Podcast for Burnt Out Healthcare Professionals | Shift Happens
Shift Happens is the no-BS health podcast for healthcare workers sick of being sick, tired, and run into the ground. Hosted by Mary, rad tech turned health coach who lost 30 pounds and dug her way out of burnout, this show is where we stop putting patients first and start putting YOU first. Expect real talk, hot takes, and zero sugar-coating on topics like burnout recovery, sustainable weight loss, boundaries in scrubs, and how to actually feel good again in your body and your life. If you're a healthcare worker who is running on caffeine and chaos, you belong here. š©āāļø Take the free burnout quiz: marykatherynfitness.com/burnoutquiz š¬ DM Mary on IG: @marykathrynfitness
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Burnout Intervention: The 3 Day Workshop for Rad Tech Burnout
05/20/2026
Burnout Intervention: The 3 Day Workshop for Rad Tech Burnout
In this episode I'm pulling straight from Day 1 of the Burnout Intervention and walking you through the shift that changes everything: moving from living in effect to living at cause. We also get into why willpower was never your problem (your subconscious is running 95% of the show), and I walk you through my burnout quiz so you can figure out exactly what stage you're in ā Over Giver, Checked Out, Silent Struggler, or Invisible Achiever. You are human first. Before the scrubs, before the title, before the department needs you ā you are a person who deserves a life. š (it's poppin in there!) šš¼
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Healthcare Burnout and Identity: Why You're Not Stuck Even When It Feels That Way
05/06/2026
Healthcare Burnout and Identity: Why You're Not Stuck Even When It Feels That Way
I got a comment on Instagram that I couldn't stop thinking about. Someone said, "I didn't work my ass off to get here just to give up. I guess I'll stay here." And I get it ā I really do. But that mindset? It's keeping more healthcare workers stuck than the job ever could. In this episode I'm getting into why using your healthcare background outside the box society put it in is not giving up ā it's actually one of the most powerful things you can do for the profession and for yourself. I also drag you along through the last few chaotic weeks of my life, including a mastermind retreat in New York, moving my sister two states away in a truck I hated driving, and what all of it reminded me about what's actually possible when you stop backing yourself into a corner. You are not stuck. And by the end of this one, I hope you actually believe that. š š
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3 Hidden Signs of Healthcare Worker Burnout (That Have Nothing to Do With Being Tired)
04/15/2026
3 Hidden Signs of Healthcare Worker Burnout (That Have Nothing to Do With Being Tired)
Burnout doesn't always look like crying in the break room. Sometimes it looks like inhaling a bag of pretzels at 3am, staring at the ceiling after 8 hours of sleep, or not being able to finish a single thought. Sound familiar? In this episode I'm breaking down 3 things you probably don't realize are burnout ā plus what you can actually do about them (that isn't just "take a bath and journal"). In this episode we cover: Why you can't stop snacking (hint: it's your cortisol, not your willpower) Why you never feel rested no matter how much you sleep ā and the simple breathing technique that actually helps Why your brain won't shut up, and the one boundary I set that changed everything The goods ā¬ļø Begins May 18th!
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Burnout, Bullying, and Toxic Work Culture in HealthcareāLetās Talk About It
04/08/2026
Burnout, Bullying, and Toxic Work Culture in HealthcareāLetās Talk About It
I got the opportunity to speak to a group of senior nursing students last week and I walked out of that room honestly a little fired up⦠and a little heartbroken. Because these girls havenāt even graduated yet⦠and theyāre already experiencing the toxic culture. And yeah, we can sit here and blame staffing, management, the system⦠all of that plays a role. But thereās something else weāre not talking about enough: How absolutely shitty we can be to each other in healthcare. In this episode weāre getting into: the āeat your youngā mentality that is still VERY much alive the generational tension happening in healthcare right now (and why itās not all bad š) how bullying and toxic coworkers are making burnout 10x worse and the hard truth: some of the people complaining about healthcare⦠are also part of the problem š (2 minutes, actually useful š) šÆāāļøWant help navigating your situation? DM me on Instagram:
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Travel Nursing, Burnout, and Building a Life You Actually Want | with Josie Kausal
03/25/2026
Travel Nursing, Burnout, and Building a Life You Actually Want | with Josie Kausal
Iām bringing on my friend Josie Kausal; registered nurse, former travel nurse of 10 years, business owner, and the founder of Live Travel Vibe, where she creates incredible group trips for women who want more than just working, paying bills, and waiting for āsomeday.ā Josie took a very different path than most. She started in IT, got laid off, eventually found nursing in her 30s, and built a career that gave her flexibility, financial stability, and the chance to see the world. But like so many of us in healthcare, burnout still crept in. And after years of bedside nursing, travel nursing, and pushing through the emotional and physical demands of the job, she realized she wanted something more. That āsomething moreā turned into Live Travel Vibe; a travel company and womenās community built around feeling truly alive, exploring the world, and creating meaningful connection. In this episode we talk about: how Josie found nursing later in life how solo travel pushed her way out of her comfort zone why travel can be so healing and life-giving what makes her womenās trips so special We also get into her Croatia trip, how she helps women feel safe and supported even if theyāve never traveled internationally before, and why stepping outside your comfort zone can completely change how you see your life. If youāve been feeling burnt out, stuck, or like life has become way too much responsibility and not enough actual living, this episode is going to light a fire under you in the best way. Connect with Josie ā¬ļø šÆāāļøInstagram: š§³Live, Travel, Vibe: āļøBook your trip to Croatia: Your Host, Mary! ā¬ļø šÆāāļøLoved the episode? š„Burnout too familiar lately? (and get the hell out!) āØ; The 12 week group coaching program for women who are done living only for the scrubs!
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Time Management for Healthcare Workers: How to Stop Feeling Like You Never Have Enough Time
03/18/2026
Time Management for Healthcare Workers: How to Stop Feeling Like You Never Have Enough Time
Last week I had my first full week away from the hospital⦠and honestly? I kind of freaked the fuck out. Not because anything was wrong. Not because my business was falling apart. Not because my clients werenāt taken care of. But because for the first time in years, my time was actually mine⦠and I realized just how much structure the hospital had forced me into. So in this episode, Iām breaking down exactly what happened, why having more time actually overwhelmed me, and the same method I used to get myself back on track in less than 24 hours. If you constantly feel like you never have enough time, like your days are running you instead of the other way around, or like youāre drowning in a never-ending to-do list, this episode is going to help. Iām walking you through: why a time audit changes everything how to figure out where your time is actually going why your screen time might be stealing more from you than you realize how to āchunkā your tasks so your brain stops feeling pulled in 47 directions and how to start owning your schedule instead of feeling owned by it I also share what shifted for me after leaving the hospital, why Iām so damn proud of this next season, and a little peek at whatās coming inside the next round of If time management feels impossible right now, this one is for you. šÆāāļø š„
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I Quit the Hospital⦠Now What? My Next Chapter in Healthcare
03/11/2026
I Quit the Hospital⦠Now What? My Next Chapter in Healthcare
Itās officially my first episode no longer working as a hospital employee, and honestly? I still donāt think it has fully sunk in. Part of me feels like Iām just on summer break and eventually I have to go back. And the other part of me knows my life is about to change in a really big way. In this episode, Iām sharing what comes next. Because no, Iām not leaving healthcare. Iām just stepping into a different role in it. One where I get to focus fully on advocating for the people who keep the system running: you. I talk about why I really left the hospital, what I believe is broken in healthcare, why burnout didnāt suddenly start with COVID, and why I feel so strongly that healthcare workers deserve more than a life of being overworked, under-supported, and completely consumed by the badge. This one is short, honest, a little selfish in the best way, and gives you a real look at what Iām building next, including the movement, the mission, and the masterclass Iām kicking off to help healthcare workers finally start leaving work at work. š„ My 3 day masterclass for you if you're sick of living life for work! We kick off Monday March 16th! šÆāāļø š
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Burnout is a Nervous System Problem: How to Leave Work at Work (Even in Healthcare)
03/04/2026
Burnout is a Nervous System Problem: How to Leave Work at Work (Even in Healthcare)
If youāre counting down the minutes before you even clock in⦠this episode is for you. This week is emotional as hell for me because itās my last week working in the hospital ā and even though Iām not leaving because I hate healthcare, I am leaving because Iām sick of watching it chew women up and spit them back out. And hereās the gut punch: burnout isnāt just āshort staffingā or ālong shifts.ā Those are real, but the bigger problem? No one ever gave us tools to cope with a career that throws trauma at our nervous system on repeat and then tells us to hurry up and take the next patient. So in this episode, Iām giving you four tools you can start using immediately to stop taking the shift home with you, plus how to start teaching your body that itās safe to rest again. I'm talking about nervous system overload, how āfight or flightā becomes your default⦠and what to do about it! PS: If youāre listening like, āMary⦠this is me. I need a full reset, not just a few tipsā¦ā š Doors are open for (my 3-day masterclass) and we start March 16th. After the workshop you'll feel confident to: ā
Leave work at work so you can finally be present with your family. ā
Actually feel like you've slept for the first time in a decade. ā
Embrace living as more than just a healthcare worker! BONUS: Guided tapping technique, 3 day trial to my app, and a post workshop evaluation so you can submit anything that might still be tripping you up to get direct 1:1 feedback from me on how to overcome it! ā”ļø
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Healthcare Burnout + Hormones: Whatās Actually Going On? With Guest Expert Sarah Salain!
02/25/2026
Healthcare Burnout + Hormones: Whatās Actually Going On? With Guest Expert Sarah Salain!
Iām sitting down with Sarah Salain, RN (aka the queen of hormones) to talk about whatās actually happening in your body when youāre working long shifts, living in fight-or-flight, skipping meals, and wondering why your energy, mood, cycle, or even fertility feels off. Sarah shares her own ER-to-holistic-health pivot after burnout + health issues hit hard, and we get into the real connection between stress, cortisol, progesterone, and why your body stops caring about āthrivingā when itās stuck in survival mode. We also keep it real about making hormone-supportive choices without needing a million supplements or a Whole Foods budget ā plus we nerd out about cyclical nutrition, the Dirty Dozen/Clean 15, and of course⦠border collies (because apparently we both have a type š
). Guest: Sarah Salane, RN Find Sarah: Struggling to leave work at work? šÆāāļø and let me know what you loved about the episode!
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Travel Healthcare 101: What a Traveler Really Is, If Itās Right for You, and How to Start
02/18/2026
Travel Healthcare 101: What a Traveler Really Is, If Itās Right for You, and How to Start
Youāve probably seen the TikToks⦠āQuit your staff job, make six figures, and live on the beach.ā And listen, travel healthcare can be amazing. Iāve been a traveler for 5 years, Iāve worked in over a dozen hospitals, and travel genuinely changed my life. But Iām not here to sell you a fantasy. In this episode, Iām breaking down what a traveling healthcare worker actually is, who travel is (and isnāt) for, and exactly how to get started if youāre ready to go. Because yes, the pay can be great. Yes, the flexibility can be unmatched. But you also need to understand the trade-offs before you pack your whole damn life into your car and drive into a new hospital like, āHi besties!ā š
In this episode, I cover: 1) What is a traveling healthcare worker? 2) Is travel healthcare right for you? 3) How do you get started? šš¼āāļøOnce you've listened and thought of a million other questions about becoming a traveler, come ask me on or ! I'd love to help you decide if this is right for you. š“Local to Florida? and come say hi! Sick of pre-shift anxiety, snapping at your spouse, and struggling to feel rested between shifts? You're burnt out my friend. š šÆāāļø! But only if you want to become more than an overworked body in scrubs.
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[Heart to Heart] Why Healthcare Workers Canāt Just Leave Work at Work
02/04/2026
[Heart to Heart] Why Healthcare Workers Canāt Just Leave Work at Work
Recently, I shared that Iām stepping away from hospital work to fully support healthcare workers in a different way. The response was incredibly supportive, until one message stopped me in my tracks. A message that suggested burnout is a choice. That if you really wanted to, you could ājust leave work at work.ā And I couldnāt let that go. šBecause it is not that simple. Itās not simple to do post-mortem care and then go home and make dinner. Itās not simple to do CPR on a fatal accident and then hug your partner like nothing happened. Itās not simple to witness abuse, death, and trauma and pretend you can compartmentalize it away. In this episode, I talk honestly about why so many healthcare workers carry their work home ā and why that doesnāt make you weak, broken, or bad at boundaries. It makes you human. We were never meant to absorb this much trauma without support. I share my own story of burnout, how this job once cost me my health and my identity, and how learning to truly disconnect changed my life. Not overnight. Not easily. But possible. If youāve ever felt gaslit into believing this is your fault⦠this episode is for you. If this resonated, come talk to me on Instagram . Iād love to hear what hit home and help give you strategy to feel like you again. Want the support to learn how to leave work at work, without losing the part of you that cares? ā”ļø You deserve a life that feels like yours again.š
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Macros Made Simple for Healthcare Workers
01/28/2026
Macros Made Simple for Healthcare Workers
If youāre a healthcare worker whoās heard of macros but still feels confused, overwhelmed, or convinced they ādonāt work,ā this episode is for you. Iām breaking down exactly what we covered inside my Macros Made Simple: Healthcare Edition challenge ā because even after years of talking about nutrition, Iām still blown away by how many women in healthcare were never taught how food actually works in their bodies. And no, thatās not your fault. In this episode, I walk through what macros actually are, why protein, carbs, and fats all matter (yes, even carbs), and why tracking macros is very different from just counting calories. I talk about why low-carb culture did so much damage, why eating 1,200 calories is a fast track to feeling like garbage, and how missing lunches, long shifts, and stress completely change how nutrition needs to be approached in healthcare. I also get into why macros donāt have to be restrictive, complicated, or time-consuming ā and how most people overcomplicate them to the point of quitting. This isnāt about perfection, protein bars, or living in a tracking app. Itās about learning how to eat in a way that actually supports your energy, your hormones, and your life outside of work. ā”ļø Since the challenge is now closed, Iām also sharing a bonus just for podcast listeners ā a free way to audit your current nutrition and finally understand what needs to shift to support your health and weight loss goals without burning yourself out. If you want food to feel simpler, less stressful, and actually work with your schedule, this episode will help you see macros very differently. Need to tackle burnout before macros?
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How I Built Confidence, Income, and Freedom by Prioritizing My Health (Not Just Weight Loss)
01/21/2026
How I Built Confidence, Income, and Freedom by Prioritizing My Health (Not Just Weight Loss)
If youāre still stuck thinking your health goals are just about the scale or your pant size⦠this episode is your friendly little kick in the ass. Today Iām breaking down a mindset shift Iāll die on a hill for: your health is your wealth. Not āwealthā like you need to be rich. Wealth like: energy, confidence, freedom, options, and a life that doesnāt feel like youāre surviving between 12-hour shifts. Because hereās the truth: the version of you whoās barely sleeping, skipping meals, living on caffeine and chaos⦠isnāt the version of you whoās going to start the business, travel, go after the promotion, speak on stage, or even just feel good in your own skin. In this episode, I talk about: Why āhealthā is bigger than weight loss (and why chasing the scale keeps you stuck) How prioritizing the basics builds real confidence (the kind you can use in your life) The connection between energy + habits + career growth (yes, even if your goal isnāt to leave healthcare) Real client examples of what happens when someone finally chooses themselves What you can do today to start building a āwealthyā life⦠without overhauling everything And if youāre sitting there like, āCool Mary⦠but where do I even start?ā.. thatās literally why Iām here. š© with your goals (health, career, life⦠all of it). Iāll point you in the right direction!
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Healthcare Burnout & Emotional Eating: Why You Binge After Work (and What to Do Instead)
01/15/2026
Healthcare Burnout & Emotional Eating: Why You Binge After Work (and What to Do Instead)
How the hell do healthcare workers see what they see⦠and not go home and eat/drink themselves into a coma? So letās talk about it. Because if youāve ever gotten off a brutal shift, felt completely fried, and found yourself face-first in the pantry like a raccoon with scrubs on⦠youāre not broken. Youāre human. And thereās a reason this hits healthcare workers so hard. In this episode, I break down: Why stress makes you crave sugar/carbs/fat (yes, thereās a real science reason) How the binge ā guilt ā restrict ā repeat cycle keeps running on autopilot The simplest way to reduce binge urges: eat throughout your shift (I know⦠wild) How to build a post-shift routine for the really traumatic days so food isnāt your only coping skill Why you have to create an identity outside of the hospital if you donāt want this job consuming your whole life And if youāre in that place where youāre like, āYep⦠this is me,ā I just want you to hear me: youāre not alone and youāre not stuck. Next? ā¬ļø ā
(starts Monday!) Iāll help you make nutrition simple as hell, build meals that work with 12-hour shifts, and stop feeling like your food choices are a full-time job. ā
Find out what type of burnout youāre dealing with and what to do about it (because no, youāre not ājust tiredā). ā
Come say hey on + Come tell me if youāve watched The Pit and DM me āIām inā once you join the challenge so I can hype you up and make sure youāre set. IG + TT: @MaryKathrynFitness Now go drink some water, eat something that isnāt just caffeine, and remember: youāre allowed to be a whole human outside of the scrubs.
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The Right Way to Set Goals in Healthcare (Without Burning Out by February)
12/31/2025
The Right Way to Set Goals in Healthcare (Without Burning Out by February)
I recorded this episode from my hotel bed during that weird in-between week when Christmas is over, the new year hasnāt quite started, and everyone feels the pressure to āget it together.ā Instead of a fluffy New Yearās pep talk, I wanted to have an honest conversation about goal setting ā especially for healthcare workers ā and why most goals fall apart so fast. In this episode, I talk about why New Yearās resolutions fail, why vague goals like lose weight or have more energy donāt work, and the one piece people skip that almost guarantees burnout by February. I also share how my own health journey started as a New Yearās resolution, why I still believe this time of year can be powerful when done right, and what Iāve learned from helping women in healthcare set goals that actually fit their real lives. This isnāt about doing more, being perfect, or trying harder. Itās about getting clear, being intentional, and setting goals that work with long shifts, missed meals, and real life in healthcare. If youāre going into 2026 feeling tired, skeptical, or like youāve failed at goals before, this episode is for you. š A four day challenge for healthcare workers who don't want to live in the kitchen but DO want sustainable fat loss and more energy in 2026! šÆāāļø š¤³š¼
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Ending a 9-Year Cycle: Healthcare Burnout, Big Decisions, and What Comes Next
12/27/2025
Ending a 9-Year Cycle: Healthcare Burnout, Big Decisions, and What Comes Next
This episode is basically you riding home with me while I unpack the last nine years of my life. Healthcare, burnout, travel contracts, starting a business, and all the āwhat the hell am I doing?ā moments in between. I originally thought Iād do a cute end-of-year recap⦠and then realized this year wasnāt about one year at all. It was about closing a nine-year cycle that started back in 2017 when I graduated x-ray school and thought I had life figured out (spoiler: I did not). We talk about: Why healthcare burnout isnāt a personal failure The uncomfortable truth about outgrowing jobs, roles, and identities Travel life vs. ānormalā life (and why neither magically fixes everything) How my health journey, coaching business, and career decisions are all way more connected than I realized And why Iām done pretending discipline is the problem when the system is the real issue This episode is messy, honest, recorded in my car, and probably a little too real. But if youāve been feeling restless, exhausted, or like something in your life just isnāt fitting anymore, this one will hit. šÆāāļø š¤³š¼ š
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Why Youāre Exhausted All the Time (And How to Fix Your Energy Without Quitting Healthcare)
12/10/2025
Why Youāre Exhausted All the Time (And How to Fix Your Energy Without Quitting Healthcare)
Working 12s, living on caffeine, and crashing the second your butt hits the couch? Yeah⦠same. In todayās episode, Iām breaking down exactly why your energy sucks ā and it has nothing to do with āwillpower.ā From travel-assignment chaos (and free Diet Coke miracles) to the real basics that actually move the needle for healthcare workers, Iām showing you how I keep my energy up while waking up at 3 AM, driving three hours, and still not feeling like a zombie. If you want simple habits that fit your schedule and bring you back to life, start here. š šÆāāļø š©ŗ - the 8 week reset that has helped over 100 women in healthcare overcome burnout so they can feel confident in their skin and their life!
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You DO Have Time: How Healthcare Workers Can Build Healthy Habits Even on 12-Hour Shifts
12/03/2025
You DO Have Time: How Healthcare Workers Can Build Healthy Habits Even on 12-Hour Shifts
In this episode of Shift Happens, Iām sharing a big life update ā yes, I quit my full-time hospital job ā but Iām talking about it for one reason: to show you whatās possible when you stop telling yourself you ādonāt have time.ā Because for months, I said the same thing you probably say every day: Iām exhausted. I donāt have the hours. My schedule is the problem. But when I finally got honest, I realized I was the problem ā and that small shifts create way more freedom than we think. In this episode, I break down: ⨠How to find more time for your health even if you work 12s ⨠Why you feel stuck (and how to get out of your own way) ⨠How to use the pockets of time you already have without adding stress ⨠The mindset shift that made everything easier ā and can do the same for you ⨠A real client example that proves you donāt need a perfect schedule to see results My goal isnāt to convince you to quit your job ā itās to show you that youāre not as trapped as you feel. You have more control, more flexibility, and more opportunity than you think⦠and this episode will help you finally see it. If youāre ready to stop surviving your life and start shaping it, this episode is for you. š šÆāāļø š„
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Travel Healthcare 101: My Life Update, Burnout Breakthrough & How to Start Traveling
11/28/2025
Travel Healthcare 101: My Life Update, Burnout Breakthrough & How to Start Traveling
Happy Black Friday, friends ā and welcome to the most chaotic, unedited, brutally honest episode yet. Iām giving you a big life update, spilling some tea, and finally answering all the questions you constantly DM me about travel healthcare. If youāve ever wondered: ⨠How to become a healthcare traveler ⨠Whether itās worth the money ⨠How contracts, recruiters, and pay actually work ⨠What red flags to look out for ⨠Or why the hell I decided to go back to traveling⦠ā¦this episode is your new best friend. Before we get into the travel talk, Iām giving you the real story of why I stepped away from my full-time hospital job, what finally pushed me over the edge, and why taking a risk on myself (again) felt like the only right move. Weāre talking burnout, messy middles, scary decisions, pay cuts, gut feelings, and the weird full-circle moment that brought a travel offer straight into my inbox the same week I submitted my PRN notice. If you've been sitting on the decision to travel, feeling stuck, or just curious how the whole thing works⦠buckle up. And YES ā because itās Black Friday, Iām also giving early access (and a free month + bonuses) to Healthy in Healthcare for my podcast listeners only. The link is below because I love you. š Get a month free, a 1:1 coaching call, + extended payment plan! š šÆāāļø ā°
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[GUEST EXPERT] Burnout, Boundaries, and Sabbaticals with Leigha Barbieri
11/19/2025
[GUEST EXPERT] Burnout, Boundaries, and Sabbaticals with Leigha Barbieri
Weāre getting real about healthcare burnout, mental health, and what it actually takes to pull yourself out of the hole you didnāt even realize you were sinking into. Iām joined by PA-C Leigha Barbieriāhealthcare worker, world traveler, burnout coach, and someone who literally had to leave medicine to save her sanity. This episode is your permission slip to stop pretending youāre āfine.ā Leigha and I talk about: š„ What burnout really feels like for healthcare workers (hint: itās not just being tired) š„ The slow, sneaky signs of emotional exhaustion most providers ignore š„ Why misdiagnosis is so commonāespecially in womenāand how to advocate for yourself š„ How boundaries (yes, those) can literally save your career š„ What a sabbatical for healthcare workers looks like and how to do it without blowing up your life š„ The truth about taking FMLA for mental health (and why more clinicians need to) š„ How she left her PA job, traveled to 11 countries, and finally started healing from years of chronic burnout š„ The exact habits healthcare workers need to feel human againāinside and outside the hospital If youāve ever come home from a shift and sat in your car thinking, āI canāt keep doing this,ā this episode will hit hard⦠in the best way. Whether you're a nurse, PA, RT, tech, NP, or any woman working in scrubs, this conversation will make you feel seen and remind you that you deserve more than survival mode. Not sure what type of burnout youāre in? ⨠šÆāāļø š¤ āļø šļø
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You Donāt Need More Time ā You Need a Plan: How Healthcare Workers Can Take Back Their Schedule (and Sanity)
11/12/2025
You Donāt Need More Time ā You Need a Plan: How Healthcare Workers Can Take Back Their Schedule (and Sanity)
Letās be real ā you donāt need more time, you just need to know where the hell your time is going. ā° In this episode of Shift Happens, Iām giving you a raw, practical breakdown of how to actually find time for your health (even when youāre buried under patient orders, 12-hour shifts, and laundry piles). Because the truth is ā you do have 24 hours a day. The problem isnāt time⦠itās how youāre spending it. Iām walking you through the same 3-step framework I use with my clients (and my own chaotic schedule) to finally make time for workouts, meal prep, and rest without sacrificing your sanity. If youāre ready to stop saying āI donāt have timeā and start saying āIāve got this,ā this oneās for you. ⨠In This Episode, I'll Chat: The real reason you keep saying you donāt have time (and how to fix it) My 3-step Audit ā Change ā Maintain method for mastering your schedule How to get back hours of your day without quitting your job Simple hacks that save you energy (and brain space) before and after your shifts Why āsomething is better than nothingā will change how you look at progress forever š - the 5 day challenge where I'm showing you exactly how to make healthy habits fit for your schedule (yes, even if you don't get a lunch break š) š šÆāāļø
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Itās Never About the Weight Loss: The Real Reason You Feel Stuck (and What You Actually Want)
11/05/2025
Itās Never About the Weight Loss: The Real Reason You Feel Stuck (and What You Actually Want)
You donāt really want weight loss.. you want your life back. š„ In this heart-to-heart episode, Iām getting brutally honest about what youāre really chasing when you say you want to lose weight. Itās not about the number on the scale.. itās about waking up with energy, hiking without gasping for air, rebuilding your confidence (and maybe your marriage), and finally living your damn life again. After coming back from hiking through Utahās national parks, I had a massive realization: we donāt crave weight loss, we crave the freedom that comes with feeling strong, healthy, and alive in our bodies. If youāve ever caught yourself saying āIāll start after the holidays,ā or if youāre tired of missing out on the life you actually want to live, this episode is your wake-up call. ⨠Get ready for: The real reason most women in healthcare struggle to stay consistent Why weight loss goals fail (and what your brain is actually trying to tell you) My husbandās health journey and the mindset shift that changed everything How to start feeling better now, not in January š¬ Resources š„ š DM me your biggest āwhyā on š Follow our hiking adventures and more real-life health tips
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3 Physical Signs Youāre Burnt Out (That Have Nothing to Do With Being āJust Tiredā)
10/29/2025
3 Physical Signs Youāre Burnt Out (That Have Nothing to Do With Being āJust Tiredā)
Letās be real.. burnout isnāt just mental. Itās physical, and your bodyās been trying to tell you something for a while now. In this episode, Iām breaking down the three biggest physical symptoms I experienced when I was deep in burnout. From rapid weight gain and back pain to that stubborn, stress-triggered acne that made me want to scream. Weāll talk about how your bodyās basically waving a big red flag saying, āHey, I canāt keep doing this,ā and what happens when you finally start listening. Youāll hear: Why your body holds on to weight even when youāre ādoing everything rightā How burnout physically manifests as pain, inflammation, and fatigue Why your skin freaks out when your stress does And how setting simple boundaries (yes, even between patients) can start reversing it all If your body feels like itās revolting against you.. itās not. Itās begging for rest, boundaries, and balance. ⨠Take my to find your burnout type ā because once you know whatās draining you, you can finally fix the right problem. šÆāāļø So grab your coffee, clock out mentally for a few minutes, and letās talk about what burnout is really doing to your body.
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Itās Not Burnout.. Itās Trauma: Healing the Healers with Dr. Lorre Laws
10/22/2025
Itās Not Burnout.. Itās Trauma: Healing the Healers with Dr. Lorre Laws
š¬ Show Notes Description What if weāve been labeling it wrong this whole time? In this episode of Shift Happens, I sit down with Dr. Lori Laws, nurse scholar, author of Nursing Our Healerās Heart, and founder of The Halen Academy, to talk about why healthcare burnout isnāt actually burnout ā itās nurse-specific (and occupational) trauma. This conversation hit me hard (and honestly gave me chills more than once). Dr. Lori breaks down why bubble baths and yoga arenāt fixing the problem, the science behind how trauma impacts our nervous system, and how we can start truly healing instead of just surviving shift to shift. We dive into: Why āburnoutā is the wrong diagnosis ā and how trauma-informed care changes everything How trauma shows up in healthcare workers (even if you think youāre āfineā) What happens to your vagus nerve and mitochondria under chronic stress Why your nervous system literally canāt heal when it doesnāt feel safe The Microdoses Matter practice you can do in 30 seconds between patients to start regulating your nervous system How Dr. Loriās Innate Care Plan Framework helps healthcare workers map out their symptoms and heal from the inside out Why community and co-regulation are essential (and why āself-careā culture has failed healthcare workers) This episode is deep, powerful, and packed with real solutions ā not just surface-level fluff. š¬ Connect ā¬ļø 𩺠š Book: š§ šæ ā Dr. Lorreās nonprofit supporting healers through trauma recovery Follow Dr. Lorre Laws on: š šÆāāļø Follow Mary Hodson on: šŖ Instagram: š§© Find your burnout type (Over-Giver, Silent Struggler, Invisible Achiever, or Checked-Out Queen) and start fixing the real problem
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How to Meal Prep in 45 Minutes (Even If You Work 12-Hour Shifts)
10/15/2025
How to Meal Prep in 45 Minutes (Even If You Work 12-Hour Shifts)
Youāre tired, starving, and the last thing you want to do after your shift is spend three hours cooking. Been there, done that. In this quick, no-BS episode of Shift Happens, Iām walking you through my exact step-by-step process to get a full week of meals prepped in under an hour ā without living out of soggy Tupperware or eating dry chicken and plain rice. Weāll talk about: How to plan your weekās meals in 10 minutes or less My go-to āone cooks, one bakes, one chillsā method to multitask without chaos The meal prep mindset shift that actually saves your sanity Why itās not about eating perfectly ā itās about staying prepared when life (or your shift) hits the fan If youāre sick of overcomplicating meal prep and want to stop relying on vending-machine dinners, this oneās for you. š šÆāāļø Listen in, grab your coffee, and letās make meal prep simple again.
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When Enough Is Enough: Speaking Up, Burnout, and Choosing Change in Healthcare
10/08/2025
When Enough Is Enough: Speaking Up, Burnout, and Choosing Change in Healthcare
In this episode of Shift Happens, Iām getting real about something Iāve wrestled with for months. š®āšØAdmitting that Iām not happy where I am. After years of traveling as a rad tech, I thought settling into a permanent job would finally give me peace. But instead, Iāve found myself struggling with guilt, frustration, and that gut-punch feeling of burnout all over again. Iām sharing what happened during my recent evaluation. The moment I finally spoke up, the fear of retaliation that followed, and what itās taught me about the difference between being grateful and being fulfilled. This is as honest as it gets. If youāve ever felt stuck, unappreciated, or scared to make a change because you donāt want to rock the boat, this oneās for you. Staying stuck is still a choice and while change might suck, so does staying miserable. š Then come say hey (or vent.. I get it) over on Instagram . š„° PS: Putting together my biggest giveaway yet as a huge thank you to YOU for helping the podcast get to over 1K downloads in under 3 months! šļø To enter, simply rate/review the podcast then share the show to your story and don't forget to tag me! Winner will be selected in November!
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From No Stoplight Town to Speaking in Vegas (and All the Chaos in Between)
10/01/2025
From No Stoplight Town to Speaking in Vegas (and All the Chaos in Between)
Okay, buckle up because this oneās a ride. Iām taking you through my entire TravCon experience! The missed flights, the pink blazer I almost didnāt wear, the nerves, the āholy shit, I did thatā moment, and everything in between. This isnāt a polished recap; itās me using this mic as my voice journal so I never forget what it felt like to go from doubting myself in an airport to standing on stage in Vegas talking about burnout to a room full of people who just got it. If youāve ever felt stuck in the hospital grind, wondering if youāre crazy for wanting more, I think youāll hear pieces of yourself in this. š Curious what kind of burnout has been chewing at you? Itāll hit close to home, but also have you just as confident on how to break free as these people in my room did! š And if something I said made you feel seen, come say hey on IG . My DMs are always open for venting, messy bun selfies, or just talking real life.
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So You Wanna Be a Rad Tech? The Real AF Truth No One Tells You
09/24/2025
So You Wanna Be a Rad Tech? The Real AF Truth No One Tells You
In this episode of Shift Happens, Iām pulling back the curtain on what it really takes to become a rad tech (or survive healthcare at all). Forget the glossy brochures. This is the raw, unfiltered truth straight from someone whoās lived it for over a decade. Iām answering the questions future rad techs are dying to ask but rarely hear honest answers about: How to start your journey (and avoid shady schools thatāll eat your money alive) Why āless physically demandingā doesnāt exist in healthcareāspoiler: your body is the job The study hacks that kept me sane (and passing) during a brutal program while still working How I juggled full-time shifts and school without completely losing my mind The moment I realized radiology was actually my career (and how you can figure out if itās yours) Whether youāre already in scrubs, thinking about going back to school, or just curious what goes on in the radiology world, this episode will give you the no-BS perspective you wonāt find on a university website. ā¼ļøIt's the LAST DAY to join Healthy in Healthcare! ā”ļø Have a question I didn't answer? šÆāāļø
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Burnout Red Flags Youāre Ignoring (and Why Your Health Pays the Price)
09/17/2025
Burnout Red Flags Youāre Ignoring (and Why Your Health Pays the Price)
September came in hot and Iām not mad about it. Quick life update: Indy event with a room full of badass women, 180+ of you rocked the Burnout Recovery Reset, house renos (send help + a dishwasher fairy), and Iām packing for Vegas to speak at TravCon. Wild. Now, the real talk: the top 5 signs youāre burnt out as a healthcare worker and how that quiet burnout is wrecking your health more than you think. If youāre moody as hell, sleeping like a rock but still exhausted, anxious over everything, avoiding a social life, and the scale wonāt budge no matter what you try⦠youāre not ājust tired.ā Youāre burnt out. And no, a pizza party wonāt fix it. In this episode, I cover: The five loud-as-hell burnout symptoms youāve normalized Why mental bandwidth has to come before macros and workouts Tiny shifts that actually help when your shifts are chaos How to stop letting the job bleed into your entire life If youāre done being a warm body in scrubs and ready to feel human again, Healthy in Healthcare is open now. We kick off Sept 29. Spots are limited because I actually want to know your life, not treat you like a number. šš¼āāļøHurry, doors close Wednesday Sept 24 (or when spots are filled!)
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Case Study: How Amy Lost 27 Pounds on Rotating Shifts (Macros, Perimenopause, and Zero 5 a.m. Workouts)
09/10/2025
Case Study: How Amy Lost 27 Pounds on Rotating Shifts (Macros, Perimenopause, and Zero 5 a.m. Workouts)
Real healthcare life, real results. In this episode Iām pulling back the curtain on how my client Amy dropped 27 pounds while working unpredictable IR cases, juggling locations, and dealing with perimenopause. Without quitting her job or living in the gym. We cover: Macros for healthcare workers (the non-influencer way): why we focused on protein + calories and kept fats smart for hormone support. When you āforget to eatā on shift: fixing under-fueling so you donāt face-plant into the pantry at 9 p.m. Movement that fits rotating schedules: step stacking, off-day walks, and no-BS expectations (no 5 a.m. lifts required). Mindset > perfection: how Amy enjoyed cinnamon rolls with her grandkids and still made progress. The wins: 27 lbs down, first pain-free squat in 10 years, smaller scrubs, and actual energy to live a life outside the hospital. This is your proof that you donāt need to torch your career to feel human again. You just need a plan that was built for women in scrubs. š Want in early? DM me āHIHā on Instagram () for early access to Healthy in Healthcare (custom nutrition, community Slack, jumpstart workouts, and my BONUS 30-min 1:1 kickstart call). Spots are limited! Run, donāt walk. šš¼āāļø
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