Life Boost with Amelia

Dr. Amelia Knight Pinkston

Welcome to the Life Boost with Amelia podcast where we're changing the narrative around what true health and success look like. They should give you energy, not drain them. Whether you’re a veterinary professional, a high-achieving perfectionist, or a people pleaser ready to not just look good on paper but to FEEL good, my goal is to always leave you with a fresh perspective that lifts a weight off your shoulders by the end of the episode. I'm your host, Dr. Amelia - multi-passionate integrative health and life coach, entrepreneur, and recovered burnout veterinarian. Together, we'll explore the science behind how your brain and body work, including the unconscious mind while also connecting with what your heart needs in order to stand up to the norm of feeling stuck on a hamster wheel-working hard yet feeling exhausted and not where you want to be- and instead live a life that makes you excited to get out of bed in the morning and in love with who you see when you look in the mirror. The reality is if you do what everyone else is doing, you're not going to feel good. Let's break the norm.

  1. 6D AGO

    Ep. 104 | You Can't Control Your Way To Happiness (Here's What Will Help)

    Send me a text sharing your thoughts or questions Constantly worrying that one of your cases will have a complication you don't know how to handle? Feeling overextended because you said yes to one too many things? Resentful that you're the one who has to do everything? Tired of healthy habits that don't stick no matter how hard you try? At the root of all of those is a desire to control. But the more you try to control outcomes, what others think of you, and the way things are done, the more you actually push yourself further from the life you want — one where you feel confident, grounded, and have time and energy left for you. That's what we dive into in this episode. Control isn't actually about the thing you're trying to control. It's about avoiding feeling something. Once you realize that, you can start focusing your time and energy on what is in your control. You'll learn 2 things you can start doing today to loosen the reins — so you can feel less anxious, frustrated, and overwhelmed, and have more time, energy, and capacity to enjoy the life you have. Mentioned in this episode: Aligned Success Reboot: https://www.lifeboost.today/aligned-success-reboot To learn more about my 6 month coaching program, the Aligned Success Reboot visit: https://www.lifeboost.today/aligned-success-reboot Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical, mental health, or professional advice. I am a certified health and life coach, not a licensed medical or mental health professional. Please consult with a healthcare provider before making any changes to your physical or mental health routines. If you are experiencing a crisis, seek help from a qualified professional or contact emergency services. Connect with me on your favorite social media channel: Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn!  To learn more about my approach and the programs and free resources available to support you, visit my website: www.lifeboost.today I love to hear from you. You can always reach me at amelia@lifeboost.today.

    25 min
  2. MAY 1

    Ep. 103 | The Weekend Guilt High Achievers Don't Talk About: 3 Reasons You Can't Relax - Even On Your Days Off

    Send me a text sharing your thoughts or questions It's Friday afternoon. You've worked hard all week, and you're so ready for the weekend and time to recharge. But then Saturday morning hits — you try to have a leisurely morning, but then the guilt creeps in. Your brain starts thinking of everything you "should" be doing. You knock out some errands, clean, scroll, catch up on everything that piled up over the week, and by Sunday night you realize you never actually rested. If that sounds painfully familiar, there's a reason it feels like there's always at least "one more thing" between you and finally having more time for you. Your nervous system has learned that productivity is safe and rest is uncomfortable — and that programming is running quietly in the background, draining your battery and keeping your to-do list long without you even realizing it. In this episode, you'll learn: Why rest can feel worse than working — even when you think it's what you wantThe "malware" running in the background of high achievers (and how it's connected to trauma responses you may not even realize you have)The 3 hidden reasons rest feels so hard (especially for driven professionals) How to actually start prioritizing space to pause and why pausing is the real power move for sustainable successThe early warning signs from your body that you're in survival mode (before burnout forces you to slow down)To learn more about the Aligned Success Reboot visit: https://www.lifeboost.today/aligned-success-reboot and click "take the first step" to start a conversation to explore if it's right for you. To learn more about my 6 month coaching program, the Aligned Success Reboot visit: https://www.lifeboost.today/aligned-success-reboot Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical, mental health, or professional advice. I am a certified health and life coach, not a licensed medical or mental health professional. Please consult with a healthcare provider before making any changes to your physical or mental health routines. If you are experiencing a crisis, seek help from a qualified professional or contact emergency services. Connect with me on your favorite social media channel: Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn!  To learn more about my approach and the programs and free resources available to support you, visit my website: www.lifeboost.today I love to hear from you. You can always reach me at amelia@lifeboost.today.

    28 min
  3. APR 16

    Ep. 102 | What My Rescue Dog Can Teach Us About Thriving in Vet Med (Instead of Pushing Through)

    Send me a text sharing your thoughts or questions My sweet new rescue dog, Hayden, is doing so well learning how to walk nicely on a leash. And he was doing great on a recent hike...until he wasn't. That moment is a mirror for what happens to us in veterinary medicine when we push past our limits: the more we skip water, lunch, bathroom breaks, and brain breaks while juggling nonstop decisions and emotions, the faster our “survival brain” takes over and we lose access to the calm, logical version of ourselves.  In this episode, you’ll learn: the four hidden “capacity” buckets that fill up during a shiftwhy “just push harder” backfireshow leaders and mentors can build new-grad capacity in a way that supports the entire team—without burning everyone outan important perspective to keep in mind when a dog seems like it's misbehavingResources mentioned: The Simple Leadership Strategy to Reduce Overwhelm and Recession-Proof Your Veterinary Practice: https://www.lifeboost.today/thriveinvetmed The Aligned Success Reboot: https://www.lifeboost.today/aligned-success-reboot Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical, mental health, or professional advice. I am a certified health and life coach, not a licensed medical or mental health professional. Please consult with a healthcare provider before making any changes to your physical or mental health routines. If you are experiencing a crisis, seek help from a qualified professional or contact emergency services. Connect with me on your favorite social media channel: Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn!  To learn more about my approach and the programs and free resources available to support you, visit my website: www.lifeboost.today I love to hear from you. You can always reach me at amelia@lifeboost.today.

    19 min
  4. APR 11

    Ep. 101 | Chewy’s Acquisition of Modern Animal: Is Vet Med Heading Toward Human Healthcare… or Can We Evolve for the Better?

    Send me a text sharing your thoughts or questions Chewy’s acquisition of Modern Animal is creating a lot of conversation (and concern) in veterinary medicine. In this episode, we break down: What this acquisition actually meansThe biggest fears (corporate takeover, vertical integration, losing clients)Why this moment could actually help vet med evolveAnd simple, practical ways veterinary teams and leaders can respond proactivelyIf you’re a veterinary practice owner, leader, veterinary professional, or pet owner who wants to stay informed about where vet med is headed, this episode is for you. Resources mentioned: Managing Veterinary Care Costs: A Complete Guide To Payment Options for Pet Owners & Vet Practices: https://www.lifeboost.today/blog/113087-financing-veterinary-careWorkplace satisfaction and well-being survey for the unicorn vet hospital list: https://www.lifeboost.today/unicornhospitalsurveyThe Simple Leadership Strategy to Reduce Overwhelm and Recession-Proof Your Veterinary Practice: https://www.lifeboost.today/thriveinvetmedAligned Success Reboot: https://www.lifeboost.today/aligned-success-rebootTo learn more about my 6 month coaching program, the Aligned Success Reboot visit: https://www.lifeboost.today/aligned-success-reboot Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical, mental health, or professional advice. I am a certified health and life coach, not a licensed medical or mental health professional. Please consult with a healthcare provider before making any changes to your physical or mental health routines. If you are experiencing a crisis, seek help from a qualified professional or contact emergency services. Connect with me on your favorite social media channel: Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn!  To learn more about my approach and the programs and free resources available to support you, visit my website: www.lifeboost.today I love to hear from you. You can always reach me at amelia@lifeboost.today.

    39 min
  5. APR 3

    Ep. 100 The #1 Reason Conversations Become Frustrations (And How To Prevent That)

    Send me a text sharing your thoughts or questions Ever feel like you’re having a conversation—but somehow it turns into frustration? Whether it’s with a client, a coworker, your boss, or even your partner, that feeling of “not being heard” can be exhausting. In this episode, I break down the #1 reason this happens—and a simple shift that can completely change how you communicate, reduce tension, and create more connection in your day-to-day life. We explore the three types of conversations (practical, emotional, and social), how mismatches lead to frustration, and how to start recognizing what’s actually happening in real time so you can respond more effectively. If you’ve been feeling drained by conversations that go nowhere, this will give you a new lens that can make a huge difference. Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical, mental health, or professional advice. I am a certified health and life coach, not a licensed medical or mental health professional. Please consult with a healthcare provider before making any changes to your physical or mental health routines. If you are experiencing a crisis, seek help from a qualified professional or contact emergency services. Connect with me on your favorite social media channel: Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn!  To learn more about my approach and the programs and free resources available to support you, visit my website: www.lifeboost.today I love to hear from you. You can always reach me at amelia@lifeboost.today.

    18 min
  6. APR 3

    Ep. 99 | 3 Mistakes Preventing You From Loving Your Job In Vet Med (& How To Change That)

    Send me a text sharing your thoughts or questions Feeling stuck, burned out, or at a crossroads in veterinary medicine—even though you thought this career would feel fulfilling? In this episode, I break down three common mistakes that may be preventing you from truly loving your job in vet med—and how to start shifting toward a more aligned, sustainable, and fulfilling path. We talk about why focusing on what’s “reasonable” can keep you stuck, how hustle culture success can leave you feeling empty, and why reconnecting with your core values is one of the most powerful ways to create real change. If you’ve been feeling like you look good on paper but don’t actually feel good in your day-to-day life, this episode will help you start thinking differently about what’s possible. Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical, mental health, or professional advice. I am a certified health and life coach, not a licensed medical or mental health professional. Please consult with a healthcare provider before making any changes to your physical or mental health routines. If you are experiencing a crisis, seek help from a qualified professional or contact emergency services. Connect with me on your favorite social media channel: Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn!  To learn more about my approach and the programs and free resources available to support you, visit my website: www.lifeboost.today I love to hear from you. You can always reach me at amelia@lifeboost.today.

    25 min
  7. APR 3

    Ep. 98 | 3 Myths Leading To Overextension In Vet Med (& How To Have Sustainable Success)

    Send me a text sharing your thoughts or questions Feeling overextended in veterinary medicine—even though you love what you do? In this episode, I break down three common myths that are quietly driving burnout, overwhelm, and unsustainable work environments in vet med—and how to start shifting out of survival mode into something that actually feels good. We’ll talk about why “more patients = more money” isn’t always true, how saying yes can actually hurt the client experience, and why learning to say no is one of the most important skills for long-term success. I also share how to use your nervous system as a real-time guide so you can recognize when you’re at your limit—and respond in a way that supports you, your team, your clients, and your patients. If you’ve been feeling stretched thin, this episode will help you start looking at things differently in a way that’s more sustainable. Resource mentioned: The Simple Leadership Strategy to Reduce Overwhelm and Recession Proof Your Veterinary Practice: https://www.lifeboost.today/thriveinvetmedDisclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical, mental health, or professional advice. I am a certified health and life coach, not a licensed medical or mental health professional. Please consult with a healthcare provider before making any changes to your physical or mental health routines. If you are experiencing a crisis, seek help from a qualified professional or contact emergency services. Connect with me on your favorite social media channel: Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn!  To learn more about my approach and the programs and free resources available to support you, visit my website: www.lifeboost.today I love to hear from you. You can always reach me at amelia@lifeboost.today.

    25 min
  8. MAR 8

    Ep. 97 | 4 Early Warning Signs That Quietly Lead to Burnout

    Send me a text sharing your thoughts or questions Burnout doesn’t happen overnight. In veterinary medicine, there are often early warning signs that show up long before someone reaches burnout — but many of these signs are so normalized in high-achieving professions that we miss them completely. In this episode, Dr. Amelia shares four warning signs that often appear well before burnout, including the ones leaders and teams most commonly overlook. Some of these may surprise you. You’ll learn how to recognize when someone may be operating in survival mode — whether that looks like the high performer who never slows down, the “low maintenance” perfect employee who always says yes, the cynical teammate who seems negative, or the person who suddenly seems unmotivated or checked out. Understanding these patterns through a nervous system lens can help veterinary professionals and leaders respond with more compassion, awareness, and effective support — instead of judgment or assumptions. Because burnout doesn’t start with one hard day. It happens when survival mode becomes the norm. In this episode, you’ll learn: • The four early warning signs that often show up before burnout • Why high performers and “easy” employees may actually be at risk • How stress responses like fight, flight, fawn, and freeze show up in veterinary teams • Why labeling people as “toxic” can miss what’s really happening • Simple ways to start responding with compassion, curiosity, and awareness If you're a veterinary professional, practice leader, or high achiever who wants success that feels sustainable instead of exhausting, this episode will give you a new lens for understanding burnout before it happens. Resources Mentioned Learn more about the Aligned Success Reboot (6-month coaching experience for driven professionals who want sustainable success without hustle): https://www.lifeboost.today/aligned-success-reboot Take the Unicorn Veterinary Hospital Workplace Satisfaction & Well-Being Survey for your practice: https://www.lifeboost.today/unicornhospitalsurvey If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who could benefit — especially someone in veterinary medicine. And if you enjoy the podcast, leaving a review helps more people discover it. To learn more about my 6 month coaching program, the Aligned Success Reboot visit: https://www.lifeboost.today/aligned-success-reboot Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical, mental health, or professional advice. I am a certified health and life coach, not a licensed medical or mental health professional. Please consult with a healthcare provider before making any changes to your physical or mental health routines. If you are experiencing a crisis, seek help from a qualified professional or contact emergency services. Connect with me on your favorite social media channel: Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn!  To learn more about my approach and the programs and free resources available to support you, visit my website: www.lifeboost.today I love to hear from you. You can always reach me at amelia@lifeboost.today.

    53 min
4.3
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Life Boost with Amelia podcast where we're changing the narrative around what true health and success look like. They should give you energy, not drain them. Whether you’re a veterinary professional, a high-achieving perfectionist, or a people pleaser ready to not just look good on paper but to FEEL good, my goal is to always leave you with a fresh perspective that lifts a weight off your shoulders by the end of the episode. I'm your host, Dr. Amelia - multi-passionate integrative health and life coach, entrepreneur, and recovered burnout veterinarian. Together, we'll explore the science behind how your brain and body work, including the unconscious mind while also connecting with what your heart needs in order to stand up to the norm of feeling stuck on a hamster wheel-working hard yet feeling exhausted and not where you want to be- and instead live a life that makes you excited to get out of bed in the morning and in love with who you see when you look in the mirror. The reality is if you do what everyone else is doing, you're not going to feel good. Let's break the norm.

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