How to Recover from Burnout and Reclaim Your Energy with Cait Donovan | Ep. 77

Burnout isn’t a personal failure; it’s a signal.

Why does your energy crash just when you need it most? … during a book launch, while writing your manuscript, or building your platform. Author and burnout expert Cait Donovan joins Allison to share how we can recognize the hidden drivers of burnout and rebuild our energy without guilt.

They explore practical self-care strategies, the neuroscience behind exhaustion, and how to channel frustration into the bold next chapter of your career. Tune in and learn how to reclaim your energy so your publishing journey feels sustainable, not draining.

In this episode, Cait and Allison discuss:

[00:00] Intro & Setup: Why burnout isn’t a failure but a signal for change
[02:00] Burnout Triggers: Perfectionism, people-pleasing, and hyper-independence
[04:00] The Science: Why your brain misses burnout signals + how stress narrows vision
[14:00] Recovery Tools: Two starting points — foundational self-care and resentment journaling
[08:00] Career & Growth: Why high achievers get stuck and can’t see new possibilities
[16:00] Mindset Shifts: Using resentment as a superpower + rebuilding trust with your body
[20:00] Cait’s Story: From thriving in Prague to realizing it was time to pivot
[25:00] The Takeaway: Burnout isn’t your fault — recovery leads to a bolder, bigger life

Cait Donovan, keynote speaker and burnout strategist, helps leaders and teams deliver results without burning out through science-based, practical systems. Host of FRIED: The Burnout Podcast and author of The Bouncebackability Factor, she brings a clear, blame-free, outcome-focused approach to every stage and organization.

Resources Mentioned:

Cait Donovan’s website: CaitDonovan.com
Podcast: FRIED: The Burnout Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fried-the-burnout-podcast/id1469939920
Book: The Bouncebackability Factor: End Burnout, Gain Resilience, and Change the World by Caitlin Donovan: https://bookshop.org/a/55773/9781735194905
Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caitdonovanspeaks/
Book Reco: The Lady Hardcastle Mysteries by T E Kinsey: https://www.tekinsey.uk/

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