When it comes to medication for anxiety, or any mental health condition, it can be difficult to make a decision that feels right. Enter Dr Warren Kane, a psychiatrist who only prescribes anxiety medication as needed, and cares deeply about spending time with patients to genuinely understand their needs and how he can help. In this episode Dr Kane answers every question I can think of that a person contemplating anxiety medication for themselves, or for a child, would like answered. Of course, th...
Aug 23, 2022•50 min•Season 1Ep. 47
As awful and debilitating as anxiety can feel sometimes, it actually can’t hurt us. We don’t have to like how it feels but the more we reject our anxiety and struggle with it when it shows up, the bigger it grows. In this episode I talk about where anxiety comes from, why it feels the way it does and 5 practical strategies that will help you become more accepting of anxiety and more able to step forward and do all of the things life has waiting for you. Thanks for listening to this episode of “W...
Aug 16, 2022•21 min•Season 1Ep. 46
Anxiety can feel so overwhelming our instinct is often to do anything we can to feel better. In this episode the wonderful Dr Tamar Black, Education and Developmental Psychologist, reminds us that our anxiety cannot hurt us. She also shares ideas, tips and tools to help parents and teachers support anxious kids to manage anxiety, to experience how they feel and to keep doing the things that matter. Website ACT for Treating Children Instagram Facebook Thanks for listening to this episode of “Well...
Aug 09, 2022•51 min•Season 1Ep. 45
After passing out on the bathroom floor at work Aisling Quigley began searching for answers to support her with her anxiety, panic attacks and feelings of not being good enough. Through yoga she found meditation and through her training as a Mindfulness Facilitator and personal practice Aisling began to finally experience some stillness in her days. Over time she noticed that her daily practice, as challenging as it was at times, was also having a profound impact on life outside of her practice....
Aug 02, 2022•47 min•Season 1Ep. 44
Changing hormone levels during perimenopause increase the tendency for women to suffer from anxiety. In this fascinating episode Unna Goldsworthy helps us learn more about perimenopause, what to expect, subtle change we may not have recognised as being perimenopausal, and importantly, what we can all do to support ourselves during perimenopause and beyond. Website MidLife ToolBox - Skills you didn't know you needed | Unna Goldsworthy Australasian Menopause Society TED Talk | Valerie Alexander - ...
Jul 26, 2022•53 min•Season 1Ep. 43
Self-compassion is a must-have in your toolkit if you, like me, live with anxiety. Even if you don't! The thing is, we're all human, which means we all suffer. It's just part of life. Self-compassion helps us cope when we're going through difficult moments or periods in our lives, and supports us to move through our experiences without bottling or denying difficult thoughts and feelings. It's a beautiful gift to give yourself and this episode will not only teach you how, by why. Enjoy. Self-Comp...
Jul 19, 2022•18 min•Season 1Ep. 42
Inner turmoil, busyness, perfectionism, a racing mind and feelings of being an imposter are some of the ways high functioning anxiety can show. In this episode, multi-award winning Australian medical reporter, journalist and author Sophie Scott talks about high functioning anxiety, to-do lists, mindfulness, meditation, discomfort tolerance and so much more. www.sophiescott.com.au www.Instagram.com/sophiescott2 Self-healing meditation for anxiety Nervous system meditation Recovering from burnout ...
Jul 12, 2022•38 min•Season 1Ep. 41
Martine Oglethorpe brings so much wisdom to parents in this episode. Martine is an educator for Headspace in addition to supporting schools and parents with digital health and wellbeing education through her business The Modern Parent. Martine’s insights into youth mental health, their needs and the needs of their parents shine a light on an issue countless families are facing in the wake of the pandemic. Martine talks about how to respond when your teenager refuses help for their mental health,...
Jul 05, 2022•50 min•Season 1Ep. 40
Brock Bastian is a clinical psychologist, researcher, TEDx speaker and author who is passionate about helping us understand the importance of experiencing the spectrum of emotions and sharing the skills and insights that help us live full lives despite the psychological challenges we all face. Brock talks about what inspired him to write his book 'The other side of happiness' and also helps us understand more about our experiences throughout the pandemic. http://www.brockbastian.com/ http://www....
Jun 28, 2022•52 min•Season 1Ep. 39
When we understand what's behind our anxiety, why it makes us feel the way we do and powerful strategies that help, our world opens up in beautiful new ways. In this episode I jump on the mic to share more about where anxiety comes from and how you can use practical skills and ideas to settle it down so you can move forward and live life on your own terms. The User's Guide to the Human Mind ; Shawn T. Smith, PsyD Thanks for listening to this episode of “Well, hello anxiety with Dr Jodi Richardso...
Jun 21, 2022•18 min•Season 1Ep. 38
David Knoff was the leader of the Davis Research Station in Antarctica when the pandemic hit. When their ticket home was postponed indefinitely, David continued to lead and support a team of 24 expeditioners through uncertainty, anxiety and high pressure challenges over 537 days of winter. This, of course, is the name of his new book chronicling his, and his team's experiences stranded on ice while the world outside was changing forever. Thanks for listening to this episode of “Well, hello anxie...
Jun 14, 2022•1 hr•Season 1Ep. 37
Muscle tension is such a common symptom of anxiety and, left unchecked, can lead to other challenges, and in some cases, can amplify anxiety about the tension and possibly even accompanying pain. In this short episode I share the ways muscle tension can show up and practical strategies to help dial it back. Enjoy! Progressive Muscle Relaxation https://www.anxietycanada.com/articles/how-to-do-progressive-muscle-relaxation/ Thanks for listening to this episode of “Well, hello anxiety with Dr Jodi ...
May 31, 2022•9 min•Season 1Ep. 35
After listening to Louise Hayes you'll learn to think differently about your anxiety, or that of someone you care about with a powerful shift in perspective. You'll also understand why she's a global leader in acceptance, mindfulness and positive therapeutic approaches to life's curve balls. In this episode you'll also learn a new, easy to remember, 3 pronged approach to understanding what anxiety is telling you, and managing the worry and physical symptoms that come with it. Louise's links: Web...
May 24, 2022•51 min•Season 1Ep. 34
So many of us underestimate the importance of sleep when it comes to our mood, our mental health and how we get through the day. In this episode sleep expert Olivia Arezzolo shares wisdom, tips and strategies galore, some of which you may have never heard before. You'll learn about the bi-directional nature of sleep when it comes to anxiety, the importance of knowing and understanding your chronotype, overcoming bedtime resistance as well as Olivia's clever signature sleep routine. You'll be sno...
May 17, 2022•32 min•Season 1Ep. 33
Today's guest, self-care and stress management expert Corey Jackson, blends the very best of what modern research and ancient wisdom bring to managing stress, anxiety and overwhelming emotions. Corey shares his wisdom so generously; some of what you'll learn includes: what's at the heart of anxiety, the time-span of our emotions and the role of mindfulness in emotional regulation, how to get started with attention training, what to expect as a beginner and how to bring your practice off the mat ...
May 10, 2022•58 min•Season 1Ep. 32
Our vagus nerve plays a critical role in our mental health, physical health, our connection with those around us and how at home we feel in our body. In this episode the incredibly knowledgeable Trauma Informed Physiotherapist Jessica Maguire talks about the role of the vagus nerve in chronic stress, anxiety, gut health and chronic pain, the most powerful tool for improving the health of our nervous system and so much more. Jessica Maguire Website Jessica Maguire Youtube channel Join Jessica on ...
May 03, 2022•59 min•Season 1Ep. 31
A good relationship with a psychologist or counsellor is critical to the success of therapy. In this episode I share why finding a good psychologist is like finding a fab pair of jeans, my 'third time lucky' journey to finding my psychologist and tips to keep in mind when finding yours. Thanks for listening to this episode of “Well, hello anxiety with Dr Jodi Richardson.” How you can help: If you enjoyed this episode, or gained some useful insight from it, please share it with a friend or family...
Apr 26, 2022•13 min•Season 1Ep. 30
When we feel stressed and anxious it can often drive us to look for ways to alleviate the discomfort. 'Comfort eating' is one coping mechanism that can bring short-term relief, but leave us feeling guilty, ashamed and lacking in willpower. A classic example of the happiness trap. In this episode mindset coach and nutritionist Carly Taylor helps us to understand why it's common, why it's hard to stop, why more willpower isn't the answer and how to break the cycle. Better You Program Carly's links...
Apr 19, 2022•57 min•Season 1Ep. 29
Anxious thoughts and feelings range from uncomfortable to painful and distressing; and can be very hard to tolerate. It's no wonder we try a variety of different ways to avoid what we think and feel, but at what cost? In this episode I share a variety of unhelpful and ineffective ways I've tried to manage my anxiety over the years, and invite you to use the D.O.T.S exercise to reflect on the different techniques you've used to manage yours. This type of awareness is powerful when it comes to ass...
Apr 12, 2022•21 min•Season 1Ep. 28
This episode is all about wellbeing and dogs, blending two of my great loves! Grant Shannon from Dogs Connect shares how beautiful connections between wellbeing dogs and the people they 'work' with reduce stress, reduce anxiety, and facilitate the nervous system state optimal for calm, re-engagement, learning and productivity. Grant shares examples of wellbeing dogs and their incredible impact in justice communities, schools, hospitals and workplaces, and also helps us all see the experience of ...
Apr 05, 2022•59 min•Season 1Ep. 27
Technology is profoundly affecting our wellbeing. The pings and dings of notifications, the cumulative stress of emails, interruptions and bookending our days with technology are all contributing to increased stress and anxiety. In this episode Dr Kristy Goodwin explains why we're so drawn to technology, how it's impacting our mental health and wellbeing, and, importantly, what we can do about it. Kristy's links: Website Chronotype assessment and report - use the discount code 'CHRO20' to get 20...
Mar 29, 2022•1 hr 4 min•Season 1Ep. 26
We can just about sum up anxious behaviour in one word - avoidance. When a situation, expectation or experience dials anxiety up, the natural response is to avoid the trigger and retreat to safety. The trouble is, most of what's avoided because of anxiety is actually safe. Beyond safe, so much of what makes life meaningful, affirming and fulfilling is in that zone of anxious discomfort. This is the episode where I talk all things anxious avoidance, how at the very heart of anxiety is a life base...
Mar 22, 2022•11 min•Season 1Ep. 25
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, OCD, is widely misunderstood. It's a serious, complicated mental illness, and one that often begins in childhood around the age of 10. For Penny Moodie, intrusive thoughts and the accompanying distress, followed by an overwhelming compilation to 'neutralise' the thought and gain certainty through compulsions, began around the age of 6. In this episode Penny, co-founder of SoOCD.com.au , generously shares what she's learned about OCD, how it affects her life, why it...
Mar 15, 2022•56 min•Season 1Ep. 24
Living with or supporting someone close to you who struggles with anxiety can be tough. In this episode I share ten strategies that will help you to understand, guide and support anyone with anxiety, while also taking good care of yourself too. Thanks for listening to this episode of “Well, hello anxiety with Dr Jodi Richardson.” How you can help: If you enjoyed this episode, or gained some useful insight from it, please share it with a friend or family member. Also, please consider rating or re...
Mar 08, 2022•23 min•Season 1Ep. 23
We all need a psychologist like Dr Renee Cachia in our lives! Today's episode is a beautiful opportunity to tap into her experience, compassionate approach and wisdom around important topics including self-reflection, the mind, mindfulness, mediation and so much more. I love that Renee is NOT about numbing pain (+ pleasure), being over scheduled and living by default; and is all about human potential over diagnosis. Enjoy. https://reneecachia.com/ https://www.innerbloom.com.au/ https://reneecach...
Mar 01, 2022•55 min•Season 1Ep. 22
Life doesn't always go to plan, we know this to be true more now than ever before thanks to Covid. So what can we do when times are tough? How do we take care of ourselves and move forward when life feels like one big mess? In this episode wellbeing specialist and Founder of Open Mind Education, Meg Durham, shares the strategies she's using to navigate a difficult chapter in her own life and, together, we talk about tipping points and how to navigate the aftermath. Open Mind Education: https://o...
Feb 22, 2022•55 min•Season 1Ep. 21
Sarah Rusbatch is a passionate grey area drinking coach on a mission. "What's grey area drinking?" I hear you ask. I asked exactly the same question. Her answer is fascinating and relates to where we fall on the continuum between identifying as a non-drinker through to an alcoholic. Sarah talks openly about her own turning point, why alcohol plays such a big role in anxiety, how alcohol impacts our ability to gain pleasure from the simple things in life, alcohol's impact on sleep, mental health,...
Feb 15, 2022•50 min•Season 1Ep. 20
How do we manage our anxiety when our kids are spreading their wings and something goes wrong? How do we cope with distress when our kids are around? How much do we say when something's up without overwhelming them? These are just some of the discussions I had with the wonderful Michelle Mitchell, award-winning speaker, author and media commentator, in this episode. https://michellemitchell.org/ https://michellemitchell.org/shop/ https://www.polyvagalinstitute.org/ Thanks for listening to this e...
Feb 08, 2022•51 min•Season 1Ep. 19
In today's episode I share my 'go-to' reset strategy for overwhelm, anxiety, distress, panic, flashbacks and any thoughts and feelings that make you feel like you're in the middle of an emotional storm. It's a grounding strategy that you can put into practice anywhere, anytime, and one that helps you acknowledge where you're at, get out of your head and then re-engage in doing what matters in the moment. This strategy can be brief or you can extend it to lengthen the practice - all depending on ...
Feb 01, 2022•29 min•Season 1Ep. 18
Anxiety can feel like an endless struggle, a battle, most often within ourselves. We experience difficult thoughts, painful feelings, unsettling sensations, and then layer how we think and feel with judgements. Not much fun eh? When we try to push out thoughts and stuff down our feelings in attempts to feel better, it’s exhausting, and we inadvertently make ourselves feel worse. In today’s episode with the incredible Dr John Forsyth, you’ll learn the essentials you need to do things differently;...
Jan 25, 2022•49 min•Season 1Ep. 17
