Ep 30. Burnout, Cancer & the Power of Self-Kindness w/ Sophie Bretag

When Sophie Bretag hit the wall, she kept trying to push through.

High-functioning anxiety, burnout, then a tongue-cancer diagnosis finally led her husband to insist she stop.

In this raw, hopeful conversation, Sophie shares how that loving call-out became the circuit-breaker—why crisis puts you in survival, not processing—and how healing came from layering tiny, consistent practices.

From time in nature to somatic work—breathwork, Reiki, acupuncture—Sophie slowly pieced herself back together with self-kindness.

We explore choosing work that gives energy, letting go of inflated responsibility, and why self-kindness isn’t fluffy—it’s the backbone of resilience, relationships, and sustainable performance.

You’ll hear:

- The moment Sophie stopped and gave herself permission to heal

- What somatic healing looked like after the storm

- The 1% practices that actually stick (and why there’s no silver bullet)

- How to use values as your “energy filter” for work and life

Takeaway: Don’t wait for the crash. Pick one small act of care today, repeat tomorrow, and let the gains compound.

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Disclaimer: This podcast is for information only and isn’t a substitute for personalised therapy.