Building Your Village: A Conversation with Gus Worland on Mental Fitness and Saving Lives
In this powerful two-part conversation, Dr. Jody Richardson sits down with Gus Worland, co-founder of Gotcha4Life, to discuss the critical importance of mental fitness and authentic connection in preventing suicide. Gus opens up about losing a close friend to suicide and shares what he's learned from speaking with people who've attempted to take their own lives—revealing that they didn't want to die, they just wanted the pain to stop. He emphasises the crucial difference between being at a 2-3 out of 10 versus an 8-9, and why building emotional muscle before crisis hits is essential. Key Topics Covered: Why asking "are you thinking of taking your life?" is the first and most important question How to start deeper conversations with friends (hint: it doesn't have to be face-to-face) The difference between being good at giving help versus asking for it Why men need to move beyond the "she'll be right, mate" mentality Practical steps to identify and strengthen your village of support How vulnerability builds stronger friendships than years of surface-level connection Gus shares real-time vulnerability during the episode, demonstrating exactly what he teaches—reaching out to his circle when facing a family emergency and receiving immediate support. Content Warning: This episode discusses suicide and mental health challenges. If you're in crisis, please contact Lifeline (Australia): 13 11 14 Resources: Visit gotcha4life.org or download the Mental Fitness app to access free resources and tools. Connect with Dr Jodi Richardson: https://linktr.ee/drjodirichardson?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAabqDVAw_zhoG3IXGRhgjn-J14BFJy50ztJbCHywMfZobVH12nX1USMbisI_aem_QViUbKkXHlwbD3y4kGcvGQSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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The Power of Vulnerability: How Gus Worland Turned One Radio Conversation Into a Movement
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 it Why we need to make mental health about prevention, not just crisis How one vulnerable conversation on breakfast radio sparked a movement Practical ways parents can create space for honest conversations with their kids Why saying "I don't know" can be the most powerful thing a parent does The free Gotcha4Life mental fitness app and how it helps build emotional muscle This 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 14 Gotcha4Life 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.
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31:56
Thriving in Midlife: Grey Area Drinking, Menopause & Healthy Ageing with Sarah Rusbatch
In this episode, Dr. Jodi Richardson welcomes back Sarah Rusbatch for her third appearance on the podcast—a conversation that has truly been life-changing for Jodi's own alcohol-free journey. Sarah, a specialist in gray area drinking and menopause coach based in Perth, Western Australia, shares her expertise on supporting midlife women through some of life's biggest transitions. From understanding gray area drinking (for those who don't identify as alcoholics but notice alcohol taking more than it's giving) to navigating perimenopause and healthy aging, Sarah offers practical, compassionate guidance rooted in science. Key topics discussed: What gray area drinking is and why midlife women are most affected Sarah's personal transformation from gray area drinker to marathon runner The powerful quote: "Be patient when becoming a version of yourself you've never met before" Why women become more insulin resistant after 40 and what to do about it Simple "hacks" for better sleep, including morning sunlight exposure without sunglasses The shocking truth about liquid sugar and children's health ratings How to approach change through "tiny experiments" rather than overwhelming overhauls The importance of understanding the "why" behind healthy choices Sarah discusses her programs including 30-day alcohol-free challenges and her Thrive After 40 program, which focuses on nutrition, movement, sleep, and overall wellbeing for midlife women—all delivered with compassion and community support. Whether you're curious about your relationship with alcohol, struggling with midlife changes, or simply want to feel vibrant and excited about aging, this conversation offers hope, practical strategies, and the reminder that it's never too late to become the healthiest version of yourself. Find Sarah: SarahRusbatch.com | Instagram: @sarahrusbatch This episode is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Connect with Dr Jodi Richardson: https://linktr.ee/drjodirichardson?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAabqDVAw_zhoG3IXGRhgjn-J14BFJy50ztJbCHywMfZobVH12nX1USMbisI_aem_QViUbKkXHlwbD3y4kGcvGQSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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43:10
How to Care for Loved Ones (and Yourself) Through Life's Hardest Season with Casey Beros
In this deeply moving episode, Dr. Jodi Richardson speaks with author and health journalist Casey Beros about the realities of becoming a caregiver for aging or terminally ill loved ones. Casey shares her personal journey of uprooting her young family to care for her father through his terminal mesothelioma diagnosis, offering both heartfelt storytelling and practical guidance. Casey opens up about the challenges of navigating Australia's healthcare system, the myth of the "sandwich generation," and why burnout is an inevitable risk for carers who don't prioritise respite. She discusses the importance of self-compassion, the power of dark humour during difficult times, and why showing up with integrity matters—even when relationships are complicated. Her book, Next of Kin, has been called "The Barefoot Investor for care" and provides essential guidance for the more than three million Australians currently in caring roles. Whether you're caring for aging parents, a sick child, or a partner needing support, this conversation offers validation, hope, and actionable advice. Key topics include: Recognising yourself as a caregiver (you might already be one) Navigating healthcare systems and becoming a better advocate The critical importance of respite care Finding moments of joy and humor in dark times Honouring your loved ones in meaningful, unconventional ways Resources mentioned: Violet (violet.org.au) - government-funded support for carers This episode is essential listening for anyone in a caring role or preparing for the inevitable season when they will be. Connect with Dr Jodi Richardson: https://linktr.ee/drjodirichardson?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAabqDVAw_zhoG3IXGRhgjn-J14BFJy50ztJbCHywMfZobVH12nX1USMbisI_aem_QViUbKkXHlwbD3y4kGcvGQ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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54:48
What Teens Wish Their Parents Knew (But Won't Tell Them) with Maggie Dent
Join Dr. Jodi Richardson in this insightful conversation with parenting educator and author Maggie Dent as they explore the complexities of raising teenagers in today's world. Maggie, known as the "Queen of Common Sense," shares her expertise on adolescent brain development, explaining the pruning process, heightened emotions, and why teens behave the way they do. In this episode, you'll discover: What's really happening in your teenager's developing brain Why forgetfulness and big emotions are completely normal The importance of being a "lighthouse figure" in a teen's life How to communicate with your teen using the three C's: calmness, curiosity, and compassion Practical strategies for supporting teens through anxiety, stress, and life's challenges Warning signs to watch for and when to seek additional support Maggie shares wisdom from her latest (and final) book, "Help Me Help My Teen," which includes insights from teens around the world. This conversation will help you understand that while parenting a teenager is hard, being a teenager today is harder than ever before—and there are meaningful ways you can show up for them. Whether you're parenting tweens, teens, or supporting young people in your life, this episode offers compassionate, evidence-based guidance for navigating these transformative years. Connect with me: https://linktr.ee/drjodirichardson?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAabqDVAw_zhoG3IXGRhgjn-J14BFJy50ztJbCHywMfZobVH12nX1USMbisI_aem_QViUbKkXHlwbD3y4kGcvGQ See 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.
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