Explore every episode of the podcast The Corporate Burnouts Podcast

You picked a career at 18. Did anyone ask what you wanted your life to look like?

In Episode 84, Mandy Alt and Mandy Holt dig into why so many people climb the ladder, reach the top and still feel empty. Starting with the college-planning chaos in both of their homes and a viral trend of high achievers walking away from the careers they spent decades building, they unpack why happiness isn't a destination, why midlife feels like a tipping point, and the better questions to ask before (and after) you pick a path.

In this episode:

• Why "what do you want to be when you grow up?" is the wrong question
• Choosing a career based on the life you want, not just the title
• Happiness is not a destination
• Midlife crisis or midlife wake-up call?
• Reevaluating your career at 25, 30, 35 and 40
• The random-Tuesday test
• Why your job doesn't have to be your passion
• It's okay to want money (just know the trade-off)
• Finding your non-negotiables
• Every career has a cost
• Future tripping and the "I'll be happy when…" trap
• Why waiting until retirement to live is a bad plan

For anyone in their 30s or 40s wondering "is this it?", parents helping a teen figure out what's next, and anyone thinking about trading a big paycheck for a life they actually love.

New episodes every week for anyone trying to survive (or escape) the corporate grind.

Give yourself one task and eight hours, and guess how long it takes?

In Episode 83, Mandy Alt and Mandy Holt dig into why you're more productive when you're busy, and slower than molasses when your calendar is wide open. From a viral three-jobs story (that may have been satire) to waiting tables in the weeds, they break down Parkinson's Law, momentum and the voice in your head that negotiates "twenty more minutes." Then they share the simple ways they create a "good busy" on purpose, without burning out.

In this episode:

• Parkinson's Law: why work expands to fill the time you give it
• Momentum and why sitting down kills your whole evening
• The self-negotiation trap and procrastination
• Fake deadlines vs. real commitments
• Scheduling something every couple of hours and time blocking
• Asking your boss to hold you accountable
• How deadlines create clarity and cut perfectionism
• Stacking errands when you work from home
• Knowing your next three things
• A free tip: how AI is finding businesses through blog posts

For anyone who procrastinates on slow days, anyone who works from home and struggles to get moving, and anyone who wants to finish work by noon and actually enjoy the rest of the day.

New episodes every week for anyone trying to survive (or escape) the corporate grind.

If working from home was such a problem, why did it take until 2026 for anyone to say so?

In Episode 82, Mandy Alt and Mandy Holt break down the real return-to-office timeline: the 2020 shutdown, the 2021–2022 hot labor market that turned remote work into a hiring perk, the messy 2023 "back to normal" push, and the 2024 layoffs that flipped power back to employers. They get into the theories nobody says out loud, what happens to people hired 100% remote who now live nowhere near an office, and what a commute actually costs once you add it all up.

In this episode:

• ​A real timeline: 2020 lockdowns to 2026 mandates
• ​The real estate and power-and-control theories behind RTO
• ​What happens when you're hired fully remote and then told to relocate
• ​The hidden cost of commuting: gas, time, clothes and childcare
• ​Why "be more productive" isn't a real reason without a system behind it
• ​How to negotiate before you comply
• ​The stats: 91% of Amazon employees unhappy, 80% of companies losing talent

For anyone who got the "come back to the office" email out of nowhere, anyone hired fully remote who's now stuck, and anyone tired of mandates with no real explanation behind them.

New episodes every week for anyone trying to survive (or escape) the corporate grind.

Also, if you are interested in checking out the fidget tools we talked about on this episode, please use this link to get 10% off - https://getono.com/TCB10

Burnout isn't just coming for your health. It's coming for your bank account.

In Episode 81, Mandy Alt and Mandy Holt get honest about what burnout really cost them: late-night retail therapy, Target runs that always hit $200, delivery apps, paying for chores they couldn't face, and bills that didn't get paid until the water got shut off. They break down why burnout spending is really escapism, how financial procrastination sneaks in even when the money is there, and how to stop the financial bleed without shaming yourself.

In this episode:

• Retail therapy and stress spending as burnout coping
• Grocery delivery, DoorDash and why simple tasks feel impossible
• Outsourcing chores: healthy choice or avoidance?
• Financial procrastination and paying bills late
• Automating your bills to cut the mental load
• Skipped raises and retirement savings on pause
• How to do a 60–90 day burnout spending audit
• Why your career can't be your whole identity

For anyone who's burned out and watching their card statement tell the story, anyone who "treats themselves" just to get through the week, and anyone ready to take back control of their money. (Not financial advice, just real talk.)

Next week: a brand-new episode for anyone trying to survive (or escape) the corporate grind.

One 30-minute conversation blew up an entire business plan this week — and it started with a ChatGPT prompt at 11 p.m.

Mandy and Mandy talk honestly about playing small: staying quiet in meetings when you have the better idea, undercharging because you're "still new," waiting for someone else to tell you you're ready. Mandy Alt shares the $750 website that kicked off her marketing agency and what those years of underpricing actually cost. Mandy Holt breaks down the gut-check question nobody wants to answer: who benefits when you stay small?

This one's for anyone in corporate, running a business, or somewhere in between who's been comfortable a little too long.

In this episode: the signs you're playing small, where the habit comes from, why imposter syndrome keeps good ideas trapped in your head, the real financial cost of underselling yourself, the "every idea is an ugly baby" rule, keeping a written record of your wins, and the one-size-up challenge to try this week.

The prompts from the episode, as promised:

"Based on everything I've ever told you, tell me 5 things about me that you've figured out yourself. And don't soften it for me. Tell me straight." And then after it give you your answer, ask it this follow up question. "What pattern do you see in the way that I work now? Predict the next 5 years if nothing changes. Also predict the next 5 years if I fix this one thing."

Have a work secret you've never told anyone? Drop it anonymously at thecorporateburnouts.com under the Secrets tab. We'll tell it and we won't tell them it's yours.

Follow the show so new episodes land in your feed every Thursday morning.

Bre K is back, the "Vanilla Ice of business" returns to talk systems, scaling, and why most side hustles don't make it past year five. We dig into what actually causes businesses to implode (hint: it's not lack of hustle, it's lack of structure), why you should hire before you feel ready, and why betting on yourself is non-negotiable even when your own people are scared for you. Real talk on cash flow, CRMs, and the pain of discipline vs. the pain of regret.

Find Bre K:
Instagram: @heyitsbrek
Website: heyitsbrek.com

🎧 Subscribe for new episodes of The Corporate Burnouts Podcast every week.

Mandy Alt is racing toward a November 30th launch for her passion-project app — and it's the perfect excuse to talk about turning a side hustle into a full-time business. The Mandys break down the real signs you're ready to quit your job, how to calculate the income you actually need (hint: it's not just your take-home goal), and the gut-check question that tells you whether you want a business or just a way out of a job you hate. If you've been sitting on an idea, this is your permission slip to get honest about the how.

You clock out. You leave the office. You shut the laptop.

But did you actually leave work behind?

In this episode of The Corporate Burnouts, Mandy Holt and Mandy Alt talk about what happens when work starts changing the person you are at home. Maybe you’re more irritable. You have less patience. You’re mentally somewhere else. Your family knows not to bother you after a bad day, or the people you love are consistently getting whatever energy you have left after work takes the rest.

And sometimes, you don’t even realize it’s happening.

The Mandys unpack how work stress follows us home, why the people closest to us are often the easiest to shortchange, and how constant venting, checking emails, taking calls, and carrying workplace drama into your personal life can slowly affect your relationships—and you.

They also talk about realistic ways to create a transition between work you and home you, even if quitting your job or changing your schedule isn’t an option.

And they leave you with two questions worth sitting with:

Who do you want the people you love to remember you as during this season of your life?

And…

What is prioritizing work this way costing you?

Because your job already gets a huge portion of your life. It doesn’t have to get all of you, too.

Shannon Shores, social worker turned entrepreneur, business owner, and consultant, joins us to torch the myth that career success has to look like one straight line up a corporate ladder. Shannon's path has taken her from clinical social work to founding and selling a nationwide STD-testing company, into executive roles, and back out again — and she's here to explain why that kind of movement isn't "job hopping," it's strategy.

We dig into her "captain vs. crew" framework for knowing when you're built to lead vs. support, why burnout really means losing your purpose (not just working too many hours), and how to walk into an interview knowing you're evaluating them just as much as they're evaluating you. Shannon also breaks down why job-hopping got such a bad reputation in the first place, and why the real red flag isn't changing jobs — it's staying somewhere long after you've stopped growing.

If you've ever felt guilty for outgrowing a job, this episode is your permission slip.

Connect with Shannon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannon-shores/

In this episode of The Corporate Burnouts, Mandy Holt and Mandy Alt unpack something they both realized about themselves: they're really bad at being "off." What starts as a conversation about vacations, "girl dinner," and Sunday routines quickly turns into a much bigger discussion about why so many of us feel guilty when we're not being productive.

Why do we turn every hobby into a side hustle? Why does watching a movie feel like wasted time unless we're multitasking? And when did "I'm so busy" become the default answer to "How are you?"

Together, the Mandys explore:

• Why hustle culture has rewired our brains
• The difference between resting and simply switching responsibilities
• Productivity guilt and why doing nothing feels so uncomfortable
• How work quietly becomes our identity
• The hobbies and simple joys we've abandoned as adults
• Why vacations feel easier than staycations
• The pressure to monetize everything we enjoy
• One question everyone should ask themselves: Who were you before your career?

By the end of the episode, they challenge themselves, and you, to intentionally make time for fun, not because it's productive, profitable, or serves someone else... but simply because it brings you joy.

 Question for you:
What would your perfect Sunday look like if you had zero responsibilities? Tell us in the comments and we will feature some of your ideas in a future episode.

Most people who are miserable at work aren't overworked, they're just confused. No clear expectations. No idea what "doing a good job" even looks like. Sound familiar?

This week Mandy and Mandy open up about a scratch-cake baking fail (turns out unclear instructions aren't just a workplace problem) before diving into a conversation with career clarity expert Lynnae Brown. Lynnae helps people figure out exactly what's expected of them at work, and how to stop feeling lost in their own job.

If you've ever sat at your desk wondering "wait, am I even doing this right?" — this episode is your permission slip to get clear.

New episodes drop every Thursday. Follow The Corporate Burnouts so you never miss one!

The Great Gen Z Soft Skills Debate: Who's Really to Blame?

Mandy Holt and Mandy Alt are back with a conversation that got a little too real. It starts with a story about a teenage road trip speed trap crackdown and spirals into a full breakdown of why Gen Z is entering the workforce without the soft skills managers say they need — and who actually dropped the ball.

The Mandys dig into the millennial and Gen X parenting instinct to smooth every hard thing over for our kids, why that's created a generation that's smart, capable, and totally unequipped for confrontation, feedback, and phone calls. They talk through the CAPS program and why more schools need it, why "just text me" is a red flag in an interview, how to actually ask AI a good question (it's a skill!), and what it really takes to get hired right now if you're missing some of these fundamentals.

Whether you're a Gen Z listener trying to figure out why you're not landing interviews, or a manager trying to bridge the gap with your team, this one's got something for you.

In this episode:

• Why millennial and Gen X parents may have created the soft skills gap
• The CAPS program and why every school should have one
• Red flags (and green flags) in interviewing young talent
• Why "how do you like to receive feedback" is the most telling interview question
• Learning to ask AI (and Google) better questions
• Advice for Gen Z job seekers on standing out despite the skills gap

Got thoughts? Leave a review and let us know where you land. New episodes every week — hit follow so you don't miss the next one.

Two Mandys, Two Shit-Your-Pants Stories, and the Brain Chemistry of Being Mortified

This week the Mandys are diving into the most embarrassing, cringe-inducing moments of their corporate careers — and yes, that includes bathroom disasters, hair emergencies, and getting caught up in an office dating scandal.

Mandy Alt kicks things off with a Louisville road trip flashback (RIP to the Waze app that led them straight into an alley) before getting real about the time she was cheated on by a coworker who was also her friend — and how close she came to quitting over the humiliation alone. Then Mandy Holt shares the story of oversleeping before a presentation with soaking wet, unwashed hair and having to own it in front of a room full of co-workers...but worse, shitting her pants twice in a week. Yes, twice!

Along the way, they get into the actual neuroscience of embarrassment (why does your brain think you're going to die?), why owning a mistake beats denying it every time, and why cancel culture makes "how you handle it" more important than the mistake itself.

💬 We want YOUR stories. Send us your most embarrassing work moments — and let us know if you quit afterward or went back in. We might share it on our stories!

Follow The Corporate Burnouts for weekly conversations on workplace chaos, corporate survival, and the stuff nobody puts in the employee handbook.

Topics covered: embarrassing work stories, workplace mistakes, office dating drama, imposter syndrome, cancel culture, cortisol and adrenaline response, how to bounce back from humiliation at work

If you ignore AI for the next two years, what happens to your career? Organizational psychologist Dr. Kelly Monahan says you'll be left behind, not by AI itself, but by the people who learned to use it.

Kelly spent 15 years researching the future of work at Meta, Upwork, Accenture, and Deloitte, and she joins Mandy Alt and Mandy Holt to break down what's actually happening behind the scenes as companies weigh AI against payroll.

In this episode:

- Why AI can do about a third of most jobs better than you can — and what to do with that freed-up time

- The real skills that matter now: intellectual curiosity, a "learning muscle," and basic statistics literacy

- Why older generations are more excited about AI than Gen Z (and what that says about who's actually at risk)

- The three-step growth path for using AI in a small business: speed, scale, and scope

- Which jobs are safest from automation — hint: it's not the ones sitting behind a computer

- The mistakes new entrepreneurs make when they lean on AI too hard, and where a human still has to have the final say

Kelly is the bestselling author of Essential and the founder of Beyond the Desk. Her new book, Reclaim the Plot: How Leaders Rewrite the Story When AI Rewrites Work, drops September 29th. Pre-order here - https://www.reclaimtheplotbook.com/

Ways to find Kelly:

Website - https://drkellymonahan.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/monahankelly/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-monahan-ph-d-18879413/

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@futureofworkisnow

Whether you're worried about your job, building a business, or just trying to make sense of the AI noise, this conversation is a grounded, no-BS look at where work is actually headed.

Corporate taught us more than we realized and not all of it was bad. This week Mandy and Mandy break down the skills they took from corporate America that actually made them better parents, partners, and business owners: having hard conversations, asking better questions, and mastering the art of small talk. They also get honest about the habits they're still trying to unlearn like guilt over taking breaks, feeling obligated to answer every text immediately, and the hustle culture hangover that doesn't quit.

Plus, a girls' weekend in St. Louis, a rebrand photo shoot neither of them loved sitting for, and why one of them still color-codes her calendar like it's a corporate performance review.

What did YOU take from corporate that still shows up in your everyday life? Drop it in the comments — we want to know.

🎧 New episodes every Thursday from The Corporate Burnouts

What would you actually do if you woke up tomorrow with all your skills, experience, and wisdom, but zero network, zero reputation, and zero job or clients? That's the question driving this week's episode of The Corporate Burnouts.

The Mandys get into it: the soft skills that outlast any job title, why your career path is probably circumstance, not intention, and what it really means to redefine success on your own terms.

Plus: Mandy Holt's unexpected obsession with hibiscus plants, Mandy Alt's townhouse sale saga, the difference between working for something and fighting for it, and why so many of us feel trapped by a degree or a title we worked hard to earn.

They close with a challenge: do a lifestyle audit. Ask yourself the hard question and stop waiting for a catastrophe to give yourself permission.

📩 Share what YOU would do: hello@thecorporateburnouts.com

Why High-Achieving Women Get Stuck — and How to Break Free | Ep. 68 with Ali Carson

If you've ever felt stuck in your career, burned out from chasing the wrong version of success, or like you're getting in your own way, this episode is for you.

We're joined by Ali Carson, MBA, ACC, Gallup certified strengths coach, brain-based coach, two-time #1 international bestselling author, and founder of Movere Coaching. With 20+ years in HR and leadership development, Ali helps high-achieving women unlock their strengths and lead with authenticity.

In this episode, we dig into:✔️ Why high-achieving women are often the last to recognize when they're stuck✔️ The hidden habits holding women back and the books that expose them✔️ How redefining success changed everything for Ali (and can for you too)✔️ Limiting beliefs: what they are, where they come from, and how to release them✔️ The "implementation intentions" strategy that makes change actually stick✔️ Why accountability is the missing piece most people ignore✔️ Ali's Rise & Thrive group coaching program and why community matters in growth

Ali's story — from small-town Missouri to building her own coaching business after losing both parents and walking away from burnout — is raw, real, and deeply relatable.

Whether you're still in corporate or building something of your own, this episode will help you stop letting yourself get in your own way.

🔗 Find Ali Carson:

- Website - https://moverecoaching.com/

- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/moverecoaching/

- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/movere-coaching

- Links to books she is a part of - https://bit.ly/4olVY4H & https://bit.ly/49VJStk

Ever felt like you've "tricked" everyone into thinking you belong? Yeah, us too.

In Episode 67, both Mandys get real about imposter syndrome: what it actually feels like, why it hits hardest when you're leveling up, and why the goal was never to get rid of it. From Mandy Holt sitting in a boardroom at a multi-billion dollar company thinking "I have done it, I have screwed myself", to Mandy Alt pouring foamy beers as a brand new bartender, we've both been there.

We talk about why imposter syndrome is actually a signal (not a stop sign), how to borrow confidence from the people around you, and why "ready" is a decision, not a feeling.

Plus, college tours, early graduation drama, camper rentals, and a Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead reference you didn't know you needed.

Topics: imposter syndrome, women in business, career growth, self-doubt, mindset, entrepreneurship, burnout recovery, personal development

You are not a victim of your corporate life and this episode is your wake-up call.

In Episode 66, both Mandys get real about one of the most uncomfortable truths in burnout recovery: personal responsibility. After 65 episodes of unpacking toxic workplaces, bad bosses, and burnout, they're turning the mirror around on themselves and on you.

They dig into why so many of us stay stuck in jobs we hate, and it's not just the health insurance. It's fear. It's comfort. It's a corporate identity we've built our entire self-worth around. It's the "frog in the pot" effect and the complaining circles that keep us boiling.

This episode covers:

• Why you're not a victim (even when it really feels like you are)
• The "frog in the pot" theory and how corporate life slowly normalizes the unbearable
• Professional codependency — and why loyalty to your boss isn't a reason to stay
• The "choose your hard" mindset shift that changes everything
• The questions you need to ask yourself if you're ready to explore what's next

Plus, a reference back to their episode with Rachel Zimmerman on health insurance options outside of corporate, and a sneak peek at next week's topic: imposter syndrome.

If you've ever told yourself "I can't leave" , this one's for you.

Confused about health insurance after leaving corporate? You're not alone.

In this episode, we sit down with Rachel Zimmerman, an independent employee benefits broker with 15+ years of experience helping small businesses and individuals navigate the world of health insurance. Whether you're leaving a 9-to-5, starting a business, or just trying to make sense of the marketplace, this episode is your cheat sheet.

We cover:

• The Affordable Care Act (ACA) explained in plain English
• How tax credits work and who actually qualifies
• Why you need a marketplace local broker, not an 800 number
• The difference between marketplace plans and employer group plans
• Missouri's Chamber Benefit Plan (and how to find something similar in your state)
• Prescriptions, networks, and the questions most people forget to ask

Rachel also shares the story behind her women's scuba diving club, Midwest Mermaids Scuba, and her brand-new podcast, Dive Like a Girl, launching June 1st.

This one is packed with real, actionable information that could change how you think about your coverage and maybe even give you the permission you need to take the leap.

How to find Rachel:

Instagram - @midwestmermaidsscuba / @thehealthinsurancelady

Websites - https://zimmermanbenefits.com/ & https://midwestmermaids.com/

We'll be honest, one of us procrastinated on her own podcast class about podcasting. And that's exactly how this episode happened.

This week, the Mandys get real about procrastination: why we do it, why we can't seem to stop, and the tips and tricks we're actually putting into practice. No judgment. We're both works in progress.

We get into:

• Why procrastination isn't laziness — it's often fear, overwhelm, perfectionism, or ADHD
• The dopamine hit of the deadline and why some of us genuinely do our best work under pressure
• Why the "eat that frog" method and waking up at 5am won't work for everyone
• The brain dump + time blocking combo that's actually making a difference
• How to use a secondary calendar to stop your week from blowing up on Thursday
• Why setting deadlines, even fake ones, changes everything
• The resentment connection: why you're putting off that task at work (hint: it might be a sign)
• The bite-sized piece method for massive projects you keep avoiding
• Why procrastinating on things that don't have deadlines is punishing future you
• How to take the shame out of the way your brain actually works

🔒 Share your corporate secrets anonymously at thecorporateburnouts.com⭐ Subscribe & leave a review — it means more than you know!

Whether you're the boss or the employee, giving and receiving feedback is one of the hardest parts of any workplace, and nobody teaches you how to do it.

This week, the Mandys break down a real-life corporate nightmare: a manager who calls out his entire team on a weekly group call, gets called out himself for it, and completely falls apart. From there, the conversation goes deep on what actually makes feedback land, and what makes it blow up in everyone's face.

They cover:

• Why bad bosses use feedback as an outlet for frustration (and how to spot it)
• The "praise in public, coach in private" rule and when to break it
• How to give feedback that actually changes behavior vs. just venting
• What to ask your team before you ever give feedback
• How to separate the delivery from the content when feedback is given badly
• The mindset shift that turns even the worst feedback into real growth

If you've ever had a boss who couldn't take what they dished out, managed someone who shuts down at the first sign of criticism, or just want to get better at this stuff, this episode is for you.

The Corporate Burnouts is your no-BS, real-talk podcast for anyone who's ever wanted to quit, already quit, or is somewhere in between.

New episodes every week. Follow so you never miss one.

We've talked about burnout a lot. But this week, we brought in someone who can explain why it's happening in your body — at a biological level.

International bestselling author and physiotherapist Jessica Maguire joins the Mandys to break down the nervous system science behind burnout, and honestly? Everything finally makes sense.

This episode covers:

• What the vagus nerve actually is and why it controls so much more than you think
• Why burnout isn't a willpower problem — it's a physiology problem
• The "hot water" analogy that perfectly explains how we end up completely depleted
• Why the freeze response gets unfairly judged (and why it's not weakness)
• The physical symptoms of burnout you're probably not connecting to your job — gut issues, brain fog, immune problems, loss of libido, and more
• How to start regulating your nervous system if you're already deep in it
• Why play — yes, actual play — is one of the most powerful recovery tools
• The role of shame, perfectionism, and overachieving in keeping you stuck

Jessica has trained over 25,000 people through her nervous system programs and her book The Nervous System Reset has been published in 9+ languages. This one is packed.

Find Jessica:

Website: https://www.jessicamaguire.com/

Instagram: @repairing_the_nervous_system

Purchase her book (The Nervous System Reset): https://bit.ly/4w5kNpi

Submit your anonymous corporate secrets: https://www.thecorporateburnouts.com/secretsSubscribe & leave us a review!

Layoffs are happening. Are you ready?

This week, Mandy & Mandy get into one of the most important, and most overlooked, conversations in your career: how to negotiate your severance package. Most people sign whatever is handed to them in that emotionally charged moment. Turns out? That's exactly what they're counting on.

We break down:

Why you should never sign your severance package on the spot

What's actually on the table (hint: it's not just cash — think insurance, equity, laptops, and more)

How to approach the negotiation based on your personality type, even if you hate conflict

Red flags that mean it's time to lawyer up

Why quitting before you get fired might be costing you thousands

The NDA situation you didn't know could work against you

As always, zero judgment, full chaos, real talk.

Submit your anonymous severance story at  https://www.thecorporateburnouts.com/secrets and don't forget to share with a friend and leave a review!

Are corporate politics holding you back or are you just not playing the game yet?

In this episode of The Corporate Burnouts, Mandy Alt and Mandy Holt break down one of the most misunderstoodskills in career growth, navigating corporate politics. Forget the toxic stereotype. This conversation reframes workplace politics as a practical tool for getting promoted, earning raises, and unlocking opportunities you've been working hard for but never getting credit for.

What we cover:

Why hard work alone isn't enough to get noticed at work

How to build strategic visibility without being fake or loud

The power of cross-functional relationships for career advancement

How to self-promote authentically (yes, without the cringe)

Humble bragging, recap emails & other tools to showcase your impact (see episode 35 - Building Your Personal Brand Before You Quit, for a deeper discussion on this!)

The hidden career risks of staying invisible at work

Why your work doesn't speak for itself, butpeople do

Whether you're climbing the corporate ladder, navigating a small business, or building something on your own, thisepisode will change how you think about influence, visibility, and career growth.

Subscribe so you never miss an episode, leave a review if this resonated, and share it with someone who's been putting in the work but not getting the recognition they deserve.

Is company loyalty secretly costing you your career?

In this episode of The Corporate Burnouts, Mandy Alt and Mandy Holt unpack one of the biggest myths in corporate America, that staying loyal to one company is always the smart move.

After decades in corporate careers, the Mandys get real about how the workplace has changed: layoffs, restructuring, shifting leadership, and a loyalty that was never truly two-way. They break down the difference between genuine loyalty and fear disguised as loyalty, and why so many professionals stay stuck out of comfort or uncertainty rather than choice.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• The truth about the "loyalty tax", and what staying put is really costing you financially
• Why job hopping may actually grow your salary faster than staying loyal
• How to tell the difference between alignment and comfort
• Why your identity shouldn't be tied to any one company
• How to give yourself permission to explore without the guilt

Whether you're feeling stuck, questioning your next move, or wondering if you've simply outgrown where you are, this episode will help you take an honest look at your career and what you actually deserve.

New episodes every Thursday. Subscribe so you never miss one!

Connect with The Corporate Burnouts:

Instagram - @thecorporateburnoutspodcast

Facebook - @thecorporateburnoutspodcast

YouTube - @thecorporateburnoutspodcast

TikTok - @thecorporateburnouts

Website - https://www.thecorporateburnouts.com/

In this episode of The Corporate Burnouts, Mandy Alt and Mandy Holt take on one of the most emotionally charged topics in modern work culture: can working moms really “have it all”? From corporate careers and high performance expectations to motherhood, mental load, and burnout, this conversation pulls back the curtain on what it actually feels like to try to be everything to everyone.

Mandy and Mandy share raw, honest experiences about balancing career ambition with family life, the constant pressure of perfectionism, and the invisible mental load that keeps working moms in a cycle of stress, guilt, and exhaustion. They unpack the truth behind the idea of “having it all,” explaining how many women are unknowingly trying to live two full lives at once—career-driven professional and fully present parent—without the time, energy, or support to sustain either at a healthy level. The result? Burnout, resentment, and a loss of joy in both work and home life.

This episode dives into the real reasons behind that feeling, including societal expectations, comparison, fear of missing out, and the pressure to meet unrealistic standards in every role. Most importantly, they challenge listeners to rethink success, redefine priorities, and make intentional choices about where to focus their energy without guilt or judgment.

Whether you’re a working mom, considering leaving corporate, or simply feeling stretched too thin trying to do it all, this episode will help you step back, get honest with yourself, and realize that success isn’t about having everything, it’s about choosing what actually matters.

If this conversation resonates with you, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs permission to stop trying to do it all.

In this episode of The Corporate Burnouts, Mandy Alt and Mandy Holt revisit one of their most talked-about topics, quiet quitting vs quiet survival, but this time, they go deeper. After reflecting on their original conversation and listener feedback, they unpack a powerful realization, there isn’t just one version of quiet quitting, there’s a full spectrum.

From disengaged employees doing the bare minimum to overextended high performers on the edge of burnout, this episode breaks down the real behaviors happening inside today’s workplace and why so many professionals feel stuckbetween burnout and checking out completely. 

Mandy and Mandy introduce a game-changing concept, the “intentional high performer”, a middle ground where you can still grow in your career, set boundaries, protect your energy, and stop tying your identity to your job performance. Through honest storytelling and real-life examples from their own corporate experiences, they explore the dangers of people-pleasing, the hidden “hero complex” that fuels burnout, and how high achievers often confuse overworking with value. 

They also share practical ways to recognize where you fall on the quiet quitting spectrum, how to stop overextending yourself, and how to start making intentional decisions that actually align with your goals, your mental health, and your life outside of work. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, undervalued, burned out, or unsure if you should stay, quit, orjust pull back, this episode will help you reframe everything.You don’t have to choose between being overworked or underperforming. There is a better way. 

If this episode resonates, make sure to subscribe,leave a review and share it with someone who needs to hear that they can still succeed in their career without sacrificing themselves to it.

In this episode of The Corporate Burnouts, hosts Mandy Alt and Mandy Holt unpack a powerful mindset shift for anyone feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unhappy in corporate life. After attending the BECOME Conference, they reflect on a surprising realization: maybe you don’t actually hate your job… maybe you’re just working in a way that doesn’t align with how you function best.

From time management and people-pleasing to lack of control, burnout, and misalignment, this episode dives into the real reasons professionals feel drained at work. Mandy and Mandy share honest experiences from their corporate careers, including juggling expectations, navigating multiple bosses, struggling with productivity, and dealing with tasks that feel meaningless. They also explore practical ways to regain control, set boundaries, align your work with your strengths, and reduce stress without necessarily leaving your job.

If you’re experiencing burnout, considering a career change, or simply trying to enjoy your work again, this conversation will help you reframe your perspective and take actionable steps toward a more fulfilling professional life. You’ll walk away realizing you’re not lazy, unmotivated, or broken—you may just be in the wrong structure or approaching your work in a way that isn’t serving you.

This episode also highlights key lessons from entrepreneurship, marketing collaboration, productivity strategies, and personal growth, making it a must-listen for corporate professionals, entrepreneurs, and anyone navigating career burnout or work-life balance.

If this episode resonates with you, share it with someone who needs it, subscribe to The Corporate Burnouts, and follow along for weekly conversations on surviving and thriving in corporate life.

In this episode of The Corporate Burnouts Podcast, Mandy Holt and Mandy Alt take a hilarious and painfully relatable dive into one of the most infamous parts of corporate life: meetings that should have been emails. From calendars packed with back-to-back meetings to chaotic conference calls, endless PowerPoint presentations, and the dreaded “meeting after the meeting,” the Mandys unpack the good, the bad, and the absolutely ridiculous realities of corporate meetings.

Drawing from their years in corporate environments, they share stories about living and dying by a color-coded calendar, sitting through hours of information that could have been delivered in an email, and the exhausting cycle of meetings that produce more tasks but very few decisions. They also break down what actually makes a productive meeting in the workplace, including why every meeting needs a clear agenda, the right people in the room, a strong leader to keep conversations on track, and the discipline to end early when the work is done.

Along the way, they talk about the psychology of corporate culture, the pressure to contribute in meetings, why so many employees take on extra work just to look good, and how the corporate structure can create layers of unnecessary communication. The conversation also touches on the funny and awkward moments that happen in meetings, from technology mishaps and camera disasters to coworkers who just can’t stop talking.

If you’ve ever stared at a packed calendar, wondered why you’re in a meeting that has nothing to do with your job, or secretly wished someone would just cancel the call, this episode will feel painfully familiar. Whether you’re still navigating corporate life or you’ve escaped the endless meeting cycle, you’ll walk away with insight into how meetings can be run more efficiently, how to protect your time and energy at work, and why setting boundaries around meetings can make a huge difference in productivity and burnout.

If this episode reminds you of a meeting you survived, share it with a coworker who knows exactly what you’re talking about, and follow The Corporate Burnouts Podcast for more honest conversations about corporate culture, workplace burnout, leadership, and life after corporate.

In this episode of The Corporate Burnouts Podcast, Mandy Holt and Mandy Alt dive into one of the most frustrating realities of corporate life: paid time off (PTO). From denied vacation requests and last-minute PTO cancellations to guilt from bosses and the pressure employees feel about stepping away from work, the Mandys unpack the complicated culture surrounding vacation time in the United States.

They explore why nearly half of American employees don’t use all of their PTO, how corporate policies like accrued vacation time, manager approval, use-it-or-lose-it policies, and unlimited PTO often create more stress than freedom, and why burnout is often tied directly to the inability to truly disconnect from work.

Drawing from their own experiences in corporate leadership, the restaurant industry, and now entrepreneurship, they discuss the emotional and professional trade-offs between traditional corporate benefits and the reality of running your own business or working as a 1099 contractor where paid vacation technically doesn’t exist. Along the way, they break down the psychology behind workplace guilt, favoritism in PTO approval, how vacation culture differs in Europe where workers receive 20–30 days of vacation by law, and whether unlimited PTO is actually a perk or a hidden productivity strategy used by companies.

If you’ve ever struggled to get vacation approved, felt guilty about taking time off, wondered whether corporate benefits are worth it, or tried to balance work, burnout, and personal life, this episode will resonate with you.

Listen now to join the conversation about PTO culture, workplace expectations, and finding healthier boundaries around work and rest, and don’t forget to follow The Corporate Burnouts and share your own PTO horror stories, workplace frustrations, or terrible boss experiences at thecorporateburnouts.com for a chance to have your story featured in a future episode.

And don't forget, there are still a couple of tickets available for the Become Women's Summit in St. Louis March 12-13. Use this link to get your ticket before they sell out! https://littleblackbook.wildapricot.org/event-6349380

In this episode of The Corporate Burnouts, Mandy Holt and Mandy Alt unpack the reality of stepping into leadership, getting promoted, or starting a business, and why the next rung on the ladder isn’t always what you think it will be. From middle management burnout to becoming the boss with noone above you saying “good job,” this honest conversation explores the hidden emotional shift that happens when you move from being the high-performing employee to the leader responsible for everyone else’s success. 

The Mandys dive into control issues, delegation, micromanaging, loneliness in leadership, resentment overrecognition, and the mindset shift required to find validation in your team’s wins instead of your own applause. They discuss how corporate culture conditions us to chase promotions without questioning whether leadership is actually aligned with our strengths, and why some people are meant to be coaches while others are meant to be stars. 

If you’re navigating a promotion, building a small business, feeling isolated as a leader, or wondering whether you’re in the right seat on the bus, this episode will challenge your expectations and help you rethink where your fulfillment should come from. Listen in, reflect on whether you need a mindset shift or a role shift, share this episode with someone stepping into leadership, and follow The Corporate Burnouts for real conversations about burnout, business ownership,corporate life, and finding the right path for you.

If youw would like to join us at The Become Women's Summit in St. Louis March 12-13, there are only a couple tickets left. Use this link to register today before they sell out!  https://littleblackbook.wildapricot.org/event-6349380

In this special one-year anniversary episode of The Corporate Burnouts, Mandy Alt and Mandy Holt dive into one of the most debated workplace topics, office romance. From dating a coworker to dating your boss, navigating power dynamics, favoritism, jealousy, workplace gossip, and messy breakups, this episode explores the real pros and cons of workplace relationships.

With over 60% of people experiencing a workplace romanceand nearly half leading to long-term relationships or marriage, it’s no surprise that office dating is common. But is it worth the risk? The Mandys share personal stories from their restaurant industry days, unpack the psychology behind why workplace relationships feel so intense, and discuss the professional risks that come with mixing business and pleasure. They also break down power imbalances, HR policies, performance reviews, manipulation risks, and the legal and career consequences that can follow when dating crossesprofessional lines.

From wild cheating scandals and corporate horror storiesto real examples of marriages that started at work, this episode covers the full spectrum of workplace drama. If you’ve ever had a crush on a coworker, dated your manager, considered disclosing a workplace relationship to HR, orsurvived a messy office breakup, this conversation will feel uncomfortably relatable.

As The Corporate Burnouts celebrates one full year and 52consecutive episodes without missing a week, this conversation reflects on growth, risk, personal responsibility, and the lessons learned from corporate life and beyond. If you’re navigating corporate culture, workplace politics,career burnout, or trying to figure out how relationships impact your professional path, this episode is for you.

If you would like to see the TikTok video(s) the Mandyswere discussing, here is the link to part 1 of this series. You can find the rest on this creator's channel. https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZThQg7hry/⁠

Make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share thisepisode with a friend who needs to hear it. If you or someone you know has a wild workplace romance story, corporate burnout journey, or small business transition story, reach out through thecorporateburnouts.com. We’d love to feature you on an upcoming episode.

In this episode of The Corporate Burnouts, Mandy Holt and Mandy Alt tackle one of the biggest workplace and cultural conversations happening right now: artificial intelligence. From ChatGPT and AI-generated content to AI in hiring, layoffs, resume screening, creativity, mental health, and even drive-thru ordering, this conversation explores both the benefits and the unintended consequences of AI in business and everyday life.

The Mandys openly discuss how they use AI for brainstorming, SEO, marketing strategy, schema markup, coding, and workflow efficiency, while also questioning whether reliance on AI is weakening creativity, critical thinking, and human connection.

They dive into controversial topics like AI replacing jobs, AI scanning resumes and impacting the job market, environmental concerns around data centers, AI-generated art and music lacking “soul,” AI being used for therapy and validation, and the growing cultural tension around authenticity versus automation.

This episode challenges listeners to think critically about how AI is shaping the future of work, education, entrepreneurship, hiring practices, and even personal relationships. If you’ve wondered whether AI is a productivity tool or a creativity killer, whether it’s helping or harming the workforce, or how to use AI responsibly without losing your human edge, this conversation will stretch your perspective.

Listen in, reflect on how you’re using AI in your own career and home life, share this episode with someone navigating technology overwhelm, and follow The Corporate Burnouts for honest conversations about work, burnout, culture shifts, and the evolving future of business.

And if you’re looking for inspiration and education that leads to actionable change, check out the Become Conference in St. Louis this March 12-13 and come say hi, we’d love to meet you. Here is the link to register for Become now - https://littleblackbook.wildapricot.org/event-6349380

In this episode of The Corporate Burnouts, Mandy Holt and Mandy Alt sit down with Whitney Kenter for an honest conversation about what happens when you do everything “right” on paper but still feel deeply unfulfilled. Whitney shares her journey from building a successful corporate career to realizing that achievement without alignment leads straight to burnout, resentment, and emotional exhaustion.

Together, they unpack the quiet warning signs so many high performers ignore, how grief, pressure, and identity become tangled up in work, and why walking away from a stable career can feel both terrifying and freeing. This conversation explores burnout recovery, redefining success, trusting your intuition, and what it actually takes to rebuild a life and career that bring joy instead of constant stress.

If you’ve ever felt stuck in a job you’re good at but no longer connected to, questioned whether burnout is a season or a signal, or wondered if it’s possible to start over without losing yourself, this episode offers clarity, validation, and permission to want more.

Listen in, reflect on what fulfillment really means for you, share this episode with someone navigating burnout or career transition, and follow The Corporate Burnouts for honest conversations about work, identity, healing, and life beyond corporate expectations.

If you liked hearing from Whitney, here are some ways to find her -

Website: https://www.gloweconnective.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gloweconnective/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/whitney-k-glowe/

Come see her keynote at the Become Women's Conference: https://littleblackbook.wildapricot.org/event-6349380

In this episode of The Corporate Burnouts, Mandy Holt and Mandy Alt take a deeper look at the viral workplace trend and ask the question no one seems to be answering honestly: are people really disengaging from work, or are they simply trying to survive it? Drawing from lived corporate experience, leadership roles, and burnout recovery, the Mandys unpack how quiet quitting is often less about laziness or lack of ambition and more about self-preservation, boundary-setting, and exhaustion after years of over-performance.

They explore how toxic work cultures, unclear expectations, emotional labor, and constant pressure have pushed employees into doing the bare minimum not out of rebellion, but out of necessity. This episode challenges the narrative pushed by hustle culture and corporate leadership, reframes quiet quitting as a signal rather than a problem, and helps listeners identify whether they’re pulling back because they’ve checked out, or because they’re protecting their mental health.

If you’ve been accused of quiet quitting, feel guilty for no longer “going above and beyond,” or are questioning your relationship with work altogether, this conversation will help you name what’s really happening, validate your experience, and consider what sustainable work should actually look like.

Listen in, reflect on where you might be surviving instead of thriving, share this episode with someone who feels burned out but unseen, and follow The Corporate Burnouts for honest conversations about work, burnout, boundaries, and life after corporate.

And if you’re looking for inspiration and education that leads to actionable change, check out the Become Conference in St. Louis this March 12-13 and come say hi, we’d love to meet you. Here is the link to register for Become now - https://littleblackbook.wildapricot.org/event-6349380

In this episode of The Corporate Burnouts, Mandy Holt and Mandy Alt unpack what they call the “corporate personality hangover”, the lingering habits, people-pleasing instincts, and emotional masking that follow you long after leaving corporate life. Sparked by a difficult client situation, the Mandys explore how corporate conditioning shows up in conflict, communication, crisis management, and boundary-setting, even when you’re running your own business.

From phone voices and media training to over-apologizing, diffusing situations at your own expense, and struggling to separate professionalism from authenticity, this conversation dives deep into how years of corporate survival shape who we become. They talk honestly about client boundaries, firing the wrong clients, why “the client is always right” mentality causes burnout, and how prolonged masking erodes mental health over time.

The episode also touches on people-pleasing, brand identity, emotional labor, and learning how to be both direct and kind without abandoning yourself. If you’ve left corporate but still feel the reflex to over-perform, over-explain, or swallow your instincts to keep the peace, this episode will help you recognize the hangover, unlearn the damage, and redefine what healthy professionalism actually looks like.

Listen in, reflect on where you might still be masking, share this episode with someone navigating burnout or business ownership, and follow The Corporate Burnouts for honest conversations about work, identity, boundaries, and life after corporate.

And if you’re looking for inspiration and education that leads to actionable change, check out the Become Conference in St. Louis this March 12-13 and come say hi, we’d love to meet you. Here is the link to register for Become now - https://littleblackbook.wildapricot.org/event-6349380

In this episode of The Corporate Burnouts, Mandy Holt and Mandy Alt sit down with Joy Peterson to unpack what burnout really looks like when you’ve spent decades saying yes, grinding nonstop, and tying your entire identity to your job. Joy shares her journey from working 22 years in the service and hospitality industry, rising from server to director of restaurant training, to hitting a breaking point during COVID that forced her to quit without a backup plan.

Together, they explore how burnout sneaks up on high performers, why quitting can sometimes be a health decision, and what it looks like to take intentional time off to reset, recover, and rediscover who you are outside of work. The conversation dives into mental health, boundary-setting, redefining success, transferable skills from service industry careers, and why stepping away career-wise doesn’t mean moving backward.

Joy also shares how she rebuilt her career with clearer boundaries, predictable work hours, and a role that supports her life instead of consuming it. If you’re burned out, questioning your career path, coming from the service or hospitality industry, or wondering whether you’re tired or truly done, this episode offers permission, perspective, and practical reassurance.

Listen in, reflect on what boundaries you need to set, share this episode with someone who’s running on empty, and follow The Corporate Burnouts for honest conversations about work, burnout, and building a life that actually fits. 

And if you’re looking for a reset, check out the Become Conference in St. Louis this March 12-13 and come say hi, we’d love to meet you. Here is the link to register for Become now - https://littleblackbook.wildapricot.org/event-6349380?CalendarViewType=1&SelectedDate=3%2F7%2F2026

In this episode of The Corporate Burnouts, Mandy Holt and Mandy Alt kick off 2026 by flipping the usual New Year conversation on its head and focusing on what they’re not doing anymore at work. From people-pleasing, working outside of work hours, and operating on everyone else’s timeline to gatekeeping information, going above and beyond without return, and setting themselves on fire to keep others warm, the Mandys unpack the habits that quietly fuel burnout in corporate life and entrepreneurship.

Drawing from decades of leadership experience and real conversations with listeners, they explore why work is ultimately transactional, how loyalty can be unintentionally exploited, and why boundaries, delegation, and intentional priorities are essential for sustainability. They also share personal shifts around movement, routines, social energy, saying no without guilt, and redefining success in a way that protects time, health, and relationships.

If you’re burned out, feeling resentful at work, or realizing that over-investing hasn’t paid off the way you were promised, this episode will help you name what needs to stop so you can make room for what actually matters.

Listen in, reflect on what you’re done tolerating in 2026, share this episode with someone who needs permission to set boundaries, and follow The Corporate Burnouts for honest conversations about work, burnout, boundaries, and building a healthier way forward. 

And if you’re looking for a reset in the new year, check out the Become Conference in St. Louis this March and come say hi, we’d love to meet you. Here is the link to register for Become now - https://littleblackbook.wildapricot.org/event-6349380

In this New Year’s episode of The Corporate Burnouts, Mandy Holt and Mandy Alt reflect on the past year while rethinking everything we’ve been taught about goals, resolutions, and personal growth. From surviving grief and burnout to finding clarity through therapy, intention setting, and honest self-assessment, they unpack what it really looks like to move from survival mode into thriving.

The conversation explores why traditional New Year’s resolutions often fail, how SMART goals create momentum without pressure, and why choosing a single word or intention for the year can be more powerful than any checklist. They share personal goals around health, time management, automation, boundaries, mindset, and letting go of control—especially as careers evolve, kids grow up, and priorities shift.

This episode is a reminder that growth doesn’t require perfection, massive overhauls, or January 1st deadlines, just intentional choices, accountability, and grace for where you are right now. If you’re burned out, rethinking your career, navigating personal change, or simply looking for a healthier way to set goals for the new year, this conversation will help you reset with clarity and purpose.

Listen in, reflect on your own intentions, share this episode with someone who needs it, and follow The Corporate Burnouts for weekly conversations about work, burnout, growth, and building a life that actually feels good.

In this Christmas Day episode of The Corporate Burnouts, Mandy Holt and Mandy Alt keep things light, relatable, and painfully accurate by decoding corporate emails and translating what they actually mean when no one is allowed to say it out loud. From “just checking in” and “per my last email” to “friendly reminder,” “let’s circle back,” and emails that quietly CC your boss, the Mandys break down the passive-aggressive language, unspoken expectations, and emotional landmines baked into professional communication.

Drawing from years of corporate leadership experience, they explore why email tone causes spirals, how paper trails protect people more than they solve problems, and why so many misunderstandings could be avoided with direct conversations, clearer priorities, and a little less corporate fluff. Along the way, they unpack leadership styles, feedback preferences, ADHD productivity realities, and why humor is sometimes the only way to survive professional life.

If you’ve ever reread an email six times, felt personally attacked by “no rush,” or laughed to keep from screaming at your inbox, this episode will make you feel seen.

Listen in, share this with a coworker who needs the laugh, and follow The Corporate Burnouts for honest conversations about work, burnout, communication, and life after corporate.

And if you’re looking for a reset in the new year, check out the Become Conference in St. Louis this March and come say hi, we’d love to meet you. Here is the link to register for Become now - https://littleblackbook.wildapricot.org/event-6349380

In this episode of The Corporate Burnouts, we unpack one of the most confusing (and important) questions professionals and business owners face, especially at the end of the year. Burnout and being done can feel exactly the same, but the solutions couldn’t be more different.

We talk honestly about holiday burnout, corporate exhaustion, loyalty, glass ceilings, financial fear, health insurance handcuffs, and the moment when daydreaming shifts from “how do I fix this?” to “what’s my exit plan?”

This conversation applies whether you work in corporate, own a business, manage a team, or feel stuck in a role that no longer fits your life. We also dig into how vacations, boundaries, and restructuring can help when it’s burnout, and how to recognize when no amount of rest will fix misalignment.

We also share why community, inspiration, and mentorship matter when you’re navigating burnout or big transitions, and invite you to join us at the Become Women’s Conference in March in St. Louis, where you’ll hear from women who’ve faced burnout, pivoted careers, built businesses, and found clarity for what’s next. Mandy will be on a marketing panel discussing podcasting, social media, SEO, and digital marketing, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions specific to your business or career. You can learn more and register here: https://littleblackbook.wildapricot.org/event-6349380?CalendarViewType=1&SelectedDate=3%2F7%2F2026.

If this episode resonates, share it with someone who’s feeling the same way, subscribe to The Corporate Burnouts, and remember, you don’t have to let your work be the thing that makes you unhappy.

In this episode of The Corporate Burnouts, Mandy Holt and Mandy Alt unpack the corporate red flags so many professionals see, but often ignore. From “we’re a family here” culture and open-door policies that don’t actually fix anything, to perks replacing boundaries, loyalty being weaponized, and pay practices that quietly undermine employees, this conversation dives deep into how burnout really happens.

Drawing from years of corporate leadership experience, the Mandys explore why smart, capable people overlook warning signs, how emotional manipulation can show up disguised as opportunity, and when the red flags become too heavy to ignore. They also share the personal moments that finally forced clarity, lost time, shifting priorities, and the realization that work should never cost you your life outside of it.

If you’re questioning your job, feeling stuck, or wondering whether it’s time to reset boundaries, pivot careers, or design something new, this episode will help you name what you’re seeing, stop gaslighting yourself, and give yourself permission to want better. Listen in, reflect honestly, and join the conversation by sharing this episode, leaving a review, and following The Corporate Burnouts for more real talk about work, burnout, and life after corporate.

If you are interested in joining us at the Become Women’s Conference, March 12-13 in St. Louis, where you’ll hear from women who’ve faced burnout, pivoted careers, built businesses, and found clarity for what’s next. You can learn more and register here: ⁠https://littleblackbook.wildapricot.org/event-6349380?CalendarViewType=1&SelectedDate=3%2F7%2F2026⁠.

In this episode of The Corporate Burnouts, Mandy and Mandy sit down for an honest conversation about what it really feels like to get fired. It doesn’t matter whether you saw it coming, never expected it, or still aren’t sure if it was “deserved.” Losing a job can shake your confidence, mess with youridentity, and leave you wondering who you are without a title. Inspired by the book All the Cool Girls Get Fired by Christina O’Neill and Laura Brown, the Mandys talk through the fear,embarrassment, ego bruises, and even the strange sense of relief that sometimes shows up afterward. So many high-achieving women eventually outgrow environments that never fit them in the first place, and this episode leansinto that truth.

The conversation touches on everything from toxic bossesand HR disasters to workplace politics, burnout, and those “is it me or is this place actually unhinged” moments. They spend time breaking down what happens emotionally after a firing, how to rebuild your sense of self, and what it looks like to reenter the job market without dragging all the shame along with you. There’s also a practical side to the discussion, including how to talk about being fired in interviews, questions you should ask to avoid another toxic situation, and why a setback might actually be a setup for somethinghealthier.

The Mandys also pulled in real stories from TikTok. Someare ridiculous, some are painful, and some are so familiar you’ll swear someone has been reading your journal. The point is simple. You’re not the only one who has been blindsided or confused or humiliated by the way a company chose topart ways. And you’re certainly not the only person who has walked away stronger.

If this episode made you laugh, helped you breathe alittle easier, or reminded you that you’re not alone, hit subscribe, leave a review, share it with a friend, and tag us so we can cheer for you during your comeback season.

Want to read All the Cool Girls Get Fired? Here are a few places you can grab a copy:

Amazon: ⁠https://a.co/d/h1e3pC1⁠ 
Barnes & Noble: ⁠https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/all-the-cool-girls-get-fired-laura-brown/1146922297?ean=9781668067451⁠

If you are interested in joining us at the Become Women’s Conference, March 12-13 in St. Louis, where you’ll hear from women who’ve faced burnout, pivoted careers, built businesses, and found clarity for what’s next. You can learn more and register here: ⁠⁠https://littleblackbook.wildapricot.org/event-6349380?CalendarViewType=1&SelectedDate=3%2F7%2F2026⁠⁠.

In this episode of The Corporate Burnouts, Mandy and Mandy break down what personal and professional development actually looks like when you’re stuck, overwhelmed, or recovering from burnout. From holiday chaos and family traditions to rebuilding confidence and figuring out who you are outside of your job, they explore the real, human side of growth.

The Mandys talk through different types of development, self, professional, creative, parenting, financial, and physical, and how each one plays a role in finding clarity. They share stories from their corporate careers, including development expectations, leadership lessons, networking wins, conference takeaways, and the mindset shifts that helped them rediscover their direction.

You’ll hear why therapy matters, how burnout affects your health, how creative hobbies can reset your brain, and how financial education protects your future. They also explain how to request company funding for your own development in a way leadership will actually support.

By the end, you’ll feel inspired to choose one development goal, big or small, that moves you toward purpose, confidence, and a healthier career path, whether you're staying in corporate or building something new.

If this episode resonates, subscribe, leave a review, and tell us your development goal for this season.

And if you are here to get the verbiage (given by Tenice Wehmeyer - guest on episode 39) to use to get your company to pay for your development plans, here it is:

Hi [Leader Name],

I’d like to request approval to participate in _______________. This program will help me _____________, specifically __________.

The coaching structure includes __________________. I will apply the tools immediately, share relevant insights with the team, and keep you updated on progress.

The estimated investment is _________. If approved, I’d prefer to begin on _____________.

Thank you for your consideration and openness to investing in my growth. Please let me know if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

“Invested Employee”

If you are interested in joining us at the Become Women’s Conference, March 12-13 in St. Louis, where you’ll hear from women who’ve faced burnout, pivoted careers, built businesses, and found clarity for what’s next. You can learn more and register here: ⁠⁠https://littleblackbook.wildapricot.org/event-6349380?CalendarViewType=1&SelectedDate=3%2F7%2F2026⁠⁠.

If you’ve ever dealt with a toxic boss, felt unheard by HR, or found yourself burning out in the middle of corporate chaos, this episode of The Corporate Burnouts Podcast is for you. We’re joined by executive coach Tenice Wehmeyer, who brings over two decades of HR and leadership experience from startups to Fortune 100 companies. She’s seen exactly how poor leadership, unclear expectations, and constant pressure lead to burnout, and she breaks it all down in a way that finally makes sense.

In this conversation, we talk about what really creates burnout at work, why HR often feels disconnected from employees, and how to recognize the difference between a stressed leader and a genuinely toxic one. Tenice also explains how powerful 360 feedback can be, what it reveals about leadership blind spots, and how to use it for real growth instead of taking it personally.

We dive into the unique challenges of middle managers, the people stuck between executive demands and team burnout. Tenice shares how to advocate upward, protect your team, communicate with impact, and lead without losing yourself. We also explore career clarity for high performers who don’t actually want to manage people, and the healthy alternatives they can pursue.

Most importantly, we talk about the personal patterns that fuel burnout, people-pleasing, lack of boundaries, and carrying more than your share, and how to start breaking those habits with self-awareness and support.

If you’re trying to survive corporate life, fix your relationship with work, or simply become a healthier leader, this episode offers clarity, validation, and practical tools.

Learn more about Tenice -

Website: https://wehmeyerassociates.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wehmeyercoaching

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wehmeyercoaching/

If you are interested in joining us at the Become Women’s Conference, March 12-13 in St. Louis, where you’ll hear from women who’ve faced burnout, pivoted careers, built businesses, and found clarity for what’s next. You can learn more and register here: ⁠⁠https://littleblackbook.wildapricot.org/event-6349380?CalendarViewType=1&SelectedDate=3%2F7%2F2026⁠⁠.

In this powerhouse episode of The Corporate Burnouts, hosts Mandy Holt and Mandy Alt sit down with Alison Niermann, CEO of Tilly Workforce Solutions and an expert in recruitment strategy, talent development, and career transformation, for a deep dive into how job seekers can finally land the roles they deserve in 2025.

With over 20 years in recruiting, Alison pulls back the curtain on what recruiters actually look for, how the hiring process really works, and why the job market feels so different right now. She explains the difference between a job and a role, the power of building a personal brand statement, and how to create an “ideal candidate profile” that helps you stand out in a crowded market.

The conversation covers everything from AI-filtered resumes and quiet hiring to salary negotiation, interview prep, recruiter relationships, and knowing your worth. You’ll learn how to ask about salary ranges without sounding pushy, how to negotiate confidently when the offer comes in, and how to advocate for yourself once you’re already in a role, whether that’s asking for a raise, redefining your value, or documenting your impact for future promotions.

Alison also shares practical tips for writing resumes that beat the ATS (AI filtering systems), using the STAR method to answer interview questions, and keeping your story positive even after a toxic job or layoff.

If you’ve been ghosted by hiring managers, burned out by applications, or nervous about your next interview, this episode is a master class in how to present yourself with clarity, confidence, and conviction.

Listen now to learn how to build a career that fits your values and a life that matches your worth, then subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a friend who needs to hear it. Your dream job isn’t gone, you just need the right strategy to find it.

Where you can find Alison Niermann -

Website: https://tilleyworkforcesolutions.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alisonniermann/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alisonniermann/

Recruitment Training Course: www.hiringtothrive.com

In this insightful and laugh-out-loud episode of The Corporate Burnouts, hosts Mandy Holt and Mandy Alt take a real-world dive into one of the biggest hidden causes of burnout today, digital overload and notification fatigue.

From chaotic inboxes and nonstop group chats to the never-ending Teams messages, emails, and app pings, the Mandys unpack how the “always-on” culture of modern work drains creativity, focus, and mental health. They share personal stories about learning to unplug, manage technology intentionally, and set real boundaries without losing productivity, or their minds.

You’ll hear their honest conversation about the anxiety that comes with constant communication, how to structure your notifications for sanity, and why mastering your digital environment might just be the most important self-care tool in your burnout recovery toolkit. They also discuss Getting Things Done by David Allen and how his practical productivity methods helped them regain control over chaotic schedules, multiple client platforms, and the endless demands of entrepreneurship.

Tune in for authentic advice, relatable laughter, and actionable strategies to create a healthier relationship with technology. Don’t miss the challenge at the end, audit your apps, silence unnecessary notifications, and reclaim a little peace of mind.

Subscribe to The Corporate Burnouts on Spotify and YouTube, leave a review, and share your favorite “notification burnout” story on Instagram @thecorporateburnouts.

In this episode of The Corporate Burnouts, hostsMandy Holt and Mandy Alt tackle one of the most underestimated career game-changers, soft skills. Building onlast week’s conversation about personal branding and digital identity, this episode dives deeper into how your communication style, adaptability, empathy,and emotional intelligence can be the difference between staying stuck in burnout and stepping boldly into your next opportunity. 

The Mandys share real-world examples from theirown careers, showing how success in any industry, whethercorporate, creative, or entrepreneurial, comesdown to your ability to lead, connect, and collaborate. They discuss the soft skills that matter most in 2025, why they’re often more important than hard skills, and how to identify and showcase your natural strengths on your resume, in nterviews, and across your online presence. 

You’ll also learn how to translate experiencefrom one career to another, build confidence in your professional identity, and turn imposter syndrome into unstoppable motivation. Whether you’re a teacher ready for a new chapter, a corporate professional craving something different, or a business owner learning to pivot, this conversation will help you rediscover the value you already bring to the table and use it to create new opportunities. The Mandys also open up about mindset, mentorship, and the importance of surrounding yourself with people who remind you of your worth when you forget it.

Tune in now to The Corporate Burnouts and don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with omeone who’s ready to recognize their strengths and take the next step toward purpose.

In this episode of The Corporate Burnouts, Mandy Holt and Mandy Alt dive deep into one of the most overlooked parts of any career transition, your personal brand and digital footprint. Have you ever Googled yourself? What shows up might surprise you and what’s missing might matter even more.

From understanding your online presence to shaping the narrative of your professional reputation, this candid conversation explores how to prepare for your next chapter before you ever turn in your resignation.

The Mandys break down the emotional and strategic sides of leaving a corporate job gracefully, building a personal brand that aligns with your future goals, and making sure your online identity reflects who you truly are. You’ll hear real stories from their own journeys leaving corporate life, including what they wish they’d done sooner to build credibility, expand their network, and create an authentic online story that opens doors instead of closing them.

This episode is packed with practical advice about networking, social media clean-ups, personal storytelling, and reputation management, as well as reminders to leave your job, and your legacy, on the best possible note.

Whether you’re starting a business, job-hunting, or simply ready to redefine who you are outside your job title, this conversation will help you take control of your brand, your voice, and your next adventure. Tune in, take notes, and start curating the version of yourself that Google, and your next opportunity, deserve to see.

If this episode inspired you, subscribe, leave a review, and share The Corporate Burnouts with someone else who’s ready to step out of burnout and into purpose.