We brag about overwork like it proves our worth — but it’s killing us. Jonathan and Dr. Mark unpack why burnout isn’t strength, what it really does to your body and mind, and how recovery rhythms can protect you before it’s too late.

Burnout isn’t just being tired. It’s your mind, body, and spirit throwing the emergency brake. Yet in our culture, we still brag about 60+ hour weeks, skipping vacations, and answering emails at midnight like it’s some badge of honor.

In this episode of the Mental Health Made Simple Podcast, Jonathan Collier and Dr. Mark Mayfield cut through the noise and get raw about:

• Why hustle culture lies to us about worth and success

• The Gallup data showing just how common burnout has become

• Jonathan’s personal crash-and-burn story — and the cost it carried

• The emotional, cognitive, physical, and behavioral warning signs you can’t afford to ignore

• Practical recovery rhythms that can help you pull back before it’s too late

This is not just theory. Burnout will rob your health, your relationships, and your sense of self. The good news? It doesn’t have to. This conversation will give you tools to recognize the signs early and reclaim a healthier, more sustainable way of living.

• Book recommendation: Anti-Burnout by Alan Briggs

• Follow us on YouTube and social media (@MentalHealthMadeSimple)

• Subscribe, rate, and review the podcast to help others find these conversations

September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. If this conversation stirs anything heavy for you, you are not alone — and help is available right now:

• U.S.: Call or text 988 or chat via 988lifeline.org for free, confidential support 24/7. If you are in immediate danger, dial 911.

• Outside the U.S.: Visit Befrienders Worldwide or Suicide Stop to find international hotlines.

Reaching out is not weakness — it’s courage. You matter.

Stress is everywhere. For most of us, it’s so normal we don’t even notice it anymore. But here’s the truth: while you can’t eliminate stress from life, you can learn to regulate it so it doesn’t run the show.

In this episode of the Mental Health Made Simple Podcast, Dr. Mark Mayfield and Jonathan Collier have a candid conversation about what stress really is, how it shows up in our daily lives, and why not all stress is bad. They explore:

• The difference between positive stress and negative stress

• Practical ways to check in on your stress levels (sleep, screen time, diet, etc.)

• The stress loop—and how to break out of it before it spirals

• Why regulation matters more than elimination

• Simple daily resets (from short walks to better sleep hygiene) that actually work

• The power of curiosity in managing stress and building healthier rhythms

This isn’t about hacks or quick fixes—it’s about sustainable, practical steps that help you show up better for yourself and those you care about.

Resources & Links

• Follow us on YouTube and social media for more conversations and tools (@MentalHealthMadeSimple)

• Try the Calm App (not sponsored)—great for short daily resets

• Subscribe, rate, and review on Spotify or iTunes to help others find the show

New Year’s resolutions fizzle. Goals get abandoned. Overwhelm wins. In this episode, Dr. Mark Mayfield and Jonathan Collier break down a simpler way to build real, sustainable change—without trying to “white-knuckle” your life.

They unpack why traditional goal-setting fails, Why goal setting is broken, how to shift from a fixed to a growth mindset, and what tiny, repeatable habits do inside your brain to make new behavior feel natural over time.

You’ll get super practical ideas (like phasing out soda the smart way), how to reduce overwhelm with rhythms (not “balance”), and why bringing one trusted person into your plan changes everything.

• Why most goals fail (and what to do instead)

• Fixed vs. growth mindset (Carol Dweck) in real life

• Tiny habits, compounding gains (James Clear)

• Overwhelm: how to shrink it, not “power through” it

• Neural pathways 101: machete a new trail, then keep walking it

• Rhythms > balance: adapting to life’s sets and lulls

• Counseling vs. coaching—different tools, different jobs

• Pick ONE lever: Choose a single small habit that moves the needle (e.g., replace your 1st soda with flavored water/Poppi/Zevia).

• Work backward: Set a realistic horizon (then add ~30% more time). Define what 6 months, 90 days, 30 days, and tomorrow look like.

• Don’t miss twice: If you skip a day, simply win the next one.

• Time-box the stuck: Set a 45-minute timer to sit with hard tasks (train your “stick-with-it” muscle).

• Bring a human: Tell one safe person your plan and ask for encouragement check-ins.

1. Who is the version of me I want to shake hands with a year from now?

2. What’s one 1% habit that would make the biggest difference over time?

3. When do I tend to quit—what’s my “don’t miss twice” plan?

4. Who will I invite to walk with me (friend, mentor, counselor)?

• Atomic Habits — James Clear

• Mindset — Carol Dweck

• Catherine Wolf (talks/books referenced)

• Alternatives for soda: Zevia, Poppi, flavored/sparkling water

This podcast is not a substitute for counseling. If you need help finding a therapist, check the show notes for starter links or reach out—we’re glad to point you in the right direction.

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