The Thrive Bright Podcast (Previously The Overwhelm Edit)

Life can look full, successful, even enviable on the outside — yet feel heavy, exhausting, and quietly unsustainable on the inside. You may be holding everything together, leading, deciding, caring, achieving… and still feel like something is missing, or costing you more than it should.
If that resonates, I want you to hear this first: you are not broken. You are responding to years of pressure, expectation, and self-sacrifice — and that matters.
Inside This Episode
In this episode, I’m introducing you to the next chapter of this podcast and the deeper work it represents. The Thrive Bright Podcast is an invitation to explore how we live life differently — moving away from survival and burnout, and towards a life that feels aligned, resourced, and genuinely good.
In this episode, we gently explore:
Why so many high-achieving women feel exhausted and depleted despite “doing everything right”

The hidden costs of success that’s built on self-sacrifice and constant pushing

What it means to move from surviving to thriving — on your terms

The quiet crossroads moment where awareness begins to change everything
Why burnout isn’t a personal failing, but a sign something deeper needs attention

A Gentle Invitation to Listen
This episode isn’t about fixing yourself or doing more. It’s about understanding what’s been happening — and giving yourself permission to imagine a different way forward. Listen gently, in your own time, and notice what lands.

Free Resource: A Gentle First Step
If this episode resonates and you’d like a calm place to begin, you’re warmly invited to download my free guide:
 5 Ways to Beat Overwhelm
 https://drsaralouwylie.com/5-ways-to-beat-overwhelm
This isn’t a fix — it’s a supportive first step towards understanding your overwhelm and reconnecting with yourself.
How to Stay in Touch
 Email: [email protected]
 Instagram: @drsaralouwylie
If this episode stirred something for you, you’re very welcome to reach out and share what landed.
Disclaimer
This podcast episode is shared for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or therapeutic advice. It is not a substitute for professional diagnosis, treatment, or care. If you are concerned about your mental or physical health, please seek support from a qualified healthcare professional.

Have you ever wondered why — despite all your insight, awareness, and effort — you still feel stuck in overwhelm or burnout?
In this episode of The Overwhelm Edit, we explore one of the most common (and misunderstood) experiences of high‑achieving women: doing everything right and still not feeling better.
This is a deeply reassuring, explanatory episode — not about fixing yourself or trying harder, but about understanding what’s really happening beneath the surface.
In this episode, we explore:
Why insight and self-awareness alone don’t automatically create change

How years of pushing through shape your nervous system

Why rest, calm, and confidence can feel unsafe after long-term overwhelm

The hidden reason high-achieving women struggle to apply what they know

The difference between having information and being able to live it

What actually helps change begin — gently, safely, and sustainably

Key takeaway:
If you feel stuck, it’s not because you’re failing or doing something wrong.
It’s because your nervous system hasn’t yet learned that it’s safe to live differently.
Real change doesn’t come from trying harder — it comes from supported integration, safety, and taking small steps forward with guidance.
Resources mentioned:
 Free guide: 5 Ways to Beat Overwhelm
A gentle, practical starting point for creating more calm, clarity, and capacity — without pressure or perfectionism.
Connect with Dr SaraLou
Instagram: @drsaralouwylie
Email: [email protected]
This podcast episode is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical, psychological, or therapeutic advice. Listening to this episode does not establish a coaching, medical, or therapeutic relationship. If you are experiencing significant mental health difficulties or distress, please seek support from a qualified healthcare professional or your GP.

In this opening episode of 2026, we’re not here to fix, diagnose, or motivate.
This episode is an invitation to pause, to soften, and to understand what’s been happening — without blame.
If life looks good on paper but feels heavy…
If you’re capable, responsible, high-achieving — and exhausted in a way rest doesn’t touch…
If you’ve been quietly wondering “What’s wrong with me?”
This episode is for you.
Rather than offering another solution or strategy, we explore a gentler truth:
you didn’t fail — you were inside a perfect storm.
A collision of high responsibility, unmet needs, and internal pressure that would challenge anyone.
Inside this episode, we explore:
Why overwhelm and burnout aren’t personal failures

How high-functioning burnout often hides in plain sight

Why “just resting” doesn’t bring relief when the nervous system is overloaded

Burnout as communication, not collapse

How understanding creates space for healing — without urgency or pressure

This is a place to feel seen, to breathe, and to remember that you’re not broken — and you’re not alone.
NEXT STEPS
If it feels supportive, you’re very welcome to explore this work further.
You can download my free guide “5 Ways to Beat Overwhelm”, which shares simple, grounding practices to help you feel calmer and more resourced in daily life:
 Download the free guide: https://drsaralouwylie.com/5-ways-to-beat-overwhelm
And if you’d like to continue listening, you can explore more episodes of The Overwhelm Edit podcast, where we talk honestly about burnout, overwhelm, and nervous-system-led healing — with science and soul.
This podcast is shared for educational and supportive purposes only and does not replace medical, psychological, or therapeutic advice. If you are experiencing significant distress or mental health concerns, please seek support from a qualified healthcare professional or your GP. Always consult an appropriate professional regarding your individual circumstances.

Your wellbeing has the power to create a beautiful ripple effect. It’s the foundation for your quality of life, your presence with loved ones, and your capability at work — and it’s the fuel for the ripple effect you create in the world.
In this episode, I share why it matters so deeply for women in high-responsibility, heart-led roles — doctors, academics, leaders, community builders — to be well-resourced, and why it’s the opposite of selfishness to prioritise your needs.
You’ll hear:
Why self-care is not indulgence but essential

The ripple effect of a well-resourced woman at home, at work, and in the world

How your wellbeing impacts your leadership, creativity, and purpose

A powerful reframing for the inner critic that tells you it’s selfish to rest

Practical ideas to calm your nervous system so you can show up at your best

📌 Links mentioned in this episode:
Download my free guide 5 Ways to Beat Overwhelm.

Learn more about Thrive Together

Medical Disclaimer:
This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your physical or mental health.

Episode 9: When Summer Doesn’t Feel Like a Break: Burnout, Invisible Labour & Why You’re Still So Tired
If summer was supposed to be the season you finally exhaled, but instead you're feeling more burnt out than ever, this episode is for you.
We’re pulling back the curtain on what’s really going on during this season of supposed ease — from the invisible labour so many women carry, to why your nervous system still feels constantly "on." If you're feeling snappy, struggling to be present, or like you're missing the moments you longed for… you're not alone.
In this episode, Dr. SaraLou dives into:
Why summer burnout is a real phenomenon (and not your fault)

The internal and external pressures high-achieving women face — even when out of office

The nervous system lens: why you can’t just “switch off”

Small but powerful ways to begin restoring calm and presence this week

A reminder that you don’t have to do this alone

✨ Plus, she shares a practical, free resource: 5 Ways to Beat Overwhelm — a beautiful, science-backed guide to help you feel more grounded, today.
📩 Dr. SaraLou always loves to hear from listeners — drop her a DM on Instagram @drsaralouwylie or an email to share your reflections.
Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not therapy or medical advice and should not be considered a substitute for working with a qualified professional.