Pause Purpose Play

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If 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/   

When 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.

In 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  

Many 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!  

Are you under performing… or are you under-supported? In this episode, I reflect on delivering neurodivergence training to managers and unpack a powerful workplace question: when someone isn’t meeting expectations, is it capability — or context? Through a compassion-focused lens, we explore: The difference between equality and equity Why clarity around feedback and expectations matters deeply How rejection sensitivity can distort workplace communication Why ADHD is an explanation, not an excuse The shame–overwork–burnout cycle many high achievers fall into How psychological safety improves performance for everyone Neurodivergent performance may not look neurotypical — and that doesn’t make it wrong. Whether you're a leader supporting staff or someone quietly masking and overworking to hide your struggles, this episode invites a shift: from blame to curiosity, from fear to compassion. Want to build a more neuroinclusive workplace? I deliver talks and training across the UK on neurodivergence, psychological safety and compassionate leadership. Connect with me: LinkedIn Website Let’s help your people thrive — not just survive.

When a child can’t get into school, it’s often labelled as “refusal”.  But what if it’s not won’t… it’s can’t? In this episode, I’m joined by psychologist Dr Carolyne Keenan to unpack Emotion-Based School Avoidance (EBSA) — what it really is, what it isn’t, and how parents can navigate this incredibly complex space with compassion. In this episode, we cover: What EBSA actually means (and why it’s not about defiance or manipulation) The difference between “won’t” and “can’t” Early signs to look out for (tummy aches, shutdown, irritability, “fizzing” bodies) Why children often seem fine at weekends or in holidays Burnout in children — and why “push through” can backfire The emotional toll on parents (work pressure, guilt, exhaustion) Why making home “less fun” is not the answer The tension between attendance targets and emotional safety How to respond in the early stages to prevent escalation The spectrum of EBSA — from subject-specific avoidance to full shutdown Practical ways to seek support (schools, councils, local offers) Why education is not one single narrow path Key reminder If reassurance alone fixed this, EBSA wouldn’t exist. Sometimes the bravest parenting move is softening, pausing, and prioritising safety over forcing attendance. About Dr Carolyne Keenan Carolyne is a Registered Counselling Psychologist specialising in anxiety, family stress, and Emotion-Based School Avoidance. She offers 1:1 support, consultations, and runs a 12-week programme for parents called Survive EBSA. Carolyne's website: www.carolynekeenan.co.uk If this episode resonates, please share it with a parent who needs to hear:  It’s not defiance. It’s distress.

A Therapist’s Reframe on Six “Healthy” Wellness Habits on Social Media Many wellness habits shared online are well-intentioned. But when taken to extremes, they can quietly feed pressure, perfectionism and burnout. In this solo episode of Pause Purpose Play, Clinical Psychologist Michaela Thomas offers a gentle therapist’s reframe on six “healthy” wellness habits often promoted on social media - not as a takedown of influencers, but as an invitation to explore with what actually supports psychological health in an evidence-based way. In this episode, Michaela explores: Why constant optimisation keeps us stuck in performance mode The myth that being “regulated” means always being calm How overfunctioning gets mistaken for resilience When self-care tips into self-absorption The difference between assertiveness and aggression when setting boundaries Why attacking your inner critic often backfires This episode is for anyone who’s doing all the “right” things — yet still feels exhausted. ✨ Ready to step out of performance mode? If this resonated, you’re invited to The Reset — a short, therapist-led nervous system reset as a mini-course you do on your own, designed to help you slow down, soften, and create steadiness without self-criticism. 👉 www.thethomasconnection.co.uk/reset

What if “eating well for ADHD” isn’t another set of rules - but a way to support your nervous system, mood and focus with more self-trust and less perfectionism? In this episode, Michaela chats with clinical neuroscientist and nutrition researcher Dr Miguel Toribio-Mateas about the gut–brain axis, why food matters for ADHD (without turning it into a restrictive fixation), and how self-care for ADHD is more about regulation than optimisation. You’ll hear about: Why nutrition impacts ADHD (building blocks, blood sugar, hydration, cravings) The gut–brain–nervous system link (and why ADHD isn’t “just in the brain”) Why perfectionism + restriction can make ADHD symptoms worse, not better Practical, ADHD-friendly approaches: good-enough meals, shortcuts, and flavour “dopamine” The permission slip: you can be ADHD AF and still feel fabulous About Dr Miguel Dr Miguel Toribio-Mateas is a clinical neuroscientist, applied microbiologist and nutrition researcher specialising in nutritional psychiatry and the gut–brain axis. He’s the author of the upcoming book ADHD: Brain, Body & Mind. Want a calmer, steadier nervous system — without forcing yourself into rigid routines? Join the Reset here: www.thethomasconnection.co.uk/reset

If you’re an ADHD or neurodivergent woman, the pressure to be “acceptable” can feel relentless: capable but not chaotic, confident but not difficult, adaptable but not too much. This episode explores why patriarchy amplifies perfectionism for neurodivergent women - and how real male allyship can help reduce that pressure. One for your partner to listen to! Episode overview I’m joined by Lee Chambers, founder of Male Allies UK, to talk about what authentic male allyship actually looks like — beyond performative support or social media statements. We discuss: Why perfectionism becomes a survival strategy for ADHD women How patriarchal norms punish difference and reward masking The invisible load of caregiving and emotional labour How men can be allies without centring themselves or creating more work for women Why this matters Patriarchy doesn’t just disadvantage women - it narrows who we’re allowed to be. For neurodivergent women, that narrowing is sharper, harsher, and more exhausting. Reset If this conversation stirred something, tiredness, recognition, or that familiar “oh… it’s not just me”, you might benefit from Reset, my gentle, science-informed experience for women who are burning out from trying to hold it all together. It’s a chance to pause, soothe your nervous system, and reconnect with yourself - without needing to fix or improve anything first. www.thethomasconnection.co.uk/reset