Television production burns through talent faster than studios can replace it. Nearly two-thirds of TV news directors say staff burnout has worsened, and turnover has reached crisis levels across the industry. Yet Randy Douthit, executive producer and director of Judy Justice, still works twelve-hour days with energy and focus after more than 30 years behind the camera.

A 2025 study found that 82% of workers experience burnout, with younger professionals affected most. Many producers flame out or flee to less demanding jobs. Douthit has directed over 12,000 episodes across Judge Judy's twenty-five seasons and continues leading Judy Justice through its fourth year on Amazon Prime Video. His longevity offers a practical blueprint for lasting success in one of the most demanding industries.

What Judge Judy Taught Him About Balance

Douthit's nearly three-decade partnership with Judge Judith Sheindlin is central to his career. He credits her not only as a professional inspiration but also as a model for how to maintain balance under pressure.

"I am amazed at her energy. She never stops," Douthit says. "So many people depend on her, and she doesn't let them down."

More importantly, Sheindlin models a healthy approach to work-life integration. "Her biggest impact on me is reminding me how important it is to prioritize family and the people close to me," Douthit explains.

That lesson has guided him through long production cycles. The Mayo Clinic cites lack of control, unclear expectations, and dysfunctional work environments as the top causes of burnout. Observing Sheindlin's ability to set boundaries and protect what matters most has helped Douthit do the same.

Finding Focus Through Morning Meditation

Before arriving on set, Douthit starts each day with a habit few television executives maintain: meditation.

"The one thing I recommend everyone do is meditate every morning," he says. "Sit quietly alone. Quiet all the noises your mind makes. Start at five minutes a day, then ten, then fifteen. Eventually, your mind will quiet, and wonderful ideas will start showing up."

That daily discipline clears mental noise before production begins. When directing courtroom cases, Douthit must monitor multiple cameras, track Sheindlin's reactions, anticipate dramatic moments, and make split-second edits—all while keeping pace for viewers. Meditation helps him stay calm and decisive amid that chaos.

Many journalists and producers face the same pressures but lack the tools to manage them. Douthit's ritual gives him the mental clarity to meet relentless deadlines without losing balance.

The Simple Fitness Habit That Fuels His Energy

Mental clarity alone isn't enough to sustain twelve-hour shoot days. Douthit also invests in physical stamina through regular exercise.

"I work out three times a week in the morning because that's key for me to keeping energy up, both immediately and in the long term," he says.

His routine is modest but strategic. Rather than chasing perfection or intensity, he focuses on consistency. Research shows that even small amounts of regular exercise can combat fatigue and reduce stress. By training before the day's demands take hold, Douthit maintains endurance without depleting himself.

This combination of meditation and movement creates a foundation for resilience—mental and physical—that supports his long hours on set.

Why Passion Protects Against Burnout

Douthit often cites philosopher Walter Russell, whom Walter Cronkite once called "the Leonardo da Vinci of our time."

"Russell talked about how you must love what you do and that loving it is revitalizing," Douthit explains. "It's true of me and my work. The days can be long, and there's a lot of focus required. But when you love the process, it's taxing and rejuvenating at the same time."

That paradox—finding energy in demanding work—separates sustainable careers from burnout trajectories. The World Health Organization defines burnout as chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed. Douthit's antidote is passion. Loving the craft turns exhaustion into momentum instead of depletion.

Turning Waiting Time into Creative Momentum

Television production involves constant waiting: for approvals, budgets, talent schedules, and network decisions. For many producers, this downtime breeds frustration and anxiety. Douthit views it differently.

"So much of this business is waiting for people to make decisions," he says. "What you have to remember is that while you're waiting on one thing, you can make progress on something else. It also makes the waiting easier."

This mindset keeps momentum alive. During Judy Justice's fourth season—over 120 new episodes—delays were inevitable. But instead of stalling, Douthit shifted focus to editing, case selection, and planning. This flexibility prevents frustration from accumulating and keeps creative energy moving forward.

How He Ends His Day Without Losing His Mind

Douthit's anti-burnout habits don't stop when filming ends. Evenings are deliberately restorative.

"I'm a huge movie fan," he shares. "After the news, I like to watch a film with my wife and our dogs—after they've had their throw-the-ball fix."

This nightly ritual reconnects him to family, balances the intensity of production, and allows him to consume content simply as a viewer. The activity itself matters less than the consistency. By committing to relaxation every evening, Douthit preserves personal time before the next production day begins.

Building a Career That Lasts Without Burning Out

Douthit's career began in local Oregon television before expanding to CNN, Quincy Jones Entertainment, and eventually Judge Judy and Judy Justice. His path reflects intentional sustainability, not luck.

"I was always willing to do whatever it takes to get a show on the air," he recalls. "That commitment never wavered, but I've also learned that balance keeps you in the game."

The difference lies in focus. Douthit practices productive intensity rather than chaotic overwork. He sets clear expectations, maintains creative control, and draws energy from purpose instead of pressure.

While many in the industry cite overwork and unclear leadership as reasons for leaving, Douthit's experience shows another path. Sustainable careers require passion, boundaries, and habits that prioritize recovery as much as performance.

The Bottom Line

Randy Douthit's thirty-year television career offers practical lessons for an industry struggling with burnout. Daily meditation builds mental clarity. Regular exercise sustains energy. Passion reframes pressure into purpose. Productive flexibility keeps creativity alive during delays. Consistent evening rituals preserve personal time.

None of these practices guarantees immunity from burnout, but together they create resilience that keeps a demanding career fulfilling. In a business built on adrenaline and deadlines, Douthit proves that endurance doesn't come from working harder—it comes from working with intention.