Burnout is usually framed as a workload problem. Quit the job. Change the routine. Find better balance.

But what if burnout follows you wherever you go?

In this episode of Proof of Life, I’m joined by Django Degree II, author of They Lied to You and Burn Bright, Not Out, and founder of Focus on Words.

We talk about why changing your external circumstances often does nothing to fix burnout, how chasing money for its own sake quietly drains meaning, and why “work life balance” can be a warning sign rather than a solution.

We also explore a different way of thinking about AI, not as a shortcut or content machine, but as a tool for asking better questions, expanding ideas, and doing deeper thinking rather than compressing it.

This is a conversation about self trust, usefulness over being right, strong beliefs held loosely, and what it really means to build a life and body of work that does not burn you out from the inside.

You can find Django here:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/djangodegreeii/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/djangodegree/
Publishing company: https://www.focusonwords.com

In this episode of Proof of Life, I sit down with Tom Bright, founder of Bright Evolve, to talk about something most founders get wrong. We treat purpose and profit like they’re opposing forces, when in reality you can’t grow without both.

Tom spent years as a sales director leading teams, scaling companies, and hitting the kind of numbers that look great on paper. Then he walked away from the traditional definition of success to build a business rooted in meaning, integrity, and connection.

We get into the real emotional journey of building something from scratch: the highs, the dips, the knee jerk reactions, the temptation to chase every shiny idea on LinkedIn, and the pressure to say yes when your gut knows you should say no.

Tom explains why purpose isn’t a branding exercise. It’s the thing that keeps you going when everything feels hard. It’s also the part founders overlook most when they panic about sales.

If you’ve ever felt torn between staying true to what matters and doing what you think you “should” do to grow, this conversation will feel grounding.

Connect with Tom Bright:
Instagram: @Bright_Evolve
LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/tombright
Website: https://brightevolve.net/about/

Most people don’t realise they’re burning out until they’re already deep in it. In this conversation, health psychologist Jo Rodriguez explains why slowing down feels impossible, what actually triggers the spiral, and the tiny signals your body gives you long before your mind catches up.

We talk about micro pauses, emotional overload, the pressure to keep pushing, and why so many of us only notice our limits once we’ve crashed. Jo’s approach is simple, human, and refreshingly honest.

If you’ve ever wondered why you keep running on empty or why rest feels harder than work, this episode will land.

Connect with Jo: @straightforwardpsychology
https://www.instagram.com/straightforwardpsychology/