Podcast
Pause Purpose Play
Hosted by Michaela Thomas · EN
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 and founder of The Thomas Connection, shares bite-sized learning around psychology of performance, habits, self-confidence, stress, anxiety, perfectionism, parenthood and couples relationships.
The podcast will mix solo episodes with guest interviews; diving deep into their professional zone of genius and learning about how they have found pause, purpose and play in their life and in their work.
My new book, The Lasting Connection, is available now from all good bookshops.
29episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Hormones, ADHD, and Perimenopause: Brain Fog, PMS/PMDD, and Practical Support with Dr. Fionnuala Barton
2w ago01:17:56Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Pause, Purpose, Play, we dive deep into the powerful connection between shifting hormones and neurodivergence with Dr Fionnuala Barton, also known as The Menopause Medic. We explore how the natural fluctuation and decline of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone can drastically worsen ADHD symptoms both across the monthly menstrual cycle and throughout perimenopause. These hormonal shifts often show up unexpectedly as heightened anxiety, cognitive changes, and intense brain fog, leaving many women struggling with word-finding, memory gaps, constant distractibility, and zoning out. Left unmanaged, this combination significantly increases the risk of complete burnout. Dr Barton explains why these symptoms frequently intensify during the luteal phase right before a period, and emphasizes that it is never too early to seek medical support, even for those under the age of forty-five. Throughout our conversation, we cover the vital importance of ruling out overlapping factors like iron deficiency and Premature Ovarian Insufficiency. We also demystify the medical side of hormone health, discussing sensitivity to contraception, the trial-and-error process of finding the right HRT delivery method, and how to distinguish between PMDD, traditional PMS, and perimenopausal tracking. We talk about practical, everyday strategies that support your brain and body without the pressure of perfectionism. Dr Barton shares foundational lifestyle habits centered around quality sleep, consistent hydration, and steady nutrition packed with complex carbohydrates, protein, fiber, calcium, omega-3s, vitamin D3/K2, and creatine. We wrap up with actionable advice on how partners can step in to provide meaningful support, making this a must-listen episode for anyone navigating the intersection of ADHD and hormone health.
Transcribe →Why ADHD gets missed in high-achieving women
3w ago00:22:09Tap to summarizeDo you look like you’re coping on the outside… whilst feeling overwhelmed underneath it all? Many high-achieving women with ADHD go undiagnosed for years because they appear successful, capable and “high functioning” externally — whilst internally battling chronic overwhelm, perfectionism, anxiety and exhaustion. In this episode of Pause Purpose Play, Clinical Psychologist and ADHD specialist Michaela Thomas explores why ADHD gets missed in high-achieving women, and the hidden cost of masking, overcompensating and holding everything together. Inside the episode, Michaela explores: ADHD masking and overfunctioning in women why intelligent and successful women often get missed the “good girl” adaptation and perfectionism ADHD burnout and nervous system overwhelm the difference between coping and truly thriving why many women don’t seek support until later in life Because many women with ADHD were never truly “fine”. They simply became exceptionally skilled at hiding the struggle — from others and from themselves. If this episode resonates and you’d like to explore ADHD assessment further, head on over to www.thethomasconnection.co.uk/adhd to learn more about compassionate online and in-person ADHD assessments for women.
Transcribe →Grief doesn’t follow a plan. And ADHD brains don’t process it in a straight line.
4w ago00:15:52Tap to summarizeIn this episode, I’m sharing a more personal reflection on what it’s actually like to move through grief when your brain is already wired for intensity, sensitivity, and self-questioning. Because one of the things I’ve noticed…n is how quickly grief can get mislabelled as avoidance. You might think: “Why can’t I just get back to normal?” “Am I slipping?” “Do I just need more discipline?” But what if that’s not what’s happening at all? In this episode, we explore: The difference between avoidance vs readiness after grief (and why that matters) How your nervous system processes loss (and why you feel so tired) The productivity pressure ADHDers carry, to push through and perform What it means to listen inward instead of overriding yourself Gentle ways to support yourself when you feel raw, slower, or not quite ready Want support with this work? If this episode resonates, this is exactly the kind of space I create inside my coaching work — where we move away from burnout and pressure, and towards self-trust, nervous system safety, and sustainable ways of living and working with ADHD. Join me in person at Golden – 15th May in London A space to connect, unmask, and be around women who get it—without having to explain yourself. Golden In Person Event May 2026
Transcribe →A Compassionate Reframe for Chronic Lateness, ADHD, and Executive Function Struggles
Apr 3000:25:19Tap to summarizeI explain that “time optimist” isn’t my term but a gentler Swedish alternative to “time blindness,” reframing chronic lateness and overcommitting as optimism about what fits into limited time rather than moral failure. From an ADHD and executive-function lens, I describe how difficulty sensing time’s passage, prioritizing, task initiation, distraction, and hyperfocus can lead to double-booking, missed deadlines, and “deadline dancing,” even when people care deeply and feel shame. I discuss how stress can worsen planning and focus, how punctuality varies by brain wiring and socialization, and why rigid professions can be harder than flexible work arrangements. I connect time optimism with procrastination, perfectionism, people-pleasing, burnout, and self-criticism, especially under modern pressures. I share practical supports like visual timers, time tracking, adding buffers, tolerating being early, reflecting on how rushing feels, and using self-compassion as motivation to change.
Transcribe →ADHD and feeling ‘too much’? You’ve just not found your people yet
Apr 800:13:04Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Michaela explores the difference between trying to fit in and truly belonging, especially for ADHD and neurodivergent women who’ve been labeled “too much”—too sensitive, intense, chatty, or emotional. She reflects on how our bodies often sense when something is off in social settings, from subtle exclusions to polite but insincere connections, and how this can fuel overthinking and rejection sensitivity. Michaela also shares how things change when you’re with the right people: less replaying conversations, more ease, and the start of unmasking—not by force, but in the presence of safety. Events mentioned in this episode: Sweden ADHD Women’s Retreat (11–14 June) A small, curated space (only 5 spots) for rest, reflection, and connection https://thethomasconnection.thrivecart.com/shine-retreat-2026/ Golden – London (15 May) A brunch-style in-person event to pause, reflect, and connect with like-minded women https://thethomasconnection.thrivecart.com/golden-in-person-event-may-2026/
Transcribe →ADHD and feeling like you don’t fit in — why being yourself hasn’t always felt safe
Apr 100:12:58Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Michaela Thomas talks about the common feeling of not fitting in—especially for late-identified ADHD women—and how it can create a constant background self-monitoring of how we come across. She shares a personal moment of feeling “too much” on the school run while wearing bright pinks, and how small daily flickers of self-consciousness can build into a belief that we’re different and need to adapt by overexplaining, overapologizing, shrinking, or camouflaging to feel safe and accepted. Drawing on Brené Brown’s distinction between fitting in and belonging, Michaela explores how these coping strategies often come from past experiences of criticism, misunderstanding, or exclusion, and how the cost can be exhaustion, social burnout, loneliness, and losing a sense of self. She close with a compassionate reframe: you don’t need to change who you are to belong—you may just need the right people and spaces, including my London meetup on May 15. Join Michaela: Golden – London (15 May) A brunch-style in-person event to pause, reflect, and connect with like-minded women https://thethomasconnection.thrivecart.com/golden-in-person-event-may-2026/
Transcribe →Why your ADHD brain needs space to wander
Mar 2600:16:04Tap to summarizeIf you feel constantly “on” - ticking off tasks, replying to messages, holding everything together - this episode is your reminder that your best thinking doesn’t happen in the busy… it happens in the pause. In this solo episode, Michaela Thomas explores the power of deeper reflection - and why creating space (not more productivity) is often the missing piece for ADHD brains. From a simple walk through London to imagining a retreat in Sweden, this episode invites you to rethink what rest, creativity, and problem-solving really look like. In this episode, Michaela covers: Why constant busyness blocks creativity and insight The role of the default mode network (DMN) in ADHD — and why mind-wandering is not a flaw How “being away with the fairies” might actually be where your best ideas live The hidden cost of executive functioning overload (yes, even by 9am…) Why rest doesn’t have to mean being still or silent How movement (walking, swimming, singing) can unlock reflection and emotional processing The power of unstructured space vs over-planned routines A reframe on retreats — from “doing” to being, connecting, and allowing Events mentioned in this episode: Sweden ADHD Women’s Retreat (11–14 June) A small, curated space (only 5 spots) for rest, reflection, and connection https://thethomasconnection.thrivecart.com/shine-retreat-2026/ Golden – London (15 May) A brunch-style in-person event to pause, reflect, and connect with like-minded women https://thethomasconnection.thrivecart.com/golden-in-person-event-may-2026/
Transcribe →Neurodiversity at Work: Employment Lawyer Jodie Hill on Unlocking Neurodivergent Potential
Mar 1901:00:36Tap to summarizeWhen neurodivergence isn’t properly understood at work, even highly capable people can end up struggling without the right support. In this episode, Michaela Thomas is joined by employment lawyer Jodie Hill, founder of Thrive Law, to explore reasonable adjustments, psychological safety, and how employers can better support neurodivergent staff to thrive. Drawing on both legal and psychological perspectives — from Jodie Hill’s work in employment law and Michaela's work delivering neurodivergence training and compassionate leadership development — they explore what happens when capacity is mistaken for capability, and how to build compassionate, psychologically safe and neuroinclusive workplaces where people don’t just cope, but truly flourish. In this episode, they cover: * the difference between capability and capacity * what reasonable adjustments really mean in practice * why unsupported neurodivergence can look like underperformance * the role of psychological safety in disclosure and support * common mistakes employers make * when a role may be the wrong fit and how to handle that with compassion and lawfulness A powerful conversation for both employees and employers, especially during Neurodiversity Celebration Week. If your organisation is looking to better support neurodivergent staff, Michaela delivers psychological neurodiversity training, leadership development, and culture change programmes through all-staff training and executive coaching. Read more on www.thethomasconnection.co.uk To work with Jodie and her team at Thrive Law, head to www.thrivelaw.co.uk If this episode resonates, do share it with someone navigating neurodiversity at work.
Transcribe →Active rest through knitting, with Mia Hobbs
Mar 1200:50:03Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Pause Purpose Play podcast, host Michaela welcomes clinical psychologist and knitting enthusiast Dr. Mia Hobbs. The conversation explores the therapeutic benefits of knitting, especially for those dealing with perfectionism, mindfulness challenges, and ADHD. Dr Hobbs, co-founder of Creative Restoration and host of the Why I Knit podcast, shares her insights on how knitting can be used as a tool for self-care and mental well-being. The episode delves into the common traps knitters face, such as perfectionism, and emphasises the importance of engaging with creative activities. It also touches on the social and psychological benefits of knitting, making it a metaphor for life and a means of active rest and relaxation. Connect with Mia Hobbs: creativerestoration.org
Transcribe →Problem solver or problem creator? The ADHD Paradox
Mar 400:17:36Tap to summarizeMany ADHD leaders are brilliant in a crisis. Quick thinking. Pattern spotting. Calm under pressure. But what if the same brain that thrives in urgency is also quietly creating it? In this episode, Michaela explores: Why ADHD nervous systems light up in chaos The link between dysregulation and “micro-mistakes” Shame loops around small accidents The difference between responsibility and self-attack Why slowing down sharpens your leadership rather than softening it If you’re tired of constantly fixing fires - this conversation will help. 🌿Join Me in Sweden — Shine Retreat 2026 Ready to step out of reactive mode and into steady, sustainable leadership? Shine Retreat 2026 is a restorative, psychology-informed immersion for high-achieving women who want to burn bright without burning out. Regulate your nervous system. Reconnect with purpose. Lead from clarity instead of chaos. Swim in a lake, sit in a sauna, wander in the woodlands and just... be. 👉Learn more here and put down a deposit to secure your place - only 6 spots available!
Transcribe →