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.

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, 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

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!

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   

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/