451. Start Here: Navigating Overwhelm with Kerry Makin-Byrd

About this episode

Kerry Makin-Byrd discusses her book on navigating overwhelm and introduces a three-part approach to emotional regulation.

Overwhelm can push us to a point where the tools we normally rely on suddenly feel out of reach.  In this episode, clinical psychologist and burnout expert Kerry Makin-Byrd discusses her book Start Here: A Practical Guide for the Overwhelmed , created as a simple, step-by-step guide for moments when thinking clearly feels difficult. She explains overwhelm as being outside the “window of tolerance,” when the nervous system moves into overarousal or shutdown, and everyday functioning, like sleep, mood, and decision-making, can be disrupted. Kerry introduces a three-part approach called Soothe, Transcend, Move. The idea is to regulate the body first, then shift perspective with self-compassion, and finally focus on one small action that aligns with your values.  Listen and Learn:  Kerry’s simple illustrated guide for turning overwhelming stress into clear, actionable steps you can actually use in the moment How overwhelm shows up in your body and mind can look completely different from others and might be quietly sabotaging your focus and energy Practicing small daily skills to train your mind to handle stress more quickly and effortlessly under pressure How you can…

People in this episode

Hosts: Debbie Sorensen, Jill Stoddard, Yael Schonbrun, Michael Herold, Emily Edlynn

Guest: Kerry Makin-Byrd

Topics covered

• overwhelm
• burnout
• emotional regulation
• self-compassion
• stress management

Keywords

• overwhelm
• burnout
• stress
• self-compassion
• emotional regulation
• mental health
• decision-making

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Start Here: A Practical Guide for the Overwhelmed

More episodes of Psychologists Off the Clock

• 463. Doubting Accusers; Protecting Abusers · June 9, 2026 · 52 min
• 462. In a Good Place with Leidy Klotz · June 2, 2026 · 44 min
• 461. A Little More Social with Nicholas Epley · May 26, 2026 · 51 min
• 460. How to Raise Emotionally Mature Children with Lindsay Gibson · May 19, 2026 · 53 min
• 459. How to Rehuman Our Lives with Stephanie Malia Krauss · May 12, 2026 · 59 min
• 458. The Pain/Brain Connection with Alan Gordon · May 5, 2026 · 53 min