Managing Food Allergy Anxiety: Finding Balance Between Safety and Quality of Life
In Australia, 1 in 10 families are navigating life with food allergies - and the anxiety that comes with keeping children safe can be overwhelming. In this essential conversation, Dr. Jodi Richardson welcomes Tamara Hubbard, founder of the Food Allergy Counselor and author of May Contain Anxiety: Managing the Overwhelm of Parenting Children with Food Allergies.Tamara is pioneering mental health support in food allergy care, helping families find what she calls the "just right balance" between anxiety and quality of life. As both a therapist specialising in food allergies and a parent who walks this path herself, she brings unique insight into the daily challenges families face - from label reading and school lunches to managing the fear of anaphylaxis.In this episode, you'll discover:Why anxiety is a natural part of food allergy management (and when it becomes overwhelming)The powerful "what if to if-then" strategy for managing worried thoughtsHow to determine what's safe, safe enough, and not safe for your childWhy avoidance can extend beyond what's medically necessaryThe importance of having your healthcare team answer key safety questionsHow families can live full, rich lives despite food allergy diagnosesWhether you're newly navigating a food allergy diagnosis, supporting someone who is, or simply want to understand what these families experience daily, this conversation offers hope, practical strategies, and validation for the very real challenges of keeping children safe while helping them thrive.Book Release: May Contain Anxiety is available now in North America in hardcover, paperback, e-book, and audiobook formats. Australian print editions are expected in early 2025, with digital versions available now.Connect with Tamara: Visit foodalergycounselor.com for resources, articles, and therapeutic worksheets, or follow @foodallergycounselor on social media.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Childhood Anxiety & School Refusal: A Social Worker's Guide with Jessica Homicki
In this episode, Dr. Jodi Richardson sits down with social worker Jessica Homicki to explore anxiety in primary school-aged children and its impact on families. Jessica, who leads Uniting's School Attendance Support Program in Southern Melbourne, brings over ten years of experience working with families affected by trauma and disadvantage.Together, they discuss:How anxiety presents differently in children aged 5-12The connection between early childhood experiences, attachment, and anxietyWhy avoidance becomes such a significant part of the anxiety picturePractical strategies for parents who are struggling with school refusal or "school can't"The importance of self-care for parents and why putting on your own oxygen mask first isn't selfishGaps in mental health services for primary-aged childrenThe Stop, Pause, Play framework for responding to your child's distressSmall, achievable steps for managing bedtime anxiety and sleep routinesJessica also shares valuable insights about the Window of Tolerance and provides guidance on accessing support through parenting programs like Tuning Into Kids, Bringing Up Great Kids, and Circle of Security. This conversation is essential listening for any parent navigating childhood anxiety, particularly in the wake of COVID-19's lasting impact on our children's emotional wellbeing.Links Mentioned:- Circle of Securityhttps://www.circleofsecurityinternational.com/pages/what-is-the-circle-of-security#- Tuning in to Kids and Teenshttps://tuningintokids.org.au/what-is-tuning-in-to-kids/our-programs/- Bringing up Great Kids and Parenting Adolescentshttp://bringingupgreatkids.org/en/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Rediscovering Play: How Simple Games Can Transform Your Mental Health with Dale Sidebottom
When was the last time you truly played? Not exercised, not scrolled - but actually played like a child? In this energising conversation, Dr. Jodi Richardson sits down with Dale Sidebottom, co-founder of the School of Play and TEDx speaker, to explore why play isn't just for kids - it's a powerful tool for reducing stress, anxiety, and building connection in our adult lives.Dale shares his journey from classroom teacher to global play advocate, presenting in over 25 countries and working with everyone from London schoolchildren to the Royal family of Saudi Arabia. You'll discover:Why being present through play is one of the most effective ways to combat anxietySimple, free games you can play tonight with family, friends, or colleagues.How just 10 minutes of intentional play can boost happiness by 40% and reduce stress by 20%The science behind "play-based mindfulness" and why boredom is actually good for creativityPractical strategies for building play into your daily routine - even when life feels overwhelmingWhether you're a stressed parent, overwhelmed professional, or simply someone who's forgotten how to have fun, this episode offers a refreshing reminder that play isn't frivolous- it's essential. Dale's infectious energy and practical insights will inspire you to put down your phone, pick up some dice, and reconnect with the joy that's been waiting for you all along.Resources mentioned:365 Days of Play bookSchool of Play app (free activities available)Dale's TEDx talk on rediscovering playConnect with Dale Sidebottom on Instagram: @dalesidebottomVisit: schoolofplay.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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From Guilt to Grace: Parenting When Your Mental Health Is Suffering - with Marie Vakakis
In this heartfelt and honest conversation, Dr. Jodi Richardson sits down with accredited mental health social worker and couples/family therapist Marie Vakakis to discuss a challenge every parent faces: how do we support our children when we're struggling ourselves? Marie shares practical strategies for parents who are feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or burnt out. From the importance of self-compassion to finding the right words to communicate with your family, this episode offers permission to be human while still showing up for those we love. Key topics include: Why self-compassion is the essential first step when you're struggling How to stop masking your emotions and start naming them (without oversharing) Simple phrases you can use to set boundaries and communicate your needs The hidden cost of the "I'm fine" response Why showing vulnerability actually builds connection with your children Practical tips for starting small when you've never talked about emotions before Marie also shares insights about the dangerous fantasy of needing a "break" so badly that minor injury seems appealing—and what this really signals about our need for rest and support. Whether you're navigating a difficult season or simply feeling the weight of daily life, this conversation offers both validation and practical tools for moving forward with more openness and less guilt. Guest Bio: Marie Vakakis is an accredited mental health social worker and couples and family therapist. She runs The Therapy Hub in Footscray, Melbourne, and hosts two podcasts: "This Complex Life" and "Inside Social Work."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Building Your Village: A Conversation with Gus Worland on Mental Fitness and Saving Lives
In this powerful two-part conversation, Dr. Jodi Richardson sits down with Gus Worland, co-founder of Gotcha4Life and mental health advocate, to discuss the urgent need for open conversations about suicide prevention and mental fitness in Australia.After losing his dear friend and mentor to suicide, Gus dedicated his life to reducing Australian suicide deaths to zero. In this episode, he shares the shocking statistics—someone attempts to take their life every eight minutes in Australia—and explains why we must move from "man up and shut up" to "human up and speak up."Gus discusses:The importance of building your "village" before you need itWhy we need to make mental health about prevention, not just crisisHow one vulnerable conversation on breakfast radio sparked a movementPractical ways parents can create space for honest conversations with their kidsWhy saying "I don't know" can be the most powerful thing a parent doesThe free Gotcha4Life mental fitness app and how it helps build emotional muscleThis conversation is filled with hope, practical advice, and a reminder that asking for help is the bravest thing you can do. Whether you're struggling yourself or want to be there for someone who is, this episode offers actionable steps to create genuine connections and save lives.Resources mentioned:Lifeline: 13 11 14Gotcha4Life Mental Fitness App (free download, no signup required)Gus Worland's TEDx talk (now available in 12 languages)Content warning: This episode discusses suicide. Please take care when listening.Connect with Dr Jodi Richardson:https://linktr.ee/drjodirichardson?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAabqDVAw_zhoG3IXGRhgjn-J14BFJy50ztJbCHywMfZobVH12nX1USMbisI_aem_QViUbKkXHlwbD3y4kGcvGQSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Our minds didn’t evolve for modern day life. It’s natural to feel anxious, but sometimes we can get stuck in a cycle of anxiety that gets in the way of, well, everything. If you’re looking for a compassionate place to learn how to dial anxiety down and get on with creating a happier life with more calm, contentment, meaning and purpose, this is the podcast for you.Well, hello anxiety is hosted by anxiety and well-being speaker, educator and bestselling author Dr Jodi Richardson. Through open and honest conversations Jodi and her guests share expertise, inspiration and practical strategies to help you rise to the challenge of being human with the tools you need to thrive.
For education and entertainment purposes only.
Australia