Shows
Work Truths: Off the RecordBurnout - The Coach's Perspective - with Julie Nelson and Amy Funkhouser WatkinsWhat have we learnt from our guests this season?And how do coaches work with their clients to support them before, during and on the recovery from burnout?In the final episode of Work Truths Off the Record series 1, host Rachel Morris and coaches Julie Nelson and Amy Funkhouser Watkins discuss and draw insight from the previous episodes of the first series. They reflect on their own and other guests' experiences along with the stories from their coaching practices.The conversation emphasises the importance of recognising early signs, the individual nature of burnout...
2025-12-1235 min
Work Truths: Off the RecordBurnout - The Leader's Perspective - with Julieanne GilbertIn this episode of Work Truths Off the Record, host Rachel Morris speaks with Julianne Gilbert, a seasoned leader, about the critical issue of workplace burnout. They explore the definition of burnout, its recognition in teams, and the responsibilities of managers and organisations in addressing it. Julianne shares her insights on the signs of burnout, strategies for managers to support their teams, and the importance of creating a supportive work environment.Key Discussion PointsBurnout can manifest in various individual ways.Recognising burnout requires understanding team dynamics.Leaders must...
2025-12-0540 min
Work Truths: Off the RecordBurnout - The Academic's Perspective - with Alexander Maxwell-ColeA content warning for today’s episode: our conversation includes two brief mentions of suicide in the context of burnout. If you’re struggling, please reach out to Samaritans on 116 123. Take care as you listen.In this episode of Work Truths Off the Record, host Rachel Morris engages with Alexander Maxwell Cole, an expert in occupational psychology, to explore the complex topic of workplace burnout. They discuss the interplay between organisational demands and individual experiences, the importance of recognising early warning signs, and the critical role of leadership in preventing burnout. The conversation emphasises the need...
2025-12-0335 min
You Are Not A FrogWhy You Won’t Feel Better Until You Give Yourself These 3 PermissionsSmall, actionable steps you can take to reframe self-care as necessary care, and equip yourself to avoid burnout rather than waiting for someone else to tell you it’s OK.Get more episodes and resources by joining FrogXtraPermission to Pause – Join Dr Rachel Morris and Dr Caroline Walker for a free 60 minute event for doctors on Wednesday, 10th December at 8pm UK time.Mentioned in this episode:Get Your Life Back
The mindset shift every healthcare professional needsPermission to Pause
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2025-12-021h 00
Work Truths: Off the RecordBurnout - The Human Perspective - with Sophie PeatyHow does the experience of burnout differ from person to person?And do the signs also differ?In this episode of Work Truths Off the Record, host Rachel Morris speaks with Sophie Peaty, an expert in leadership development, about her personal experience with workplace burnout.Sophie shares her journey through burnout, the signs she ignored, and the importance of self-care and support. They discuss the role of employers in recognising and addressing burnout, the need for vulnerability in leadership, and the significance of kindness towards oneself and others during challenging times....
2025-11-2835 min
Work Truths: Off the RecordBurnout - The Lawyer's Perspective - with Emma Clark and Cordelia RushbyDo you know your legal responsibilities to your employees in relation to burnout and mental health issues?Have you got the right type of insurance? And the right type of legal support?In this episode of Work Truths Off the Record, host Rachel Morris engages with legal experts Emma Clark and Cordelia Rushby to explore the multifaceted issue of workplace burnout.They discuss the legal implications of burnout, how to balance policies and processes with compassion and care, and the responsibilities of both employees and employers in addressing mental health in...
2025-11-2639 min
Work Truths: Off the RecordBurnout - The Nutritionist's Perspective - with Rachel PhilpottsCan you recognise the physiological and psychological signs of impending burnout?What can you do to help your body and mind to avoid burnout?In this episode of Work Truths: Off the Record, host Rachel Morris welcomes Rachel Philpotts, award-winning author, nutritionist and mental health expert, who shares her personal journey through burnout and the significant changes it prompted in her life.Together they explore the warning signs of burnout, the possible routes to recovery and the importance of addressing physiological as well as psychological elements with self-care, nutrition and support.
2025-11-2136 min
Work Truths: Off the RecordBurnout - The HR Perspective - with Justine CooperHow can organisations help when employees face burnout? How do values and behaviours affect an organisation's susceptibility to burnout?In this episode of Work Truths Off the Record, host Rachel Morris speaks with HR professional Justine Cooper about the pervasive issue of workplace burnout. They explore Justine's personal experiences with burnout, the multifaceted nature of its definition, and the importance of recognising warning signs. The conversation delves into strategies for individuals experiencing burnout, the role of teammates in identifying it, and the responsibilities of employers in creating a supportive culture. Justine emphasises the need for...
2025-11-1942 min
Work Truths: Off the RecordBurnout - The Therapist's Perspective - with Miranda RockDiscover a therapist’s grounded, compassionate take on burnout—what it looks like before the crash, how it blurs home and work, and the small workplace shifts that actually help.Drawing on 40 years of practice, guest Miranda Rock distinguishes pre-burnout from breakdown, unpacks the “stress curve,” and shares vivid client moments like "I feel like the phone is harassing me".In this conversation, host Rachel Morris and guest Miranda Rock discuss the multifaceted nature of burnout, emphasising that it is not solely a product of work-related stress. Miranda highlights the impact of personal life challenges and indi...
2025-11-1438 min
Work Truths: Off the RecordSeason 1 TrailerJoin host Rachel Morris for Series 1 of Work Truths: Off the Record, as she sits down with a range of experts to explore the issue of Burnout, what it is, how to spot the signs, and how to help yourself and others handle and overcome it.
2025-11-1000 min
Work Truths: Off the RecordBurnout - The Human Perspective - with Catherine LightfootWhy is burnout so often a hidden collapse?In this candid episode, host Rachel Morris and guest Catherine Lightfoot reframe burnout not as a single crash but as a “slow disappearing of self,” often hidden by masking - especially for neurodivergent professionals - and intensified by personal and organisational change.Listeners will get concrete takeaways for themselves and others:How to spot disconnection behind the word “fine,”How to design humane policies and communication processesHow to encourage simple regulation rituals like brief daily check‑insTune in for a practical...
2025-11-0741 min
LightHeartedHow to Let Go of What You Can't Control with Special Guest Joe Morris, Part 1https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17720-myalgic-encephalomyelitis-chronic-fatigue-syndrome-me-cfsChronic fatigue syndrome affects an estimated 836,000 to 2.5 million people in the United States. About 90% of people who experience chronic fatigue syndrome don’t receive a diagnosis even though they live with this condition. The main barriers that prevent people from getting a diagnosis are access to healthcare and awareness of the condition. We're so thankful to Joe for coming and sharing his wisdom with us 💜ScripturesProverbs 16:9Ecclesiastes 3:1-11Dive into "LightHearted," a podcast where we explore the power of positivity in overco...
2025-01-1426 min
You Are Not A FrogThe Magic Question to Unlock Your Deep IntuitionWhen’s the last time you stopped and asked yourself what you truly want, or whether what you’re doing right now is right for you?In this quick dip, Rachel offers a series of questions you can ask yourself to help you find those “hell yeah!” opportunities, and avoid the “hell no!” obligations.Download the episode’s podsheet. You can use it for reflection and to submit for your appraisal as part of your CPD.Join the You Are Not a Frog Facebook groupMentioned in this episode:Permission t...
2024-10-2218 min
You Are Not A FrogWhat I Learned From My Facebook HatersRachel digs through her Facebook comments to address some of the challenging feedback she’s received across 230 episodes.Burnout: 9 mistakes healthcare professionals make and what to do insteadDownload the episode’s podsheet. You can use it for reflection and to submit for your appraisal as part of your CPD.Join the You Are Not a Frog Facebook groupMentioned in this episode:Get Your Life Back
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2024-07-3053 min
You Are Not A FrogBeware Your Kindest ColleaguesWhat happens when we're not feeling well, or when we're feeling overwhelmed at work? Often, we turn to our colleagues for support. But what happens when that support doesn't come, or it's not as helpful as we’d hoped?🛟 Download your free Overwhelm SOS guideWhen we're all in the same boat, it's tricky to get a different perspective. Even well-meaning advice from a colleague can feel misplaced or missing the mark, as it’s shaped by their own experiences and limitations. This can leave us feeling resentful and even more stressed than before.⭐️ Wor...
2024-03-1923 min
You Are Not A FrogSmashing the Gender Pay Gap for Women in MedicineWomen in medicine are often undervalued and taken less seriously than their male counterparts. They’re also made to feel less safe at work, and encounter pushback when they make a complaint.This week’s guest is Professor Dame Jane Dacre, and the episode is recorded in partnership with the Physician Mums Facebook Group (PMGUK). In her discussion with Rachel, Dame Jane lays out what needs to change at structural and interpersonal levels.She invites members of the industry to shine a light on inappropriate behaviour and develop a zero-tolerance approach towards sexism and misconduct. She...
2024-03-1546 min
You Are Not A FrogWhy Setting Goals Alone Won’t HelpWe often set goals in the belief they’ll make us happier. But setting goals alone might not be enough to truly help us thrive.In this quick dip, Rachel discusses why that’s the case, and offers a different approach to finding satisfaction and success.⭐️ Work Well Webinars It all begins with a shift in focus from goals to desires. Instead of starting with specific goals, we should first identify what we truly desire and what our basic needs are. This helps us align our actions and routines with what truly matters to us.Life’...
2024-03-0520 min
You Are Not A FrogLife’s Too Short NOT to Love What You DoThere are times working in medicine or other high-stress jobs, when you feel trapped and unhappy. And maybe you’ve told yourself you have no other option but to stay put. These “shoulds” can come from societal expectations or the idea that you’ve put so much into your job already that it would be silly – or even irresponsible – to quit now.⭐️ Work Well Webinars These myths and pressures keep us feeling stuck, and prevent us from exploring alternative possibilities within or outside of our current field.This week, Rachel is joined by Dr Sarah Gouldin...
2024-02-2753 min
You Are Not A FrogFinding Your North StarWe’re all seeking the perfect job or career path that will bring us happiness and fulfilment. But while we’re focused on achieving success, we can overlook the bigger stuff – and it’s possible that our current career trajectory might not take us there.That’s why we need to find and then follow our North Star. Finding it starts with prioritising four fundamental needs: feeling fully human, deep connections, meaning and purpose, and growth and learning. By aligning our goals with these needs, we can find true fulfilment.⭐️ Book Your FrogFest Ticket Now In this q...
2024-02-2023 min
You Are Not A FrogHow to get moving again when you feel stuckWe all experience moments of feeling stuck. Sometimes we have the motivation, but something’s in our way. On other days the simplest things can feel like pushing a boulder up a hill. Now matter how competent we know we are, that feeling of inertia can wreak havoc on our self-confidence. If we’re going to get unstuck and move forwards, we first need to find out what’s blocking us.⭐️ Book Your FrogFest Ticket Now The solution is to take a conscious leadership approach. This means shifting our mindset and becoming more aware of our reacti...
2024-02-131h 09
You Are Not A FrogThe Most Powerful Question You Can Ask Yourself About Your WorkIf you were in a life-or-death scenario and the only path out was over hot coals, would you take it? Of course. But when it comes to situations that are making us uncomfortable or even miserable, we seldom want to experience that discomfort to get to what we know will be better for us.⭐️ Book Your FrogFest Ticket Now In this quick dip episode, Rachel explores the importance of considering the long-term impact of our work, and offers a single question you can ask yourself right now, to discover what you really want to do with...
2024-02-0612 min
You Are Not A FrogHow to Feel Confident in Any SituationIf you’re in a job where you use your brain a lot, it can be easy to feel disconnected from your body and emotions. This in turn can lead to a lack of self-awareness and even difficulty in expressing yourself. That lack of awareness changes how we outwardly express ourselves, even in ways we’re not aware of.But by becoming consciously connected with our body, we can get a bit more control over our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours, and over how others see us.⭐️ Book Your FrogFest Ticket Now This week, Rachel i...
2024-01-3051 min
You Are Not A FrogHow to Get Out of a Toxic Shame SpiralWe all experience shame from time to time, but when it becomes toxic, we can end up in a shame spiral from which it's difficult to escape. When we’re called out on something about which we feel shameful, it can make us defensive. And so often, no-one can punish us as harshly as we punish ourselves.In this quick dip episode, Rachel shares her strategy to break free from shame spirals and cultivate a healthier mindset; by sharing our shame, taking some perspective, and seeking support from others. She unpacks her SHAME model that was inspired by...
2024-01-2324 min
You Are Not A FrogGetting a Breakthrough by Using Your Right BrainWhen we’re presented with a difficult problem, naturally we use logic and reasoning to solve it. But some problems – like stress and burnout – can’t be solved with logic alone.The left hemisphere is the area of the brain focused on tasks, logic, and problem-solving. But the right hemisphere deals with relationships, connections, and new perspectives. It’s also visual and metaphorical, so it can help us see problems in a different way. So our right brain can help us live more easily with problems that can’t be solved by the left.This week, execut...
2024-01-1652 min
You Are Not A FrogThe Three-Step Plan for Getting Your Sh*t TogetherSo you’ve got a problem, maybe a relationship issue at work or difficulties managing your workload. You’ve talked it with friends, but the solution won’t present itself. Often the problem isn't that we lack solutions, but rather that we haven't fully understood what the problem is in the first place.In this quick dip episode, Rachel shares her three-step model to help you identify and address the real problem you’re facing. It involves recognising we have choices, embracing our human needs and limitations, and thinking differently.If we keep doing what we've al...
2024-01-0914 min
You Are Not A FrogHow to Survive the Holiday SeasonThe Christmas season can be a time of stress and disappointment, especially when our expectations don't match up with reality. We can find ourselves dealing with difficult family members, feeling overwhelmed with work and family obligations, or experiencing a general sense of dissatisfaction.But there’s plenty we can do to make the festive period more enjoyable and less overwhelming.This week, we’re revisiting a previous conversation on the podcast, with Corrina Gordon-Barnes. In her chat with Rachel, you’ll learn how to turn expected disappointments into a game of bingo, set realistic expectations, and exercise some s...
2023-12-1955 min
You Are Not A FrogHow to Increase Your Confidence and ImpactIf you're like most people, you'll have experienced moments when your confidence wavers, leaving you unsure of yourself and holding back from reaching your full potential. But what if there was a way to increase your confidence and make a greater impact in your personal and professional life?This week, Dr Claire Kaye joins Rachel to explore the power of confidence and how it influences our lives. They dive into the common challenges we face when it comes to confidence, whether it's feeling underconfident, lacking self-belief, or dealing with the negative self-talk that holds us back.
2023-12-1255 min
You Are Not A FrogHow to Deal With Your Inner CriticWe can learn how to say no to other people, but often don’t say no to ourselves or to our inner critic who’s always telling us we can do more or be better. We become our own worst enemy when it comes to setting boundaries and prioritising our own needs. This is why we need self-compassion, and to overcome the toxic self-talk that often fuels our negative self-talk.In this quick dip, Rachel will help you name the critical voice and acknowledge its presence, explore the underlying triggers and needs that contribute to self-criticism, and trea...
2023-12-0513 min
You Are Not A FrogAm I Burning Out?If your job is demanding, jou've probably wondered at some point if you're burning out. The constant stress and pressure in health and social care especially can leave us feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. But ignoring the signs of burnout can have serious consequences, affecting not only our performance but our wellbeing and our relationships too.In this quick dip episode, Rachel introduces the Stress Curve and how it can help you recognise if you're nearing burnout. She explains the different stages of the curve and provide practical steps you can take to prevent burnout and perform at...
2023-11-2119 min
You Are Not A FrogHow to Manage Your Energy if You're a Highly Sensitive PersonManaging your energy can be a challenge at the best of times. But if you’re a highly sensitive person, you might be more prone to burning out due to your unique traits and the demands of your work.Being highly sensitive doesn’t mean being touchy, but having a high degree of empathy and a particular way of processing sensory input. That means it might take longer to recover from a tricky situation like a conflict with a colleague, or witnessing something traumatic at work.The key to managing energy as a highly sensitive pers...
2023-11-1445 min
You Are Not A FrogHow Do You Say No When Someone Might Die?Saying no and setting boundaries are core to avoiding burnout. But if saying no might put a patient at harm – or worse – what can you do?In this quick dip episode, Rachel explains the concept of core and flex boundaries along with core and flex consequences. Core boundaries are non-negotiables that we always enforce, rather than preferences we’d like to enforce but can be flexible around.Key to this approach is also recognising the short- and long-term consequences of saying no.By not setting boundaries or saying no when we need to, we risk damagi...
2023-11-0723 min
You Are Not A FrogThe Real Reason Other People's Boundaries Make Us CrossWhen someone else sets boundaries, do you feel able to do the same, or do you resent their ability to say no? Often, our anger towards others' boundaries comes from our own unmet needs and desires, and what presents itself as resentment is actually envy.Guilt, shame, and fear often prevent us from expressing our own needs, which just compounds those negative emotions. Without shifting our mindset, we can end up adopting a victim mindset and feeling even more trapped.In this quick dip episode, Rachel describes how we can identify our underlying needs, find...
2023-10-2415 min
You Are Not A FrogHow to Be REALLY Productive... Without Losing the PlotProductivity and time management are difficult at the best of times. But when your job directly affects people’s lives, it can be tricky to make time to get organised, so that we have control over our days, and our inbox isn’t overflowing.What we need is to manage our attention and make space for what matters. In this episode, Rachel is joined by productivity expert Graham Allcott. Graham shares ways we can prioritise and delegate tasks, make dedicated time for deep work, and get on top of our todo list rather than feel crushed by it.
2023-10-1743 min
You Are Not A FrogWhat Will Your Future Self Thank You For?We’ve all had weeks where our schedules are packed tightly and there’s no time for ourselves, leaving us exhausted and overwhelmed. The problem is we often make commitments for our future selves without thinking about what might be on their plate in the future.In this quick dip episode, Rachel uncovers ways we can make space for the the big and important things in our lives, set rules and boundaries to prevent over-committing, and creating space to cope with challenging times ahead.Not everything that comes out of the blue is a bad thin...
2023-10-1014 min
You Are Not A FrogStress vs Overwhelm – And Why You Should Know the DifferenceWe all get stressed or overwhelmed with our daily responsibilities from time to time. But we’re not always good at telling them apart. And this is important, because the way out of overwhelm is different form the way out of stress.Stress is caused when the demands on us outweigh the resources we feel we have to cope. Overwhelm happens when high amounts of stress make us feel like we can't cope with our lives' demands. The way out of overwhelm is non-doing, resting, and letting our nervous system settle down.Prolonged stress and ov...
2023-09-2610 min
You Are Not A FrogDon't Wait for Tomorrow to Improve – Take Control NowDo you find yourself thinking "it will be better tomorrow", or believing things will improve in a few months' time “when x happens”?In this quick dip episode, Rachel reveals how waiting for outside events to occur leads to more problems – because even when tomorrow comes, we’re still the same person facing the same challenges as we were yesterday.This mindset can lead us to looking for partial solutions which ultimately keep us from solving our bigger problems. But by focusing on our zone of power, we can reclaim agency over the things we can chan...
2023-09-1217 min
You Are Not A FrogIs it You - or is it Menopause?One way or another, menopause affects everyone at some point. If you’re not experiencing symptoms yourself, you almost certainly know or work with someone who is. That’s why understanding its effects and being able to offer support and compassion is so important.Women going through menopause can experience a wide range of physical, psychological, and hormonal symptoms. These symptoms often go unnoticed or ignored, which can impact confidence and increase anxiety. Lack of confidence or temporary difficulty in making decisions can lead to organisations losing talented, experienced women who thought they were experiencing cognitive decline. By p...
2023-09-0551 min
You Are Not A FrogWhy You Don’t Need to Earn Your RestSo many of us are caught up in a vortex of busyness. We end up working harder and harder without doing anything that re-energises us, all because we feel like we have no other choice.As healthcare professionals, we feel like rest is a reward for good behaviour, but it's a basic human need, and a professional responsibility. Why? Because rest makes us better at our job, and – frankly – we deserve it.In this quick dip episode, Rachel explores ways we can give ourselves permission to rest and remind ourselves that it's not something we need...
2023-08-2914 min
You Are Not A FrogGet Some Air Cover to Help You Set BoundariesWe’re not just service providers – we’re carers and helpers. This can make it hard to set boundaries and prioritise our workload. What we need is air cover.By working together with your colleagues, you can create agreements about what to say yes and no to, and hold each-other accountable.And you can also seek out peers outside of work, so you can share your dilemmas and feel less alone. If we keep silently struggling with saying no or setting boundaries, we can start feeling burnout, which can affect our judgement.In this q...
2023-08-1517 min
You Are Not A FrogWhat Happens When We’re Really Listened toDo you ever feel like you're just not being heard? Or like you’re under pressure and no one understands how much you’re juggling? Especially in high-stress careers, few of us have the chance to truly be listened to – and coaching can help with that.Coaching isn’t therapy or listening to someone else’s advice. It's about exploring solutions yourself, with guidance. Coaching gives you permission to take a tricky situation and ask "If this were different, what would I notice?".Coaching allows you to “think to the end of your thoughts”, with someone who li...
2023-08-081h 03
You Are Not A FrogHow to Use Power Language to Keep Your Boundaries StrongHave you ever had to do something you didn't want to do? Maybe it was a task at work, a favour for a friend, or a chore at home. It can be frustrating and draining when it seems we have no say in our actions. It can make us feel powerless and stressed out. And that's not good for our work quality or our well-being.But is that true? Do we really have no choice at all?In this Quick Dip, we share how to use power language to set boundaries and take back control...
2023-08-0110 min
You Are Not A FrogWhy You Should Expect Pushback and What To Do About ItIt's a fact of life that we can't please everyone. That's why one of the hardest things to do is say no and try to keep everyone happy with our decisions. Even if it's against our will, we try to give a piece of ourselves to everyone. The thing is, that takes a toll on us until resentment builds up in our hearts. So, how do you expect pushback while staying firm with your decisions?In this Quick Dip, we explore the topic of pushback, how it affects our emotions, and why we should expect it. We...
2023-07-1814 min
You Are Not A FrogEmbrace Your Capacity, Not Your LimitsHigh-stress and high-performance professions like healthcare often push people beyond their limits. When this happens, stress and burnout are often the unfortunate consequences.In this episode, Dr Sarah Coope joins us to discuss how to avoid burnout by embracing your capacity. She delves into finding your optimal stretching point for each of your limited resources. Sarah also examines the nature of our fear of saying no. And we explore the consequences and benefits of managing and maintaining your capacity.If you find yourself stretched too thin, then this episode is for you. Here a...
2023-07-1154 min
You Are Not A FrogHow To Influence Without Getting FrustratedYou have brilliant ideas and solutions that can make a difference in your work. But how do you get others on board with them? It can be hard to convince others when they have different views and opinions. The thing is, you can’t change someone’s mind without knowing where they are coming from and what matters to them. You have to face it with confidence, grace, patience, and, sometimes, acceptance.In this quick dip episode, we talk about how you can influence anyone by understanding yourself and them. We then discuss the impact of focusing on y...
2023-07-0414 min
You Are Not A FrogWhat to Do When You Can Never Do Enough as a Working Mum with Corrina Gordon-BarnesOn this episode of You Are Not a Frog, our guest, Corrina Gordon-Barnes, joins us to discuss the challenges working mothers face in traditional family units. The conversation sheds light on the value of self-compassion, learning to navigate negative emotions, and striking a balance between work and family life. This episode is for everyone involved in parenting, not just mothers. It’s not just women who experience mum guilt!For a new perspective on mum guilt and actionable advice for a healthy balance between career and family life, don't miss out on this invaluable conversation with our gu...
2023-06-2756 min
You Are Not A FrogDo I Disappoint Myself Or Others?Disappointing ourselves and others is an awful feeling highlighted by guilt and shame. It can often lead us to act out regretfully as we attempt to mask it. Out of fear of its consequences, we resort to tiptoeing around others. This is most common in the medical field, where people tend to prioritise the needs of other people before their own. It could be why you may have difficulties saying no to people. In this quick dip episode, I will dive into how you can deal with disappointment. Learn to understand your needs and take action. Understand i...
2023-06-2016 min
You Are Not A FrogHow to Survive a Toxic System - on Both Sides of the PondDoes it feel like you're in a toxic work environment and can't get out? Too many doctors — both in the UK and elsewhere — find themselves in a whirlwind of work. There's always more to do, and you don't want to imagine the consequences of what happens if you fail. There seems like there's no way out, but the truth is, you always have a choice.In this episode of You Are Not a Frog, Dr Dike Drummond and I dive into a topic that affects many industries but is particularly prevalent in healthcare — surviving and thriving in a toxi...
2023-06-1359 min
You Are Not A FrogHow to Avoid Amygdala Hijack Part 2Life can seem full of threats and stresses we face daily. As high-stress professionals, these types of situations are a part of daily life. All of this can place a great mental load on our brains and trigger our amygdala to not always respond in the best way. That's why it's important to learn how we can reduce these threats and manage our stress. The question now is how can we do this?Picking up where we left off, this quick dip episode dives into the last four factors of the SCARF Model. We learn m...
2023-06-0616 min
You Are Not A FrogHow to Avoid Amygdala Hijack Part 1Criticism and feedback are fundamental to growing as an individual and professional. However, often, our brain perceives such conflicts as a threat. The amygdala acts upon this and kicks in our survival instincts. As a result, we check out and shut down to protect ourselves. How do we avoid acting from this place of fear and focus on working toward developing ourselves?In this quick dip episode, we uncover the overarching principle of the amygdala. We discuss how to avoid an amygdala hijack and how not to operate from our threat zone. We have a c...
2023-05-2313 min
You Are Not A FrogHow to Do Something Different in Your CareerThis week, Jo Watkins, co-founder of The HOW People, joins us to explore entrepreneurial possibilities for doctors without leaving their day jobs. We talk about what holds us back from pursuing a business idea and how you can get started on this journey. We also discuss honing the transferable skills you already have to discover what you'd like to try.If you want to start doing something different in your life and career, listen to our full conversation in this episode of You Are Not a Frog.Here are three reasons why you should listen...
2023-05-1657 min
You Are Not A FrogWhy We Become Terrible in a CrisisAs a medical professional, facing high-stress situations every day might make you think you can handle anything. But the truth is, decisiveness isn't always what you want when things go wrong. Not every crisis is the same. Sometimes, the best course of action is to take a step back and come back to the crisis later.In this quick dip episode, we uncover why we become terrible in a crisis, even as healthcare professionals. We explore how we typically react to stressful situations and their consequences. Then, we discuss strategies to ensure you've left the stress zone...
2023-05-0922 min
You Are Not A FrogAre You OK?How often do you answer honestly when asked are you ok? Many people often say I’m’re ok even when you really aren’t. In truth, we aren’t ok. In today’s world, you’re faced with high-stress jobs, societal pressure and the uncertainty of the new normal. As we come out of the recent crisis, changed and unsure of who we are, it’s harder than ever to be ok.You have to recognize and accept when you’re not ok. In this episode, James Spice joins us for a conversation about what it means to be a hu...
2023-05-0255 min
You Are Not A FrogWhat’s Your Flight Plan?Do you ever feel like someone else is running your life? Do you find yourself just following a set of instructions in everything you do? Without realising it, we often permit other people to control our lives. It's like living a life we don't enjoy on autopilot without questioning it The thing is, it's not too late to design your own flight plan. You have the power to take control and lead the life you want to live.In this quick dip episode, we highlight the importance of designing our own flight plan. We explain why working...
2023-04-2513 min
You Are Not A FrogWhy Can’t I Say NoToo often, we say yes to every request and every demand, even when it's not what we want. It's not about people-pleasing. It's about your values. But ask yourself, is it worth it? Is sacrificing your peace and well-being a worthy cost of validating your internal dialogue? In a world that applauds the grind, learning to say no will keep you grounded. Setting boundaries helps you care for yourself. When you care for yourself, you can look after others to the best of your ability.In this quick dip episode, we uncover the root of t...
2023-04-1115 min
You Are Not A FrogThe Problem with BoundariesWe need boundaries. In fact, you might have already set some of your own. But ask yourself: how often do you let those boundaries crumble?It’s not unusual for professionals in high-stakes industries to give in to other people’s demands, even if it means losing the boundaries they set. That’s not healthy — so why do we do it?In this Quick Dip, we explore the challenges doctors and other professionals face when trying to enforce their boundaries. The problem isn’t in knowing when to say no or what boundaries to put up. We del...
2023-03-2818 min
You Are Not A FrogHow to Avoid Burnout on RepeatNo one wants to burn out. When you experience burnout, you might find yourself thinking much more slowly and your productivity drops. Many high-stress professionals often feel guilty and ashamed for struggling with burnout. Unfortunately, the demanding and high-stress environment these days makes burnout much more likely to happen again and again. So what can you do to avoid experiencing burnout in the future?In this episode, Dr Claire Ashley joins us for a conversation about the very real issue of burnout. We talk about what happens in our brains during burnout. She dives into the 12 stages...
2023-03-2154 min
You Are Not A FrogHow to Have More Impact with Less EffortWhat criteria do you use when prioritising the tasks on your to-do list? Do you just put them in the order you get them? Maybe you pick the ones that seem the most urgent?Here’s an alternative: do the ones that are the easiest first. Not everything worth doing needs to be difficult!In this quick dip episode, we talk about the reality of our limits. In a high-stress job, getting everything done in one day is nearly impossible. And that's okay! What's important is putting your focus where you can be most effective. Yo...
2023-03-1417 min
You Are Not A FrogThe Power of Pressing PauseWhen you're dealing with a stressful situation, your first instinct might be to act immediately to solve it. Unfortunately, acting immediately often means you don't think your actions through. Acting rashly can worsen the situation, making it even more stressful. Fortunately, there's a better way to respond to stress. All you have to do is take a few seconds to press the pause button.In this quick dip episode of You Are Not a Frog, you'll discover the power of pressing pause in the middle of a stressful time. Rachel shares some of her own difficult experiences...
2023-02-2717 min
You Are Not A FrogThe One Thing You Can Do For Your Well-beingAs healthcare professionals, we know what we need to do for our physical and mental well-being. So why aren’t we doing it?Often, the first thing we give up when we get busier is something that makes our lives happier. We've normalised giving up our basic needs to make room for productivity. No one bats an eye at it anymore. But is living your one shot at life like this really worth it at the end of the day?In this quick dip episode, we talk about the one thing you can do right no...
2023-02-1413 min
You Are Not A FrogThink Differently About Your To-Do ListDo you constantly feel guilty about unfinished tasks at the end of the day? Do you keep finding yourself wanting to improve how you manage your time?Your to-do list is not a fixed and immovable bucket. It’s a river of opportunities that you have a choice and control over. How would you choose what things to fish out of this river wisely?In this quick dip episode, we discuss shifting our mindset about our to-do list from a bucket to a river. We only have a limited amount of time in the world. In...
2023-01-3118 min
You Are Not A FrogEmbracing Your Limits in a Limitless SystemEveryone praises those who work hard — so it’s not unusual for people to think that it’s good to push your limits and do as much as you can.But what’s the best thing to do when you’re tired and exhausted? Should you see how far you can go, or take a break?In this short episode, we discuss embracing our limits as a choice. With so many things out of control, we need to discern when to take a rest because work will never stop for us. We also discuss how you can st...
2023-01-1715 min
You Are Not A FrogHow to Get People to LOVE your IdeasConvince change to happen.You've got great ideas for change. It's just a matter of putting these plans into motion. However, change needs to be something where everyone works together. You can't just tell someone to do this or that. Because of this, change can be a challenge. But don't let this discourage you! With the right message and space for a conversation, you can convince the people around you to make change happen.In this episode of You Are Not a Frog, Toby Moore joins us for a conversation about communicating ideas and convincing...
2023-01-1045 min
You Are Not A FrogWhen Working Harder Doesn't WorkHow have you been living your life so far? Most of us have worked hard all our lives to be successful. Whilst hard work is commendable, it can start to define your life. Instead, how about we try to work happier so that we can find fulfillment in everything we do.In this quick dip episode, Rachel talks about what to do when working harder isn’t working anymore. She explains why working harder is actually counterproductive and why it can fail us. Rachel also shares simple but powerful tips to flip your mindset and ado...
2023-01-0318 min
You Are Not A FrogBest Bits of 2022: Stress and WorryThe stress and worry we felt during the pandemic didn’t disappear in 2022. As medical practitioners, having a myriad of problems and uncertainties on our plate has simply become part of the job. But after over a hundred episodes, our conversations here at You Are Not A Frog have shown that we can make choices that help us to cope with and even overcome stress, anxiety and worry. So let’s wrap up another fantastic year by rediscovering the best bits of our podcast episodes on stress and worry. We revisit our favourite conversations on breaking the anxie...
2022-12-2745 min
You Are Not A FrogBest Bits of 2022: How to Build ConfidenceAs trained medical professionals, we are confident about our technical skills and our ability to work harder than most professions. But are we truly confident and happy about our lives and careers? Every day is a whirlwind at our workplace, and we need to learn how to build confidence, take a step back and be compassionate to ourselves.Every day, we can learn something new. Not just about the technical aspects of our work, but also about ourselves, our emotions, and well-being. In this episode of ‘You Are Not a Frog’, Rachel brings you this year’...
2022-12-2053 min
You Are Not A FrogHow to Deal with Xmas Disasters and Other Disappointments in Life with Corrina Gordon-BarnesDo you look forward to Christmas holidays or other family celebrations only to be disappointed that reality is not what you had hoped it would be? Or has life not worked out as expected, and you're struggling with regrets and disappointment? How do we deal with feeling disappointed, especially with the upcoming holidays?In this 2022 Christmas Special of You Are Not A Frog, executive coach and relationship expert Corrina Gordon-Barnes joins us to explain several approaches to dealing with life's disappointments. She builds on her years of experience as an executive coach and relationship expert to share...
2022-12-1356 min
You Are Not A FrogHow to Know if You're Being 'Resilience Victim Blamed'What is your first thought when you think of the word ‘resilience’? For many professionals and organisations, this means becoming superhuman — someone who can do anything despite the stress, heavy workload, and emotions. Not only is this perspective wrong, but it’s also impossible!We’re all human. So why do we expect perfection?In this episode, Rachel dives into the concept of resilience victim blaming and how you’re led to think it’s your fault when you can’t perform superhuman standards. Resilience is about choices and shifting how you respond to situations. You have a choic...
2022-12-0614 min
You Are Not A FrogJob Crafting for HappinessHow do you feel about your job? Do you enjoy all aspects of your work? Do you sometimes wish you could make it better? The demands in healthcare make it almost impossible to remove the constant pressure surrounding the job. What follows risks burnout. But with the right combination of resources, support, and an innovative mindset, employees can craft jobs in ways that will make them feel happier at work.In this panel discussion episode of You Are Not a Frog, we ask Kirsten Armit, Dr Colin Lindsay, and Dr Daljit Hothi at the FMLM International Healthcare...
2022-11-2948 min
You Are Not A FrogIs it ‘Normal’ Not to Cope?We often think stress and burnout are normal. However, anyone who has experienced extreme pressure can tell you that too much stress is bad for our health and performance. Our physiological reactions to stress are normal. Despite this, we continue to blame ourselves if we cannot cope with it.In this quick tip episode, Rachel shares how doctors and other individuals in demanding jobs see stress as ‘normal’ and how it impacts our health. When you’re burning out, stop blaming yourself and start being compassionate. If you want to know how to cope with stress and burnou...
2022-11-2219 min
You Are Not A FrogHow to Stop Your Finances Controlling Your Career with Dr Tommy PerkinsMany professionals in high-stress careers can find themselves working long hours every day and not growing wealthier. No matter how much you do or how many hours you add, you find yourself trapped in a cycle of work and finances. Getting out of this trap is difficult when you don't know the financial decisions you need to make. You'll find practical steps on controlling your finances so that they don't control you: earn more and spend less.Dr Tommy Perkins joins us for a conversation about money and career. He answers your questions about what you can...
2022-11-1548 min
You Are Not A FrogYou ChooseDo you sometimes find yourself thinking that you don’t have a choice? Your circumstances and obligations seem to prevent you from taking any course of action except for one. But the thing is, we always have a choice. We choose all the time. Life is made up not of the big choices we have to make but of the little, compounding choices we make on a daily basis. So what choice will you make today? You choose.In this You Are Not a Frog Quick Dip, Rachel delves into choice. She shares the one thing healthcare pr...
2022-11-0816 min
You Are Not A FrogHow to Stop Emotional Eating, Eat Better and Feel Better with Dr Matthea Rentea and Keri WilliamsWe're all guilty of eating our feelings from time to time. It can happen to anyone for any reason — a bad day at work, a stressful time at home, a plan falling short. We start emotional eating because eating is an inherently satisfying activity—and it must be! You feel good when you eat things you like. However, the problem arises when this is our only coping mechanism for dealing with difficult situations. Learning how to stop emotional eating can help us break or prevent unhealthy eating habits. In this episode, Keri Williams and Dr Matthea Rentea talke...
2022-11-011h 03