The Burnout Recovery Podcast

Dr Jo Braid
  • 5.0 (7)
  • MENTAL HEALTH

Welcome to The Burnout Recovery Podcast, where we're creating a global movement to keep healthcare professionals thriving in the careers they love. I'm Dr Jo Braid, your host and The Burnout Recovery Doctor. Whether you're a med student just starting out, an allied health professional at the point of care, or a seasoned doctor feeling the weight of the system - this podcast is your lifeline back to sustainable practice. Here's what I know: when one healthcare professional recovers from burnout and builds a sustainable career, the ripple effect reaches patients, families, colleagues, and communities around the world. That's the power of change where it matters most. In each episode, you'll discover evidence-based strategies and real-world tools to not just survive healthcare, but to thrive in it. Because the world needs you healthy, energized, and passionate about the work that called you here in the first place. This isn't just about individual recovery - it's about transforming healthcare from the inside out, one professional at a time. Ready to be part of the solution? Let's dive in.

  1. 2D AGO

    Digital Boundaries: When Your Phone Becomes Part of the Problem

    In this episode, Dr. Jo Braid explores how our devices can become sources of chronic stress and burnout for healthcare professionals, sharing a personal story about digital overwhelm while building her coaching business alongside her medical practice. She dives into the latest neuroscience research, explaining how notifications simultaneously trigger dopamine cravings and cortisol spikes, while "attention residue" from constant interruptions takes 15-23 minutes for our brains to recover from each distraction. Dr. Jo provides practical tools within her four-pillar framework and introduces three essential digital boundary strategies: conducting a notification audit, implementing scheduled check-ins, and using the 15-minute rule to break automatic phone-checking patterns. The episode emphasizes that without proper digital boundaries, our devices keep our nervous systems in hypervigilance, preventing the neural recovery essential for avoiding burnout. Listeners will leave with actionable steps to reclaim their attention and create intentional relationships with technology that support rather than sabotage their wellbeing. Resources: Join the free Healthcare Leadership Hub: https://bit.ly/3LAIDqq Connect with Dr Jo on Instagram: www.instagram.com/burnoutrecoverydr Connect with Dr Jo on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/drjobraid Website: https://drjobraid.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    18 min

  2. FEB 10

    When Work Follows You Home: Breaking the Mental Load Cycle

    Do you ever feel like your brain never gets a break? In this episode, Dr. Jo explores the invisible cognitive burden that healthcare professionals carry and how it's damaging the relationships that matter most. Drawing from Stanford WellMD research showing that over 40% of physicians report work negatively impacting their personal relationships, discover practical strategies to break the mental load cycle.  Learn the 4-Step Relationship-Protective Mental Load Reset and workplace advocacy strategies that protect your personal time. Key Takeaways Mental load = cognitive + emotional + invisible labour that follows you home Stanford research: 40% of physicians report moderate to high Impact of Work on Personal Relationships Impacted relationships correlate with higher burnout and more patient complaints The 4-Step Reset: Acknowledge → Externalize → Transition → Connect Join the free Healthcare Leadership Hub: https://bit.ly/3LAIDqq Connect with Dr Jo on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/burnoutrecoverydr Connect with Dr Jo on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjobraid Website: https://drjobraid.com  Thank you to our sponsors:MIGA: https://miga.com.au & Heidi Health: https://heidihealth.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    14 min

  3. FEB 3

    Moral Distress vs. Moral Injury vs. Burnout - Know the Difference

    Are you experiencing burnout, or is something deeper happening when you feel that gut-wrenching sensation of knowing what's right but being unable to do it? In this episode, Dr. Jo Braid draws from her experience chairing an expert panel at the MPLA conference in 2025 to clarify the crucial distinctions between moral distress, moral injury, and burnout. Understanding these differences isn't just academic—it's essential for addressing what you're actually experiencing and finding the right interventions. You'll learn to recognize the physical and emotional signs of each condition, discover why moral distress often gets misdiagnosed as individual weakness when it's actually a system problem, and gain practical tools for responding appropriately to each situation. Join Dr. Braid as she gives you the vocabulary to name your experience and the framework to address it effectively, because when you can accurately identify what you're facing, you can take the right steps toward recovery. Join the free Healthcare Leadership Hub: https://bit.ly/3LAIDqq Connect with Dr Jo on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/burnoutrecoverydr Connect with Dr Jo on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjobraid Website: https://drjobraid.com  Thank you to our sponsors:MIGA: https://miga.com.au & Heidi Health: https://heidihealth.com   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    14 min

  4. JAN 27

    Communication and Self-Care: Preventing Medical Complaints Before They Happen

    Welcome back to another episode of The Burnout Recovery Podcast! I'm absolutely delighted to share my conversation with Anthony Mennillo, Head of Claims and Legal Services at MIGA - Medical Insurance Group Australia, who has spent over two decades walking alongside doctors through their most challenging professional moments. As someone who has witnessed firsthand the devastating impact that medical complaints can have on our wellbeing - from junior doctors questioning if they'll ever be good enough, to seasoned consultants wondering if they've lost their purpose - Anthony brings both professional expertise and deeply personal insights to our conversation. In this heartfelt discussion, Anthony opens up about his own burnout experience following an MS diagnosis, and how it transformed his approach to supporting healthcare professionals. You'll discover the comprehensive support that extends far beyond legal defence, including peer support networks and mental health resources that many doctors don't even know exist. Most importantly, Anthony shares two powerful, evidence-based strategies that can help prevent complaints before they happen: mastering the art of communication with our patients and colleagues, and prioritising our own wellbeing through professional support networks. Whether you're a junior doctor feeling overwhelmed, a consultant navigating team dynamics, or anywhere in between, this conversation offers practical wisdom and gentle reminders that you're not alone in this journey. Join us as we explore how proactive self-care and authentic communication can not only protect our careers but also restore our sense of purpose in medicine. Resources:https://www.miga.com.au/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/migainsurance/ https://drjobraid.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjobraid Thank you to our sponsors:MIGA: https://miga.com.au & Heidi Health: https://heidihealth.com   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    34 min

  5. JAN 22

    The Burnout Recovery podcast Mini Episode: Help Shape 2026 + Win $50!

    Hey amazing listeners! After 160+ episodes together, I want to make sure The Burnout Recovery Podcast is creating content that truly serves YOU in 2026. Whether you're a healthcare professional, someone passionate about workplace wellbeing, or you just love practical strategies that work - your feedback will directly shape what you hear on this podcast.  What's in it for you? ✨ One lucky respondent wins a $50 Amazon digital gift card ✨ Your input shapes future episodes, topics, and guests ✨ Takes just 2 minutes (seriously!) Ready to help? 👉 Take the survey: https://bit.ly/burnoutreview26 Survey closes Wednesday 28th January 2026 at 11.59pm AEST- don't wait, do it now while you're thinking about it! Thank you for being part of this incredible community. Y our voice matters, and I can't wait to create even better content based on what you tell me. Connect with Dr Jo: 🌐 Website: drjobraid.com 📧 Instagram: @burnoutrecoverydr 💼 LinkedIn: /in/drjobraid Thank you to our sponsors: MIGA: https://miga.com.au Heidi Health: https://heidihealth.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    4 min

  6. JAN 20

    The Power of Appreciative Inquiry: Focus on What's Working

    What if the key to transforming your workplace culture isn't fixing what's broken, but amplifying what's already working? In this episode, Dr. Jo Braid shares insights from her Stanford WellMD Director of Wellbeing Course and explores how Appreciative Inquiry can shift team dynamics from problem-focused to possibility-focused conversations. Drawing from real examples and research-backed strategies, you'll discover practical tools to start meetings differently, build stronger colleague relationships, and create positive change in your healthcare environment. Learn the simple 3-Question Appreciative Check-in framework and discover how changing your first question can transform your work experience. Join Dr. Braid as she shows you how focusing on strengths isn't just feel-good fluff—it's a powerful approach to reducing burnout and increasing engagement in healthcare teams. Join the free Healthcare Leadership Hub: https://bit.ly/3LAIDqq  Resources:https://drjobraid.comwww.instagram.com/burnoutrecoverydrwww.linkedin.com/in/drjobraid Thank you to our sponsors:MIGA: https://miga.com.au & Heidi Health: https://heidihealth.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    12 min

  7. JAN 13

    Post-Holiday Burnout: Understanding Dopamine Crashes and Recovery

    Feeling flat and unmotivated after what should have been a restorative break? You're not alone. In this episode, Dr. Jo explores the science behind post-holiday blues, including the role of dopamine crashes and why healthcare workers are particularly susceptible to this phenomenon. She shares practical, evidence-based strategies for gradual re-entry, maintaining holiday elements in daily routine, and resetting your dopamine baseline. Learn why these feelings are a normal neurobiological response and discover actionable steps to extend the benefits of your time off while being compassionate with yourself during the transition back to work. Resources:https://drjobraid.comwww.instagram.com/burnoutrecoverydrwww.linkedin.com/in/drjobraid Thank you to our sponsors:MIGA: https://miga.com.au & Heidi Health: https://heidihealth.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    12 min

  8. JAN 6

    The Patient Complaint That Taught Me About Resilience

    In this episode, Dr. Jo shares a personal story about stepping into a locum position where she inherited a "difficult" patient situation involving family complaints and communication challenges. Rather than approaching the interaction defensively, she chose curiosity over preconception and discovered that the family wasn't difficult—they were scared and feeling unheard. Through this experience, she learned that healthcare resilience isn't about developing thicker skin, but about maintaining openness and choosing connection even in challenging situations. The episode explores how reframing complaints as information about unmet needs can transform patient relationships and offers practical tools including the "Fresh Eyes" approach, curious questioning techniques, and complaint reframing strategies. Thank you to our sponsorMIGA: https://miga.com.au Resources:https://drjobraid.comwww.instagram.com/burnoutrecoverydrwww.linkedin.com/in/drjobraid I acknowledge that I create this podcast on the traditional lands of the Wiradjuri people, who have been the custodians of this land around Orange, New South Wales, for thousands of generations. I pay my respects to Wiradjuri Elders past, present, and emerging, and recognize the continuing connection to land, waters, and culture. This acknowledgment is a small but important step in recognizing the sovereignty of First Nations peoples and the deep historical and ongoing relationship with Country. Disclaimer: The information provided on or through our Site, products and/or services is intended to be for informational purposes only. It does not constitute or replace professional advice for individual or specific situations and nor does it take into account your specific needs or circumstances. Under no circumstances should the content made available on our Site, or regarding our products and/or services be relied upon as professional legal, medical, financial, business or other advice. You agree to obtain these services if you need these. Our Site may have articles and content that is of a general nature and is intended to be for informational purposes only. Your access to and use of they Site is subject to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    13 min
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5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Burnout Recovery Podcast, where we're creating a global movement to keep healthcare professionals thriving in the careers they love. I'm Dr Jo Braid, your host and The Burnout Recovery Doctor. Whether you're a med student just starting out, an allied health professional at the point of care, or a seasoned doctor feeling the weight of the system - this podcast is your lifeline back to sustainable practice. Here's what I know: when one healthcare professional recovers from burnout and builds a sustainable career, the ripple effect reaches patients, families, colleagues, and communities around the world. That's the power of change where it matters most. In each episode, you'll discover evidence-based strategies and real-world tools to not just survive healthcare, but to thrive in it. Because the world needs you healthy, energized, and passionate about the work that called you here in the first place. This isn't just about individual recovery - it's about transforming healthcare from the inside out, one professional at a time. Ready to be part of the solution? Let's dive in.

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