The Corporate Burnouts Podcast

The Corporate Burnouts Podcast
  • 5.0 (10)
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  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to The Corporate Burnouts—the podcast built for anyone trying to survive (or escape) the corporate grind. Whether you love your job, hate it, or just feel stuck in the endless cycle of meetings and emails, this is your space. Hosted by two ex-corporate besties who’ve been through it all, we’re here to share real stories, practical advice, and plenty of laughs. This podcast is a community. A place where we uplift each other, share hard-earned wisdom, and remind you that you’re not alone in this. Join us each week as we build a corporate support system that actually has your back.

  1. Surviving Corporate Meetings

    1D AGO

    Surviving Corporate Meetings

    In this episode of The Corporate Burnouts Podcast, Mandy Holt and Mandy Alt take a hilarious and painfully relatable dive into one of the most infamous parts of corporate life: meetings that should have been emails. From calendars packed with back-to-back meetings to chaotic conference calls, endless PowerPoint presentations, and the dreaded “meeting after the meeting,” the Mandys unpack the good, the bad, and the absolutely ridiculous realities of corporate meetings. Drawing from their years in corporate environments, they share stories about living and dying by a color-coded calendar, sitting through hours of information that could have been delivered in an email, and the exhausting cycle of meetings that produce more tasks but very few decisions. They also break down what actually makes a productive meeting in the workplace, including why every meeting needs a clear agenda, the right people in the room, a strong leader to keep conversations on track, and the discipline to end early when the work is done. Along the way, they talk about the psychology of corporate culture, the pressure to contribute in meetings, why so many employees take on extra work just to look good, and how the corporate structure can create layers of unnecessary communication. The conversation also touches on the funny and awkward moments that happen in meetings, from technology mishaps and camera disasters to coworkers who just can’t stop talking. If you’ve ever stared at a packed calendar, wondered why you’re in a meeting that has nothing to do with your job, or secretly wished someone would just cancel the call, this episode will feel painfully familiar. Whether you’re still navigating corporate life or you’ve escaped the endless meeting cycle, you’ll walk away with insight into how meetings can be run more efficiently, how to protect your time and energy at work, and why setting boundaries around meetings can make a huge difference in productivity and burnout. If this episode reminds you of a meeting you survived, share it with a coworker who knows exactly what you’re talking about, and follow The Corporate Burnouts Podcast for more honest conversations about corporate culture, workplace burnout, leadership, and life after corporate.

    41 min
  2. Why Taking Time Off From Work Feels Impossible

    MAR 5

    Why Taking Time Off From Work Feels Impossible

    In this episode of The Corporate Burnouts Podcast, Mandy Holt and Mandy Alt dive into one of the most frustrating realities of corporate life: paid time off (PTO). From denied vacation requests and last-minute PTO cancellations to guilt from bosses and the pressure employees feel about stepping away from work, the Mandys unpack the complicated culture surrounding vacation time in the United States. They explore why nearly half of American employees don’t use all of their PTO, how corporate policies like accrued vacation time, manager approval, use-it-or-lose-it policies, and unlimited PTO often create more stress than freedom, and why burnout is often tied directly to the inability to truly disconnect from work. Drawing from their own experiences in corporate leadership, the restaurant industry, and now entrepreneurship, they discuss the emotional and professional trade-offs between traditional corporate benefits and the reality of running your own business or working as a 1099 contractor where paid vacation technically doesn’t exist. Along the way, they break down the psychology behind workplace guilt, favoritism in PTO approval, how vacation culture differs in Europe where workers receive 20–30 days of vacation by law, and whether unlimited PTO is actually a perk or a hidden productivity strategy used by companies. If you’ve ever struggled to get vacation approved, felt guilty about taking time off, wondered whether corporate benefits are worth it, or tried to balance work, burnout, and personal life, this episode will resonate with you. Listen now to join the conversation about PTO culture, workplace expectations, and finding healthier boundaries around work and rest, and don’t forget to follow The Corporate Burnouts and share your own PTO horror stories, workplace frustrations, or terrible boss experiences at thecorporateburnouts.com for a chance to have your story featured in a future episode. And don't forget, there are still a couple of tickets available for the Become Women's Summit in St. Louis March 12-13. Use this link to get your ticket before they sell out! https://littleblackbook.wildapricot.org/event-6349380

    44 min
  3. Control Issues and Leadership Burnout

    FEB 26

    Control Issues and Leadership Burnout

    In this episode of The Corporate Burnouts, Mandy Holt and Mandy Alt unpack the reality of stepping into leadership, getting promoted, or starting a business, and why the next rung on the ladder isn’t always what you think it will be. From middle management burnout to becoming the boss with noone above you saying “good job,” this honest conversation explores the hidden emotional shift that happens when you move from being the high-performing employee to the leader responsible for everyone else’s success.  The Mandys dive into control issues, delegation, micromanaging, loneliness in leadership, resentment overrecognition, and the mindset shift required to find validation in your team’s wins instead of your own applause. They discuss how corporate culture conditions us to chase promotions without questioning whether leadership is actually aligned with our strengths, and why some people are meant to be coaches while others are meant to be stars.  If you’re navigating a promotion, building a small business, feeling isolated as a leader, or wondering whether you’re in the right seat on the bus, this episode will challenge your expectations and help you rethink where your fulfillment should come from. Listen in, reflect on whether you need a mindset shift or a role shift, share this episode with someone stepping into leadership, and follow The Corporate Burnouts for real conversations about burnout, business ownership,corporate life, and finding the right path for you. If youw would like to join us at The Become Women's Summit in St. Louis March 12-13, there are only a couple tickets left. Use this link to register today before they sell out!  https://littleblackbook.wildapricot.org/event-6349380

    35 min
  4. Workplace Romance: Risky Or Worth It?

    FEB 19

    Workplace Romance: Risky Or Worth It?

    In this special one-year anniversary episode of The Corporate Burnouts, Mandy Alt and Mandy Holt dive into one of the most debated workplace topics, office romance. From dating a coworker to dating your boss, navigating power dynamics, favoritism, jealousy, workplace gossip, and messy breakups, this episode explores the real pros and cons of workplace relationships. With over 60% of people experiencing a workplace romanceand nearly half leading to long-term relationships or marriage, it’s no surprise that office dating is common. But is it worth the risk? The Mandys share personal stories from their restaurant industry days, unpack the psychology behind why workplace relationships feel so intense, and discuss the professional risks that come with mixing business and pleasure. They also break down power imbalances, HR policies, performance reviews, manipulation risks, and the legal and career consequences that can follow when dating crossesprofessional lines. From wild cheating scandals and corporate horror storiesto real examples of marriages that started at work, this episode covers the full spectrum of workplace drama. If you’ve ever had a crush on a coworker, dated your manager, considered disclosing a workplace relationship to HR, orsurvived a messy office breakup, this conversation will feel uncomfortably relatable. As The Corporate Burnouts celebrates one full year and 52consecutive episodes without missing a week, this conversation reflects on growth, risk, personal responsibility, and the lessons learned from corporate life and beyond. If you’re navigating corporate culture, workplace politics,career burnout, or trying to figure out how relationships impact your professional path, this episode is for you. If you would like to see the TikTok video(s) the Mandyswere discussing, here is the link to part 1 of this series. You can find the rest on this creator's channel. https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZThQg7hry/⁠ Make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share thisepisode with a friend who needs to hear it. If you or someone you know has a wild workplace romance story, corporate burnout journey, or small business transition story, reach out through thecorporateburnouts.com. We’d love to feature you on an upcoming episode.

    46 min
  5. The Real Cost of AI

    FEB 12

    The Real Cost of AI

    In this episode of The Corporate Burnouts, Mandy Holt and Mandy Alt tackle one of the biggest workplace and cultural conversations happening right now: artificial intelligence. From ChatGPT and AI-generated content to AI in hiring, layoffs, resume screening, creativity, mental health, and even drive-thru ordering, this conversation explores both the benefits and the unintended consequences of AI in business and everyday life. The Mandys openly discuss how they use AI for brainstorming, SEO, marketing strategy, schema markup, coding, and workflow efficiency, while also questioning whether reliance on AI is weakening creativity, critical thinking, and human connection. They dive into controversial topics like AI replacing jobs, AI scanning resumes and impacting the job market, environmental concerns around data centers, AI-generated art and music lacking “soul,” AI being used for therapy and validation, and the growing cultural tension around authenticity versus automation. This episode challenges listeners to think critically about how AI is shaping the future of work, education, entrepreneurship, hiring practices, and even personal relationships. If you’ve wondered whether AI is a productivity tool or a creativity killer, whether it’s helping or harming the workforce, or how to use AI responsibly without losing your human edge, this conversation will stretch your perspective. Listen in, reflect on how you’re using AI in your own career and home life, share this episode with someone navigating technology overwhelm, and follow The Corporate Burnouts for honest conversations about work, burnout, culture shifts, and the evolving future of business. And if you’re looking for inspiration and education that leads to actionable change, check out the Become Conference in St. Louis this March 12-13 and come say hi, we’d love to meet you. Here is the link to register for Become now - https://littleblackbook.wildapricot.org/event-6349380

    50 min
  6. High Achievement, Low Fulfillment: A Burnout Wake-Up Call

    FEB 5

    High Achievement, Low Fulfillment: A Burnout Wake-Up Call

    In this episode of The Corporate Burnouts, Mandy Holt and Mandy Alt sit down with Whitney Kenter for an honest conversation about what happens when you do everything “right” on paper but still feel deeply unfulfilled. Whitney shares her journey from building a successful corporate career to realizing that achievement without alignment leads straight to burnout, resentment, and emotional exhaustion. Together, they unpack the quiet warning signs so many high performers ignore, how grief, pressure, and identity become tangled up in work, and why walking away from a stable career can feel both terrifying and freeing. This conversation explores burnout recovery, redefining success, trusting your intuition, and what it actually takes to rebuild a life and career that bring joy instead of constant stress. If you’ve ever felt stuck in a job you’re good at but no longer connected to, questioned whether burnout is a season or a signal, or wondered if it’s possible to start over without losing yourself, this episode offers clarity, validation, and permission to want more. Listen in, reflect on what fulfillment really means for you, share this episode with someone navigating burnout or career transition, and follow The Corporate Burnouts for honest conversations about work, identity, healing, and life beyond corporate expectations. If you liked hearing from Whitney, here are some ways to find her - Website: https://www.gloweconnective.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gloweconnective/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/whitney-k-glowe/ Come see her keynote at the Become Women's Conference: https://littleblackbook.wildapricot.org/event-6349380

    1h 7m
  7. Quiet Quitting or Quiet Survival?

    JAN 29

    Quiet Quitting or Quiet Survival?

    In this episode of The Corporate Burnouts, Mandy Holt and Mandy Alt take a deeper look at the viral workplace trend and ask the question no one seems to be answering honestly: are people really disengaging from work, or are they simply trying to survive it? Drawing from lived corporate experience, leadership roles, and burnout recovery, the Mandys unpack how quiet quitting is often less about laziness or lack of ambition and more about self-preservation, boundary-setting, and exhaustion after years of over-performance. They explore how toxic work cultures, unclear expectations, emotional labor, and constant pressure have pushed employees into doing the bare minimum not out of rebellion, but out of necessity. This episode challenges the narrative pushed by hustle culture and corporate leadership, reframes quiet quitting as a signal rather than a problem, and helps listeners identify whether they’re pulling back because they’ve checked out, or because they’re protecting their mental health. If you’ve been accused of quiet quitting, feel guilty for no longer “going above and beyond,” or are questioning your relationship with work altogether, this conversation will help you name what’s really happening, validate your experience, and consider what sustainable work should actually look like. Listen in, reflect on where you might be surviving instead of thriving, share this episode with someone who feels burned out but unseen, and follow The Corporate Burnouts for honest conversations about work, burnout, boundaries, and life after corporate. And if you’re looking for inspiration and education that leads to actionable change, check out the Become Conference in St. Louis this March 12-13 and come say hi, we’d love to meet you. Here is the link to register for Become now - https://littleblackbook.wildapricot.org/event-6349380

    47 min
  8. The Corporate Personality Hangover No One Warns You About

    JAN 22

    The Corporate Personality Hangover No One Warns You About

    In this episode of The Corporate Burnouts, Mandy Holt and Mandy Alt unpack what they call the “corporate personality hangover”, the lingering habits, people-pleasing instincts, and emotional masking that follow you long after leaving corporate life. Sparked by a difficult client situation, the Mandys explore how corporate conditioning shows up in conflict, communication, crisis management, and boundary-setting, even when you’re running your own business. From phone voices and media training to over-apologizing, diffusing situations at your own expense, and struggling to separate professionalism from authenticity, this conversation dives deep into how years of corporate survival shape who we become. They talk honestly about client boundaries, firing the wrong clients, why “the client is always right” mentality causes burnout, and how prolonged masking erodes mental health over time. The episode also touches on people-pleasing, brand identity, emotional labor, and learning how to be both direct and kind without abandoning yourself. If you’ve left corporate but still feel the reflex to over-perform, over-explain, or swallow your instincts to keep the peace, this episode will help you recognize the hangover, unlearn the damage, and redefine what healthy professionalism actually looks like. Listen in, reflect on where you might still be masking, share this episode with someone navigating burnout or business ownership, and follow The Corporate Burnouts for honest conversations about work, identity, boundaries, and life after corporate. And if you’re looking for inspiration and education that leads to actionable change, check out the Become Conference in St. Louis this March 12-13 and come say hi, we’d love to meet you. Here is the link to register for Become now - https://littleblackbook.wildapricot.org/event-6349380

    38 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Corporate Burnouts—the podcast built for anyone trying to survive (or escape) the corporate grind. Whether you love your job, hate it, or just feel stuck in the endless cycle of meetings and emails, this is your space. Hosted by two ex-corporate besties who’ve been through it all, we’re here to share real stories, practical advice, and plenty of laughs. This podcast is a community. A place where we uplift each other, share hard-earned wisdom, and remind you that you’re not alone in this. Join us each week as we build a corporate support system that actually has your back.

Information

  • Creator
    The Corporate Burnouts Podcast
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    55
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © The Corporate Burnouts Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Corporate Burnouts Podcast

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