x

75% of people globally want unbiased news (Pew Research) but are concerned they're not getting that.

Get balanced coverage with Symby. See how stories are covered across diverse outlets and spot when one side covers a story the other skips.

PODCAST

Pause Purpose Play

Michaela Thomas

Imagine if you could follow your ambition without drowning in it – how much more fulfilling life would be? That’s what Pause Purpose Play is all about – finding balance over burnout by setting you free from needing to be perfect, so that you can take action and get started with what matters to you, instead of getting stuck in procrastination and holding yourself back with self-limiting beliefs your inner critic tells you. In this podcast, Michaela Thomas, Clinical Psychologist, Couples Therapist

health & fitness mental health

All Episodes

62:03

ADHD Nutrition Without the All-or-Nothing, with Dr...

Pause Purpose Play ·

2026/02/05

What if “eating well for ADHD” isn’t another set of rules - but a way to support your nervous system, mood and focus with more self-trust and less perfectionism?In this episode, Michaela chats with clinical neuroscientist and nutrition researcher Dr Miguel Toribio-Mateas about the gut–brain axis, why food matters for ADHD (without turning it into a restrictive fixation), and how self-care for ADHD is more about regulation than optimisation. You’ll hear about: Why nutrition impacts ADHD (building

en

62:34

Patriarchal pressure, perfectionism, and male...

Pause Purpose Play ·

2026/01/29

If you’re an ADHD or neurodivergent woman, the pressure to be “acceptable” can feel relentless: capable but not chaotic, confident but not difficult, adaptable but not too much. This episode explores why patriarchy amplifies perfectionism for neurodivergent women - and how real male allyship can help reduce that pressure. One for your partner to listen to! Episode overview I’m joined by Lee Chambers, founder of Male Allies UK, to talk about what authentic male allyship actually looks like — beyond

en

18:48

What your partner needs to know about ADHD

Pause Purpose Play ·

2026/01/22

If you've been diagnosed with ADHD, and your partner wants to know how to better support you - this episode is for you. If ADHD is creating tension, misunderstandings, or repeated arguments in your relationship - this episode is also for you. In this solo episode, Clinical Psychologist Michaela Thomas shares what she would want a partner to understand if they were sitting together in the therapy room. This episode isn’t about excuses or blame. It’s about understanding how ADHD affects

en

49:48

Drug free ADHD, with Joseph Pack

Pause Purpose Play ·

2026/01/15

In this episode of the Pause Purpose Play podcast, host Michaela Thomas welcomes Joseph Pack who discusses strategies for managing ADHD without medication. Joseph, founder of 'Drug-Free ADHD,' shares his journey of overcoming ADHD by focusing on lifestyle changes instead of medication. The conversation delves into various approaches, including breath work, cold and hot water exposure, diet adjustments, movement, and the critical importance of quality sleep. Joseph and Michaela emphasise that these

en

40:22

Why Busy Brains Burn Out: Matt Buff on Purpose,...

Pause Purpose Play ·

2026/01/08

In this episode of the Pauses Purpose Play podcast, host Michaela Thomas speaks with Matt Buff, founder of the wellbeing and supplement brand Get Dopa. They discuss Matt’s journey through understanding and managing his ADHD, overcoming perfectionism, and the importance of self-compassion. Matt shares his experience of burning out in a high-pressure corporate job, discovering his ADHD, and subsequently creating a brand to support busy minds. The conversation highlights the importance of integrating

en

16:16

Why “New Year, New Me” resolutions don't work for...

Pause Purpose Play ·

2026/01/01

In this episode of the Pause Purpose Play podcast, clinical psychologist Michaela Thomas discusses the pressure and myths surrounding the 'New Year, New Me' mentality. Michaela advocates for setting compassionate, intention-driven goals instead of rigid, outcome-based resolutions which can often lead to self-criticism and burnout. She explains the importance of being gentle and realistic, especially for neurodivergent individuals, and suggests focusing on manageable, long-term changes. Michaela also

en

18:28

Pressure building up, so is the conflict in ND families

Pause Purpose Play ·

2025/12/25

In this episode of the Pauses Purpose Play podcast, host Michaela Thomas discusses the challenges and tensions that arise during festive holidays and offers advice on maintaining compassion and connection with partners, especially in neurodivergent families. Michaela highlights the importance of self-compassion, meeting emotional needs, and understanding the dynamics of relationships. She talks about her book, 'The Lasting Connection,' and its accompanying online course, 'The Compassionate Couple,'

en

20:35

Calm the overwhelm at Christmas

Pause Purpose Play ·

2025/12/18

Already feeling stretched by the festive season? This episode is your invitation to slow down and protect your energy. In this solo episode of the Pause Purpose Play podcast, Clinical Psychologist Michaela Thomas explores why the holiday season can feel so overwhelming and draining, especially for women with busy brains, ADHD traits, or perfectionistic tendencies - and how to move through it with more intention and self-compassion. Michaela introduces the idea of balancing what drains you with what

en

28:06

What Happens Before, During and After an ADHD...

Pause Purpose Play ·

2025/12/11

If you’ve been wondering what actually happens in an ADHD assessment, or you’re thinking about booking one but feel unsure about the process, this solo episode walks you through everything you need to know. Michaela breaks down what to expect before, during and after an adult ADHD assessment, based on her clinical process at her psychology practice The Thomas Connection. Whether you’re exploring a diagnosis for yourself or supporting someone you care about, this episode brings clarity,

en

46:32

Running for mental health and ADHD, with Dr Chloe...

Pause Purpose Play ·

2025/12/04

Have you ever wondered whether running is helping your mental health… or draining it?In this episode, we dig into the real relationship between running and wellbeing - when it is helpful and when it is less helpful, or even outright harmful, to push the body through running exercise and marathons. I’m joined by Counselling Psychologist and passionate runner Dr Chloe Bedford for an honest, compassionate conversation about the complex dynamics between running, identity, and emotional regulation,

en

15:40

Black Friday & ADHD - How to Avoid Impulsive Spending

Pause Purpose Play ·

2025/11/27

Black Friday is basically engineered to hijack an ADHD brain.Countdown timers, flashing banners, urgency emails — it’s the perfect storm for impulsive buying and dopamine-driven decisions. In this short solo episode, Clinical Psychologist and ADHD specialist Michaela Thomas shares three quick, compassionate strategies to help you navigate Black Friday with intention, self-trust, and calm, rather than getting pulled into impulsive spending. You’ll learn how to pause before you buy, check your

en

69:46

Burnout, business and ADHD, with Mother Cuppa Tea...

Pause Purpose Play ·

2025/11/20

What happens when midlife hormones, ADHD traits, and the demands of running a business all collide?For many women, it’s the beginning of a powerful - and often messy - transformation and evolution. In this episode of the Pause Purpose Play podcast, Clinical Psychologist Michaela Thomas speaks with Candice Mason, founder of Mother Cuppa Tea, about the realities of female entrepreneurship, hormone upheaval, and navigating neurodivergence in midlife. Candice shares her candid journey through

en

46:33

Breakdowns, business freedom and permission slaps,...

Pause Purpose Play ·

2025/11/13

What if the way you’ve been taught to succeed is the very thing burning you out?In a world that glorifies overwork, perfectionism and endless productivity, it can feel almost radical to rest, slow down, or say “no”. But that is where your business freedom lies. In this episode of the Pause Purpose Play podcast, Clinical Psychologist Michaela Thomas speaks with Jo Hooper, founder of the Me First Method, about the mental health impact of patriarchal and capitalist work cultures — and how to build a

en

49:08

ADHD and High Performance in Sport and Exercise with...

Pause Purpose Play ·

2025/11/06

You can be passionate about your exercise or sport, and still burn out from it. Have you ever pushed yourself so hard to “do better” or beat a personal best, that the joy disappeared?For many perfectionistic or ADHD minds, exercise can be too much of a good thing, so how to balance that is exactly what this episode unpacks. In this episode of the Pause Purpose Play podcast, Clinical Psychologist Michaela Thomas speaks with Dr. Josephine Perry, Chartered Sport and Exercise Psychologist, about the

en

12:00

What it really looks like to prioritise yourself

Pause Purpose Play ·

2025/10/30

(A compassionate nudge for busy, neurodivergent women and perfectionists)You know you should prioritise yourself — but what does that actually look like when you’re juggling ADHD, business, motherhood, and perfectionism? In this episode of Pause Purpose Play, Clinical Psychologist and ADHD specialist Michaela Thomas explores what real self-care looks like beyond bubble baths and quick fixes. She shares the three types of clients she sees — from those running on empty to those beginning to create

en

12:44

You don't have to sacrifice to be successful

Pause Purpose Play ·

2025/10/22

You’ve seen the posts - “If you’re not up at 4am journalling and hitting the gym, do you even want success?”Michaela says: that's the pressure of perfection coming from the patriarchy - let that stuff go. In this short solo episode, Clinical Psychologist and ADHD specialist Michaela Thomas shares why you don’t need to burn out to build something brilliant. She unpacks how hustle culture is ableist, unsustainable, and particularly harmful for neurodivergent women and mums with ADHD, whose energy is

en

12:00

What it really looks like to prioritise yourself

Pause Purpose Play ·

2025/10/16

In this episode of the Pause Purpose Play podcast, host Michaela Thomas discusses the importance of prioritizing self-care, especially for perfectionistic individuals and those with ADHD. She categorises her clients into three groups based on their progression in self-compassion and self-care and explains how each group can benefit from her Burn Bright program. Michaela provides real-life examples of women who have benefitted from prioritising themselves, setting boundaries, and managing energy,

en

12:13

"Can't stop, won't stop" vs "Can't start, can't...

Pause Purpose Play ·

2025/10/15

Ever swing between unstoppable energy and complete inertia - buzzing with ideas one day and paralysed by overwhelm the next?In this episode, Michaela explores two sides of the ADHD experience she calls the Meerkat and the Sloth. One can’t stop, the other can’t start - and both are trying to help you. You’ll learn why these shifts aren’t inconsistency or failure, but signs of an ADHD brain managing energy and safety. Michaela shares how to move from shame to self-compassion, and find balance between

en

14:08

Another face of ADHD: 'High-Functioning' women...

Pause Purpose Play ·

2025/10/08

Are you “too well” to get help for ADHD?In this solo episode, I shine a light on one of the most overlooked faces of ADHD — the women who look like they’re “coping” but are really over-functioning themselves into burnout. You’ll hear why being told you’re “too well” or “not struggling badly enough” can be just as invalidating and harmful as being dismissed entirely, and why support is still essential even if you appear to be managing. What you’ll learn in this episode: * "The many faces of ADHD" as

en

14:14

From “I Should” to “I Choose To”: Stop forcing...

Pause Purpose Play ·

2025/10/01

In this episode of the Pause Purpose Play podcast, host Michaela Thomas explores the concept of 'musturbation' and the harmful effects of forcing oneself to achieve goals out of obligation and fear. She highlights the importance of shifting from a mindset of 'should' to one of 'choose,' promoting self-compassion and conscious decision-making. Michaela encourages listeners to replace self-critical thoughts with intentional, value-driven choices, improving their mental well-being and productivity

en

251 results

Similar Podcasts

Доктор Тройняшкин

Доктор Тройняшкин

The Dry Eye Treatment PODCAST

Dry Eye Treatment

Différent et alors ?

PATRICK SULAY

Kyle Kingsbury Podcast

Kyle Kingsbury

The Real Weight Loss Coach

Matty Lansdown