Welcome to Midlife Reclaimed—a podcast that has grown alongside my own story of burnout, recovery, and rediscovery in early midlife. I’m Shannon A. Swales, psychologist, writer, and midlife woman walking the path with you.
This podcast began as Burnout: A Different Kind of GAP Year, where I shared my lived experience of midlife burnout in real time—alongside the stories of guests who bravely opened up about their own burnout journeys. As I returned to my work as a psychologist supporting others through burnout, the podcast evolved into When Burnout Becomes Reality—a space to explore the truth of how burnout unfolds and how healing begins. I began interviewing fellow professionals (and reflecting on my own clinical insights) to help listeners access the knowledge and know-how to recover and grow from burnout.
Now, as Midlife Reclaimed, the podcast centres on the unique experiences of women in midlife—those feeling overwhelmed, stressed, disconnected, or simply stretched too thin. Here, we share life stories and professional wisdom to help you navigate this era of life in a way that feels more grounded, compassionate, and real.
It’s about helping you come home to yourself—so you can feel more present, more alive, and more connected to what truly matters.
Each month, you’ll hear rich conversations about burnout, identity shifts, self-worth, mental health, boundaries, and relationships—exploring what it truly means to reclaim your energy, your voice, and your life in midlife. These episodes are here to support you in this season of life—because this chapter is yours to reclaim.
Together, we’re rewriting the narrative—not as a midlife crisis, but as a midlife reclamation.
Want to Share Your Midlife Wisdom?
If you have a story, insight, or professional perspective that can help other midlife women feel less alone and more whole, I’d love to hear from you. Contact me here.
Connect & Grow
If you enjoy the Midlife Reclaimed Podcast, you may like:
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Welcome to Midlife Reclaimed—a podcast that has grown alongside my own story of burnout, recovery, and rediscovery in early midlife. I’m Shannon A. Swales, psychologist, writer, and midlife woman walking the path with you.
This podcast began as Burnout: A Different Kind of GAP Year, where I shared my lived experience of midlife burnout in real time—alongside the stories of guests who bravely opened up about their own burnout journeys. As I returned to my work as a psychologist supporting others through burnout, the podcast evolved into When Burnout Becomes Reality—a space to explore the truth of how burnout unfolds and how healing begins. I began interviewing fellow professionals (and reflecting on my own clinical insights) to help listeners access the knowledge and know-how to recover and grow from burnout.
Now, as Midlife Reclaimed, the podcast centres on the unique experiences of women in midlife—those feeling overwhelmed, stressed, disconnected, or simply stretched too thin. Here, we share life stories and professional wisdom to help you navigate this era of life in a way that feels more grounded, compassionate, and real.
It’s about helping you come home to yourself—so you can feel more present, more alive, and more connected to what truly matters.
Each month, you’ll hear rich conversations about burnout, identity shifts, self-worth, mental health, boundaries, and relationships—exploring what it truly means to reclaim your energy, your voice, and your life in midlife. These episodes are here to support you in this season of life—because this chapter is yours to reclaim.
Together, we’re rewriting the narrative—not as a midlife crisis, but as a midlife reclamation.
Want to Share Your Midlife Wisdom?
If you have a story, insight, or professional perspective that can help other midlife women feel less alone and more whole, I’d love to hear from you. Contact me here.
Connect & Grow
If you enjoy the Midlife Reclaimed Podcast, you may like:
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this powerful conversation, Shannon is joined by Lazz Tomic — a workplace wellbeing and early intervention specialist who’s lived both sides of burnout: as a professional advising on wellbeing, and as someone who burned out while doing that very work. Together they explore what happens when the system itself is tired — when workplace cultures built on productivity, compliance, and “doing more” begin to erode the wellbeing they claim to promote.
This episode explores:
It’s a reminder that wellbeing isn’t just self-care — it’s culture care. When the culture’s not well, none of us can be for long.
Guest: Lazz Tomic is a WorkCover, Injury Management, and Workplace Wellbeing Specialist dedicated to transforming how organisations care for their people. With over a decade of experience across major Victorian corporations, he brings lived experience of burnout and a commitment to designing workplaces that value humans over performance metrics. Founder of Early Intervention 2.0 — a free community for HR and OHS leaders — Lazz helps high-care sectors like healthcare, emergency services, social work, and education shift from a compliance mindset to one of compassion and shared responsibility.
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lazztomic
Join Early Intervention 2.0: LinkedIn Group
Book a chat: cal.com/lazztomic/30min
Host: Shannon Swales — Psychologist, writer, and midlife woman who’s walked through burnout and come out the other side. Through her clinical wisdom and lived experience, she helps women reconnect with themselves, reclaim energy, and grow through what once felt like breaking points.
If you enjoy the Midlife Reclaimed Podcast, join our community:
• Midlife Reclaimed Online Community — a place for women to come home to self
• Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn
• 1:1 Burnout Therapy
• Subscribe for a free eJournal to help you come back to yourself
Disclaimer: This podcast does not create a therapist–client relationship with Shannon A Swales. The views expressed are general and not a substitute for personalised therapy. If in distress, seek professional help — you don’t have to face it alone.
Engaging with this podcast does not intend to create, nor does it create, a therapist-client relationship between you and Shannon A Swales. All views, opinions, and tips expressed by me or my guests are general in nature and not a replacement for personalised therapy. As I have done for myself, I encourage anyone experiencing distress to seek professional support. In Australia, if you are in a life-threatening emergency, please dial 000. For immediate counselling, contact Lifeline (13 11 14) or 13YARN (13 92 76) for First Nation Australians. Stay safe, and remember—you don’t have to face your struggles alone.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, Shannon is joined by Dr. Stan Steindl to explore the true meaning of compassion — beyond kindness or a fleeting feeling — as a powerful practice that transforms how we relate to ourselves and others.
They unpack why so many of us, especially women in midlife, find it easier to give compassion than receive it, and explore the common fears and blocks that get in the way. Together, they discuss how shifting the tone of our inner voice softens self-criticism without losing motivation, and why compassion is about doing what’s good for us, not just what feels good.
Stan also shares a simple guided practice to help you begin widening your circle of compassion — to include yourself. 🌻🧡
Host: Shannon Swales: Psychologist, writer, and midlife woman who’s walked through burnout and come out the other side. Shannon combines clinical wisdom with lived experience to support others navigating chronic stress, burnout, and big life transitions. Through gentle conversations and evidence-based insights, she helps women reconnect with themselves, reclaim their energy, and grow through what once felt like breaking points.
Guest: Dr. Stan Steindl is a clinical psychologist, researcher, and author passionate about helping people understand and transform suffering through compassion. He is the creator of Compassion in a T-Shirt, a YouTube channel and podcast exploring self-compassion and compassion-focused therapy, and the author of The Gifts of Compassion and its companion workbook.
Connect with Stan’s work: stansteindl.com | Compassion in a T-Shirt | The Gifts of Compassion
If you enjoy the Midlife Reclaimed Podcast, join our community:
• Midlife Reclaimed Online Community - a place for women to come back home to self
• Social Media: Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn
• 1:1 Burnout Therapy here
Subscribe to my Mailing List and receive a free eJournal to assist in coming back to yourself.
Disclaimer: This podcast does not create a therapist-client relationship with Shannon A Swales. The views expressed are general & not a substitute for personalised therapy. If in distress, seek professional help. Remember—you don’t have to face your struggles alone.
Engaging with this podcast does not intend to create, nor does it create, a therapist-client relationship between you and Shannon A Swales. All views, opinions, and tips expressed by me or my guests are general in nature and not a replacement for personalised therapy. As I have done for myself, I encourage anyone experiencing distress to seek professional support. In Australia, if you are in a life-threatening emergency, please dial 000. For immediate counselling, contact Lifeline (13 11 14) or 13YARN (13 92 76) for First Nation Australians. Stay safe, and remember—you don’t have to face your struggles alone.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Welcome to Season 8 of Midlife Reclaimed! In this first solo episode of the new season, I’m introducing a fresh format: shorter, more focused episodes designed to fit gently into your month.
So many of us in midlife crave rest, yet when the moment finally arrives, it can feel deeply uncomfortable — even unsafe. In this episode, I explore why rest is harder than it looks, and how years of conditioning, caregiving, and productivity culture have shaped our resistance to slowing down.
Together, we’ll uncover the hidden barriers — from guilt and perfectionism to nervous system wiring — and learn how to meet them with mindful acceptance and compassion. This isn’t about doing rest “perfectly,” but about beginning, gently, to let rest in as a source of fuel and recovery.
If you’ve ever found yourself exhausted but unable to stop, this episode will remind you that you’re not failing — you’re human. And there are softer, kinder ways forward.
Host: Shannon Swales: Psychologist, writer, and midlife woman who’s walked through burnout and come out the other side. Shannon combines clinical wisdom with lived experience to support others navigating chronic stress, burnout, and big life transitions. Through gentle conversations and evidence-based insights, she helps women reconnect with themselves, reclaim their energy, and grow through what once felt like breaking points.
If you enjoy the Midlife Reclaimed Podcast, join our community:
• Midlife Reclaimed Online Community - a place to come back home to self
• Social Media: Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn
• 1:1 Therapy here
Subscribe to my Mailing List and receive a free eJournal to assist in coming back to yourself.
Disclaimer: This podcast does not create a therapist-client relationship with Shannon A Swales. The views expressed are general & not a substitute for personalised therapy. If in distress, seek professional help. Remember—you don’t have to face your struggles alone.
Engaging with this podcast does not intend to create, nor does it create, a therapist-client relationship between you and Shannon A Swales. All views, opinions, and tips expressed by me or my guests are general in nature and not a replacement for personalised therapy. As I have done for myself, I encourage anyone experiencing distress to seek professional support. In Australia, if you are in a life-threatening emergency, please dial 000. For immediate counselling, contact Lifeline (13 11 14) or 13YARN (13 92 76) for First Nation Australians. Stay safe, and remember—you don’t have to face your struggles alone.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, I sit down with Karina Schneider — a certified coach (ACC), Mental Health First Aid Instructor, and seasoned Global People & Culture Leader.
Karina has spent over 20 years working across consulting, healthcare, engineering, and non-profit sectors. Today, she combines her HR expertise with coaching and lived experience to help people return to work in a way that’s paced, meaningful, and mentally sustainable.
Together, they explore:
🎧 A must-listen for anyone navigating their way back into work — or rethinking what “work” even looks like.
Guest: Karina Schneider is a seasoned Global People & Culture Leader with over two decades of experience spanning consulting, healthcare, engineering and non-profit sectors. Her work is motivated by the commitment to foster positive and healthy workplaces experiences so that employees feel motivated to show up and perform at work. Karina also uses part of her time advocating for mental health awareness and support in the workplace; specifically creating compassionate practices on returning to work after a mental health absence. Karina Schneider HR Business Partnering, Organizational Development & Workplace Wellbeing Mental Health First Aid certified Instructor Visit my website | Connect with me on LinkedIn
Host: Shannon Swales: Psychologist, writer, and midlife woman who’s walked through burnout and come out the other side. Shannon combines clinical wisdom with lived experience to support others navigating chronic stress, burnout, and big life transitions. Through gentle conversations and evidence-based insights, she helps women reconnect with themselves, reclaim their energy, and grow through what once felt like breaking points.
If you enjoy the Midlife Reclaimed Podcast, join our community:
• Midlife Reclaimed Online Community - a place to come back home to self
• Social Media: Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn
• 1:1 Therapy here
Subscribe to my Mailing List and receive a free eJournal to assist in coming back to yourself.
Disclaimer: This podcast does not create a therapist-client relationship with Shannon Swales. The views expressed are general & not a substitute for personalised therapy. If in distress, seek professional help. Remember—you don’t have to face your struggles alone.
Engaging with this podcast does not intend to create, nor does it create, a therapist-client relationship between you and Shannon A Swales. All views, opinions, and tips expressed by me or my guests are general in nature and not a replacement for personalised therapy. As I have done for myself, I encourage anyone experiencing distress to seek professional support. In Australia, if you are in a life-threatening emergency, please dial 000. For immediate counselling, contact Lifeline (13 11 14) or 13YARN (13 92 76) for First Nation Australians. Stay safe, and remember—you don’t have to face your struggles alone.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This episode was groundbreaking for me—both personally and professionally. In my own journey through burnout, and in the stories I witness daily as a psychologist supporting midlife women, I’ve often sensed that there was something deeper—something unspoken—beneath the exhaustion, the disconnection, the collapse. Meeting Lora Cheadle and learning about betrayal as a root cause of burnout felt like discovering a missing link. Lora—an attorney turned coach, author, and speaker—generously shares her story and her powerful F.U.E.L UP framework for moving through betrayal and reclaiming your inner self. Whether it’s betrayal from a workplace, a partner, a friend, or even from within ourselves, Lora guides us toward recognition, healing, and reconnection. I’ll be forever thankful for this conversation, and I truly believe it’s a must-watch/listen for anyone navigating burnout, broken trust, or a longing to return to themselves.
Guest: LORA CHEADLE, JD CHt is an author, TEDx speaker, and leadership wellness coach who specializes in burnout and betrayal recovery. She shows burned-out professionals, teams, and organizations how to reframe burnout as betrayal so they can get to the root cause of their symptoms and stay engaged, productive, and happy for the long haul. She is the creator of the FUEL UP Burnout-Recovery Method and enjoys speaking and coaching on how to move beyond soothing the symptoms of burnout and resolve its root cause. Lora is the author of It’s Not Burnout; It’s Betrayal: 5 Tools to FUEL UP & Thrive, and the award-winning book FLAUNT!
Connect with Lora
Website: https://loracheadle.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/loracheadlelifechoreographer
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loracheadle/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LifeChoreographer/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lora-cheadle-lifechoreographer/
Host, Shannon Swales: Psychologist, writer, and midlife woman who’s walked through burnout and come out the other side. Shannon combines clinical wisdom with lived experience to support others navigating chronic stress, burnout, and big life transitions. Through gentle conversations and evidence-based insights, she helps women reconnect with themselves, reclaim their energy, and grow through what once felt like breaking points.
If you enjoy the Midlife Reclaimed Podcast, join our community:
• Midlife Reclaimed Online Community - a place to come back home to self
• Social Media: Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn
• 1:1 Therapy here
Subscribe to my Mailing List and receive a free eJournal to assist in coming back to yourself.
Disclaimer: This podcast does not create a therapist-client relationship with Shannon Swales. The views expressed are general & not a substitute for personalised therapy. If in distress, seek professional help. Remember—you don’t have to face your struggles alone.
Engaging with this podcast does not intend to create, nor does it create, a therapist-client relationship between you and Shannon A Swales. All views, opinions, and tips expressed by me or my guests are general in nature and not a replacement for personalised therapy. As I have done for myself, I encourage anyone experiencing distress to seek professional support. In Australia, if you are in a life-threatening emergency, please dial 000. For immediate counselling, contact Lifeline (13 11 14) or 13YARN (13 92 76) for First Nation Australians. Stay safe, and remember—you don’t have to face your struggles alone.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In episode 54 of Midlife Reclaimed, we dive into one of the most quietly complex areas of midlife burnout recovery—relationships and intimacy.
Whether you’re partnered or not, midlife often brings emotional and relational shifts that can leave us questioning what connection, desire, and closeness mean now. This conversation is an open, compassionate look at how burnout impacts intimacy—and how we can gently reconnect with ourselves and each other.
Together with a special guest expert, we explore:
- Why desire can feel like it disappears during midlife or burnout
- The most common relational challenges women face in this season
- What healthy intimacy actually looks like (and how to rebuild it)
- Practical steps for nurturing communication and closeness
This episode is a must-listen if you’ve ever wondered, “Is it supposed to feel this hard?” or “Can we get back to what we had—or something better?”
Guest: Isiah McKimmie is one of Australia’s most highly qualified Sex and Relationship Experts. She’s a Couples Therapist, Sex Therapist, Sexologist, and Coach who has spent over a decade helping women and couples build deeper intimacy and connection.
With two Master’s degrees (Relational Psychotherapy and Sexual Counselling), a Postgraduate Diploma in Sexology, and a certificate from the Institute for the Advanced Studies of Human Sexuality, Isiah combines clinical depth with practical tools.
Website: https://isiah-mckimmie.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isiahmckimmie.sexologist/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Isiah
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/isiah-mckimmie-52320153
She’s worked with thousands of people, writes a widely-read weekly advice column, lectures in Couples Therapy, and is known for her warm, relatable approach to topics many find difficult to talk about.
Host - Shannon Swales: a psychologist dedicated to empowering individuals with essential mental health skills to prevent, navigate & grow from midlife burnout. Having overcome burnout in her early midlife, Shannon guides others from chronic stress to wellness with balance & empathy. Join her as she shares transformative experiences & insights on growth through adversity.
If you enjoy the Midlife Reclaimed Podcast, join our community:
• Midlife Reclaimed Online Community: A space to come home to yourself - Find Out More & Join here
• Social Media: Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn @shannon.a.swales
• 1:1 Therapy: www.burnoutpsychologysupport.com/burnout-therapy
Stay in Touch: Subscribe to my Mailing List here and receive your very own eJournal to help you towards coming back to yourself.
Disclaimer: This podcast does not create a therapist-client relationship with Shannon Swales. The views expressed are general & not a substitute for personalised therapy. If in distress, seek professional help. Remember—you don’t have to face your struggles alone.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this solo episode, I invite you to see burnout through a different lens — not as a crisis to fear, but as a call for change, growth, and deeper self-connection.
Drawing from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), my own burnout journey, the inspiring work of Dr. Dina Glouberman (The Joy of Burnout), and the lived experiences of my clients, we’ll explore how burnout can be a doorway to a life more aligned with who you truly are.
Inside this conversation, we’ll dive into:
If you’re ready to move beyond fear and discover the deeper wisdom burnout holds, this episode is for you.
🌿 Burnout isn’t a sign that you’re broken — it’s a message that something deeper is calling for your attention.
Meet Shannon Swales—a psychologist dedicated to empowering individuals with essential mental health skills to prevent, navigate & grow from midlife burnout. Having overcome burnout in her early midlife, Shannon guides others from chronic stress to wellness with balance & empathy. Join her as she shares transformative experiences & insights on growth through adversity.
Connect & Grow
If you enjoy the Midlife Reclaimed Podcast, join our community:
Share Your Midlife Wisdom: Have professional &/or lived-experience insights on overcoming burnout or navigating midlife shifts? Email: shannon.a.swales@gmail.com
Disclaimer: This podcast does not create a therapist-client relationship with Shannon Swales. The views expressed are general & not a substitute for personalised therapy. If in distress, seek professional help. Remember—you don’t have to face your struggles alone.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In Episode 52, I’m joined by Nicole Gribble, owner and coach at This is Living Nutrition, and a coach at one of Australia’s most popular gyms—Fitstop.
Nicole works with adults across all life stages, but many of her clients happen to be midlife women—navigating stress, hormonal changes, and the question we all ask at some point:
“Why am I doing everything ‘right’ and still feel so tired?”
Together, we explore how nutrition can be a key player in reclaiming your energy, how to move away from all-or-nothing thinking around food, and what a realistic, flexible approach looks like in real life.
Whether you’re in the depths of burnout or just curious about how food could support your wellbeing more effectively, this episode is packed with practical tips and compassionate insights.
Grab a cuppa—or throw on your headphones while you meal prep or unwind—and let’s get into it.
Guest - Connect with Nicole Gribble: the owner and coach behind This is Living Nutrition and a coach at the popular Australian gym Fitstop. With a strong foundation in both nutrition and functional fitness, Nicole supports adults of all ages—both men and women—to find balance, energy, and nourishment through realistic, no-BS nutrition strategies. While she doesn’t exclusively work with midlife women, many of her clients fall into this stage of life and are navigating stress, hormonal shifts, and burnout. Nicole helps her clients break free from diet culture and perfectionism around food so they can feel empowered and supported in their everyday lives.
Host - Shannon Swales: a psychologist dedicated to empowering individuals with essential mental health skills to prevent, navigate & grow from midlife burnout. Having overcome burnout in her early midlife, Shannon guides others from chronic stress to wellness with balance & empathy. Join her as she shares transformative experiences & insights on growth through adversity.
If you enjoy the Midlife Reclaimed Podcast, join our community:
• Online Membership: Dive into Midlife Reclaimed—an empowering space for burnt-out midlife women - Find Out More & Join here
• Social Media: Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn @shannon.a.swales
• 1:1 Therapy: www.burnoutpsychologysupport.com/burnout-therapy
Stay in Touch: Subscribe to my Mailing List here
Disclaimer: This podcast does not create a therapist-client relationship with Shannon Swales. The views expressed are general & not a substitute for personalised therapy. If in distress, seek professional help. Remember—you don’t have to face your struggles alone.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Debbie Sorensen, a clinical psychologist, who specialises in helping midlife adults with burnout. Dr. Sorensen is the author of ACT for Burnout (2023), a guide for breaking the burnout cycle, and co-host of Psychologists Off the Clock. She shares insights on how burnout shows up uniquely in midlife and the common patterns she observes. We explore the role of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in managing and recovering from burnout. Dr. Sorensen offers practical ACT strategies that can be applied to daily life to support long-term well-being. We also reflect on our own personal journeys through burnout, discussing lessons that continue to shape our work and lives today.
Connect with Debbie:
W: www.drdebbiesorensen.com LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbie-sorensen/ Substack: https://substack.com/@drdebbiesorensen IS: https://www.instagram.com/drdebbiesorensen/
Pod: Psychologists Off the Clock, Book: Amazon ACT Daily Journal: Amazon Subscribe: sign up for my email list here.
Shannon Swales—a psychologist dedicated to empowering individuals with essential mental health skills to prevent, navigate & grow from midlife burnout. Having overcome burnout in her early midlife, Shannon guides others from chronic stress to wellness with balance & empathy. Join her as she shares transformative experiences & insights on growth through adversity.
If you enjoy the Midlife Reclaimed Podcast, join our community:
• Online Membership: Dive into Midlife Reclaimed—an empowering space for burnt-out midlife women - https://midlife-reclaimed.mn.co/
• Social Media: Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn
• 1:1 Therapy: www.burnoutpsychologysupport.com/burnout-therapy
Subscribe: sign up for my email list here.
Disclaimer: This podcast does not create a therapist-client relationship with Shannon Swales. The views expressed are general & not a substitute for personalised therapy. If in distress, seek professional help. Remember—you don’t have to face your struggles alone.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Vulnerability isn’t a weakness—it’s a superpower that fuels growth, resilience, and deeper connections. Yet, for many midlife women, embracing vulnerability can feel daunting, especially when navigating career shifts, evolving relationships, and changing identities. In this episode, we explore what vulnerability truly means, why it’s essential for navigating midlife with courage, and how it can become a catalyst for self-discovery and closer, more meaningful relationships. We’ll also unpack the societal pressures that discourage emotional openness and share practical strategies to embrace vulnerability in a way that feels empowering and safe. If you’re ready to show up more authentically in your life and relationships, this conversation is for you. Tune in and discover the courage to be seen.
Meet Shannon Swales—a psychologist dedicated to empowering individuals with essential mental health skills to prevent, navigate & grow from midlife burnout. Having overcome burnout in her early midlife, Shannon guides others from chronic stress to wellness with balance & empathy. Join her as she shares transformative experiences & insights on growth through adversity.
Connect & Grow
If you enjoy the Midlife Reclaimed Podcast, join our community:
Share Your Midlife Wisdom: Have professional &/or lived-experience insights on overcoming burnout or navigating midlife shifts? Email: shannon.a.swales@gmail.com
Disclaimer: This podcast does not create a therapist-client relationship with Shannon Swales. The views expressed are general & not a substitute for personalised therapy. If in distress, seek professional help. Remember—you don’t have to face your struggles alone.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Is your phone taking more than it’s giving? In this episode of Midlife Reclaimed, I take a personal and reflective journey into my mobile phone habits—how overuse has impacted my sleep, focus, and well-being, and what I’m doing to reclaim control. Drawing on research from Nick Petrie and his team, I explore the connection between phone overuse and burnout, and why a conscious "phone strategy" can be a game-changer for mental energy and stress reduction. Plus, I’ll guide you through reflective questions to help you assess your own habits and set healthier boundaries. If you're ready to break free from the constant scroll and reclaim your time and focus, this episode is for you! 🎧✨
Meet Shannon Swales—a psychologist dedicated to empowering individuals with essential mental health skills to prevent, navigate & grow from midlife burnout. Having overcome burnout in her early midlife, Shannon guides others from chronic stress to wellness with balance & empathy. Join her as she shares transformative experiences & insights on growth through adversity.
Connect & Grow
If you enjoy the Midlife Reclaimed Podcast, join our community:
Share Your Midlife Wisdom: Have professional &/or lived-experience insights on overcoming burnout or navigating midlife shifts? Email: shannon.a.swales@gmail.com
Disclaimer: This podcast does not create a therapist-client relationship with Shannon Swales. The views expressed are general & not a substitute for personalised therapy. If in distress, seek professional help. Remember—you don’t have to face your struggles alone.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Join us on EP 48 as we chat with Naturopath Wendy Burke—a passionate advocate for holistic hormone health. Wendy decodes the interplay of hormonal changes, stress, & midlife challenges that send your emotions into overdrive. Discover why your anger spikes, mood swings are unpredictable, & what your body is really signalling. We explore practical strategies—from herbal supplements & nutrition to movement & sleep—that empower you during midlife. Walk away with a clearer view of your hormonal landscape & actionable steps to embrace your journey without needing to murder anyone (just kidding!).
Meet Wendy Burke, founder of The Healthy Hormone Naturopath & a champion for women’s hormonal well-being. After overcoming post-natal depression & a transformative lifestyle overhaul, she left corporate life for natural medicine. Specialising in menstrual health, preconception, PCOS, endometriosis, menopause, & more, Wendy combines expertise in nutrition, naturopathy, & personal training to empower midlife women. When not consulting or researching, you’ll find her in the gym rocking her signature brightly coloured tights.
Ba.HSc.(Nat), Adv.Dip.Nut., Adv.Dip.West.Herb.Medicine, Cert 3 & 4 Fitness
Member Australian Natural Therapies Association and Naturopath & Herbalist Association of Australia
wendy@thehealthyhormonenat.com.au
www.thehealthyhormonenat.com.au
Meet Shannon Swales—a psychologist dedicated to empowering individuals with essential mental health skills to prevent, navigate & grow from midlife burnout. Having overcome burnout in her early midlife, Shannon guides others from chronic stress to wellness with balance & empathy. Join her as she shares transformative experiences & insights on growth through adversity.
Connect & Grow
If you enjoy the Midlife Reclaimed Podcast, join our community:
• Online Membership: Dive into Midlife Reclaimed—an empowering space for burnt-out midlife women - https://midlife-reclaimed.mn.co/
• Social Media: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or Threads
• 1:1 Therapy: Ready to tackle midlife burnout? Visit www.burnoutpsychologysupport.com.
Share Your Midlife Wisdom: Have professional &/or lived-experience insights on overcoming burnout or navigating midlife shifts? Email: shannon.a.swales@gmail.com
Disclaimer: This podcast does not create a therapist-client relationship with Shannon Swales. The views expressed are general & not a substitute for personalised therapy. If in distress, seek professional help. Remember—you don’t have to face your struggles alone.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Welcome to Season 7—and my first solo episode back—as I mark a very special milestone: four-year anniversary of the day I left my demanding career behind to reclaim my life. I dive deep into that transformative moment—exploring the mix of emotions that propelled me from fear to liberation—and reflect on the lessons learned along the way. In our conversation, I discuss how the act of leaving everything familiar sparked a journey of self-discovery, leading me to redefine success, embrace vulnerability, and build a life grounded in balance and authenticity.
Throughout this episode, I invite you to consider similar reflections on your own path. We touch on themes such as the pivotal moment of change, navigating the emotional landscape of burnout, and the empowering growth that comes from transforming adversity into strength. Whether you're at a crossroads or seeking inspiration to forge your own path, this intimate episode offers a window into the process of reclaiming midlife with courage and purpose.
If you found this episode helpful, please share in the comments how you found it. Your feedback is invaluable—it helps this conversation to get out to others who may need it.
Meet Shannon Swales—a psychologist dedicated to empowering individuals with essential mental health skills to prevent, navigate & grow from midlife burnout. Having overcome burnout in her early midlife, Shannon guides others from chronic stress to wellness with balance & empathy. Join her as she shares transformative experiences & insights on growth through adversity.
Connect & Grow
If you enjoy the Midlife Reclaimed Podcast, join our community:
• Online Membership: Dive into Midlife Reclaimed—an empowering space for burnt-out midlife women - https://midlife-reclaimed.mn.co/
• Social Media: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or Threads
• 1:1 Therapy: Ready to tackle midlife burnout? Visit www.burnoutpsychologysupport.com.
Share Your Midlife Wisdom: Have professional &/or lived-experience insights on overcoming burnout or navigating midlife shifts? Email: shannon.a.swales@gmail.com
Disclaimer: This podcast does not create a therapist-client relationship with Shannon Swales. The views expressed are general & not a substitute for personalised therapy. If in distress, seek professional help. Remember—you don’t have to face your struggles alone.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Midlife Reclaimed (formerly When Burnout Becomes Reality)
Welcome to Midlife Reclaimed, the podcast where we challenge outdated norms and explore what it means to thrive in midlife. I’m your host, Shannon A Swales—a psychologist, writer, and midlife woman who found a new path after a life-changing midlife burnout. While this show grew from my original focus on burnout recovery (When Burnout Becomes Reality), it has evolved to dive even deeper into how we can rewrite the rules of midlife with openness, courage, and purpose.
Twice a month, we’ll share stories of true resilience, transformation, and growth, uncovering practical insights to help you create a life that feels genuine and free. Whether you’re questioning hustle culture, craving deeper connections, or simply seeking inspiration for what’s next, this is your space to explore, reflect, and reimagine what’s possible—especially if you’ve ever felt burned out or ready for a fresh start.
Join us as we reclaim midlife—one bold, open-hearted step at a time.
Want to Share Your Midlife Wisdom?
If you’d like to share your midlife wisdom—be it overcoming midlife burnout, navigating midlife shifts, or both—or if you’re an expert in these areas with insights to offer, I’d love to hear from you. Email: shannon.a.swales@gmail.com
Connect & Grow
If you enjoy the Midlife Reclaimed Podcast, join our community:
Disclaimer: Engaging with this podcast does not intend to create, nor does it create, a therapist-client relationship between you and Shannon A Swales. All views, opinions, and tips expressed by me or my guests are general in nature and not a replacement for personalized therapy. As I have done for myself, I encourage anyone experiencing distress to seek professional support. In Australia, if you are in a life-threatening emergency, please dial 000. For immediate counselling, contact Lifeline (13 11 14) or 13YARN (13 92 76) for First Nation Australians. Stay safe, and remember—you don’t have to face your struggles alone.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this unplanned bonus episode of When Burnout Becomes Reality, I hit record to verbally journal my thoughts and feelings around an upcoming assessment for ADHD and Autism. This is raw, unedited, and entirely in the moment—a reflection of what’s been sitting on my heart and mind.
I explore questions like:
I also share a bit of my journey—what led me to consider this path and the thoughts swirling as I prepare for the assessment.
This episode is deeply personal, but I chose to share it because I know I’m not the only one navigating these feelings. If you’re questioning your neurodivergence or reflecting on your own experiences, I hope this resonates and helps you feel less alone.
If this episode speaks to you, please follow the podcast, hit like, leave a comment if you can, and share it with a friend or family member who may benefit from tuning in. Your support helps us continue these conversations.
Host Bio: Shannon is a psychologist driven by a deep passion for empowering individuals with the essential mental health knowledge & skills needed to flourish. She guides them through a transformative journey from chronically stressed & burnt-out states to a state of overall wellness. Her commitment to this cause is rooted in personal experience, having traversed the challenging terrain of burnout herself. Shannon's odyssey has imbued her with a renewed perspective, enabling her to approach her career & the care of others with a more balanced & empathetic mindset. Join Shannon on this inspirational journey as she shares her transformative experiences & valuable insights, fostering a message of growth through adversity, collective & self-care, & the triumph of well-being.
Resource Links & Contact Details:
W: www.burnoutpsychologysupport.com
Book: Nothing Left to Give: A Psychologist's Path Back www.burnoutpsychologysupport.com/burnout-book
Blog: Lessons From a Burnt Out Psychologist www.burnoutpsychologysupport.com/blog
Social Media: @shannonaswales
Membership: Midlife Reclaimed Membership for Women Join WAITLIST for 2025 Launch - www.burnoutpsychologysupport.com/midlife-reclaimed-membership
Be a guest: If you’d like to share your midlife burnout experience or are an expert in the field of midlife/burnout, please email shannonswales@burnoutpsychologysupport.com.
Disclaimer: Engaging with our content does not intend to create, nor does it create a therapist-client relationship between you & Shannon Swales. The views, opinions, tips, etc., expressed in this podcast by my guests or Shannon are general and are not a replacement for personalised therapy. We encourage those suffering to seek professional help. If you are in a life-threatening emergency, get in touch with your emergency services, in Australia, 000. For immediate counselling support (Aus only), Lifeline 13 11 14 (24/7); 13YARN 13 92 76 (24/7) for First Nation Australians.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
As 2024 comes to a close, join Shan for this reflective solo episode of When Burnout Becomes Reality. In this final episode of the year, Shan guides listeners through a soothing breathing practice to ground the mind, calm the body, and honour the soul—a reminder of the power of small moments to care for ourselves during the busiest of seasons.
In this heartfelt episode, Shan reflects on:
Shan also poses thoughtful questions for reflection, encouraging listeners to pause and consider their own journeys—looking back on lessons learned and setting intentions for the year ahead.
This episode is a reminder that while change and rest can feel uncomfortable, they are often the very things that propel us forward. Tune in for a moment of calm, connection, and inspiration as we wrap up the year together.
Listen now and prepare to step into 2025 with renewed energy and purpose.
Host Bio: Shannon is a psychologist driven by a deep passion for empowering individuals with the essential mental health knowledge & skills needed to flourish. She guides them through a transformative journey from chronically stressed & burnt-out states to a state of overall wellness. Her commitment to this cause is rooted in personal experience, having traversed the challenging terrain of burnout herself. Shannon's odyssey has imbued her with a renewed perspective, enabling her to approach her career & the care of others with a more balanced & empathetic mindset. Join Shannon on this inspirational journey as she shares her transformative experiences & valuable insights, fostering a message of growth through adversity, collective & self-care, & the triumph of well-being.
W: www.burnoutpsychologysupport.com
Book: Nothing Left to Give: A Psychologist's Path Back www.burnoutpsychologysupport.com/buy-my-book
Blog: Lessons From a Burnt Out Psychologist www.burnoutpsychologysupport.com/blog
Social Media: @burnoutpsychologysupport
Membership: Thriving Beyond Burnout Membership for Midlife Women Join WAITLIST for 2025 Launch - www.burnoutpsychologysupport.com/thrive-beyond-burnout
Be a guest: If you’d like to share your midlife burnout experience or are an expert in the field of midlife/burnout, please email shannonswales@burnoutpsychologysupport.com.
Disclaimer: Engaging with our content does not intend to create, nor does it create a therapist-client relationship between you & Shannon Swales. The views, opinions, tips, etc., expressed in this podcast by my guests or Shannon are general and are not a replacement for personalised therapy. We encourage those suffering to seek professional help. If you are in a life-threatening emergency, get in touch with your emergency services, in Australia, 000. For immediate counselling support (Aus only), Lifeline 13 11 14 (24/7); 13YARN 13 92 76 (24/7) for First Nation Australians.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, we explore the lived experience of neurodivergent burnout with Chrissy Foreman, a Neuro-affirming Artist and Arts Therapist based in South East Queensland, Australia. Chrissy, who is both Autistic and ADHD (AuDHDer), shares her personal journey with burnout, offering valuable insights into how it shows up, its cyclical nature, and the unique challenges of being late-diagnosed.
We also discuss what helps Chrissy prevent and respond to burnout, the lessons she has learned along the way, and the tools she uses to support her wellbeing. Chrissy’s work empowers the Autistic and ADHD community to connect, feel understood, and express their authentic selves through creative and artistic wellbeing practices. As a mother, nature lover, and LEGO enthusiast, her relatable and vibrant perspective makes this conversation both heartfelt and inspiring.
This episode is packed with wisdom, hope, and validation, making it a must-listen for anyone who identifies as neurodivergent—or suspects they might be. Join us as we dive into the challenges and triumphs of navigating burnout as an AuDHDer and reflect on the shared experiences that connect us all.
Connect with Guest:
Website https://artuition.com.au/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/artuitionstudio
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/artuitionstudio
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpwtCEts2RH2z74SzXsBd-Q
Host Bio: Shannon is a psychologist driven by a deep passion for empowering individuals with the essential mental health knowledge & skills needed to flourish. She guides them through a transformative journey from chronically stressed & burnt-out states to a state of overall wellness. Her commitment to this cause is rooted in personal experience, having traversed the challenging terrain of burnout herself. Shannon's odyssey has imbued her with a renewed perspective, enabling her to approach her career & the care of others with a more balanced & empathetic mindset. Join Shannon on this inspirational journey as she shares her transformative experiences & valuable insights, fostering a message of growth through adversity, collective & self-care, & the triumph of well-being.
Website www.burnoutpsychologysupport.com
Book Nothing Left to Give: A Psychologist's Path Back www.burnoutpsychologysupport.com/buy-my-book
Blog Lessons From a Burnt Out Psychologist www.burnoutpsychologysupport.com/blog
Social Media @burnoutpsychologysupport
Membership: Thriving Beyond Burnout Membership for Midlife Women Join WAITLIST for 2025 Launch - www.burnoutpsychologysupport.com/thrive-beyond-burnout
Be a guest: If you’d like to share your burnout experience or are an expert in the field of burnout, please email shannonswales@burnoutpsychologysupport.com.
Disclaimer: Engaging with our content does not intend to create, nor does it create a therapist-client relationship between you & Shannon Swales. The views, opinions, tips, etc., expressed in this podcast by my guests or Shannon are general and are not a replacement for personalised therapy. We encourage those suffering to seek professional help. If you are in a life-threatening emergency, get in touch with your emergency services, in Australia, 000. For immediate counselling support (Aus only), Lifeline 13 11 14 (24/7); 13YARN 13 92 76 (24/7) for First Nation Australians.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feeling drained, stuck, or questioning everything in your life? You’re not alone, and it’s a challenge many face in midlife. In this episode, we dive deep into understanding the overlap between two powerful experiences: burnout and the midlife crisis. Both can shake up your life in big ways, but how do you know which one you’re dealing with—or if you’re facing both?
Tune in to discover:
If you’re in your 40s or 50s and feeling overwhelmed by stress or existential questions, this episode offers valuable insights and actionable advice. Whether you’re seeking renewed purpose or simply need a breather from burnout, we’ll guide you on the path to clarity, growth, and well-being.
Host Bio: Shannon is a psychologist driven by a deep passion for empowering individuals with the essential mental health knowledge & skills needed to flourish. She guides them through a transformative journey from chronically stressed & burnt-out states to a state of overall wellness. Her commitment to this cause is rooted in personal experience, having traversed the challenging terrain of burnout herself. Shannon's odyssey has imbued her with a renewed perspective, enabling her to approach her career & the care of others with a more balanced & empathetic mindset. Join Shannon on this inspirational journey as she shares her transformative experiences & valuable insights, fostering a message of growth through adversity, collective & self-care, & the triumph of well-being.
W: www.burnoutpsychologysupport.com
Book: Nothing Left to Give: A Psychologist's Path Back www.burnoutpsychologysupport.com/buy-my-book
Blog: Lessons From a Burnt Out Psychologist www.burnoutpsychologysupport.com/blog
Social Media: @burnoutpsychologysupport
Membership: Thriving Beyond Burnout Membership for Midlife Women Join WAITLIST for 2025 Launch - www.burnoutpsychologysupport.com/thrive-beyond-burnout
Be a guest: If you’d like to share your burnout experience or are an expert in the field of burnout, please email shannonswales@burnoutpsychologysupport.com.
Disclaimer: Engaging with our content does not intend to create, nor does it create a therapist-client relationship between you & Shannon Swales. The views, opinions, tips, etc., expressed in this podcast by my guests or Shannon are general and are not a replacement for personalised therapy. We encourage those suffering to seek professional help. If you are in a life-threatening emergency, get in touch with your emergency services, in Australia, 000. For immediate counselling support (Aus only), Lifeline 13 11 14 (24/7); 13YARN 13 92 76 (24/7) for First Nation Australians.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
I sat down with Michael Coles, a 49-yr-old autistic man, married, father of 2, & a podcaster. Michael shares his powerful story of experiencing autistic burnout, offering insights into what contributed to it, how he recovered, & how he now works to support his mental health & well-being. We explore key topics like people-pleasing, ableism, workplace accommodations, at-home support, the power of authenticity, & compassionate support from others. It is a must-listen for anyone who is autistic or who wants to better understand the unique challenges autistic individuals face & the real risk of burnout.
Guest Bio: Having been diagnosed 3 times, first with PDD-NOS back when he was 3, then diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome at 35, then rediagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder in 2017, he has been struggling with high levels of anxiety & stress his whole life. Late last year, he was hospitalised as a result of chronic stress from changes being imposed on him, due to a change in staff members, & their non-acceptance of Michael’s way of working, which previously was going well with accepting staff members. As a result, he needed to resign from his job, & now, through the NDIS, he can access therapies not previously available to Michael. Also, recently diagnosed with Expressive & Receptive Language Disorder.
IG/Tiktok - @thedeepdiveau (& @michaelcoles3 Tiktok)
YouTube – http://www.youtube.com/@thedeepdiveau
Links to Michael’s Guest Spots on other podcasts – http://linktr.ee/michaelcoles
Host Bio: Shannon is a psychologist driven by a deep passion for empowering individuals with the essential mental health knowledge & skills needed to flourish. She guides them through a transformative journey from chronically stressed & burnt-out states to a state of overall wellness. Her commitment to this cause is rooted in personal experience, having traversed the challenging terrain of burnout herself. Shannon's odyssey has imbued her with a renewed perspective, enabling her to approach her career & the care of others with a more balanced & empathetic mindset. Join Shannon on this inspirational journey as she shares her transformative experiences & valuable insights, fostering a message of resilience, collective & self-care, & the triumph of well-being.
W: www.burnoutpsychologysupport.com
Book: Nothing Left to Give: A Psychologist's Path Back www.burnoutpsychologysupport.com/buy-my-book
Blog: Lessons From a Burnt Out Psychologist www.burnoutpsychologysupport.com/blog
Social Media: @burnoutpsychologysupport
Membership: Thriving Beyond Burnout Membership for Midlife Women www.burnoutpsychologysupport.com/thrive-beyond-burnout
Be a guest: If you’d like to share your burnout experience or are an expert in the field of burnout, please email shannonswales@burnoutpsychologysupport.com.
Disclaimer: Engaging with our content does not intend to create, nor does it create a therapist-client relationship between you & Shannon Swales. The views, opinions, tips, etc., expressed in this podcast by my guests or Shannon are general and are not a replacement for personalised therapy. We encourage those suffering to seek professional help. If you are in a life-threatening emergency, get in touch with your emergency services, in Australia, 000. For immediate counselling support (Aus only), Lifeline 13 11 14 (24/7); 13YARN 13 92 76 (24/7) for First Nation Australians.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this solo episode, host Shannon Swales explores Burnout Growth, a transformative approach to recovering from burnout and creating lasting change. Drawing from Nick Petrie’s research and her own experiences, Shannon contrasts the paths of "bouncing back" versus "bouncing forward" after burnout.
Key topics include:
This episode is packed with actionable insights to help you break the burnout cycle and thrive.
Key Takeaways:
Resources:
Tune in to start transforming burnout into lasting growth!
Host Bio: Shannon Swales, is a psychologist driven by a deep passion to empower individuals with the essential mental health knowledge & skills needed to flourish. She guides them through a transformative journey from chronically stressed & burnt-out states to a state of overall wellness. Her commitment to this cause is rooted in personal experience, having traversed the challenging terrain of burnout herself. Shannon's odyssey has imbued her with a renewed perspective, enabling her to approach her career & the care of others with a more balanced & empathetic mindset. Join Shannon on this inspirational journey as she shares her transformative experiences & valuable insights, fostering a message of resilience, self-care, & the triumph of well-being.
Connect with Shannon's work via
www.burnoutpsychologysupport.com/contact, by reading her burnout memoir - Nothing Left to Give: A Psychologist's Path Back www.burnoutpsychologysupport.com/buy-my-book, exploring her blog - 'Lessons From a Burnt Out Psychologist' - www.burnoutpsychologysupport.com/blog, or social media pages @burnoutpsychologysupport or her latest Thriving Beyond Burnout Membership for Midlife Women www.burnoutpsychologysupport.com/thriving-beyond-burnout
Share Your Experience: If you’d like to share your burnout experience or are an expert in the field of burnout & would like to share your wisdom on the pod, please email me at shannonswales@burnoutpsychologysupport.com.
Disclaimer: Engaging with our content does not intend to create, nor does it create a therapist-client relationship between you & Shannon Swales, Burnout Psychology Support Psychologist. The views, opinions, tips, etc., expressed in this podcast by my guests or me are general in nature and are not a replacement for personalised therapy. As I have done for myself, I encourage those suffering to seek professional help. If you are in a life-threatening emergency, please get in touch with your emergency services in Australia, 000. For immediate counselling support (Aus only), Lifeline 13 11 14 (24 hrs/7 days); 13YARN 13 92 76 (24 hrs/7 days) for First Nation Australians.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.