Tess Brouwer and Layne Beachley share how life’s toughest wake-up calls led to more laughter, energy, and purpose. From burnout to bounce-back, they dish out simple tools (hello water, sunshine + protein!) and heartwarming stories that prove healing doesn’t have to be heavy.

Connect with Awake

Join the Awake Collective Community for monthly masterclasses 

Get Awake’s transformative book: Know yourself grow yourself to live a happier more purposeful life

Watch the episodes on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@Awake_Academy

Follow Layne on Instagram @Laynebeachley

Follow Tess on Instagram @tesscbrouwer

Follow Awake Academy on Instagram @awake_academy

Book us for a workshop – wakeup@awakeacademy.com.au

Awakes TikTok www.tiktok.com/@awakeacademy_

Sign up for a wake up call for a weekly wake up call

Sponsor our podcast wakeup@awakeacademy.com.au

Disclaimer

The A Wake Up Call podcast is created for general informational, educational, and inspirational purposes only. The stories, tools, and insights shared are designed to support your wellbeing journey - not to replace professional medical, psychological, or therapeutic advice. In fact, we believe therapy is non-negotiable in life.

If you’re experiencing a medical or mental health condition, please seek guidance from a qualified healthcare professional. Never ignore or delay seeking professional advice because of something you’ve heard on this podcast.

Your wellbeing matters. Take care of yourself, stay curious, and remember the real wake-up call is listening to what your body and mind are trying to tell you.

Tess Brouwer and Layne Beachley share how life&rsquo;s toughest wake-up calls led to more laughter, energy, and purpose. From burnout to bounce-back, they dish out simple tools (hello water, sunshine + protein!) and heartwarming stories that prove healing doesn&rsquo;t have to be heavy.
Connect with Awake
<a href="https://www.awakecollective.online/awake-collective-sales?utm_source=Post%20Webinar%20Flow%20-%20Sep%2015%2C%202025%2C%209%3A47%20AM&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Copy%20of%20Final%20Call%20%28SFaPZz%29&amp;_kx=YE_PCVapPtvc2nlhFVIaRxMuoIT6Zpn72bmSHFUreOI.TnQkGt">Join the Awake Collective Community for monthly masterclasses</a>&nbsp;
Get Awake&rsquo;s transformative book: <a href="https://www.penguin.com.au/books/awake-academy-9781761345869">Know yourself grow yourself to live a happier more purposeful life</a>
Watch the episodes on YouTube:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@Awake_Academy">www.youtube.com/@Awake_Academy</a>
Follow Layne on Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/laynebeachley/?hl=en">@Laynebeachley</a>
Follow Tess on Instagram @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/tesscbrouwer/?hl=en">tesscbrouwer</a>
Follow Awake Academy on Instagram @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/awake_academy/?hl=en">awake_academy</a>
Book us for a workshop &ndash; <a href="mailto:wakeup@awakeacademy.com.au">wakeup@awakeacademy.com.au</a>
Awakes TikTok&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@awakeacademy_">www.tiktok.com/@awakeacademy_</a>
Sign up for a wake up call for a weekly wake up call
Sponsor our podcast <a href="mailto:wakeup@awakeacademy.com.au">wakeup@awakeacademy.com.au</a>
Disclaimer
The&nbsp;A Wake Up Call podcast is created for general informational, educational, and inspirational purposes only. The stories, tools, and insights shared are designed to support your wellbeing journey - not to replace professional medical, psychological, or therapeutic advice. In fact, we believe therapy is non-negotiable in life.
If you&rsquo;re experiencing a medical or mental health condition, please seek guidance from a qualified healthcare professional. Never ignore or delay seeking professional advice because of something you&rsquo;ve heard on this podcast.
Your wellbeing matters. Take care of yourself, stay curious, and remember the real wake-up call is listening to what your body and mind are trying to tell you.

You can change your life and A Wake Up Call will show you how.

Hosted by Layne Beachley AO and Tess Brouwer, founders of Awake Academy, this is the podcast that gets real about what it takes to live awake - no filters, no fluff, just truth, science, and stories that will shake you out of autopilot and into action.

Each episode is packed with practical tools, honest conversations, and powerful wake-up calls to help you stress less, feel more, and reconnect with who you really are.

If you’re ready to stop drifting and start living with purpose, you’re in the right place.

Follow @awake_academy for more tools, truth, and transformation and tune in weekly to A Wake Up Call.

You can change your life and A Wake Up Call will show you how.
Hosted by Layne Beachley AO and Tess Brouwer, founders of <a href="https://awakeacademy.com.au/">Awake Academy</a>, this is the podcast that gets real about what it takes to live awake - no filters, no fluff, just truth, science, and stories that will shake you out of autopilot and into action.
Each episode is packed with practical tools, honest conversations, and powerful wake-up calls to help you stress less, feel more, and reconnect with who you really are.
If you&rsquo;re ready to stop drifting and start living with purpose, you&rsquo;re in the right place.
Follow <a href="https://www.instagram.com/awake_academy/?hl=en">@awake_academy</a> for more tools, truth, and transformation and tune in weekly to A Wake Up Call.

A Wake Up Call

You can change your life and A Wake Up Call will show you how.

Hosted by Layne Beachley AO and Tess Brouwer, this is the podcast that gets real about what it takes to live awake - no filters, no fluff, just truth, science, and stories that will shake you out of autopilot and into action.

Each episode is packed with practical tools, honest conversations, and powerful wake-up calls to help you stress less, feel more, and reconnect with who you really are.

If you’re ready to stop drifting and start living with purpose, you’re in the right place.

Follow @awake_academy for more tools, truth, and transformation and tune in weekly to A Wake Up Call.

You can change your life and A Wake Up Call will show you how.
Hosted by Layne Beachley AO and Tess Brouwer, this is the podcast that gets real about what it takes to live awake - no filters, no fluff, just truth, science, and stories that will shake you out of autopilot and into action.
Each episode is packed with practical tools, honest conversations, and powerful wake-up calls to help you stress less, feel more, and reconnect with who you really are.
If you&rsquo;re ready to stop drifting and start living with purpose, you&rsquo;re in the right place.
Follow <a href="https://www.instagram.com/awake_academy/?hl=en">@awake_academy</a> for more tools, truth, and transformation and tune in weekly to A Wake Up Call.

The Bright Side of Burnout

If you have ever wondered:

💭 “Why am I so exhausted, even from the things I love?”
💭 “How do I stop saying yes to everyone else and start saying yes to myself?”
💭 “Is it possible to be ambitious without burning out my body, my relationships and my joy?”

This episode is for you.

In this honest and energising conversation, Tess and Layne dive into the big B word: burnout. Tess shares what it felt like to be the yes girl in her corporate role at Virgin, glued to her desk, paralysed by decision fatigue and with zero hobbies or joy left in her life. She talks about doing double gym sessions, tracking every mouthful of food, then using alcohol to decompress, and the hallway moment where she realised she was completely burnt out from living for output instead of herself.

Layne opens up about the day her husband Kirk asked, “Why do I always get the broken Layne” and how that question became a wake up call. She explains how chasing validation and respect after retirement kept her in a constant state of over giving, and how her early story of being “not enough” as a child drove her to prove herself again and again. Together, Tess and Layne unpack the root causes of burnout, from perfectionism and people pleasing to the 3 C warning signs Layne uses now: comparison, craving and self criticism.

They break down the science in simple language, explaining why the brain runs on repetition and fear, why 95 percent of your thoughts are recycled, and how negativity bias quietly keeps you on high alert. Tess and Layne then share the tools that helped them reclaim their energy, including a decision making filter based on love not fear, “no not now” and “no not me” boundaries, and creating a joy list so you know exactly what to do with five spare minutes instead of doom scrolling. They also explore why rest is not a reward but a performance tool, how micro breaks and 90 minute work blocks boost memory and focus, and why your messy first step toward rest will probably look imperfect and still count.

You will hear about:

The difference between being tired and true burnout, and why your body whispers before it screams

How perfectionism and being the yes person quietly drain your energy and self worth

The 3 C burnout indicators Layne watches for and how to spot your own early warning signs

A simple decision making framework to choose from love instead of fear

Practical tools to refill your tank, from joy lists and solo coffee dates to micro breaks and structured rest that actually sticks

For more resources related to today’s episode, check out our podcast episode page.
https://www.awakecollective.online/episode-10

Join the Awake Collective Community for monthly masterclasses
https://www.awakecollective.online/awake-collective-sales

Get Awake’s transformative book: Know yourself grow yourself to live a happier more purposeful life. https://www.penguin.com.au/books/awake-academy-9781761345869
Follow Layne on Instagram @Laynebeachley
Follow Tess on Instagram @tesscbrouwer
Follow Awake Academy on Instagram @awake_academy
Awakes TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@awakeacademy_
Sponsor our podcast https://www.awakeacademy.com.au/contact
Book us for a workshop https://www.awakeacademy.com.au/contact

Disclaimer
The A Wake Up Call podcast is created for general informational, educational, and inspirational purposes only. The stories, tools, and insights shared are designed to support your wellbeing journey - not to replace professional medical, psychological, or therapeutic advice. In fact, we believe therapy is non-negotiable in life.
If you’re experiencing a medical or mental health condition, please seek guidance from a qualified healthcare professional. Never ignore or delay seeking professional advice because of something you’ve heard on this podcast.
Your wellbeing matters. Take care of yourself, stay curious, and remember the real wake-up call is listening to what your body and mind are trying to tell you.

If you have ever wondered:
💭 &ldquo;Why am I so exhausted, even from the things I love?&rdquo; 💭 &ldquo;How do I stop saying yes to everyone else and start saying yes to myself?&rdquo; 💭 &ldquo;Is it possible to be ambitious without burning out my body, my relationships and my joy?&rdquo;
This episode is for you.
In this honest and energising conversation, Tess and Layne dive into the big B word: burnout. Tess shares what it felt like to be the yes girl in her corporate role at Virgin, glued to her desk, paralysed by decision fatigue and with zero hobbies or joy left in her life. She talks about doing double gym sessions, tracking every mouthful of food, then using alcohol to decompress, and the hallway moment where she realised she was completely burnt out from living for output instead of herself.
Layne opens up about the day her husband Kirk asked, &ldquo;Why do I always get the broken Layne&rdquo; and how that question became a wake up call. She explains how chasing validation and respect after retirement kept her in a constant state of over giving, and how her early story of being &ldquo;not enough&rdquo; as a child drove her to prove herself again and again. Together, Tess and Layne unpack the root causes of burnout, from perfectionism and people pleasing to the 3 C warning signs Layne uses now: comparison, craving and self criticism.
They break down the science in simple language, explaining why the brain runs on repetition and fear, why 95 percent of your thoughts are recycled, and how negativity bias quietly keeps you on high alert. Tess and Layne then share the tools that helped them reclaim their energy, including a decision making filter based on love not fear, &ldquo;no not now&rdquo; and &ldquo;no not me&rdquo; boundaries, and creating a joy list so you know exactly what to do with five spare minutes instead of doom scrolling. They also explore why rest is not a reward but a performance tool, how micro breaks and 90 minute work blocks boost memory and focus, and why your messy first step toward rest will probably look imperfect and still count.
You will hear about:
The difference between being tired and true burnout, and why your body whispers before it screams
How perfectionism and being the yes person quietly drain your energy and self worth
The 3 C burnout indicators Layne watches for and how to spot your own early warning signs
A simple decision making framework to choose from love instead of fear
Practical tools to refill your tank, from joy lists and solo coffee dates to micro breaks and structured rest that actually sticks
For more resources related to today&rsquo;s episode, check out our podcast episode page. https://www.awakecollective.online/episode-10
Join the Awake Collective Community for monthly masterclasses https://www.awakecollective.online/awake-collective-sales
Get Awake&rsquo;s transformative book: Know yourself grow yourself to live a happier more purposeful life. https://www.penguin.com.au/books/awake-academy-9781761345869 Follow Layne on Instagram @Laynebeachley Follow Tess on Instagram @tesscbrouwer Follow Awake Academy on Instagram @awake_academy Awakes TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@awakeacademy_ Sponsor our podcast https://www.awakeacademy.com.au/contact Book us for a workshop https://www.awakeacademy.com.au/contact
Disclaimer The A Wake Up Call podcast is created for general informational, educational, and inspirational purposes only. The stories, tools, and insights shared are designed to support your wellbeing journey - not to replace professional medical, psychological, or therapeutic advice. In fact, we believe therapy is non-negotiable in life. If you&rsquo;re experiencing a medical or mental health condition, please seek guidance from a qualified healthcare professional. Never ignore or delay seeking professional advice because of something you&rsquo;ve heard on this podcast. Your wellbeing matters. Take care of yourself, stay curious, and remember the real wake-up call is listening to what your body and mind are trying to tell you.

The Best Burnout Hacks Aren't What You Think

If you have ever wondered:

💭 “Why do I feel like a fraud even when I am achieving so much?”

💭 “How do I quiet the voice that tells me I am not enough?”

💭 “How do I finally own my seat instead of shrinking from it?”

– this episode is for you.

In this honest and energising conversation, Tess and Layne dive deep into imposter syndrome, tracing the moments in their careers, motherhood and leadership journeys where the inner critic became loud and the fear of being exposed took over.

Tess opens up about writing a book with a seven time world champion while secretly wondering if she deserved to be there, returning to study because she thought she needed more certificates to feel legitimate, and the moment imposter syndrome blindsided her in motherhood when she walked ahead of Benji on a path and instantly decided she was a terrible mum. Layne shares the day she became Chair of Surfing Australia, how the words “You are just a token female” echoed in her head, and how she sat in a boardroom feeling utterly unqualified despite being surrounded by people who believed in her.

Together they unpack what imposter syndrome really is: the gap between your perceived ability and your true capability, filled with fear, shame and old stories about worthiness. They explain why the brain defaults to threat, how the negativity bias magnifies your mistakes, and why celebrating micro wins is a science backed way to retrain your confidence. Layne shares how she prepared, reached out to mentors and chose to lead with curiosity instead of perfection. Tess talks about learning to say, “I am qualified and I am uncomfortable” and why receiving a single compliment with “Thank you” can be an act of self transformation.

You will hear about:
The neuroscience behind imposter syndrome and why your brain leans toward fear
How shame fuels the belief that you do not deserve success, love or belonging
The difference between intuition and fear based narratives
Why celebrating the smallest gains builds confidence
How a dream team truth check can silence the committee in your head
Practical language that helps you stay present instead of spiralling

This episode is warm, real and incredibly relatable. It is not about eliminating self doubt. It is about learning how to move with it, grow through it and claim the space you have already earned.

🎧 Hit play to remember that you are capable, you are qualified and you deserve to sit in the seat your life has prepared you for.

https://www.sharethedignity.org.au/

Join the Awake Collective Community for monthly masterclasses

https://www.awakecollective.online/awake-collective-sales

Get Awake’s transformative book: Know yourself grow yourself to live a happier more purposeful life. https://www.penguin.com.au/books/awake-academy-9781761345869

Follow Layne on Instagram @Laynebeachley

Follow Tess on Instagram @tesscbrouwer

Follow Awake Academy on Instagram @awake_academy

Awakes TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@awakeacademy_

Sponsor our podcast https://www.awakeacademy.com.au/contact

Book us for a workshop https://www.awakeacademy.com.au/contact

Disclaimer

The A Wake Up Call podcast is created for general informational, educational, and inspirational purposes only. The stories, tools, and insights shared are designed to support your wellbeing journey - not to replace professional medical, psychological, or therapeutic advice. In fact, we believe therapy is non-negotiable in life.

If you’re experiencing a medical or mental health condition, please seek guidance from a qualified healthcare professional. Never ignore or delay seeking professional advice because of something you’ve heard on this podcast.

Your wellbeing matters. Take care of yourself, stay curious, and remember the real wake-up call is listening to what your body and mind are trying to tell you.

If you have ever wondered:
💭 &ldquo;Why do I feel like a fraud even when I am achieving so much?&rdquo;
💭 &ldquo;How do I quiet the voice that tells me I am not enough?&rdquo;
💭 &ldquo;How do I finally own my seat instead of shrinking from it?&rdquo;
&ndash; this episode is for you.
In this honest and energising conversation, Tess and Layne dive deep into imposter syndrome, tracing the moments in their careers, motherhood and leadership journeys where the inner critic became loud and the fear of being exposed took over.
Tess opens up about writing a book with a seven time world champion while secretly wondering if she deserved to be there, returning to study because she thought she needed more certificates to feel legitimate, and the moment imposter syndrome blindsided her in motherhood when she walked ahead of Benji on a path and instantly decided she was a terrible mum. Layne shares the day she became Chair of Surfing Australia, how the words &ldquo;You are just a token female&rdquo; echoed in her head, and how she sat in a boardroom feeling utterly unqualified despite being surrounded by people who believed in her.
Together they unpack what imposter syndrome really is: the gap between your perceived ability and your true capability, filled with fear, shame and old stories about worthiness. They explain why the brain defaults to threat, how the negativity bias magnifies your mistakes, and why celebrating micro wins is a science backed way to retrain your confidence. Layne shares how she prepared, reached out to mentors and chose to lead with curiosity instead of perfection. Tess talks about learning to say, &ldquo;I am qualified and I am uncomfortable&rdquo; and why receiving a single compliment with &ldquo;Thank you&rdquo; can be an act of self transformation.
You will hear about:
<ul>
<li>The neuroscience behind imposter syndrome and why your brain leans toward fear</li>
<li>How shame fuels the belief that you do not deserve success, love or belonging</li>
<li>The difference between intuition and fear based narratives</li>
<li>Why celebrating the smallest gains builds confidence</li>
<li>How a dream team truth check can silence the committee in your head</li>
<li>Practical language that helps you stay present instead of spiralling</li>
</ul>
This episode is warm, real and incredibly relatable. It is not about eliminating self doubt. It is about learning how to move with it, grow through it and claim the space you have already earned.
🎧 Hit play to remember that you are capable, you are qualified and you deserve to sit in the seat your life has prepared you for.
<a href="https://www.sharethedignity.org.au/">https://www.sharethedignity.org.au/</a>
Join the Awake Collective Community for monthly masterclasses
<a href="https://www.awakecollective.online/awake-collective-sales">https://www.awakecollective.online/awake-collective-sales</a>
Get Awake&rsquo;s transformative book: Know yourself grow yourself to live a happier more purposeful life.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.penguin.com.au/books/awake-academy-9781761345869">https://www.penguin.com.au/books/awake-academy-9781761345869</a>
Follow Layne on Instagram @Laynebeachley
Follow Tess on Instagram @tesscbrouwer
Follow Awake Academy on Instagram @awake_academy
Awakes TikTok&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@awakeacademy_]">https://www.tiktok.com/@awakeacademy_</a>
Sponsor our podcast&nbsp;<a href="https://www.awakeacademy.com.au/contact">https://www.awakeacademy.com.au/contact</a>
Book us for a workshop&nbsp;<a href="https://www.awakeacademy.com.au/contact">https://www.awakeacademy.com.au/contact</a>
Disclaimer
The A Wake Up Call podcast is created for general informational, educational, and inspirational purposes only. The stories, tools, and insights shared are designed to support your wellbeing journey - not to replace professional medical, psychological, or therapeutic advice. In fact, we believe therapy is non-negotiable in life.
If you&rsquo;re experiencing a medical or mental health condition, please seek guidance from a qualified healthcare professional. Never ignore or delay seeking professional advice because of something you&rsquo;ve heard on this podcast.
Your wellbeing matters. Take care of yourself, stay curious, and remember the real wake-up call is listening to what your body and mind are trying to tell you.

The Root Cause Of 'Imposter Syndrome' & How To Overcome It

If you have ever wondered:

💭 "What does it feel like to be truly seen in a relationship?"
💭 "How do you sit with someone you love when they are in deep pain?"
💭 "How do you stay connected when your instinct is to fix or run?"

– this episode is for you.

In this intimate conversation, Layne turns the spotlight onto Tess and her husband Chris, tracing their love story from a rehab reunion in a pub on AFL Grand Final day to a blended family, a baby, and a life built on shared growth.

Tess shares what it was like to meet Chris after losing everything to injury and trauma, standing in a neck brace, caring for the "quad squad," and hearing him say, "Who are you? You are like sunshine." Chris talks about that first hug that felt like "coming home," the long FaceTime calls during lockdown, and the moment he asked Tess to tell him her accident and PTSD story from start to finish so he could "know how to hold" her. The next morning, he sent flowers with three simple words: "Holding space for you."

Together they unpack what it actually means to hold space in real life: the breath before reacting, choosing not to fix, and learning to say, "I do not know what to say right now, but I am here." Chris opens up about his early shutdown response to female emotion, how his teenage experiences with his mum shaped that, and how he now chooses a "posture of a learner" instead of control. Tess shares how it feels to be on the receiving end of that presence, and why her single word for Chris is "safety."

You will hear about:

The difference between being a solution and being a shoulder

How they stay out of the drama triangle and step back into connection

The marriage vow that changed everything: always doing their own inner work

Why it is "safe to be seen" and how that belief changed Tess’s life

This episode is tender, real and quietly powerful. It is not about perfect communication. It is about two humans doing the work to keep choosing each other, even when it is hard.

🎧 Hit play to remember what love can look like when someone is willing to sit in the discomfort and hold space for all of you.

If you have ever wondered:
💭 "What does it feel like to be truly seen in a relationship?" 💭 "How do you sit with someone you love when they are in deep pain?" 💭 "How do you stay connected when your instinct is to fix or run?"
&ndash; this episode is for you.
In this intimate conversation, Layne turns the spotlight onto Tess and her husband Chris, tracing their love story from a rehab reunion in a pub on AFL Grand Final day to a blended family, a baby, and a life built on shared growth.
Tess shares what it was like to meet Chris after losing everything to injury and trauma, standing in a neck brace, caring for the "quad squad," and hearing him say, "Who are you? You are like sunshine." Chris talks about that first hug that felt like "coming home," the long FaceTime calls during lockdown, and the moment he asked Tess to tell him her accident and PTSD story from start to finish so he could "know how to hold" her. The next morning, he sent flowers with three simple words: "Holding space for you."
Together they unpack what it actually means to hold space in real life: the breath before reacting, choosing not to fix, and learning to say, "I do not know what to say right now, but I am here." Chris opens up about his early shutdown response to female emotion, how his teenage experiences with his mum shaped that, and how he now chooses a "posture of a learner" instead of control. Tess shares how it feels to be on the receiving end of that presence, and why her single word for Chris is "safety."
You will hear about:
The difference between being a solution and being a shoulder
How they stay out of the drama triangle and step back into connection
The marriage vow that changed everything: always doing their own inner work
Why it is "safe to be seen" and how that belief changed Tess&rsquo;s life
This episode is tender, real and quietly powerful. It is not about perfect communication. It is about two humans doing the work to keep choosing each other, even when it is hard.
🎧 Hit play to remember what love can look like when someone is willing to sit in the discomfort and hold space for all of you.

The Bright Side of Burnout

A Wake Up Call

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