Understanding Burnout with Dr. Mat de Moissac

Welcome to Life Shouldn't Hurt. I'm Grant Fedoruk, and if you’ve been feeling like you are running on fumes, this episode is exactly what you need. Too many of us are living with pain and pushing past the yield signs our bodies are desperately waving.

In our latest conversation, my co-host Anita Cassidy and I sit down with registered psychologist Matt Demoisac to explore the heavy reality of burnout.

The Mind-Body Connection in Pain

As a physiotherapist with nearly three decades of experience, I’ve seen firsthand how profound the mind-body connection truly is. I often see patients whose chronic back issues, like bulging discs, suddenly tip over the edge—not because of a bad lift, but because of a massive life stressor.

I even share my own unexpected experience with hidden stress: right before my wedding, I felt completely calm mentally, but I developed an inexplicable, stubborn rash around my stomach. The very day after we tied the knot, the rash vanished completely. It’s a powerful reminder that when we don't listen to our minds, our bodies will force us to pay attention.

Redefining Burnout with Mat de Moissac

Mat brings incredible expertise, sharing his own vulnerable journey of facing a panic attack disorder after pushing his nervous system too hard in his twenties. Together, we bust the myth that burnout comes purely from working too many hours.

Instead, Mat explains that true exhaustion happens when there is a severe disconnect between the time we invest and the fulfillment we get back, especially when we aren't living in alignment with our true values. When you wake up deeply connected to your "why," you can tap into boundless energy without burning out.

Actionable Wisdom to Reclaim Your Spark
We also equip you with simple, actionable wisdom to reclaim your spark:

• Acknowledge your feelings: Mat and I discuss why simply uttering the words "I'm not okay" to the people in your support system can significantly drop your cortisol and epinephrine levels.
• Create a morning pause: A short, two-to-five-minute moment of mindfulness at the start of your day—before the doom-scrolling begins—can reset your nervous system and put you back in control.
• Unplug in nature: I share my favorite prescription of taking a walk outside without earbuds, letting the natural sound waves of a forest or ocean physically heal and restore your body.

Listen and Subscribe
You don't have to suffer in silence, and this conversation is a lifeline meant to bring you comfort, validation, and hope. Please follow and subscribe to Life Shouldn't Hurt on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode. Tune in, take a deep breath, and remember—life shouldn't hurt.