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 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.