Behind The Glitz: From Burnout to Lit

Aria Johnson
Behind The Glitz: From Burnout to Lit

Behind The Glitz uncovers the truth behind the glossy world of success. Hosted by Aria Johnson, each episode features real-life stories of those who’ve made it to the top of their fields with hard work, challenges, and a whole lot of heart. Our guests, from celebrities and pro athletes to visionary entrepreneurs and experts in psychology, biohacking, and self-development, have mastered their fields. We'll discover how they beat the odds - and what they learned along the way. Join us at “Behind The Glitz” for a journey into the heart of true success -where being the best also means feeling your best.

  1. 017 Kidnapped Abroad: Scott Lesnick’s Inspiring Tale of Determination

    NOV 22

    017 Kidnapped Abroad: Scott Lesnick’s Inspiring Tale of Determination

    In this episode of Behind the Glitz, I sit down with Scott Lesnick, a keynote speaker, author, and TEDx presenter with an extraordinary life story that shows the true power of resilience and persistence. Scott opens up about one of the most challenging experiences of his life—rescuing his children after they were abducted and taken to the Middle East. His journey is emotional, powerful, and a testament to the strength it takes to keep moving forward, even when the odds seem stacked against you. We also dive into how Scott took those life lessons and transformed them into a mission to help others. Today, as a keynote speaker, he empowers leaders with practical strategies to reduce stress, build resilience, and foster collaboration. His insights prove that strength grows through adversity and that persistence is key to overcoming even the toughest challenges. Scott’s story is an inspiring reminder of what’s possible when you refuse to give up—and his advice on resilience, leadership, and managing stress will resonate with anyone looking to push through their own obstacles. 5 Key Takeaways: Never Give Up: Persistence is everything. Scott’s story shows how grit and determination can help you overcome even the hardest challenges. Resilience is Built Through Adversity: Tough times test you, but they also reveal how strong you truly are. Collaboration is Crucial: Whether in leadership or life, working with others and seeking support can make all the difference. Stress Management is Essential: To stay balanced and avoid burnout, find the tools that work for you—like running, journaling, or meditation. Listen More, Lead Better: Great leaders prioritize listening. It builds trust, connection, and stronger teams. Scott’s story is powerful, and his lessons on resilience and leadership will leave you inspired to face your own challenges with confidence. Tune in to Behind the Glitz on Spotify and Apple Podcasts to hear his incredible journey. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/behind-the-glitz/donations

    48 min
  2. 016 Three Non-Negotiables for Burnout Recovery w/ Cait Donavan

    OCT 24

    016 Three Non-Negotiables for Burnout Recovery w/ Cait Donavan

    In this episode of Behind the Glitz, I sit down with Cait Donovan, host of Fried the Burnout Podcast (the #1 burnout podcast on Spotify), to unpack the surprising power of resentment and how burnout can take over every area of our lives. We get into the real talk about what burnout actually is, what causes it, and how it shows up differently for men and women. Plus, we cover the warning signs you should be looking for and the risk factors that might be setting you up for burnout. Cait brings a fresh perspective on resentment—an emotion we all experience but usually try to avoid. She explains how resentment isn’t just negative, but can actually be a tool for growth and self-awareness if we use it right. We also dive into the essentials of self-care and why putting your physical and emotional well-being first is a non-negotiable when you’re recovering from burnout. We talk about how childhood experiences can shape your burnout tendencies, the role of gratitude in healing, and how Eastern medicine—like Chinese medicine—can offer a totally different approach to recovery. Cait even shares a fascinating concept about how burnout can mess with your perspective—like losing your peripheral vision—and how leaning on support can help you see clearly again. And, we break down her Devil-Angel-Human exercise for setting boundaries and having those tough conversations we all need to have. Takeaways: -Burnout doesn’t just affect your work—it can creep into every part of your life. -Perfectionism, people-pleasing, lack of boundaries, unclear values, childhood trauma, and health issues are all burnout risk factors. -Protect yourself from burnout by setting boundaries, asking for help, and making self-care a priority. Resentment can actually be a tool for growth—if you know how to use it. -Gratitude is powerful, but recovery is personal—what works for one person may not work for another. -Eastern medicine, like Chinese medicine, can offer unique approaches to burnout recovery. -Resentment journaling can help you release negative feelings and create space for more gratitude and generosity. -The Devil-Angel-Human exercise is a simple and effective way to set boundaries and communicate clearly. Burnout recovery is different for everyone—there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. -Burnout can narrow your perspective, but support from friends, family, or professionals can help you regain clarity. -Focus on foundational self-care, creating a safe space, and leaning on your support system to fully recover from burnout. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/behind-the-glitz/donations

    40 min
  3. 015 Unlocking Your Superpower w/ Betty Rhoade

    OCT 15

    015 Unlocking Your Superpower w/ Betty Rhoade

    In this episode of Behind the Glitz, Aria Johnson speaks with Betty Rhoades, founder of She Speaks, about overcoming adversity, reclaiming your voice, and finding your inner power. Betty shares her journey, from dealing with life’s challenges to coaching others on how to unlock their potential. They dive deep into the concept of authenticity and how staying true to your values is essential to avoid burnout. Betty emphasizes the importance of self-reflection, tapping into your “superpowers,” and pushing past societal norms, especially for women in the workplace. She also discusses how to identify your strengths, set boundaries, and speak up when it matters most, using both her personal experiences and coaching insights. This empowering conversation wraps up with practical advice for standing tall, even in the face of setbacks, and how to stay resilient without burning out. 5 Key Takeaways: - Authenticity is Power: Living aligned with your core values prevents burnout and makes you more resilient in both personal and professional life. - Reflection is Key: Take the time to reflect on your values and strengths, and seek feedback from others. This self-awareness is critical to navigating challenges. - Burnout Prevention: Setting clear boundaries and staying true to your inner "superhero" can help you avoid the exhaustion and disconnection that comes with burnout. - Grit and Resilience: Success is not linear; it requires pushing through obstacles and embracing your unique strengths, even when things get tough. - Support Systems Matter: Whether through mentorship, community, or personal support systems, having people around you to lift you up is crucial for sustained success and burnout prevention. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/behind-the-glitz/donations

    39 min
  4. 014 The Athlete's Path: Staying Motivated and Beating Burnout w/ Vilis Ozols

    OCT 3

    014 The Athlete's Path: Staying Motivated and Beating Burnout w/ Vilis Ozols

    In this episode of Behind the Glitz, I had the chance to sit down with Vilis Ozols, a former pro volleyball player and NCAA women’s basketball coach, to dive into the mindset it takes to win, overcome adversity, and bounce back from setbacks. We got real about the grit, determination, and relentless drive needed not just in sports but in life. Vilis shared a powerful personal story about a major setback he faced and how he turned it into one of his biggest learning experiences. It’s a reminder that the behind-the-scenes work, the struggles and challenges, are what really shape success. We also talked about burnout—something that hits athletes and coaches hard. Vilis shared some great insights on how to stay motivated and avoid burnout by building resilience and practicing mental toughness. We both agree that preparation, maintaining a positive mindset, and even embracing failure are all essential parts of the journey to success. The conversation wrapped up with three powerful takeaways: giving everything you’ve got, positioning yourself for success, and relentlessly going after your goals—without burning out. Takeaways: -Success, in sports and life, requires giving maximum effort and pushing past your limits. -Grit can be developed through consistent habits, attitude, and perseverance. -Having a support system makes a huge difference when overcoming challenges. -Setbacks and failures are valuable opportunities for growth and learning. -Always give 100% so you can look back and say you left nothing on the table. -Put yourself in a position to win by being prepared and ready for whatever comes your way. -The only goal you can’t achieve is the one you don’t go after—so go for it! Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/behind-the-glitz/donations

    47 min
  5. 013 Burnout, Boundaries, and Owning Your Potential with Becca Powers

    SEP 26

    013 Burnout, Boundaries, and Owning Your Potential with Becca Powers

    In this episode, Becca Powers, keynote speaker and bestselling author, dives deep into her personal and professional transformation journey, from working at a dollar store to becoming a Fortune 500 executive. Becca shares the pivotal moment that redirected her life and emphasizes the importance of owning your personal power, prioritizing what truly matters, and setting boundaries to avoid burnout. Her book, A Return to Radiance, encourages shifting from trauma and stress to embracing your inner radiance and potential. Becca challenges traditional personal development by focusing on what you want instead of what’s wrong, emphasizing the power of choice in shaping your life. Throughout the conversation, Becca and Aria explore themes of self-love, receiving love, and making empowering decisions. They also offer practical advice on maintaining success while avoiding burnout, and Becca shares valuable insights for aspiring authors. This episode is all about embracing your worthiness, protecting your energy, and taking intentional steps toward your goals. Takeaways - Own your personal power and prioritize what matters most in your life. - Set boundaries to protect your potential and avoid overextending yourself. - Shift your focus from trauma and stress to embracing your radiance and potential. - Challenge traditional views on personal development by focusing on what you want rather than what's wrong. Character counts and contributes to our legacy. - Love, leadership, and legacy are important aspects of a fulfilling life. - Receiving love is as important as giving love. - Everyone is worthy of manifesting their ideas and goals. - Taking small actions towards our goals can lead to significant change. Keywords personal development, transformation, personal power, boundaries, potential, radiance, trauma, stress, meaning, purpose, fulfillment, character, love, legacy, choice, self-love, success, aspiring authors, worthiness Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/behind-the-glitz/donations

    49 min
  6. 012 Overcoming MS & Burnout w/ Carmen Ohling

    AUG 13

    012 Overcoming MS & Burnout w/ Carmen Ohling

    In this episode, Aria chats with Carmen Ohling, a transformational life and leadership coach, who shares her inspiring journey of overcoming personal limitations and burnout after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Carmen talks about the importance of slowing down, reflecting, and asking ourselves the tough questions to create a fulfilling life. She emphasizes the need for mentorship, attending conferences, and surrounding ourselves with growth-minded individuals to achieve success. Carmen encourages us to prioritize well-being, set clear priorities, and take intentional action to overcome challenges and reach our goals. She explains how disciplines and systems can bring freedom to our lives, sharing her personal system of planning her week based on energy rather than time. Carmen also highlights the importance of self-care and deliberate play in avoiding burnout and finding balance. Plus, her upcoming book will provide even more tools and resources for personal and professional growth. Takeaways - Slowing down and reflecting on our lives is essential for personal growth and fulfillment. - Surrounding ourselves with growth-minded individuals and seeking mentorship can accelerate our personal and professional success. - Prioritizing our well-being and setting clear priorities helps us overcome challenges and achieve our goals. - Taking intentional action and stepping outside our comfort zones is necessary for personal growth and building confidence. Disciplines and systems bring freedom to our lives. - Plan your week based on energy rather than time. - Focus on specific tasks each day to avoid feeling unfocused. - Self-care and deliberate play are essential for finding balance and fulfillment. Keywords transformation, personal growth, overcoming limitations, burnout, multiple sclerosis, mentorship, conferences, growth mindset, well-being, priorities, intentional action, disciplines, systems, freedom, planning, energy, focus, balance, self-care, deliberate play, personal growth, professional growth Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/behind-the-glitz/donations

    51 min
  7. 011 How to live a Complaint Free Life w/ Will Bowen

    JUL 10

    011 How to live a Complaint Free Life w/ Will Bowen

    Will Bowen, founder of the Complaint-Free Movement, joins Aria Johnson to discuss the impact of complaining and the reasons behind it. They explore the psychology of complaining, the science behind it, and the ways to stop complaining. Will shares insights from his research and personal experiences, shedding light on the reasons people complain and how it affects their relationships and well-being. The conversation delves into the psychology of complaining, the impact of complaining on individuals, and the strategies to overcome the habit of complaining. It also explores the role of complaining in seeking power and the differences in complaining behavior between men and women. The conversation concludes with insights from meeting Oprah Winfrey and the profound impact of her perspective on complaining. Takeaways Complaining is a common behavior that affects social interactions and personal well-being. The reasons behind complaining include seeking attention, removing responsibility, inspiring envy, and more. The impact of complaining on relationships and self-esteem is significant, and understanding the psychology behind it can lead to positive change. The desire for power and alliance-building often drives people to complain about others. Men and women may perceive and express complaining differently, and understanding these differences can lead to better communication and empathy. The impact of complaining on personal and professional relationships is significant, and conscious effort is required to break the habit of complaining. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/behind-the-glitz/donations

    55 min
  8. 010 Breaking The Glass Ceiling and Beating Burnout: The Girls of Grit Story

    JUL 2

    010 Breaking The Glass Ceiling and Beating Burnout: The Girls of Grit Story

    In this engaging episode, Aria Johnson sits down with Cynthia Ficara and Anneliese Rhodes, the dynamic duo known as the Girls of Grit, to dive into their journeys in the male-dominated world of medical device sales. They share the mindsets and beliefs that helped them break through the glass ceiling and the challenges they faced along the way. Cynthia and Anneliese emphasize the importance of resilience, persistence, and finding inner strength, while highlighting the crucial role of community support and mentors in empowering women. The conversation explores the idea of "having it all," stressing the need to prioritize and find balance in different areas of life. Cynthia and Anneliese offer personal strategies for avoiding burnout, like practicing gratitude, knowing their limits, and engaging in self-care activities like exercise. They also talk about the importance of setting boundaries, being present with family, and juggling the demands of being a working mom. They touch on the challenges of disconnecting from work to be fully present with children and share practical tips for finding that balance. Cynthia and Anneliese stress the importance of supporting and empowering other women, avoiding comparisons, and being the CEO of your own career. They talk about taking charge, making decisions, and building a personal brand, defining success as being a good mother, making a positive impact, and finding happiness in both personal and professional life. The episode wraps up with some heartfelt advice: hug your loved ones, let go of guilt, drink plenty of water, focus on what really matters, leave a positive legacy, and practice gratitude. This inspiring episode underscores the importance of resilience and self-care in avoiding burnout, while celebrating the power of community and mentorship in achieving success. Takeaways Resilience, persistence, and finding strength within oneself are crucial for breaking through the glass ceiling in male-dominated industries. Having a supportive community and mentors can provide guidance and help women navigate challenges. Finding a balance between career and family requires setting boundaries and prioritizing based on personal values. Practicing gratitude and engaging in self-care activities can help prevent burnout and maintain overall well-being. Set boundaries and prioritize self-care to avoid feeling overwhelmed Be present with family and find ways to shut off work Support and empower other women, and avoid comparing oneself to others Take charge of your career and build your own brand Define success based on personal values and impact on others Practice gratitude and be mindful of what's important in life Keywords women in leadership, medical device sales, male-dominated industry, mindset, beliefs, glass ceiling, resilience, persistence, strength, community support, mentors, having it all, balance, burnout, gratitude, self-care, boundaries, balance, self-care, presence, working mom, shutting off work, support, empowerment, comparison, CEO of career, success, advice Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/behind-the-glitz/donations

    43 min
5
out of 5
15 Ratings

About

Behind The Glitz uncovers the truth behind the glossy world of success. Hosted by Aria Johnson, each episode features real-life stories of those who’ve made it to the top of their fields with hard work, challenges, and a whole lot of heart. Our guests, from celebrities and pro athletes to visionary entrepreneurs and experts in psychology, biohacking, and self-development, have mastered their fields. We'll discover how they beat the odds - and what they learned along the way. Join us at “Behind The Glitz” for a journey into the heart of true success -where being the best also means feeling your best.

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