

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

6 snips
Jun 13, 2023 • 59min
How to Survive a Toxic System - on Both Sides of the Pond
Explore strategies for surviving and thriving in a toxic work environment. Discuss the impact of burnout among physicians and the need for boundaries. Learn about setting boundaries, prioritizing self-care, and taking action to change the system. Understand the importance of taking control of your own career aspirations and well-being.

Jun 6, 2023 • 16min
How to Avoid Amygdala Hijack Part 2
Life can seem full of threats and stresses we face daily. As high-stress professionals, these types of situations are a part of daily life. All of this can place a great mental load on our brains and trigger our amygdala to not always respond in the best way. That's why it's important to learn how we can reduce these threats and manage our stress. The question now is how can we do this?Picking up where we left off, this quick dip episode dives into the last four factors of the SCARF Model. We learn more about tips and techniques that can help minimise threats and improves our response. Reward yourself and develop habits that can help you feel certain, in control, and supported even amidst all the stress.Learn how to better manage your stress and respond to difficult situations. Avoid an amygdala hijack when you listen to this episode!Here are three reasons why you should listen to the full episode:Find out what 'C,' 'A,' 'R' and 'F' stands for in the SCARF Model.Discover how being friends with everyone can lead to less stress and a better work life.Listen and learn how you can apply the SCARF Model in your work and personal life.Episode Highlights[00:44] What ‘C’ Stands For in SCARF[03:20] The ‘A’ in SCARF Model[04:34] The Power You Hold[06:26] The ‘R’ Stands For…[07:31] Everyone is a Friend[09:41] The ‘F’ in SCARF[10:55] Applying the SCARF Model[12:35] Avoiding Amygdala Hijack With HelpResourcesYou Are Not A Frog Episode 169: How to Avoid Amygdala Hijack Part 1Learn about the SCARF Model by David RockLearn more about your Zone of Power Book a call and reach out to Rachel at hello@youarenotafrog.com Sign up here to receive a link to the episode workbook and CPD form downloads for each podcast. You can use them for reflection and to submit for your appraisal.Enjoyed This Podcast?Write a review and share this with your friends.Connect With MeHave any questions? Contact Rachel through these platforms:LinkedIn: @Dr-Rachel-Morris Twitter: @DrRachelMorrisEmail: hello@youarenotafrog.comFind out more about our training here.

May 30, 2023 • 56min
How to Feel Happy, Calm, and Connected
Our conditioning has trained us to rely on the egocentric left brain. We often overthink things, even when we have no control over them. But what if we didn't have to accept that this is simply how our brains work?This week, Dr Giles P Croft joins us to discuss his experience of having a TIA that caused his left brain to stop functioning properly. Giles shares what it’s like to access his right brain freely without any worry in mind. We discuss how our thinking left brain often gets in the way of us staying in the present moment. We also lay down simple ways to get reacquainted with our right brain.Don’t miss this episode and gain wisdom on how to be happy, calm, and connected.Here are three reasons why you should listen to the full episode:Learn how the left brain has evolved to dominate our thinking.Discover how the left and right brain consciousness works.Find out simple steps to get more connected with your right brain.Episode Highlights[03:44] Giles’s Background and Experiencing a TIA[10:17] How He Was Feeling the Entire Time[12:16] We Allow the Left Brain to Dominate[16:00] The Divided Brain[19:34] The Power of Now[23:38] Become Aware of Our Thoughts[30:17] How the Right and Left Brain Works[32:34] Tips on How to Get from the Left to the Right Brain[39:21] Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff[44:10] Facing Stress and Challenges[50:57] Giles’ Top Three TipsResourcesConnect with Giles: Website | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube | TwitterWellbeing Wednesdays: Website | Apple PodcastsTwo Brain FactsJill Bolte Taylor: My stroke of insightThe Divided BrainWhole Brain Living by Jill Bolte TaylorThe Power of Now by Eckhart TolleDon't Sweat the Small Stuff . . . and It's All Small Stuff by Richard CarlsonThe Power of Regret by Daniel H. PinkMore episodes of You Are Not a Frog:Ep46: Default to happyEp105: The Simplest Way To Beat Stress and Work HappierEpi130: How to Say F**k It and Become Ridiculously Relaxed (even about stuff that REALLY matters)THRIVE Weekly PlannerSign up here to get the episode workbook and CPD form downloads.Enjoyed This Podcast?Write a review and share this with your friends.Connect With MeHave any questions? Contact Rachel through these platforms:LinkedIn: @Dr-Rachel-Morris Twitter: @DrRachelMorrisEmail: hello@youarenotafrog.comFind out more about our training here.Mentioned 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.

May 23, 2023 • 14min
How to Avoid Amygdala Hijack Part 1
Criticism and feedback are fundamental to growing as an individual and professional. However, often, our brain perceives such conflicts as a threat. The amygdala acts upon this and kicks in our survival instincts. As a result, we check out and shut down to protect ourselves. How do we avoid acting from this place of fear and focus on working toward developing ourselves?In this quick dip episode, we uncover the overarching principle of the amygdala. We discuss how to avoid an amygdala hijack and how not to operate from our threat zone. We have a choice around how we perceive and respond to triggers. We introduce the first principle of the SCARF Model and how to get over it.Learn how to minimise threats for yourself and others. If you want to know how to avoid an amygdala hijack, this episode is for you. Here are three reasons why you should listen to the full episode:Learn why avoiding amygdala hijack increases performance and happiness.Discover the idea of Civility Saves Lives.Discover the 'S' in the SCARF model.Episode Highlights[00:28] Avoiding Amygdala Hijack[02:55] Civility Saves Lives[04:16] You Have a Choice[07:37] The ‘S’ in SCARF Model[08:38] Becoming Aware of How You Display Status[10:05] Getting Over Status[10:51] Being in a Higher StatusResourcesYou Are Not A Frog Ep 167: Why We Become Terrible in a CrisisCivility Saves LivesLearn about the SCARF Model by David RockTHRIVE Weekly PlannerSign up here to receive a link to the episode workbook and CPD form downloads for each podcast. You can use them for reflection and to submit for your appraisal.Enjoyed This Podcast?Write a review and share this with your friends.Connect With MeHave any questions? Contact Rachel through these platforms:LinkedIn: @Dr-Rachel-Morris Twitter: @DrRachelMorrisEmail: hello@youarenotafrog.comFind out more about our training here.

May 16, 2023 • 57min
How to Do Something Different in Your Career
This week, Jo Watkins, co-founder of The HOW People, joins us to explore entrepreneurial possibilities for doctors without leaving their day jobs. We talk about what holds us back from pursuing a business idea and how you can get started on this journey. We also discuss honing the transferable skills you already have to discover what you'd like to try.If you want to start doing something different in your life and career, listen to our full conversation in this episode of You Are Not a Frog.Here are three reasons why you should listen to the full episode:Discover your 'why' in life and business.Understand why you learn most by failing.Recognise and hone your transferable skills as a professional and entrepreneur.Episode Highlights[04:50] The Beginning of Jo’s Entrepreneurial Career[07:56] Worrying about the Unknown in Business[10:56] Honing the Skills Within[14:21] What Hinders Our Transferable Skills[17:41] Think about Your Why[20:00] Learning by Failing[25:21] Jo’s ‘Why’[30:32] Putting Boundaries in Place for Your Business[33:51] How to Manage the Reality of Running a Business[38:33] Getting Advice from People Who Have Done It Before[42:37] Unrecognised Transferable Skills of People in High-Stress Jobs[47:26] Making Time for Exploration[49:53] Jo’s Top Three TipsResourcesConnect with Jo Watkins: Website | Instagram | Email | LinkedInBook a 4D Coaching and Mentoring session with Jo.Help inspire the next generation of awesome humans with The HOW People. THRIVE Weekly PlannerSign up here to receive a link to the episode workbook and CPD form downloads for each podcast. You can use them for reflection and to submit for your appraisal.Enjoyed This Podcast?Write a review and share this with your friends.Connect With MeHave any questions? Contact Rachel through these platforms:LinkedIn: @Dr-Rachel-Morris Twitter: @DrRachelMorrisEmail: hello@youarenotafrog.comFind out more about our training here.Mentioned 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.

May 9, 2023 • 22min
Why We Become Terrible in a Crisis
As a medical professional, facing high-stress situations every day might make you think you can handle anything. But the truth is, decisiveness isn't always what you want when things go wrong. Not every crisis is the same. Sometimes, the best course of action is to take a step back and come back to the crisis later.In this quick dip episode, we uncover why we become terrible in a crisis, even as healthcare professionals. We explore how we typically react to stressful situations and their consequences. Then, we discuss strategies to ensure you've left the stress zone before you handle your crisis. It all begins with self-awareness and self-apprehension.Before anything, it's crucial to take a pause. If you want to know how to develop good crisis management skills for yourself and others, this episode is for you. Here are three reasons why you should listen to the full episode:Discover why being in our stress zone makes us terrible at dealing with crises.Learn the best course of action when you're backed into the corner.Find out how to make your own amygdala hijack rescue pack.Episode Highlights[00:29] Dealing with Crises as a Healthcare Professional[02:42] Why We Become Terrible in a Crisis[03:25] Four Choices When You are Backed into the Corner[04:39] The Amygdala’s Job[06:19] You are Responsible for Your Reaction to a Crisis[08:23] How to Deal with Being Backed into a Corner[10:56] Knowing What’s Urgent and What’s Not[12:16] Get Out of Your Stress Zone[16:44] Investigating the Stories in Your Head[18:20] Making Your Own Amygdala Hijack Rescue PackResourcesEpisode 157: The Power of Pressing PauseHow to Say No ToolkitTHRIVE Weekly PlannerSign up here to receive a link to the episode workbook and CPD form downloads for each podcast. You can use them for reflection and to submit for your appraisal.Enjoyed This Podcast?Write a review and share this with your friends.Connect With MeHave any questions? Contact Rachel through these platforms:LinkedIn: @Dr-Rachel-Morris Twitter: @DrRachelMorrisEmail: hello@youarenotafrog.comFind out more about our training here.

May 2, 2023 • 55min
Are You OK?
How often do you answer honestly when asked are you ok? Many people often say I’m’re ok even when you really aren’t. In truth, we aren’t ok. In today’s world, you’re faced with high-stress jobs, societal pressure and the uncertainty of the new normal. As we come out of the recent crisis, changed and unsure of who we are, it’s harder than ever to be ok.You have to recognize and accept when you’re not ok. In this episode, James Spice joins us for a conversation about what it means to be a human being who isn’t really ok. He asks the real questions that can help us become more aware of who we are and how we really feel. With his simple tools and strategies, you can learn to cope with not being ok and find out who you are after you’ve drastically changed from before.If you’re ready to accept that you’re not ok, you can learn what to do next when you tune in to this episode of Your Are Not a FrogHere are three reasons why you should listen to the full episode:Understand the impact of the recent crisis you and the world have gone through.Discover the new you in the new normal with the help of some great guide questions.Find out the next steps to take towards being ok.Episode Highlights[02:51] How the World Makes It Difficult to Be Ok[07:25] Who Are You In the New Normal?[13:37] It’s True, People Aren’t Ok.[16:16] The Rule of Thirds[20:31] Deciding What To Do To Be Ok[26:13] Recognising Your Values and Emotions[31:55] Shifting Into The New Normal[37:22] Living With Intention[40:47] How The Past Crisis Changed People[46:09] Taking the Steps To Be Ok[52:09] James’ Three Top TipsResourcesMen Are from Mars; Women Are from Venus by John GrayMyer-Briggs Type IndicatorInsights Discovery Connect with James Spice: LinkedIn | Website | EmailReach out to Rachel at hello@youarenotafrog.com Shapes Toolkit TrainingTHRIVE Weekly PlannerSign up here to receive a link to the episode workbook and CPD form downloads for each podcast. You can use them for reflection and to submit for your appraisal.Enjoyed This Podcast?Write a review and share this with your friends.Connect With MeHave any questions? Contact Rachel through these platforms:LinkedIn: @Dr-Rachel-Morris Twitter: @DrRachelMorrisEmail: hello@youarenotafrog.comFind out more about our training here.Mentioned 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.

Apr 25, 2023 • 13min
What’s Your Flight Plan?
Do you ever feel like someone else is running your life? Do you find yourself just following a set of instructions in everything you do? Without realising it, we often permit other people to control our lives. It's like living a life we don't enjoy on autopilot without questioning it The thing is, it's not too late to design your own flight plan. You have the power to take control and lead the life you want to live.In this quick dip episode, we highlight the importance of designing our own flight plan. We explain why working happier with your best interest in mind is the true key to success. You only have one life, and it is fully yours. Don’t let others take control of your happiness and success. Follow what it is that your heart truly wants.If you want to design your flight plan and start taking control of your life, stay tuned to this episode.Here are three reasons why you should listen to the full episode:Uncover why working harder doesn’t lead to happiness.Know what it’s like to take control of your time and your work.Learn how to design your flight plan.Episode Highlights[00:28] Your Flight Plan[02:45] How Do You Want to Live?[04:03] Happiness Leads to Success[05:33] How to Become Happy in Your Journey[08:28] Take Control of Your Life, Work and Time[10:55] Getting Close to Your Ideal LifeResourcesTHRIVE Weekly PlannerSign up here to receive a link to the episode workbook and CPD form downloads for each podcast. You can use them for reflection and to submit for your appraisal.Enjoyed This Podcast?Write a review and share this with your friends.Connect With MeHave any questions? Contact Rachel through these platforms:LinkedIn: @Dr-Rachel-Morris Twitter: @DrRachelMorrisEmail: hello@youarenotafrog.comFind out more about our training here.

Apr 18, 2023 • 1h 5min
How to Stay Calm through Complaints (Even When It’s Personal)
Can you keep cool when you receive a complaint about your work?Complaints are part and parcel of every profession. No matter how common they may be and how hard you work to avoid them, the anxiety that you’ll get one is always there. It’s even more nerve-wracking if you work in healthcare. Often, complaints come with threats of referral to a professional regulator. All of a sudden, your career might be on the line.This week, Dr Annalene Weston of Dental Protection Australia joins us to discuss how to stop taking complaints personally. We talk about the thought process that comes with patient complaints and discuss strategies on how to depersonalise and best deal with them.If you want to know the mindset shift that will change how you deal with complaints., listen to our full conversation in this episode of You Are Not a Frog.Here are three reasons why you should listen to the full episode:Learn the root of practitioners’ fear of receiving a complaint.Find out how you can shift your mindset around getting complaints.Discover the value of support when dealing with complaints inside and outside your control.Episode Highlights[04:41] Getting More Complaints in Healthcare[10:19] Getting Affected by Complaints Even When You’re Not at Fault[13:39] Fear of Complaint[18:42] Mindset Shift around Getting a Complaint[25:15] Understanding It from the Patient’s Point of View[34:21] Being Right vs Being Good in a Relationship[38:49] Dealing with Things Outside Your Control[43:20] Getting Struck Off[45:36] What Helps When Dealing with Complaints[53:42] How to Depersonalise Complaints[57:57] Annalene’s Top Three Tips in Dealing with Complaints[1:01:04] Forgive YourselfResourcesDental Protection AustraliaConnect with Dr Annalene Weston: LinkedIn | TwitterEpisode 78: Complaints and How to Survive Them Ep1: Preparing to Fail Well with Drs Sarah Coope, Annalene Weston and Sheila BloomerEpisode 80: Complaints and How to Survive Them Ep2: What to Do When You Make a Mistake with Drs Clare Devlin and Dr John PowellEpisode 82: Complaints and How to Survive Them Ep3: Surviving the Process with Drs Jessica Harland, Caroline Walker, and Heidi MounseyFrederik Imbo: How not to take things personally | TED TalkGetting to Yes by Roger Fisher and William UryDownload our free ‘Just Say No’ toolkitTHRIVE Weekly PlannerSign up here to receive a link to the episode workbook and CPD form downloads for each podcast. You can use them for reflection and to submit for your appraisal.Enjoyed This Podcast?Write a review and share this with your friends.Connect With MeHave any questions? Contact Rachel through these platforms:LinkedIn: @Dr-Rachel-Morris Twitter: @DrRachelMorrisEmail: hello@youarenotafrog.comFind out more about our training here.Mentioned 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.

Apr 11, 2023 • 15min
Why Can’t I Say No
Too often, we say yes to every request and every demand, even when it's not what we want. It's not about people-pleasing. It's about your values. But ask yourself, is it worth it? Is sacrificing your peace and well-being a worthy cost of validating your internal dialogue? In a world that applauds the grind, learning to say no will keep you grounded. Setting boundaries helps you care for yourself. When you care for yourself, you can look after others to the best of your ability.In this quick dip episode, we uncover the root of the problem of our struggle with saying no. We flesh out the people-pleasing tendencies and internal shame around setting boundaries. Your value does not equate to how hard you work and how much you give yourself to other people. Set yourself free from the internal stories and scripts you’re telling yourself. Once you do, you can get clear on what truly matters.If you want to know how to start saying yes to yourself, stay tuned to this episode.Here are three reasons why you should listen to the full episode:Uncover the two myths about people pleasing.Discover the heart of why we struggle to set boundaries and say noLearn strategies that will help you start saying no without guilt and shame.Episode Highlights[00:00] On People Pleasing[00:58] Why We Struggle to Say No[04:31] Feeling Shame in Setting Boundaries[07:05] How to Start Saying No[10:55] Your ValueResourcesEpisode 152: How Perfectionism and Shame Lead to Stress and BurnoutEnneagram Personality TestDownload our free ‘Just Say No’ toolkitTHRIVE Weekly PlannerSign up here to receive a link to the episode workbook and CPD form downloads for each podcast. You can use them for reflection and to submit for your appraisal.Enjoyed This Podcast?Write a review and share this with your friends.Connect With MeHave any questions? Contact Rachel through these platforms:LinkedIn: @Dr-Rachel-Morris Twitter: @DrRachelMorrisEmail: hello@youarenotafrog.comFind out more about our training here.


