I just returned from an unforgettable month in Queenstown, New Zealand, which was top of my bucket list as a lifelong Tolkien fan, and my wife and I even did a vow renewal at Hobbiton. Beyond the scenery, the trip highlighted some powerful contrasts with life and business in the US, especially around community, culture, and personal well-being.

After years of building a "dream career"—hosting 22 international retreats, running multiple ventures, and chasing “success”—I’ve learned some hard lessons about burnout, intentionality, and redefining what matters.

3 Key Takeaways:

1. Intentionality over Hustle: Success fueled by constant accomplishment and productivity isn’t sustainable or healthy. Prioritize what brings real meaning, not just external validation.
2. Nervous System Matters: The environment and pace of life in New Zealand helped me realize what a regulated, safe nervous system actually feels like. Find spaces where you can unmask and genuinely recharge.
3. Redefine Success: Stepping back can be the bravest move. Protect your capacity and focus on what truly aligns with your values—even if that means fewer events, more rest, and more saying no.

It's a myth that we have to grind ourselves down to be worthy. Life is short.

*I mentioned in this episode that during this trip, I got devastating news that one of my best friends has stage 4 brain cancer. I started a GoFundMe to help support him and his wife. If you would like to know how to contribute, you can use this link: gofundme.com/f/hes-the-guy-who-never-asks-for-help-im-asking-for-him

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Thanks to Our Sponsors: The Receptionist for iPad, Alma, & Portland, Maine, Summit 2026!

✨ The Receptionist for iPad

Thanks to The Receptionist for iPad for sponsoring this episode.

The Receptionist for iPad is a HIPAA-ready digital check-in system that eliminates the need to walk back and forth from your office to the waiting room to see if your next appointment has arrived. Clients or patients can check in for their appointments, and you'll be immediately notified by text, email, or your preferred channel. Break free from interruptions and make the most of your time, because it is valuable. Start a free 14-day trial of the Receptionist for iPad by going to thereceptionist.com/privatepractice. Make sure to start your trial with that link to get your first month free if you decide to sign up.

✨ Alma

Thanks to Alma for sponsoring this episode.

 Alma empowers you to confidently accept insurance backed by an all-in-one EHR that simplifies scheduling, documentation, and day-to-day practice operations. With a network of engaged providers and free CE courses, Alma makes it easy for you to build the practice of your dreams on your terms. Alma believes that when therapists get the support they need, mental healthcare gets better for everyone. Learn more at helloalma.com/ATPP.

✨ Portland, Maine, Summit 2026

The 2026 Doubt Yourself Do It Anyway Summit is happening for the first time in the United States in beautiful Portland, Maine, on September 1st–3rd, 2026. Portland, Maine, is a beautiful coastal city in the Atlantic Ocean. There's a lot of history there, and it's a very funky, creative, safe, walkable, diverse, and progressive city. You will get 9 NBCC CEs. We have ASWB pending—we'll make an announcement when that's finalized—and have 13 prolific industry leaders. This summit has always been about showing that our skills are applicable in so many different ways, and to motivate you to think bigger, grow in this profession, take more risks, work through self-doubt, and really embrace the doubt-yourself-do-it-anyway mentality. Spots are limited. Reserve your spot here: empoweredescapes.com/portland-maine-summit

Doubt yourself. Do it anyway. See you in Maine.

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✨ Free Podcasting Workbook

Get a practical podcasting workbook for therapists considering starting a podcast, created by Patrick Casale, host of the podcasts All Things Private Practice and Divergent Conversations.

You'll get a practical structure for therapists who want to start a podcast but don’t want to rush, perform, or build something they can’t sustain.

Grab your free copy of the Podcasting Workbook: atppod.com/free-podcasting-workbook

✨ Move Beyond Private Practice As A Neurodivergent Entrepreneur

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Access your free mini-course here: atppod.com/move-beyond-private-practice-free

Mentioned in this episode:

Portland, Maine, Summit 2026

 The 2026 Doubt Yourself Do It Anyway Summit is happening for the first time in the United States in beautiful Portland, Maine, on September 1st–3rd, 2026. Portland, Maine, is a beautiful coastal city in the Atlantic Ocean. There's a lot of history there, and it's a very funky, creative, safe, walkable, diverse, and progressive city. You will get 9 NBCC CEs. We have ASWB pending—we'll make an announcement when that's finalized—and have 13 prolific industry leaders. This summit has always been about showing that our skills are applicable in so many different ways, and to motivate you to think bigger, grow in this profession, take more risks, work through self-doubt, and really embrace the doubt-yourself-do-it-anyway mentality. Spots are limited. Reserve your spot here: https://www.empoweredescapes.com/portland-maine-summit Doubt yourself. Do it anyway. See you in Maine.

Alma

Thanks to Alma for sponsoring this episode.  Alma empowers you to confidently accept insurance backed by an all-in-one EHR that simplifies scheduling, documentation, and day-to-day practice operations. With a network of engaged providers and free CE courses, Alma makes it easy for you to build the practice of your dreams on your terms. Alma believes that when therapists get the support they need, mental healthcare gets better for everyone. Learn more at https://helloalma.com/ATPP.

The Receptionist for iPad

 The Receptionist for iPad is a HIPAA-ready digital check-in system that eliminates the need to walk back and forth from your office to the waiting room to see if your next appointment has arrived. Clients or patients can check in for their appointments, and you'll be immediately notified by text, email, or your preferred channel. Break free from interruptions and make the most of your time, because it is valuable. Start a free 14-day trial of the Receptionist for iPad by going to https://thereceptionist.com/privatepractice. Make sure to start your trial with that link to get your first month free if you decide to sign up.