The Overwhelm Cure

Kimberly Knull
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  • MENTAL HEALTH
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Transforming Stress into Peace and Balance In the past five years, my clients starting short-term disability for stress and burnout have risen from nearly zero to 80%. This is not okay. Over my 20 years as a practicing psychologist, I've seen an alarming rise in stress and burnout, and it's accelerated since 2020. I've come through the other side of burnout. In 2019, I resigned from my job after discovering that traditional solutions to feeling overworked weren't enough. Based on my experience and several years of research in my private practice, I developed The Overwhelm Cure. You'll discover client success stories and research-backed methods to combat this mounting crisis. There's a reason why our current lives aren't making us happy, and each week, you'll discover proven strategies to help you create significant change. Dream big, make great decisions, and manage your emotions. Join me to start building your roadmap to lasting calmness and harmony.

  1. 4D AGO

    59: The Truth About Trust

    The BRAVING Checklist: 7 Research-Backed Ways to Assess Trust Today, we're diving deep into the Dare to Lead skill set of trust. As I talk about in the episode, one of the worst things I could ever hear is, "I don't trust you".  Ouch, that's a gut punch!  It's interesting to consider how few people we truly trust, which often comes from not knowing what actually creates and breaks trust. I get into the heart of the matter: trust is not inherent — it's earned. Leaders, politicians, teachers, CEOs, and even ourselves can be delusional in assuming people should trust us without demonstrating trustworthiness.  When trust is low, our stress skyrockets, and we don't feel safe enough to be vulnerable, take risks, or be creative. We even stop trusting ourselves if we realize we've trusted the wrong people. The good news? We can learn how trust is built and broken. I introduce the seven elements of trust using the acronym BRAVING: B - Boundaries R - Reliability A - Accountability V - The Vault I - Integrity N - Non-judgment G - Generosity We also discuss how to rebuild trust after it's broken, which always starts with recognizing the mistake, being accountable, and making amends. This is how we can turn hurt into a deeper connection. This can really help you build lasting relationships. In this episode, discover: Trust is not a given and is achieved in small ways that leave a lasting impact. The seven elements of trust using the acronym BRAVING: Boundaries, Reliability, Accountability, Vault, Integrity, Non-judgment, and Generosity. People will respect you more when you're clear and kind about your boundaries rather than being a people-pleaser. Reliability issues often stem from underestimating how much time things take or saying "yes" when you actually mean no. Nothing erodes culture faster than seeing people get away with things without accountability. Trust is built gradually: start with a little trust, then a little vulnerability, and increase both over time.   Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome and Trust Topic Introduction 00:55 Why Trust Feels Risky 02:35 Trust Must Be Earned 04:09 Low Trust and Its Costs 05:38 Trust Breaks and Repairs 08:04 BRAVING Framework Overview 08:15 B- Boundaries Build Trust 12:46 R- Reliability Do What You Say 14:58 A- Accountability and Culture 15:52 V- The Vault No Gossip 17:37 I- Integrity and N- Nonjudgment 20:42 G- Generosity and Slow Trust 24:03 Self Trust and Red Flags 28:31 Wrap Up Links from today's episode: Dare to Lead Workshop Connect with me: Connect on LinkedIn Connect on Facebook Connect on Instagram

    29 min

  2. FEB 16

    58: Oversharing vs. True Vulnerability

    Today, I'm continuing our conversation about what makes us great leaders by diving into the concept of vulnerability. We often think of vulnerability as a weakness, but it's actually a measure of courage and strength.  As a leader, whether at work, with my family, or in my community, I'm required to lean into this discomfort and share vulnerably. But it's important to note that there's a difference between vulnerability and plain oversharing. Sharing everything with everyone is oversharing. It's not actually necessary to be fully exposed to be vulnerable, and as a psychologist, I would advise against it.  Instead, we should be deliberate about what we share and with whom. Building trust takes time, and not everyone will earn it. When you share your ideas or opinions publicly, you risk inviting criticism from people you don't know. The fear of being judged is a natural deterrent our brains use to discourage this.  At the same time, being vulnerable sparks joy, creativity, love, and belonging. We need to be vulnerable to experience the best parts of life, so if we can bravely ease into supportive spaces, we become more comfortable with discomfort and build tolerance for risk. In this episode, discover: Why you're actually a leader, even if you don't hold the title — it's influence that makes you one. How I use vulnerability as a parent to connect with my children's emotions and guide them as they grow. How to avoid a vulnerability hangover—that feeling of worry after putting yourself out there—and discover my technique for giving self-compassion when it happens. My guidelines for discerning between vulnerability and oversharing, and why I err on the side of caution to protect my mental health. Why self-confidence is a crucial pre-requisite to being vulnerable, and how I developed mine by taking risks. The powerful paradox of vulnerability: it can feel terrible, but it looks like strength to others. Timestamps: 00:00 Leadership Isn't Just a Title: Influence in Everyday Life 01:16 Why Vulnerability Matters for High-Performing Leaders 01:43 Vulnerability in Real Life: Social Media, Speaking & Parenting 05:19 Letting Others Struggle: Building Resilience Instead of Fixing 07:04 The Vulnerability Hangover & Practicing Self-Compassion 09:13 Vulnerability vs. Oversharing: What to Share, When, and With Whom 14:57 Confidence as the Foundation: How It's Built Over Time 19:34 The Vulnerability Paradox: It Feels Like Weakness, Looks Like Strength 22:04 Handling Criticism & Choosing the Right Audience for Your Story 26:00 Myths, Emotions, and Connection: Why Vulnerability Makes Better Leaders 30:29 Closing + Invitation: Dare to Lead Workshops (2026) Links from today's episode: Dare to Lead Workshop Connect with Kimberly: Connect on LinkedIn Connect on Facebook Connect on Instagram

    31 min

  3. FEB 9

    57: Dare to Lead: Why Defining Your Values is a Game-Changer

    In this episode, we're diving back into the Dare to Lead framework, focusing on the crucial step of defining our values. Before taking the Dare to Lead workshop myself, I honestly thought knowing my values was just interesting knowledge, like an Enneagram or a personality test. But I quickly learned how profoundly life-changing it can be. We often walk through life just reacting—getting mad in traffic, yelling at our kids over a mess, or feeling overwhelmed when someone calls us for help. We feel as if we're out of control, simply reacting to life.  But the truth is, we all have values, and they may be unconsciously driving our thoughts and feelings. Getting clear on them — and narrowing them down to just your top two — is an absolute game-changing tool for figuring out what direction to take when life throws challenges at us.  Values show us who we want to be. I'll walk you through the process to narrow your values down to just two or three. Once you've identified your core values, you can create a system to make the best choice with the information you have in just about any situation. You'll also hear a personal example of how applying my values of authenticity and generosity transformed a common reaction (passive-aggression or blame) into an intentional response (getting curious, having a conversation, and problem-solving).  Holding strong values helps us build trust and connection not only with others but also with ourselves. Key Takeaways Values are life-changing tools that help you figure out how to make tough choices and face hard things in ways you're proud of. Narrowing values down to your top two makes decision-making much clearer and less confusing, also preventing decision fatigue. Identifying values by thinking about qualities you admire in others and qualities that frustrate you can help you narrow down your own list. Learning to use values to respond to conflict can help you solve problems and build trust, rather than gossiping or reacting in anger. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Dare to Lead & Values Work 00:14 The Importance of Defining Values 01:26 Real-Life Applications of Values 08:12 The Process of Identifying Your Values 12:01 Making Decisions Based on Values 18:06 Conclusion and Invitation to Dare to Lead Links from today's episode: Dare to Lead Workshop Connect with me: Connect on LinkedIn Connect on Facebook Connect on Instagram

    18 min

  4. FEB 2

    56: How to Know If You're a Great Leader

    In this episode, we're diving into a topic many leaders struggle with … truly knowing if you're doing a good job. We all have blind spots, and what we think a great leader is — someone who has all the answers and never makes mistakes. These are common myths we tell ourselves. The truth is, poor leadership usually happens outside of our awareness. You'll hear how self-awareness is essential for great leadership. That means having the courage to genuinely ask for feedback from your team, family, and community. We also discuss the fear of looking stupid or incompetent, and how that shame can lead us to react defensively. Finally, I discuss how the skills taught in the Dare to Lead framework — like getting comfortable with being uncomfortable, managing shame, and using conflict to build trust — can be game-changers for your leadership .  The good news is that as a leader, no one expects you to be perfect; you only have to be willing to work on any problem spots. Knowing is always better than not knowing, because you can't change what you don't acknowledge.  Join me to learn the skills you need to show up as the brave, authentic leader your team and family need. Key Takeaways Poor leadership often stems from a lack of awareness of how you're impacting others and the organization. To be a great leader, you need to proactively cultivate self-awareness. Great leaders are willing not only to receive feedback but to ask for it directly from others, and truly listen to the response. Everyone has problem spots, blind spots, and weak areas. Acknowledging and working on them earns respect and improves your effectiveness. You can only change what you acknowledge. Ignoring problems won't make them go away — it keeps things stuck and can make it worse. Learning to manage feelings of shame (e.g., the fear of being perceived as incompetent), you can move from an emotional, reactive state to a calm, intentional response. Why conflict and adversity should be viewed as opportunities to build relationships and bond with your team, acting as a "fast forward" on building trust and confidence. Great leaders face setbacks head-on and bravely lead their teams through change without excessive drama, anxiety, or stress, and I hope this episode helps you get curious about how you can be a stronger leader.   Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Leadership 01:15 Identifying Good Leadership 02:39 Self-Awareness in Leadership 04:25 The Fear of Feedback 07:57 Research on Effective Leadership 10:26 The Importance of Self-Assessment 11:55 The Dare to Lead Workshop 14:11 Embracing Feedback and Building Trust 20:11 Handling Setbacks and Moving Forward 21:04 Conclusion and Workshop Invitation   Links from today's episode: Dare to Lead Workshop Connect with me: Connect on LinkedIn Connect on Facebook Connect on Instagram

    22 min

  5. JAN 26

    55: Why Every Human Needs the Dare to Lead Workshop

    Life Skills Everyone Thinks They Should Know (But Were Never Taught) In this episode, I dive into the profound impact of the Dare to Lead Certificate Workshop.  Honestly, the title is misleading. After facilitating this workshop for hundreds of people, I get piles of feedback sharing that it was the best training they've ever attended.  I think the workshop should truly be called "life skills everyone should know."  You'll hear how I've redefined leadership, realizing it isn't exclusive to those who hold titles like CEO or manager. Really, a leader is anyone who influences others, including parents, friends, family members, and community leaders.  One problem I see with many in leadership positions is that they think they need to be perfect. Which, really, is just the desire to be loved and accepted. But when leaders are afraid to make mistakes, it can stop them from taking risks, lead to overworking, and cause burnout. The Dare to Lead foundation rests on Brené Brown's prior core books: I Thought It was Just Me, which addresses common human struggles we think we face alone; Gifts of Imperfection, which focuses on overcoming perfectionism; Daring Greatly, which encourages being "all in" and living life without regret; and Rising Strong, which teaches the skill of resetting quickly when things don't go as planned.  Ultimately, the workshop teaches the mental toughness and courage required to address disruptive issues, have hard conversations, and make tough choices.  A core lesson I took away from doing this work was developing grounded confidence where my worth is never on the line.  Leaders are made — and leadership is a skill everyone can master. Key takeaways: Leadership is about influence, not just titles — if people look to you for support, mentoring, or answers, you're a leader. The Dare to Lead workshop teaches essential life skills in courage, empathy, and decision-making aligned with your values (the workshop helps you get clear on your values, too) Perfectionism is a barrier that prevents us from taking risks and leads to burnout Effective leaders manage their own emotions and address issues directly, even when it's uncomfortable, earning respect over the need for popularity. Building and repairing trust is a critical, teachable skill for team success and psychological safety. Resetting quickly when facing challenges is key — so learn how to bounce back fast   Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to the Dare to Lead Workshop 00:57 Understanding Leadership Beyond Titles 02:08 Brené Brown's Influential Books 04:33 Embracing Imperfection and Taking Risks 07:53 Handling Feedback and Rising Strong 08:47 The Essence of Dare to Lead 22:27 Building Trust and Psychological Safety 26:45 Conclusion and Invitation to the next Dare to Lead Workshop Links from today's episode: Sign up for the next Dare to Lead Workshop Connect with me: Connect on LinkedIn Connect on Facebook Connect on Instagram

    28 min

  6. JAN 19

    54: How Unrealistic Expectations Lead to Burnout

    Have you ever felt frustrated because a change in your life is happening more slowly than you think it should?  I've worked with countless women, and have gone through it myself, where we're making progress, but our minds tell us it's not enough or not fast enough.  Then, we wind up frustrated and quit, or we end up in a cycle of overwhelm and burnout. Many of the women I work with even end up taking stress leave from their jobs. The reason: we hold ourselves to unrealistic standards. How many times have you experienced a full weekend and thought you should be ready to bounce back on Monday morning? Needed a vacation from your vacation? Or starting to come down with a cold, only to end up sicker for way longer than usual?  In this episode, I dive into why we expect our bodies to bounce back in a week when it took years to get to a point of exhaustion. You'll learn about what can help — like setting clear boundaries, normalizing rest, and no longer sacrificing your time for your employer's problems.  You'll also hear about how my own healing from burnout took far longer than I expected, plus the crucial mindset shift that helped me rebuild my life with good habits.  Listen, we're not productivity machines — we're human beings. Today, I invite you to explore how we can swap self-criticism for self-compassion, prioritize our well-being, and adjust our expectations to create real, lasting healing. Key Takeaways: Why we need to be patient with progress. Change often happens more slowly than we expect. Just because our brains can make a quick decision doesn't mean our bodies have caught up yet.  How sneaky, unrealistic expectations can fuel burnout — often leaving us feeling more tired after a break than before. Suggestions for setting clear boundaries and protecting your time and energy. Specific, helpful thoughts to adopt, such as "it takes as long as it takes to feel better."  Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction: The Struggle with Slow Progress 02:42 The Impact of Unrealistic Expectations 05:04 The Harmful Cycle of Overwork 06:39 Setting Boundaries and Normalizing Rest 08:34 The Guilt of Taking Time Off 10:46 Understanding the Need for Extended Recovery 15:42 Creating a Supportive Mindset for Healing 20:48 Conclusion: Adjusting Expectations for a Healthier Life Connect with me: Schedule a free 20-minute consultation Connect on LinkedIn Connect on Facebook Connect on Instagram

    23 min

  7. JAN 12

    53: The Anti-Overwhelm Formula: 3 Steps for an Easier Life

    I know how overwhelming and difficult life can seem when we jump back into our routines and schedules after the holidays. We often think of vacations as the only true rest, but what if we could make our everyday lives feel easier?  I believe we are often making our own lives harder than they need to be. In this episode, I share my three-step plan for creating a simpler life. Effectively, it's the "anti-overwhelm formula. What you'll hear about today: How to challenge the belief that everything you do is important — our day-to-day lives are not an emergency room situation. Strategies to identify and let go of at least one thing that's draining you. Why complaining about recurring problems doesn't help — instead, they need to go to the top of our to-do lists — saving stress and struggle in the future. Simple ideas to help you automate parts of your routine. Why investing just a little time in planning can help you avoid struggle later. Timestamps:  00:00 Introduction: Overcoming Life's Overwhelm 02:12 How the Illusion of Importance Creates Overwhelm 06:50 Addressing Recurring Stressors 14:50 Making Life Easier: Practical Tips 20:46 Conclusion: Proactive Living Connect with me: Schedule a free 20-minute consultation Connect on LinkedIn Connect on Facebook Connect on Instagram

    23 min

  8. JAN 5

    52: How to Finally Keep Your New Year's Resolutions

    I'm checking in with you on your New Year's resolutions.  If you're like me, you might have let go of them within a day and a half! This time, my goal is more manageable: to create small, consistent habits.  Did you know that almost half of what we do every day is out of habit? This is good news, because if we can turn the changes we want to make into regular habits we don't need to think about, we can more easily reach our goals. In this week's episode, I dive into the psychology of why we quit—our brain feels deprived when we focus on taking things away.  Instead, I propose a helpful mindset shift: instead of focusing on sacrifice, let's focus on adding in enjoyable things that support our goals. For example, adding 20 minutes of reading before bed or a morning breathing break to de-stress feels enjoyable and can help us reach our goal of reducing stress.  We also talk about the importance of becoming the person who already has the goal. What would a person with a great marriage or a fit person do? Start making decisions based on that persona.  And importantly, if you "fall off the wagon," I explain why you haven't failed—it's only a chance to adjust and reset. Don't quit, keep learning and going until you achieve your goal! Discover: Why most New Year's resolutions fail and how to be in the successful 10% of those who reach their goals. The key mindset shift from "taking away" (deprivation) to "adding in" (abundance) to make positive changes stick. Practical examples of habits you can add to boost energy, increase mood, and reduce stress. How to use the "Future Self" method to help you make better decisions in the moment. The power of consistency, even in small increments like 10 minutes a day. A non-judgmental approach to "falling off the wagon" and why you should always reset instead of quitting. Timestamps:  00:00 Introduction and New Year's Resolutions Check-In 01:28 The Power of Positive Habits 04:29 Adding Instead of Subtracting 08:33 Visualizing Success 10:44 Consistency and Making Adjustments 16:15 Overcoming Setbacks Connect with me: Schedule a free 20-minute consultation Connect on LinkedIn Connect on Facebook Connect on Instagram

    19 min
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About

Transforming Stress into Peace and Balance In the past five years, my clients starting short-term disability for stress and burnout have risen from nearly zero to 80%. This is not okay. Over my 20 years as a practicing psychologist, I've seen an alarming rise in stress and burnout, and it's accelerated since 2020. I've come through the other side of burnout. In 2019, I resigned from my job after discovering that traditional solutions to feeling overworked weren't enough. Based on my experience and several years of research in my private practice, I developed The Overwhelm Cure. You'll discover client success stories and research-backed methods to combat this mounting crisis. There's a reason why our current lives aren't making us happy, and each week, you'll discover proven strategies to help you create significant change. Dream big, make great decisions, and manage your emotions. Join me to start building your roadmap to lasting calmness and harmony.

Information

  • Creator
    Kimberly Knull
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    138
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025
  • Show Website
    The Overwhelm Cure