The Wholistic Productivity Podcast

What if the exhaustion you're feeling goes far deeper than just being tired? 

In this episode of the Wholistic Productivity Podcast, host Chris LeBrun sits down with Chelsy Tyler — pastor, speaker, and burnout recovery advocate — for an honest and eye-opening conversation about burnout that most of us never get to have.

Chelsy brings a unique perspective to this topic: having served in pastoral ministry, she spent years pouring into high school students, young adults, and volunteer leaders — all while quietly drowning beneath the surface. 

Her personal journey through whole-being exhaustion, compassion fatigue, and the long road to recovery led her to where she is now: helping others recognize burnout, name it, and begin to heal from it.

In this episode, Chris and Chelsy explore what burnout actually feels like before you have language for it, why caregivers and people in mission-driven roles are especially vulnerable, how faith communities can unintentionally reinforce burnout, and what recovery actually looks like — not just physically, but mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

If you've ever felt tired in a way that sleep doesn't fix, or wondered why meaningful work still leaves you depleted, this one is for you.

🎧 Tune in now — and don't forget to like, follow, and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode!

Show Links

• Connect with Chelsy on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelsytyler/
• Chelsy's teaching on burnout, limits, and the invitation to rest https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OfQfYkPUi7M
• Chelsy's teaching on productivity, identity, and human limits https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8tXHBVqnhpI
• Read The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer https://wholprod.link/hc/hurry

Chapters

00:00 Introduction
06:50 Personal Experiences with Burnout
12:29 The Importance of Boundaries and Support
18:09 The Challenge of Authenticity in Ministry
23:58 Identity Beyond Work
29:19 Normalizing Mental Health Conversations
37:08 The Journey to Recovery
42:52 Transitioning from Burnout to Recovery
50:43 Redefining Productivity
59:14 Seeking Help and Support

This episode is sponsored by Efficient.app
Don't waste time searching for the best software. Let the experts at efficient.app do it for you. They have tons of "No BS" reviews on all kinds of software so you'll always get an honest recommendation. When you're ready to buy they offer discounts as well. So check them out next time you are looking for new software!

This episode is sponsored by Little Golden Shepherd
If you're looking for an all-natural remedy to manage your muscle, joint, and nerve pain, check out Little Golden Shepherd butters. Made with herbs and natural oils, LGS butters are a great natural alternative for pain. Use this link & the promo code "wholprod" to save 15% on your first order. Experience relief, naturally.

Support the show

Join the free Wholistic Productivity online community 

What if the key to getting more done isn’t adding new apps or complicated systems—but simply using the tools you already have?

In this episode of the Wholistic Productivity Podcast, productivity coach Chris LeBrun shares five practical tools that can dramatically improve your productivity without costing a single dollar. Instead of chasing the latest productivity hacks, Chris explains how to work smarter by focusing on what actually moves the needle.

Drawing on the 80/20 principle, Chris walks through simple strategies that help you prioritize meaningful work, stay focused throughout the day, and follow through on your goals. These tools are accessible to everyone and can be implemented immediately—whether you prefer digital systems or a more analog approach.

You’ll learn how to use your calendar, reminders, daily reviews, journaling, and intentional language to create more structure, reduce overwhelm, and build momentum toward your goals. Chris also shares how these habits fit within his broader Wholistic Productivity philosophy, which encourages balanced progress across professional, personal, and purpose-driven areas of life.

If you’ve ever felt busy but not productive, this episode will help you refocus on what matters most and show you how to start making meaningful progress today. 

Listen now to discover how a few simple adjustments can help you dream big, plan smart, and live fully.

Show Links

Get Capacities - PKM and digital notetaking software https://wholprod.link/capacities

Listen to Episode 28 - Personal Knowledge Management and the PARA System https://wholisticproductivity.com/28

Chapters

00:00 Introduction
01:29 Mastering Your Calendar
05:26 Sound The Alarm
09:30 Time  for Review
12:29 Dear Diary
16:57 Getting Rid of Hope
19:07 Recap and Conclusion

This episode is sponsored by Efficient.app
Don't waste time searching for the best software. Let the experts at efficient.app do it for you. They have tons of "No BS" reviews on all kinds of software so you'll always get an honest recommendation. When you're ready to buy they offer discounts as well. So check them out next time you are looking for new software!

This episode is sponsored by Little Golden Shepherd
If you're looking for an all-natural remedy to manage your muscle, joint, and nerve pain, check out Little Golden Shepherd butters. Made with herbs and natural oils, LGS butters are a great natural alternative for pain. Use this link & the promo code "wholprod" to save 15% on your first order. Experience relief, naturally.

Support the show

Join the free Wholistic Productivity online community 

In this episode of the Wholistic Productivity Podcast, productivity coach Chris LeBrun tackles a challenge many ambitious people face: having too many goals competing for your attention.

If you’ve ever felt like you have too many browser tabs open in your brain, you’re not alone. Chris shares a simple framework called the Focus Allocation Model that helps you organize your goals so you can pursue multiple ambitions without fragmenting your focus or burning out. 

You’ll learn how to identify which goals deserve your attention right now, which ones should stay in motion, and which ones belong on a “not now” list.

If you’re juggling big dreams across your professional, personal, and purpose-driven life, this episode will help you bring clarity to your priorities.

Show Links

Book a free 20-minute Strategy call https://wholprod.link/strategy

Get Capacities online notetaking and personal knowledge management app https://wholprod.link/capacities

Chapters

00:00 Introduction
03:43 The Importance of Clarity in Goals
05:45 Managing Multiple Projects Effectively
07:10 Juggling Multiple Projects Effectively
09:23 The Focus Allocation Model
14:46 Creating Your Ideal Week Template
15:38 Allocating Time for Goals
16:49 Managing Overwhelm and Prioritization
20:03 Practical Steps for Clarity and Focus

This episode is sponsored by Efficient.app
Don't waste time searching for the best software. Let the experts at efficient.app do it for you. They have tons of "No BS" reviews on all kinds of software so you'll always get an honest recommendation. When you're ready to buy they offer discounts as well. So check them out next time you are looking for new software!

This episode is sponsored by Little Golden Shepherd
If you're looking for an all-natural remedy to manage your muscle, joint, and nerve pain, check out Little Golden Shepherd butters. Made with herbs and natural oils, LGS butters are a great natural alternative for pain. Use this link & the promo code "wholprod" to save 15% on your first order. Experience relief, naturally.

Support the show

Join the free Wholistic Productivity online community 

This episode of the Wholistic Productivity Podcast wraps up a powerful three-part series on building a team to reach your goals.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re trying to achieve big goals on your own, this conversation will challenge that mindset.

In Episode 50, productivity coach and host Chris LeBrun explores two essential relationships that can accelerate your growth: the ally and the apprentice.

An ally is someone walking alongside you — not necessarily chasing the same goal, but sharing your discipline, consistency, and ambition. Allies provide momentum, accountability without pressure, and even healthy competition that fuels progress (without comparison stealing your joy).

An apprentice, on the other hand, is someone a few steps behind you on the journey. Guiding someone else sharpens your own lessons, strengthens your confidence, and deepens your sense of purpose. You don’t need to be an expert to lead — you just need to be willing to share what you’ve learned.

When you combine a guide, an ally, and an apprentice, you create a powerful support system that keeps you humble, motivated, and grounded.

If you want to accomplish your professional, personal, and purpose-driven goals in a healthy way — without hustle culture or toxic productivity — this episode will help you rethink how growth really happens.

Show Links

Check out other episodes in this series:

Episode 48 - Building a Team to Reach Your Goals https://wholisticproductivity.com/48

Episode 49 - Finding a Mentor: Why Your Goals Need a Guide https://wholisticproductivity.com/49

Chapters

00:00 Celebrating Milestones and Community Engagement
02:31 Building a Supportive Team for Goal Achievement
04:22 The Role of Allies on Your Journey
07:00 Finding an Ally
08:39 Wholistic Productivity on Skool
09:43 Understanding the Apprentice Relationship
10:56 Two Hesitations About Being a Guide
12:10 Hiking and Sharing Trail Conditions
13:52 The Guide's Responsibilities and Impact
16:51 Recap and Final Thoughts on Team Dynamics

This episode is sponsored by Efficient.app
Don't waste time searching for the best software. Let the experts at efficient.app do it for you. They have tons of "No BS" reviews on all kinds of software so you'll always get an honest recommendation. When you're ready to buy they offer discounts as well. So check them out next time you are looking for new software!

This episode is sponsored by Little Golden Shepherd
If you're looking for an all-natural remedy to manage your muscle, joint, and nerve pain, check out Little Golden Shepherd butters. Made with herbs and natural oils, LGS butters are a great natural alternative for pain. Use this link & the promo code "wholprod" to save 15% on your first order. Experience relief, naturally.

Support the show

Join the free Wholistic Productivity online community 

In this episode of the Wholistic Productivity Podcast, Chris LeBrun continues his series on building relationships that accelerate your progress.

We often think productivity is about better systems, tighter schedules, or stronger discipline. But sustainable growth doesn’t happen alone. If you want to reach meaningful goals — professionally, personally, or purpose-driven — you need the right people around you.

One of the most powerful relationships you can build is a mentor.

In this episode, Chris explains why your goals need a guide — someone just a few steps ahead who can help you avoid common mistakes, grow faster, and build confidence along the way.

You’ll learn:

• How to find a mentor in your existing network
• Why your mentor doesn’t need to be wildly successful or older than you
• How to approach a potential mentor without awkwardness
• Smart, strategic questions to ask
• How becoming a mentor yourself strengthens your own growth

Drawing from real-world experience in fundraising, entrepreneurship, and even the mentorship culture of amateur radio, Chris breaks down practical steps you can take immediately.

If you’ve been trying to grow on your own, this episode may be the missing piece.

Show Links

Check out other episodes in this series:

Episode 48 - Building a Team to Reach Your Goals https://wholisticproductivity.com/48

Chapters

00:00 Introduction
02:17 Understanding the Guide and Apprentice Relationship
04:04 Myths About Mentorship
07:34 Finding Your Guide
10:20 Approaching a Potential Guide
12:34 Maximizing the Guide Relationship
15:25 Becoming a Guide Yourself
16:53 Recap and Conclusion

This episode is sponsored by Efficient.app
Don't waste time searching for the best software. Let the experts at efficient.app do it for you. They have tons of "No BS" reviews on all kinds of software so you'll always get an honest recommendation. When you're ready to buy they offer discounts as well. So check them out next time you are looking for new software!

This episode is sponsored by Little Golden Shepherd
If you're looking for an all-natural remedy to manage your muscle, joint, and nerve pain, check out Little Golden Shepherd butters. Made with herbs and natural oils, LGS butters are a great natural alternative for pain. Use this link & the promo code "wholprod" to save 15% on your first order. Experience relief, naturally.

Support the show

Join the free Wholistic Productivity online community 

In this episode of the Wholistic Productivity Podcast, Chris LeBrun begins a new three-part series focused on one of the most overlooked drivers of success: the people around you.

We often think productivity is about discipline, planning, and execution. But over time, Chris has seen a consistent pattern—progress accelerates when the right relationships are in place. This episode explores why meaningful goals are rarely achieved alone and why the support, perspective, and encouragement of others can make a bigger difference than any system or strategy.

This is the foundation for the entire series and sets the stage for deeper conversations in upcoming episodes about finding a mentor and growing together with the people around you.

In this episode, you’ll learn:
 • Why going it alone makes big goals harder than they need to be
 • How a support system helps correct perspective and maintain momentum
 • The five key roles every strong team should include
 • The difference between a guide, an ally, and an apprentice
 • How relationships reinforce identity, accountability, and emotional stability
 • Why surrounding yourself with the right people accelerates growth

This episode is designed to help you reflect on the role relationships play in your progress and prepare you for the next steps in building a stronger, more intentional support structure.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction
02:31 The Importance of a Support Team
06:21 Defining Your Team and Its Roles
09:28 Key Roles in Your Support Team
14:39 Types of Relationships: Guide, Ally, and Apprentice
19:45 Recap and Next Steps

This episode is sponsored by Efficient.app
Don't waste time searching for the best software. Let the experts at efficient.app do it for you. They have tons of "No BS" reviews on all kinds of software so you'll always get an honest recommendation. When you're ready to buy they offer discounts as well. So check them out next time you are looking for new software!

This episode is sponsored by Little Golden Shepherd
If you're looking for an all-natural remedy to manage your muscle, joint, and nerve pain, check out Little Golden Shepherd butters. Made with herbs and natural oils, LGS butters are a great natural alternative for pain. Use this link & the promo code "wholprod" to save 15% on your first order. Experience relief, naturally.

Support the show

Join the free Wholistic Productivity online community 

In this episode of the Wholistic Productivity Podcast, Chris LeBrun explores a quiet but powerful realization: sometimes we don’t abandon our goals—we slowly dilute them. What once excited and energized us can become familiar, safe, and eventually fade into the background of our lives.

Inspired by a moment in a doctor’s waiting room, Chris unpacks how goals can lose their edge over time. Not because we’re lazy or unmotivated, but because we make them more comfortable, more realistic, and less challenging. And when a goal stops stretching us, it stops changing us.

This episode is a reminder that productivity isn’t just about doing more. It’s about pursuing goals that align with who you are and who you’re becoming. When your goals are clear, meaningful, and challenging, they create momentum, energy, and growth across every area of life.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How goals slowly become “background noise” without you noticing
• Why safe goals rarely lead to real transformation
• The difference between staying busy and pursuing meaningful growth
• How alignment with your values brings energy back to your goals
• Key questions to help you evaluate whether a goal still excites you
• Why clarity—not more effort—is often the real missing piece

If you’ve been feeling stuck, plateaued, or like something is missing, this episode will help you reconnect with the goals that truly move you.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction
02:32 The Impact of Softened Goals
08:39 The Importance of Challenging Goals
13:43 Aligning Goals with Values and Identity
15:18 Conclusion

This episode is sponsored by Efficient.app
Don't waste time searching for the best software. Let the experts at efficient.app do it for you. They have tons of "No BS" reviews on all kinds of software so you'll always get an honest recommendation. When you're ready to buy they offer discounts as well. So check them out next time you are looking for new software!

This episode is sponsored by Little Golden Shepherd
If you're looking for an all-natural remedy to manage your muscle, joint, and nerve pain, check out Little Golden Shepherd butters. Made with herbs and natural oils, LGS butters are a great natural alternative for pain. Use this link & the promo code "wholprod" to save 15% on your first order. Experience relief, naturally.

Support the show

Join the free Wholistic Productivity online community 

In this episode of the Wholistic Productivity Podcast, Chris LeBrun takes on a mindset that quietly holds many people back: imposter syndrome.

That voice saying “Who am I to do this?” doesn’t mean you’re unqualified—it often means you’re growing. Chris reframes imposter syndrome as a natural part of stepping into new territory, not a sign you should stop.

Through personal experience and practical coaching insights, this episode breaks down why imposter syndrome shows up, how comparison and perfectionism fuel it, and what to do when self-doubt threatens your momentum. You’ll learn why confidence doesn’t come before action—and how imperfect action builds real confidence over time.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why imposter syndrome is often a sign of growth
• How comparison and invisible standards undermine confidence
• Why waiting to “feel ready” keeps you stuck
• Practical ways to move forward even when self-doubt shows up

If you’ve been holding back on a goal or downplaying your work, this episode will help you take the next step with clarity and courage.

Show Links

Blog - How To Stay Committed to your Goals (Even When Conditions Aren't Ideal) - https://wholisticproductivity.com/how-to-stay-committed-to-your-goals-even-when-conditions-arent-ideal/

Episode 17 - How to Redefine Success With a "Gain" Mindset https://wholisticproductivity.com/17

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Imposter Syndrome
03:14 The Roots of Imposter Syndrome
05:44 Why Do We Get Imposter Syndrome
10:15 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
13:04 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
17:27 Recap and Conclusion

This episode is sponsored by Efficient.app
Don't waste time searching for the best software. Let the experts at efficient.app do it for you. They have tons of "No BS" reviews on all kinds of software so you'll always get an honest recommendation. When you're ready to buy they offer discounts as well. So check them out next time you are looking for new software!

This episode is sponsored by Little Golden Shepherd
If you're looking for an all-natural remedy to manage your muscle, joint, and nerve pain, check out Little Golden Shepherd butters. Made with herbs and natural oils, LGS butters are a great natural alternative for pain. Use this link & the promo code "wholprod" to save 15% on your first order. Experience relief, naturally.

Support the show

Join the free Wholistic Productivity online community 

In this deeply personal episode of the Wholistic Productivity Podcast, host Chris LeBrun steps away from the usual format to share an honest reflection on what happens when life completely disrupts your plans.

With his family navigating an ongoing medical crisis, Chris opens up about exhaustion, shifting priorities, and the quiet pressure we place on ourselves to “push through” when what we really need is grace. This episode is a real-time example of wholistic productivity in practice—not theory.

Rather than offering a long checklist or system, Chris shares three grounding principles that matter most when life gets heavy and unpredictable:

• Why taking care of yourself first isn’t selfish—it’s necessary
• How yesterday’s priorities don’t always deserve today’s energy
• Why giving yourself grace is often harder than giving it to others

This episode is a reminder that productivity isn’t about sticking to the plan at all costs. It’s about responding wisely when the plan no longer fits reality—and honoring all three pillars of life: professional, personal, and purpose-driven.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, run down, or guilty for needing to slow down, this conversation will meet you exactly where you are.

Show Links

Episode 2: The 3 Pillars of Wholistic Productivity - https://wholisticproductivity.com/2

Chapters

00:00 Navigating Personal Challenges
02:32 The Importance of Self-Care
05:02 Reassessing Priorities
07:38 Take Care of Yourself First
08:39 Yesterday's Priorities Don't Have to be Today's
09:44 Give Yourself Grace
10:55 Conclusion

This episode is sponsored by Efficient.app
Don't waste time searching for the best software. Let the experts at efficient.app do it for you. They have tons of "No BS" reviews on all kinds of software so you'll always get an honest recommendation. When you're ready to buy they offer discounts as well. So check them out next time you are looking for new software!

This episode is sponsored by Little Golden Shepherd
If you're looking for an all-natural remedy to manage your muscle, joint, and nerve pain, check out Little Golden Shepherd butters. Made with herbs and natural oils, LGS butters are a great natural alternative for pain. Use this link & the promo code "wholprod" to save 15% on your first order. Experience relief, naturally.

Support the show

Join the free Wholistic Productivity online community 

In this episode of the Wholistic Productivity Podcast, Chris LeBrun sits down with Jason Mustard, an immigration attorney and law firm partner, to explore what it really takes to make a major career pivot later in life—without sacrificing your values, your family, or your well-being.

Jason brings a rare perspective shaped by lived experience. After earning a journalism degree and spending a decade working in education, marketing, and recruitment, Jason made the bold decision to leave a stable career and return to school for law—with a spouse, young kids, and real financial pressure in the mix. Today, he practices immigration law in the Bay Area, helping families stay together and individuals pursue new futures.

Together, Chris and Jason unpack the emotional, practical, and productivity challenges of starting over mid-career. They talk candidly about fear, identity, imposter syndrome, preparation, support systems, and why doing meaningful work often requires patience—not urgency. 

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why making a big career change doesn’t mean starting from zero
• How to manage fear, uncertainty, and imposter syndrome when stakes are high
• The role support systems play in long-term success
• Why “treat it like a job” is a powerful productivity mindset

If you’re wrestling with a career crossroads, a long-held calling, or the tension between professional ambition and personal priorities, this episode will help you think more clearly—and more compassionately—about your next step.

Show Links

Connect with Jason on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-mustard-26642b6a/

Contact his law firm - https://surowitz.com 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction
03:02 The Journey of Career Transition
06:42 Understanding Immigration Law
10:03 The Decision to Pursue Law School
13:46 Experiences in Law School
17:14 Overcoming Doubts and Fears
22:05 Support Systems in Career Changes
25:47 Preparing for the Bar Exam
26:35 The Weight of Expectations
29:59 The Journey Through Law School
32:14 Transitioning from Education to Law
34:05 The Impact of Immigration Law
38:08 The Courage of Immigrants
39:52 Balancing Priorities in Law School
45:36 Work-Life Balance in Law Practice
49:29 Navigating Law School Challenges
53:00 The Importance of Doing Hard Things
55:49 Defining Success and Happiness
58:10 Taking Risks and Building Confidence
59:34 The Questions
01:13:13 Conclusion

This episode is sponsored by Efficient.app
Don't waste time searching for the best software. Let the experts at efficient.app do it for you. They have tons of "No BS" reviews on all kinds of software so you'll always get an honest recommendation. When you're ready to buy they offer discounts as well. So check them out next time you are looking for new software!

This episode is sponsored by Little Golden Shepherd
If you're looking for an all-natural remedy to manage your muscle, joint, and nerve pain, check out Little Golden Shepherd butters. Made with herbs and natural oils, LGS butters are a great natural alternative for pain. Use this link & the promo code "wholprod" to save 15% on your first order. Experience relief, naturally.

Support the show

Join the free Wholistic Productivity online community