Pause Purpose Play

Today's episode was a live conversation between host Michaela and her guest, Kylie, discussing the impactful journey and benefits of investing in one’s well-being through the BurnBright program. Kylie shares her initial hesitations, the significance of building trust through engaging with Michaela’s content, and how making a substantial investment in the program led to personal and professional gr...

In this Pause Purpose Play podcast episode, I discuss the challenge of accepting compliments and feeling proud without feeling icky', especially for perfectionistic, high-achieving women. I touch upon the cultural and personal barriers to embracing one's achievements and discuss my personal journey with pride and vulnerability, including my reflections on receiving the award and feeling out of pla...

In this episode, I address the common habit of rushing through life, particularly among individuals with ADHD and busy parents. I discuss the negative impacts of constantly being in a rush, such as increased stress, reduced productivity, and potential dangers. I emphasise the importance of slowing down to improve effectiveness, focus, and mental health. I also talk about Neurodiversity Awareness W...

In this podcast episode, Ross, a specialist in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in the workplace, discusses the principles of ACT and its application in both professional and personal settings. ACT, a practical and experiential form of therapy, is explored through its foundational skills of noticing, being active, and open, aimed at enhancing psychological flexibility. Ross shares insights...

In this episode, I introduce the concept of three flows of compassion – towards others, from others, and self-compassion – and how fears and societal norms can block these flows. I share personal anecdotes about her experiences with vulnerability, such as asking for votes for an Inspirational Modern Woman Award and the implications of unmasking my ADHD in a professional forum. Tying my story to th...

This podcast is the concluding part of my Spacious Adventure series. I discuss the concept of courage, reflecting on my experiences of solo travels, and the idea of courage as more important than confidence when stepping out of your comfort zone. I share my approach to planning, balancing structure with the freedom of spontaneity, and the importance of understanding one's limits and comfort levels...

In this third part of the Spacious Adventure series on the Pause Purpose Play podcast,I discuss my return from Vietnam, and the need to retain insights and habits cultivated during travel. I highlight understanding one's emotions upon return, resisting guilt or negativity, and practising compassion for oneself. I share the importance of avoiding immediate immersion back into the grind but graduall...

In this episode, I dive deeper into my 'spacious adventure' concept with a focus on energy management. I revisit my experience in Vietnam and describe the balance of achieving upregulation (fun, excitement, and exploration) with downregulation (comforting familiarity, relaxation) to avoid burnout. In this context, I touch upon the impact of Novelty on the ADHD brain and the need for conscious down...

In this episode, I discuss my liberating solo trip to Vietnam and the associated lessons learned about self-compassion, balance, worthiness, partnership, and the importance of letting oneself experience fulfilling adventures. I emphasise that my husband's support and understanding played a critical role in enabling this journey. I also suggest that listeners consider what their own 'spacious adven...

In this episode of the Pause Purpose Play podcast, I examine the concept of resilience, drawing attention to its misuse and negative implications in toxic work environments. I explore how resilience may sometimes lead to burnout, arguing that the idea of 'bouncing back' isn't always helpful. Instead, I also suggest interpreting resilience as self-compassion, which allows individuals to learn from...

In this episode of the 'Pause Purpose Play Podcast', I discuss the challenges faced by women with ADHD, specifically those women dubbed as 'lost girls' who have been misdiagnosed or unrecognised in their childhood. These challenges include dealing with the sense of overwhelming chaos of ADHD amidst other life responsibilities and the coping mechanisms often developed, such as perfectionism and peo...

In this episode, Dr Nilesh Satguru, a GP and self-mastery expert, discusses the importance of compassion and self-mastery in the professional and personal journey. He shares his personal experience and struggles as a GP and how a patient's complaint led him to discover compassion and its transformative power. He emphasised how cultivating self-awareness and self-compassion, controlling time and en...

In this episode I discuss the themes of perfectionism and compassion, focusing on ADHD and neurodivergence. I illustrate how hyperfocus, a trait often associated with ADHD, can lead to potential burnout and mental health issues, alongside the societal pressures faced by modern women. I call for understanding and compassion for neurodivergent individuals due to the additional challenges they face....

In this in-depth conversation with Selina Barker, author of 'Burnt Out'! We discuss the significant issues of burnout and perfectionism. Selina details her journey with burnout, the lessons she learned from her workaholic father, and her experiences as a life and career change coach. The conversation explores how societal and individual pressures often contribute to burnout, with a specific focus...

In this episode, we discuss the pattern of burnout seen in individuals diagnosed with ADHD, and how it could be relevant to anyone feeling overwhelmed or overworked. I emphasise the importance of compassion, stepping out of an 'all or nothing' mentality, and learning to correctly interpret the body's cues. Various stages of burnout are described including the 'meerkat' (over productive, driven) an...

In this episode, I talk about the societal pressure to make vast changes in work, body image, and parenting as a new year begins. I emphasize the importance of self-compassion and being realistic instead of pushing oneself to perfection. I also introduce the distinction between values and goals, explaining that goals should be driven by one's values for sustainability and long-term adherence. We a...

In this episode, I discuss the gamut of emotions that the festive period can trigger, especially for those with traumatic histories or those who are living in non-traditional family setups. I also provide reassurance and practical advice for anyone feeling alone, including professional resources such as the Samaritans hotline. A key focus is on the importance of self-compassion and the acceptance...

In the previous episodes I have talked about festive perfectionism and festive burnout – basically from doing all the things, and trying to do them perfectly.  This week, I want to continue the theme by thinking about comparison culture at Christmas. If you feel upset after you’ve seen other people’s pretty Christmas photos, with their kids in matching pyjamas and being all smiles in front of the...

Do you feel the pressure to have a 'perfect' Christmas? In this episode, I discuss the concept of festive perfectionism. This refers to the pressure people put on themselves to achieve a perfect holiday period with perfect crafts, baking, decorations, and activities.  I share tips on how to let go of this pressure and embrace imperfections to find joy and connection in the holidays. Plus I encoura...

The festive season is a period often riddled with people-pleasing pressures - no wonder you might feel close to burnout.  So, today we're unpacking strategies for maintaining your well-being, amidst the hustle and bustle of holiday commitments.  If you're feeling overwhelmed with the endless to-dos and social expectations that come with this time of year, this episode is for you.  We'll explore ho...

Today, we’re delving into the importance of self-care, especially when you're not feeling your best.  In this episode, we're exploring how to balance your needs with your daily demands. I’m offering practical advice on giving yourself permission to rest and recover.  Whether it's a common cold or a more pressing health issue, we must listen to our bodies and adjust our activities accordingly.  So,...

Welcome to this episode where humour, resilience, and the rollercoaster of motherhood take centre stage.  Today, we're thrilled to have the incredibly talented Emily-Jane Clark, a comedy TV writer and author, whose witty perspective on life's ups and downs is both refreshing and relatable.  Emily's journey through postnatal depression, anxiety, and OCD, coupled with her unique approach to tackling...

“Good enough” is not a curse word.   “Good enough” is not a sign of failure.  “Good enough” is workable.  “Good enough” will set you free.  In today’s episode, we’re reflecting on how much time we’ve wasted on things that don't really matter. All because we didn't allow ourselves permission to do things just “good enough”.  Join me today as we discuss how “good enough” will save you time, energy,...

When thinking about your capacity, consider looking at your energy levels as a battery.  This is all about energy management. You don’t want to be running on empty.  You want to be at capacity, doing all the things that matter most to you.  This is especially important if you feel overwhelmed or rundown.  So, join me as we discuss what drains your battery and energy.    Here are the highlights: (1...

Women come to me saying they have no energy.  We have demands on our time, pressures on our capacity, drains on our energy and expectations on our performance.  No wonder we feel frantic and overwhelmed when we juggle that much.  That's why I don’t do morning routines. But there are things we can do instead. So, join me as we discuss energy, nervous system activation, and how to soften rigid rules...