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 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.