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Release Date: July 17

Burnout isn’t just something that happens to you—it’s something we can see, understand, and actively reverse. In this eye-opening episode, Damon sits down with Michael Levitt—burnout prevention expert, speaker, and survivor—to unpack what burnout really is (hint: it’s not the same as depression), why it so often sneaks up on high performers, and how we all can make small but life-changing shifts to reclaim our energy and purpose. Michael shares his own unforgettable story of hitting rock bottom—a heart attack at age 40, job loss, even losing his house—and how it became a catalyst for helping thousands escape the burnout trap.

From the real causes (spoiler: sleep and financial stress matter more than you think) to the game-changing power of boundaries and curiosity, this episode is packed with practical tools and urgent truths for anyone who wants to build a burnout-proof life and culture—whether you’re a leader, a team member, or simply feeling the weight of modern work.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why Michael Levitt believes burnout is ultimately a choice—and what that really means for your life and career.
• The crucial differences between burnout and clinical depression—and how to spot (and avoid) both.
• Michael’s personal journey through health and financial collapse, and what finally sparked his comeback.
• The underestimated role of sleep and nutrition in burnout prevention (plus, why boundaries are the ultimate life hack).
• How financial stress impacts mental and physical wellness—and step-by-step tips for regaining control.
• What organizations and leaders must do to break the burnout cycle—and why investing in learning (even on a shoestring) is a must.
• Top strategies for high performers to set boundaries and prevent being overloaded by “do more” cultures.
  

In This Episode:

• 00:00 – Michael’s heart attack at 40 and the wake-up call that followed
• 01:18 – Why burnout is a choice (and why that statement is controversial)
• 03:15 – Defining burnout vs. depression (World Health Organization lens)
• 05:23 – The life collapse: job loss, home, and rebuilding from zero
• 12:38 – Curiosity vs. victimhood: how Michael avoided blaming others
• 16:40 – Boundaries: Michael’s first big change post-burnout
• 17:22 – Main triggers: financial stress, poor nutrition, and sleep
• 20:00 – Why sleep is the ultimate burnout prevention tool
• 24:54 – Why financial pressure is behind so much burnout today
• 29:06 – Practical advice for dealing with debt and budgeting
• 35:58 – Who’s responsible for burnout at work: leadership or employees?
• 40:58 – Learning and development: how upskilling fights burnout
• 44:33 – The importance of culture, belonging, and purpose
• 50:49 – Setting boundaries as a top performer—before it’s too late
• 56:08 – How team members can communicate workload limits
• 58:47 – Michael’s #1 burnout tip: set your bedroom up for sleep success
• 1:00:40 – Recap: small, consistent changes are the burnout antidote
  

About Michael Levitt:

Michael Levitt is a globally recognized burnout expert, keynote speaker, and the founder of the Breakfast Leadership Network. Michael set out to understand stress and burnout from the inside out. Today, he coaches leaders and organizations worldwide on building burnout-proof cultures through practical boundaries, improved sleep, and powerful mindset shifts. Michael is also the author of Burnout Proof and host of the popular Breakfast Leadership Show.

Resources Referenced:

• Michael Levitt Linkedin:
• Michael Levitt’s free book Burnout Proof:
• Dr. Herbert Freudenberger, Burnout (book):
• World Health Organization—burnout definition:
• John Maxwell, The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership:
• Michael Levitt on YouTube:
• Connect with Michael Levitt:

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