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.
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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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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.
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