Rekindling: Compassion Fatigue Solutions for Animal Workers

Boundaries aren’t rejection, and they’re not selfish. They are acts of love. Love for yourself, love for others, and love for the work you care so deeply about.

If you’ve been feeling stretched thin, resentful, or guilty for needing space, this episode is your permission slip to reclaim your peace. Because staying connected doesn’t mean losing yourself and honori...

I asked ChapGPT to interview me about my grief journey, how I help others move through grief and my new course, Grief&Grace. It was a great conversation even if it was a conversation just with myself! I hope you find something in here that speaks to you. 

Grief is universal. We all experience it. This new course I created is an opportunity to work through places you may be stuck with your own grief and to have the ability to see ...

In this episode, we're going to explore the emotional weight of trying to carry it all. When you care deeply, it’s easy to feel responsible for fixing everything and everyone — but that pressure is unsustainable. This short pep talk reminds you that your worth isn’t tied to how much you sacrifice. Letting go of what isn’t yours to hold isn’t giving up , it’s wisdom. You don’t have to save the world to make a difference. Just keep s...

I'm kicking off something new and special for the summer. Quick, 5-minute (give or take) pep talks to lift you up when you're feeling down, exhausted or like there's just not enough of you to go around. 

Caring for animals is big work that comes with big emotions. Let these summer episodes remind you of both the magic of summer and the beauty of who you are. 

I'm kicking off the series with this important message, you're doing mu...

Think of your nervous system like a cup that holds everything you’re managing such as stress, emotions, grief, responsibilities. When your cup has space, you're within your window of tolerance, meaning you can handle challenges with presence and flexibility. But when too much gets added and the cup overflows, you may feel anxious, overwhelmed, or shut down. The goal isn’t to keep the cup empty, but to recognize when it’s full and r...

In this episode, I talk with VTS veterinary nurse and graduate researcher, Angela Chapman about her study that dives into the root causes of burnout in veterinary nurses and technicians and why fixing it takes more than just good intentions. Backed by insights from 40 experts, we explore practical, high-impact solutions that clinics can actually implement to create lasting change.

Mentioned in this episode:
-The Delphi study paper ...

In this episode, I'm debunking the myth that confidence comes first and exploring what it really feels like to take courageous action. Spoiler alert: it usually feels like fear. If you’ve been waiting to feel ready, polished, or fearless before making a move, this is your reminder that doing it scared is how confidence is built. Let’s talk about embracing discomfort, trusting yourself, and taking...

Guilt is a constant companion for many animal caregivers but so often, the guilt we carry isn’t actually ours to hold. In this episode, we’re unpacking the difference between emotional storytelling and actual responsibility. You’ll learn about confabulation (the sneaky way your brain fills in the blanks with self-blame) and

In this episode, my Gemini sister Kelly Burich is back and we explore the emotional labor of showing up when your insides don’t match your outsides. From surface acting to deep acting, we unpack what it costs to keep smiling through stress, sadness, or burnout and why acknowledging the weight behind the smile is the first step to real emotional well-being. If you’ve ever felt like you were performing your role instead of living it,...

It's not everyday that you get to talk to folks who are rescuing some of the largest, most dangerous and most exploited animals on the planet, Big Cats. In this episode I have the pleasure of speaking to 3 incredible women from Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge in Eureka Springs, AR.  Join me for my conversation with the founder Tanya Smith, staff veterinarian Dr. Kellyn Sweeley and animal curator Emily McCormack as they share their...

I'm fresh off the heels of a meet-up of my Living A Life You Love group of women vets. We met in Chicago and the connections they've made on Zoom completely transferred to in-person. These women have each others back and have supported each other through some really tough things. So on the way home I created this list of empowering beliefs. 

Living A Life You Love is only for women veterinarians and it only opens every 6 months. Y...

Ever feel like certain people were put in your life just to test your patience? Whether it’s a toxic boss, a drama-loving coworker, or someone who always pushes your buttons, difficult people are everywhere. But here’s the good news—you don’t have to let them steal your peace! In this episode, we’re diving into how to handle tricky personalities, set boundaries like a boss, and keep your cool no matter what chaos comes your way.