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
Thursday Feb 13, 2025
Thursday Feb 13, 2025
In this episode of the Pause Purpose Play podcast, host Michaela Thomas interviews Dr. Amber Johnston, a specialist in clinical health, pain management, and neuropsychology. Together, they explore common questions about the brain, debunk myths such as the '10 percent brain usage' theory, and discuss the differences between ADHD, neurodivergence, and giftedness. They delve into the science behind synaptic growth, neuroplasticity, and how individual experiences shape our brains. The episode provides insights on maintaining brain health through good habits, managing stress, and the importance of novelty for cognitive growth. The conversation also highlights the significance of compassion in addressing personal challenges and the relevance of understanding one's own neurological makeup to foster better mental health.
00:10 Meet Dr. Amber Johnston
00:32 Debunking Brain Myths
00:39 Understanding Brain Function
01:49 The Science of Habits
02:52 Revisiting the Brain's Complexity
04:40 Blood Flow and Brain Activation
08:34 Neuroplasticity and Brain Growth
12:23 Forming New Habits
20:57 The Role of Novelty in Brain Health
23:44 The Complexity of IQ and Intelligence
25:01 AI and Human Intelligence: A Comparative Analysis
25:56 The Role of Algorithms in Shaping Our Perceptions
26:58 The Function and Limitations of AI
28:11 Giftedness and Neurodivergence: A Deep Dive
33:23 The Impact of Early Attachment and Trauma
38:35 Balancing Stress and Eustress
40:00 The Importance of Intentional Rest and Play
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