In a special landmark 50th episode of the Monkey Chatter podcast, Amy, Lara, and Michelle are getting serious about rest! We're not just talking about a long weekend—we're talking about the deep, meaningful breaks that truly fuel creativity and avoid burnout.

We’re making a big announcement: the Monkey Chatter crew is taking a much-needed sabbatical for the holiday season! Think of it as a planned hibernation—we're hoping to peel back the layers of stress, find some fresh intellectual jungle, and swing back in the new year with enough energy to climb Mount Kilimanjaro (or at least record another 50 episodes!).

Michelle gives us the scoop on the sabbatical—what it is, where this ancient practice began, and how modern monkeys (like us!) can actually make long breaks work. We discuss how taking a proper time-out can be the ultimate defense against the dreaded burnout, how it fuels personal growth, and why sometimes, doing absolutely nothing is the key to getting everything done.

Lara recently returned from a yoga retreat in Italy and shares how she found her inner calm (and probably ate a lot of delicious food). We wrap up by discussing the natural, almost primordial, rhythm of taking a break as we swing into winter and the holidays. It's time to follow the lead of the animal kingdom and recharge the batteries.

If you’re feeling worn out, need a chuckle, or just want to learn how to master the art of the perfect rest, climb aboard!