Can We Really Have It All? A Candid Conversation About Burnout and Balance with Dr. Denise Brown
What if the path to a more fulfilling life didn’t require running yourself into the ground first?
In this week’s episode of Message in the Middle, I sat down with Dr. Denise Brown—Stanford-trained physician, former CEO, strategic advisor, and the author of The Fairy God Doctor’s Guide to the Good Life: A Prescription for the Working Woman.
With over three decades of experience in healthcare and leadership, Dr. Brown has seen firsthand what happens when capable, successful women ignore the warning signs of burnout in pursuit of having it all. In our conversation, she shares powerful insights on maternal overwhelm, redefining success, and why so many women struggle to prioritize themselves—even when they know they're running on empty.
We talk about:
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What inspired Dr. Brown to write this book now
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The hidden signs of burnout women often overlook
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Small but meaningful “prescriptions” for reclaiming your life
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How to shift away from outdated ideas of success
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Why it’s okay to slow down—and how doing so can actually move you forward
If you’re a high-achieving woman feeling stretched thin, this episode is a breath of fresh air. It’s not about abandoning your goals—it’s about choosing yourself in the process.
🎧 [Listen to the full episode here]
📚 Learn more about Dr. Denise Brown and her new book https://thefairygoddoctor.com/
