Lessons from a Quitter

It is never too late to start over. No matter how much time or money you’ve spent chasing degrees and jobs to get to your current position, if ultimately you’re unhappy, then it is time to quit. Each week, Goli Kalkhoran, a fellow quitter, will interview inspiring guests who have quit lucrative careers to forge their own path and create a life they love. Get insight, inspiration, tools, and resources to help you quit what you hate and figure out what it is that you love.

Burnout Breakthrough Week 4 07/14/2026

Burnout Breakthrough Week 4 In this episode of Lessons from a Quitter, we dive into the often-overlooked emotional side of career change—grief. When we outgrow an identity, a job, or a dream, it’s not just a pivot; it’s a loss. I’m joined by grief coach Laverne McKinnon to unpack how letting go of who we thought we’d be can open the door to who we’re becoming. We explore why it’s essential to honor our grief rather than rush past it, how to rebuild self-trust, and how embracing the messy middle can lead to a more authentic, fulfilling next chapter in your life and career. /episode/index/show/lessonsfromaquitter/id/38476125

Burnout Breakthrough Week 3 07/07/2026

Burnout Breakthrough Week 3 In this week’s episode of Lessons from a Quitter, I share Week 3 of my Burnout Breakthrough Accelerator. This session focuses on one of the biggest obstacles to rest and balance: guilt. We explore how guilt—often rooted in cultural, societal, or workplace expectations—keeps us trapped in burnout, pushing us to overwork, people-please, and ignore our own needs. I walk through how guilt feeds into shame, why it’s used as a tool of control, and how to separate cultural norms from your own values. You’ll learn practical strategies to redefine your beliefs and finally let go of unnecessary guilt. /episode/index/show/lessonsfromaquitter/id/38390020

Burnout Breakthrough Accelerator Week 2 06/30/2026

Burnout Breakthrough Accelerator Week 2 In this week’s episode of Lessons from a Quitter, I continue sharing my Burnout Breakthrough Accelerator series. We dive into the second pillar of moving past burnout: uncovering the impossible standards we set for ourselves. From work expectations like never making mistakes or always going above and beyond, to personal standards of being the “perfect” partner, parent, or friend, we explore how these unrealistic bars keep us stuck in exhaustion and self-criticism. Through exercises and real-life examples—including a powerful story from a client—you’ll learn how to recognize these patterns and begin creating realistic standards that allow for success, joy, and sustainability. /episode/index/show/lessonsfromaquitter/id/38302940

Burnout Breakthrough Week 1 06/23/2026

Burnout Breakthrough Week 1 In this week’s episode of Lessons from a Quitter, I’m kicking off a special six-week series called the Burnout Breakthrough Accelerator. After years of coaching professionals through overwhelm, I’ve distilled the key steps to help you move from constant exhaustion to more clarity, space, and joy. In Week 1, we start with an honest self-audit—writing down every “should” that weighs on us in work, home, health, and relationships. This eye-opening purge reveals just how much pressure we pile on ourselves and sets the stage for reclaiming time, energy, and control from burnout. /episode/index/show/lessonsfromaquitter/id/38206555

Produtivity Addiction 06/16/2026

Produtivity Addiction In this episode of Lessons from a Quitter, we explore our cultural obsession with productivity and why so many of us struggle to truly rest. I share personal reflections from a recent trip abroad that challenged my deeply ingrained beliefs about busyness, urgency, and worth. We dive into how capitalism and hustle culture have programmed us to equate rest with laziness—and how to begin unlearning that. If you're feeling burnt out, this episode will help you reframe rest not as something to earn, but as something essential. Plus, I share practical steps to help you reclaim rest without guilt. /episode/index/show/lessonsfromaquitter/id/36825485

Why High Achievers Keep Burning Out 06/09/2026

Why High Achievers Keep Burning Out In this episode of Lessons from a Quitter, we dive into the root causes of burnout and why so many of us struggle to rest. Drawing from years of coaching, I break down how capitalism, schooling, religion, and cultural expectations tie our self-worth to constant productivity. We explore why slowing down feels uncomfortable, why rest is often judged as laziness, and how these beliefs keep us stuck in cycles of exhaustion. This episode challenges you to rethink worthiness, confront the discomfort of rest, and begin building a life defined by joy and ease—not endless busyness. /episode/index/show/lessonsfromaquitter/id/38053535

The Myth of Work/Life Balance 06/02/2026

The Myth of Work/Life Balance Here’s what everyone gets wrong about work/life balance. You run around trying to change everything outside of you in order to try to gain a little “balance”. If I worked less hours… If I had more time at home with my kids…. If I could spend some time resting...then I’d feel balanced. But what happens as soon as you try to do those things? Your brain ruins it. You're at home with the kids and you’re constantly anxious about how much work you still have to finish. You’re laying down to rest and you’re berating yourself for not getting up to run all of your errands. You’re trying to focus on your work deadline and you’re feeling guilty about missing your son’s soccer practice. It’s no wonder you’re exhausted all of the time. You cannot have balance until you learn that your worth is not attached to your productivity. You cannot have balance until you learn that you deserve rest even when you have a full to-do list. You cannot have balance until you learn that you’ll never be perfect and it’s ok to stop trying. Until you can manage your brain to drop all the guilt and shame, there is no magic formula that will create balance for you because you’ll constantly be telling yourself you’re doing it wrong. This week on the podcast, I dive into how you can finally start working towards having some real balance in your life. /episode/index/show/lessonsfromaquitter/id/20165498

Building Confidence Through Self-Validation Cycles 05/26/2026

Building Confidence Through Self-Validation Cycles The root cause of all of your problems is a lack of self-validation. Let me explain… This isn’t some self-love, woo-woo kind of thing. I want you to think about every one of your maladaptive behaviors: People-pleasing - needing other people to be happy with you so that you can feel good about yourself Perfectionism- needing everything to be perfect so that you can believe you’re good enough High-achiever- needing to keep achieving milestones to feel like you’re worthy Obsessing over what other people think of you - needing other people’s approval so you can believe you’re good. Imposter syndrome- insisting on believing you’re not good enough when all of your achievements prove otherwise And on and on. Every. Single. One comes from your inability to validate yourself. /episode/index/show/lessonsfromaquitter/id/22191179

Leaning Into Uncertainty And Doubt 05/19/2026

Leaning Into Uncertainty And Doubt On this week’s podcast, I’m taking you behind the scenes of all of my UNCERTAINTY and DOUBT around my new membership launch. You might be wondering: “Why are you doing this, Goli?” Because I want you to stop thinking that other people have it figured out.Because I want you to see that the entire process is filled with fear and doubt. Because I don’t want to just show you results; I want to show you the messy middle. /episode/index/show/lessonsfromaquitter/id/24423966

The Fear of Failure 05/12/2026

The Fear of Failure /episode/index/show/lessonsfromaquitter/id/16179176

Getting Good At Feeling Discomfort 05/05/2026

Getting Good At Feeling Discomfort This week we talk all about discomfort. And I don't mean the dictionary definition of discomfort. I mean the feeling that you have when you are pushing towards your goals and you feel like you might throw up...or die. Yeah, that’s discomfort. And if you’re going to live the biggest life possible, you have to learn to get better at feeling it and not making it mean anything about you. In this episode, I dive into how you can get better at dealing with the inevitable discomfort and keep going! /episode/index/show/lessonsfromaquitter/id/20517176

Your quit plan 04/28/2026

Your quit plan In the latest episode of "Lessons from a Quitter," we dive deep into crafting a well-rounded Quit Plan. It all starts with an honest self-assessment—unearthing why you're itching to leave that job of yours. You know, those reasons you might not even want to admit to yourself. We begin by understanding the underlying motives for leaving our current situation. Next, I guide you to explore your dreams and paint a picture of the life you desire. This way, you can dissect your strengths and skills and start to explore various career options that align best with your true desires. I also help you break down your finances so you can calculate your financial runway once you do quit. Once we crunch the numbers, you can explore whether it's truly the cash or your thoughts about it that are keeping you stuck at your job. And all those doubts you’ve been harboring about quitting? I have you list your worries, confront them, and come up with a game plan for every single one. Trust me, it's empowering. Listen and work through the six steps for your personalized quit plan, one that's going to guide you to the life you've been craving. /episode/index/show/lessonsfromaquitter/id/27874011

Handling Difficult Conversations Around Quitting 04/21/2026

Handling Difficult Conversations Around Quitting This week we're diving deep into having difficult conversations around quitting. We're going to look at the people in your life—the ones who have lots of opinions on what you should or shouldn't be doing. You know the type: spouses, friends, family, and even coworkers who always seem to have something to say. The first and most crucial step is understanding whether these people should even have a say in your decisions. Now, here's the thing. Different people play different roles in your life. If it's your spouse, for example, their opinion matters because it directly affects both of you. But for others, like your parents or that super opinionated friend, it's important to figure out if they're just giving their two cents or if you genuinely need their support or permission. In this episode, we'll also dive into how to clearly communicate what you need from these conversations. /episode/index/show/lessonsfromaquitter/id/27264837

Handling Guilt Around Quitting 04/14/2026

Handling Guilt Around Quitting On today's episode of Lessons from a Quitter, we're diving deep into handling the guilt around quitting. It's a topic that resonates with so many of us, especially those of us who have been raised to prioritize making others happy. We often find ourselves ready to move on, with a clear vision of what we want to do, yet held back by the overwhelming guilt of leaving behind our bosses, coworkers, or even clients we've developed deep connections with. In this episode I want offer you a new perspective, recognizing your own needs and priorities while acknowledging the reciprocal nature of relationships. By learning to sit with discomfort and overcoming the fear of others' negative emotions, we can make choices that align with our true desires. /episode/index/show/lessonsfromaquitter/id/27200865

Managing Fear 04/07/2026

Managing Fear In this podcast episode, I explore the pervasive role of fear in our lives, particularly when pursuing dreams and change. Fear, often rooted in the fear of failure and negative emotions, can paralyze us. The key is to confront these fears by answering critical questions about the worst-case scenarios. Realizing that we can handle these emotions empowers us to take risks and move forward. Listen for the questions you should be asking yourself to face fear head-on and to get to where you want. /episode/index/show/lessonsfromaquitter/id/28337117

You are not behind 03/31/2026

You are not behind In the latest episode of "Lessons from a Quitter," we tackle the feeling of “being behind.” High achievers often struggle with this thought, ironically, despite their accomplishments. We delve into why this thought persists and how it robs us of joy and happiness. Society's expectations and hustle culture play a significant role in creating this feeling of falling short. However, it's crucial to recognize that we are not on a predetermined, one-size-fits-all path. Everyone's journey is unique, and comparing ourselves to others only breeds unhappiness. We explore the importance of accepting where we are and finding joy in the present moment rather than constantly chasing an elusive future of achievement. Listen for concrete tips to take on the feeling of “being behind” and remember, you are exactly where you need to be. There's no need to rush to some imagined destination. /episode/index/show/lessonsfromaquitter/id/27551052

Finding Your Community 03/24/2026

Finding Your Community My biggest tip for success when you’re quitting and starting something new: Get in the room with people doing the thing you want to do.⁠ This week, I talk about the benefits of surrounding yourself with a like-minded community and a few ways to find those groups. /episode/index/show/lessonsfromaquitter/id/20203334

Replay: The Art of Dreaming Bigger 03/17/2026

Replay: The Art of Dreaming Bigger In the latest episode of Lessons from a Quitter, I dive into the importance of dreaming bigger, especially as busy professionals who may have stopped dreaming in their twenties or thirties. Many of us settle into a day-to-day routine, resigned to incremental goals, fearing disappointment. I challenge you to break free from the small dreams that keep you stuck and explore what you truly desire. By giving yourself permission to dream without constraints, you can uncover hidden passions and set audacious goals that push you to grow. It's time to design the life you want, not the one society expects. /episode/index/show/lessonsfromaquitter/id/29191268

The Process of Going After Your Dream Life 03/10/2026

The Process of Going After Your Dream Life This week I want to talk to you about how to go after your dream life. If you follow me on Instagram, you know I’ve been in Jackson Hole, Wyoming for the past month. Taking this trip with my family is one way I’m going after my dream life. And the process is actually really simple, it’s just two steps. I want to show you that the things you want are possible because whether you think you can or you can’t you’re right. So this week I’m sharing the two-step process for going after your dream life and how I'm applying that in my own life. /episode/index/show/lessonsfromaquitter/id/23562194

Admitting what you want 03/03/2026

Admitting what you want In this episode, we tackle the fear that prevents us from acknowledging our true desires. I share my personal journey from believing I had no idea what I wanted to discovering a wealth of buried dreams. We explore two major fears: the fear of disappointment and the fear of success. Admitting your desires is the first step to transformation. By confronting these fears, you can excavate your dreams and embark on a journey to create a more fulfilling life. Stop settling for "good enough" and embrace the possibilities of a fuller life. /episode/index/show/lessonsfromaquitter/id/28140317

How to Rewire Your Brain for Joy When You've Been Chasing Achievement 02/24/2026

How to Rewire Your Brain for Joy When You've Been Chasing Achievement In this week’s episode of Lessons from a Quitter, I wrap up our burnout series by tackling one of the most common struggles high-achievers face: how to actually feel joy again. A listener asked, “What if I’ve been so focused on achievement that I don’t even know how to experience joy outside of work?” We dig into how our culture conditions us to seek validation through productivity and how to rewire that programming. I share small, practical steps to reconnect with your body, rebuild curiosity, and rediscover what genuinely lights you up—so you can find joy in everyday life, not just achievement. /episode/index/show/lessonsfromaquitter/id/38722080

Procrastination 02/17/2026

Procrastination This week I want to talk to you about procrastination. I have so many people telling me I want to do this thing but I can’t get myself motivated to do it. What I’ve found is that procrastination is not a time management issue, but an emotional management issue. This week I dig into why we procrastinate and how to start overcoming it. /episode/index/show/lessonsfromaquitter/id/22096037

Getting Rid Of That Inner Critic - Part 2 02/10/2026

Getting Rid Of That Inner Critic - Part 2 That inner critic you have that drones on and on every day about how bad you are at being a human is NOT your voice. It was put there by society - capitalism, religion, patriarchy, white supremacy, school, religion - in an attempt to control you. And it’s time we undo it. This is Part 2 of a 2-part series that will help you get rid of your inner critic. If you haven’t listened to Part 1, definitely start there because the first step is truly becoming aware of what it is and where it came from and that’s what I’ll cover in this episode. Part 2 will start giving you the rest of the steps to move you from a harsh inner critic to unshakeable self-trust. /episode/index/show/lessonsfromaquitter/id/24646074

Getting Rid of the Inner Critic - Part 1 02/03/2026

Getting Rid of the Inner Critic - Part 1 That Inner Critic you have that drones on and on every day about how bad you are at being a human is NOT your voice. It was put there by society- capitalism, religion, patriarchy, white supremacy, school, religion- in an attempt to control you. And it’s time we undo it. This is Part 1 of a 2-part series that will help you get rid of your inner critic. The first step is truly becoming aware of what it is and where it came from and that’s what I’ll cover in this episode. /episode/index/show/lessonsfromaquitter/id/24571263

You picked your goal...now what? 01/27/2026

You picked your goal...now what? In this episode of Lessons from a Quitter, we conclude our series on goal-setting by tackling the often-overlooked yet critical step: what to do after setting your goal. I share actionable tips to break your goal into manageable steps, focus on short-term milestones, and embrace the inevitable challenges along the way. You'll learn why expecting inconsistency is key, how to avoid all-or-nothing thinking, and the importance of weekly evaluations to adapt and improve. If you're ready to build momentum and finally achieve your goals, this episode will provide the tools and mindset shifts you need to succeed. /episode/index/show/lessonsfromaquitter/id/34353880

The side effects of your goals 01/20/2026

The side effects of your goals In this episode of Lessons from a Quitter, we explore the deeper purpose of goal-setting and how it transforms not just your life but those around you. It's not about checking boxes or achieving arbitrary milestones—it's about the ripple effects your growth creates. From setting an example for your family to overcoming fears of judgment, your goals help you become the person you aspire to be. We discuss why embracing challenges is essential for meaningful change and how to choose goals that align with your future self. Join us to redefine success and build a life you truly love. /episode/index/show/lessonsfromaquitter/id/34245445

REPLAY: Only pick one goal 01/13/2026

REPLAY: Only pick one goal This week on Lessons from a Quitter, we continue our three-part miniseries on redefining goal setting. We break down the pitfalls of traditional approaches to goals and advocate for focusing on just one priority per year. Learn how this strategy builds self-trust, minimizes overwhelm, and creates lasting habits. Whether you're juggling personal and professional ambitions or battling self-doubt, this episode will inspire you to set meaningful goals without sacrificing your well-being. Plus, hear more about the upcoming “Goals That Stick” workshop, a full-day event designed to help you master goal-setting for sustainable success. /episode/index/show/lessonsfromaquitter/id/34145225

REPLAY: How to Properly Set Goals to Actually Achieve your Dreams 01/06/2026

REPLAY: How to Properly Set Goals to Actually Achieve your Dreams If you’re serious about achieving the many dreams you have for your life, you need to start getting serious about goal-setting. I know goal-setting, especially around New Year’s, gets a bad rap. But I always find it laughable that people look down on New Year's resolutions. Because think about the logic:⁠ ⁠ ▪️ People use the New Year as a time to reflect and set new goals. -->⁠ ⁠ ▪️ Most people don't set goals the right way and so they give up on them quickly. -->⁠ ⁠ ▪️ And so everyone has now decided that the only way to solve this problem is to not set goals in the first place.⁠ ⁠ I'm sorry. WHAT?!? 🙃⁠ ⁠ I hate to break it to you but setting goals is not the issue in this equation.⁠ ⁠ Not setting the right types of goals and not having a plan to implement those goals is the problem.⁠ ⁠ And, sure, you don't need to wait until New Year's to set goals. In fact, you should be setting them every 90 days and re-evaluating them constantly.⁠ ⁠ But the New Year is a great time for new beginnings.⁠ ⁠ So don't give in to what the haters say. Spend some time figuring out what you want out of the new year and how you can show up as a better version of yourself.⁠ ⁠ And, to help, this week's episode is all about how to set goals the right way in order to actually achieve your dreams.⁠ WHAT WE COVER IN THIS EPISODE: - Why you need goals - Principles of Goal-Setting - How to Set the Right Types of Goals - How to Plan Your Week So You Can Work on Your Goals - and more... /episode/index/show/lessonsfromaquitter/id/12564122

Reflection on 7 years of podcasting 12/30/2025

Reflection on 7 years of podcasting In this deeply personal farewell episode, I reflect on seven years of Lessons from a Quitter as I step into a 2026 sabbatical—unsure what comes next. I share why this podcast was worth starting long before it was “successful,” and how creating something scary reshaped my confidence, career, and life. We unpack letting go of metrics, redefining success, building meaningful community, and why you don’t need to be an expert to begin. This episode is an invitation to honor your curiosity, trust the messy middle, and finally start the thing you can’t stop thinking about. /episode/index/show/lessonsfromaquitter/id/39507610

Top 10 Lessons From a Quitter 12/23/2025

Top 10 Lessons From a Quitter In this deeply reflective episode of Lessons from a Quitter, I share the 10 core lessons I wish I could tattoo on your brain before stepping away for my first sabbatical in seven years. This episode is about releasing shame, trusting your humanity, and letting go of the pressure to have life figured out. We talk about why burnout isn’t a personal failure, why growth matters more than outcomes, and how changing your mind is a sign of wisdom—not weakness. If you’re stuck between quitting and staying, this episode invites you to be gentler with yourself and redesign a life that actually fits you. /episode/index/show/lessonsfromaquitter/id/39502815

Lessons from a Quitter

TOPICS