The Thrive Bright Podcast (Previously The Overwhelm Edit)

Dr SaraLou Wylie

The podcast for high-achieving women, founders, and leaders ready to reclaim their lives from burnout and overwhelm, and regain calm, clarity, and control, so they can lead, live, and succeed in a way that actually feels good! Hosted by Dr SaraLou Wylie, a GP-turned burnout coach and yoga teacher, this podcast offers practical tools and grounded insights to help professional women navigate stress, prioritise self-care, and reset, recharge, and thrive again. For informational and educational purposes only.

  1. 2D AGO

    Stop Chasing Willpower, Create a Rhythm Instead (With Midlife Fitness Guest Expert Kat Williams)

    If you’re a capable, high-achieving woman whose life looks fine on paper — successful career, family, responsibilities managed — but inside it feels heavy… this conversation is for you. Perhaps you’ve noticed that what used to “work” for your body and energy doesn’t seem to land anymore. The early starts, the pushing through, the all-or-nothing health kicks. And now you’re left feeling frustrated, tired, and quietly wondering why you can’t just get a grip. Let me gently reassure you: you are not broken. You are likely overloaded — hormonally, mentally, emotionally. In this episode of The Thrive bright podcast with Dr SaraLou, I’m joined by women’s fitness coach Kat Williams to explore a more compassionate approach to movement, strength, and wellbeing in midlife. One that doesn’t rely on willpower, perfectionism, or punishing routines — but on rhythm, consistency, and self-trust. This is about working with your nervous system, not against it. Inside this episode Why chasing willpower keeps high-achieving women stuck in the start-again cycle What “consistency” really means when you’re time-poor and mentally loaded The power of one small non-negotiable (and why messy action is enough) How perfectionism and comparison quietly sabotage your wellbeing Why rest is not indulgent — it’s foundational for resilience, hormones, and strength How creating rhythm (not restriction) rebuilds confidence and self-trust If you’ve been waiting for life to calm down before you start looking after yourself, I hope this episode feels like a gentle hand on your back. Press play. Take a breath. Let yourself consider the possibility that you don’t need a dramatic overhaul — just one small, supportive step in the direction of the woman you’re becoming. If you’d like a gentle starting point, I’ve created a free guide to help you untangle overwhelm without adding more pressure: 5 Ways to Beat Overwhelm 👉 https://drsaralouwylie.com/5-ways-to-beat-overwhelm It’s not a fix. It’s a first step. A way to begin creating steadiness in a full life. Stay in touch Email: info@drsaralouwylie.com Instagram: @drsaralouwylie @coachkathrynwilliams Disclaimer This podcast episode is shared for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or therapeutic advice. It is not a substitute for professional diagnosis, treatment, or care. If you are concerned about your mental or physical health, please seek support from a qualified healthcare professional.

    45 min
  2. FEB 4

    Why High-Achieving Women Are Ready to Live Life Differently

    Life can look full, successful, even enviable on the outside — yet feel heavy, exhausting, and quietly unsustainable on the inside. You may be holding everything together, leading, deciding, caring, achieving… and still feel like something is missing, or costing you more than it should. If that resonates, I want you to hear this first: you are not broken. You are responding to years of pressure, expectation, and self-sacrifice — and that matters. Inside This Episode In this episode, I’m introducing you to the next chapter of this podcast and the deeper work it represents. The Thrive Bright Podcast is an invitation to explore how we live life differently — moving away from survival and burnout, and towards a life that feels aligned, resourced, and genuinely good. In this episode, we gently explore: Why so many high-achieving women feel exhausted and depleted despite “doing everything right” The hidden costs of success that’s built on self-sacrifice and constant pushing What it means to move from surviving to thriving — on your terms The quiet crossroads moment where awareness begins to change everythingWhy burnout isn’t a personal failing, but a sign something deeper needs attentionA Gentle Invitation to Listen This episode isn’t about fixing yourself or doing more. It’s about understanding what’s been happening — and giving yourself permission to imagine a different way forward. Listen gently, in your own time, and notice what lands. Free Resource: A Gentle First Step If this episode resonates and you’d like a calm place to begin, you’re warmly invited to download my free guide:  5 Ways to Beat Overwhelm https://drsaralouwylie.com/5-ways-to-beat-overwhelm This isn’t a fix — it’s a supportive first step towards understanding your overwhelm and reconnecting with yourself. How to Stay in Touch  Email: info@drsaralouwylie.com Instagram: @drsaralouwylie If this episode stirred something for you, you’re very welcome to reach out and share what landed. Disclaimer This podcast episode is shared for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or therapeutic advice. It is not a substitute for professional diagnosis, treatment, or care. If you are concerned about your mental or physical health, please seek support from a qualified healthcare professional.

    19 min
  3. Why We Stay Stuck (And Why It’s Not Because You’re Not Trying Hard Enough)

    JAN 20

    Why We Stay Stuck (And Why It’s Not Because You’re Not Trying Hard Enough)

    Have you ever wondered why — despite all your insight, awareness, and effort — you still feel stuck in overwhelm or burnout? In this episode of The Overwhelm Edit, we explore one of the most common (and misunderstood) experiences of high‑achieving women: doing everything right and still not feeling better. This is a deeply reassuring, explanatory episode — not about fixing yourself or trying harder, but about understanding what’s really happening beneath the surface. In this episode, we explore: Why insight and self-awareness alone don’t automatically create change How years of pushing through shape your nervous system Why rest, calm, and confidence can feel unsafe after long-term overwhelm The hidden reason high-achieving women struggle to apply what they know The difference between having information and being able to live it What actually helps change begin — gently, safely, and sustainably Key takeaway: If you feel stuck, it’s not because you’re failing or doing something wrong. It’s because your nervous system hasn’t yet learned that it’s safe to live differently. Real change doesn’t come from trying harder — it comes from supported integration, safety, and taking small steps forward with guidance. Resources mentioned:  Free guide: 5 Ways to Beat Overwhelm A gentle, practical starting point for creating more calm, clarity, and capacity — without pressure or perfectionism. Connect with Dr SaraLou Instagram: @drsaralouwylie Email: info@drsaralouwylie.com This podcast episode is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical, psychological, or therapeutic advice. Listening to this episode does not establish a coaching, medical, or therapeutic relationship. If you are experiencing significant mental health difficulties or distress, please seek support from a qualified healthcare professional or your GP.

    14 min
  4. JAN 13

    You Didn’t Fail — You Were Inside a Perfect Storm

    In this opening episode of 2026, we’re not here to fix, diagnose, or motivate. This episode is an invitation to pause, to soften, and to understand what’s been happening — without blame. If life looks good on paper but feels heavy… If you’re capable, responsible, high-achieving — and exhausted in a way rest doesn’t touch… If you’ve been quietly wondering “What’s wrong with me?” This episode is for you. Rather than offering another solution or strategy, we explore a gentler truth: you didn’t fail — you were inside a perfect storm. A collision of high responsibility, unmet needs, and internal pressure that would challenge anyone. Inside this episode, we explore: Why overwhelm and burnout aren’t personal failures How high-functioning burnout often hides in plain sight Why “just resting” doesn’t bring relief when the nervous system is overloaded Burnout as communication, not collapse How understanding creates space for healing — without urgency or pressure This is a place to feel seen, to breathe, and to remember that you’re not broken — and you’re not alone. NEXT STEPS If it feels supportive, you’re very welcome to explore this work further. You can download my free guide “5 Ways to Beat Overwhelm”, which shares simple, grounding practices to help you feel calmer and more resourced in daily life:  Download the free guide: https://drsaralouwylie.com/5-ways-to-beat-overwhelm And if you’d like to continue listening, you can explore more episodes of The Overwhelm Edit podcast, where we talk honestly about burnout, overwhelm, and nervous-system-led healing — with science and soul. This podcast is shared for educational and supportive purposes only and does not replace medical, psychological, or therapeutic advice. If you are experiencing significant distress or mental health concerns, please seek support from a qualified healthcare professional or your GP. Always consult an appropriate professional regarding your individual circumstances.

    22 min
  5. 08/04/2025

    When Summer Doesn’t Feel Like a Break: Burnout, Invisible Labour & Why You’re Still So Tired

    Episode 9: When Summer Doesn’t Feel Like a Break: Burnout, Invisible Labour & Why You’re Still So Tired If summer was supposed to be the season you finally exhaled, but instead you're feeling more burnt out than ever, this episode is for you. We’re pulling back the curtain on what’s really going on during this season of supposed ease — from the invisible labour so many women carry, to why your nervous system still feels constantly "on." If you're feeling snappy, struggling to be present, or like you're missing the moments you longed for… you're not alone. In this episode, Dr. SaraLou dives into: Why summer burnout is a real phenomenon (and not your fault) The internal and external pressures high-achieving women face — even when out of office The nervous system lens: why you can’t just “switch off” Small but powerful ways to begin restoring calm and presence this week A reminder that you don’t have to do this alone ✨ Plus, she shares a practical, free resource: 5 Ways to Beat Overwhelm — a beautiful, science-backed guide to help you feel more grounded, today. 📩 Dr. SaraLou always loves to hear from listeners — drop her a DM on Instagram @drsaralouwylie or an email to share your reflections. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not therapy or medical advice and should not be considered a substitute for working with a qualified professional.

    18 min

About

The podcast for high-achieving women, founders, and leaders ready to reclaim their lives from burnout and overwhelm, and regain calm, clarity, and control, so they can lead, live, and succeed in a way that actually feels good! Hosted by Dr SaraLou Wylie, a GP-turned burnout coach and yoga teacher, this podcast offers practical tools and grounded insights to help professional women navigate stress, prioritise self-care, and reset, recharge, and thrive again. For informational and educational purposes only.

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