Breakthrough with Mallory and Julie

Julie Burch and Mallory Herrin

Are you ready for some straight talk? In this podcast we give real world, authentic, kick you in the pants, get it together, stop whining and make a move, growth strategies to help you BREAKTHROUGH to your best self! Hosted by Mallory Herrin and Julie Burch, personal development experts with the street cred to help you kick it up a notch. We have been through the drama and come through on the other side and we are here to help YOU do the same. We tackle the tough topics and address some of the common mental road blocks that hold us back.  Dealing with personal and career growth obstacles to becoming the best version of yourself. This is about accountability and recognizing that your life is YOUR choice! Take back control and make the choices that move you from where you are to where you want to be! You will hear tangible solutions and steps to implement immediately for REAL results! Let Mallory and Julie guide you to a new level of success! www.breakthroughwmj.com julie@julieburch.com Mallory@HerrinHR.com

  1. Aug 26

    Wrenches Don’t Break You. Mindset Builds You: How to Keep Going When Life Goes Sideways

    Send us Fan Mail You had a plan. You had a list. You were going to GET. STUFF. DONE. And then life said, “That’s adorable.” The headache hits. Traffic is a nightmare. Your boss drops something on your desk at 4:55. The internet goes down. You're exhausted, overwhelmed, behind schedule, and suddenly that beautiful plan you had for the day is circling the drain. So now what? In this episode of Breakthrough with Mallory and Julie, we're talking about what mindset really looks like when life refuses to cooperate—because having a positive mindset when everything is going your way is easy. The real test is what you do when the wrench hits the works. Do you let one bad moment hijack the entire day? Do you throw out the other $900 because somebody stole $100? Do you wallow in everything that's gone wrong—or do you rally, pivot, and take back control? This isn't another fluffy conversation about “just think positive.” Nope. We're talking about real-world mindset strategies for high achievers who still have days when they're tired, overwhelmed, unmotivated, frustrated, and just plain DONE. We're digging into: Why you can't wait until you feel like it to take actionHow to reset your mindset when your day goes completely off the railsWhy behavior changes belief faster than belief changes behaviorHow to stop one setback from ruining the rest of your dayWhy remembering your WHY can keep you moving when motivation disappearsHow to create a Plan B before you need oneWhy breaking overwhelming tasks into smaller chunks actually worksHow to do your future self a favorWhy accountability can help you keep going when you'd rather quitAnd the mantra Julie uses to get herself moving when she absolutely does NOT feel like it: Promises made. Promises kept.Because here's the uncomfortable truth: You don't think your way into feeling better. Sometimes you have to act your way there. And mindset isn't about pretending everything is wonderful. It's about refusing to hand over control of your entire day—or your goals—because something didn't go according to plan. Don't wallow. Rally. Oh, and stick around for Female Five, because this time we're getting personal! We're answering a question we've received more than once: How exactly did Mallory and Julie meet—and how in the world did that turn into Breakthrough? Spoiler alert: apparently, there was some light stalking involved. 😂 If you've ever thought, “Well, today is shot,” “I'm too overwhelmed,” “I'll do it when I feel more motivated,” or “Why bother? Something always gets in the way,” this episode is your lovingly delivered kick in the pants. Life is going to throw wrenches. Your breakthrough is learning not to hand them the steering wheel. 🎧 Listen now and discover how to reset your mindset, take action when you don't feel like it, stay productive through overwhelm, and keep moving toward the goals—and the impact—that matter most to you. mindset reset, positive mindset, growth mindset, mindset for success, how to stay motivated, how to stay productive, overcoming overwhelm, productivity tips, high achiever mindset, resilience, mental resilience, how to keep going, motivation and discipline, taking action, achieving goals, personal development for women, women in business, women leaders, self-leadership, accountability, overcoming setbacks, Breakthrough with Mallory and Julie Stay connected to Mallory and Julie! breakthroughwmj.com mallory@HerrinHR.com julie@julieburch.com @Breakthroughwmj

  2. Aug 12

    I’ll Just Do It Myself: The Hidden Ego Behind Doing It All

    Send us Fan Mail I’ll Just Do It Myself: The Hidden Ego Behind Doing It All “I’ve got it.” “I don’t need any help.” “It’ll be faster if I just do it myself.” Sound familiar? We love to call it independence. Responsibility. High standards. Being capable. But sometimes hiding underneath that giant pile of things we insist on doing ourselves is something we don't particularly want to admit: Ego. In this episode of Breakthrough with Mallory and Julie, we’re lovingly calling ourselves—and maybe you—OUT on the “I’ll just do it myself” mentality. Because refusing help isn’t always about being strong. Sometimes it’s pride. Sometimes it’s perfectionism. Sometimes it’s control. Sometimes we’re afraid of being a burden or looking incapable. And sometimes—ouch—we’ve gotten just a little too comfortable playing the martyr who does everything and then wonders why nobody helps. Julie and Mallory get personal about their own struggles with competitiveness, high standards, control, and that little ego boost that comes when someone asks, “How do you DO it all?” Spoiler alert: doing it all isn’t nearly as impressive when you’re exhausted, overwhelmed, and hanging on by a thread. And this isn’t just about your personal life. If you’re a leader who constantly says, “It’s easier if I do it myself,” you may not just be overloading yourself—you may be robbing someone else of the opportunity to learn, grow, contribute, and feel valued. 🔥 In this episode, we dig into: Why capable people have such a hard time asking for helpThe sneaky connection between ego, pride, perfectionism, and controlWhy “I can do it myself” doesn't mean “I should do it myself”How refusing to delegate can actually hurt the people around youThe difference between striving for excellence and demanding perfectionWhy shared victories may be more meaningful than doing it aloneHow to recognize when your independence has crossed over into burnoutWhy asking for help can actually make other people feel valuedHow to start letting go—even if loosening your grip makes you twitch a littlePlus, in this episode’s Fan Mail Five, Kim from Florida asks a BIG question: “I’m always checking on everyone else, making the plans, solving the problems, and keeping everything together. Why doesn’t anyone ever do that for me?” Our answer might sting a little: Have you accidentally trained everyone to let you? We talk about the roles we create in our relationships, why resentment without communication gets us nowhere, and Mallory introduces a phrase we may need to keep forever: weaponized competence. Here’s your loving kick in the mindset: You may be perfectly capable of doing it all. That doesn’t mean you should. Your time, energy, attention, and talent are limited resources. Stop wasting them proving you don’t need anybody. Ask for the help. Delegate the thing. Let somebody else contribute. Say thank you. And then use that reclaimed energy for the people, priorities, and purpose that actually matter. 🎧 Listen now to Breakthrough with Mallory and Julie—and send this episode to the person who desperately needs help but will absolutely insist, “No, no, I’ve got it.” Stay connected to Mallory and Julie! breakthroughwmj.com mallory@HerrinHR.com julie@julieburch.com @Breakthroughwmj

  3. Jul 29

    You're Addicted to Potential (And It's Keeping You Stuck)

    Send us Fan Mail What if the biggest thing holding you back isn't fear...it's potential? In this eye-opening episode of Breakthrough with Mallory & Julie, we're exposing one of the sneakiest forms of self-sabotage: becoming addicted to what could happen instead of taking action on what should happen. Maybe you're staying in a relationship because "they'll change someday." Maybe you're stuck in a job that's draining the life out of you because you're hoping the next promotion, the next manager, or the next reorganization will finally make everything better. Maybe you've spent years telling yourself you have so much potential...without ever giving yourself permission to test it. Sound familiar? This episode is your loving kick in the pants. Julie and Mallory unpack why we cling to unrealized potential, why fear convinces us to stay stuck, and why hope is not a strategy—but action is. Through hilarious stories, real-life examples, leadership lessons, and a few uncomfortable truths, they challenge you to stop waiting for your life to magically improve and start making the decisions that move you forward. You'll discover: 🔥 Why people stay in bad relationships, toxic jobs, and unhealthy situations far longer than they should 🔥 The hidden fear behind "I don't want to fail" 🔥 How "potential" can become an excuse for avoiding action 🔥 The difference between believing in possibility and enabling dysfunction 🔥 Why every dream needs a Plan B (and why it actually makes you braver) 🔥 How to stop waiting for change and become the person who creates it If you've ever caught yourself saying... "Maybe next year..." "Maybe they'll change..." "Maybe someday..." ...this episode is for you. It's time to stop living on potential and start living with purpose. Because your future won't change because you hoped hard enough. It changes because you decided to act. 🎙️ Listen now, then send this episode to the friend who's been saying "maybe" for way too long. Stay connected to Mallory and Julie! breakthroughwmj.com mallory@HerrinHR.com julie@julieburch.com @Breakthroughwmj

  4. Jul 15

    You Might Be the Problem (Here's How to Tell)

    Send us Fan Mail Are you the main character...or have you accidentally become the villain? Ouch. We know. This episode might sting a little—but sometimes the truth is exactly what we need. Last episode we challenged you to stop living as the supporting character in your own life and start embracing Main Character Energy. But there's a catch. Taking ownership of your life doesn't mean making everything about you. In this laugh-out-loud, lovingly kick-you-in-the-mindset episode, Julie and Mallory tackle one of the biggest personal growth roadblocks nobody likes to talk about: What if you're the common denominator? Together they unpack why some people stay trapped in victim mentality, why self-awareness is one of the most valuable leadership skills you can develop, and how accountability—not blame—is what actually creates freedom. Through hilarious real-life stories, tough-love moments, and practical mindset shifts, they explore why people drift away from chronic complainers, why taking responsibility is empowering instead of defeating, and how to stop sabotaging your own relationships, career, and happiness.  If you've ever caught yourself saying... • "Why does this always happen to me?" • "Everyone I work with is toxic." • "Nothing ever goes my way." • "People just don't understand me." ...this episode might change your perspective forever. Because here's the truth: You can't control what happens to you—but you always control what you do next. In this episode you'll learn: ✔️ How to recognize victim mentality before it takes over your life ✔️ Why accountability is actually the fastest path to confidence ✔️ How to develop greater self-awareness without beating yourself up ✔️ The difference between healthy Main Character Energy and selfish behavior ✔️ Why your mindset—not your circumstances—is often your greatest advantage ✔️ Practical ways to stop complaining, start growing, and take your power back If you're ready for a little tough love, a lot of laughs, and the mindset shift that could completely change your relationships, career, and confidence... Press play. Because around here we're fighting the war on self-abdication—and sometimes the biggest breakthrough starts with asking one uncomfortable question: "Could I be the common denominator?" Stay connected to Mallory and Julie! breakthroughwmj.com mallory@HerrinHR.com julie@julieburch.com @Breakthroughwmj

  5. Jul 1

    Main Character Energy: Stop Playing the Supporting Role in Your Own Life

    Send us Fan Mail Are you living like the main character... or just the extra in everyone else's story? If you've spent your life shrinking yourself, apologizing for taking up space, waiting for permission, or believing everyone else's dreams deserve the spotlight before yours... this episode is your wake-up call. This week on Breakthrough with Mallory and Julie, we're talking about Main Character Energy—and no, we're not talking about becoming arrogant, self-centered, or dramatic. We're talking about something far more powerful: ✨ Owning your value.  ✨ Speaking up.  ✨ Asking for what you want.  ✨ Taking risks.  ✨ Believing you're worthy without constantly proving yourself. Because somewhere along the way, many of us learned to become the "easy" one. The agreeable one. The one who says, "It's okay... I'm okay," while quietly putting everyone else's needs, dreams, opinions, and priorities ahead of our own. Enough. In this episode, we're calling out the habits that keep you playing small and sharing practical ways to start showing up with confidence, courage, and just enough sass to change your life. You'll hear stories about:  Why confidence isn't arrogance (and why people confuse the two)  The surprising moment Julie stopped waiting to be invited and landed another keynote  Mallory's hilarious "be kind... (well, you'll have to listen!)" email trick for sounding more confident  Why waiting for permission is quietly stealing your opportunities  How fear of rejection keeps us from asking for raises, chasing dreams, building friendships, and taking chances  Why your worth isn't earned through productivity  The mindset shift that helps you stop playing small without becoming selfish We'll also tackle one of our favorite listener questions about people-pleasing, shrinking yourself to be liked, and finally believing you're worthy simply because you exist.  If you've ever thought...  "Who am I to do this?"  "I don't want to seem difficult."  "Maybe someone else deserves it more."  "I'll wait until I'm more confident." ...this episode was made for you. Because here's the truth: Your life deserves a main character. It might as well be you. 🎙️ Tune in for laughs, real stories, practical strategies, and the loving kick in the pants you didn't know you needed. Stay connected to Mallory and Julie! breakthroughwmj.com mallory@HerrinHR.com julie@julieburch.com @Breakthroughwmj

  6. Jun 17

    You Are Allowed to Change: Stop Letting Your Past Decide Your Future

    Send us Fan Mail 🚨 Newsflash, Breakthrough Crew: You are allowed to become someone new. Somewhere along the way, many of us started believing that who we've always been is who we're supposed to stay. The "bad driver." The struggling employee. The overwhelmed parent. The person who never follows through. The one who always plays it safe. Not anymore. In this episode of Breakthrough with Mallory and Julie, we're tackling the lies that keep people stuck and the mindset shifts that help you finally step into the next version of yourself. Whether you're considering a career change, starting a business, writing a book, rebuilding after divorce, chasing a big dream, or simply tired of living on autopilot, this conversation is for you. We dive into: ✨ Why comfort zones quietly steal your potential  ✨ The surprising reason people fear visibility more than failure  ✨ How old labels and identities keep you trapped  ✨ Why waiting for the "perfect time" is a losing strategy  ✨ The power of vision boards, visualization, and intentional action  ✨ How to rebuild trust in yourself after years of not following through  ✨ What you may need to let go of before you can level up If you've ever thought:  "It's too late for me."  "I'm too old to start over."  "That's just not who I am."  "What will people think?" ...this episode is your wake-up call. Because growth requires courage.  Change requires action.  And the future version of you is waiting for today's version of you to stop asking permission. 🎯 You're not stuck.  🎯 You're not behind.  🎯 You're not required to stay who you've always been. You are allowed to change. So grab your coffee, put on those red nails, channel your inner Wonder Woman, and join us for a conversation about personal growth, self-confidence, reinvention, mindset, leadership, resilience, and becoming the person you're meant to be. And don't forget to hit subscribe so you can be alerted as soon as there is a new episode! You can also go to Breakthroughwmj.com and stay connected! #PersonalDevelopment #MindsetShift #SelfGrowth #Confidence #ReinventYourself #PersonalGrowth #Leadership #Motivation #WomenInBusiness #CareerGrowth #SelfImprovement #BreakthroughPodcast #JulieBurch #MalloryHerron Stay connected to Mallory and Julie! breakthroughwmj.com mallory@HerrinHR.com julie@julieburch.com @Breakthroughwmj

  7. Jun 3

    What to Say When Someone Crosses the Line: Stop Overthinking and Start Speaking Up!

    Send us Fan Mail Stop Rehearsing Arguments in Your Head: How to Speak Up Without Starting a Fight Ever leave a meeting thinking: "I should have said something..." Then spend the next three days replaying the conversation, writing imaginary comebacks in your head, and getting progressively more annoyed? Welcome to the club. In this listener-powered episode of Breakthrough with Mallory and Julie, we're tackling one of the biggest challenges professionals face: speaking up when something feels off. From feeling dismissed by a manager to handling inappropriate comments, setting boundaries, advocating for yourself, and navigating difficult workplace conversations, we're answering real listener questions and sharing practical communication tools you can use immediately. In this episode, you'll learn: ✅ How to address a disrespectful comment after the fact  ✅ Why clarity beats confrontation every time  ✅ The communication mistake that causes resentment to build  ✅ How to stand up for yourself without sounding aggressive  ✅ Questions that instantly de-escalate tense conversations  ✅ Why assumptions create conflict and curiosity creates solutions  ✅ The secret to maintaining your composure when emotions are running high  ✅ How to advocate for yourself with confidence—even when you're talking to your boss You'll also hear Julie's favorite communication techniques, including the powerful "Acknowledge and Transition" method, the 48-hour rule for difficult conversations, and the simple default questions that can help you stay calm and professional when you're caught off guard. If you've ever worried about being seen as difficult, stayed quiet to keep the peace, or found yourself replaying a conversation wishing you'd handled it differently, this episode is for you. Because healthy communication isn't about having the perfect comeback. It's about having the confidence to ask the right questions. In This Episode:  Speaking up at work  Setting healthy boundaries  Handling workplace conflict  Emotional intelligence and communication  Professional communication skills  Difficult conversations  Self-advocacy  Conflict resolution  Leadership communication  Workplace relationships Remember: Your silence isn't keeping the peace. It's often just keeping the tension. Tune in and learn how to communicate with confidence, clarity, and impact. 🎙️💥 #BreakthroughWithMalloryAndJulie #CommunicationSkills #WorkplaceCommunication #EmotionalIntelligence #LeadershipDevelopment #WomenInBusiness #ConflictResolution #ProfessionalDevelopment #SelfAdvocacy #PersonalGrowth www.breakthroughwmj.com Follow us on your favorite social media channel! @Breakthroughwmj mallory@herrinhr.com julie@julieburch.com Stay connected to Mallory and Julie! breakthroughwmj.com mallory@HerrinHR.com julie@julieburch.com @Breakthroughwmj

  8. May 20

    Your Comfort Zone Has Friends. And They Are Holding You Back.

    Send us Fan Mail Who’s influencing your decisions… and should they even have access to your energy in the first place? In this bold, honest, and slightly spicy episode of Breakthrough with Mallory and Julie, Julie and Mallory tackle one of the biggest hidden reasons people stay stuck: the people surrounding them. From negative workplaces and draining friendships to outgrowing networking groups, toxic comfort zones, and the fear of evolving beyond other people’s expectations — this episode is your wake-up call to do a serious “circle audit.” Because here’s the truth:  You cannot build a bigger life while constantly taking advice from people committed to staying small. Julie and Mallory dive into:  Why your circle directly impacts your mindset, confidence, growth, and success  How negative energy quietly keeps people stuck  The difference between your circle and your network Why successful people often outgrow relationships and rooms  Setting boundaries without guilt  The “crab mentality” story that will absolutely stick with you  Why protecting your energy is not selfish — it’s necessary  How to stop people-pleasing and start choosing yourself This episode is part tough love, part empowerment, and part loving kick in the mindset. If you’ve been feeling drained, stuck, uninspired, or like you’re shrinking yourself to fit the people around you… this episode is your sign that it’s time to upgrade the room. Because breakthrough starts when you stop giving everyone a vote in your life. 🎧 In this episode, you’ll learn:  How to identify who energizes you vs. who drains you  Why growth often requires grieving old relationships  How to build boundaries that actually work  Why networking is not a lifetime membership  The powerful mindset shift that helps you reclaim agency over your life Your future is too important to let negativity, comfort zones, and other people’s limitations define it. It’s time to level up your circle — and yourself. 🔥 breakthroughwmj.com Follow Mallory and Julie on social media!  Stay connected to Mallory and Julie! breakthroughwmj.com mallory@HerrinHR.com julie@julieburch.com @Breakthroughwmj

5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Are you ready for some straight talk? In this podcast we give real world, authentic, kick you in the pants, get it together, stop whining and make a move, growth strategies to help you BREAKTHROUGH to your best self! Hosted by Mallory Herrin and Julie Burch, personal development experts with the street cred to help you kick it up a notch. We have been through the drama and come through on the other side and we are here to help YOU do the same. We tackle the tough topics and address some of the common mental road blocks that hold us back.  Dealing with personal and career growth obstacles to becoming the best version of yourself. This is about accountability and recognizing that your life is YOUR choice! Take back control and make the choices that move you from where you are to where you want to be! You will hear tangible solutions and steps to implement immediately for REAL results! Let Mallory and Julie guide you to a new level of success! www.breakthroughwmj.com julie@julieburch.com Mallory@HerrinHR.com

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