Imagine if you could follow your ambition without drowning in it – how much more fulfilling life would be? That’s what Pause Purpose Play is all about – finding balance over burnout by setting you free from needing to be perfect, so that you can take action and get started with what matters to you, instead of getting stuck in procrastination and holding yourself back with self-limiting beliefs your inner critic tells you. In this podcast, Michaela Thomas, Clinical Psychologist, Couples Therapist and founder of The Thomas Connection, shares bite-sized learning around psychology of performance, habits, self-confidence, stress, anxiety, perfectionism, parenthood and couples relationships. The podcast will mix solo episodes with guest interviews; diving deep into their professional zone of genius and learning about how they have found pause, purpose and play in their life and in their work. My new book, The Lasting Connection, is available now from all good bookshops.
Episodes
5 hours ago
Thursday Nov 14, 2024
Beyond Resilience: Unpacking Burnout and Finding Balance with Dr. Debbie Sorensen
Thursday Nov 14, 2024
Thursday Nov 14, 2024
04:30 Debbie's Personal Burnout Story
08:18 Identifying Burnout Symptoms and Risk Factors
18:52 Cultural and Systemic Factors in Burnout
37:01 Different Types of Burnout
39:46 Understanding Burnout Patterns
41:43 Setting Boundaries for Sustainability
42:34 The Importance of Self-Care
43:05 Navigating Emotional Engagement
45:20 Psychological Flexibility and Self-Awareness
48:54 The Role of Compassionate Motivation
52:17 Avoiding Prescriptive Wellness Routines
Dr. Debbie Sorensen is a clinical psychologist in private practice in Denver, Colorado, who has PhD from Harvard University and works with adults with chronic stress and burnout. She is a co-host of the Psychologists Off the Clock podcast, author of ACT for Burnout: Recharge, Reconnect, and Transform Burnout with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and co-author of the book ACT Daily Journal: Get Unstuck and Live Fully with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
Thursday Nov 07, 2024
Authenticity, vulnerability and compassion for your journey, with Dylan Holloway
Thursday Nov 07, 2024
Thursday Nov 07, 2024
Join me on this episode where I share an amazing conversation with Dylan Holloway, a talented singer-songwriter and transgender man, who shares his journey to authenticity and his passion for music.
Dylan opened up about the struggles of living inauthentically and the freedom he found after embracing his true self. We explored his hit song "Lemons," his powerful anthem "Chosen Family," and how music helped him find solace and connection. Plus, Dylan's story of duetting with his past self is not one to miss.
Dive in to hear this inspiring journey of resilience, compassion, and the transformative power of authenticity!
Dylan Holloway, better known by his rockstar alias ‘Dylan And The Moon’. Award-winning musician and proud transgender man on a mission to inspire more people to live their most authentic and happy lives.
www.dylanandthemoon.com
Thursday Oct 31, 2024
Boundaries and blind spots for ADHD business women, with Polly Lavarello
Thursday Oct 31, 2024
Thursday Oct 31, 2024
In this candid episode, I sit down with Polly Lavarello, an experienced business coach (and my own mentor!), to explore the unique challenges and joys of navigating business as neurodivergent entrepreneurs.
Polly shares her journey to discovering her own ADHD through her children, how it reshaped her approach to life and business, and the scaffolding she’s built to support her unique brain and role as a parent.
Together, we delve into the importance of boundaries, self-compassion, and structure for those with ADHD and neurodiverse minds in the entrepreneurial space.
02:02 ADHD Awareness: Personal Journeys and Parenting
03:30 Navigating Neurodivergence: Self-Diagnosis and Validation
04:21 Balancing Business and Parenting: Strategies and Challenges
08:49 Building a Supportive Business Structure
12:35 Setting Boundaries: The Key to Success
18:41 Self-Awareness and Efficiency in Business
25:27 Shiny Object Syndrome: The ADHD Entrepreneur's Pitfall
29:49 Acceptance and Self-Compassion
30:19 Asking for Help and Soothing Shame
45:34 The Power of Long-Term Mentorship
47:17 Navigating ADHD Challenges in Business
Polly is an evergreen scaling strategist for highly-skilled and booked-out business owners ready to play their way to a simple evergreen business model that adds space to their calendar and spice to their bank account.
Thursday Oct 24, 2024
You can be a perfectionist even if you're a hot mess
Thursday Oct 24, 2024
Thursday Oct 24, 2024
Join me as I dive into a topic close to my heart - how you can be a perfectionist, even if you’re what some might call a "hot mess."
I'll explore the tension between striving for perfection and managing the beautiful chaos that comes with ADHD and I share my personal journey from unmasking my ADHD to recovering from perfectionism.
This episode is unscripted, which I think beautifully embodies today’s theme: that done is better than perfect.
Thursday Oct 17, 2024
Rebel against good girl conditioning, with Michelle Minnikin
Thursday Oct 17, 2024
Thursday Oct 17, 2024
Thursday Oct 10, 2024
Being playful in your business - and in your life
Thursday Oct 10, 2024
Thursday Oct 10, 2024
In this episode of Pause Purpose Play I dive into the joy of bringing playfulness into our lives and businesses, especially for those of us navigating ADHD.
I share how embracing a playful mindset can lead to creativity and success, and why soothing our minds is key to achieving our goals.
Plus, learn about my group coaching program, Burn Bright, and how it could be your next step. Tune in for all the details and let's have some fun together!
https://thethomasconnection.co.uk/burn-bright
Thursday Oct 03, 2024
Reconnecting with WHY you run a business
Thursday Oct 03, 2024
Thursday Oct 03, 2024
In this episode I invite you to join me on a journey of self-discovery as we explore the essence of purpose in our lives.
I share personal reflections and insights from the 'Sustainable Success Challenge,' where we delve into understanding our 'why' and celebrate the unique perks and challenges of entrepreneurship for those of us with ADHD.
https://thethomasconnection.co.uk/burn-bright
Thursday Sep 26, 2024
Pause to notice how ADHD impacts your business
Thursday Sep 26, 2024
Thursday Sep 26, 2024
In this episode of the Pause Purpose Play podcast, I'm diving into the wild world of ADHD and entrepreneurship and sharing some golden nuggets from my Sustainable Success Challenge. We'll chat about why pausing is crucial to avoid burnout and how those quirky ADHD traits can be both your superpower and your kryptonite in business.
Plus, I'm inviting you to join me for some amazing upcoming events - whether you're more of an online binge-watcher or a face-to-face lunch enthusiast. Let's explore this together and find the balance we all crave!
Thursday Sep 19, 2024
Bend, before you break - flexibility and high-performance with Prof Ross White
Thursday Sep 19, 2024
Thursday Sep 19, 2024