Well, hello anxiety with Dr Jodi Richardson

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...

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, a...

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...

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 be...

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. Instag...

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 p...

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 u...

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...

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 o...

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...

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...

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 ch...

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 start...

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...

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...

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 st...

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...

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...

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...

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 th...

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-...

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...

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 potent...

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, toge...

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 ou...