Episoder
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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
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In this episode I delve into the importance of changing the story we tell ourselves about our ADHD brains. We explore how ADHD brains are uniquely wired and discuss practical strategies and support systems that can help us thrive.
Join me as we reframe self-judgment and celebrate our brilliantly different selves.
00:59 ADHD Mistakes
02:33 Understanding Self-Judgment and ADHD
06:52 Reframing Self-Critical Thoughts
10:03 Practical Tips for ADHD Management
12:39 Encouragement and Next Steps
14:05 Celebrating Milestones and Future Plans
Join the waitlist for ADHD Assessment in 2025 here:
www.thethomasconnection.co.uk/adhd -
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
00:32 Understanding ADHD and Stress02:18 The Misconceptions and Internal Struggles03:53 The Impact of Masking and Shame06:37 Compassion as a Solution08:40 The Urgency and Adrenaline Connection10:10 Considering an ADHD Assessment11:52 Join the Waitlist! -
In this episode, I share my insights on ADHD assessments. I discuss why compassionate and complex approaches are essential for understanding ADHD - especially for women - and how these assessments can become a transformative experience. I also explain the importance of creating a safe space for clients to open up, and the role of self-compassion in navigating ADHD diagnosis and life beyond.
00:46 Challenges of Consistency with ADHD
02:48 Understanding ADHD Assessments
05:35 The Importance of Compassionate Assessments
12:08 Booking a Compassionate ADHD Assessment
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In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Debbie Sorensen to discuss the challenges and nuances of burnout. We chat about the importance of recognising and addressing chronic stress and the systemic and cultural pressures contributing to burnout. Debbie shares her personal burnout story and we explore the role of self-compassion in managing burnout.
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.
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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!
01:35 Dylan's Journey to Authenticity06:16 Navigating Identity and Acceptance09:27 Musical Breakthrough and Success11:54 Living Authentically and Neurodivergence18:34 Relationships and Acceptance24:47 Upcoming Projects and Music26:32 Music as a Lifeline29:17 The Power of Heartbreak Songs29:42 ADHD and the Creative Arts31:45 Chosen Family: A Love Letter to the Queer Community34:58 A Vulnerable Revelation45:28 A Message of AuthenticityDylan 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
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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
About Polly LavarelloPolly 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.
www.pollylavarello.com
https://www.instagram.com/pollylavarello/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/pollylavarello/
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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.
00:21 Understanding Perfectionism and Chaos01:44 Navigating Perfectionism with ADHD03:04 The Reality of Perfectionism04:17 Self-Criticism and Perfectionism05:56 Perfectionism in High Achievers07:19 Perception vs. Reality of Accomplishments08:12 Verbal Processing and ADHD08:55 Revealing My Hot Mess Moments09:37 Embracing Imperfections10:46 Inspiring Despite the Chaos13:42 Finding Your Tribe Through Vulnerability15:25 Join the ADHD Club If you want to dive deeper into embracing both your chaos and your accomplishments, come join me in the ADHD Club, where a group of inspiring women lets it all hang out - imperfections and all. You can sign up at www.thethomasconnection/adhd-club and be part of this empowering space. -
In this episode, I welcome guest Michelle Minnikin and we delve into the multifaceted realities of societal conditioning, gender expectations, and the unique challenges of living with ADHD. Listen in to hear Michelle discuss her new book, and the impact of 'Good Girl' conditioning and ADHD on women's lives. 01:41 Embracing ADHD and Personal Growth03:46 Discovering Good Girl Conditioning05:25 Coercive Control and Societal Expectations06:41 Strategic Exhaustion and Daily Struggles10:19 Imposter Syndrome and Workplace Challenges20:46 Rebelling Against Good Girl Conditioning28:21 Hope for the Next Generation29:03 Navigating Personal Relationships30:29 Household Dynamics and Gender Norms32:34 ADHD and Neurodiversity34:23 Self-Compassion and Personal Growth39:39 Male Allies and Shared Responsibilities39:47 Practical Advice for Women42:11 The Power of Asking Michelle Minnikin is a North East-based Chartered Organisational Psychologist, coach and author of Good Girl Deprogramming, available now from all good bookstores in paperback, e-book and on audible. https://www.linkedin.com/in/mminnikin/ https://www.instagram.com/goodgirldeprogramminghttps://www.tiktok.com/@michelleminnikinhttps://www.michelleminnikin.com/
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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!
01:04 The Importance of Deep, Sustainable Change02:29 Embracing Playfulness in Business and Life06:34 The Power of the Soothing System08:51 Unlocking the Power of Play09:47 Burn Bright Program Burn Bright is my transformational 6-month group coaching programme that helps you continuously calibrate what you need for your brain and your body, to balance your business with your busy ADHD brain.https://thethomasconnection.co.uk/burn-bright
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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.
01:20 Understanding Purpose and Pain03:02 The Entrepreneurial Why04:28 Setting Boundaries and Protecting Energy05:24 Flexibility in Business for Neurodivergent Entrepreneurs06:50 Insights and Actions for Sustainable Success08:03 Personal Reflections and Podcast Direction10:45 Burn Bright doors are open! Burn Bright is my transformational 6-month group coaching programme that helps you continuously calibrate what you need for your brain and your body, to balance your business with your busy ADHD brain.https://thethomasconnection.co.uk/burn-bright
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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!
00:26 Sustainable Success Challenge Insights02:35 Invitation to In-Person Meetup04:14 Challenges of ADHD in Entrepreneurship09:05 Balancing Passion and Practicality10:57 The Importance of Pausing and Self-Compassion11:44 Upcoming Events -
In this episode I'm joined by Ross White, fresh off the release of his fantastic new book, 'The Tree That Bends: How a Flexible Mind Can Help You Thrive.'
We dive headfirst into the pool of psychological flexibility, discussing its unique edge over concepts like grit, toughness, and resilience. Ross unpacks the importance of balancing our 'get,' 'threat,' and 'reset' modes to keep burnout at bay.
With practical tips, playful metaphors, and Ross's authentic vulnerability, this episode offers a refreshing approach to thriving in both work and life.
Grab your headphones and get ready to bend without breaking!
00:48 Exploring Psychological Flexibility
03:15 Defining Resilience, Toughness, and Grit
09:04 The Metaphor of the Tree
10:15 Modes of Operation: Get, Threat, and Reset
14:24 Momentary and Bold Moves
18:16 Personal Experiences and Vulnerability
23:49 The Comfort Zone vs. The Transforming Zone
28:06 Navigating Career Breaks and Sabbaticals
35:58 Balancing Productivity and Longevity
41:32 The Role of Attention and Mindfulness
46:01 Anchoring Statements and Staying Present -
In this special episode of the 'Pause Purpose Play' podcast I decided to step out of my comfort zone and record live on Instagram! Join me as I chat about the scary but oh-so-important idea of feeling safe to slow down while still aiming high. With my trusty 'I'm not perfect' jumper and my ADHD quirks in full swing, I dive into how pushing through nonstop isn't the answer, how to avoid burnout and share practical tips for regulating our frazzled nervous systems. Plus, I'm inviting you to join my upcoming 4-day 'Sustainable Success Challenge' for female business owners starting September 24th. 01:48 The Importance of Slowing Down03:10 Sustainability and Success04:08 September Reset05:14 Embracing Imperfection06:58 Interactive Q&A09:33 Practical Tips for Nervous System Regulation11:11 Upcoming Sustainable Success Challenge
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In this episode of Pause Purpose Play, I dive into the vibrant world of creativity for those with ADHD. I chat about how our brilliant, busy brains are naturally wired for imaginative thinking and how we can harness that spark.
I share my own quirks and experiences to remind us that done is better than perfect and why it's more fun to create than to endlessly scroll through raccoon videos. Plus, I'll sprinkle in some tips on how to allow yourself the joy of being a little more imperfect!
Join me, and maybe even sign up for my free Sustainable Success challenge if you're ready for more creativity and less comparison in your life.
00:31 The Role of Creativity in ADHD
01:42 Perfectionism vs. Creativity
04:35 The Impact of Consumption on Creativity
08:59 Commitment to Creativity
15:43 Upcoming Sustainable Success Challenge!
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Dive into the whimsical world of curiosity and discover how it can transform your personal and professional life! Int his episode I take you on an adventure through the curiosity mindset, the beginner's mindset, and compassionate curiosity.
00:00 Unlocking the Power of Curiosity
00:57 The Beginner's Mindset
01:19 Compassionate Curiosity
01:54 Applying Curiosity in Life
02:19 Access to Work Grant Challenges
03:15 Personal Experience with Access to Work
04:08 Upcoming Events and Workshops -
This week I'm joined by the brilliant Dr Claire Plumbly, who shares her exciting journey of writing her first book on burnout, diving into how chronic stress can really take a toll on our minds and bodies. With practical tips on managing burnout, recognising internal pressures, and practicing self-care, this episode is packed with useful advice! 01:28 The Concept of Burnout01:44 Writing the Book: Inspiration and Challenges02:26 Understanding Burnout as Trauma06:15 Recognising Burnout Symptoms08:04 The Three C's for Nervous System Health12:27 High-Functioning Burnout13:29 Practical Tips for Managing Burnout32:13 Entrepreneurship and Burnout38:31 Connecting with Others and Finding Support
Do you feel overwhelmed? Too busy to stop? Resisting slowing down?
Then you need a break, before you break!
Download my free guide to help you spot the signs of overwhelm, learn simple ways of slowing down, and understanding what’s getting in the way of you giving yourself the permission to rest and recover.
https://thethomasconnection.co.uk/calm/
About Dr Claire Plumbly:Claire is a Clinical Psychologist & Director of Good Therapy Ltd, a psychological therapy centre based online and in Taunton, Somerset. Her private practice specialises in trauma-related issues and Claire herself has a specialism in sexual assault; early life traumas, and of course burnout.
Her debut book ‘Burnout: How to Manage Your Nervous System Before It Manages You’ is out in the UK this summer. It will show you how to harness the power of your nervous system, despite the persistent demands of modern life.
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We're diving into a topic close to my heart: the chaotic world of unfinished projects that seem to plague us ADHD-ers. I share a laugh-and-cry kind of story from our amazing ADHD Club, and together we explore some fun and practical ways to finally get things done.
I also chat about the importance of self-compassion, managing impulse control, and why taking breaks is your secret weapon against burnout. Plus, stick around till the end because I've got a special freebie to help you tackle those dreaded Access to Work forms!
So, if you want to turn your chaos into calm, hit play and let's get started!
00:00 Welcome and Introduction
01:07 Understanding ADHD and Unfinished Projects
03:52 Real-Life Example of ADHD Challenges
06:29 Strategies to Tackle Unfinished Projects
11:14 Community Support and Encouragement
15:05 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Events -
In this episode of the Pause Purpose Play podcast, I dive into the often daunting task of form-filling for ADHD business women. I offer four handy tips to break down this overwhelming task into manageable and even enjoyable chunks.
I explain the crucial importance of these forms for accessing things like government support and business funding, and provide practical, compassionate strategies to tackle them head-on.
Join me in turning this 'boring beast' into a more playful process and stay tuned for the next episode that promises more tips!
00:46 The Importance of Filling Forms
01:54 Why ADHD Brains Avoid Forms
03:07 Tips for Tackling Forms: Chunky
05:56 Tips for Tackling Forms: Funky
07:48 Tips for Tackling Forms: Junky
08:59 Tips for Tackling Forms: Monkey
10:44 Conclusion and Next Episode Teaser - Se mer
