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A raw and authentic podcast for those who work or volunteer in animal care, welfare, or activism, who are struggling with compassion fatigue, burnout, grief and loss, secondary traumatic stress, and other mental health concerns. Through both solo and guest episodes, I blend science, psychology, spirituality, and even a touch of "woo woo" to help you manage compassion fatigue, build resilience, and make your passion for helping animals sustainable. If you're involved in animal caregiving, rescue, trap-neuter return (TNR), sheltering, animal control, cruelty investigations, veterinary medicine, fostering, wildlife or marine rehabilitation and conservation, animal law or lobbying, ethical veganism, or any other role in animal care, welfare, or activism, and struggling with the consequences of caring so much that it hurts, this podcast is for you!
The host, Jen Blough, LPC, is a licensed professional counselor, compassion fatigue coach and speaker, and author with more than 35 years of experience in animal welfare and activism. She is the author of To Save a Starfish: A Compassion Fatigue Workbook for the Animal Welfare Warrior and the upcoming book, Beyond Compassion Fatigue.
Episodes
Friday Dec 19, 2025
Friday Dec 19, 2025
Today we’re diving into a topic that nearly every animal advocate, rescue worker, or activist faces at some point: identity and self-worth.
When your life revolves around the animals you care for, it’s easy to lose sight of yourself outside of your work. Burnout, stress, grief, or compassion fatigue can leave you asking, “Who am I if I’m not doing this work right now?” In this episode, I explore why this happens, how it affects self-worth, and practical strategies to reclaim a sense of identity—without losing your love and commitment for the animals and causes you care about.
We’ll discuss:
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The “identity trap” and why it can make setbacks feel personal
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How self-worth tied solely to advocacy can contribute to compassion fatigue, burnout, anxiety, and depression
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Practical steps to expand your sense of self
I also share a five-minute daily affirmation video specifically designed for animal advocates, available in my Virtual Calming Room at animalwelfarewellness.com.
Whether you’re feeling lost, overwhelmed, or simply want to strengthen your resilience, this episode will help you reconnect with all the layers of who you are—so you can show up in your work from a place of wholeness.
Resources:
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Check out my Virtual Calming Room for a Daily Affirmation Video and more!
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Learn more about my Compassion Fatigue Group Coaching Program here.
- Get your copy of To Save a Starfish: A Compassion Fatigue Workbook for the Animal Welfare Warrior!
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