THE BURNOUT ROOM

Courtney and Sarah talk to Em Joy (they/them), Program Director of Louisville Youth Group, who has many years of experience in nonprofit work. They have an engaging conversation about compassion fatigue, doing mission driven work, and having a trusting and engaged Board who provides support and structure to enhance employee wellbeing. They also laugh about Derby parties, moving to a new city, and high school allegiances.
Erbycitydragons.org is the breast cancer survivor dragon boat racing team
Call or text “988” free-of-charge to connect with suicide prevention, mental health, and substance abuse counselors. Available to all Kentuckians 24/7/365.
Call 800.656.HOPE or Text HOPE to 64673 for RAINN, the National Sexual Assault Hotline, 24/7 to connect with a real, live person who's trained to help.

Dr. Courtney Keim (she/her) is a workplace wellness researcher and Professor. Sarah Burress (she/her) is an organizational leader, and nonprofit wellness advocate. Visit our Linktree for our website, merch, inbox or social media! https://linktr.ee/theburnoutroompodcast

No one wants to rock climb with a belayer they can't trust. So why do we expect employees to do their best work when they don't trust their leaders? In this episode of The Burnout Room, Dr. Courtney Keim and Sarah Burress unpack organizational trust, exploring how leaders build it, how they break it, and why communication, consistency, and giving employees room to do their jobs matter. Because a healthy workplace isn't one where nobody ever falls, it's one where people know that someone will catch them if they do. Visit our Linktree for our website, merch, inbox or social media! https://linktr.ee/theburnoutroompodcast

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0749597826000300

Bill Gentry Book- https://williamgentryleads.com/be-the-boss-everyone-wants-to-work-for/

Wearing too many hats? Spinning too many plates? In this week’s episode of The Burnout Room, Dr. Courtney Keim and Sarah Burress explore workload, one of the biggest predictors of burnout. Together, they break down why mission-driven organizations frequently straddle the line of overload, how relying on employee passion can make it easy to normalize doing too much, and why sometimes the answer isn’t adding another program or process, but figuring out what we can take away.

From email shortcuts, to running better meetings, to job crafting and setting boundaries, Courtney and Sarah talk about practical ways leaders and employees can reduce workload burdens, and whether there is actually enough capacity to really balance it all. Check out our TBR merch at Burnout Room Merch. A portion of the proceeds goes to the Kentucky Psychological Foundation to help support our work!

Lezcano AM, Zajac SA, Johnson SK and Holladay CL (2026) Rethinking return-to-office: the positive impact of remote work on well-being, connection, and employee retention. Front. Psychol. 17:1848857. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2026.1848857

In this crossover episode with the Healthy Work podcast, Sarah and Courtney interview Dr. Keaton Fletcher. From breaking down why structural support for nonprofit workers is so desperately needed, to opening up about our own personal "why," we explore what keeps us dedicated to building healthier, more humane workplaces.

Check out the Healthy Work Podcast: ⁠https://healthywork.substack.com/publish/post/215705391

Why So Many C.E.O.s Are Getting a Chief of Staff: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/06/business/ceos-chief-of-staff.html?smid=url-share

Burnout isn’t a light switch, it’s a spectrum. In this episode of The Burnout Room, Dr. Courtney Keim and Sarah Burress break down the five distinct workplace profiles, ranging from fully Engaged to completely Burned Out. Using fan-favorite characters from The Office, Superstore, Parks and Rec, and The Bear, we explore how chronic stress impacts us all differently and share practical ways leaders can fix systemic mismatches to help teams thrive.

Youtube playlist of character clips: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYXOJ3yFUAsVOgmpNi_hXd0fosdap6rTx

Grant, R. S., Shockley, K. M., Matta, F. K., & Clark, M. A. (2026). What’s your 5 to 9? Antecedents and outcomes of profiles of daily recovery experience trajectories across the evening. Journal of Applied Psychology, 111(7), 861–881. https://doi.org/10.1037/apl0001354

Welcome to the Season 2 premiere of The Burnout Room! To kick off our new season, Dr. Courtney Keim and Sarah Burress welcome a true pioneer in occupational health: Dr. Michael Leiter. As the co-author of the world-renowned Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) and the Areas of Worklife Scale (AWS), Dr. Leiter has spent decades redefining how we understand and address workplace exhaustion, organizational civility, and professional efficacy. Tune in as we discuss why the nonprofit sector is uniquely vulnerable to exhaustion, actionable steps leaders can take when budgets are tight, and how to cultivate a culture of workplace civility. Plus, get an exclusive look at Dr. Leiter’s newest toolkit for overcoming burnout.

Sarah and Courtney end by offering their "Ripples of Gratitude", where they say who they are especially thankful for this week.

The Burnout Room, brought to you by the Kentucky Psychological Foundation (KPF), is a podcast about burnout, effective leadership, and wellbeing in nonprofits.

We want to hear from you! Click on the link to “The Inbox” submission, where we answer your sticky workplace questions. Or donate to KPF to support our work! https://linktr.ee/theburnoutroomast

RSVP to our Season 2 Pizza Party here: https://link.journeycare.app/widget/form/5Sw0ddvSaswqo5UvAL5q

The Burnout Room, sponsored by the Kentucky Psychological Foundation (KPF), is a podcast about burnout, effective leadership, and wellbeing in nonprofits. In this episode, we talk to Cody VanBoxel, executive director and CFO of Disabled American Veterans. Cody told us how he strives to be a servant leader, why detachment and building routines are important to combat burnout, and how to develop a positive work culture through caring and connection.

At the end of the episode, Sarah and Courtney offer their "Ripples of Gratitude", where they say who they are especially thankful for this week.

Show notes

Book Recommendation: Be the boss everyone wants to work for - William Gentry https://williamgentryleads.com/be-the-boss-everyone-wants-to-work-for/

Link to Dav: https://www.dav.org/

Link to Inbox Submission: https://linktr.ee/theburnoutroompodcast

RSVP to our Season 2 Launch Party here:https://link.journeycare.app/widget/form/5Sw0ddvSaswqo5UvAL5qSarah

and Courtney dive into why you can’t "self-care" your way out of a toxic workplace, using the classic metaphor of the canary in the coal mine. They discuss why the solution to burnout isn't making employees tougher, but rather fixing the "mine" through better workloads, fair pay, and truly supportive leadership.Sarah and Courtney end by offering their "Ripples of Gratitude", where they say who they are especially thankful for this week.The Burnout Room, sponsored by the Kentucky Psychological Foundation (KPF), is a podcast about burnout, effective leadership, and wellbeing in nonprofits. Link to “The Inbox Submission” where we answer your workplace questions https://linktr.ee/theburnoutroompodcast

Show notes

Maslach, C., & Leiter, M. P. (2022). The burnout challenge: Managing people’s relationships with their jobs. Harvard University Press.Re: Coal Facts - Sarah is not an actual coal researcher, so please take any such facts as fun and not, in fact, factual.

Sarah and Courtney talk about how folks might be resistant to organizational change, but that leaders can navigate through the uncertainties of change through establishing buy-in, rewarding short-term wins, and including staff in the entire change process.

Sarah and Courtney end by offering their "Ripples of Gratitude", where they say who they are especially thankful for this week. The Burnout Room, sponsored by the Kentucky Psychological Foundation (KPF), is a podcast about burnout, effective leadership, and wellbeing in nonprofits. Link to “The Inbox Submission” where we answer your workplace questions https://linktr.ee/theburnoutroompodcast

Show notes

Link to nursing article: Cornell, P., Herrin-Griffith, D., Keim, C., Petschonek, S., Sanders, A. M., D'mello, S., ... & Shepherd, G. (2010). Transforming nursing workflow, part 1: the chaotic nature of nurse activities. JONA: The Journal of Nursing Administration, 40(9), 366-373. https://doi.org/10.1097/NNA.0b013e3181ee4261 The Majestic Grille Memphis https://www.majesticgrille.com/jobs/

Brought to the by the Kentucky Psychological Foundation, Sarah Burress (Director of Operations for KPF) and Dr. Courtney Keim (workplace wellness researcher, professor, & KPF Board member) explore burnout, leadership, and workplace wellbeing, focusing on the nonprofit sector. The Burnout Room podcast is full of honest conversations with leaders and staff, psychology-based insights, and practical strategies to help mission-driven folks recognize and prevent burnout, reduce its impact, and navigate it with intention. In episode 1, Sarah and Courtney define what burnout is while sharing their own burnout stories. At the end of the episode, they offer their "Ripples of Gratitude", where they say who they are especially thankful for. You can find The Burnout Room podcast and our socials on our Linktree. https://linktr.ee/theburnoutroompodcast

Taylor Swift is not just a mega-superstar, singer, songwriter, and performer, she is also an organizational leader. Listen as Sarah and Courtney break down the leadership of Taylor and the positive organizational culture she created on The Eras tour.

Sarah and Courtney end by offering their "Ripples of Gratitude", where they say who they are especially thankful for this week.

The Burnout Room, sponsored by the Kentucky Psychological Foundation (KPF), is a podcast about burnout, effective leadership, and wellbeing in nonprofits.

We want to hear from you! Click on the link to “The Inbox” submission, where we answer your sticky workplace questions. Or donate to KPF to support our work! https://linktr.ee/theburnoutroomast

Show notes:

There's Nothing Like This: The Strategic Genius of Taylor Swift - Book by Kevin Evers

Miss Americana - Taylor Swift Documentary (Netflix)

Dr. Liz Todd Byron explains how nonprofits can partner with colleges and universities to achieve their mission through community engaged work. Liz, as a Director of Community Engagement at Bellarmine University, details what community engaged work is, explains the 5 pillars of that work, and tells her own journey navigating burnout as an educator and working Mom.

Sarah and Courtney end by offering their "Ripples of Gratitude", where they say who they are especially thankful for this week.

The Burnout Room, sponsored by the Kentucky Psychological Foundation (KPF), is a podcast about burnout, effective leadership, and wellbeing in nonprofits. Link to “The Inbox Submission” where we answer your workplace questions https://linktr.ee/theburnoutroompodcast

We all have those songs that define our professional lives, whether they’re the high-energy anthems that get us through a Monday or the melancholy B-sides we hum when the fluorescent lights feel a little too bright. Listen as Courtney and Sarah warm up their walkman’s, quiz each other with their workplace anthems, and talk burnout through music.

Sarah and Courtney end by offering their "Ripples of Gratitude", where they say who they are especially thankful for this week.

The Burnout Room, sponsored by the Kentucky Psychological Foundation (KPF), is a podcast about burnout, effective leadership, and wellbeing in nonprofits. Link to “The Inbox Submission” where we answer your workplace questions https://linktr.ee/theburnoutroompodcast

Link to Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/44hkemFUCoX7LpfjlllQn7?si=LXx1vGqrQ_-x6LMMKJuUcg

Steven Farr, HR Leader, reflects with Courtney and Sarah about his upcoming retirement after 40 years of nonprofit experience. Steven offers his wisdom on how leaders should be curious when helping staff navigate burnout, asking questions rather than coming with pre-determined solutions.

Sarah and Courtney end by offering their "Ripples of Gratitude", where they say who they are especially thankful for this week.

The Burnout Room, sponsored by the Kentucky Psychological Foundation (KPF), is a podcast about burnout, effective leadership, and wellbeing in nonprofits.

Link to “The Inbox Submission” where we answer your workplace questions https://linktr.ee/theburnoutroompodcast

Sarah and Courtney dive into why you can’t "self-care" your way out of a toxic workplace, using the classic metaphor of the canary in the coal mine. They discuss why the solution to burnout isn't making employees tougher, but rather fixing the "mine" through better workloads, fair pay, and truly supportive leadership.

Sarah and Courtney end by offering their "Ripples of Gratitude", where they say who they are especially thankful for this week.

The Burnout Room, sponsored by the Kentucky Psychological Foundation (KPF), is a podcast about burnout, effective leadership, and wellbeing in nonprofits. Link to “The Inbox Submission” where we answer your workplace questions https://linktr.ee/theburnoutroompodcast

Show notes

Maslach, C., & Leiter, M. P. (2022). The burnout challenge: Managing people’s relationships with their jobs. Harvard University Press.

Re: Coal Facts - Sarah is not an actual coal researcher, so please take any such facts as fun and not, in fact, factual.

Sarah and Courtney talk about how folks might be resistant to organizational change, but that leaders can navigate through the uncertainties of change through establishing buy-in, rewarding short-term wins, and including staff in the entire change process.

Sarah and Courtney end by offering their "Ripples of Gratitude", where they say who they are especially thankful for this week.

The Burnout Room, sponsored by the Kentucky Psychological Foundation (KPF), is a podcast about burnout, effective leadership, and wellbeing in nonprofits. Link to “The Inbox Submission” where we answer your workplace questions https://linktr.ee/theburnoutroompodcast

Courtney and Sarah talk to Ryan Brooks, co-founder of Countbubble, a data management company. They discuss his journey from working in nonprofits to developing software specifically for nonprofits. Ryan offers his lessons on empathy in the workplace and building a new business with intention. Sarah and Courtney end by offering their "Ripples of Gratitude", where they say who they are especially thankful for this week.

The Burnout Room, sponsored by the Kentucky Psychological Foundation (KPF), is a podcast about burnout, effective leadership, and wellbeing in nonprofits. Link to Inbox Submission: https://linktr.ee/theburnoutroompodcast

Show notes

https://www.countbubble.com/

Sarah and Courtney talk about psychological safety and ways leaders can cultivate cultures that create space for mistakes and learning, beneficial conflict, and meaningful communication. They discuss two stories—a workplace with psychological safety and one without—highlighting how different leadership styles influence the employee experience.

The Burnout Room, sponsored by the Kentucky Psychological Foundation (KPF), is a podcast about burnout, effective leadership, and wellbeing in nonprofits.

Show notes

Amy Edmondson link to her 1999 article- https://www.academia.edu/download/89087179/Edmondson__20ASQ_201999.pdf

Link to Amy Edmondson youtube video: https://youtu.be/GZgmoxOgfig?si=_GU5uCxGAv9a_lTG

Want to contact us? Email us at theburnoutroompodcast@gmail.com

Sarah and Courtney talk with Eric Hawkins, a manager and consultant with a background in transportation, logistics, and nonprofit work. Eric shared what makes a good nonprofit leader, the importance of storytelling, and how nonprofit donors and grantors affect employee wellbeing.

The Burnout Room, sponsored by the Kentucky Psychological Foundation (KPF), is a podcast about burnout, effective leadership, and wellbeing in nonprofits.

Show Notes:

“Joy and Sorrow”, a poem by Kahlil Gibran https://poets.org/poem/joy-and-sorrow

The Huberman Lab podcast: Dr. Alia Crum: Science of Mindsets for Health & Performance https://www.hubermanlab.com/episode/dr-alia-crum-science-of-mindsets-for-health-performance

Sarah and Courtney discuss how leaders can help navigate the unexpected (flooding, plane crash), provide support during times of great change (maternity leave), and assess workers fairly (education v skills). At the end of the episode, Sarah and Courtney offer their "Ripples of Gratitude," where they say who they are especially thankful for this week.

The Burnout Room, sponsored by the Kentucky Psychological Foundation (KPF), is a podcast about burnout, effective leadership, and wellbeing in nonprofits.

Link to Inbox Submission: https://linktr.ee/theburnoutroompodcast

Link to Nonprofit Wellness Initiative toolkit- https://www.kentuckypsychologicalfoundation.org/for

Link to SNL Skit [Work Birth with Amy Poehler- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jYphunIQIhg