High performance can come with hidden costs.

In this conversation, the Work Besties, Jess and Claude chat with therapist Laurel VanDerToorn, who explains why trauma and burnout can hit high achievers hard—and what real, sustainable recovery looks like. We dig into the early signs (brain fog, fatigue, cynicism), why “just take a vacation” misses the mark, and how small, repeatable behaviors compound into resilience. Laurel shares her four-layer approach—physical health → behavioral routines → deep relationships → values alignment—plus boundary-setting scripts, the Four D’s (Do, Date, Delegate, Delete), and how to protect your nervous system in 24/7 work cultures. If you’ve been feeling crispy, this one’s for you.

Key Takeaways

• High achievers face unique pressures and a heightened need for privacy.
• Vacations are a band-aid; sustainable recovery needs system-level changes.
• Catch the early signs: fatigue, brain fog, aches, rising cynicism.
• Start with small behaviors (sleep, nutrition, movement, phone hygiene).
• Physical health checks (labs, thyroid/iron) can rule out confounders.
• Relationships (yes, work besties) buffer burnout.
• Boundaries and delegation reduce overload.
• Align daily actions with personal values to lower burnout risk.
• Protect your nervous system with on-ramps/off-ramps to the workday.

Contact Laurel VanDer Toorn via her website

Send us a text

You can watch the full episode on Youtube
Follow us on IG , TikTok, Threads and LinkedIn
Please rate, comment and provide suggestions for upcoming episodes

Work Besties! Theme Song Written by Ralph Lentini @therallyband

What does it really mean to be an ally at work? And how can we build cultures where everyone feels seen, supported, and empowered?

In this episode of Work Besties Who Podcast, Jess & Claude sit down with Dr. Victoria Mattingly, a behavioral scientist, author, and inclusion strategist who helps organizations turn DEI from theory into daily practice.

Together, they unpack what true allyship looks like — not as a buzzword, but as an everyday commitment. From recognizing privilege to having brave conversations about equity, Dr. Mattingly breaks down how small, intentional actions can shift entire workplace cultures.

She also shares why work besties play a vital role in inclusion — creating safe spaces, amplifying each other’s voices, and modeling what real allyship looks like in action.

💡 What You’ll Learn:

• How allyship drives inclusion, diversity, and equity in the workplace
• The behavioral science behind why inclusion feels hard — and how to make it easier
• Simple, everyday actions that make a real difference
• Why uncomfortable conversations are essential for growth
• How leaders can embed DEI into decision-making and culture
• The powerful link between allyship, mental health, and belonging
• Why your work bestie might just be your greatest ally

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Inclusion is a choice made in every interaction.
• Allyship is a practice — not a one-time act.
• DEI is good for people and good for business.
• Work besties help create the psychological safety needed for true inclusion.

Send us a text

You can watch the full episode on Youtube
Follow us on IG , TikTok, Threads and LinkedIn
Please rate, comment and provide suggestions for upcoming episodes

Work Besties! Theme Song Written by Ralph Lentini @therallyband

Do you ever feel like social media is running you instead of the other way around? 🎥✨

In this episode, Work Besties Jess & Claude sit down with Britney Crosson (Founder, Fun Love Media) and Megan Colwell (Art Director at Fun Love Media + artist behind Megan Creates Art) to explore how to make showing up online fun again—and sustainable.

What You’ll Hear:

• Their work bestie origin story (including a giant jar of olives 🫒)
• Why digital community > follower counts
• How to avoid burnout with Britney’s Focus / Fine / Force posting framework
• The two “gut-check” questions before you post: Would someone share this? & Do I think it’s funny?
• How Fun Love Media helps clients build camera confidence and authentic brand voices

Whether you’re a creator, entrepreneur, or just someone trying to post without pressure, this episode reminds us that social success isn’t about numbers—it’s about people, connection, and joy.

Send us a text

You can watch the full episode on Youtube
Follow us on IG , TikTok, Threads and LinkedIn
Please rate, comment and provide suggestions for upcoming episodes

Work Besties! Theme Song Written by Ralph Lentini @therallyband