Care Without Burnout

In this episode of the Care Without Burnout podcast, host Donna Bentley-Carr welcomes Liz, a pharmacy technician with 25 years of experience in the health industry, who has founded Clarity Bridge, a non-clinical advocacy service designed to support unpaid carers navigating the complexities of the healthcare system. Liz shares her personal journey that inspired her to create this service, highlight...

In this episode of the Care Without Burnout podcast, host Donna Bentley-Carr speaks with Sara Challice, a former carer who dedicated 13 years to supporting her partner through a battle with a malignant brain tumor. Sarah shares her personal journey, highlighting the emotional and physical challenges of caregiving, including the risk of burnout and the importance of self-care. They discuss practica...

In this episode of the Care Without Burnout podcast, host Donna Bentley-Carr welcomes Andy Baker, Managing Director and Head Trainer at The Able Training Company, to discuss the challenges faced by unpaid caregivers, particularly those caring for individuals with dementia or mental health conditions. Andy shares insights from his extensive experience in health and social care, emphasizing the impo...

Today, Donna discusses the new direction she plans to take the podcast. Whether you have served in the NHS, policing, the military, local government, or social care, leaving the job that defined you is rarely just a career change; it is a profound identity shift. Donna outlines her mission to provide honest conversations, real stories of reinvention, and practical tools to help listeners rebuild c...

In this episode, Donna sits down with Amanda Norbury, also known as The Salford Chocolatier. Amanda shares her remarkable journey from a 30-year career as an aircraft engineer in the Royal Air Force to launching her own artisan chocolate business. She discusses overcoming challenges, the importance of vulnerability and asking for help, and how a chance appearance on James Martin's Saturday Morning...

In this episode, Donna interviews Mike, known as the Classroom Exit Coach, to discuss his journey from being a history teacher to coaching others in the education sector. Mike shares his experiences in teaching, the challenges of navigating a demanding profession, and the impact of systemic changes on educators' well-being. They reflect on the importance of career guidance for young people, the pr...

In this episode, Donna interviews Rusty Carroll, a former paramedic, ex-military officer, and leadership consultant. Rusty shares his remarkable journey from a childhood dream of becoming a soldier to his impactful career in public service, highlighting the importance of servant leadership and the profound effects of trauma in frontline roles. He candidly discusses his experiences with PTSD, the c...

In this episode, Donna interviews Bex, a former special constable and prison officer who has dedicated her career to public service and helping vulnerable individuals. Bex shares her journey from a diverse educational background to her various roles in law enforcement and social housing, highlighting the challenges and rewards of working with those in difficult situations. She discusses the import...

In this episode, Donna welcomes back Gary Hayes, co-founder of PTSD 999, a charity dedicated to addressing the mental health challenges faced by emergency service personnel. Gary shares insights from his journey in public service, including his experiences in the British Armed Forces and the police force, which ultimately led to the founding of his charity. He discusses the challenges his charity...

In this candid and deeply personal episode, Donna sits down with Kelly, a former teacher who rose through the ranks to become a Director of Education, only to face severe burnout and the realisation that her life was out of alignment with her core values. Kelly shares her inspiring journey, from her early ambition to become a teacher. KEY TAKEAWAYS The Vocation Trap in Public Service: Kelly highli...

Today, Donna sits down for a conversation with Ally Ackbarally, a passionate nurse and academic, to discuss his journey from clinical nursing to academia and his focus on human factors in healthcare. Ally shares his unique path into nursing, influenced by family and a desire to make a difference, and reflects on the importance of understanding human factors to improve patient safety and outcomes....

In this episode, Donna reflects on her impending departure from a 30-year career in the NHS as a registered nurse. She shares her emotional journey over the past six months, discussing the challenges of burnout, the increasing pressures on healthcare services, and the impact of institutionalization on public servants. Donna also highlights the need for better communication and patient advocacy in...

In this episode, Donna interviews Singe Day, a former military member turned humanitarian worker. Singe shares his journey from growing up in Oxford with a family background in public service to serving in the parachute regiment and eventually transitioning into international development. He discusses the challenges of adapting to civilian life after the military, the importance of planning, and t...

In this episode, Donna speaks with Karen Marshally, co-director of Gold Star Property Group, about her remarkable journey from being a PE teacher to thriving in the property business. Karen shares her childhood passion for sports, her experiences travelling the world with her husband Barry, and the challenges she faced in balancing teaching with family life. KEY TAKEAWAYS The journey from a teachi...

In this episode, Donna interviews Lina Kumar, a former podiatrist who transitioned into a career as a registered nutritionist. Lina shares her journey from working in diabetic foot care to exploring the vital connection between nutrition and health. She discusses the challenges faced by patients with chronic conditions and emphasises the importance of preventive care and healthy eating habits. KEY...

In this episode, Donna interviews Jo Hall, a former NHS occupational therapist with over 33 years of experience. Jo shares her journey from clinical practice to senior leadership roles, including her time in commissioning for an Integrated Care Board (ICB). She discusses the challenges she faced after a life-changing breast cancer diagnosis and how it shifted her perspective on life and work. KEY...

In this episode, Donna speaks with Sam, a former public servant who transitioned from a career in teaching to becoming a successful business owner. Sam shares her incredible journey, starting from her time as a high school teacher in the mid-90s, her move to primary school, and the challenges she faced within the education system. She discusses how her background in karate instilled confidence and...

In this episode, Donna interviews Naomi Morgan, a former psychology teacher turned coach, to discuss her transformative journey from the classroom to coaching. Naomi shares her experiences in education, the burnout she faced, and her decision to leave teaching behind to pursue a career in positive psychology and coaching. She reflects on the pressures within the education system, particularly the...

Today, Donna interviews Simon Woodward, a multi-award-winning executive director with a remarkable journey from a working-class background in Barnsley to a successful career in supply chain and procurement. Simon shares insights from his childhood, his decision to join the RAF, and the diverse roles he undertook during his military service, including intelligence work during the Gulf War. KEY TAKE...

In this episode, Donna interviews Beck House, a former police officer whose journey through mental health challenges and recovery is both harrowing and inspiring. Beck shares her early passion for public service, her experiences in the police force, and the traumatic events that led to a mental health crisis, including a prescribed drug-induced psychotic episode. She candidly discusses the inadequ...

Donna interviews Dan Holder, the founder of Arc Atomic Rambo Coaching, a company dedicated to helping individuals remove alcohol from their lives and improve their mental health. Dan shares his journey from serving in the Royal Marine Reserves to experiencing complex PTSD after a demanding tour in Afghanistan. He discusses the challenges he faced with alcohol as a coping mechanism and how he ultim...

In this episode, Donna interviews Laura Haining, who shares her extensive experience in public service, particularly in her current role as a social prescriber within GP practices. Laura discusses the importance of addressing social issues that impact health and well-being, such as social isolation and housing concerns, and how her work helps patients connect with community resources. KEY TAKEAWAY...

What happens when a career in public service takes an unexpected turn into the world of maternal wellness? In this episode of Life After Public Service, Donna speaks with Leanne Webster, a former local government employee who found her calling supporting mums and babies through life’s toughest moments. Leanne shares her journey—from growing up in a labour family in Dundee to facing postnatal depre...

Today, Donna sits down with Martin Price, a former civil servant who spent 20 years in the Foreign Office, now known as the FCDO. Martin shares his unique journey from a civil engineering apprenticeship to a fulfilling career in public service, where he travelled to 64 countries, installing IT and security systems in embassies worldwide. He reflects on the pivotal moments that shaped his life, inc...

In this episode, Donna speaks with Louise Ramage, a former teacher turned well-being and neurodiversity coach. Louise shares her journey from working in a challenging inner-city school in London for 17 years to transitioning into coaching, driven by her desire to make a meaningful difference in people's lives. They discuss the complexities of teaching in diverse environments, the pressures of bala...