Burnout: The High Cost of Misaligned Wants & Needs

This episode explores a research informed lens for educator wellbeing, separating the brain’s wanting and needing systems and showing how chronic stress can push teachers to ignore needs until the tank runs dry. Dr. Eve Miller and Kim Yaris connect the science to lived experience, translating the model into clear metaphors and practical, repeatable moves that help educators respond instead of react.

You will leave with a compact framework and quick resets that fit real life, from a one minute want,need check to habits that keep fuel in the tank before burnout hits. The goal is sustainable energy, steadier classrooms, and a culture that normalizes care as part of excellent practice. If this resonates, like, subscribe, and share with a colleague who could use a refuel.

Download the handout:

https://resources.franklincovey.com/c/fy26_rc-podcast-hand?x=a9GxTN

Hosts: Kim Yaris, M.Ed (Associate Director of Research with FranklinCovey Education); Dr. Eve Miller (Director of Research with FranklinCovey Education)

Timestamps:

(00:00 - 00:22) Welcome

(00:22 - 01:28) Why now

(01:28 - 04:24) The 46 percent reality

(04:24 - 06:23) Wanting vs needing, the model

(06:23 - 07:38) Accelerator and gas gauge

(07:38 - 09:36) Tuning out needs under stress

(09:36 - 11:17) The parent call example

(11:17 - 13:31) Survival mode and culture cues

(13:31 - 15:17) Normalize needs at work

(15:17 - 18:20) Quick practices you can start

(18:20 - 20:04) Close and CTA