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.

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.