Explore every episode of the podcast Confessions of a former Workaholic

Whether it’s perfectionism, professionalism, or easygoing denial, these masks drain your energy, hurt your health, and keep your most authentic self hidden—and it’s exhausting. In this powerful episode, Lindsey Peterka, a former workaholic in recovery, exposes the truth behind these masks and reveals how they sabotage your relationships, your well-being, and your growth.

She shares personal stories—like the toll of perfecting her image through her marriage—and practical strategies for dismantling these defensive layers.

You'll discover:

• The real cost of wearing a corporate mask and how it’s silently draining your energy
• The 3-step process to safely start dropping these defenses in small, manageable doses
• How to recognize the physical and emotional signs when you’re performing rather than being authentic
• Why vulnerability isn’t about oversharing but about choosing when and with whom to show your true self
• The dangers of shame and stress fueled by perfectionism—and how to rewire your nervous system for confidence and ease

For the workaholic who is tired of feeling like you’re burning out trying to keep up a false front. When you learn to gently peel back these layers, you unlock the full energy and presence needed to thrive—personally and professionally. If you’re ready to stop wasting your life in performance mode and start showing up as your authentic self, this episode is your wake-up call. Lindsey's honest insights and practical tips will guide you toward more genuine connections, less stress, and a life less masked—where you're free to thrive and not just survive.

The real you is enough, life is easier when we let sh*t go.

I think you love your job more than you love me." With those exact words from my ex-husband 6.5 years ago,I hit rock bottom and began my journey from chronic workaholism to somatic regulation. In this raw, AA-style episode, I'm sharing the unhinged reality of what happens when your identity is entirely tied to what you produce.

Reflecting on the massive contrast between dysregulated Lindsey 10 years ago—starting my first career and marriage and redlining in the high-pressure consulting industry—and my grounded, engaged life today, I unpack why we become addicted to the external "pat on the head" at the expense of the people we love.

This episode introduces The Housed 9, a manifesto of nine essential life skills that double as work skills, designed to help high-performers step out of survival mode, regulate their nervous systems, and reclaim The Balanced Vision for their lives.

• The AA Realization: Workaholism is an addiction to validation, often baked directly into our family conditioning and corporate systems.
• The Performance Identity Trap: True value doesn't come from a busy calendar or a never-ending hustle; it comes from being present.
• The Power of Presence: Time is your only non-renewable resource. The ultimate gift you can give your team, your partner, and yourself is your undivided, regulated attention.

*** "Life just gets a little bit easier when we learn to let go."