The Movers & Returners Podcast

Latest Episode

Series Two Episode Two

Thriving at the Bar: Brain Health, Resilience and Wellbeing

Understanding the science of stress and the practices that help barristers flourish.

The pressures of practice can take a significant toll on even the most capable legal professionals. In this episode, Rachel Spearing KC speaks with Soraya Shaw and Frances McClenaghan about burnout, brain health and building sustainable careers at the Bar. Drawing on neuroscience, personal experience and innovative reflective practice initiatives, they explore why burnout occurs, how stress affects performance and the habits, mindsets and support systems that can help barristers thrive throughout their careers.

Read the full episode notes, resources and guest biographies

About the Podcast

Welcome to The Inner Temple Movers & Returners Podcast, a dedicated space for barristers planning, managing, or returning from a break in practice, as well as those transferring between practice areas or Chambers.

Hosted by Inner Temple practitioners, each episode features guests with expertise and lived experience in moving and returning. Together, they share practical guidance, professional insights, and trusted resources to help you make confident career moves. From retention strategies to tips for a smooth return, you’ll hear advice designed to sustain your practice and support your professional wellbeing.

Episodes are released on the first Tuesday of every month, giving you a regular touchpoint for guidance, encouragement and actionable steps.

Subscribe now to gain the support and community you need to thrive and succeed at every step of your journey at the Bar.

Association Excellence Awards 2026

Finalist: Best Blog, Podcast or Video

News

Series Two

Episode Two: Thriving at the Bar: Brain Health, Resilience and Wellbeing

3 November 2026. Rachel Spearing KC with neuroscientist Soraya Shaw and barrister Frances McClenaghan on burnout, brain health and building sustainable careers at the Bar.

Episode One: Staying Well at the Bar: Looking Back, Moving Forward

6 October 2026. Rachel Spearing KC marks ten years of Wellbeing at the Bar with clinical psychologist Dr Bill Mitchell and senior clerk Nick Hill: pressure, self-awareness, mindset and why to talk to your clerk first.

Series One

Episode 8: On this side of the bench: Crossing over cover artwork

Episode Eight: On this side of the bench: Crossing over

7 July 2026. Winston Hunter KC on his move into part-time judicial roles, and how sitting as a Recorder and Deputy High Court Judge changes the way you see advocacy.

Episode 7: Changing Sides: Employed & Self‑Employed at the Bar cover artwork

Episode Seven: Changing Sides: Employed & Self‑Employed at the Bar

2 June 2026. What it is really like to move between the self-employed and employed Bar, from two barristers who have made the change.

Episode 6: Written Advocacy: The Silent Persuader cover artwork

Episode Six: Written Advocacy: The Silent Persuader

5 May 2026. Judicial insight on written advocacy from the Senior President of Tribunals, with the Inner Temple Librarian on the support the Library offers returners.

Episode 5: Advocacy unpacked: Developing your skills at the Bar cover artwork

Episode Five: Advocacy unpacked: Developing your skills at the Bar

7 April 2026. An unplanned break from the Bar, a move of Chambers, and the work of rebuilding confidence in oral advocacy afterwards.

Episode 4: Unplanned – Navigating the unexpected at the Bar cover artwork

Episode Four: Unplanned – Navigating the unexpected at the Bar

3 March 2026. Life doesn’t always run to schedule, even at the Bar. Honest conversations about mental health, burnout and bereavement.

Episode 3: Parenting in Practice cover artwork

Episode Three: Parenting in Practice

3 February 2026. Three barristers, one shared challenge: balancing the demands of life at the Bar with the realities of parenthood.

Episode 2: Advocating for Advocate cover artwork

Episode Two: Advocating for Advocate

6 January 2026. Three barristers on volunteering and mentoring with Advocate, the Bar’s national pro bono charity.

Episode 1: Volunteering with Advocate to Support Moving and Returning in Practice cover artwork

Episode One: Volunteering with Advocate to Support Moving and Returning in Practice

2 December 2025. The CEO and Engagement Manager of Advocate on how pro bono volunteering helps movers and returners build skills, confidence and connections.

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