When Burnout Becomes Reality
Claim This Podcastby Shannon A Swales - Midlife Burnout & Women Over 40 Mentor
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<h2><strong>Midlife Reclaimed</strong></h2><p><br></p><p>Midlife Reclaimed grew out of my own journey through burnout, recovery, and early midlife, and now holds space for conversations about perimenopause, mental health, and self-compassion.</p><br><p>I’m Shannon A. Swales, clinical psychologist, writer, and fellow midlife woman.</p><br><p>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.</p><br><p>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.</p><br><p>It’s about helping you come home to yourself—so you can feel more present, more alive, and more connected to what truly matters.</p><br><p>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.</p><br><p>Together, we’re rewriting the narrative—not as a midlife crisis, but as a midlife reclamation.</p><br><p>The Midlife Reclaimed Podcast has been nominated in the <strong>Women in Podcasting Awards</strong>, recognising podcasts created by women making an impact through meaningful conversations and storytelling. To find out more about the awards visit https://www.womenpodcasters.com/awards. Voting opens April 2026. Please show your support.</p><br><p><strong>Want to Share Your Midlife Wisdom?</strong></p><p>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. <strong>Contact me</strong><a href="www.shannonaswales.com/contact" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> here.</a></p><p><br></p><h3><br></h3><p><strong>Connect & Grow</strong></p><p>If you enjoy the Midlife Reclaimed Podcast, you may like:</p><ul><li><a href="www.shannonaswales.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Subscribe </a>to receive a FREE Journaling as a Way Back to Yourself ebook and more goodies</li><li><strong>Online Community:</strong> Midlife Reclaimed—this is your place to breathe again - Learn more and join here - https://midlife-reclaimed.mn.co/</li><li><strong>Social Media:</strong> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/shannon.a.swales/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/shannonaswales" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, or <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonswales/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a></li><li><strong>1:1 Therapy:</strong> Ready to tackle midlife burnout? Visit www.shannonaswales.com/therapy</li><li><strong>My Midlife Burnout Story:</strong> <a href="www.shannonaswales.com/burnout-book" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Nothing Left to Give: A Psychologist’s Path Back From Burnout</a></li></ul><h3><br></h3><h3><br></h3><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>
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Publishing Since
6/10/2021
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Recent Episodes
June 16, 2026
Beyond Self-Care: Collective Care, Self-Leadership & Sustainable Living
<p>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.</p><br><p>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.</p><br><p>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.</p><br><p>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.</p><br><p>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.</p><br><p>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.</p><br><p>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.</p><br><p>Thank you for sharing another season of Midlife Reclaimed with me. I look forward to reconnecting with you in Season 9.</p><br><p><strong>Guest:</strong> Minky van der Walt is a Registered Music Therapist, trauma therapist, clinical supervisor, educator, and the founder of Tempo Therapy & Consulting.</p><br><p>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.</p><br><p>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.</p><br><p>Based in Hobart, Tasmania, Minky works with individuals, groups, and organisations across Australia through supervision, professional development programs, consultation, and therapeutic support.</p><br><p>www.tempotherapy.com</p><p>www.instagram.com/tempo.therapy.supervision/ </p><p>www.linkedin.com/in/tempotherapyandconsulting/</p><br><p>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.</p><br><p>• Midlife Reclaimed Online Community - https://midlife-reclaimed.mn.co/</p><p>• Social Media: Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn @shannon.a.swales</p><p>• 1:1 Therapy: www.shannonaswales.com/therapy</p><p>• Midlife Reclaimed Coaching for Women: www.shannonaswales.com/coaching</p><p>Subscribe: www.shannonaswales.com/subscribe </p><br><p>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.</p><h3>Disclaimer</h3><p>Engaging with this podcast does not intend to create, nor does it create, a therapist-client relationship between you and <strong>Shannon A Swales</strong>. 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 <strong>000</strong>. For immediate counselling, contact <strong>Lifeline (13 11 14)</strong> or <strong>13YARN (13 92 76)</strong> for First Nation Australians. Stay safe, and remember—you don’t have to face your struggles alone.</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>
June 4, 2026
5-Minute Grounding Practices for Overwhelmed Days
<p>What do you do when everything feels like too much?</p><br><p>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.</p><br><p>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.</p><br><p>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.</p><br><p>Inside this episode:</p><ul><li>feet-on-the-floor grounding</li><li>orienting to the space around you through the senses</li><li>long exhale breathing for nervous system support</li><li>self-compassion grounding practices</li><li>mindful grounding through everyday moments like tea, coffee, nature, or movement</li><li>how to work with overwhelm one small step at a time</li><li>the “just one thing” practice for reducing mental overload</li></ul><p><br></p><p>This episode may resonate with midlife women navigating:</p><ul><li>burnout and emotional exhaustion</li><li>anxiety and overwhelm</li><li>perimenopause and life transitions</li><li>chronic stress and mental load</li><li>caregiving fatigue</li><li>identity shifts in midlife</li><li>nervous system overwhelm</li></ul><p><br></p><p>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.</p><br><p>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.</p><br><p>If you enjoy the Midlife Reclaimed Podcast, join our community:</p><br><p>• Midlife Reclaimed Online Community - a place to come back home to self - https://midlife-reclaimed.mn.co/</p><p>• Social Media: Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn @shannon.a.swales</p><p>• 1:1 Therapy: www.shannonaswales.com/therapy</p><p>• Midlife Reclaimed Coaching for Women: www.shannonaswales.com/coaching</p><br><p>Subscribe to my Mailing List: www.shannonaswales.com/subscribe and receive a free eJournal to assist in coming back to yourself.</p><br><p>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.</p><h3>Disclaimer</h3><p>Engaging with this podcast does not intend to create, nor does it create, a therapist-client relationship between you and <strong>Shannon A Swales</strong>. 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 <strong>000</strong>. For immediate counselling, contact <strong>Lifeline (13 11 14)</strong> or <strong>13YARN (13 92 76)</strong> for First Nation Australians. Stay safe, and remember—you don’t have to face your struggles alone.</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>
May 20, 2026
When Love Becomes a Trap: Understanding the Hidden Nature of Domestic Abuse
<p>About the Episode</p><p>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.</p><br><p>This is a deeply important conversation.</p><br><p>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.</p><br><p>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.</p><br><p>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.</p><br><p>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.</p><br><p>Support Services</p><p>Australia: 1800RESPECT — National Domestic Violence Support</p><p>Lifeline Australia — 13 11 14</p><p>USA: National Domestic Violence Hotline — thehotline.org</p><p>UK: National Domestic Abuse Helpline — refuge.org.uk</p><br><p>About the Guest — Kim</p><br><p>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.</p><br><p>Kim’s Resources</p><p>The Boiling Water: When Love Becomes a Trap</p><p>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.</p><p>Link: https://www.amazon.com/Boiling-Water-When-love-becomes/dp/1764133218</p><br><p>Capacity for Connection</p><p>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</p><br><p>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.</p><br><p>If you enjoy the Midlife Reclaimed Podcast, join our community:</p><br><p>• Midlife Reclaimed Online Community - a place to come back home to self - https://midlife-reclaimed.mn.co/</p><p>• Social Media: Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn @shannon.a.swales</p><p>• 1:1 Therapy: www.shannonaswales.com/therapy</p><p>• Midlife Reclaimed Coaching for Women: www.shannonaswales.com/coaching</p><p>• Reflective Supervision for Psychologists: www.shannonaswales.com/supervision-for-psychologists</p><br><p>Subscribe to my Mailing List: www.shannonaswales.com/subscribe and receive a free eJournal to assist in coming back to yourself.</p><br><p>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.</p><h3>Disclaimer</h3><p>Engaging with this podcast does not intend to create, nor does it create, a therapist-client relationship between you and <strong>Shannon A Swales</strong>. 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 <strong>000</strong>. For immediate counselling, contact <strong>Lifeline (13 11 14)</strong> or <strong>13YARN (13 92 76)</strong> for First Nation Australians. Stay safe, and remember—you don’t have to face your struggles alone.</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>
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- What is When Burnout Becomes Reality?
<h2><strong>Midlife Reclaimed</strong></h2><p><br></p><p>Midlife Reclaimed grew out of my own journey through burnout, recovery, and early midlife, and now holds space for conversations about perimenopause, mental health, and self-compassion.</p><br><p>I’m Shannon A. Swales, clinical psychologist, writer, and fellow midlife woman.</p><br><p>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.</p><br><p>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.</p><br><p>It’s about helping you come home to yourself—so you can feel more present, more alive, and more connected to what truly matters.</p><br><p>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.</p><br><p>Together, we’re rewriting the narrative—not as a midlife crisis, but as a midlife reclamation.</p><br><p>The Midlife Reclaimed Podcast has been nominated in the <strong>Women in Podcasting Awards</strong>, recognising podcasts created by women making an impact through meaningful conversations and storytelling. To find out more about the awards visit https://www.womenpodcasters.com/awards. Voting opens April 2026. Please show your support.</p><br><p><strong>Want to Share Your Midlife Wisdom?</strong></p><p>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. <strong>Contact me</strong><a href="www.shannonaswales.com/contact" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> here.</a></p><p><br></p><h3><br></h3><p><strong>Connect & Grow</strong></p><p>If you enjoy the Midlife Reclaimed Podcast, you may like:</p><ul><li><a href="www.shannonaswales.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Subscribe </a>to receive a FREE Journaling as a Way Back to Yourself ebook and more goodies</li><li><strong>Online Community:</strong> Midlife Reclaimed—this is your place to breathe again - Learn more and join here - https://midlife-reclaimed.mn.co/</li><li><strong>Social Media:</strong> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/shannon.a.swales/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/shannonaswales" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, or <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonswales/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a></li><li><strong>1:1 Therapy:</strong> Ready to tackle midlife burnout? Visit www.shannonaswales.com/therapy</li><li><strong>My Midlife Burnout Story:</strong> <a href="www.shannonaswales.com/burnout-book" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Nothing Left to Give: A Psychologist’s Path Back From Burnout</a></li></ul><h3><br></h3><h3><br></h3><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p> - How often does this podcast release new episodes?
This podcast updates weekly.
- Where can I listen to this podcast?
This podcast is available on 9 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
- Does this podcast accept guests?
Information about guest appearances is not available.
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