Scenic Route, Social Change and Mental Health for Tired Perfectionists
Scenic Route is a mental health and social change podcast for perfectionists, overthinkers, and high-achievers who are tired of holding it all together. If you're burned out from performing, people-pleasing, and pretending everything's fine — this is your space to finally exhale. Hosted by sociologist and recovering perfectionist Jennifer Walter (MA Sociology, University College Cork) — navigating chronic illness whilst rebuilding life in her 40s and rethinking what resilience actually means. We talk about: Mental health without the toxic positivity Real tools for anxiety, burnout, and the inner critic Social change that starts within Feminism, capitalism, and how your healing is political Mindfulness for sceptics No crystals, no BS, just what actually works Expect solo deep-dives, expert guests, and the occasional bit of potty humour because healing doesn't have to be so damn serious all the time. This podcast is for you if: You're questioning so many things and trying to stay hopeful You're done with perfectionism but still want to grow You believe inner work and activism go hand in hand New episodes every Tuesday. The longest way round is the shortest way home. That's why we're taking the Scenic Route. Start with the latest episode — or jump into whatever speaks to you. The view here is chef's kiss 🫶
Show episodes
There"s a particular moment many of us know well — when everything feels like too much. Not dramatically, but quietly, heavily, relentlessly. You"re still functioning, still showing up, but inside, something is fraying. And the most painful part? The story you tell yourself about it: I should be able to handle this. In
Pause for a breath you didn"t know you were holding. This soft landing is for the woman who"s been holding it together so well that no one thinks to ask if she"s okay. This week"s affirmation: "The strategies, steps, decisions that got me here served their purpose — I release them with grace." You don"t have to carry w
You"ve done the vision boards. Set the goals. Showed up with discipline. And still – something feels off. If you"re a high achiever who"s done all the things and still doesn"t feel like you"ve arrived, this one"s for you. Jessica Eley breaks down why smart, driven women stay stuck even when they know what they want. Sp
Pause for a breath you didn"t know you were holding. This soft landing is for the woman who"s been holding it together so well that no one thinks to ask if she"s okay. The affirmation: "I am allowed to disappoint people and still be good." Goodness isn"t measured by how much access others have to you, but by how honest
12 Nights of Magic: Tarot, Rauhnächte & Intentional Planning for 2026 ft. Nadia Gabrielle
Tired of entering a new year already depleted? This 35-minute conversation is your invitation to something slower, softer, yet powerful. Nadia Gabrielle returns to The Scenic Route to talk about the 12 Nights of Magic – her annual program that guides hundreds of participants worldwide through the liminal space between
Luck, Burnout & Lemon Cake: What 3 Years of The Scenic Route Taught Me About Slowing Down
Three years, 111 episodes, and countless conversations later — host Jennifer Walter sits down for a full-circle moment with Lauren Best to celebrate The Scenic Route’s third birthday. They flip the mic to talk about what really happens when you stop hustling and start listening: to your body, your luck, your burnout, a