Stress Less Live More

This deeply personal episode reveals what happened when life suddenly forced “the strong one” — Baz — into a vulnerable place. One week after celebrating their 20-year anniversary in Las Vegas, Barry was rushed into emergency surgery for a severely infected appendix. Loz and Baz walk listeners through the story from both sides: the physical and emotional shock for Baz, and the fear, surrender, and practical crisis-management that Loz navigated.The episode unpacks themes of control, surrender, resilience, faith, and the reality of running a business as a husband-and-wife team when one half is suddenly incapacitated. Through humour, honesty, and raw vulnerability, the Ash's show how major life interruptions can become powerful lessons in letting go, patience, and gratitude.Show Notes🎙 Episode: When the Strong One Needs HelpIn this emotional and insightful episode, Loz & Baz open up about the night everything changed. Instead of burnout or business strategy, they share the real-life story of Baz’s emergency surgery — and the mindset tools that helped them both get through it.💬 What We CoverThe moment Barry realised something was seriously wrongHow a “simple flu feeling” turned into emergency surgerySurrender vs control — and why both perspectives matterFear, faith, and staying grounded during medical emergenciesRunning a business when illness hits the main breadwinnerLessons on patience, resilience, and healingUsing gratitude to stay centred in chaosSeeing yourself vs how others see you🌟 Key MomentsVegas celebrations → hospital admissionsThe emotional impact of being “the strong one”Baz’s mindset during the diagnosisLoz’s “police mode” and coping strategyThe moment the hospital lost Barry after surgeryThe painful recovery and unexpected emotional crash

Grab your slow productivity starter pack here: https://rocksolidhealth.aweb.page/slow-productivity-starter-packIn this episode, Baz and Loz explore the rise and fall of hustle culture and introduce listeners to the concept of slow productivity, inspired by filmmaker and YouTuber Matt D’Avella and author Cal Newport. They reflect on the damaging effects of overworking, external validation, and comparison culture while unpacking practical steps for creating meaningful work at a sustainable pace. From redefining success to focusing on quality over quantity, the hosts show how intentional, slow productivity can lead to deeper fulfilment and longer-lasting success.In this episode:The dangers of hustle culture and its role in burnoutWhy slowing down leads to higher-quality workInsights from Matt D’Avella’s viral video on hustle cultureCal Newport’s Slow Productivity principles:Do fewer thingsWork at a natural paceObsess over qualityThe difference between “busyness” and true progressReflection prompts to help you slow down intentionallyResources Mentioned:Matt D’Avella – The End of Hustle Culture (YouTube)Slow Productivity by Cal NewportThe 4-Hour Work Week by Tim FerrissFree download: Slow Productivity Audit Worksheet https://rocksolidhealth.aweb.page/slow-productivity-starter-pack

In this insightful episode, Baz and Loz shine a light on mental burnout — the often-overlooked form of burnout that’s on the rise post-COVID. Drawing from their burnout self-assessment tool and real client experiences, they explore how mental burnout manifests through cynicism, irritability, loss of purpose, and internal negativity.They introduce the PIES method (Physical, Internal, External, Soul) to help listeners identify and manage burnout symptoms, with practical tools like the traffic light system for emotional regulation and mindset resets for negative thinking. From laughter over steak pies to honest conversations about self-awareness and emotional triggers, this episode blends humour and heart with actionable strategies for recovery and resilience.Main Topics:Why mental burnout is risingHow to identify symptoms (cynicism, irritability, loss of faith)The PIES method for recoveryThe traffic light system for emotional regulationReframing internal dialogue and managing external triggersRediscovering your “why” to overcome loss of purposeResources Mentioned:Burnout Self-Assessment Tool – Take it to discover your burnout type.https://burnoutscorecard.scoreapp.com/Free Mental Burnout Download with the PIES acronym and exercises.https://rocksolidhealth.aweb.page/mental-burnout-relief-packThe Amazing Adventures of the Good Food Gang (Children’s Book by Baz & Loz) – Available on Amazon. https://amzn.eu/d/djHc0PU

Loz and Baz explore whether neurodivergent people (e.g., ADHD, autism, dyslexia, bipolar, OCD) may be more prone to burnout — and how to turn “being wired differently” into a genuine edge. They unpack lived experiences (Loz with bipolar II and OCD; Baz with dyslexia and possible ADHD) and highlight common challenges like hyperfocus, masking, perfectionism, and sensory overstimulation, balancing these with strengths and practical tools.The conversation reframes labels: you’re not “broken,” just different — and your operating system can be harnessed for performance without tipping into burnout. They end with reflection questions and an invitation for listener stories.

Winter Tool Kit https://rocksolidhealth.aweb.page/p/e95377e2-0fc3-4987-aa47-c0c4d13f630eBusiness owners often crash when the clocks change — not because they’re “lazy,” but because biology shifts with light. Loz and Baz unpack Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), why founders feel a motivation dip as mornings get darker, and how to counter it with the 3 L’s: Light, Lifestyle, and Living it up. They share personal stories (jet lagged post–Las Vegas vow renewal!) and practical tactics like light boxes, dark therapy, AM/PM routines, winter hobbies, gratitude, and Nordic mindset reframes.Listeners also get a free Winter Reset Toolkit with a checklist and reflection prompts to implement straight away. The episode closes with a listener Q&A on telling SAD from burnout.

Loz and Baz unpack why “no” is a power move, not a personality flaw. They explore the hidden costs of reflexive yeses—people-pleasing, FOMO, and mistaking busy for productive—and show how overcommitting erodes energy, focus, and ultimately business results.They share a simple 4-step method (Gut–Heart–Head check, empowered scripts, truth anchors, and “default no unless it’s a hell-yeah”) and seven ready-to-use “no” phrases so listeners can protect time, energy, and priorities without burning bridges. A listener question from Cole (Indiana, US) reframes “no” as a reputation builder when used with clear boundaries.

Baz and Loz unpack why coming back from a brilliant holiday can make your break feel like a “distant memory” by Monday afternoon, and how to avoid the 0–100 snap that fuels burnout. Loz introduces a simple but powerful framework learned during her phased return to work in the police: Nice vs. Necessary—do only what keeps the business ticking for the first 1–2 weeks, then re-introduce “nice” projects once energy and rhythm return. They cover boundary-setting with clients, resisting guilt-fuelled overcompensation (cramming work before/after a break), and using a “gears” analogy to ease in and out of holidays. Practical reflection questions and a listener Q&A help translate the method into real boundaries and schedules. Podcast: Stress Less Live MoreHosts: Loz & Baz AshEpisode: How to Come Back from Holiday Without Burning OutGuest: NoneMain Topics:Why post-holiday crashes happen“Nice vs. Necessary” phased return framework (first 1–2 weeks = Necessary only)Boundaries with clients and internal guilt managementEnergy/gear shifting analogy for easing in/out of holidaysReflection questions to audit your habitsListener Q&A: setting expectations with clients

Loz and Baz ask a timely question: Can AI actually help with burnout—or is it quietly making things worse? Using real client experiences, a few eyebrow-raising stats mentioned in the episode, and their own “Pillar 6: Support & Belong,” they explore where AI shines (structure, ideas, admin, decision fatigue) and where it fails (diagnosis, depth, context, and human connection).They unpack the “robot bestie” trend, why text-only support misses the non-verbal 93%, and how generic AI advice loops people back into the same burnout cycle. The takeaway: use AI as a copilot, not a coach—and pair tools with community, skilled human guidance, and embodied practices like EFT.Main Topics:AI as tool vs. therapist: what it can/can’t doDecision fatigue and using AI for structure & adminThe danger of generic advice and missed root causesPillar 6: Support & Belong—why growth isn’t a solo journeyCommunity Wednesdays (7:00 pm UK) and peer momentumEFT tapping and the power of being seen by a human coachBurnout Self-Assessment + next steps00:00 – Welcome: Can AI help or harm burnout?02:39 – The Dark Side of Robot Support03:37 – Are We Befriending Bots?05:26 – What AI Really Is (and isn’t)07:16 – Smart Uses: Structure, Admin, Ideas, Travel09:33 – AI as Loz’s Copilot (not a coach)12:51 – Why Text Misses 93% of You14:32 – The Generic Advice Trap16:18 – Pillar 6: Support & Belong18:22 – Motocross Analogy: You Need a Human Coach21:24 – Sensible Uses + Trained Bots in Your Method22:16 – Case Study: Building Fee’s Timetable24:10 – Reflection Questions & Listener Q27:28 – Take the Burnout Self-Assessment & Next Step

In this thought-provoking episode, Baz and Loz unpack the overlooked contributors to burnout: bore out and rust out. These sneaky culprits mimic burnout symptoms but stem from under-stimulation and chronic monotony—not overwork. With warmth and humour, they explore how these conditions affect our minds, bodies, and emotions, especially among entrepreneurs, overachievers, and stay-at-home parents. They offer practical tips, reflection questions, and real-life examples to help listeners reconnect with purpose, reignite motivation, and avoid the burnout trap.Show Notes:Title: Is Boredom the Real Cause of Your Burnout? Hosts: Baz & Loz Podcast: Stress Less Live More Release Date: 5th August 2025 Episode Highlights:🔍 Definitions of bore out and rust out💭 Mental, physical, and emotional symptoms🧠 Why overachievers are most at risk🧩 How to spot the difference between burnout and under-stimulation🛠️ Reflection questions and simple interventions🎯 Steps to rediscover purpose and create meaningful challenges🎸 Bonus: Banjo dreams and sausage sandwich start-upsWant help designing a business that fires you up again?Book a call with Loz at rocksolidhealth.co.uk or email lauraash@rocksolidhealth.co.uk

Baz and Loz crack open a conversation that many business owners are too afraid to have: What happens when you're burnt out... but you still have to work?Loz shares the moment her body made the decision for her—collapsing on a Saturday night, convincing herself she'd be back by Wednesday, only to break down at her desk in tears. Baz remembers barely functioning through his own burnout in the Prison Service, pushed past the brink despite having “support” on paper. These aren’t just stories—they're warnings wrapped in lived experience.Together, they reflect on what it really means to be purpose-driven in a world where founders are expected to push through at all costs. No sick pay. No team to lean on. No option to stop. Through their ICE Method and the 3 Ps (Pause, Pivot, Push), they don’t just offer tools—they offer hope. Hope that you can breathe again, make space, and still keep the business you love alive.If you’ve ever felt the weight of carrying it all, this episode is your permission slip to pause, breathe, and remember you’re not alone.

In this refreshingly honest episode of Stress Less Live More, Baz and Loz challenge the glorified myth of the "perfect morning routine." From 5am ice baths to red light therapy, they dismantle the pressure to adopt unrealistic habits and instead offer a grounded, flexible approach to morning and evening routines tailored to real life. Listeners learn how even the smallest intentional action can transform the way their day begins and ends, with practical insights into avoiding burnout and reclaiming personal energy.The duo also dive into the three types of burnout—mental, emotional, and physical—and provide simple tools to restore calm and clarity. Whether you're a solo founder with toddlers or an overwhelmed high-performer, this episode will show you how to build micro-routines that actually work, without the guilt.

In this emotional and empowering episode, Baz and Loz are joined by Ffi, the founder of a feline care business in Edinburgh, who bravely shares her raw and honest journey through burnout. The episode combines real-life testimony with expert commentary as Baz and Loz reflect on Ffi’s video, her burnout self-assessment, and her transformative experience through the Energised Leadership programme. From isolation and physical symptoms to rediscovering joy, identity, and motivation, this episode captures the full arc of burnout recovery.#rocksolidhealth #justdothedo

In this eye-opening episode, Baz and Loz challenge conventional thinking around stress. They explore the idea that stress may not be the problem but a powerful message from our body. Through personal stories, research, and practical tools like the CALMS method, they reframe stress from an enemy into an ally. Listeners learn how to build a healthy relationship with stress, metabolise it effectively, and stop suppressing the signals that are meant to protect us.00:00 – Is Stress the Problem or Is It a Message?02:10 – "The Most Stressful Moment of My Life"04:45 – How Much Stress Is Affecting Business Owners07:46 – What Really Is Stress?10:37 – The Actual Definition of Stress13:05 – Fight or Flight: The Language of Stress15:29 – How Does Stress Affect Our Body?20:06 – Fibromyalgia and the Stress Response23:34 – How to Manage Your Stress in Nature26:52 – Symptoms of a Stressed Body28:13 – The CALMS Method for Managing Stress30:17 – How to Categorise Your Stress32:58 – The Realisation of Stress#rocksolidhealth #justdothedo

In this powerful and revealing episode, Baz and Loz Ash tackle the concept of recurring burnout — not as a result of workload, but as a reflection of identity. They speak directly to serial high-achievers, perfectionists, and business owners who find themselves repeatedly hitting burnout, despite trying every productivity hack, wellness trend, and recovery ritual in the book.The conversation uncovers how deeply ingrained identities — such as "the achiever", "the fixer", or "the problem solver" — create unconscious patterns that lead to physical, mental, and emotional burnout. With humour, empathy, and lived experience, Baz and Loz guide listeners through the three dimensions of burnout and how identity shifts, not surface-level self-care, are the key to lasting change.Show NotesWhy burnout isn’t about workload — it’s about who you're beingThe three recurring burnout identities: Thinker, Pusher, PleaserHow childhood conditioning fuels burnout loopsSigns of mental, physical and emotional burnoutHow to challenge identity through awareness and intentionPractical journaling questions to meet yourself againThe power of neuroplasticity to reshape behaviourFree burnout self-assessment tool (link)Audience Q&A: "What if this is just who I am?"Chapters00:00 – Welcome & Episode Overview 00:01:21 – Burnout Isn’t About Workload 00:03:16 – It’s Your Identity That’s Burnt Out 00:03:41 – Why We Burn Out: The Childhood Conditioning Link 00:06:26 – Losing Yourself in Achievement 00:09:21 – Human ‘Doings’ vs Human ‘Beings’ 00:10:14 – The Three Dimensions of Burnout 00:11:01 – Mental Burnout: The Overthinker Identity 00:14:25 – Shifting the Overthinker Identity 00:15:20 – Physical Burnout: The Pusher Identity 00:18:15 – Emotional Burnout: The Pleaser Identity 00:22:16 – Journal Prompts & Identity Reflection 00:26:08 – Listener Q&A: “But This Is Just Who I Am” 00:28:31 – Final Thoughts & Burnout Assessment CTA #rocksolidhealth #justdothedo

In this powerful and insightful episode, Baz and Loz explore a transformative idea: what if feeling tired isn't about needing more sleep, but needing different types of rest?Using the framework developed by Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith, they break down the seven types of rest: physical, mental, sensory, creative, emotional, social, and spiritual. Through real-life examples, personal anecdotes, and engaging banter, they show how recognising and prioritising the right kind of rest can revolutionise your energy, focus, and wellbeing.The episode also includes a thoughtful discussion on work-life balance versus work-life integration for business owners.Topics Covered:Why 8 hours of sleep may not solve tirednessDr. Saundra Dalton-Smith’s research and book Sacred RestThe seven types of rest explained:- Physical Rest- Mental Rest- Sensory Rest- Creative Rest- Emotional Rest- Social Rest- Spiritual RestHow to recognise your rest needsHow to prioritise and schedule the right kind of restReflection questions for listenersWork-life balance or integrationResources:Burnout Self-Assessment Tool: https://burnoutscorecard.scoreapp.com/Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith's TED Talk : https://www.ted.com/talks/saundra_dalton_smith_the_real_reason_why_we_are_tired_and_what_to_do_about_it📺 YouTube Chapters:0:00 - Introduction: Are You Tired or Under-Rested?1:05 - Understanding the Concept of "Under-Rested"2:15 - The 7 Types of Rest (Overview)5:30 - About Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith7:45 - Physical Rest Explained10:00 - Mental Rest Explained11:57 - Sensory Rest Explained14:42 - Creative Rest Explained17:11 - Emotional Rest Explained19:08 - Social Rest Explained20:59 - Spiritual Rest Explained22:55 - Why Rest is Often Villainised25:08 - How to Identify and Prioritise Your Rest Needs27:04 - Jigsaw Puzzles and Practical Rest Activities29:18 - Listener Reflection Questions31:18 - Q&A: Work-Life Balance vs Integration34:09 - Free Burnout Self-Assessment Invitation35:10 - Final Thoughts and Episode Wrap-Up #Rocksolidhealth #justdothedo

In this powerful episode, Baz and Loz break down the critical differences between stress and burnout—a vital distinction for business owners, entrepreneurs, and anyone navigating high-pressure environments. With compelling metaphors, real-life experiences, and practical frameworks like the CALMS Method, they help listeners identify where they are on the stress spectrum and what steps to take before reaching burnout.#Rocksolidhealth #justdothedo

Take the Burnout Self-Assessment: https://burnoutscorecard.scoreapp.com/ Get notified about new episodes and tips to live your best life: https://laura-ash-company.aweb.page/p/411ac43f-a86f-4c79-b5f8-cbdd2e252289The THREE Dimensions of BURNOUT and How to Break FreeWelcome to Stress Less Live More Podcast with Baz and LozWatch to find out about the three dimensions of burnout;Physical BurnoutEmotional BurnoutMental BurnoutThey also share the 3-step framework they use to help purpose-driven individuals recover.They share real-life experiences with burnout, misunderstandings around it, and practical steps toward healing, fulfilment, and reclaiming purpose outside of work.00:00 Intro00:30 Defining Burnout in Real Life Terms01:35 Burnout Beyond the Workplace02:01 Losing Identity to Your Business03:06 The Moment You Realise You’re Burnt Out03:59 Christina Maslach’s 3 Dimensions04:35 Baz & Loz’s Physical, Emotional, Mental Burnout Model05:21 COVID Burnout Trends06:00 Symptoms of Physical Burnout06:26 Signs of Emotional Burnout07:12 Comparison and Emotional Exhaustion07:55 Mental Burnout and Cynicism08:40 Judgement, Negativity & Burnout09:04 How Do You Recover? The 3-Step Framework09:25 Step 1: Accept & Acknowledge10:33 Step 2: Create Awareness12:03 Step 3: Intentional Action14:10 The Power of Intentional Action15:20 Taking Ownership and Making Change15:57 Reconnecting with Your Vision17:01 Final Summary & Take the Burnout Self-Assessment#Rocksolidhealth #justdothedo

Take the Burnout Self-Assessment: https://burnoutscorecard.scoreapp.com/ Get notified about new episodes and tips to live your best life: https://laura-ash-company.aweb.page/p/411ac43f-a86f-4c79-b5f8-cbdd2e252289 The THREE Dimensions of BURNOUT and How to Break FreeWelcome to Stress Less Live More Podcast with Baz and LozWatch to find out about the three dimensions of burnout;Physical BurnoutEmotional BurnoutMental BurnoutThey also share the 3-step framework they use to help purpose-driven individuals recover.They share real-life experiences with burnout, misunderstandings around it, and practical steps toward healing, fulfilment, and reclaiming purpose outside of work.00:00 Intro00:30 Defining Burnout in Real Life Terms01:35 Burnout Beyond the Workplace02:01 Losing Identity to Your Business03:06 The Moment You Realise You’re Burnt Out03:59 Christina Maslach’s 3 Dimensions04:35 Baz & Loz’s Physical, Emotional, Mental Burnout Model05:21 COVID Burnout Trends06:00 Symptoms of Physical Burnout06:26 Signs of Emotional Burnout07:12 Comparison and Emotional Exhaustion07:55 Mental Burnout and Cynicism08:40 Judgement, Negativity & Burnout09:04 How Do You Recover? The 3-Step Framework09:25 Step 1: Accept & Acknowledge10:33 Step 2: Create Awareness12:03 Step 3: Intentional Action14:10 The Power of Intentional Action15:20 Taking Ownership and Making Change15:57 Reconnecting with Your Vision17:01 Final Summary & Take the Burnout Self-Assessment#Rocksolidhealth #justdothedo

Welcome to the Stress Less Live More Podcast with Baz and Loz Ash!