Joanna Gaines describes Magnolia sabbatical taken after soul weariness

Joanna Gaines said she and her husband, Chip Gaines, took a three-month break from their Magnolia business about three years ago after nearly 25 years of continuous growth left them feeling they had lost sight of the company’s purpose. Speaking on Hoda Kotb’s Joy 101 podcast, Gaines described the deeper exhaustion as “soul weariness,” distinguishing it from ordinary physical fatigue and warning that it can be dangerous when ignored. The sabbatical came with professional costs, including disappointing their team and delaying business activities, but gave the couple time to regain clarity and renew their commitment to Magnolia. Gaines said she now tries to recognize the early signs of burnout and address them before they intensify.