Advertise on podcast: Midlife Reclaimed: A Podcast for Women Over 40 Navigating Midlife Burnout

What changes when we finally have language for what is happening in our bodies? In this second episode of Season 9 of Midlife Reclaimed, I continue the conversation about our relationship with our bodies — this time exploring our changing bodies through the experience of perimenopause. For a long time, I knew very little about perimenopause. Like many women of my generation, it simply wasn’t something we talked about. Looking back now, I can see changes that were happening before I had the language to understand them — changes in my mood, energy, sleep, body and eventually the hot flushes and night sweats that made me stop and take notice. In this episode, I reflect openly on my own perimenopause journey: what I knew before it began, what I understand differently now, learning to advocate for myself, and why I believe talking about perimenopause matters. But this isn’t an episode about turning perimenopause — or ourselves — into another problem to solve. It’s an invitation to become informed about our changing bodies while also meeting ourselves with curiosity, compassion and care. Together, we reflect on: • What did I know about perimenopause before I started going through it? • What was happening before I had language for it? • What changed when I started to understand what was going on? • Why does talking about perimenopause matter? • How do I stay informed without this becoming another problem to be solved? I also share some of the more personal parts of my experience and what I’m learning about the difference between trying to “fix” myself and recognising when my changing body needs support, accommodation and care. I finish with a short guided practice inviting you to turn towards your own experience with compassionate curiosity — to notice what has been changing, what might deserve more of your attention, and what you may need from here. If you’d like to continue exploring the question, what is midlife asking me to reclaim?, I’d love to welcome you into the Midlife Reclaimed online community — a compassionate space for midlife women to reflect, connect, and come home to themselves. You’ll find the link below. And if the topic of joy in midlife interests you, my next Midlife Reclaimed Teaching is Coming Home to Joy in Midlife — a 90-minute online session exploring what joy is, what can get in the way, and how we can become more available to it in midlife. If you’re interested, email me at [email protected] to express your interest, receive more information, and reserve your spot. Take gentle care of you, Shannon Burnout Psychologist | Midlife Women's Coach | Midlife Woman Website: www.shannonaswales.com Email: [email protected] Midlife Reclaimed Online Community: https://midlife-reclaimed.mn.co/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shannon.a.swales/ DisclaimerEngaging 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.

What would change if, instead of waiting for our bodies to demand our attention, we began listening to them more closely and more compassionately? In this first episode of Season 9 of Midlife Reclaimed, I explore something I’ve been thinking about in my own life: my relationship with my body. For much of my life, I expected my body to carry me. To keep going. To accommodate whatever I wanted or needed to do. But burnout, midlife, and perimenopause have invited, and at times forced, me to pay attention differently. This episode isn’t about getting our younger bodies back or turning our bodies into another midlife self-improvement project. It’s an invitation to become curious about the relationship we have with our bodies: the signals we may have ignored, the needs we’ve pushed through, and what it might mean to listen with care rather than criticism. Together, we explore: • What has my relationship with my body been throughout my life? • What might my body have been trying to tell me? • What does compassionate attention to the body look like? • What might reclaiming my relationship with my body mean in this season of life? I finish with a short guided practice, Gratitude for This Body, inviting you to pause, connect with your body as it is today, and perhaps offer a little appreciation to the body that has carried you this far. The question I’ll leave you with: What is this season of life asking you to reclaim? Take gentle care of you Shannon Burnout Psychologist | Midlife Women's Coach | Midlife Woman Website: www.shannonaswales.com Email: [email protected] Midlife Reclaimed Online Community: https://midlife-reclaimed.mn.co/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shannon.a.swales/ DisclaimerEngaging 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.

As we close Season 8 of Midlife Reclaimed, I wanted to share a conversation that feels deeply relevant to the times we are living in. My guest is Minky van der Walt, Registered Music Therapist, trauma therapist, clinical supervisor, and educator. While much of Minky's work focuses on supporting therapists, healthcare workers, educators, and other helping professionals, the themes we explore in this conversation extend far beyond any one profession. Together, we reflect on what happens when we find ourselves operating in systems where demands are high and resources are low. Whether that system is healthcare, education, community services, a workplace, a family, or even our own household, many of us know what it feels like to carry more than seems sustainable. We explore the emotional toll this can take, the impact of burnout and moral distress, and why simply telling people to practise more self-care often misses the bigger picture. Minky introduces a different way of thinking about wellbeing through collective care and self-leadership, inviting us to consider the role of community, connection, accountability, and shared responsibility in helping us navigate difficult times. We also discuss practical approaches that can help us reconnect with ourselves, including creative reflection, music, somatic practices, and ways of accessing wisdom beyond the thinking mind. Whether you are supporting others professionally, caring for family members, navigating the demands of midlife, or simply feeling the weight of modern life, this conversation offers gentle wisdom, practical reflections, and a reminder that we were never meant to carry it all alone. Thank you for sharing another season of Midlife Reclaimed with me. I look forward to reconnecting with you in Season 9. Guest: Minky van der Walt is a Registered Music Therapist, trauma therapist, clinical supervisor, educator, and the founder of Tempo Therapy & Consulting. With more than 25 years of experience across health, education, and community services, Minky is passionate about supporting therapists, healthcare workers, educators, and other helping professionals to navigate the impacts of caring work. Her work focuses on burnout prevention, vicarious trauma, sustainable practice, clinical supervision, collective care, and fostering resilience through creative, embodied, and relational approaches. Drawing on music therapy, trauma-informed practice, somatic approaches, reflective supervision, and creative arts-based methods, Minky creates spaces where caregivers can reconnect with themselves, deepen their clinical presence, and sustain their capacity to continue doing meaningful work. Based in Hobart, Tasmania, Minky works with individuals, groups, and organisations across Australia through supervision, professional development programs, consultation, and therapeutic support. www.tempotherapy.com www.instagram.com/tempo.therapy.supervision/ www.linkedin.com/in/tempotherapyandconsulting/ Host: Shannon Swales: Clinical Psychologist, award-winning author, 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. • Midlife Reclaimed Online Community - https://midlife-reclaimed.mn.co/ • Social Media: Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn @shannon.a.swales • 1:1 Therapy: www.shannonaswales.com/therapy • Midlife Reclaimed Coaching for Women: www.shannonaswales.com/coaching Subscribe: www.shannonaswales.com/subscribe 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. DisclaimerEngaging 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.

What do you do when everything feels like too much? In this final solo episode of Season 8 of Midlife Reclaimed, clinical psychologist Shannon Swales offers gentle, practical grounding practices for overwhelmed days — especially for midlife women carrying the emotional, mental, and physical load of life. Together, we explore why overwhelm is such a common experience in midlife, including the impact of caregiving, work stress, emotional labour, burnout, identity shifts, and the pressure many women carry within family and cultural systems. This is not an episode about fixing yourself or “getting rid” of overwhelm. Instead, Shannon shares accessible grounding techniques designed to help regulate the nervous system, reconnect with the body, and gently expand our world when stress and overwhelm narrow it. Inside this episode: feet-on-the-floor groundingorienting to the space around you through the senseslong exhale breathing for nervous system supportself-compassion grounding practicesmindful grounding through everyday moments like tea, coffee, nature, or movementhow to work with overwhelm one small step at a timethe “just one thing” practice for reducing mental overload This episode may resonate with midlife women navigating: burnout and emotional exhaustionanxiety and overwhelmperimenopause and life transitionschronic stress and mental loadcaregiving fatigueidentity shifts in midlifenervous system overwhelm These practices are intentionally simple, realistic, and designed for real life — because small moments of grounding can accumulate over time and become powerful support for our wellbeing. Host: Shannon Swales: Clinical Psychologist, award-winning author, 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 - https://midlife-reclaimed.mn.co/ • Social Media: Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn @shannon.a.swales • 1:1 Therapy: www.shannonaswales.com/therapy • Midlife Reclaimed Coaching for Women: www.shannonaswales.com/coaching Subscribe to my Mailing List: www.shannonaswales.com/subscribe 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. DisclaimerEngaging 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.

About the Episode In this episode of Midlife Reclaimed, I’m joined by Kim — a survivor of domestic abuse, a mother, an author, and a fierce advocate for truth-telling. This is a deeply important conversation. We explore the often unseen and misunderstood nature of domestic abuse — particularly the gradual ways it can unfold over time. The kind that doesn’t always look obvious from the outside, and can leave someone questioning their reality, their worth, and their sense of self. Kim shares her story with honesty and courage — speaking to the complexity of these experiences, the patterns that can develop, and what it takes to begin seeing things more clearly. A gentle note: this episode discusses domestic abuse and may feel heavy or activating for some listeners. Please take care as you listen, and pause or step away if you need. If this conversation brings up anything for you, or if you are in need of support, you’ll find links to international support services below. Support Services Australia: 1800RESPECT — National Domestic Violence Support Lifeline Australia — 13 11 14 USA: National Domestic Violence Hotline — thehotline.org UK: National Domestic Abuse Helpline — refuge.org.uk About the Guest — Kim Kim is a survivor of domestic abuse, a mother, an author and a passionate advocate for truth-telling. She is also a trauma-informed energy practitioner, supporting others on their path to healing and recovery through a compassionate, lived-experience-informed approach. Through her work and her voice, Kim creates space for awareness, resilience, and hope. Kim’s Resources The Boiling Water: When Love Becomes a Trap A collection of stories from survivors of domestic abuse, offering insight into the often subtle and gradual nature of abuse, and validating the lived experience of those who have been through it. Link: https://www.amazon.com/Boiling-Water-When-love-becomes/dp/1764133218 Capacity for Connection A resource discussed in this episode, exploring how our emotional and nervous system capacity shapes our ability to connect — particularly in the context of parenting but can be applied to other challenging areas of life. Download https://drive.google.com/file/d/18RBmsnVALIbYZjm77Yko-8RHWdX4KEmh/view?usp=sharing Host: Shannon Swales: Clinical Psychologist, award-winning author, 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 - https://midlife-reclaimed.mn.co/ • Social Media: Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn @shannon.a.swales • 1:1 Therapy: www.shannonaswales.com/therapy • Midlife Reclaimed Coaching for Women: www.shannonaswales.com/coaching • Reflective Supervision for Psychologists: www.shannonaswales.com/supervision-for-psychologists Subscribe to my Mailing List: www.shannonaswales.com/subscribe 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. DisclaimerEngaging 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 may resonate with midlife women navigating burnout, identity shifts, or a desire to reconnect with themselves in a more compassionate way. Episode Description: This isn’t an episode to give you answers. It’s a space to gently turn toward yourself. In this solo episode, I invite you into a quiet pause, a space to step outside of the narratives we’ve been given about midlife — especially as women — and begin to explore what feels true for you. Together, we move through a series of reflective questions: What beliefs do I hold about midlife… and where did they come from? What is this season of life actually feeling like for me right now? What no longer fits… and may be ready to fall away? What might be quietly emerging underneath it all? This is not about fixing, striving, or finding the “right” way to do midlife. It’s about creating space to notice, to question, and to gently come back into relationship with yourself. You’re invited to pause the episode at any point, take your time, and reflect in whatever way feels natural — journaling, thinking, walking, or simply being. If you’ve been sensing a shift, questioning things more, or quietly wondering “is this it?” — this space is for you. 🧡 Take what resonates 🌻 Leave what doesn’t And as always, take gentle care of you Host: Shannon Swales: Clinical Psychologist, award-winning author, 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 - https://midlife-reclaimed.mn.co/ • Social Media: Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn @shannon.a.swales • 1:1 Therapy: www.shannonaswales.com/therapy • Midlife Reclaimed Coaching for Women: www.shannonaswales.com/coaching Subscribe to my Mailing List: www.shannonaswales.com/subscribe 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. DisclaimerEngaging 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.

WOMEN IN PODCASTING AWARDS: Show your support by voting for Midlife Reclaimed: https://www.womenpodcasters.com/midlife-reclaimed Voting is open April 1 - 30th. Winners Announced in May 2026. Host, Shannon A Swales, is also nominated in the category of podcaster guest for her 20+ appearances on other podcasts to spread her wisdom and knowledge on burnout and midlife health and well-being for women - https://www.womenpodcasters.com/shannon-swales In this solo episode, I’m exploring a question that so many women find themselves asking in midlife — especially in the depths of burnout: “Is this career still right for me?” It’s a tender and often confusing place to be. Because when we’re exhausted, overwhelmed, and running on empty, the urge to escape can feel very real. But how do we know: 👉 Is this burnout speaking — a need for relief? 👉 Or is it a deeper misalignment — a genuine call for change? In this episode, I gently walk you through: Why career questions often arise during burnoutThe difference between burnout-driven escape and true misalignmentHow our identity and sense of worth can become tied to our workWhy making big decisions in burnout can feel urgent — but isn’t always wiseThe role of the “threat brain” and our natural urge to seek reliefPractical ways to create space before making decisionsHow to reconnect with your values to find clarity and direction I also share parts of my own experience — including the moment I questioned whether I could continue in my career at all. This is not about rushing into answers. It’s about creating space, to listen more deeply, and to reconnect with what truly matters to you. ☕ So if you’ve been quietly wondering, “Is this still for me?” — this episode is for you. Host: Shannon Swales: Clinical Psychologist, award-winning author, & midlife woman who’s walked through burnout & come out the other side. Shannon combines clinical wisdom with lived experience to support others navigating chronic stress, burnout, & big life transitions. Through gentle conversations & evidence-based insights, she helps women reconnect with themselves, reclaim their energy, & grow through what once felt like breaking points. Other ways to connect with Shannon • Midlife Reclaimed Community • Social Media: @shannon.a.swales • Burnout Therapy • Midlife Reclaimed Coaching for Women • Join Shannon's Mailing List - free eJournal Disclaimer: This podcast does not create a therapist-client relationship with Shannon. 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. DisclaimerEngaging 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.

WOMEN IN PODCASTING AWARDS: Show your support by voting for Midlife Reclaimed: https://www.womenpodcasters.com/midlife-reclaimed Voting is open April 1 - 30th. Creativity is something many of us leave behind as life becomes fuller, busier, & more demanding. But what if reconnecting with creativity in midlife could be one of the most nourishing things we do for ourselves? In this ep, I’m joined by Chrissy from Artuition for a warm & honest conversation about art therapy, creativity, & the midlife experience. We begin with a very real midlife moment — the kind of tiredness many women recognise as their bodies start asking for more attention & care. From there, our conversation unfolds into the role creativity can play in reconnecting us with ourselves. Chrissy shares her journey into art therapy & explains how creative expression can support our bodies, offer a different way to process thoughts & emotions, & help women reconnect with parts of themselves that may have been quietly set aside for many years. This conversation explores how creativity can become a gentle pathway back to yourself — not through pressure or perfectionism, but through curiosity, expression, & permission to simply create. If you’ve ever found yourself thinking “I’m not creative” or feeling disconnected from the joy you once felt in creative activities, this episode offers a compassionate invitation to explore that part of yourself again. In this ep., we explore: - Why creativity often fades from our lives as responsibilities grow - The connection between midlife, fatigue, & listening to the body - What art therapy actually is & how it works - How creative expression can support the body & mind - Reconnecting with creativity after burnout or long periods of caring for others - Why giving yourself permission to create can be quietly revolutionary in midlife Guest Chrissy: I am a proud AuDHD’er (Autistic-ADHD), passionate about soulful self-discovery, nourishing personal wellbeing, and expressing, learning and processing through therapeutic arts experiences. Alongside a Masters in Therapeutic Arts Practice with Specialisation in Arts-based Research, and ANZACATA Professional registration, I weave together 30 years as a Professional Artist and Educator, with special expertise working with neurodivergent children, late-diagnosed autistic/ADHD women in peri/menopause, families, LGBTQIA+, and allied health professionals. As a late-diagnosed neurodivergent woman, it’s my passion to support neurodivergent folk to creatively discover their unique strengths, interests and goals for thriving, while expanding the research base of our community’s unique, lived experiences and needs. In my free time, I love chilling at home with my son, puppy Banjo & 3 cats, sipping tea, going on nature walks, making art, building LEGO, tending to my house plants & enjoying gluten-free friendly cafes. Oh, & frolicking barefoot in the rain! Connect with Chrissy: www.artuition.com Discover her Online Peri-Women-Pause space: https://artuition.com.au/peri-women-pause Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/artuitionstudio Host: Shannon Swales: Clinical Psychologist, award-winning author, & midlife woman who’s walked through burnout & come out the other side. Shannon combines clinical wisdom with lived experience to support others navigating chronic stress, burnout, & big life transitions. Through gentle conversations & evidence-based insights, she helps women reconnect with themselves, reclaim their energy, & grow through what once felt like breaking points. Other ways to connect with Shannon • Midlife Reclaimed Community • Social Media: @shannon.a.swales • Burnout Therapy • Midlife Reclaimed Coaching for Women • Join Shannon's Mailing List - free eJournal Disclaimer: This podcast does not create a therapist-client relationship with Shannon. 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. DisclaimerEngaging 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 solo episode of Midlife Reclaimed, I explore grief in midlife — a powerful but often unrecognised experience for many midlife women, especially those navigating burnout, identity shifts, changing roles, and the emotional transitions of this life stage. When we think of grief, we often think about death. But grief in midlife can also arise through: burnout and recoverychanges in health, energy, or menopause transitionschildren growing up or leaving home or notcareer and identity shiftsageing parents and changing relationshipsthe quiet realisation that parts of our former life no longer fit Drawing on my work as a psychologist supporting midlife women experiencing burnout and mental health challenges — as well as my own lived experience — I explore: what grief in midlife actually iswhy it often goes unnoticedanticipatory grief and life transitionsthe connection between burnout and emotional wellbeingself-compassionate ways to support yourself If you’ve been feeling heavier, unsettled, or sensing change within yourself, this episode may help you understand what’s happening — and remind you that you’re not alone. Healing, growth, and reclaiming yourself in midlife are possible. Host: Shannon Swales, Clinical Psychologist, award-winning author, 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. The Midlife Reclaimed Podcast has been nominated in the Women in Podcasting Awards, recognising podcasts created by women making an impact through meaningful conversations and storytelling. Find out more here https://www.womenpodcasters.com/awards Voting opens in April 2026. We'd love your support. If you enjoy the Midlife Reclaimed Podcast, join our community: • Midlife Reclaimed Online Community - a place to come back home to self - https://midlife-reclaimed.mn.co/ • Social Media: Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn @shannon.a.swales • 1:1 Therapy: www.shannonaswales.com/therapy Subscribe to my Mailing List: www.shannonaswales.com/subscribe and receive a free eJournal to assist in coming home 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. DisclaimerEngaging 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 of the Midlife Reclaimed Podcast, I’m joined by Clinical Psychologist Kirstin Bouse — widely known as The Midlife Psychologist — for an important conversation about hormones, mental health, and identity in midlife women. We explore how hormonal transitions such as perimenopause and menopause can influence mood, anxiety, burnout, neurodivergence, and overall psychological wellbeing. This life stage often brings multiple shifts at once — physical, emotional, relational, and identity-based — and it’s rarely just one factor affecting how women feel. Together, we unpack why midlife can feel unexpectedly intense, how hormonal changes interact with mental health across the lifespan, and why understanding this connection can be empowering rather than alarming. We also talk about the identity reorganisation that often occurs in midlife — that sense of asking Who am I now? — and how this can become a meaningful opportunity for self-understanding rather than simply a crisis. If you’re navigating perimenopause, menopause, burnout, emotional fatigue, or simply noticing changes in yourself during midlife, this conversation offers reassurance, insight, and practical understanding. You’re not imagining it — and you’re certainly not alone. The Midlife Reclaimed Podcast has been nominated in the Women in Podcasting Awards, recognising podcasts created by women making an impact through meaningful conversations and storytelling. Find out more here https://www.womenpodcasters.com/awards Voting opens in April 2026. We'd love your support. Guest: Kirstin Bouse is a Clinical and Forensic Psychologist with nearly 30 years’ experience supporting women through life’s most complex transitions. Her work focuses particularly on midlife mental health, menopause, identity shifts, and the psychological impact of hormonal change across the lifespan. She is the founder of All About Her – The Centre for Menopause, a multidisciplinary initiative dedicated to improving access to menopause-informed health care and psychological support for women. Kirstin has worked across hospitals, universities, correctional settings, and private practice, and is widely recognised for her advocacy in women’s mental health during midlife. Drawing on both professional expertise and lived experience of perimenopause, burnout, and neurodivergence, Kirstin is passionate about helping women better understand themselves, access informed support, and navigate midlife with greater clarity, self-trust, and wellbeing. Connect with Kirstin🌐 Website (Psychology Practice & Programs): https://kirstinbousepsych.com.au 🌐 All About Her – The Centre for Menopause: https://www.allabouthercentre.com.au 📸 Instagram: @the_midlife_psychologist @allabouthercentre ✉️ Contact: Best via the contact forms on either website. Host: Shannon Swales: Clinical Psychologist, award-winning author, 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 - https://midlife-reclaimed.mn.co/ • Social Media: Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn @shannon.a.swales • 1:1 Therapy: www.shannonaswales.com/therapy Subscribe to my Mailing List: www.shannonaswales.com/subscribe 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. DisclaimerEngaging 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.

When caring for others leaves you burnout, midlife can become a turning point for many women. In this solo episode of Midlife Reclaimed, clinical psychologist Shannon Swales explores midlife burnout, caregiver stress, and how self-compassion can help exhausted women learn to care for themselves without the pressure to “fix” themselves. Many midlife women are exceptionally skilled at caring for others — partners, children, ageing parents, clients, teams. But when it comes to their own needs, care can feel awkward, selfish, or unsafe. In this episode, we explore: – Why caring for others often leads to burnout in midlife – How early caregiving patterns shape self-neglect – What self-compassion really means (and what it is not) – Why compassion can feel threatening for burnt-out women – How to practise self-compassion in a gentle, embodied way – A simple compassion practice you can try today This is not an episode about self-improvement, optimisation, or fixing what’s broken. It’s an invitation to learn how to care for yourself with the same warmth and steadiness you offer everyone else — especially during midlife, perimenopause, and burnout recovery. Host: Shannon Swales, Clinical Psychologist, award-winning author, 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 - https://midlife-reclaimed.mn.co/ • Social Media: Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn @shannon.a.swales • 1:1 Therapy: www.shannonaswales.com/therapy Subscribe to my Mailing List: www.shannonaswales.com/subscribe and receive a free eJournal to assist in coming home 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. DisclaimerEngaging 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.

Perfectionism often looks like being capable, reliable, and responsible — the one others can count on. But beneath those labels, many women over 40 are quietly exhausted and teetering on the edge or tipping over into midlife burnout. In this solo episode of Midlife Reclaimed, psychologist and author Shannon A. Swales explores how perfectionism subtly tightens its grip in midlife — and why it so often becomes a key driver of burnout during this season of life. This conversation isn’t about fixing yourself, lowering your standards, or striving for yet another version of “better.” It’s about understanding perfectionism for what it is — a once-protective survival strategy — and gently loosening its hold so you can live with more energy, meaning, and self-trust. In this episode, Shannon explores:What perfectionism really is (and why it’s not about being perfect)How perfectionism hides behind “shoulds,” “musts,” and rigid expectationsWhy perfectionism becomes heavier and harder to carry in midlifeThe strong link between perfectionism, chronic stress, and burnoutHow perfectionism shows up in work, relationships, self-care, and decision-makingThe perfectionist voice — how it speaks, its tone, and its impact on your nervous systemWhy perfectionism is a survival mechanism — and why it no longer serves youWhat to expect when you begin loosening perfectionism’s grip (including discomfort)How values-based living offers a gentler, more sustainable alternativeSmall, compassionate steps you can take toward good-enough living Shannon also shares openly about noticing her own perfectionism show up while recording this episode — choosing to let it be real rather than polished, and modelling the very practice she’s inviting you into. This episode is an invitation to move away from unrelenting standards and toward a values-guided life — one where worth is not measured by output, and where how you live matters more than how flawlessly you perform. ✨ You don’t need to be perfect to be worthy. ✨ You don’t need to do more to be enough. Host: Shannon Swales: Clinical Psychologist, award-winning author, 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 - https://midlife-reclaimed.mn.co/ • Social Media: Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn @shannon.a.swales • 1:1 Therapy: www.shannonaswales.com/therapy Subscribe to my Mailing List: www.shannonaswales.com/subscribe and receive a free eJournal to assist in coming home 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. DisclaimerEngaging 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 solo episode of Midlife Reclaimed, psychologist and author Shannon A. Swales gently explores one of the quiet but powerful drivers of midlife burnout for women: the weight of “shoulds.” Those internalised expectations — I should be coping better… I shouldn’t need this much rest… I should be able to do it all — often sit beneath chronic stress, exhaustion, and self-criticism. And yet, they’re rarely questioned. In this reflective conversation, Shannon unpacks: What “shoulds” really are (and how they differ from values)Why they tend to intensify in midlifeHow they keep us overextended and disconnected from our limitsWhy rest alone doesn’t resolve burnout if the internal pressure remainsHow to begin softening expectations with compassion — without guilt, selfishness, or giving up on what matters This episode isn’t about lowering standards or opting out of responsibility. It’s about replacing rigid rules with self-respect, discernment, and values — so you can live with more ease, sustainability, and care for yourself in midlife. As always, this episode offers general information and reflection, not personal therapy. You’re invited to listen gently, pause when needed, and take what supports you. Host: Shannon Swales: Clinical Psychologist, award-winning author, 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 - https://midlife-reclaimed.mn.co/ • Social Media: Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn @shannon.a.swales • 1:1 Therapy: www.shannonaswales.com/therapy Subscribe to my Mailing List: www.shannonaswales.com/subscribe and receive a free eJournal to assist in coming home 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. DisclaimerEngaging 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 powerful and deeply human conversation, Shannon is joined by lived-experience guest Michelle Stalimeros, who shares her journey through burnout, midlife upheaval, and personal transformation. Michelle reflects on the early patterns that shaped her drive, years of striving in high-pressure corporate roles, and the subtle signs of burnout she missed along the way. She speaks openly about the coping strategies that kept her going—like binge drinking and over-functioning—and the moment everything finally caught up with her. Together, Shannon and Michelle explore: The quiet “whispers” of burnout we often overlookHow perimenopause can intensify exhaustion and emotional overwhelmWhy so many midlife women lose themselves without realisingThe turning points that led Michelle toward recoveryStopping alcohol, facing long-buried emotions, and finding clarityThe identity void burnout creates—and the surprising gifts on the other sideHow Michelle now supports others through Nostos Nest, helping people and workplaces become more psychologically safe and human-centred This episode is an anchor for anyone feeling stretched thin, disconnected, or unsure how they reached burnout. Michelle’s story offers both compassion and hope—a reminder that recovery is possible, and often becomes a profound homecoming to yourself. Guest: Michelle Stalimeros is in her mid-50s and describes herself as “on the other side of burnout.” She has navigated major life changes including sobriety, menopause, redundancy, and redefining success. Before creating Nostos Nest, Michelle spent 14+ years at Salesforce in leadership and operational roles and became a passionate mental-health advocate—co-founding a global mental-health group and becoming a licensed Mental Health First Aid instructor. She is a two-time global recognition award recipient for her impact. Nostos Nest is her next chapter: a space where she blends strategy, lived experience, and humanity to help others create meaningful change. Website: https://nostosnest.com/ Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-stalimeros-3972794/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nostosnest/ Host: Shannon Swales: Clinical Psychologist, award-winning author, 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 - https://midlife-reclaimed.mn.co/ • Social Media: Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn @shannon.a.swales • 1:1 Therapy: www.shannonaswales.com/therapy Subscribe to my Mailing List: www.shannonaswales.com/subscribe 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. DisclaimerEngaging 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.

Feeling constantly exhausted, overwhelmed, or like you’re running on empty — even after resting? In this episode of Midlife Reclaimed, Shannon A Swales explores pacing, a powerful and compassionate approach to managing your energy in midlife to prevent midlife burnout. If rest is how you refill your tank, pacing is how you spend your energy — wisely, intentionally, and without slipping back into burnout mode. This episode is especially supportive for midlife women navigating burnout, perimenopause, chronic stress, or emotional overload. What You’ll Learn in This Episode What “energy budgeting” really means and why it’s essential for burnout recovery - Why midlife women overspend their energy due to internal “shoulds” and invisible mental load - How to complete an energy inventory (including the hidden emotional labour you may be overlooking) - How to identify your personal energy drains vs. energy restorers - Simple pacing strategies to prevent burnout and reduce overwhelm - Daily check-ins that help you stay within your energy limits - Why pacing is not laziness — it’s sustainable wellbeing Shannon breaks down the mindset shift required to step out of the pressure to “just keep going,” and instead move toward sustainable energy management, self-connection, and compassionate boundaries. Who This Episode Is For This conversation is especially supportive if you’re a midlife woman experiencing burnout, perimenopause symptoms, stress, or chronic exhaustion, or if you’re learning to regulate your nervous system after years of pushing past your limits. Host: Shannon Swales: Clinical Psychologist, award-winning author, 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 - https://midlife-reclaimed.mn.co/ • Social Media: Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn @shannon.a.swales • 1:1 Therapy: www.shannonaswales.com/therapy Subscribe to my Mailing List: www.shannonaswales.com/subscribe 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. DisclaimerEngaging 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.