Pause Purpose Play

In this New Year 2025 episode of the Pause Purpose Play podcast, host Michaela discusses the challenges neurodivergent individuals face with New Year's resolutions. She encourages listeners to set intentions that prioritise well-being and self-care over traditional achievement goals. Michaela shares her yearly themes and advises balancing effort and ease, being realistic, and surrendering to one's unique needs. She invites listeners to reflect on their intentions and emphasises the importance of compassionate, sustainable practices for lasting change.

In this episode of the Pause Purpose Play podcast, host Mikayla Thomas, a clinical psychologist specializing in compassion, ADHD, and perfectionism, delves deep into the concept of shame, particularly among individuals with ADHD. Thomas explains how shame, often external and stemming from societal judgment, exacerbates the struggles of those with ADHD. She discusses the importance of self-compassion in breaking the 'shame spiral' and offers practical advice on how to manage shame and adopt a more understanding and supportive approach towards oneself. Thomas also emphasises the need for compassionate assessments and provides various strategies to counteract shame and create sustainable change. 00:00 Welcome and Introduction 00:37 Understanding the Shame Spiral 01:49 External Sources of Shame 03:59 Compassion as a Solution 05:35 Practical Tips for Self-Compassion 10:03 Impact of Negative Comments 12:30 Breaking the Cycle of Shame 13:05 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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

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 Stress 02:18 The Misconceptions and Internal Struggles 03:53 The Impact of Masking and Shame 06:37 Compassion as a Solution 08:40 The Urgency and Adrenaline Connection 10:10 Considering an ADHD Assessment 11:52 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

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.

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

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/