Burnout doesn't always look like exhaustion. Sometimes it's the swear word slipping out mid-argument, or every driver on the road suddenly seeming like an idiot. University of Toronto psychology professor Steve Joordens says stress and burnout run on two very different systems, one built to help and one that turns against the body.

The chronic version doesn't clock out. Steve points to a decades-old Montreal finding on how prolonged stress weakens the immune system, and why an unreadable boss or a job you can't leave produces a different kind of exhaustion than a hard day ever could.

Steve lays out a game for catching stress in someone before they'll admit it, plus the activities that flush the stress hormone out of the system like medicine. Whether it's a swear word or a honked horn, there's a way to catch it before it becomes the whole week.

Topics: burnout, chronic stress, cortisol, immune system, active listening

GUEST: Steve Joordens | https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-joordens/

Originally aired on 2026-08-31

Burnout doesn't always look like exhaustion. Sometimes it's the swear word slipping out mid-argument, or every driver on the road suddenly seeming like an idiot. University of Toronto psychology professor Steve Joordens says stress and burnout run on two very different systems, one built to help and one that turns against the body.
The chronic version doesn't clock out. Steve points to a decades-old Montreal finding on how prolonged stress weakens the immune system, and why an unreadable boss or a job you can't leave produces a different kind of exhaustion than a hard day ever could.
Steve lays out a game for catching stress in someone before they'll admit it, plus the activities that flush the stress hormone out of the system like medicine. Whether it's a swear word or a honked horn, there's a way to catch it before it becomes the whole week.
Topics: burnout, chronic stress, cortisol, immune system, active listening
GUEST: Steve Joordens |<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-joordens/"> https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-joordens/</a>
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-08-31

Shane Hewitt & The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world—always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.

From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane’s signature style—thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.

If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt &amp; The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world&mdash;always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.
From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane&rsquo;s signature style&mdash;thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.
If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt and The Nightshift

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.