Add burnout into the mix, and leaving corporate to start a business with your confidence at rock bottom, your decision making abilities having left you, and the fear of reaching burnout again meaning that you don't want to take as many risks or push yourself too hard, then starting your own business can feel like trying to walk a tightrope with one broken leg and both hands tied behind your back.

The good news is that it can be done, and like me you can find yourself completely and utterly unemployable and loving what you're building and creating - but, the promises of this business building being easy, glamorous, and frameworks that promise you overnight success, don't help - especially if your burnout isn't being factored in your business growth, your strategy, your energy levels, and everything else that burnout impacts in your life.

I'm talking about this, and more, in this week's episode of FRAZZLED.

And the quiz I mention can be found here.

Same time next week.

Kelly

www.kellyswingler.com

#Burnout #BurnoutCoach #BusinessCoach #Selfemployed #LifeAfterCorporate

But, yes, FRAZZLED is back, so let's talk about why.

Let's see how many times I can frustrate myself by using the word 'journey', and lets see if this is going to be, once again, a totally unedited, unscripted, and almost possibly, slightly unhinged podcast, now that I'm back, with the real purpose of the show, and not some 'advice' I was given by a coach trying to box me in.

So you fabulous podsquad - let's get back to where we blong shall we?

Welcome back to FRAZZLED, with me, your host, Kelly Swingler.

www.kellyswingler.com

You're spending time and money on growing your business, but you're not getting the growth, and your feed is full of influencers making a ton of money, and they don't have your knowledge or expertise.

So what do you?

You create more content, you consume more content, you need to be visible, you need the business growth, and you want to keep up with the influencers who make all of this look so easy.

In this uncut, unscripted, unedited Burnoutology the podcast, I'm talking about cliques, cheerleaders and credibility, and why followers don't always equal income.

Kelly

www.kellyswingler.com

How is the 'business of coaching' adding stress and strain to those who have left corporate to become coaches after burnout?

And what needs to change if we want to make coaching, as a profession, client focused again, where it's less about big bucks, and more about client growth?

I'm talking about this and more in this weeks uncut, unedited and unscripted episode of Burnoutology the podcast.

Kelly

www.kellyswingler.com

And a result, you and your clients may not feel quite ready for Spring.

That new energy, the new ideas, the spring in your step, if burnout is lurking or looming, may be missing.

In this week's uncut, edited, unscripted Burnoutology the podcast, I'm talking about wintering, spring, and how to define your own way of doing things now the seasons are changing.

Kelly

www.kellyswingler.com

This is the topic for this weeks Burnoutology the podcast.

We're all being told that attention spans are changing, that people can't and won't focus on detail, or commit time long lengths of time to anything anymore - but we know that's rubbish.

People want depth, and meaning, and time to focus on the things that matter - and when we allow the change, and we change the pace, and we create spaces where we allow time, and we allow depth, and we allow connection and meaning, this is where we really make the change.

People are craving 1:1 connection, and to be seen and heard.

The coaching industry may be pedalling out low cost training that teaches other coaches how to sell to many, not one, but who is that benefitting?

My DM's tell me that clients want 1:1.

Create the right space for people, and the myths of 'fast and furious' go out of the window.

So what about you? Are you bust being busy so much that you're losing the depth of what you need?

Not sure how Burnout-Aware you are? Find out here

www.kellyswingler.com

Feedback is learning not failure.

And knowing you are enough, today, could be the game changer you've been waiting for.

This week in Burnoutology the podcast we take a break from the truth, for some ramblings and learnings from the last week - as always, uncut, unedited, unscripted.

If perfectionism, people pleasing, and hiding from feedback are part of your DNA, this episode is for you.

I'll be back with you again next week.

Kelly

P.S you'll find your how burnout-aware are you? quiz here

www.kellyswingler.com

If Burnout was always obvious, we wouldn’t be here.

But one of the most dangerous forms of Burnout I see doesn’t look chaotic, emotional, or messy at all.

It looks calm.

It looks regulated.

It looks like someone who’s done the breathwork, bought the supplements, curated the self-care… and is still quietly shutting down.

Today we’re talking about wellness-washed burnout, and why feeling calmer doesn’t mean you’re actually okay.”

If listening to this episode gets you thinking that, ‘I look fine, but I don’t feel like myself’ - don't add another wellness habit.

Ask a better question. What has my calm cost me?”

Kelly

www.kellyswingler.com

We've seen it, and maybe even lived it, but this one is where Burnout is bubbling behind the surface, leaving you/or your clients silently falling apart behind the scenes, even if you don't know why - but, to the outside world you look polished and perfectly put together. Because as we know, Burnout doesn't always look like collapse, sometimes, actually most of the time, it looks like high performance and success.

This is what we're exploring and discussing in this week's episode of Burnoutology the Podcast.

Kelly

How Burnout Aware are you? Find out here

www.kellyswingler.com

#Burnoutology #Burnout #Perfection #HighPerformance

I've taken another break from the 200 Truths this week to welcome you to the new year, not with any hints or tips, or hacks or frameworks, but with some reflections and questions to help you tune out the noise that often surrounds a new year, and encourage you to start the year YOUR way.

I've let go of a lot again over the last 12 months, more so since my surgery in October, and I am releasing even more, to step out of my usual way of doing, into something new.

It's not going to be easy to shake some of my old habits, but I'm giving it a go.

I hope this episode helps you find your own space to be and do this month.

And if you don't yet know how Burnout Aware you are, take the quiz here to find out.

Kelly

P.S The Blog mentioned in the introduction about the 2026 Coaching predictions is here https://www.kellyswingler.com/blog/burnout-and-coaching-in-2026

www.kellyswingler.com

#Burnout #Burnoutology #Reflections #NewYear #2026 #LettingGo

Pre-Burnout, your identity was all about what you did, who you showed up as behind the mask, but now, it's just you, and you get to decide.

Not long after I started my first business, I had a panic attack whilst on my way to deliver a talk. And not because of the talk. But because who would want to hear from 'just Kelly'!

I didn't realise how much of me had been wrapped up in what I did, and I'm talking about all of this, and more, in this week's episode of Burnoutology the Podcast.

Happy listening

Kelly

www.kellyswingler.com

Each time we learn something new, there's a business opportunity. Read something in a book? New business.

You move from idea to idea, because the ideas feel safe, but the work and the action to make them happen? No thank you. Push too hard and you'll end up at Burnout, again.

So what's the answer?

In this week's episode of Burnoutology the podcast I'm talking about why you need to focus on your own recovery before you even consider trying to coach anyone else through Burnout. And I'm sharing some of the many businesses I started thinking that each one, was THE one that would allow me to help even more people to avoid Burnout.

Enjoy!

Kelly

www.kellyswingler.com

Don't think you can take time out to take care of you?

Don't think what you're doing is working?

Don't think that your work adds any value?

And of course you might be right, but what if you're wrong? And where's your proof?

I had a moment last week, when it all felt like I was a big fat failure, and then I found the proof I was wrong - and there was a lot of proof to look at.

It doesn't always work out like that does it? Sometimes we find the opposite, and then we need to make some changes.

I'm talking about this and more in this episode of Burnoutology the podcast.

Loved this episode? Give it a share with someone who might like to listen

P.S How burnout-aware are you? Find out here

#Burnout #Burnoutology #Coaching #Truth #Clarity #Confidence

www.kellyswingler.com

I wasn't sure where this conversation would go, but relationships and the people that matter most are where I ended up.

What's this got to do with Burnout? Take a listen to find out.

Know someone who would love this episode? Give it a share.

I'll be back with you again next week at 7am

So what does coach-washed Burnout mean? How do you spot it? Why does it matter?

What it really means: When your coach tells you to “choose better thoughts” instead of spotting burnout.

How to spot it: High-ticket encouragement. Zero nervous system awareness.

Why it matters: Your body knows more than their script.

This episode is trusting your gut - which is hard because Burnout causes doubt.

But let's get into it. Ready? Let's go!

And remember to share this episode with someone who needs to hear it.

Kelly

www.kellyswingler.com

#Burnout #Burnoutology #BurnoutEducation #BurnoutPrevention

And nervous system chic is this...

What it really means: Aestheticising healing instead of embodying it.

How to spot it: Pale beige branding. Calm captions. Still panicking internally.

Why it matters: Healing isn’t aesthetic. It’s messy - and it’s real.

No shade on anyone who has calming captions and muted shades, I know I am the complete and total opposite, but, I did fall into this trap 10 years ago, before I'd fully done the work to get me to where I am today.

So I know what it looks like, and how easy it can be to fall into this.

Let's listen! And do share this with someone else who needs to hear it.

Kelly

www.kellyswingler.com

#Burnout #BurnoutEducation #BurnoutPrevention #Burnoutology

So let's get straight into this one shall we!?!

What it really means: Convincing yourself it’s your job to fix what broke you.

How to spot it: “Maybe I manifested this.” “What am I doing wrong?”

Why it matters: You’re not broken. But the system is.

You've seen this right? Maybe all over your social feeds, or even in your coaching sessions.

It's the Empowerment Trap, it's Burnout Truth number 17, and this, is Burnoutology the podcast.

Who do you know who needs to hear this one? Share it with them.

Kelly

#Burnout #Empowerment #BurnoutPrevention #BurnoutEducation

www.kellyswingler.com

Productivity Cult is what we're exploring today. Maybe you've lived this, maybe you've seen it, maybe you've heard it - we know it's happening. And we know it's contributing to Burnout, so let's get into burnout truth number 16, productivity cult.

What it really means: The cultural obsession with output over wellbeing.

How to spot it: Busy = worthy. Hustle = honour. Rest = guilt.

Why it matters: Burnout isn’t a glitch here - it’s a feature.

Who do you know who could benefit from this episode? Send it to them - let's keep raising awareness so that we can end Burnout.

Let's go! Hit play

Kelly

www.kellyswingler.com

#Burnout #Burnoutology #Productivity #BurnoutPrevention #BurnoutEducation

This week's episode of Burnoutology the podcast explores Burnout truth #15, positivity poisoning.

What positivity poisoning means: The weaponisation of optimism to deny reality.

How to spot it: “Just be grateful!” “Look on the bright side.” “Choose joy!”

Why it matters: It silences suffering - and rewards performance over presence.

We know that Burnout thrives in silence and masking and secrecy, and, if you're surrounded by positivity poisoning it can do even more harm.

So let's dig into this one shall we!

And who do you know that might like this episode? Give it a share and some love to keep the truth spreading.

Kelly

www.kellyswingler.com

#Burnout #Positivity #BurnoutPrevention #BurnoutEducation

Kelly

We're on Burnout truth #11 today and this one is all about Burnout Breakthrough, I feel that the next few truths are definitely what I've lived, starting with this one right here - Breakthrough Burnout.

What it Breakthrough Burnout means: When transformation becomes collapse dressed as clarity.

How to spot it: Massive “aha” moments followed by total depletion.

Why it matters: Real change doesn’t wreck your nervous system.

Enjoy! And if you do enjoy it, please give it a share with someone else who might enjoy it too. Let's keep sharing this truths and growing our podsquad so that we can say goodbye to Burnout once and for all.

Kelly

www.kellyswingler.com

In this episode of Burnoutology the podcast, this is what I'm talking about.

So what is the vision board vortex?

Here's what it really means: Getting stuck dreaming your way out of Burnout.

How to spot it: “I just need to realign…” “I’m working on my frequency…” Still chronically exhausted.

Why it matters: Because you can’t manifest your way out of survival mode!

Let's get into this episode of Burnoutology the podcast.

And do give this episode a like and share, because burnout ends with awareness.

Kelly

www.kellyswingler.com

I'm Kelly, the Burnoutologist. Burnout survivor. Global Burnout Educator.TEDx Speaker. Author.

I’ve coached 700+ leaders through Burnout. I’ve trained 100+ coaches from 14 countries in the Burnout Academy.

And I’m on a mission to end the BS, the misinformation and the silence around Burnout.

You’re here because you know your clients need more.

You just didn’t know what was missing - until now!

What Recovery Performance really means: Faking your healing journey for the feed.

How to spot it: Well-lit journaling shots. “Self-care Sunday” reels. Still numb underneath it all.

Why it matters: Recovery isn’t content. It’s not public. And it’s never perfect.

You'll have seen this in your feed, and if you're a coach who has experienced Burnout then maybe you've been here and done this.

Let's explore what recovery performance look like in this week's episode.

Kelly

www.kellyswingler.com

I'm Kelly, the Burnoutologist. Burnout survivor. Global Burnout Educator.TEDx Speaker. Author.

I’ve coached 700+ leaders through Burnout. I’ve trained 100+ coaches from 14 countries in the Burnout Academy.

And I’m on a mission to end the BS, the misinformation and the silence around Burnout.

You’re here because you know your clients need more.

You just didn’t know what was missing - until now!

This episode of Burnoutology is all about Nervous System Hustle, the anti-hustle episode, that comes with an ask, for you, to do this one thing for yourself today - take a listen to hear the ask, you'll be pleased that you did.

Burnout Truth #11 - Burnout System Hustle.

What it really means: Treating regulation like another productivity hack.

How to spot it: Box-breathing while emailing. Meditating between calls. Healing like it’s a checklist.

Why it matters: The body doesn’t heal when it’s still performing.

Give this one a listen, and a share with someone else who also needs to hear this today.

I'll be back again same time, next week, see you then.

Kelly

www.kellyswingler.com

What glow-up collapse really means: Behind the scenes of every filtered transformation is a nervous system shutting down.

How to spot it: “Inspiring” before/after posts. Big launches. Back-to-back “up-levels”

… then radio silence.

Why it matters: Burnout loves a glow-up. No one notices until they disappear.

Kelly

#Burnout #BurnoutAwareness #BurnoutCoach #Burnoutology

www.kellyswingler.com

What it really means: Having “perfect” boundaries—and still reaching Burnout.

How to spot it: Calendar blocks, colour coding, time off… still shattered.

Why it matters: If your internal system isn’t safe, no external structure will save you.

I've been here, I have lived this, I thought I had it all together, and then I reached the second burnout, the one that nearly killed me. And it took. me getting to that point to see what I needed to change - you do NOT have to almost die to make the changes, not on my watch!

Kelly

#Burnout #BurnoutAwareness #BurnoutCoach

www.kellyswingler.com

What does Gaslight Coaching mean? When “empowerment” coaching invalidates your lived reality.

How do you spot it? “You’re choosing this.” “What’s the story you’re telling yourself?” “Raise your vibe.”

Why does it matter? It’s not mindset - it’s manipulation. And it drives people deeper into collapse.

Let's explore this and more.

Kelly

www.kellyswingler.com

Fawn Hustle, what does it really mean? It's people-pleasing as a survival strategy dressed up as professionalism.

How do you spot it? Over-apologising. Over-delivering. “Happy to help!” when they’re running on fumes.

Why does it matter? This is trauma, not teamwork.

How many people do you know who wear people-pleasing as a badge of honour? Maybe you've done it yourself.

Let's unpick it in this weeks episode.

Kelly

For more Burnout truths or to become the Burnout Aware Coach that your clients deserve, head to kellyswingler.com

Burnout Truth #6, this week, in Burnoutology the podcast talks all about high-functioning hell.

What it really means: Looking capable while emotionally, physically, and spiritually crashing.

How to spot it: Still delivering. Still smiling. Dying inside.

Why it matters: It’s the most dangerous place to reach Burnout - because no one sees it coming. This can be the most severe and biggest crash when it comes to Burnout.

Take a listen.

I will be back with you again same time, same place next week, for Burnout Truth #7 The Fawn Hustle!

If you've enjoyed this episode, please give it a like and share, the more of us listening and learning, the sooner we can end Burnout.

Kelly

Get your Burnout Aware Starter Kit, and find out more about the burnout Academy at kellyswingler.com

You'll have seen it on your instagram feed, and maybe even been sucked in to buying an online course as result of it.

What it really means: Turning your trauma into a branded identity—and calling it empowerment.

How to spot it: “From breakdown to boss.” Monetising pain. Constant oversharing with no recovery.

Why it matters: It glamorises collapse and teaches others to do the same.

Join me again next week for Burnout Truth #6, High Functioning Hell. I mean if this doesn't sound like the cheeriest podcast episode in the world and definitely not one you want to miss right!?

Kelly

Get your Burnout Aware Starter Kit at kellyswingler.com

In this episode I mention:

The Psychopath Life Coach on Netflix https://www.netflix.com/gb/title/81718438

And Careless People by Sarah Wynn-Williams (because she mentions how Facebook play into this) https://www.amazon.co.uk/Careless-People-explosive-memoir-doesnt/dp/1035065924/ref=pd_lpo_d_sccl_1/259-8916609-0127442?pd_rd_w=yAwbC&content-id=amzn1.sym.bb13d3fc-af40-4fff-a822-e0e4c415da96&pf_rd_p=bb13d3fc-af40-4fff-a822-e0e4c415da96&pf_rd_r=8F4Q5VCG9MZXXP85DZ7D&pd_rd_wg=1mUuv&pd_rd_r=7272fb2a-a110-42b9-a00c-b61c0f531d1e&pd_rd_i=1035065924&psc=1

Smile-Suffocation, what does it really mean? The performance of positivity while quietly drowning.

How to spot it: Always fine. Always polite. Always available. Until the system collapses.

Why it matters: This is how clients vanish before your eyes—while still showing up.

Download your podcast companion for this series at kellyswingler.com

I'll be back with you again for Burnout Truth #5, Trauma-Chic, next Tuesday at 7am, see you then, Kelly

So, Growth-Tox what it really means:

When personal development becomes self-destruction in disguise.

How to spot it:

Burnout sold as breakthroughs. Healing that leaves you in A&E. Transformation used to bypass trauma.

Why it matters:

Coaches call it “evolution” Your body calls it emergency mode.

I'm talking about this from the perspective of the coach who doesn't understand Burnout, the individual who is desperately seeking answers to 'cure' Burnout, and the person who has experienced Burnout and now wants to fix it for others.

If you haven't already got your Burnout Aware Starter Kit, and Your Podcast Companion to accompany this podcast series, get both at kellyswingler.com

Join me again next week where we'll be discussing Burnout Truth #4 Smile-Suffocation

That's what I'm talking to you about today, as well as my recent TV interview, and the 'success' from the last 10 months that can be easy to forget when you're having a rock bottom day.

This is Burnoutology! The uncut, unscripted, unedited (and sometimes unpublished) podcast, by me, Kelly Swingler.

Get your podcast companion and your Burnout Aware Starter Kit at kellyswingler.com

That's what I'm talking about in this episode of Burnoutology the podcast.

Resilience Porn

What it really means:

The glorification of pushing through pain. Hustling through trauma. Smiling through burnout.

How to spot it:

“Keep going.” “Strong women don’t break.” “Rest when you’re done.” All dressed up as motivation.

Why it matters:

It’s killing people—and they’re being praised for it.

Listen, and let me know what you think to his week's episode. What's your biggest aha moment?

You can get your copy of the Burnout Glossary in the Burnout Aware Starter Kit. And, you can get your podcast companion to note note your thoughts and reflections from each episode.

See you again next week, 7 am UK

Kelly

NO, that is not a typo - I have created a Burnoutology glossary that includes 200 Burnout truths, what. they are, how to spot them, and why it matters, and Truth #1 is all about Burnout Barbie!

What it really means:

The high-functioning woman with perfect branding and dead eyes. Smiles, posts, delivers… while dissociating.

How to spot it:

Endless “empowerment” content. Flat tone. Numbness masked as professionalism. Looks successful, feels nothing.

Why it matters:

She doesn’t crash—she slowly disappears. If you’re applauding her “drive,” you’re missing her collapse.

I'm digging into this and more, in this episode.

You can get your very own copy of the 200 Truths in the Burnout Aware Starter Kit here.

And, you can get your podcast companion of the 200 Truths, including space for your show notes, questions, reflections and AHA moments here.

Take a listen, and let me know what you think.

See you again next week, new episodes Tuesday at 7am UK.

Burnout leaves you so desperate for change, that you will literally look everywhere and pay anything for answers, other than the place you should be looking.

In this episode of Burnoutology I'm talking about:

• The messy middle
• The shiny objects
• How your internet searches are primed to sell you what you DON'T need to fix Burnout
• And how you already have everything you need to come through the other side
• And why we trust the experts more than we trust ourselves when Burnout takes hold

For more Burnout insights sign up for my Burnout Bulletin at www.kellyswingler.com and if we're not already connected, connect with me on LinkedIn

I'm sharing why I thought new was better than done.

Why sometimes, sticking with what you know is a lot less stressful, often a lot cheaper , and exactly where you're meant to be.

And why simplicity and ease are still so often overlooked.

Sarah, this one is for you - let's get Burnoutology launched and back in your inbox everywhere.