Navigating Panic Attacks and Burnout with Eric Recker – Gemba Academy Podcast

Host Ron Pereira interviews Eric Recker, a dentist and coach from Pella, Iowa, who shares his personal journey with burnout.

Eric describes how a childhood experience fueled a need to constantly prove himself. This became a “broken operating system” driving him to constantly try to prove himself to others and feeling that “nothing was good enough.”

The lead him to take on overwhelming challenges and eventually face severe panic attacks and physical symptoms, including “chest pain, heart palpitations, tension headaches,” and “panic attacks.”

He recounts the pivotal moment where a planned sale of his practice fell through, forcing him to confront his struggles and seek help from trusted friends, his wife, and a mentor.

Through implementing systems and habits, such as intentional gratitude and working with a coach to redefine success, he has navigated his burnout, though he acknowledges it’s a continuous process with occasional setbacks.

He emphasizes the importance of seeking support and the power of being present, looking for “wins” in daily life, and learning from losses to transform them into opportunities for growth.

A key concept developed during his recovery is “win the now.” This philosophy emphasizes being fully present in the current moment, which he previously struggled with, often thinking about the past or future.

He now focuses on helping others reduce chaos and manage their own burnout journeys through coaching and speaking. He encourages anyone experiencing overwhelm or signs of burnout to “raise your hand” and seek help, whether from him, a mental health professional, or a trusted friend. He assures listeners, “there is hope on the other side.”

You can listen to the entire podcast at https://blog.gembaacademy.com/2025/05/01/ga-578-navigating-panic-attacks-and-burnout-with-eric-recker/