In this episode, I’m joined by Jess as we dive into her journey through corporate life, burnout, parenting, and building a business that actually feels aligned. Jess was also my coach for 6 months and I've been waiting to try and get her on for a while now!

Jess shares what it was like growing up around parents with psychology backgrounds, seeing burnout up close, and how her own experiences shaped the way she now works and lives.

We talk honestly about pressure, the kind you choose, the kind that’s put on you, and the kind you don’t even realise you’re creating for yourself.

We talk about those moments where you realise something has to give:

The internal battles.

The guilt.

The pressure to keep going.

We also talk about those tough moments in life, the ones that feel like too much at the time, and how they’re often the ones we look back on and realise shaped us, made us stronger, and pushed us to grow.

This isn’t a “perfect story” episode. It’s real life. The messy middle. The pressure. The moments where something has to change. And it's a must listen!

FOLLOW JESS ON INSTAGRAM:

jessbatescoaching: Instagram

Jess's Business and Mindset Coaching: Jess Bates | Business Coaching & Mentoring | for coaches and service based businesses

FOLLOW RICH ON INSTAGRAM:

Instagram: Rich Bagnall - ILM Qualified Coach and Mental Health Nurse (@rb_burnoutcoach) • Instagram photos and videos

1:1 Coaching Programme: Work With Me | Rich Bagnall Stres

Email: [email protected]

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This one’s a really powerful conversation. In this episode I sit down with Cathy, a weight loss coach, but honestly… this goes way beyond just food and weight.

We get into the stuff that actually matters. Not just what you eat, but how it all links with your mindset, your nervous system, and the way you see yourself.

We talk about:

• Why most diets don’t work (and why that’s not your fault)

• The cycle of yo-yo dieting and how people get stuck in it

• How your relationship with food is shaped over time

• The pressure society puts on us to look a certain way, and where that actually comes from

• And how all of this connects to stress, burnout, and how you feel day to day

There’s a big part of this conversation around unlearning.

Unlearning the rules. Unlearning the guilt. Unlearning the idea that you’re the problem. Because you’re not.

We also get into how nourishment, movement, nervous system regulation and mindset all work together.

Not in a perfect, rigid way…but in a real, human way that actually fits into your life.

I really enjoyed this one. It’s honest, it’s refreshing, and it challenges a lot of what people have been told for years. And I know you’ll take something from it. If you’ve ever felt stuck in that cycle of trying, failing, starting again this one’s definitely worth a listen

FOLLOW CATHY ON INSTAGRAM:

@dietculture.dropout Instagram

FOLLOW RICH ON INSTAGRAM:

Instagram: Rich Bagnall - ILM Qualified Coach and Mental Health Nurse (@rb_burnoutcoach) • Instagram photos and videos

1:1 Coaching Programme: Work With Me | Rich Bagnall Stres

Email: [email protected]

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I’m joined by Jodie, a nurse, a mum, and someone who has been on a powerful journey of rediscovering who she is after being diagnosed with ADHD.

We talk honestly about what it was like for Jodie growing up and never fully understanding herself. We then move in to how she managed work, family life, and everything else that comes with being an adult, while also trying to make sense of her own mind and identity.

Our conversation moves through acceptance, masking who we really are to fit in, and the toll that can take when you’ve spent years trying to keep up or appear like you’ve got it all together. Jodie shares openly about the challenges she’s faced along the way, but also the understanding and pride that has come from learning more about herself.

This episode is about making sense of why we are the way we are, embracing the lessons that come from life’s challenges, and finding confidence in who we’ve become.

It was such an honest and thoughtful conversation, and I’m really excited to share it with you.

FOLLOW JODIE ON INSTAGRAM:

@theleveridges Instagram

FOLLOW RICH ON INSTAGRAM:

Instagram: Rich Bagnall - ILM Qualified Coach and Mental Health Nurse (@rb_burnoutcoach) • Instagram photos and videos

1:1 Coaching Programme: Work With Me | Rich Bagnall Stres

Email: [email protected]

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Most people think regulating their nervous system means calming down. Breathing slower. Meditating harder. Journalling more.

And when that doesn’t work? They assume they’re doing it wrong.

In this episode, Jane (creator of the MirrorWalk Method) and I flip that on its head. Because it’s not that the tools are wrong. It’s that we’ve been using them the wrong way round.

If your system is stuck in survival mode, forcing calm can actually make things worse. Top-down tools – thinking, analysing, trying to relax your way out of stress – often aren’t what a dysregulated system needs.

Why?

Because 80% of the messages that regulate your nervous system travel from your body to your brain. Not the other way round.

So we don’t start with “calm your thoughts.”

We start with safety in the body.

We talk about:

• Why joy isn’t indulgent – it’s regulatory

• Why movement beats white-knuckling stillness

• Why rhythm and familiarity matter more than you think

• Why trying to “relax properly” can backfire

And then Jane shares her MirrorWalk Method – a simple but powerful bottom-up practice that’s exploding for a reason (over 40k followers on Instagram).

Because it works.

This isn’t another “just breathe” conversation. It’s honest. It’s energising. And it might completely change how you think about stress and regulation.

This is genuinely one of the best conversations I’ve had.

If you’ve been trying to force calm and wondering why it’s not landing…You need to hear this one.

FOLLOW JANE ON INSTAGRAM:

@herfireconfidence - Instagram

The MirrorWalk Method - Jane (@herfireconfidence) | Stan

FOLLOW RICH ON INSTAGRAM:

Rich Bagnall - ILM Qualified Coach and Mental Health Nurse (@rb_burnoutcoach) • Instagram photos and videos

1:1 Coaching Programme: Work With Me | Rich Bagnall Stres

Email: [email protected]

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Jan and I get properly stuck into what stress really looks like in real life, not just the theory, but the day-to-day reality of trying to juggle work, family, responsibility and everything else life throws at us.

We talk about navigating uncertainty, especially when work feels unstable or overwhelming, and how easy it is to lose sight of what actually matters when you’re stuck in survival mode. We explore meaningful work, identity, and what happens when you’ve been “just coping” for so long that you forget what feeling well even looks like.

We get into the science of stress and recovery in a really down-to-earth way, what’s happening in the nervous system, why so many people can’t switch off even when they’re exhausted, and why rest often feels harder than pushing through.

Jan shares lots of practical wisdom around boundaries, self-care (the real kind, not the Instagram version), and how small daily habits can either keep us stuck… or gently bring us back to ourselves.

This is one of those conversations that feels like a deep breath. Honest, relatable, and full of reminders that you don’t need to overhaul your whole life overnight, but you do need to stop ignoring what your system has been trying to tell you.

If you’ve been feeling stuck in stress, running on empty, or like you’ve lost a bit of yourself along the way… this one’s for you.

FOLLOW RICH ON INSTAGRAM:

Rich Bagnall - ILM Qualified Coach and Mental Health Nurse (@rb_burnoutcoach) • Instagram photos and videos

1:1 Coaching Programme: Work With Me | Rich Bagnall Stres

Email: [email protected]

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I’m joined by Ben Russell, host of the Couch to Coached podcast and we’re having a proper honest conversation about what happens when life just quietly piles up.

Ben shares his story of starting a business, supporting his elderly parents, raising a family, and trying to keep everything afloat… until his mental health started to suffer and burnout crept in.

We talk about what that actually looked like day to day, the pressure no one else really sees, the guilt, the self-blame, and that feeling of “I should be coping better than this.”

Ben also opens up about losing his mum, the complex emotions that came with that, and how grief can sit alongside relief when the pressure you’ve been carrying finally shifts.

A big part of Ben’s recovery has been running, and we get into how movement helped him manage stress, clear his head, and start feeling more like himself again. And he shares how Couch to Coached became more than just a podcast, it became part of how he looked after himself.

We also talk about Ben’s ADHD and autism diagnosis, how that’s helped him understand himself better, and why neurodivergent nervous systems can experience stress and burnout differently.

This episode is for anyone who’s been trying to be everything to everyone, quietly struggling, and wondering why they feel so overwhelmed.

You’re not weak. You’re not failing.

Sometimes life just gets heavy, and you don’t have to carry it alone.

FOLLOW RICH ON INSTAGRAM:

Rich Bagnall - ILM Qualified Coach and Mental Health Nurse (@rb_burnoutcoach) • Instagram photos and videos

1:1 Coaching Programme: Work With Me | Rich Bagnall Stres

Email: [email protected]

FOLLOW BEN AND THE COUCH TO COACHED PODCAST:

Ben's Instagram

Couch to Coach Instagram

Books mentioned in the podcast:

• Dopamine Nation
• The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F**k
• The Let Them Theory
• The dose Effect

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s episode, Tina, a Senior Sister on Critical Care, opens up about her journey through burnout. She describes what it was really like to reach the point of exhaustion, giving everything to work, holding it together for everyone else, and completely neglecting herself in the process.

When we first started working together, Tina was in a dark place, overwhelmed, anxious, constantly running on empty, with no boundaries and no energy left for the things or people she cared about most. Through coaching, everything began to shift. Each session helped her untangle the guilt, challenge the stories keeping her stuck, and start rebuilding from the inside out. Together, we worked on mindset, boundaries, and self-compassion, practical tools that helped her take back control, one small step at a time.

Now, Tina’s calmer, more confident, and leading both at work and in life from a place of strength rather than survival. She’s proof that coaching isn’t about “fixing” people, it’s about guiding them back to themselves, helping them see that change is possible, and empowering them to create a life that actually feels like theirs again.

If you’ve ever thought “I can’t keep doing this” this episode will show you what’s possible when you stop trying to survive alone and start investing in yourself.

Takeaways

• Burnout can happen to anyone, regardless of their role or responsibilities.
• Recognising the signs of burnout is crucial for recovery.
• Coaching can provide valuable tools and support for managing stress.
• Setting boundaries is essential for maintaining mental health.
• Self-compassion is key to overcoming feelings of shame and guilt.
• It's important to prioritise self-care and personal well-being.
• Speaking up about mental health struggles can help others feel less alone.
• Creating a toolbox of coping strategies can aid in recovery.
• Social support is vital during difficult times.
• Transformations take time, and it's okay to seek help along the way.

FOLLOW RICH ON INSTAGRAM:

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/rb_burnoutcoach/

CONTACT US BY EMAIL: [email protected]

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In todays episode, Rich invites James Harvey on to The Revive and Thrive podcast. As you will know from the previous episode, James is an organisational development trainer in his local acute hospital trust, and the leader of the Men's Health Group there. We start by discussing the importance of looking after staff and the complexities around this, before moving on to the importance of men's health, the challenges men face in today's society, and the significance of opening up about mental health issues. James shares his personal experiences, including the loss of his brother and the impact this had on him at the time, reflecting on how he navigated through this difficult time, and then on to how this influenced his work in promoting men's health. The conversation emphasises the need for supportive environments where men can feel comfortable discussing their struggles and seeking help.

Takeaways

• Men often struggle to talk about their feelings and health issues.
• Creating a supportive environment is crucial for men to open up.
• Personal experiences can drive passion for promoting men's health.
• Leadership plays a vital role in shaping workplace culture.
• Men's health groups can provide a safe space for discussion.
• The stigma around men's health needs to be addressed.
• Comparison to others can lead to feelings of inadequacy.
• Encouraging men to seek help is essential for their wellbeing.
• Physical health checks are often neglected by men.
• Talking to someone can significantly improve mental health.

Access James's other Men's Health Group podcasts below:

https://vimeo.com/showcase/11783324?share=copy

FOLLOW REVIVE AND THRIVE:

INSTAGRAM: Revive & Thrive (@reviveandthrive_pod) • Instagram photos and videos

CONTACT US BY EMAIL: [email protected]

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Revive and Thrive, Rich switches seats and joins James Harvey, host of his local acute Trust's Men’s Health Group podcast.

They dive into the signs and symptoms of stress and burnout in men, the role societal expectations and "lad culture" play in shaping mental health, and the importance of practical coping tools like exercise and speaking up.

While the focus is on men’s wellbeing, this episode offers valuable insight for everyone. If you've ever felt overwhelmed, burnt out, or unsure where to start, there’s something here for you.

Takeaways

• Stress and burnout are often hard to recognise in ourselves and others.
• Irritability and withdrawal are common signs of stress in men.
• Men often struggle to talk about their mental health due to societal pressures.
• Coping mechanisms like exercise can help manage stress effectively.
• Burnout is characterised by physical and mental exhaustion, leading to decreased productivity.
• Counselling should be part of a holistic approach to managing stress and burnout.
• Talking to friends about struggles can help normalise mental health discussions.
• Small steps towards mental wellbeing can lead to significant changes over time.
• It's important to recognise the difference between stress and burnout.
• Self-care practices are essential for maintaining mental health.

Access James's other Men's Health Group podcasts below:

https://vimeo.com/showcase/11783324?share=copy

FOLLOW REVIVE AND THRIVE:

INSTAGRAM: Revive & Thrive (@reviveandthrive_pod) • Instagram photos and videos

CONTACT US BY EMAIL: [email protected]

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Summary

In this conversation, Rich and Tasha discuss Tasha's journey through a breast cancer diagnosis, treatment, and the subsequent challenges of early surgical menopause. Tasha shares her experiences of navigating motherhood, work, and mental health while dealing with the emotional and physical impacts of her diagnosis. They explore the importance of community support, the need for aftercare, and the creation of the 'Too Young to Pause' group to help others facing similar challenges. Tasha emphasises the significance of self-compassion and the need for open communication with loved ones during difficult times.

Takeaways

• Conversations should feel relaxed and comfortable.
• Sharing personal stories can foster vulnerability and connection.
• Balancing work and parenting is a common struggle.
• Finding joy in small moments is essential for mental health.
• Stress and burnout can impact parenting and work life.
• A cancer diagnosis can be life-altering and traumatic.
• Mental health support is crucial during and after treatment.
• Community support can make a significant difference in recovery.
• Surgical menopause presents unique challenges that require understanding and support.
• Self-compassion is vital for those facing health challenges.

Connect with Tasha Brown:

Facebook Too Young To Pause Private Group - https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1HzEtemFSY/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Instagram Too Young To Pause - https://www.instagram.com/tooyoungtopause_staffordshire/

Instagram Broken Boobs to Forever Foobs - https://www.instagram.com/broken.boobs_to_forever.foobs/

Support as discussed in the episode:

The Osborne Trust - A small Charity founded by a lady called Emma who herself had Breast Cancer. The charity supports children of the parents diagnosed with cancer by providing resources where possible. Emma is currently navigating a second cancer diagnosis and still smashing it with the invaluable support she offers children nationally despite the treatment she is undergoing right now - The Osborne Trust - Supporting children during a parents Cancer treatment

Little Lifts if a small charity that provides care packages to those going through treatments such as chemotherapy and / or radiotherapy - Little Lifts | For People Affected by Breast Cancer

Macmillan Resources - https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/get-help/emotional-help/bupa-counselling-and-emotional-well-being-support

FOLLOW REVIVE AND THRIVE:

INSTAGRAM: Revive & Thrive (@reviveandthrive_pod) • Instagram photos and videos

CONTACT US BY EMAIL: [email protected]

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.