234. Dumpster Decisions and Burnout Recovery

In this deeply personal and insight-packed solo episode, Kristen shares a powerful reflection on what she calls “dumpster decisions”—those all-or-nothing moves we make when we’re on the brink of burnout or buried in overwhelm. Drawing from her own journey of business pivots, personal healing, and rediscovery, Kristen opens up about how she threw away more than she needed to, only to later return and reclaim what still sparked joy.

She walks listeners through the difference between rage cleaning your life and intentionally evaluating what still serves your evolving self. Along the way, she delivers relatable stories, thoughtful metaphors (hello, Marie Kondo and Harry Potter’s phoenix!), and a massive announcement that longtime listeners will love.

Spoiler alert: She's officially back in the weekly coaching chair—and you’re invited.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• What “dumpster decisions” are and why we make them during burnout
• How Kristen’s business and personal life were shaped by burnout recovery
• The importance of honoring your evolution without shame
• How your nervous system holds the key to better habits, performance, and joy
• The birth of Sondera, Kristen’s newest company helping people regulate, realign, and rise
• A sneak peek into the tools, coaching, and transformation waiting inside her new membership
• The full-circle moment: Kristen’s return to live weekly coaching (and how you can join!)

Key Takeaways:

• Burnout doesn’t always mean burning everything down.
• Regulating your nervous system is the missing link between knowing what to do and actually doing it.
• Sometimes, the things you walked away from still belong with you—you just needed space to see it.
• Sustainable success is rooted in self-awareness, alignment, and nervous system integration.

Special Announcement 🎉

Kristen is back in the coaching seat! Starting November, we’re offering a new membership tier called the Sondera Signature Membership and it includes LIVE weekly coaching with Kristen. If you’ve ever wanted direct guidance beyond the strategy—this is your moment.

Join before November 1st to lock in the special pricing: Sondera Signature Membership

Just want the DIY Sondera Membership? Click here!

Timestamps:

00:00 – Welcome + a teaser about a big reveal

02:00 – Rage cleaning, burnout, and personal “dumpster decisions”

06:30 – The Marie Kondo method for life clarity

11:00 – When everything you built no longer fits

14:00 – The myth of business vs. life separation

20:00 – The real gap: strategy vs. nervous system regulation

27:00 – The story behind Sonder Era and what it helps people do

34:00 – A return to coaching & why Kristen is more lit up than ever

39:00 – Final encouragements + how to join before November 1st