Pause Purpose Play

Squirming at praise: Can you take a compliment?

In this solo episode, Michaela explores the discomfort many of us feel when receiving compliments - especially when we’re wired for self-criticism, perfectionism, or modesty.

Sharing a personal story from LinkedIn, she unpacks why our inner critics hate being seen and how we can respond with compassionate curiosity instead of avoidance. This episode is for anyone who’s ever cringed at being praised and wants to learn how to receive kindness more fully - without shame or self-doubt.

You’ll hear about:

• Why compliments can trigger our inner critic

• How upbringing and culture shape our ability to receive kindness

• Michaela’s personal experience of public praise on LinkedIn

• The two-step process of compassion: sense-making + action-taking

• How to lead with vulnerability while staying grounded in your values

Resources mentioned:

• Follow Lauren O’Carroll on LinkedIn

• Learn more about ADHD coaching for women: The Thomas Connection

Work with Michaela:
Feeling called to be more visible  - but scared of the inner backlash? Get in touch for 1:1 coaching or find out more about my programmes for neurodivergent women leaders.

When you can't "just do it": Motivation, self-discipline or self-compassion?

When You Can’t “Just Do It”: Motivation, Self-Discipline & Self-Compassion

You want to do the thing. You care. You’ve got the vision, the list, the intention, and proof that you have done stuff like this before, because you DO achieve things.

And still… nothing. You get stuck procrastafaffing with some irrelevant stuff until you've nearly run out of time. Maybe even feeling ashamed of how hard it feels to "just" start.

If you’ve ever found yourself saying, “Why can’t I just do it?”, then this episode is for you.

 

Inside, Michaela explores:

1. Why motivation is so unpredictable for ADHD and burnout-prone brains

2. The limits of “just push through” thinking and the myth of self-discipline as force

3. Why self-compassion is not weakness, but a legit performance strategy

4. What’s actually happening in your nervous system when resistance takes over

5. Practical ways to get moving again, encouraging yourself with kindness, not shame

 

You’ll get some evidence-based reframes here:

1. You don’t need to hustle harder or push through

2. You need to feel safer - in your body and your brain

 

Because we can't "just do it" with ADHD, we need to do a little dance with it, creating momentum through taking action and building on that energy step by step, rather than waiting for motivation to magically occur.

Links & Mentions:

Join The ADHD Club: www.thethomasconnection.co.uk/adhdclub

Softening anxiety and growing on your own terms

In this episode of the Pause Purpose Play podcast, host Michaela Thomas explores the themes of anxiety, permission, and growth, particularly for those navigating compassion, ADHD, and perfectionism. Michaela stresses the importance of honouring one’s energy and sensitivity while addressing anxiety gradually and compassionately. Using an example from Polly Lavarello's journey, Michaela illustrates how embodying leadership and facing anxiety can lead to significant growth. The episode also touches on Michaela’s Burn Bright coaching program, aimed at helping neurodivergent women grow without burning out. She encourages listeners to pursue growth gently and at their own pace.

Empowering ADHD Parents with Lauren O'Carroll

In this episode of the Pause Purpose Play podcast, host Michaela Thomas talks with Lauren O'Carroll, an ADHD parenting coach, founder of Positively Parenting, and a mom of two. Lauren discusses the challenges of ADHD parenting, sharing her experiences and expertise on navigating executive dysfunction as both a parent and individual. She emphasises the importance of self-compassion, acceptance, and trusting oneself as a parent. The conversation delves into emotional regulation, the impact of neurodivergence on family life, and the need for community support. Lauren also touches on her upcoming book and membership program aimed at helping neurodivergent families thrive.

Having another child as a highly sensitive or neurodivergent person, with Natalie Brunswick

Do you want another baby, but not sure if you can cope with it all again?
Perhaps you're highly sensitive, or neurodivergent, and it was all too much first time?

In this episode of the Pause Purpose Play podcast, host Michaela Thomas is joined by Natalie Brunswick, a trauma and perinatal therapist, to discuss the complexities of deciding whether to have another baby after experiencing a difficult first journey - especially if being highly sensitive and neurodivergent.

They delve into fears rooted in past trauma, the balancing act of desire to have another child, versus fears of not being able to cope, and the importance of self-compassion and robust support systems.

The conversation emphasises the distinct needs of neurodivergent parents and the critical role of emotional healing and preparation in making informed parenting decisions.

Resources and strategies are shared to help listeners navigate their own parenting journeys, no matter where they are in the decision-making process.

 

 

IG: @nataliebrunswick

https://www.nataliebrunswick.com/

hello@nataliebrunswick.com

Unpacking ADHD: Insights from Dr James Brown

In this engaging podcast episode, the host welcomes James Brown to discuss a wide array of topics surrounding ADHD, including personal anecdotes, challenges of ADHD in modern life, and differences in how ADHD presents in men and women. The conversation sheds light on issues such as positive illusory bias, cognitive inhibition, emotional dysregulation, and the complexities of ADHD diagnoses. They delve into the difficulties that come with ADHD in relationships, the stigma and societal misconceptions, the importance of emotional acceptance, and the lifelong need for adaptive support. The episode is insightful, evidence-based, and filled with humor, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding ADHD from personal and scientific perspectives.

 

James is a career science communicator who co-founded The ADHD Adults Podcast and the charity ADHDadultUK, and is co-author of the book ADHD Unpacked

www.jbhd.uk, www.ahdadult.uk, www.theadhdadults.uk

Navigating Parenthood: Insights from Developmental Psychologist Anita Cleare

In this episode, the host finally sits down with Anita Cleare, a developmental psychologist specialising in child development and parenting, particularly for working parents. Anita shares her journey from setting up local family services to working with corporate sectors to support working parents. The discussion covers key parenting challenges, such as dealing with teenage behavior, balancing boundaries and autonomy, and the importance of maintaining healthy relationships with children. Insights are provided on the common misconceptions parents have, the impact of striving for perfection, managing neurodivergent children, and the necessity of repair in parent- child relationships. Anita emphasises the importance of understanding and empathy over strict control and highlights the role of parents as partners in their children's developmental journey.

 

Instagram: @anitcleare_parenting

X: @thinking_parent

Facebook: ThePositiveParentingProject

LinkedIn: Anita Cleare

 

www.anitacleare.co.uk

anita@positiveparentingproject.co.uk

https://www.thethomasconnection.co.uk/burn-bright

Navigating Neurodiversity and Hormonal Challenges: An Interview with Jess Rad

In this episode of the Pause Purpose Play podcast, host Michaela Thomas interviews Jess Rad, an award-winning speaker and advocate for gender equity and neurodiversity in the workplace. The conversation delves into the intersectionality of neurodivergence, hormonal imbalances, and perimenopause, particularly for women business owners and parents. Jess shares her personal journey, including her late diagnosis of neurodivergence, the impact of premature menopause, and her experience as a parent carer. They discuss the importance of self-awareness, self-compassion, and self-advocacy, as well as the need for allyship and systemic change. The episode also highlights Jess's initiatives like the Womenhood, a community-focused organisation, and her Neuro Curious events. Resources for additional support, particularly for those dealing with child-to-parent violence, are provided.

https://capafirstresponse.org/

Jess Rad LinkedIn  WomenHood Insta WomenHood LinkedIn Jess Rad Insta Please tag all of them.

https://www.thewomenhood.com/

hello@thewomenhood.com

The consequences of your executive dysfunction

In this episode of the Pause Purpose Play podcast, host Michaela Thomas explores the consequences of executive dysfunction, inspired by a humorous yet insightful experience involving buying a pin that reads 'Well, well, well, if it isn't the consequences of my own executive dysfunction.' Michaela shares personal anecdotes about managing ADHD, perfectionism, and everyday mishaps, such as locking herself out of the house. Through stories of handling emergencies and finding humor in chaos, Michaela emphasizes the importance of self-compassion and practical strategies to mitigate the impact of executive dysfunction. She also highlights the value of seeking support and building systems to improve daily functioning.

Vulnerably showing the behind the scenes of your neurodivergent business

In this episode of the Pause Purpose Play podcast, Michaela Thomas, a clinical psychologist and expert on ADHD, compassion, and perfectionism, challenges herself to create an 11-minute solo podcast episode before her next coaching call. Michaela openly discusses the exuberance associated with ADHD and her encounter with Jessica Chivers, a chartered coaching psychologist. They shared their experiences and the importance of vulnerability in discussing the realities of running a business. Michaela emphasises that success isn't solely measured by income but by sustainable practices that allow freedom and flexibility. She highlights the need for support systems, self-compassion, and strategic decision-making. Further, Michaela encourages listeners to join the waitlist for her program, Burn Bright, which is designed to help business owners achieve success without sacrificing well-being.