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 Dec 19, 2024
Thursday Dec 19, 2024
In this episode of the Pause Purpose Play podcast, host Michaela Thomas, a clinical psychologist, discusses the intersection of ADHD and mental health. Michaela explains the importance of authentic self-representation and her approach to ADHD assessments. She addresses the link between ADHD and challenges such as anxiety, depression, perfectionism, and burnout. Michaela explains why obtaining an ADHD diagnosis can be beneficial, how it can provide clarity, and how it helps in understanding one’s strengths, challenges, and necessary accommodations. The episode emphasizes the importance of compassionate ADHD assessments and offers an insight into Michaela's unique approach, including both in-person and virtual options.
00:00 Welcome and Introduction
01:06 Understanding ADHD Assessments
03:26 Exploring Neurodivergence and Mental Health
05:36 The Importance of ADHD Diagnosis
06:58 ADHD and Emotional Well-being
10:51 Perfectionism and Coping Mechanisms
13:26 Final Thoughts and Next Steps
Thursday Dec 12, 2024
Thursday Dec 05, 2024
Thursday Dec 05, 2024
Thursday Nov 28, 2024
Thursday Nov 28, 2024
In this episode, we’re exploring the connection between ADHD, perfectionism, and stress - three challenges that often collide. I’ll uncover common misconceptions about ADHD in women, the hidden toll of masking and shame, and how self-criticism can hold us back.
But most importantly, I’ll share why compassion is the key to breaking free from burnout and brain fog. If you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed, this might be your sign to consider an ADHD assessment—because understanding ADHD can bring clarity and hope.
Join me for an honest, supportive conversation packed with insights to help you feel seen and empowered
Thursday Nov 21, 2024
Thursday Nov 21, 2024
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
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
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
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
Thursday Oct 17, 2024