Pause Purpose Play

Michaela Thomas
  • 4.9 (51)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
Pause Purpose Play

A psychology podcast for ambitious professionals interested in finding balance over burnout, by embracing imperfection and finding pause, purpose and play.

  1. 6 DAYS AGO

    Authenticity, vulnerability and compassion for your journey, with Dylan Holloway

    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 Authenticity 06:16 Navigating Identity and Acceptance 09:27 Musical Breakthrough and Success 11:54 Living Authentically and Neurodivergence 18:34 Relationships and Acceptance 24:47 Upcoming Projects and Music 26:32 Music as a Lifeline 29:17 The Power of Heartbreak Songs 29:42 ADHD and the Creative Arts 31:45 Chosen Family: A Love Letter to the Queer Community 34:58 A Vulnerable Revelation 45:28 A Message 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

    50 min

  2. 31 OCT

    Boundaries and blind spots for ADHD business women, with Polly Lavarello

    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 Lavarello   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. www.pollylavarello.com  https://www.instagram.com/pollylavarello/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/pollylavarello/

    58 min

  3. 23 OCT

    You can be a perfectionist even if you're a hot mess

    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 Chaos 01:44 Navigating Perfectionism with ADHD 03:04 The Reality of Perfectionism 04:17 Self-Criticism and Perfectionism 05:56 Perfectionism in High Achievers 07:19 Perception vs. Reality of Accomplishments 08:12 Verbal Processing and ADHD 08:55 Revealing My Hot Mess Moments 09:37 Embracing Imperfections 10:46 Inspiring Despite the Chaos 13:42 Finding Your Tribe Through Vulnerability 15:25 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.

    16 min

  4. 16 OCT

    Rebel against good girl conditioning, with Michelle Minnikin

    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 Growth 03:46 Discovering Good Girl Conditioning 05:25 Coercive Control and Societal Expectations 06:41 Strategic Exhaustion and Daily Struggles 10:19 Imposter Syndrome and Workplace Challenges 20:46 Rebelling Against Good Girl Conditioning 28:21 Hope for the Next Generation 29:03 Navigating Personal Relationships 30:29 Household Dynamics and Gender Norms 32:34 ADHD and Neurodiversity 34:23 Self-Compassion and Personal Growth 39:39 Male Allies and Shared Responsibilities 39:47 Practical Advice for Women 42:11 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/goodgirldeprogramming https://www.tiktok.com/@michelleminnikin https://www.michelleminnikin.com/

    55 min

  5. 9 OCT

    Being playful in your business - and in your life

    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 Change 02:29 Embracing Playfulness in Business and Life 06:34 The Power of the Soothing System 08:51 Unlocking the Power of Play 09:47 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

    15 min

  6. 2 OCT

    Reconnecting with WHY you run a business

    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 Pain 03:02 The Entrepreneurial Why 04:28 Setting Boundaries and Protecting Energy 05:24 Flexibility in Business for Neurodivergent Entrepreneurs 06:50 Insights and Actions for Sustainable Success 08:03 Personal Reflections and Podcast Direction 10:45 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

    16 min

  7. 25 SEPT

    Pause to notice how ADHD impacts your business

    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 Insights 02:35 Invitation to In-Person Meetup 04:14 Challenges of ADHD in Entrepreneurship 09:05 Balancing Passion and Practicality 10:57 The Importance of Pausing and Self-Compassion 11:44 Upcoming Events

    13 min

  8. 18 SEPT

    Bend, before you break - flexibility and high-performance with Prof Ross White

    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

    58 min
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4.9
out of 5
51 Ratings

About

A psychology podcast for ambitious professionals interested in finding balance over burnout, by embracing imperfection and finding pause, purpose and play.

Information

  • Creator
    Michaela Thomas
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2024
  • Episodes
    198
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2020 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Pause Purpose Play

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