PODCAST · health
Pause Purpose Play
by Michaela Thomas
A psychology podcast for ambitious professionals interested in finding balance over burnout, by embracing imperfection and finding pause, purpose and play.
Episodes
-
Big Impact Without Burnout: Choosing Joy, Focus, and Human Connection with Bianca Best
In this episode of the Pause, Purpose, Play podcast, I speak with Bianca Best—award-winning speaker, therapist, coach, broadcaster, bestselling author of Big Impact Without Burnout, and founder of the Human Connection Company—about creating meaningful success without sacrificing ourselves. Bianca...
-
Menopause and ADHD: Brain health, hormone fluctuations and navigating GP support, with Dr Helen Wall
Have you ever wondered if your increasing brain fog, emotional swings, or memory struggles are down to ADHD, perimenopause, or both? When sex hormones fluctuate in midlife, the impact on neurodivergent brains can feel like a sudden, overwhelming loss of control. Yet, because of a lack of...
-
Not So Smug Now: ADHD, motherhood struggles, sobriety and the power of connection, with Cat Sims
What happens when the version of motherhood you thought you’d be brilliant at… completely breaks you? In this episode of Pause Purpose Play, I’m joined by Cat Sims – aka Not So Smug Now on Instagram – for a very honest conversation about ADHD, motherhood struggles, perfectionism, postnatal...
-
Dental hygiene and dentist visits with ADHD
Do you ever find yourself putting off the dentist—or feeling secretly ashamed about how hard it can be to stick to basic dental care? When you have ADHD, a busy brain, or you're navigating life stress, grief, or burnout, keeping up with personal hygiene and self-care routines like brushing or...
-
ADHD, perfectionism and burnout: Nuances, boundaries and lived experience, with Kate Moryoussef
When two ADHD experts get together to talk about neurodivergence, we can skip the basics and go so much deeper. In this episode, I'm joined by Kate Moryoussef — ADHD coach, EFT practitioner, author of The ADHD Women's Wellbeing Toolkit, and host of the ADHD Women's Wellbeing Podcast — to explore...
-
How to tell people you have ADHD (and deal with the doubters)
Have you recently received an ADHD diagnosis and immediately thought, "Who do I tell - and how?" After all the relief, validation, and processing, sharing your diagnosis can feel like a massive, terrifying leap of vulnerability. You might wonder what to say to your partner, family, or colleagues,...
-
Slow down to get clarity faster: Why rest isn't laziness (especially with ADHD)
Do you ever feel like you're so busy trying to keep up that you can't actually think? When you have ADHD, a busy brain, or you're juggling work, family and everyone's needs, it can feel impossible to find the mental space to make decisions. Ironically, the harder you push for clarity, the harder…
more -
Why bright ADHD children struggle: Understanding Twice Exceptional (2e) kids, with Emma Hetherington
Have you ever looked at your child and thought, "They're incredibly bright... so why are they finding school, friendships or everyday life so hard?" If so, this episode is for you. I'm joined by Emma Hetherington, founder of Kind of Extraordinary, to unpack what it really means to be Twice...
-
Parental burnout in ADHD families
Parental burnout isn't the same as feeling tired after a difficult day. It's an evidence-based psychological syndrome that can develop when the demands of parenting consistently outweigh the resources available to meet those demands. In this episode, I'm exploring what parental burnout actually…
more -
When your ADHD child is excluded from childcare
When your child is excluded from childcare, after-school club or wraparound care, the practical impact is obvious. But the emotional impact is often hidden. In this episode, I'm talking about the shame, grief and isolation that many parents experience when the support they rely on suddenly...
-
Why ADHD parents feel guilty about needing support
Ever felt guilty for using after-school club, holiday club, childcare, or asking for help? In this episode, I'm talking about something many parents carry quietly: the guilt and shame of needing support. Whether you're the last parent at pickup, relying on wraparound care to make life work, or...
-
Hormones, ADHD, and Perimenopause: Brain Fog, PMS/PMDD, and Practical Support with Dr. Fionnuala Barton
In this episode of Pause, Purpose, Play, we dive deep into the powerful connection between shifting hormones and neurodivergence with Dr Fionnuala Barton, also known as The Menopause Medic. We explore how the natural fluctuation and decline of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone can...
-
Why ADHD gets missed in high-achieving women
Do you look like you’re coping on the outside… whilst feeling overwhelmed underneath it all? Many high-achieving women with ADHD go undiagnosed for years because they appear successful, capable and “high functioning” externally — whilst internally battling chronic overwhelm, perfectionism…
more -
Grief doesn’t follow a plan. And ADHD brains don’t process it in a straight line.
In this episode, I’m sharing a more personal reflection on what it’s actually like to move through grief when your brain is already wired for intensity, sensitivity, and self-questioning. Because one of the things I’ve noticed…n is how quickly grief can get mislabelled as avoidance. You might...
-
A Compassionate Reframe for Chronic Lateness, ADHD, and Executive Function Struggles
I explain that “time optimist” isn’t my term but a gentler Swedish alternative to “time blindness,” reframing chronic lateness and overcommitting as optimism about what fits into limited time rather than moral failure. From an ADHD and executive-function lens, I describe how difficulty sensing...
-
ADHD and feeling ‘too much’? You’ve just not found your people yet
In this episode, Michaela explores the difference between trying to fit in and truly belonging, especially for ADHD and neurodivergent women who’ve been labeled “too much”—too sensitive, intense, chatty, or emotional. She reflects on how our bodies often sense when something is off in social...
-
ADHD and feeling like you don’t fit in — why being yourself hasn’t always felt safe
In this episode, Michaela Thomas talks about the common feeling of not fitting in—especially for late-identified ADHD women—and how it can create a constant background self-monitoring of how we come across. She shares a personal moment of feeling “too much” on the school run while wearing bright...
-
Why your ADHD brain needs space to wander
If you feel constantly “on” - ticking off tasks, replying to messages, holding everything together - this episode is your reminder that your best thinking doesn’t happen in the busy… it happens in the pause. In this solo episode, Michaela Thomas explores the power of deeper reflection - and why...
-
Neurodiversity at Work: Employment Lawyer Jodie Hill on Unlocking Neurodivergent Potential
When neurodivergence isn’t properly understood at work, even highly capable people can end up struggling without the right support. In this episode, Michaela Thomas is joined by employment lawyer Jodie Hill, founder of Thrive Law, to explore reasonable adjustments, psychological safety, and how...
-
Active rest through knitting, with Mia Hobbs
In this episode of the Pause Purpose Play podcast, host Michaela welcomes clinical psychologist and knitting enthusiast Dr. Mia Hobbs. The conversation explores the therapeutic benefits of knitting, especially for those dealing with perfectionism, mindfulness challenges, and ADHD. Dr Hobbs,...
-
Problem solver or problem creator? The ADHD Paradox
Many ADHD leaders are brilliant in a crisis. Quick thinking. Pattern spotting. Calm under pressure. But what if the same brain that thrives in urgency is also quietly creating it? In this episode, Michaela explores: Why ADHD nervous systems light up in chaos The link between dysregulation and...
-
Under performing at work, or neurodivergence
Are you under performing… or are you under-supported? In this episode, I reflect on delivering neurodivergence training to managers and unpack a powerful workplace question: when someone isn’t meeting expectations, is it capability — or context? Through a compassion-focused lens, we explore: The...
-
Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA), with Carolyne Keenan
When a child can’t get into school, it’s often labelled as “refusal”. But what if it’s not won’t… it’s can’t? In this episode, I’m joined by psychologist Dr Carolyne Keenan to unpack Emotion-Based School Avoidance (EBSA) — what it really is, what it isn’t, and how parents can navigate this...
-
Six “healthy” wellness habits on social media — A psychologist's reframe
A Therapist’s Reframe on Six “Healthy” Wellness Habits on Social Media Many wellness habits shared online are well-intentioned. But when taken to extremes, they can quietly feed pressure, perfectionism and burnout. In this solo episode of Pause Purpose Play, Clinical Psychologist Michaela Thomas...
-
ADHD Nutrition Without the All-or-Nothing, with Dr Miguel Toribio-Mateas
What if “eating well for ADHD” isn’t another set of rules - but a way to support your nervous system, mood and focus with more self-trust and less perfectionism? In this episode, Michaela chats with clinical neuroscientist and nutrition researcher Dr Miguel Toribio-Mateas about the gut–brain…
more -
Patriarchal pressure, perfectionism, and male allyship, with Lee Chambers
If you’re an ADHD or neurodivergent woman, the pressure to be “acceptable” can feel relentless: capable but not chaotic, confident but not difficult, adaptable but not too much. This episode explores why patriarchy amplifies perfectionism for neurodivergent women - and how real male allyship can...
-
What your partner needs to know about ADHD
If you've been diagnosed with ADHD, and your partner wants to know how to better support you - this episode is for you. If ADHD is creating tension, misunderstandings, or repeated arguments in your relationship - this episode is also for you. In this solo episode, Clinical Psychologist Michaela...
-
Drug free ADHD, with Joseph Pack
In this episode of the Pause Purpose Play podcast, host Michaela Thomas welcomes Joseph Pack who discusses strategies for managing ADHD without medication. Joseph, founder of 'Drug-Free ADHD,' shares his journey of overcoming ADHD by focusing on lifestyle changes instead of medication. The...
-
Why Busy Brains Burn Out: Matt Buff on Purpose, Pressure and Building Get Dopa
In this episode of the Pauses Purpose Play podcast, host Michaela Thomas speaks with Matt Buff, founder of the wellbeing and supplement brand Get Dopa. They discuss Matt’s journey through understanding and managing his ADHD, overcoming perfectionism, and the importance of self-compassion. Matt...
-
Why “New Year, New Me” resolutions don't work for ADHD women
In this episode of the Pause Purpose Play podcast, clinical psychologist Michaela Thomas discusses the pressure and myths surrounding the 'New Year, New Me' mentality. Michaela advocates for setting compassionate, intention-driven goals instead of rigid, outcome-based resolutions which can often...
-
Pressure building up, so is the conflict in ND families
In this episode of the Pauses Purpose Play podcast, host Michaela Thomas discusses the challenges and tensions that arise during festive holidays and offers advice on maintaining compassion and connection with partners, especially in neurodivergent families. Michaela highlights the importance of...
-
Calm the overwhelm at Christmas
Already feeling stretched by the festive season? This episode is your invitation to slow down and protect your energy. In this solo episode of the Pause Purpose Play podcast, Clinical Psychologist Michaela Thomas explores why the holiday season can feel so overwhelming and draining, especially…
more -
What Happens Before, During and After an ADHD Assessment?
If you’ve been wondering what actually happens in an ADHD assessment, or you’re thinking about booking one but feel unsure about the process, this solo episode walks you through everything you need to know. Michaela breaks down what to expect before, during and after an adult ADHD assessment…
more -
Running for mental health and ADHD, with Dr Chloe Bedford
Have you ever wondered whether running is helping your mental health… or draining it? In this episode, we dig into the real relationship between running and wellbeing - when it is helpful and when it is less helpful, or even outright harmful, to push the body through running exercise and…
more -
Black Friday & ADHD - How to Avoid Impulsive Spending
Black Friday is basically engineered to hijack an ADHD brain. Countdown timers, flashing banners, urgency emails — it’s the perfect storm for impulsive buying and dopamine-driven decisions. In this short solo episode, Clinical Psychologist and ADHD specialist Michaela Thomas shares three quick,...
-
Burnout, business and ADHD, with Mother Cuppa Tea Candice Mason
What happens when midlife hormones, ADHD traits, and the demands of running a business all collide? For many women, it’s the beginning of a powerful - and often messy - transformation and evolution. In this episode of the Pause Purpose Play podcast, Clinical Psychologist Michaela Thomas speaks…
more -
Breakdowns, business freedom and permission slaps, with Jo Hooper
What if the way you’ve been taught to succeed is the very thing burning you out? In a world that glorifies overwork, perfectionism and endless productivity, it can feel almost radical to rest, slow down, or say “no”. But that is where your business freedom lies. In this episode of the Pause…
more -
ADHD and High Performance in Sport and Exercise with Dr. Josephine Perry
You can be passionate about your exercise or sport, and still burn out from it. Have you ever pushed yourself so hard to “do better” or beat a personal best, that the joy disappeared? For many perfectionistic or ADHD minds, exercise can be too much of a good thing, so how to balance that is…
more -
What it really looks like to prioritise yourself
(A compassionate nudge for busy, neurodivergent women and perfectionists) You know you should prioritise yourself — but what does that actually look like when you’re juggling ADHD, business, motherhood, and perfectionism? In this episode of Pause Purpose Play, Clinical Psychologist and ADHD...
-
You don't have to sacrifice to be successful
You’ve seen the posts - “If you’re not up at 4am journalling and hitting the gym, do you even want success?” Michaela says: that's the pressure of perfection coming from the patriarchy - let that stuff go. In this short solo episode, Clinical Psychologist and ADHD specialist Michaela Thomas…
more -
What it really looks like to prioritise yourself
In this episode of the Pause Purpose Play podcast, host Michaela Thomas discusses the importance of prioritizing self-care, especially for perfectionistic individuals and those with ADHD. She categorises her clients into three groups based on their progression in self-compassion and self-care and...
-
"Can't stop, won't stop" vs "Can't start, can't finish" ADHD types
Ever swing between unstoppable energy and complete inertia - buzzing with ideas one day and paralysed by overwhelm the next? In this episode, Michaela explores two sides of the ADHD experience she calls the Meerkat and the Sloth. One can’t stop, the other can’t start - and both are trying to help...
-
Another face of ADHD: 'High-Functioning' women over-functioning into burnout
Are you “too well” to get help for ADHD? In this solo episode, I shine a light on one of the most overlooked faces of ADHD — the women who look like they’re “coping” but are really over-functioning themselves into burnout. You’ll hear why being told you’re “too well” or “not struggling badly...
-
From “I Should” to “I Choose To”: Stop forcing yourself into burnout
In this episode of the Pause Purpose Play podcast, host Michaela Thomas explores the concept of 'musturbation' and the harmful effects of forcing oneself to achieve goals out of obligation and fear. She highlights the importance of shifting from a mindset of 'should' to one of 'choose,' promoting...
-
Unmasking and showing the broken pieces
What if the very parts of you you’ve been trying to hide are the ones that make you most human - and most approachable? In this episode of the Pause Purpose Play podcast, I explore the beauty of embracing imperfections and chaos, no longer hiding your true self, inspired by the K-Pop Demon…
more -
Rest - to create your best ideas
In this episode, clinical psychologist Michaela Thomas explores the connection between rest and creativity, challenging the hustle culture notion that constant productivity leads to success. She emphasises that great ideas often come during moments of relaxation, not while grinding away at tasks....
-
Going through ADHD assessment in mid-life, with Georgina Fuller
Have you considered whether you're ADHD or whether it's just parenting in modern life, or if it's the perimenopause? Maybe you're struggling because you are affected by all of the above! In this heartfelt episode of Pause Purpose Play, Clinical Psychologist Michaela Thomas welcomes journalist...
-
Nervous system regulation without wanky wellness or woo
Do you feel frazzled, fizzy, reactive, or on edge? Your nervous system might be dysregulated. In this episode of Pause Purpose Play, I talk about something I know so many of us struggle with – regulating our nervous systems. You’ve probably seen all the advice flying around on social media – ice...
-
How perfectionism and self-criticism impact ADHD women, with Kristin Carder
Ever felt weighed down by shame, self-criticism, or parenting guilt as a woman with ADHD? You’re not alone. In this vulnerable episode, Michaela welcomes Kristin Carder, host of the hit podcast “I Have ADHD,” for a frank and compassionate conversation about the hidden struggles of ambitious,...
-
Mum guilt vs mum shame, with Dr Tess Browne
You want to be the best version of yourself for your kids. You want to do parenting “right.” But nobody told you about the pressure, the invisible comparisons, or the harsh self-talk that creeps in at the end of a long day. And no one ever told you it doesn’t have to be this way. In today’s...
We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.
No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.
No topics indexed yet for this podcast.
Loading reviews...
ABOUT THIS SHOW
A psychology podcast for ambitious professionals interested in finding balance over burnout, by embracing imperfection and finding pause, purpose and play.
HOSTED BY
Michaela Thomas
CATEGORIES
Loading similar podcasts...
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Pause Purpose Play have?
Pause Purpose Play currently has 274 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Pause Purpose Play about?
A psychology podcast for ambitious professionals interested in finding balance over burnout, by embracing imperfection and finding pause, purpose and play.
How often does Pause Purpose Play release new episodes?
Pause Purpose Play publishes regularly with 274 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Pause Purpose Play?
You can listen to Pause Purpose Play on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Pause Purpose Play?
Pause Purpose Play is created and hosted by Michaela Thomas.
URL copied to clipboard!