This podcast honours the NHS: its people, its purpose, its power.

The Visionary Podcast is Sponsored by Dietapplements – Your Pure, Clean-label Supplements:

https://www.dietapplements.com/

Dr Paula Redmond – HCPC Registered Clinical Psychologist | Host of When Work Hurts Podcast

Dr Paula Redmond, an HCPC-registered Clinical Psychologist with over 20 years’ experience across the NHS and independent sector. Paula specialises in supporting individuals and organisations when work begins to hurt, whether through burnout, vicarious trauma, or chronic workplace stress. Her work focuses on helping people navigate high-pressure environments where constant exposure to suffering, lack of psychological safety, and unrecognised needs can take a serious toll. Through approaches informed by Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), reflective supervision, and organisational consultancy, she helps restore balance, resilience, and meaning. At the heart of her work are three guiding principles – compassion, connection, and creativity, which she believes are essential not only for sustaining wellbeing at work, but for living a more grounded and fulfilling life.

Host/Podcaster: Hala Ali

Chapters:

00:00 – Introduction

00:45 – What “Humanity” Means at Work

02:30 – When Work Heals vs When It Harms

04:40 – Lessons from 15 Years in the NHS

07:20 – The Mental Health Crisis in Healthcare

08:40 – Burnout, Stress & Toxic Work Environments

09:30 – “Bruised and Battered” by the System

10:00 – What Is Moral Injury?

11:00 – Real Examples: Corridor Care & Impossible Choices

12:40 – Why Doctors Blame Themselves

14:00 – The Emotional Cost of Caring

16:00 – Compassion: Why We Ignore Our Own Suffering

17:30 – The Danger of “Just Pushing Through”

18:40 – Why Work Starts to Feel Unfair

20:00 – Disconnection, Cynicism & Coping Mechanisms

21:30 – Why It’s Hard to Ask for Help

23:00 – Can Compassion Be Learned?

28:00 – What Burnout Really Is (Not Just Stress)

32:00 – The “Threat vs Drive” Cycle Explained

35:30 – Why Rest Is the Missing Piece

38:00 – Burnout vs Just Being Tired

40:00 – What Happens If You Ignore Burnout

41:20 – The Breaking Point (Can’t Get Out of the Car)

42:30 – Early Warning Signs You’re Missing

44:30 – How Burnout Affects Relationships

45:30 – Supporting Colleagues Without Overstepping

47:00 – The Problem with Productivity Culture

49:00 – Rethinking Work & Wellbeing

Follow Paula:

Website – https://drpaularedmond.com/

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/drpaularedmond/

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/DrPaulaRedmond/

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/drpaularedmond/

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@UCbWbrHys6znovXrOgmSRRGA

Explore the podcast: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLeFXRuOQ6z8r12D9L8f0lyOYAxdOZRWzY

Music: Chopin – Piano Concerto no. 1 in E minor, Op. 11 – III. Rondo – Vivace (String Quintet arr.)

Disclaimer: The Visionary Podcast features conversations with health professionals purely for educational and informational purposes. There is no financial exchange between the podcast and its guests. All views expressed are those of the health professionals and do not constitute medical advice.