Balm in the Burnout
Balm in the Burnout
Podcast Description
This is a podcast for anyone feeling stretched thin by work, activism, caregiving, or just surviving under systems that weren’t built for our thriving. On Balm in the Burnout, we speak with artists, organizers, and community builders about what’s helping us stay grounded and resourced in the face of burnout. Together, we reclaim our right to soothe, heal, and make hopeful, sustainable action.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast explores themes of personal and systemic burnout, resilience, and creative healing. Episodes include discussions on herbal skincare, environmental activism, and community engagement, such as the exploration of simple health practices in 'Ritual in a Bottle' and the impact of storytelling on healing in 'Writing as Ritual.' The series emphasizes actionable strategies for well-being and personal growth.
This is a podcast for anyone feeling stretched thin by work, activism, caregiving, or just surviving under systems that weren’t built for our thriving. On Balm in the Burnout, we speak with artists, organizers, and community builders about what’s helping us stay grounded and resourced in the face of burnout. Together, we reclaim our right to soothe, heal, and make hopeful, sustainable action.
Balm in the Burnout – Episode 11: Joy as Mutual Aid in Dangerous Times, with Kelly Wilson of Do’gooders MN
Host: Megan Hadley, MA, NBC-HWC
Guest: Kelly Wilson, founder of Do’gooders MN
Episode Summary:
In this inspiring episode, host Megan Hadley sits down with Longfellow South Minneapolis neighbor, community organizer, and chronic joy-instigator Kelly Wilson. Kelly shares how personal burnout, systemic harm, and collective grief led her to create Do’gooders MN—a grassroots group spreading radical joy, mutual aid, and connection across Minneapolis.
From free LGBTQ+ weddings to hoodie drives and neighborhood networks, Kelly shows what becomes possible when we stop waiting and start working with who we have and what we’ve got. It’s incredible what we can accomplish together when we organize.
Key Topics:
- Kelly’s background as a wedding photographer, connector, and “get-it-done” human
- The origin of Do’gooders MN and the creation of “Unabashed: A Celebration of Love and Pride”—a free day-long event hosting 12 LGBTQ mini-weddings
- Mutual aid as joy, resistance, and nervous system support
- Chronic illness, grief, and estrangement as part of this activist’s journey
- Collaboration, delegation, and asking for help without apology
- Burnout in community care, and the necessity of rest and boundaries
- The ripple effect of micro-actions: hoodie drives, gifting events, and more
- How to build something without a plan, a budget, or official credentials
- “Zooming in” instead of being crushed by the big picture
Key Takeaways:
- You don’t need a five-year plan to make an impact—start small and start local
- Mutual aid thrives on collaboration, not perfectionism
- Rest is not abandonment—it’s strategy and survival
- Everyone has something to contribute, including you
- Joy can be its own form of protest and protection
Connect with Kelly Wilson & Do’gooders MN:
- Email: [email protected]
- Facebook (Personal): Kelly Wilson
- Facebook (Group): Do’gooders MN
- Website: dogoodersmn.com
Support the Podcast:
Balm in the Burnout is listener-supported. Contribute to the work or to the Community Scholarship Fund: Venmo: @HHW-LLC
Learn more about host Megan Hadley’s coaching, workshops, and offerings at:
harvesthealthandwellbeing.com
Thank you for listening – we would appreciate a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!
Disclaimer
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