Even the most passionate podcasters hit a wall sometimes — especially around the holidays. Between planning episodes, keeping up with publishing schedules, and juggling real-life responsibilities, it’s easy to lose steam. In this episode, we talk about how to recognize burnout before it hits, practical ways to refresh your creativity, and why taking a short break (like over Thanksgiving!) can actually help your show thrive in the long run. Today’s Hosts: Mike Dell and MacKenzie Bennett Avoiding Podcast Burnout Spot the Signs of Burnout Early If podcasting starts to feel like a chore, you might be heading toward burnout. Common signs include: Episodes feel forced or rushed You dread recording or editing You’re running out of topic ideas You compare your show to others instead of focusing on your own goals  💡 Blubrry helps: With tools like episode scheduling and WordPress publishing, you can plan ahead — giving yourself time off without breaking your release rhythm. How to Stay Creative (Even When You’re Tired) When inspiration dips, try changing things up: Record shorter episodes or bonus updates Invite a guest host or do a collaboration Revisit a favorite past topic with a new perspective Ask your audience what they want to hear next 💡 Blubrry helps: Use our show notes and statistics tools to track which topics resonate most — helping you build new episodes around what’s working best. Planning Time Off Without Losing Momentum Taking a holiday hiatus doesn’t mean you’re quitting — it means you’re recharging. Here’s how to keep listeners engaged while you rest: Let your audience know ahead of time you’ll be taking a short break Re-air your most popular episode or create a “Best Of” highlight Use social media to stay connected without producing full episodes Come back with a refreshed mindset (and maybe a few new ideas!)