Work Recovery Journal
Welcome to The WR Journal — your curated destination for insights, special features, and podcast conversations designed for the midlife woman navigating the intersection of career, money, and joy.
Whether you're quietly questioning what success actually costs you, rebuilding after burnout, or simply ready to stop waiting for permission to live differently, you've found your people. We explore the work you do, the wealth you build, and the wellbeing you deserve — without asking you to blow up the life you've worked so hard to create.
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Ep. 102 Recalibrating with New Summer KPIs
Bree discusses recalibrating her nervous system and mindset after a period of intense activity and achievement. She reflects on the discomfort of not having a to-do list and the importance of being present and content in the moment. Bree introduces five metrics she is tracking this summer to cultivate a more intentional and fulfilling life, emphasizing the need for self-awareness and accountability in achieving personal growth and connection with loved ones.
Ep. 101 Why Good Ideas Die in Overwhelm with Guest Emily Bronaugh
Bree is joined by guest Emily Bronaugh to discuss the importance of creating people-centric workplaces, emphasizing the need for trust, collaboration, and effective leadership. Emily shares her journey and insights on how to redesign work cultures that prioritize autonomy and respect. They explore the balance between vulnerability and authority in leadership, the significance of systems and processes for delegation, and the future of work in light of technological advancements. The discussion highlights the impact of leadership on team dynamics and the necessity of understanding one's 'why' in guiding effective leadership practices. Takeaways
What Is Work Recovery—And Why Burnout Isn’t the Real Problem
Burnout isn’t the root issue—it’s the signal. This post explores what Work Recovery really is, why surface-level solutions fall short, and how regulation, unlearning hustle culture, and rebuilding from wholeness offer a more sustainable way to live and work.
Ep. 100 Here's To Our Next 100
In this celebratory 100th episode of 'How Good Can It Get?', Bree Johnson reflects on her journey of podcasting, the growth she has experienced, and the importance of following one's spark.
Ep. 99 Part III: The Reintroduction: Where We’re Going Next
Bree discusses her recent life changes, including selling her house and redefining her work approach. She introduces the concept of 'work recovery,' emphasizing the importance of recovering within the work environment rather than after burnout.
Just Because You Can, Doesn’t Mean You Should: A Reintroduction to Work Recovery
After a season of major change, this is a reintroduction—to myself, to my work, and to a new way forward. This reflection explores discernment, energy protection, and why Work Recovery is emerging as a necessary response to burnout, ambition, and the desire to live well without leaving meaningful work behind.
Ep. 98 Part II: What Held Me Together During Chaos
Part II of the mini series "The Season of Change" features Bree Johnson sharing her personal journey through significant life changes, focusing on the importance of nervous system regulation, the concept of micro recoveries, and how to support family dynamics during transitions.
Ep. 97 Part I: Disruption Was The Direction
Bree shares the past six weeks, detailing the significant life changes her family has undergone, including selling their home and finding a new place to live. She emphasizes the importance of listening to intuition, having values-based conversations, and navigating family dynamics during times of change.
Ep. 96 How to Manifest Your Dreams with Guest Allie Mirosevic
Bree and life coach Allie Mirosevic delve into the transformative power of journaling and manifestation. Allie shares her personal journey, highlighting how journaling became a therapeutic tool during her postpartum depression.
Ep. 95 Breaking the Cycle of Anxiety with Guest Sabrina Trobak
Bree and Sabrina Trobak delve into the intricacies of core beliefs, particularly the pervasive feeling of 'not good enough' and its impact on anxiety and emotional well-being. Sabrina shares her journey from education to counseling, emphasizing the importance of understanding and challenging core beliefs to foster healthier coping mechanisms
Ep. 94 The Grit of Entrepreneurship with Guest Ann Carden
Bree talks with Ann Carden, a dynamic entrepreneur and business growth strategist. Ann shares her inspiring journey from corporate management to successful entrepreneurship, highlighting the resilience and dedication required to thrive. She discusses how to innovate within your existing business, turn your expertise into a consulting practice, and overcome the fear that often accompanies entrepreneurship.
Ep. 93 How the Body Reveals Trauma in Layers with Guest Chris Wasko
The body reveals trauma in layers, shares guest Chris Wasko, an energy healer and spiritual counselor. She talks about the intricate connections between trauma recovery, energy healing, and personal growth. Chris shares his journey from a challenging upbringing in a narcissistic environment to becoming a healer, emphasizing the importance of understanding the mind-body connection and the layers of trauma held within the body.
Ep. 92 The Power of a Personal Brand with Guest Caroline Pennington
Guest Caroline Pennington, a LinkedIn marketing expert, shares insights on personal branding and effective strategies for leveraging LinkedIn. Caroline emphasizes the importance of building a personal brand, engaging authentically, and optimizing LinkedIn profiles to attract opportunities.
Five Lessons for Healing After a painful Job Exit or Buyout
Fear doesn’t disappear when life changes—it just stops being in charge. This reflection explores how self-trust, resilience, and inner safety are built through experience, allowing you to take action even when things feel uncertain, scary, or out of control.
Ep. 91 Stop Self Criticism Now
Bree shares her personal journey of navigating change and the challenges of self-criticism. She discusses the importance of reframing our inner critic and recognizing that the traits we often judge ourselves for can actually be our superpowers.
Fear Still Shows Up—But It Doesn’t Run the Show Anymore
Fear doesn’t disappear when life changes—it just stops being in charge. This reflection explores how self-trust, resilience, and inner safety are built through experience, allowing you to take action even when things feel uncertain, scary, or out of control.
Ep. 90 How to Be Memorable in Building Your Network with Guest Giselle Marcus
In this episode, host Bree Johnson welcomes Gisele Marcus, a TEDx speaker specializing in networking and relationship building. Giselle shares her journey from a corporate consultant to an operations executive with an MBA from Harvard Business School, underscoring the importance of networking over merely hard work. She offers practical advice for both extroverts and introverts on how to effectively network, even in digital settings.
When Your Values Change, Your Life Has to Change Too
Sometimes the life that once felt like success quietly drifts out of alignment. This reflection explores what happens when your values evolve—and how letting go of old habits, identities, and definitions of success can create more freedom, presence, and meaning.
Ep. 89 How Human Centric Leadership Drives Profits with Guest Rachel Anderson
Bree Johnson is joined by Rachel Anderson, a fractional chief marketing officer, keynote speaker, leadership coach, and author of the upcoming book 'Being Human Centric, a Leader's Guide to Culture, People and Profits.' They delve into the concept of human-centric leadership, which prioritizes the development and growth of individuals over the organization to achieve business results.
From Breakdown to Breakthrough: Finding Possibility in Work Disruption
Unexpected career disruptions can feel disorienting, unfair, and deeply painful. This reflection explores how layoffs, pivots, and unwanted changes—while hard—can create space for more intentional, aligned work when we learn to hold grief and possibility at the same time.