Episode 15

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Published on:

11th Jul 2025

Busyness, Burnout, and Boundaries in Public Service

This episode takes a step back from policy topics to dive into a pervasive phenomenon in public service work: constant busyness and burnout. Ronan Harrington, an international speaker, expert on burnout and resilience, and MPP alumnus, joins MPP student Nate for a conversation on why burnout is so pervasive in public service careers and what we can do about it.

The conversation explores:

• Why is overwhelmed and burnout a particular problem in public service?

• What are the root psychological factors that lead to constant busyness and burnout?

• Is overwhelm and exhaustion just necessary in high impact careers?

• Can technology and AI save us?

• What are practical strategies to manage overwhelm when we can’t control the demands placed on us?

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About the Podcast

Oxford Policy Pod
A policy podcast from students at the Blavatnik School of Government
A bi-weekly policy podcast based out of the Blavatnik School of Government at the University of Oxford. The Oxford Policy Pod explores pressing policy issues around the globe and is produced by students reading for a Master of Public Policy at the Blavatnik School of Government.

The podcast explores contemporary policy challenges that policymakers face all over the world, and taps into the rich diversity of policy experience and insights of the student body and faculty.

The podcast is supported by the staff of the Blavatnik School of Government.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the students, speakers and featured guests only. They do not represent the views or position of featured organisations, or the Blavatnik School of Government and the University of Oxford.

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