Dog walk thoughts - a podcast on mental health, wellbeing & leadership

Join me as I reflect on mental health, wellbeing, and workplace culture - all while walking my four dogs!

From mental health in the workplace to managing my recent ADHD diagnosis, I share personal insights, practical strategies, and expert-backed advice to help you improve wellbeing and create healthier workplaces.

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ALL EPISODES

EPISODE 25: ADHD is relentless

After a morning of unexpected tears and a sense that everything has been a bit much lately, this episode is a straight, honest reflection on what happens when ADHD becomes relentless.

I talk about the past few months feeling heavier than usual, the strange release of crying at Netflix show 'Heartstopper', and the relief of speaking to someone who genuinely understands the constant noise in my head.

It’s all about overwhelm, sobriety without an off-switch, and the ongoing work of accepting how my brain works rather than trying to completely fix it.

EPISODE 24: Creating space for dissent - the key to unlocking psychological safety

In this episode, I dive a bit deeper into what true psychological safety really means at work. It’s not just about people feeling comfortable - it’s about creating an environment where they feel safe to challenge, to disagree, and to say when something isn’t working.

I share a few stories, including a focus group experience that still makes me laugh (and feel a certain level of rage about) years later, along with some brilliant insights from Amy Edmondson on how to spot whether psychological safety really exists in your team.

I also talk through some simple, practical ways to create space for honest feedback, respond to critique without getting defensive, and use that feedback to drive genuine growth.

Because if as a leader the ONLY 'culture' feedback you’re hearing is that people wish others would unload the dishwasher, it’s probably not the dishwasher that’s the problem!

EPISODE 23: What is psychological safety and why it matters at work

After a little summer break, I’m back with another Dog Walk Thoughts, this time exploring one of my most requested topics, psychological safety.

As I walk the pack (with a pocket full of turkey slices!) I unpack what psychological safety really means beyond the buzzwords, from Amy Edmondson’s original research to why it’s the biggest driver of team performance.

We’ll look at why mistakes matter, how to create space for honest challenge, and simple ways to build trust and openness in your team.

It’s a practical introduction to one of the most powerful foundations of thriving, high-performing workplaces.

EPISODE 22: Simple tools to shift a bad mood

Ever struggle to shake off a bad mood?

In this episode, I hit record while walking my dogs - in the middle of one of those flat, fed-up days - to see if I could shift my mood in real time.

I share practical tools I use in workshops (like the circles of control, gratitude reframing, and healthy dopamine boosts), plus some honest reflections on why it’s okay to sit with your feelings before moving forward.

If you’ve been feeling flat, frustrated or just “off,” this one’s for you.

EPISODE 21: Why is it never enough?

Ever feel like no matter how much you do, it’s never enough?

In this episode, I dive into the “never enough” mindset that fuels burnout and share the small but powerful shifts I’m using to quiet it down. From naming my inner critic (yes, it has a name!) to questioning old beliefs about worth and productivity, I explore practical ways to find more balance, compassion, and calm in daily life.

If you’ve ever ended the day feeling like you should be doing more, this one’s for you.

EPISODE 20: Learning (the hard way) to rest

It’s been a little while since my last dog walk thoughts recording - partly because it’s been scorching hot so I've been walking my dogs more at night, partly because I’ve been navigating some pretty relentless health challenges.

In this episode, I share a raw and meandering update from the middle of a very sharp wheat field (not my best decision), reflecting on recent pain, a brilliant GP, and the rollercoaster of being off my ADHD meds after a busy few weeks of work and travel.

I talk about the tricky balance between productivity and recovery, the emotional impact of doing too much too fast, and my ongoing struggle with switching off - even when my body is screaming at me to rest. If you’ve ever found yourself in that all-or-nothing cycle of doing, crashing, and doing again…this one’s for you.

Come for the reflections, stay for the sound of dogs chasing rabbits in the background!

EPISODE 19: Anything not to feel: my experience of numbing and avoidance

In this episode, I’m walking the dogs (obviously!) and talking about something I know a lot about: numbing. From addiction to anxiety to undiagnosed ADHD, I’ve spent most of my life avoiding difficult emotions - and living in a constant state of fight-or-flight.

I share how that’s shown up in my body, the role my childhood played, and what it’s looked like to finally start feeling instead of numbing.

It’s messy, personal, and probably one of the most important things I’ve learned about my own wellbeing.

EPISODE 18: Tips to cope with stress and prevent burnout

In this episode, I share some honest reflections from a messy few weeks – from unpredictable energy and health challenges to the emotional weight of anniversaries.

I talk about the small, practical tools that have been helping me manage stress, reduce overwhelm, and stay focused on what actually matters.

If life’s been feeling a bit too much lately, this one’s for you!

EPISODE 17: Is mum guilt just patriarchy in disguise?

In this slightly rambling but very real episode, I talk about the juggle of working motherhood during the school holidays, the guilt that creeps in when I try to set boundaries, and the pressure so many of Mothers feel to earn our rest.

Between the dogs, the bunnies and the occasional rant about gender roles, this is a reminder (for me as much as anyone) that joy is reason enough.

EPISODE 16: Is productivity just a stick we use to beat ourselves with?

In this episode, I share what happened when I ended up in A&E right in the middle of Mental Health Awareness Week, and what it taught me about pain, pressure, and the guilt we carry around not being ‘productive enough’.

I talk honestly about the challenges of slowing down, why rest feels so hard to justify, and how I’m trying to let go of the idea that my worth is tied to how much I get done.

If you’ve ever felt guilty for not doing more, I hope this resonates.

EPISODE 15: Why your inclusion strategy might be missing the point

How do we move beyond pigeonholes and policies to create truly inclusive workplaces?

In this episode, I reflect on why a one-size-fits-all approach to inclusion often misses the mark - and how we can do better.

From neurodiversity to quiet thinkers in meetings, I explore the risks of echo chambers, the power of diverse perspectives, and the practical changes leaders can make to create environments where everyone can thrive. Whether you're building a team, leading change, or rethinking workplace culture, this one's for you.

EPISODE 14: Who is looking after you, while you look after everyone else?

In this episode, I’m talking about the emotional load so many HR, people and wellbeing professionals are carrying right now - and what it’s doing to us.

If you’re constantly supporting others through change, uncertainty and big emotions, this one’s for you. I’m sharing some thoughts on boundaries, triggers, and why we all need time to process what we’re holding.

Because looking after others shouldn't mean forgetting about yourself.

EPISODE 13: Let's talk about guilt

In this episode, I’m diving into something that’s been on my mind a lot lately - guilt. The constant, creeping kind that shows up even when I am getting things done. Whether I’m working on my business, spending time with my daughter, or just doing something I enjoy, there always seems to be a part of me asking, “But what about everything else?”

Since my ADHD diagnosis, I’ve become more aware of the way guilt intertwines with overwhelm, productivity, and even joy. I talk about the difference between guilt and shame (with a nod to Brené Brown), why we don’t need to earn our rest, and how I’m learning to challenge that inner voice that says I should always be doing more.

This one’s honest, unfiltered, and a little windy - but if you ever find yourself stuck in that loop of “I should be doing something else,” I think you’ll relate.

EPISODE 12: People don't leave companies, they leave managers

This one’s all about managers. The brilliant ones who help you grow, and the ones who slowly make you dread Mondays. I share stories of both, and unpack the massive impact people managers have on culture, wellbeing, and performance. From feedback styles to affinity bias, micromanagement to missed potential, we look at what really makes a great manager - and what happens when leadership blocks the flow of everything good.

Champagne towers, Coke Zero, and a whole lot of truth.

EPISODE 11: Community, connection, and the joy of comfortable silence

In this episode, I reflect on what connection really means - especially as someone who’s introverted and sober. From the discomfort of small talk to the beauty of honest, quiet moments, I explore how we can build nourishing community in ways that actually work for us. I also look at how small acts of local connection might be more powerful than we realise, especially in a world that often feels overwhelming. Whether it’s a WhatsApp group, an ERG, or simply sharing your story first - connection doesn’t have to be loud to matter.

EPISODE 10: Navigating change, handling uncertainty

In this episode, I’m chatting about all things change - the good, the bad and the messy middle. From organisational restructures to flying lessons (yes, really), I’m sharing thoughts on how we cope with uncertainty and what helps us stay steady when life gets wobbly. It’s part rant, part reflection, with a few wild rabbits and resilience tips thrown in.

EPISODE 9: Why resilience isn't always the answer

In this episode, I’m digging into the often-misunderstood concept of resilience. Are we genuinely bouncing back from challenges, or are we simply numbing ourselves to survive unsustainable demands? I explore how both individuals and organisations sometimes misuse resilience as a cover for deeper issues - and why it might be time to step out of the "briar patch" altogether.

Expect personal stories, a few reflections on work culture, and some practical thoughts on setting boundaries.

EPISODE 8: Burnout isn’t just a personal problem – it’s a workplace issue

Is burnout just another word for stress? Not quite.

In this episode, I break down:

·       The difference between burnout, stress, and anxiety

·       How our nervous system reacts to prolonged stress

·       The hidden warning signs of burnout (including memory issues and cynicism)

·       Why many workplaces miss the real causes of burnout – and what leaders can do to prevent it

Plus, a brief detour involving my dog, a minor injury, and a reminder that animals are much better at "rest and digest" than we are!

Listen now if you’re feeling drained, disconnected, or like you’re running on fumes.

EPISODE 7: From paper to practice – bringing your people strategy to life

A great workplace culture isn’t just well-written - it’s well-lived.

In this episode, I explore:

·       How to align leadership behaviours with company values

·       Ways to embed your people strategy into everyday decisions

·       Practical steps for turning strategy into action

If you want to move beyond policies and create a workplace where people truly thrive, this one’s for you.

EPISODE 6: Why is it easier to accept my addiction than my anxiety?

I give the addict in me compassion, patience, and grace. But my anxious self? Not so much.

In this deeply personal episode, I reflect on:

🧠 How I navigate self-compassion in recovery

💬 Why we judge some mental health struggles more harshly than others

🌱 What I’m doing to shift the balance

Tune in for an honest conversation about self-acceptance and mental health.

EPISODE 5: The power of vulnerability and sharing our stories

Vulnerability isn’t weakness - it’s connection.

This episode explores:

·       How sharing personal stories creates more inclusive workplaces

·       Why openness leads to cultural change

·       The impact of storytelling on mental health and wellbeing

Listen now to discover the power of your own story.

EPISODES 3 & 4: Barriers to a mentally healthy workplace culture

Even the best wellbeing strategies, policies, and benefits don’t always translate into a truly healthy culture.

In this two-part series, I break down:

·       The hidden barriers that prevent workplace wellbeing

·       How to shift from strategy to action

·       What leaders can do to create a more supportive environment

If you're serious about making meaningful change in your organisation, this series is a must-listen.

EPISODE 2: Navigating grief - challenging the narrative

Grief doesn’t follow a timeline, and there’s no “right” way to experience loss.

In this episode, I reflect on:

💬 How grief shaped my perspective

❓ The misconceptions around mourning

💡 Ways to support others through loss

If you’ve ever struggled with grief - or supported someone who has - this episode is for you.

EPISODE 1: Tackling overwhelm & boosting focus

Struggling to concentrate? Feeling buried under your to-do list?

In this first episode, I share:

✅ How I manage overwhelm in my own life

✅ Practical tactics to prioritise tasks and stay focused

✅ Tools to calm racing thoughts and regain control

If you’re looking for ways to work with your brain instead of against it, start here.