Ep # 197 Compassion Fatigue & The Holidays
Rekindling: Compassion Fatigue Solutions for Animal Workers
Release Date: 12/08/2022
Ep# 326 Summer Series: You Don't Have To Save Everyone
Rekindling: Compassion Fatigue Solutions for Animal Workers
In this episode, we're going to explore the emotional weight of trying to carry it all. When you care deeply, it’s easy to feel responsible for fixing everything and everyone — but that pressure is unsustainable. This short pep talk reminds you that your worth isn’t tied to how much you sacrifice. Letting go of what isn’t yours to hold isn’t giving up , it’s wisdom. You don’t have to save the world to make a difference. Just keep showing up as incredible you.
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Ep# 325 Summer Series: You're Doing Much Better Than You Think
Rekindling: Compassion Fatigue Solutions for Animal Workers
I'm kicking off something new and special for the summer. Quick, 5-minute (give or take) pep talks to lift you up when you're feeling down, exhausted or like there's just not enough of you to go around. Caring for animals is big work that comes with big emotions. Let these summer episodes remind you of both the magic of summer and the beauty of who you are. I'm kicking off the series with this important message, you're doing much better than you think.
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Ep# 324 When Your Cup Is Full, Not In a Good Way
Rekindling: Compassion Fatigue Solutions for Animal Workers
Think of your nervous system like a cup that holds everything you’re managing such as stress, emotions, grief, responsibilities. When your cup has space, you're within your window of tolerance, meaning you can handle challenges with presence and flexibility. But when too much gets added and the cup overflows, you may feel anxious, overwhelmed, or shut down. The goal isn’t to keep the cup empty, but to recognize when it’s full and refill yourself with care, support, and regulation.
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Ep# 323 Solutions for Burnout in Vet Techs/Nurses with Angela Chapman DipAVN VTS
Rekindling: Compassion Fatigue Solutions for Animal Workers
In this episode, I talk with VTS veterinary nurse and graduate researcher, Angela Chapman about her study that dives into the root causes of burnout in veterinary nurses and technicians and why fixing it takes more than just good intentions. Backed by insights from 40 experts, we explore practical, high-impact solutions that clinics can actually implement to create lasting change. Mentioned in this episode: -The Delphi study paper we talked about (If you're a just get me to the good stuff kind of person, here's the Solution's table -The preliminary survey of vet techs/nurses Part 1 and...
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You're Not The Only One
Rekindling: Compassion Fatigue Solutions for Animal Workers
In this episode, I’m calling out the unspoken truths of animal work — the quiet heartbreaks, the strange joys, and the moments that make you wonder, “Is it just me?”. It's not. Whether you work in vet med, animal welfare, lab animal, or wildlife/zoo this little ditty is your reminder that you’re not alone, and you never were.
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Ep# 321 Do It Scared
Rekindling: Compassion Fatigue Solutions for Animal Workers
In this episode, I'm debunking the myth that confidence comes first and exploring what it really feels like to take courageous action. Spoiler alert: it usually feels like fear. If you’ve been waiting to feel ready, polished, or fearless before making a move, this is your reminder that doing it scared is how confidence is built. Let’s talk about embracing discomfort, trusting yourself, and taking the leap anyway.
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Ep#320 The Guilt We Carry
Rekindling: Compassion Fatigue Solutions for Animal Workers
Guilt is a constant companion for many animal caregivers but so often, the guilt we carry isn’t actually ours to hold. In this episode, we’re unpacking the difference between emotional storytelling and actual responsibility. You’ll learn about confabulation (the sneaky way your brain fills in the blanks with self-blame) and proximal causation (how to uncover the real cause behind what happened). If you’ve ever spiraled over a decision you made, felt like you didn’t do enough, or carried the weight of an outcome that broke your heart, this one’s for you. Wild Hearts Rising is...
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Ep# 319 The Weight Behind The Smile with Kelly Burich
Rekindling: Compassion Fatigue Solutions for Animal Workers
In this episode, my Gemini sister Kelly Burich is back and we explore the emotional labor of showing up when your insides don’t match your outsides. From surface acting to deep acting, we unpack what it costs to keep smiling through stress, sadness, or burnout and why acknowledging the weight behind the smile is the first step to real emotional well-being. If you’ve ever felt like you were performing your role instead of living it, this one’s for you.
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Ep# The Thing You Secretly Want
Rekindling: Compassion Fatigue Solutions for Animal Workers
In this episode we’re talking about the thing you secretly want — the dream, the goal, the whisper you’ve been carrying quietly for too long. We’ll explore why it feels scary to want more, how fear shows up when you’re on the edge of something meaningful, and why now might be the moment to finally go after it. If you're craving permission, encouragement, or a loving nudge — this one’s for you.
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Ep# 317 Rescuing Big Cats: An Interview with Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge
Rekindling: Compassion Fatigue Solutions for Animal Workers
It's not everyday that you get to talk to folks who are rescuing some of the largest, most dangerous and most exploited animals on the planet, Big Cats. In this episode I have the pleasure of speaking to 3 incredible women from Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge in Eureka Springs, AR. Join me for my conversation with the founder Tanya Smith, staff veterinarian Dr. Kellyn Sweeley and animal curator Emily McCormack as they share their passion for their work, the heartbreak that comes with rescuing big cats and exotic animals and the transformations that they get to witness as these animals...
info_outlineThe holidays are tough for many people and can be even more so if you work with animals. Euthanasia rates seem to increase right around the holidays, stress and obligation seem to rise as well. It's no wonder that so many animal workers tell me they feel higher levels of compassion fatigue this time of year. It makes sense.
I have some suggestions in this episode of things I think can help you.
My two favorite charities I mention in this episode are:
Catskill Animal Sanctuary (where I was a tour guide for 6 years and am still a supporter of) https://casanctuary.org/
and Happily Ever Esther Farm Sanctuary (H.E.E.F.S), home of Esther the Wonder Pig https://www.happilyeveresther.ca/
Your money goes directly to helping rescued farmed animals!
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