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.
34episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
What your partner needs to know about ADHD
Jan 2200:18:48Tap to summarizeIf 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 nervous systems, emotions, communication, and relationships — and what actually helps, rather than makes things worse. In this episode, we explore: Why ADHD is not an excuse, but is an explanation Why “trying harder” often leads to more shame and burnout, not change What happens when someone with ADHD is stuck in rumination or emotional collapse Why logic and reassurance don’t land when the nervous system is dysregulated Rejection sensitivity (RSD) and how tone, silence, and facial expressions can be misread How past relational wounds can be triggered in the present The common “parent–child” dynamic that can develop in ADHD relationships How to support your partner without taking over or eroding their agency A free resource for couples If this episode resonated, Michaela has created a free guide called Balance Your Relationship. It’s designed to help couples step out of blame and back into understanding — with compassion for both partners. Download the free guide here: http://thethomasconnection.co.uk/relationshipbalance/
Transcribe →Drug free ADHD, with Joseph Pack
Jan 1500:49:48Tap to summarizeIn 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 methods are not meant to replace medication but to offer alternative solutions for those who cannot or choose not to use medication. The episode concludes by highlighting the need for a nuanced and individualised approach to ADHD management. Connect with Joseph: Website: www.drugfreeadhd.org Instagram: www.instagram.com/josephpackcom/
Transcribe →Why Busy Brains Burn Out: Matt Buff on Purpose, Pressure and Building Get Dopa
Jan 800:40:22Tap to summarizeIn 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 pauses, purpose, and play into one’s life, maintaining self-awareness, the role of supplements in enhancing daily function, and the significance of building a balanced and fulfilling life. Listeners are encouraged to embrace their strengths and practice self-compassion, creating a life that suits their unique needs.
Transcribe →Why “New Year, New Me” resolutions don't work for ADHD women
Jan 100:16:16Tap to summarizeIn 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 introduces her online course, the Compassionate Couple, and shares a special discount offer in honor of her birthday.
Transcribe →Celebrating 205 Episodes: Michaela’s Podcast Journey and Overcoming Imperfection
Jan 23, 202500:41:06Tap to summarizeIn this special episode of 'Pause Purpose Play,' Michaela is interviewed by her friend Dr. Claire Plumley as they celebrate the podcast surpassing 200 episodes. Michaela discusses the inception of her podcast during the COVID-19 pandemic, the impact it has had on listeners, and her motivations for starting it. The conversation explores Michaela's journey, her experiences with ADHD, and the challenge of balancing planning with spontaneous creativity. They talk about Michaela's various projects, including Burnbright, her associate practice, and other ventures. Moreover, Michaela shares personal anecdotes, reflections on her favourite episodes, and strategies she employs for self-care and emotional regulation. This episode offers listeners an intimate look into Michaela's experiences and the evolution of her podcast, along with valuable insights for entrepreneurs and content creators.
Transcribe →"Sleeping Well: Dr. Ranj Singh on Anxiety, Wellbeing, and Self-Compassion"
Jan 16, 202500:53:15Tap to summarizeHaving trouble sleeping? Join for some useful tips as Clinical Psychologist Michaela Thomas chats with the brilliant Dr. Ranj Singh - NHS Doctor, Furniture Village Sleep and Wellness Ambassador and TV presenter - about sleep, anxiety and wellbeing. Discover how sleep is linked with hormone regulation, anxiety, stress, burnout - and even ADHD. Dr. Ranj shares his top tips for better sleep hygiene, managing stress, and sprinkling some self-compassion into your daily routine. Plus, hear how Dr Ranj handles criticism from social media trolls with grace, and why dancing like nobody's watching might just be the lift we all need. Ready to give yourself permission to have better sleep? Tune in now! Connect with Dr Ranj Singh on Instagram: @drranj We cover: 01:06 The Importance of Sleep 04:22 Short-term and Long-term Effects of Poor Sleep 07:44 Improving Sleep Quality 13:40 Self-Compassion and Sleep 18:05 Purpose and Meaning in Life 24:41 Navigating Social Media and Comparison 28:00 Balancing Inspiration and Pressure 29:33 The Reality of Imperfection 33:19 Finding Joy in Social Connections 38:34 The Power of Authenticity 44:46 Handling Criticism and Social Media 48:19 Final Takeaways and Self-Compassion Think your sleeping problems are linked with ADHD? Take a look at Michaela’s ADHD membership community, The ADHD Club: www.thethomasconnection.co.uk/adhdclub
Transcribe →Permission to play - unapologetically as you are, with Jade Cook
Jan 9, 202500:16:40Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Pause Purpose Play podcast, host Michaela Thomas interviews Jade Cook, founder and lead facilitator of Spectrum Community Arts. The conversation explores Jade's experiences with her neurodivergent brain while running a business, the significance of formal diagnoses, and the importance of self-compassion. Michaela discusses the benefits of diagnosis beyond self-identification, including access to support, and provides resources for those considering the assessment process. https://thethomasconnection.co.uk/adhd/
Transcribe →New Year pressures don't work for ADHDers
Jan 2, 202500:12:15Tap to summarizeIn 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.
Transcribe →Why compassion is the answer to the ADHD shame spiral
Dec 26, 202400:14:21Tap to summarizeIn 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
Transcribe →How ADHD Assessment Can Improve Mental Health —Why It’s All Connected
Dec 19, 202400:15:04Tap to summarizeIn 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
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