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In this episode, Kristen sits down with returning guest Emily to talk about burnout and the version that often goes unnoticed: hidden burnout.

They explore what it looks like to keep showing up, performing well, and checking all the boxes while feeling emotionally exhausted, disconnected, and flat on the inside. From Sunday scaries and overwhelming to do lists to the pressure of being the go to person at work and in life, this conversation breaks down how burnout can build quietly over time.

Kristen and Emily share personal experiences with high functioning burnout, including moments of withdrawal, reduced motivation, irritability, and that unsettling feeling of going through the motions. They also unpack how anxiety, people pleasing, and control can fuel burnout without us even realizing it.

Throughout the episode, they reflect on subtle signs like mental fog, lack of fulfillment, and emotional numbness, along with how burnout can show up in relationships, work, and self perception.

They also talk through practical ways to manage it, including setting boundaries, letting go of control, delegating tasks, and creating space to rest without guilt. Plus, the soda analogy you didn’t know you needed to finally understand what burnout actually feels like.

If you have ever felt like you are doing everything right but still feel off, this episode is for you.

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Kristen is joined by returning guest Alexis for a long overdue deep dive into Kristin Hannah and her unforgettable books. After teasing this conversation in a previous episode, they finally sit down to talk all things Kristin Hannah, from how they first discovered her to the books that completely wrecked them in the best way.

They share their personal reading journeys, including early favorites like Firefly Lane and newer hits like The Four Winds, plus the emotional impact of stories like Night Road and The Great Alone. There is also an honest conversation about the hype around The Nightingale and why not every popular book hits the same for everyone.

Along the way, Kristen and Alexis explore why Kristin Hannah’s books resonate so deeply, how different readers connect to different stories, and how timing in life can shape what becomes your favorite book. They even break down their personal rankings, hot takes included.

While this episode leans into book lover territory, there are plenty of relatable takeaways for anyone even remotely interested in reading. From getting out of a reading slump to finding stories that actually make you feel something, this conversation is full of honest reflections and real talk.

If you love emotional, character driven stories or are just looking for your next great read, this one is for you.

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In this episode, Kristen is joined by Alexis for a relaxed conversation about books, reading goals, and rediscovering the joy of reading. One year after setting their reading goals, they look back at the books they loved, the ones that surprised them, and a few that did not live up to the hype.

Kristen and Alexis also talk about the pressure that can come with tracking reading goals and why sometimes the best approach is simply reading for enjoyment. They share favorite books from the past year, discuss popular book tracking apps like Goodreads and StoryGraph, and talk honestly about reading slumps.

As they look ahead to 2026, they share new reading goals, books they are excited about, and why reading for joy matters more than hitting a certain number of books. 

If you love book recommendations, reading challenges, and honest conversations about reading habits, this episode is for you. 

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In this vulnerable and thought provoking conversation, Kristen and returning guest Emily explore what it means to treat competence like a costume. They unpack the pressure to be the good girl, the teacher’s pet, the high achiever, the boss who has it all together. From childhood validation to adult imposter syndrome, they reflect on how performing confidence and capability can slowly disconnect someone from their authentic self.

They discuss identity fatigue, burnout, fear of failure, social media personas, and the hidden exhaustion that comes from always being “on.” Kristen shares a powerful story about being told she gave an Oscar winning performance at work and why it felt strangely affirming. Together they examine how high functioning can mask stress, how perfectionism limits growth, and why learning to fail may be the most freeing goal of all.

If you have ever felt drained from being the strong one, the responsible one, or the happy one, this episode will help you feel seen and understood. It is a deep dive into authenticity, boundaries, self awareness, and what it takes to finally take off the mask.

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In this episode of Talk with Kristen (with an e), Kristen and returning guest Alexis explore boundaries in parenting and how they shift across different seasons of motherhood. While boundaries are often discussed in professional settings, this conversation focuses on parenting boundaries, mom guilt, and the mental load that so many mothers carry.

Alexis shares what boundaries look like in her large homeschooling family, from structured quiet evenings to protecting personal reset time during the day. Kristen reflects on raising a teenager and navigating independence, shared family time, and the fear of not doing enough.

Together, they unpack motherhood burnout, extracurricular overload, financial boundaries, and the tension between putting children first and maintaining your own identity. They also discuss how social media pressure can amplify feelings of guilt and comparison.

This episode is a reminder that setting boundaries with your kids does not make you selfish. It helps you show up as a healthier, more present parent. Every family looks different, and finding what works in your home matters more than meeting someone else’s standard.

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In the first episode of Season Three, Kristen reflects on what she has learned from the first two seasons of the podcast and how those lessons are shaping the next chapter. Through personal stories and honest reflection, she revisits recurring themes like burnout, boundaries, self acceptance, friendship, resilience, and learning to let go of comparison.

Kristen shares how the mantra peace over chaos became a guiding principle at work and in life, helping her step back from urgency culture, manage expectations, and make more intentional decisions. She also opens up about her evolving relationship with her body, weight, aging, and appearance, including choosing to dress for the body she has, embracing authenticity, and letting go of long held judgments about herself.

The episode touches on meaningful adult friendships, vulnerability, social media boundaries, and what it looks like to build deeper connections later in life. Kristen reflects on resilience from a new perspective, including stepping into a role she did not expect and learning to trust herself through change.

This episode sets the tone for Season Three as a space for growth, self reflection, confidence, and choosing what truly supports well being. It is an invitation for listeners to take stock of where they have been, release what no longer serves them, and move forward with clarity and intention.

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In this episode, Kristen is joined by returning guest Emily for a thoughtful conversation about redefining the new year without resolutions. Instead of chasing surface level goals, they explore intentional living through personal ins and outs for 2026.

Emily shares her creative approach to goal setting with a year long bingo board, along with mindset shifts around overconsumption, thrifting, cooking at home, supporting others, and prioritizing meaningful experiences. Kristen reflects on body acceptance, exercising for mental and physical well being, reducing doom scrolling, and being more intentional with screen time.

Together, they unpack what they are choosing to leave behind in 2025 as they move into 2026, including negative self talk, people pleasing, drinking to cope with stress, working out for weight loss alone, and worrying about other people’s opinions. The conversation also dives into choosing peace over chaos, setting healthier boundaries at work and in life, and making day to day choices that support long term well being. 

This episode invites listeners to consider what truly adds value to their lives, what might be quietly draining their energy, and how small mindset shifts can create a more grounded and intentional year ahead. 

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As Season 2 comes to a close, Kristen opens up about unmet expectations, creative pauses, and the emotional weight of feeling like she fell short. She reflects on why fewer episodes did not mean less impact, shares stories of connection with listeners, and offers encouragement to anyone leaving a year that did not turn out as planned. This episode is a reminder that growth is not always about pushing harder and that adjusting goals can be an act of courage. Kristen also shares what is ahead for the podcast as she prepares for Season 3 in 2026. 

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In this episode, Kristen welcomes back Alexis to talk all things planning, goal setting, and making the most of everyday life. They dive into strategies for achieving personal and professional goals, the importance of meal planning, and finding balance amidst chaos. Alexis shares her unique approach to goal setting, from reflecting on the past year to using a planner as a tool for focus and perspective. They also discuss how unexpected life events, like job changes, can lead to surprising opportunities and growth. Kristen and Alexis offer practical advice for anyone feeling overwhelmed by planning, including how to start small, stay flexible, and prioritize what truly matters. And of course, no episode would be complete without Kristen sharing her heartfelt admiration for Mark Daigneault and her excited persistence to get him as a guest on the podcast someday. 

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In this heartfelt solo episode, Kristen opens up about a recent moment of disappointment in her family and reflects on what resilience really looks like in real life. Using stories from her son’s basketball tryouts and lessons from her own career journey, she explores how to face rejection, process the emotions that come with it, and move forward with confidence and compassion. Kristen shares personal reflections and past writing about promotion setbacks, growth, and perseverance, reminding listeners that resilience is not perfection but the courage to keep showing up even when the answer is no.

This episode is an honest, hopeful reminder that setbacks do not define us and that we can grow stronger by choosing to keep going.

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