part conversation, I sit down with Alina Meyer-Riad to explore what work addiction actually is and why it is often misunderstood.

We talk about the difference between working hard and losing control, the role of validation and productivity in shaping identity, and why work addiction can be harder to spot than other behavioural patterns because it is so often rewarded.

This episode may speak to working professionals, high achievers, and anyone who feels their self-worth has become too closely tied to output.

Key themes include:

• what addiction is and how Alina defines it

• why work addiction is not simply long hours

• how dopamine and reward can reinforce overworking

• why work addiction is often normalised in hustle culture

• some of the early warning signs that work is taking over too much space

Part 2 continues the conversation and looks more deeply at where these patterns come from, along with recovery, resilience, and healthier boundaries.

Disclaimer

This podcast is grounded in lived experience and educational conversation. It is not therapy, crisis support, or individual professional advice.

Connect with Alina Meyer-Riad

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/amrresilienzstaerken/

Website:https://www.amr-resilienz-staerken.de/

Explore more

Join the burnout recovery community waiting list: https://www.whereimatcommunity.com/community

If this episode helped you, please like, subscribe, and leave a comment, it helps more peoplefind this burnout-safe space.

Want to support the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/whereimatcommunity

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗛𝗶𝗱𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝗢𝘂𝘁𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗙𝘂𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗘𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝘅𝗵𝗮𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

Burnout isn’t only about work. In fact, many people struggling with emotional exhaustion are also carrying stressors outside the workplace that keep burnout going, even when their job “isn’t that bad.”

In 𝗲𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲 𝟭𝟳 of the Share Inspire and Explore Podcast, Chris Wilson explores the external stressors and personal predispositions that fuel burnout and shares practical burnout recovery tools to help you stabilise, protect your energy, and support long-term workplace wellbeing.

We cover:

• Perfectionism, people-pleasing, fear of failure, and negative self-talk

• Financial stress, role overload, and caregiving burnout

• Relationship stress and toxic dynamics outside work

• Sleep deprivation, loneliness, life transitions, and chronic illness stress

• Tech overload, doomscrolling, and global stress fatigue

• Small, realistic steps to support healing after burnout

This episode is especially for burnout for professionals, high performers, and anyone recovering from burnout who feels stretched in every area of life.

⚠️ 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗺𝗲𝗿: Informational only. Not medical, psychological, legal, or financial advice. If you need support, please consult a qualified professional.

☕ 𝗪𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁: https://ko-fi.com/whereimatcommunity

🔗 Where I’m At Community: A confidential peer space for burnout recovery and purpose recalibration

👉 https://www.whereimatcommunity.com/community

⭐ Enjoying the podcast? Please follow, rate, and review — it helps others find support when they need it most.

𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝐇𝐞𝐥𝐩 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐁𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐭: 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐲, 𝐂𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐩𝐬?⁣

⁣

If burnout has left you exhausted, overwhelmed, or questioning yourself, knowing when to seek help, and what kind of help, can feel confusing.⁣

In this episode of the Share Inspire and Explore Podcast, we explore burnout recovery support options, including therapy, coaching, and support groups, and how to decide which is right for you.⁣

⁣

You’ll learn:⁣

• How to recognise when burnout requires professional support⁣

• The difference between therapy, coaching, and peer support⁣

• Why burnout recovery isn’t one-size-fits-all⁣

• How the right support can help you heal after burnout and regain clarity⁣

• Common barriers that stop people from asking for help⁣

⁣

This episode is especially for burned-out professionals, high performers, and those recovering from toxic workplaces or emotional exhaustion who want clarity, reassurance, and a path forward.⁣

⁣

“There’s also a poll on Spotify for this episode, I’d love you to answer honestly. It helps me understand where you’re at, and it reminds you that you’re not alone in this.”⁣

⁣

⚠️ 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐫:⁣

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not replace medical, psychological, or therapeutic care. If you’re struggling, please seek help from a qualified professional.⁣

⁣

💬 𝐋𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧⁣

What kind of support have you been avoiding, and why?⁣

⁣

🔗 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐚 𝐁𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐫⁣

Website: https://claudia-bayer.at/⁣

⁣

🔗 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐈’𝐦 𝐀𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲: A confidential peer space for burnout recovery and purpose recalibration⁣

👉 https://www.whereimatcommunity.com/community⁣

⁣

⭐ 𝐄𝐧𝐣𝐨𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐨𝐝𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐭? ⁣

Please follow, rate, and review, it helps others find support when they need it most.

#burnoutrecovery #burnoutsupport #burnout #mentalhealthatwork #workplacewellbeing #therapyvscoaching

Obstacles of Burnout Recovery (Part 2) | Shame, Health, Emotion & Burnout Symptoms

Burnout recovery isn’t just about getting better — it’s about understanding what stands in the way of staying well.

In Episode 15 (Part 2) of the Share, Inspire, Explore Podcast, host Chris Wilson is joined by Dr. Ben Searle, organisational psychologist, consultant, and host of the “Mind on the Job” podcast. His work in aligning psychology, systems, and resilience makes him a leading voice in workplace wellbeing.

Together, they continue exploring the six key obstacles that make burnout recovery so complex — focusing on the final four: shame, health, emotion, and the symptoms of burnout itself.

💬 In this episode, they discuss:

🧠 Shame – why silence and stigma can delay recovery.

💊 Health & Illness – how depression, anxiety, and physical fatigue overlap with burnout.

💔 Emotion – dealing with grief, anger, and identity loss in recovery.

🔥 Burnout Symptoms Themselves – how exhaustion, cynicism, and self-doubt make healing harder.

This episode offers practical insights into what to do when you feel stuck — and how to approach recovery with self-compassion, patience, and support.

If you haven’t yet, start with Part 1 for the emotional foundations of burnout recovery:

👉 https://youtu.be/M0pgEKR1muQ

🎯 You’ll learn:

• Why shame keeps many people silent about burnout

• How to tell if deeper health factors are slowing recovery

• How emotional awareness supports long-term healing

• Why small, consistent changes are more powerful than “fixing” yourself

📅 Chapters:

00:00 Welcome back to Share, Inspire, and Explore

01:00 Shame as a barrier to recovery

06:30 The overlap of health, illness, and burnout

13:00 Emotional impact of recovery

19:30 Burnout symptoms and their effect on healing

27:00 Practical takeaways and reflection

🔗 Connect with Dr Ben Searle

Website: https://mindonthejob.com/ben-j-searle/

Podcast: https://mindonthejob.com/podcast/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-searle-3a0a1b1/

⚠️ Disclaimer:

This podcast shares personal and professional experiences related to workplace wellbeing and burnout. It is for information and awareness only and should not replace professional mental health or legal advice.

☕ Support the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/whereimatcommunity

📝 Join the burnout recovery community waiting list: https://www.whereimatcommunity.com/community

#BurnoutRecovery #MentalHealth #Resilience #Wellbeing #Burnout #ShareInspireExplore

𝗢𝗯𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗰𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗕𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 | 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗙𝗲𝗲𝗹𝘀 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗕𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗼𝘂𝘁

Burnout recovery isn’t as simple as taking time off, in fact, for many, it can feel even harder than the burnout itself.

In episode 15 (part 1) of the Share, Inspire, Explore Podcast, host Chris Wilson is joined by Dr. Ben Searle, organisational psychologist, consultant, and host of the “Mind on the Job” podcast. His work in aligning psychology, systems, and resilience makes him a leading voice in workplace wellbeing.

Together, they explore why burnout recovery can be so difficult, uncovering the early obstacles that hold people back — from life circumstances that make true rest impossible to the knowledge gaps that leave even experts underestimating burnout’s impact.

💬 𝗜𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗲𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲:

• Why recovery can feel harder than burnout itself

• The “situational” and “knowledge” obstacles that slow healing

• How guilt and over-responsibility sabotage rest

• Why even professionals struggle to apply what they teach

• The importance of self-compassion and realistic recovery timelines

If you’re feeling stuck, guilty, or unsure where to start — this conversation offers the understanding and validation many people never receive during recovery.

🔗 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗗𝗿 𝗕𝗲𝗻 𝗦𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗹𝗲

Website: https://mindonthejob.com/ben-j-searle/

Podcast: https://mindonthejob.com/podcast/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-searle-3a0a1b1/

⚠️ 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗺𝗲𝗿:

This podcast shares personal and professional experiences related to workplace wellbeing and burnout. It is for information and awareness only and should not replace professional mental health or legal advice.

☕ 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁: https://ko-fi.com/whereimatcommunity

📝 𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝘄𝗮𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁: https://www.whereimatcommunity.com/community

#BurnoutRecovery #MentalHealth #WorkplaceWellbeing #Resilience #SelfCompassion #ShareInspireExplore #BurnoutPodcast

𝗦𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝟭 𝗘𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲 𝟭𝟰: 𝗦𝘂𝗿𝘃𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗧𝗼𝘅𝗶𝗰 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲 | 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿, 𝗖𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 & 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗛𝗥

𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻:

What happens when the workplace you once believed in turns toxic? And can HR truly lead the change when they’re caught between people and power?

In this eye-opening episode of the Share, Inspire & Explore Podcast, host Chris Wilson sits down with Karin Kradischnig, HR expert and founder of Coaching4HR, to explore what it really takes to survive, and reform, a toxic workplace.

Drawing on over 20 years of HR and leadership experience, Karin shares her professional insights and personal reflections on navigating organisational dysfunction, rebuilding trust, and finding the courage to challenge unhealthy systems from the inside.

🔥 𝗜𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗲𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲, 𝘄𝗲 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗰𝘂𝘀𝘀:

• The tell-tale signs of a toxic workplace (and how to spot them early)

• The emotional toll of working in a culture of fear or control

• HR’s unique challenge: supporting employees while managing corporate politics

• How accountability and psychological safety drive real cultural reform

• Practical advice for HR leaders and employees seeking systemic change

💬 Whether you’re an HR professional, a manager, or someone who’s been impacted by toxicity at work, this conversation will help you understand what’s really going on beneath the surface, and how to start shifting it.

⚠️ 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗺𝗲𝗿:

This podcast shares personal and professional experiences related to workplace wellbeing and burnout. It is for information and awareness only and should not replace professional mental health or legal advice.

💰 𝗔𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗺𝗲𝗿:

This Amazon link is an affiliate link, which means that if you make a purchase through it, I may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. These small commissions help support my podcast, video content, and the ongoing development of the Where I’m At Community. I only recommend books and resources that I’ve personally read or truly believe will add value to your journey.

📚 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗠𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗘𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲

If you’d like to dive deeper into navigating manipulative leadership and toxic workplace environments, check out Breaking Free from Toxic Leadership: A Guide to Navigating Manipulation and Thriving in Your Career by Dr. Markus Zehentner and Claudia Schwinghammer.

Link here: https://amzn.to/3J4lTOl

The book offers real-world case studies, psychological insights, and practical strategies to spot toxic leadership, reclaim your power, and build a healthier workplace culture.

🔗 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁 & 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁:

🌍 Guest: Karin Kradischnig — Founder, Coaching4HR

🔗 Website (German): https://www.kradischnig.at/

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karin-kradischnig/

🎧 Listen to more episodes of Share, Inspire & Explore for real conversations on burnout, mental health, and leadership.

📝 𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗜’𝗺 𝗔𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝘄𝗮𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁: https://www.whereimatcommunity.com/community

☕ 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗺𝘆 𝗽𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗰𝘆 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸: https://ko-fi.com/whereimatcommunity

#toxic workplace #hrleadership #workplacewellbeing #psychological safety #leadershipdevelopment #burnoutrecovery #burnoutpodcast #shareinspireexplore

🎙 Toxic Workplaces and HR’s Role (Episode 13 Part 2) | Accountability, Change & HR’s Boundaries

Description:

If a workplace is toxic, can HR really fix it? And what does real change require?

In Part 2 of this conversation, I continued with HR expert Karin Kradischnig, founder of Coaching4HR, to dig into the challenges and possibilities of repairing broken workplace cultures.

🎯 In Part 2, we cover:

• Why leadership accountability is non-negotiable

• The limits of HR in fixing toxic environments

• Practical strategies for HR to support employees without burning out

• The role of coaching, training, and dialogue in changing culture

• What healthier workplaces could look like when trust is rebuilt

💬 This is a must-listen for HR professionals, leaders, and employees alike, anyone who has experienced a toxic workplace and wondered if change is possible.

📌 Missed Part 1? Go back and hear how toxic workplaces form and why HR is often stuck in the middle.

🔗 Connect with Karin KradischnigWebsite: https://www.kradischnig.at/ (German)LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karin-kradischnig/

☕ Support the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/whereimatcommunity

📝 Join the burnout recovery community waiting list: https://www.whereimatcommunity.com/community

⚠️ Disclaimer: This podcast is for information and awareness purposes only. It does not replace professional medical, psychological, or legal advice. If you are struggling with burnout, stress, or mental health challenges, please seek guidance from a qualified professional or support service in your local area.

#toxicworkplace #workplacewellbeing #hrstrategy #leadership #employeeexperience #hrsupport #burnoutpodcast #burnout