In this week’s episode of Breen Time, Sabrina sits down with a Dr Gary Sprouse, whose decades of clinical experience led him to one uncomfortable conclusion: almost everything we’ve been told about stress is wrong.
We live in a culture that treats stress as a workload problem. Too much on your plate, too many demands, not enough time. So we’re told to breathe more, do less, take a holiday. And yet the stress follows us there too.
Because stress isn’t really about your circumstances. It’s about how you think about them.
In this episode, Sabrina and Dr Sprouse dig into the real source of stress — and why guilt, worry, and regret are quietly doing more damage than your to-do list ever could.
You’ll hear reflections on:
- Why the standard stress advice is incomplete — and why changing your circumstances rarely changes how you feel
- Where stress actually originates, and how thought patterns turn everyday pressure into a mental pressure cooker
- How guilt, worry, and regret linger long after the moment has passed — and how they shape your decisions and self-image without you realising
- The difference between taking responsibility and punishing yourself — and why that distinction matters more than most people think
- Practical tools for interrupting stress at its source — no life overhaul required
- Why numbing and distraction fail long-term, and what actually restores a sense of control
Dr Gary Sprouse reminds us that stress is not a Lifestyle problem. It’s a thinking problem. And that means the solution is closer — and simpler — than most people expect.
Because you can’t outrun your own mind. But you can learn to work with it.
Breen Time is a weekly wellbeing podcast from Brum Radio, hosted by life coach and management consultant Sabrina Brown. New episodes every Monday.
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I’m someone who’s always loved learning, growing, and helping people navigate change. Over the years, I’ve built a career leading transformation and strategy work across healthcare and the public sector, but at heart I’m simply passionate about making a positive difference and supporting people to reach their potential.
I’m a proud mum to one daughter, and family means everything to me. I love travelling, keeping fit, meeting new people, and having meaningful conversations that inspire fresh ideas and new perspectives. I’m also passionate about coaching and personal development, and I’m always curious about what helps people grow and thrive.
Through my podcast and being part of this community, I hope to share real conversations, encouragement, and a reminder that it’s never too late to embrace change, try something new, and keep creating a life you love.
