How the ‘perfect storm’ of busyness led to severe burnout and physical ill-health

Kelly Ford is a comedian and broadcaster. Her show for Soho Radio, 'Sex, Lies and Videotapes', has been finding out about the lives of the most interesting people in Soho since 2015. 

Kelly also co-hosts the radio and podcast documentary series, The Everything Project, with Natalie Lee, which shines a light onto worlds unknown, giving a voice to those unheard.

Kelly was 15 when she lost her mum Jill to ovarian cancer. When she became a mother herself, 21 years later, she found herself only wanting to hear about motherhood from her mum. 

This inspired Kelly to create the beautiful podcast series, The Motherless. The launch series speaks to a diverse range of women who lost their mothers at varying stages of life. Kelly delves into their relationships and highlights the resilience and strength experienced by women in daily life. 

It's an incredible podcast for anyone experiencing grief, who has lost a loved one, or treasures hearing the real-life stories of others. 

In this Everyday Burnout Conversation, Kelly and Flic chat about the 'perfect storm' that led to Kelly's burnout manifesting physically, eventually reaching a diagnosis of pyoderma gangrenosum and suspected Crohn's disease. She talks about the warning signs that she's learned to keep watch for, along with the daily stress management she embraces to keep burnout at bay. 

Also mentioned in this episode:

• Hollie De Cruz's books: Motherhood Your Way and Your Baby, Your Birth

• How To Fail With Elizabeth Day. Season 4, Episode 4 with guest Mo Gawdat

• Writing daily morning pages - find out more in The Artists Way by Julia Cameron.

• Together - A 2021 British comedy-drama aired on BBC staring James McAvoy and Sharon Horgan. Directed by Stephen Daldry from a screenplay written bye Dennis Kelly.

• Anniki Sommerville's podcast How To Be A Boss At Aging. Season 4, Episode 2 - Being Grateful for the Tiny Things with Kelly Ford.

Listen to the podcast episode here or on Apple podcasts, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

Follow Kelly @bookofmum

Find out more about Kelly's work

Check out her podcasts The Motherless and The Everything Project

Follow The Motherless @podofmum

Please note, this podcast is not intended as medical advice. If you're having a tough time or concerned that you're experiencing burnout, please reach out to your doctor or mental health professional for support and guidance. 

Please like, comment and subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen. I truly appreciate your feedback and support, as it helps these fab li’l conversations reach a little bit further.

Thank you!

Flic x