Thrive: Wellbeing with St John's

Trigger warning: This episode contains themes of suicide and bereavement. No one wants to face loss, especially when it impacts our children too. In this episode of Thrive with St. John’s, I speak with Caroline Roodhouse, author of Daddy Blackbird. Her book offers a raw, honest look at her family’s journey through grief and how they found ways of surviving after her husband’s suicide. We explore h...

Optimisation promises better wellbeing, but at what cost? In this episode of Thrive with St. John's, we explore how the pressure to constantly improve can subtly increase stress for teenagers, even when it’s wrapped in “healthy” habits. We unpack the risks of over‑optimisation, from comparison and rigidity to burnout and self‑doubt, and why more isn’t always better. You’ll hear practical ways...

Is AI a tool, a threat, or something in between? The Thrive Podcast is back, and this episode might just change how you think about the technology shaping young people’s lives. Vanessa Sokal (Mental Health Lead) and Dr. Liz Pritchett (Assistant Head, Pastoral Care and EDI) sit down with Nicki Watts, founder of AI Youth, to explore the world of AI and what it really means for young people today. Fr...

Welcome to a fresh episode of the Thrive Podcast from St John’s School! Join Vanessa Sokal (Mental Health Lead) as she explores why ambition looks and feels different for Gen Z and why that matters for parents. Understand how Gen-Z is redefining what it means to dream big. Vanessa journeys through the history of ambition, uncovers what matters most to Gen-Z, and reveals practical ways parents can...

Welcome to a new episode of the Thrive Podcast from St John’s School! Join Vanessa Sokal (Mental Health Lead) and Dr. Liz Pritchett (Assistant Head, Pastoral Care & EDI) as they dive into the crucial topic of psychological safety with expert guest Hannah Sherbersky. Hannah is a family and systemic psychotherapist, educator, and passionate advocate for relational approaches to mental health and...

Join Vanessa Sokal, Mental Health Lead at St. John’s School, as she dives into why winter can zap teens’ energy and motivation—and what really works to turn things around. With insights from psychology and research, Vanessa shares creative, actionable tools for parents to help teens stay engaged and energised, even on the gloomiest days. 📍 Learn more about us Thrive is brought to you by a leading...

Don’t miss this engaging episode from St John’s School, as Vanessa Sokal (Mental Health Lead) and Dr. Liz Pritchett (Assistant Head Pastoral Care & EDI) sit down with Harriet Frew, counsellor, podcast host, and leading expert on eating disorders. Together, they dive into the big topics of food, body image, and navigating the holiday season. Harriet offers down-to-earth advice and heartfelt str...

Tune in to this joyful episode from St John’s School, where Vanessa Sokal (Mental Health Lead) and Dr. Liz Pritchett (Assistant Head Pastoral Care & EDI) chat with Dr. Andy Cope, the UK’s very own ‘Doctor of Happiness’. Dive into the uplifting science and everyday practice of gratitude as they share inspiring stories and practical tips for families. Discover how gratitude boosts wellbeing, str...

Join St John’s School in this episode, Vanessa Sokal (Mental Health Lead) and Dr. Liz Pritchett (Assistant Head Pastoral Care & EDI) talk with consultant clinical psychologist Dr Nihara Krause, founder of youth mental health charity stem4 and creator of the award-winning Calm Harm app. Dr Krause shares her expertise on why self-regulation is such a challenge for teenagers, how parents can supp...

Join St John's School in this episode, Vanessa Sokal (Mental Health Lead) and Dr. Liz Pritchett (Assistant Head Pastoral Care & EDI) talk with author and coach Natalie Costa about helping teens manage anxiety during the back-to-school transition. Natalie shares practical tools, mindset shifts, and real-life advice to support both parents and teens during this emotionally challenging time of ye...