Pause Purpose Play

By 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 fre... more

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FAQs about Pause Purpose Play:

How many episodes does Pause Purpose Play have?

The podcast currently has 271 episodes available.

Pause Purpose Play episodes:

September 17, 2026ADHD, perfectionism and burnout: Nuances, boundaries and lived experience, with Kate Moryoussef
When two ADHD experts get together to talk about neurodivergence, we can skip the basics and go so much deeper.
In this episode, I'm joined by Kate Moryoussef — ADHD coach, EFT practitioner, author of The ADHD Women's Wellbeing Toolkit, and host of the ADHD Women's Wellbeing Podcast — to explore what it really takes to navigate life as a late-identified neurodivergent woman.
We dive into the complex reality of managing your capacity, navigating perimenopause alongside ADHD, unlearning lifelong perfectionism, and why true well-being goes far beyond quick social media hacks. Kate shares openly about her own lived experience, the reality of post-event energy crashes, and how she builds a supportive ecosystem to burn bright without burning out.
In this episode, we cover:
The deep need for in-person connection and finding "your people" as a late-diagnosed woman
The intersection of ADHD, perimenopause, and lifelong hormonal struggles
Protecting your energy, honoring bodily cues, and navigating post-adrenaline crashes
Why self-identification is valid and how to support yourself while on long assessment waitlists
Moving beyond the binary of ADHD as either a "superpower" or a curse
Setting boundaries around sleep, screen time, and constant dopamine consumption
The hidden perfectionism behind workaholism, people-pleasing, and the internal "not enough" narrative
Why coaching, therapy, and nervous system regulation work together as a holistic toolkit
The future of neurodivergence assessments and moving toward more fluid, holistic diagnostic pathways
Key reminder
You don't need to tick every box, fix everything, or prove your worth by pushing past your limits. Whatever you have done today is enough, and you are worthy of rest.
About Kate Moryoussef
Kate is a Women's ADHD Lifestyle and Wellbeing Coach, EFT practitioner, author, and podcast host. Diagnosed at 40, she combines lived experience with professional expertise to help women understand themselves with clarity, compassion, and realistic, sustainable strategies.
Connect with Kate
Website: www.adhdwomenswellbeing.co.uk
Listen to Michaela’s guest episode on Kate's podcast: https://www.adhdwomenswellbeing.co.uk/podcast
Resources & Links
✨ Join my free Nervous System Reset to help you move from overwhelm to calm (without having to sit still!): www.thethomasconnection.co.uk/reset
✨ Golden Event (London, October 9th): An intimate day for nine women to pause, restore capacity, and build purpose without burnout: https://thethomasconnection.thrivecart.com/golden-in-person-event-oct-2026/
Enjoyed this episode?
Please follow the podcast, leave a rating or review, and share this episode with someone who is navigating a new diagnosis or trying to find the words to speak to the doubters. It helps more people discover Pause, Purpose, Play and supports the podcast to reach those who need it most.
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1h 5min
September 09, 2026 How to tell people you have ADHD (and deal with the doubters)
Have you recently received an ADHD diagnosis and immediately thought, "Who do I tell - and how?"

After all the relief, validation, and processing, sharing your diagnosis can feel like a massive, terrifying leap of vulnerability. You might wonder what to say to your partner, family, or colleagues, while secretly dreading responses like, "But you're so organized!" or "Isn't everyone a little bit ADHD these days?"

In this solo episode, I share how to navigate disclosing your neurodivergence, how to protect your emotional safety, and what to do when faced with doubters, critics, or classic ADHD myths.

In this episode we explore:

• Why sharing your diagnosis is entirely your choice - and why you don't owe anyone a "big reveal"

• The importance of starting with your "green light" safe people before tackling harder conversations

• Why the first person you need to share and integrate this diagnosis with is yourself

• Reframing ADHD as a lens to see yourself through rather than a restrictive label

• How diagnosis helps you unpeel old, harmful labels like "lazy," "careless," or "flaky"

• The crucial difference between an explanation and an excuse

• Unpacking high masking, perfectionism, and why "you don't look like you have ADHD" is a common response

• Why you don't need to enter "courtroom mode" or prove your diagnosis to anyone

• Practical scripts and responses for handling common comments from doubters

• What other people’s reactions reveal about their ability to hold safe, compassionate space for you

If you've been feeling overwhelmed about how to navigate these conversations - or if the biggest doubter you're facing is the voice inside your own head - this episode is your reminder that you get to set the boundaries and go at your own pace.

Join me in person at Golden – 9th October in London
A space to connect, unmask, and be around women who get it - without having to explain yourself.
Golden In Person Event October 2026

Enjoyed this episode?
Please follow the podcast, leave a rating or review, and share this episode with someone who is navigating a new diagnosis or trying to find the words to speak to the doubters. It helps more people discover Pause, Purpose, Play and supports the podcast to reach those who need it most.
...more
33min
August 06, 2026Slow down to get clarity faster: Why rest isn't laziness (especially with ADHD)
Do you ever feel like you're so busy trying to keep up that you can't actually think?
When you have ADHD, a busy brain, or you're juggling work, family and everyone's needs, it can feel impossible to find the mental space to make decisions. Ironically, the harder you push for clarity, the harder it becomes to find it.
In this solo episode, I share why slowing down isn't the opposite of productivity - it's often the fastest route to clear thinking, creativity and problem-solving.
Using the story of hosting my very first Summer Reset in my garden (complete with an impulsively purchased hot tub!), I explore what happened when I stopped rushing, trusted the process and allowed my nervous system enough space to think differently.
In this episode we explore:
Why your brain struggles to solve problems when you're stuck in threat mode
The psychology behind slowing down to gain clarity
ADHD, creativity and why spaciousness matters
How regulating your nervous system improves decision-making
Why "having a go" often works better than waiting until you feel ready
Practical ways to create moments of mental space in everyday life
The surprising power of walking, showers and quiet reflection for unlocking new ideas
How perfectionism keeps us stuck - and what to do instead
If you've been feeling overwhelmed, mentally blocked or like you're constantly reacting rather than creating, this episode is your reminder that sometimes the most productive thing you can do is pause.
✨ Join the September Summer Reset in Leighton Buzzard (limited to just eight women):
https://thethomasconnection.thrivecart.com/hot-tub-reset/
🎧 Enjoyed this episode?
Please follow the podcast, leave a rating or review, and share it with someone who could use permission to slow down today. It helps more people discover Pause Purpose Play and supports the podcast to reach those who need it most.
...more
16min
July 31, 2026Why bright ADHD children struggle: Understanding Twice Exceptional (2e) kids, with Emma Hetherington
Have you ever looked at your child and thought, "They're incredibly bright... so why are they finding school, friendships or everyday life so hard?"
If so, this episode is for you.
I'm joined by Emma Hetherington, founder of Kind of Extraordinary, to unpack what it really means to be Twice Exceptional (2e) – when a child is both gifted and neurodivergent, such as ADHD, autism, dyslexia or another learning difference.
We talk about why these children are so often misunderstood, why their strengths can hide their struggles (and vice versa), and why so many bright neurodivergent children fall through the cracks.
As both clinicians and parents of twice exceptional children ourselves, this conversation is packed with practical examples, personal stories and plenty of reassurance that you're not imagining things.
In this episode we explore:
What Twice Exceptional (2e) actually means
How giftedness is also being differently wired, or neurodivergent
Why gifted children can also have ADHD, autism or dyslexia as part of neurodivergence
How bright children can mask their struggles at school
Why schools sometimes miss both giftedness and neurodivergence
The "spiky profile" that many 2e children have
Perfectionism, anxiety and burnout in bright neurodivergent children
Why 2e children ask "why?" about everything
Parenting strategies that build connection instead of conflict
How to better understand and advocate for your child
Whether you're parenting a gifted ADHD child, wondering if your autistic child is also highly able, or recognising parts of yourself in this conversation, I hope this episode helps you feel seen.
Resources & Links
✨ Join my free Nervous System Reset to help you move from overwhelm to calm (without having to sit still!): www.thethomasconnection.co.uk/reset .

Connect with Emma:
www.kindofextraordinary.co.uk
Instagram @kindofextraordinary
TikTok @emma_kindofextraordinary

💛 If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the podcast, leave a review and share it with another parent who needs to hear this conversation.
...more
1h 32min
July 08, 2026Parental burnout in ADHD families
Parental burnout isn't the same as feeling tired after a difficult day.

It's an evidence-based psychological syndrome that can develop when the demands of parenting consistently outweigh the resources available to meet those demands.

In this episode, I'm exploring what parental burnout actually is, why ADHD and neurodivergent families may be at greater risk, and the hidden role that perfectionism can play in keeping us stuck. If you've ever found yourself thinking, "I don't recognise the parent I've become," this episode is for you.

In this episode, we explore:
What parental burnout is (and how it's different from everyday parenting stress)
The four signs of parental burnout, based on the research of Professors Moïra Mikolajczak and Isabelle Roskam
Why ADHD parents and parents of neurodivergent children may be particularly vulnerable
How perfectionism quietly fuels parental burnout
Three practical, evidence-informed ways to begin recovering from parental burnout
Why support is scaffolding, not failure
If this conversation resonates, I hope you'll remember one thing:
Parental burnout isn't a sign you've failed your children. It's often a sign you've been trying to be a good parent for too long without enough support.

🥘This episode also mentioned Simmer Eats - not a paid affiliate, but genuinely a useful resource I treat myself to. As someone who knows that ADHD brains often struggle with meal planning, cooking and decision fatigue, I'm delighted to partner with Simmer Eats. Their high-protein, chef-made frozen meals have become a genuine staple in my freezer for those days when I need something nourishing without the mental load. You can save 50% off your first order using my link: www.simmereats.com/r/michaela-SJU

💛Free nervous system reset
If you're feeling overwhelmed, constantly "on", or like your nervous system never gets a chance to switch off, I've created a free guided Nervous System Reset to help you pause, regulate and reconnect with yourself.
Join it here: www.thethomasconnection.co.uk/reset

If you found this episode helpful, I'd be so grateful if you could follow the podcast, leave a review, or share it with another parent who might need to hear that they're not alone.
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28min
July 01, 2026When your ADHD child is excluded from childcare
When your child is excluded from childcare, after-school club or wraparound care, the practical impact is obvious. But the emotional impact is often hidden.

In this episode, I'm talking about the shame, grief and isolation that many parents experience when the support they rely on suddenly disappears. Because for families raising neurodivergent children, losing childcare isn't just an inconvenience – it can remove one of the few opportunities parents have to work, recover or simply catch their breath.

If you've ever received that difficult phone call, been told a setting "can't meet your child's needs", or found yourself wondering, "What happens now?", I hope this episode helps you feel a little less alone.

In this episode, we explore:
The hidden emotional impact of being excluded from childcare or wraparound care
Why parents often carry shame when their child is struggling
The difference between a child whose needs exceed a setting's capacity and a child who is "too difficult"
Why losing childcare also means losing vital support for parents
Letting go of self-blame when systems aren't able to meet your child's needs
Why grieving the loss of support is a completely valid response
If this episode resonates, I hope you'll remember this:
Your child's needs are not a reflection of your worth as a parent. Sometimes families need more support than the systems around them are able to provide.

💛Free nervous system reset
If you're carrying the emotional weight of parenting and your nervous system feels constantly on high alert, I've created a free guided Nervous System Reset to help you pause, regulate and reconnect with yourself.

Join it for free here:
www.thethomasconnection.co.uk/reset

If you found this episode helpful, I'd be so grateful if you could follow the podcast, leave a review, or share it with another parent who might need to hear that they're not alone.
...more
15min
June 03, 2026Why ADHD parents feel guilty about needing support
Ever felt guilty for using after-school club, holiday club, childcare, or asking for help?

In this episode, I'm talking about something many parents carry quietly: the guilt and shame of needing support.
Whether you're the last parent at pickup, relying on wraparound care to make life work, or trying to parent an intense, sensitive, or neurodivergent child without a village around you, this episode is for you.

I explore why support isn't failure, why childcare can be a form of scaffolding rather than a sign you're not coping, and why taking care of yourself is often one of the most caring things you can do for your child.

Because your child isn't in childcare because you don't care.
They're there because you do.

In this episode, we cover:
Why modern parenting was never meant to be done alone
The guilt many parents feel about needing childcare and support
Parenting intense, sensitive and neurodivergent children
Why support is scaffolding, not failure
The impact of burnout on family life
How childcare can help you recover, regulate and reconnect
Releasing the shame of not being able to do it all yourself
If you've ever wondered whether you're a bad parent for needing a break, I hope this episode offers a gentler perspective.

If you're a woman navigating ADHD, perfectionism, burnout, or the pressure of holding everything together, I'd love to invite you to explore how we can support you.

To get my latest unhinged musings and get inspiration for how you can better meet your own emotional needs, make sure to get my Friday newsletter here:
www.thethomasconnection.co.uk/newsletter
...more
14min
May 20, 2026 Hormones, ADHD, and Perimenopause: Brain Fog, PMS/PMDD, and Practical Support with Dr. Fionnuala Barton
In 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.

...more
1h 18min
May 13, 2026Why ADHD gets missed in high-achieving women
Do 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.
...more
23min
May 06, 2026Grief doesn’t follow a plan. And ADHD brains don’t process it in a straight line.
In 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
...more
16min

FAQs about Pause Purpose Play:

How many episodes does Pause Purpose Play have?

The podcast currently has 271 episodes available.