High-Functioning Burnout, Unmasked with Ashley McDonald
Wed Feb 04 2026
Have feedback? Text us!
Make your future self Unavoidable HERE
Show Notes:
High-functioning burnout doesn’t look like falling apart. It looks like holding it all together while quietly unraveling inside.
In this episode, Renee sits down with therapist and nervous system–first mentor Ashley McDonald for a deep, honest conversation about the kind of burnout that hides behind ambition, perfectionism, and success. The kind where you’re still performing, still producing, still showing up, but your body and nervous system are waving red flags you can’t ignore anymore.
They talk about how trauma and conditioning shape the way women build businesses, why pushing harder is often a survival response, and how values drift without us realizing it. This conversation is reflective, uncomfortable in the best way, and incredibly grounding for anyone who feels like they’re “fine” but knows something is off.
Ashley also shares details about her upcoming retreat in Tulum, a five-day immersive experience designed to help high-achieving women step out of survival mode, reconnect with their values, and integrate real change that actually sticks.
Mentioned:
Ash's site and podcast
Want to work with Renee?
SCHEDULE A FREE DISCOVERY CALL HERE
LEAVE A REVIEW in 5 seconds flat (helps us a ton!)
JOIN the Podcast & Creative Community
LEARN MORE about Renee at
www.reneebowen.com - main site (photography + coaching)
& www.reneebowencoaching.com (coaching + courses)
SOCIALS:
Instagram
Facebook
TikTok
FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS:
FREE TRAINING for Photographers
Make sure you TAG me when you post on social and once a month, we choose one person who leaves us a review and we'll send you a FREE audible book of your choice!
More
Have feedback? Text us! Make your future self Unavoidable HERE Show Notes: High-functioning burnout doesn’t look like falling apart. It looks like holding it all together while quietly unraveling inside. In this episode, Renee sits down with therapist and nervous system–first mentor Ashley McDonald for a deep, honest conversation about the kind of burnout that hides behind ambition, perfectionism, and success. The kind where you’re still performing, still producing, still showing up, but your body and nervous system are waving red flags you can’t ignore anymore. They talk about how trauma and conditioning shape the way women build businesses, why pushing harder is often a survival response, and how values drift without us realizing it. This conversation is reflective, uncomfortable in the best way, and incredibly grounding for anyone who feels like they’re “fine” but knows something is off. Ashley also shares details about her upcoming retreat in Tulum, a five-day immersive experience designed to help high-achieving women step out of survival mode, reconnect with their values, and integrate real change that actually sticks. Mentioned: Ash's site and podcast Want to work with Renee? SCHEDULE A FREE DISCOVERY CALL HERE LEAVE A REVIEW in 5 seconds flat (helps us a ton!) JOIN the Podcast & Creative Community LEARN MORE about Renee at www.reneebowen.com - main site (photography + coaching) & www.reneebowencoaching.com (coaching + courses) SOCIALS: Instagram Facebook TikTok FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS: FREE TRAINING for Photographers Make sure you TAG me when you post on social and once a month, we choose one person who leaves us a review and we'll send you a FREE audible book of your choice!