

You Are Not A Frog
Dr Rachel Morris
The podcast for GPs, hospital doctors and other professionals in high-stakes, high-stress jobs who want to thrive rather than just survive.
You studied for years, you’re really good at what you do but you’ve noticed that you’re starting to feel overwhelmed, overworked and under-resourced. You may be comparing yourself to a frog in boiling water - the heat has built up so slowly that you haven’t noticed the extra-long days becoming the norm. You may feel on the edge and trapped in the very job that you’ve spent years working towards.
Here’s the problem, frogs only have two choices; stay and be boiled alive, or jump out of the pan. The good news is that you are not a frog. You have many more choices than you think you do. You don’t have to quit, and nor should stress and burnout be inevitable.
It is possible to be master of your own destiny, to craft your work life and career so that you can thrive even in the most difficult of situations. There are simple changes you can make which will make a huge difference to your stress levels and help you enjoy life again.
Your host is Dr Rachel Morris, GP turned Executive Coach and Specialist in Resilience at Work who knows what it’s like to feel like an exhausted frog. In the podcast, she’ll be talking to friends, colleagues and experts all who have an interesting take on resilience for clever people in high-stakes, high-stress jobs so that together you can take back control to beat stress and burnout, survive and thrive.
You studied for years, you’re really good at what you do but you’ve noticed that you’re starting to feel overwhelmed, overworked and under-resourced. You may be comparing yourself to a frog in boiling water - the heat has built up so slowly that you haven’t noticed the extra-long days becoming the norm. You may feel on the edge and trapped in the very job that you’ve spent years working towards.
Here’s the problem, frogs only have two choices; stay and be boiled alive, or jump out of the pan. The good news is that you are not a frog. You have many more choices than you think you do. You don’t have to quit, and nor should stress and burnout be inevitable.
It is possible to be master of your own destiny, to craft your work life and career so that you can thrive even in the most difficult of situations. There are simple changes you can make which will make a huge difference to your stress levels and help you enjoy life again.
Your host is Dr Rachel Morris, GP turned Executive Coach and Specialist in Resilience at Work who knows what it’s like to feel like an exhausted frog. In the podcast, she’ll be talking to friends, colleagues and experts all who have an interesting take on resilience for clever people in high-stakes, high-stress jobs so that together you can take back control to beat stress and burnout, survive and thrive.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 31, 2023 • 1h 15min
How to Challenge Upsetting Behaviour
Interactions between team members can have a big impact on performance and outcomes. Disrespect and hostility can create a threatening environment and hinder collaboration and productivity. In a medical setting, it could literally be a life-or-death situation.The Civility Saves Lives movement aims to raise awareness about the importance of behaviour and promote a culture of civility. By showing respect and support towards each-other, teams can enhance their performance, deliver better outcomes, and provide a healthier and kinder path towards personal growth.In this episode, Dr Chris Turner, co-founder of the Civility Saves Lives movement, demonstrates how we can create an environment where civility is valued, information is freely shared, and everyone feels empowered to contribute. By taking the time to show respect – and to address disrespect without offering judgement – we can make a positive difference in the workplace and improve outcomes for teams and patients.Listen to this episode toUnderstand the importance of civility and its role in improving team performance and patient outcomes.Learn about the effects of incivility on individuals and their ability to think and perform under high-pressure situations.Find out about the origins of the Civility Saves Lives movement, and its impact on behaviour in healthcare.Episode highlights[00:01:32] Meeting Chris[00:02:21] Civility Saves Lives[00:10:50] The minimum unit of performance is the team[00:13:32] Setting an environment for people to speak[00:16:25] What happens when we're scared of being wrong[00:23:40] How hostile behaviour impacts teams[00:25:45] How rudeness affects trust[00:27:22] We don't go to work to be unpleasant[00:31:21] Knowing that someone's got you[00:35:15] How to give feedback[00:49:44] Curiosity's role when giving difficult feedback[00:55:08] How to avoid the drama triangle[00:59:09] Understanding cultural context[01:01:52] Accepting uninvited criticism[01:04:23] How to take difficult feedback[01:06:15] The act of saying sorry[01:09:39] Chris' top tipsAbout the guestChris is a consultant in emergency medicine at the University Hospital of Coventry and Warwickshire. He co-founded Civility Saves Lives with Joe Farmer, a grassroots organisation dedicated to raising awareness of the impact of behaviour on performance.LinkedIn | Twitter | WebsiteResourcesTHRIVE Weekly PlannerHow to Escape the Drama Triangle and Stop Rescuing People – Episode 75, with Annie HanekomHow to Have Crucial Conversations – Episode 85, with Dr Ed PooleyDownload the episode’s workbook and CPD form. You can use them for reflection and to submit for your appraisal.When Rudeness in Teams Turns Deadly – Chris’ talk at TEDxExeterThe Decline in Task Performance After Witnessing Rudeness is Moderated by Emotional Empathy - A Pilot Study, by Gadi GilamZero Degrees of Empathy: A New Theory of Human Cruelty and Kindness, by Simon Baron-CohenMedical Student Perceptions and Experiences of Incivility: a Qualitative Study, by Louise Griffin and Anna BaverstockPromoting Professionalism by Sharing a Cup of CoffeeThe 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership: A New Paradigm for Sustainable Success, by Jim Dethmer, Diana Chapman, and Kaley KlempRadical Candor: Fully Revised and Updated Edition: How to Get What You Want by Saying What You Mean, by Kim ScottEnjoyed this episode?Write a review and share this with your friends.Connect with RachelHave any questions? Contact Rachel through these platforms:LinkedIn: @Dr-Rachel-MorrisTwitter: @DrRachelMorrisEmail: hello@youarenotafrog.comFind out more about our trainingMentioned in this episode:Download Your Free Overwhelm SOS Guide
Discover the simple, step-by-step process you need to calm your mind, take control of your tasks, and get yourself out of overwhelm.

Oct 24, 2023 • 16min
The Real Reason Other People's Boundaries Make Us Cross
When someone else sets boundaries, do you feel able to do the same, or do you resent their ability to say no? Often, our anger towards others' boundaries comes from our own unmet needs and desires, and what presents itself as resentment is actually envy.Guilt, shame, and fear often prevent us from expressing our own needs, which just compounds those negative emotions. Without shifting our mindset, we can end up adopting a victim mindset and feeling even more trapped.In this quick dip episode, Rachel describes how we can identify our underlying needs, find ways to express them, and take small, practical steps towards getting what we want, even if it feels unattainable.Listen to this episode toLearn how to navigate boundaries and handle feelings of resentment when others say no to you.Understand the difference between anger and envy, and how envy can reveal what you truly want.Pick up strategies for identifying your own needs, expressing them to others, and finding ways to meet them.Episode highlights[00:02:12] Envy[00:05:47] What is your underlying need?[00:06:43] What happens when we make ourselves the victim[00:07:55] Questions to ask yourself[00:08:54] What is stopping you from meeting your needs?[00:10:01] If you could wave a magic wand[00:11:40] Expressing your needs to othersResourcesTHRIVE Weekly PlannerWhy Can’t I Say No – Episode 163How to Use Power Language to Keep Your Boundaries Strong – Episode 179How to Say No and Deal with Pushback – Episode 125, with Annie HanekomAtlas of the Heart: Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of Human Experience, by Brené BrownDownload the episode’s workbook and CPD form. You can use them for reflection and to submit for your appraisal.Enjoyed this episode?Write a review and share this with your friends.Connect with RachelHave any questions? Contact Rachel through these platforms:LinkedIn: @Dr-Rachel-MorrisTwitter: @DrRachelMorrisEmail: hello@youarenotafrog.comFind out more about our training

Oct 17, 2023 • 43min
How to Be REALLY Productive... Without Losing the Plot
Learn how to prioritize tasks, manage attention, and implement a weekly review for improved productivity. Discover strategies for managing phone distractions, handling emails effectively, and reframing work and productivity. Get actionable tips from productivity expert Graham Allcott to start each day with more focus and less overwhelm.

Oct 10, 2023 • 15min
What Will Your Future Self Thank You For?
We’ve all had weeks where our schedules are packed tightly and there’s no time for ourselves, leaving us exhausted and overwhelmed. The problem is we often make commitments for our future selves without thinking about what might be on their plate in the future.In this quick dip episode, Rachel uncovers ways we can make space for the the big and important things in our lives, set rules and boundaries to prevent over-committing, and creating space to cope with challenging times ahead.Not everything that comes out of the blue is a bad thing. But when we over-book ourselves and neglect our own needs, we risk leaving ourselves unable to really enjoy the fun things that unexpectedly come our way, or cope with the tricky things.Try taking a moment to consider what your future self will thank you for. This will help you say no to those extra commitments, and practice more self-compassion.Listen to this episode toLearn how to stop over-scheduling so you can create space for yourself and avoid burnout.Understand the importance of setting boundaries and making rules for yourself to prioritise your wellbeing.Discover a form of self-compassion in advance.Episode highlights[00:01:19] A piece of long-term homework[00:02:06] Looking backwards[00:03:01] Writing a letter from your future self[00:03:43] Fear of missing out[00:06:34] Looking after our future self[00:08:22] What rules would your future self like you to understand?[00:09:12] When were you overstretched?[00:11:30] Make some space for what's coming up[00:12:02] Putting self-compassion into practiceResourcesTHRIVE Weekly PlannerThink Differently About Your To-Do List – Episode 153How the Enneagram System WorksDownload the episode’s workbook and CPD form. You can use them for reflection and to submit for your appraisal.Enjoyed this episode?Write a review and share this with your friends.Connect with RachelHave any questions? Contact Rachel through these platforms:LinkedIn: @Dr-Rachel-MorrisTwitter: @DrRachelMorrisEmail: hello@youarenotafrog.comFind out more about our training

Oct 3, 2023 • 58min
Surprising Ways to Avoid Burnout
Discover surprising factors that contribute to burnout, explore the power of engaging in activities that are opposite to work, learn about the importance of trying different hobbies and activities to prevent burnout, and understand the concept of alastasis and the need for proactive changes. Also, recognize the significance of having a coach to prevent burnout and the positive impact they can have on relationships and productivity.

Sep 26, 2023 • 11min
Stress vs Overwhelm – And Why You Should Know the Difference
We all get stressed or overwhelmed with our daily responsibilities from time to time. But we’re not always good at telling them apart. And this is important, because the way out of overwhelm is different form the way out of stress.Stress is caused when the demands on us outweigh the resources we feel we have to cope. Overwhelm happens when high amounts of stress make us feel like we can't cope with our lives' demands. The way out of overwhelm is non-doing, resting, and letting our nervous system settle down.Prolonged stress and overwhelm can lead to burnout, which just puts more stress on our nervous system, and makes it harder for us to function. In this quick dip, Rachel offers practical advice to help you take care of yourself, recognise overwhelm, and give yourself the time you need to rest.Listen to this episodeTo learn the difference between stress and overwhelmTo discover the benefits of non-doing and how it can help you overcome overwhelmFor practical tips on reducing overwhelm in the futureEpisode highlights[00:03:19] Mindful play[00:05:03] The F**k it mindset[00:06:58] What will future me thank me for? (midroll)[00:08:16] Permission to stopResourcesTHRIVE Weekly PlannerMore episodes of You Are Not a Frog:How to Say F**k it and Become Ridiculously Relaxed – Episode 130 with John C ParkinThe Perils of Perfectionism – Episode 22 with Nicky OdgersWhat to Do When You are Overwhelmed – Episode 132 with Gerrie HawesHow to Escape the Drama Triangle and Stop Rescuing People – Episode 75 with Annie HanekomAtlas of the Heart: Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of Human Experience, by Brené BrownDownload the episode’s workbook and CPD form. You can use them for reflection and to submit for your appraisal.Enjoyed this episode?Write a review and share this with your friends.Connect with RachelHave any questions? Contact Rachel through these platforms:LinkedIn: @Dr-Rachel-MorrisTwitter: @DrRachelMorrisEmail: hello@youarenotafrog.comFind out more about our training

Sep 19, 2023 • 1h 5min
How to Cope With Your Kids’ Anxiety, Your Colleagues’, and Your Own
Confronting anxiety is easier said than done. It’s hard enough with adults, but with children it’s even more tough. Anxiety keeps us safe, but often we over-predict that something bad will happen and under-predict our ability to cope. The key is to learn how to manage anxiety before it becomes a problem.This week’s guest is educational psychologist Nicky Odgers. She specialises in working with kids who are feeling anxious about attending school. A lot of what she helps kids with applies to adults – things like mapping thoughts and emotions to physical sensations, replacing negative thoughts with more realistic ones, and practicing techniques to help us relax.Anxiety can interfere with our lives and become a problem if it goes unaddressed. Naturally we want to avoid things that cause us anxiety, but this stops us from learning that we can cope and that the terrible thing we fear may never happen.Listen to this episode toLearn about anxiety in children and teenagers, and how it can manifest as school avoidanceGain insight into how anxiety affects adults, including healthcare professionals, and how to manage it effectivelyUnderstand the thought patterns, physical sensations, and behaviours associated with anxiety, and how to address them to prevent avoidance and build coping skillsEpisode highlights[00:03:46] Epidemic of anxiety[00:09:21] Anxiety as pathology[00:14:00] Thoughts, feelings, physical sensations, and behaviours[00:20:54] Safety behaviours[00:23:26] When is it right to step in and offer help[00:29:18] Anxiety in healthcare[00:31:47] How to persuade someone their fears are unfounded[00:34:35] Mind-reading[00:41:03] Teaching people to solve problems[00:45:14] Worry time and worry monsters[00:47:14] Distracting yourself from worry[00:48:24] Helpful safety behaviour[00:49:52] Helping anxious people[00:52:48] Neurodiversity and autism[00:55:58] Nicky's tips for managing anxietyAbout the guestNicky Odgers is an educational psychologist with a particular interest in school anxiety. She helps parents and schools to support children and young people to feel less anxious about attending school, to better manage their emotions, to develop their confidence, to initiate and sustain positive relationships and be more successful in their learning. LinkedIn | WebsiteResourcesTHRIVE Weekly PlannerEpisode 22: The Perils of PerfectionismEpisode 181: Get Some Air Cover to Help You Set BoundariesSchool Anxiety Support for Parents – Facebook groupNicky’s information and resource for parents and schools about school anxiety and EBSADownload Nicky's free handout for children, young people, and parentsStarving the Anxiety Gremlin for Children Aged 5-9, by Kate Collins-DonnellyMy Anxiety Handbook: Getting Back on Track, by Sue Knowles, Bridie Gallagher, and Phoebe McEwenBooks by Poppy O’NeillWhat to Do When You Worry Too Much, by Dawn Huebner PhDHelping Your Child with Fears and Worries, by Cathy Creswell and Lucy WillettsGet Your Sh*t Together, by Sarah KnightThe Life-Changing Magic of Not Giving a F**k, by Sarah KnightDownload the episode’s workbook and CPD form. You can use them for reflection and to submit for your appraisal.Enjoyed this episode?Write a review and share this with your friends.Connect with RachelHave any questions? Contact Rachel through these platforms:LinkedIn: @Dr-Rachel-MorrisTwitter: @DrRachelMorrisEmail: hello@youarenotafrog.comFind out more about our trainingMentioned in this episode:Download Your Free Overwhelm SOS Guide
Discover the simple, step-by-step process you need to calm your mind, take control of your tasks, and get yourself out of overwhelm.

Sep 12, 2023 • 18min
Don't Wait for Tomorrow to Improve – Take Control Now
Discover the dangers of waiting for a better future and the importance of taking control now. Understand the urgency for change and the need to avoid partial solutions. Learn about the zone of power and how it can lead to positive change. Explore strategies for addressing challenging situations and taking action.

Sep 5, 2023 • 51min
Is it You - or is it Menopause?
One way or another, menopause affects everyone at some point. If you’re not experiencing symptoms yourself, you almost certainly know or work with someone who is. That’s why understanding its effects and being able to offer support and compassion is so important.Women going through menopause can experience a wide range of physical, psychological, and hormonal symptoms. These symptoms often go unnoticed or ignored, which can impact confidence and increase anxiety. Lack of confidence or temporary difficulty in making decisions can lead to organisations losing talented, experienced women who thought they were experiencing cognitive decline. By perpetuating the stigma and embarrassment around menopause, we prevent women from seeking help and support.But there are resources and solutions available to help women manage their symptoms and continue to thrive at work - and Dr Claire Kaye joins us this week to talk through what we can all do.It starts with becoming more aware of the symptoms of menopause and recognising when they’re affecting us or our colleagues.If you’re looking for support with menopause, lifestyle changes like sleep hygiene, exercise, and nutrition can help. There are also medications available, but coaching can have a huge impact.We can educate ourselves and others about the symptoms and resources available, and seek out support from in-house Menopause Ambassadors, as well as support groups. If you’re experiencing menopause or perimenopause, coaching and medical support is available.Listen to this episode toUnderstand more about the physical and mental symptoms of menopause, and how they can affect people's work and personal lives.Learn about the importance of awareness, education, and support for people going through menopause, especially in the workplace.Discover resources and strategies for managing menopause symptoms, including lifestyle changes, medication, coaching, and group support.Episode highlights[00:03:14] What is the menopause[00:12:18] What can women do to help themselves?[00:18:35] Caring for yourself[00:30:12] Is it a midlife crisis?[00:32:14] What we tell kids about the menopause[00:33:49] Invisibility[00:37:19] Claire's tips[00:45:46] Rachel's tipsAbout the guestDr Claire Kaye, an executive career coach who specialises in career development and perimenopause and menopause in the workplace. She works with women who are experiencing symptoms of the menopause and helps them find ways to thrive while maintaining their careers and personal lives.LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | WebsiteResourcesBalance: free menopause and perimenopause symptom tracker appTHRIVE Weekly PlannerMore episodes of You Are Not a Frog:Episode 117: The Surprising Power of Self Coaching (and How to Do it Well)Episode 124: How to Change When Change is ScaryEpisode 107: Defining Your Own Success in LifeDownload the episode’s workbook and CPD form. You can use them for reflection and to submit for your appraisal.Enjoyed this episode?Write a review and share this with your friends.Connect with RachelHave any questions? Contact Rachel through these platforms:LinkedIn: @Dr-Rachel-MorrisTwitter: @DrRachelMorrisEmail: hello@youarenotafrog.comFind out more about our trainingMentioned in this episode:Download Your Free Overwhelm SOS Guide
Discover the simple, step-by-step process you need to calm your mind, take control of your tasks, and get yourself out of overwhelm.

Aug 29, 2023 • 14min
Why You Don’t Need to Earn Your Rest
Healthcare professionals often feel guilty for taking breaks, but rest is essential for brain function and overall well-being. Discover the different zones of operation and how to prioritize rest for improved performance. Learn to give yourself permission to rest and make it a professional priority to avoid burnout.


