Six Hats

You can’t heal in survival mode. In this episode, we explore: • The difference between a regulated and dysregulated nervous system • Why your body may feel “on edge” even when life looks fine • Simple ways to create internal safety (without overwhelming yourself) Because your body doesn’t need perfection. It needs signals that it’s safe. Download e-book...

Shoulder pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints, especially as we age, yet many people don’t fully understand what’s driving it. In this episode, Dr Shami sits down with Steffan Cavalera to break down rotator cuff pathology in a way that is clear, practical, and empowering. From why it develops to what actually works for recovery, this episode will help you rethink h...

We’ve been taught to fight stress. But what if stress isn’t the problem — it’s the message? In this episode, I’ll help you understand: • Why your body creates stress responses • The shift from “something is wrong” to “something is trying to be heard” This is where your healing begins — with understanding, not fear. Download e-bo...

Menopause is a natural stage of life caused by declining reproductive hormones, usually occurring in the 40s–50s, but every woman’s experience is unique. In this episode, Dr Baljit Rana shares a compassionate and practical guide for men who want to better understand what their partner may be experiencing,  emotionally, physically, and psychologically. This conversation focuses on...

Many people are living in chronic stress mode without realising it . They feel tired but wired, their sleep becomes disrupted, digestion becomes sensitive, and small stresses start to feel overwhelming. But often these symptoms are not random. They are signals from the nervous system that the body has been in survival mode for too long. In this episode of the SIX Hats Podcast , integrative GP Dr S...

ADHD affects both children and adults, yet many people feel they’re still not getting the full picture, especially when it comes to root causes and long-term brain health. In this episode, I’m joined by Dr Ali Ajaz , a UK-based psychiatrist with specialist interests in Nutritional Psychiatry, Gut–Brain Health, and Functional Medicine. A graduate of Guy's, King's and St Thomas' Sc...

In this episode of SIX Hats , Dr Amy Behimer , PharmD, health coach, and person living with Multiple Sclerosis, joins us to unpack what thriving really means when you live with a chronic condition. Amy shares her personal journey — from clinical mindset to intuitive wisdom — and helps listeners see where most approaches to chronic health fall short. We explore how shifting perspective,...

In this episode of SIX Hats , Dr Shami is joined by neuroscientist Cameron Allen , founder of Neuroprogeny , to explore why nervous system regulation may be the missing link in healing — especially for people who feel they’ve “tried everything.” Together, they unpack: What nervous system regulation actually means (beyond breathwork and mindset) Why chronic stress and surviv...

Today I’m joined by the incredible  Rajes Harper — an Educational and Developmental Psychologist whose career spans more than two decades of supporting children, families, schools, and communities. Rajes holds a Doctor of Philosophy and a Master of Psychology in Educational and Developmental Psychology from Monash University . Since 2009, she has been a Trainer for Triple P Intern...

In this episode of Six Hats , Dr. Shami sits down with Dr. Brian Ang—ophthalmologist, nutritional medicine advocate, and founder of Nutravision. Through his clinical work, he began connecting the dots between vision, inflammation, ageing, micronutrient status, and the brain—and discovered how profoundly nutrition shapes long-term eye and systemic health. Today, Dr. Ang shares the story...

Today on  The Six Hats , we’re joined by Dr Melissa Beitner, bariatric surgeon and obesity medicine specialist here in Melbourne. Dr Melissa Beitner is the founder of 360 Surgery, a comprehensive weight-management clinic based in Windsor with locations across Victoria. She is a bariatric surgeon and obesity medicine specialist who leads a multidisciplinary team of dietitians, psychologi...

In this episode of SIX HATS , Dr Shami sits down with Michelle Campbell —founder of the social-impact nonprofit #Stability and author of Bluebird: A Memoir of Trauma, Heartbreak and Divine Beauty in the Struggle —to explore the emotional and systemic roots of financial illiteracy. From personal trauma to financial empowerment, Michelle shares how understanding money became her pathway...

In this intimate episode, Steph Sta Maria, writer and mother of two,  invites us into the quiet, unspoken corners of becoming a mother later in life. Drawing from her own journey of two pregnancies at 44 and 47, and conversations with other women walking the same path, Steph explores the unique challenges and strengths of motherhood in midlife.  You’ll hear about: The physical, men...

Scapegoating at work is one of the most subtle—and damaging—forms of workplace abuse. Unlike bullying, which is overt and direct, scapegoating often hides in plain sight: an individual is unfairly blamed, excluded, or sacrificed to protect the image of a team or leader. In this episode, Dr. Nathalie Martinek, author of The Scapegoating Playbook at Work , unpacks the predictable stages...

In this episode, I sit down with  Dr. Romey Granek , a Melbourne-based general surgeon who graduated from Monash University in 2014. With a career spanning acute general surgery, trauma, Aboriginal health, and surgical education, Dr. Granek brings a thoughtful, systems-focused approach to patient care. We explore: Why gallbladder issues are the most common cause of abdominal pain in women How...

In this powerful episode of SIX Hats , Dr. Shami sits down with Christine Garde-Denning, visionary founder and CEO of CouldYou? , a global nonprofit on a mission to eliminate period poverty by 2030. Christine shares the eye-opening moment that changed the course of her life, the ripple effect of menstrual health on education, dignity, and economic opportunity for women and girls—and why endi...

Join Jenny Bourke, a certified Create Lift Hypopressives Coach and Pilates Instructor, as she delves into her personal journey of overcoming pelvic organ prolapse through hypopressive exercises. In this episode, Jenny shares insights in the field, highlighting: Understanding Hypopressives: An introduction to hypopressive techniques and how they differ from traditional core exercises. Personal Tran...

What does personal safety really mean—and how do we protect it in relationships, especially when facing separation or control? In this empowering episode of SIX Hats , Dr. Shami sits down with multi-award-winning family and divorce lawyer Cassandra Kalpaxis —best-selling author, advocate, and creator of Australia’s first divorce retreat. From domestic violence prevention to helpi...

In this eye-opening episode of SIX Hats , Dr. Shami sits down with nutrition researcher and myth-buster Zoe Harcombe, PhD to unpack one of the most misunderstood topics in modern nutrition: dietary fat . From the war on saturated fat to the cholesterol conundrum, Zoe explains how flawed science, politics, and fear-based messaging led to decades of confusion. We dive into: Why fat doesn’t mak...

In this episode, I speak with integrative gynaecologist Dr. Shamitha Kathurusinghe about a fresh, whole-person approach to women’s health. We unpack how nutrition and lifestyle can drive conditions like heavy periods, painful periods, and endometriosis —and why healing starts well before surgery. Dr. Shamitha shares what makes her patient journey different: taking time to understand th...

In this episode, I am joined by clinical nutritionist Natalie Earle from Nutrition with Confidence to unpack two often misunderstood conditions: POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) and Long COVID . Together, they explore the complex web connecting immune dysregulation, autonomic nervous system dysfunction, and lingering fatigue after viral illness. Natalie brings a compassionate, root...

In this episode, I sit down with menopause coach Baljit Rana , founder of Menobloom Wellness Coaching , to explore a new, empowering approach to navigating perimenopause and menopause. From brain fog and mood swings to burnout and hormone chaos, Baljit shares how coaching helps women feel seen, supported, and equipped to reclaim their vitality. They unpack the real impact of stress on hormones, wh...

In this short and powerful episode, I chat with fertility specialist Dr. Kokum Jayasinghe, everything you need to know about egg freezing. From the ideal age to consider it, to the emotional and physical process involved, this is your no-fluff, myth-busting guide to preserving your fertility options. Whether you’re not ready for children yet, focused on your career, or simply want more choic...

What if everything you thought you knew about psychiatric diagnoses—especially in children—was worth re-examining? In this eye-opening episode of SIX Hats , Dr. Shami sits down with UK-based child psychiatrist, author, and critical thinker Dr. Sami Timimi. Together, they unravel the complexities and controversies behind modern psychiatric labels, with a particular focus on the ADHD dia...

In today’s episode, I’m joined by physiotherapist Steffan Cavalera from Kieser in Melbourne, and we’re diving deep into osteoarthritis—what it is, how it’s diagnosed, and why surgery isn’t always the first step. We unpack the rising burden on our healthcare system, explore the full pyramid of care from conservative management to surgical options, and break down...