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 thoughts
How to determine what's safe, safe enough, and not safe for your child
Why avoidance can extend beyond what's medically necessary
The importance of having your healthcare team answer key safety questions
How families can live full, rich lives despite food allergy diagnoses

Whether 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.

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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 5-12
The connection between early childhood experiences, attachment, and anxiety
Why avoidance becomes such a significant part of the anxiety picture
Practical 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 selfish
Gaps in mental health services for primary-aged children
The Stop, Pause, Play framework for responding to your child's distress
Small, achievable steps for managing bedtime anxiety and sleep routines

Jessica 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 Security
https://www.circleofsecurityinternational.com/pages/what-is-the-circle-of-security#

- Tuning in to Kids and Teens
https://tuningintokids.org.au/what-is-tuning-in-to-kids/our-programs/

- Bringing up Great Kids and Parenting Adolescents
http://bringingupgreatkids.org/en/

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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 anxiety
Simple, 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 creativity
Practical strategies for building play into your daily routine - even when life feels overwhelming

Whether 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 book
School of Play app (free activities available)
Dale's TEDx talk on rediscovering play

Connect with Dale Sidebottom on Instagram: @dalesidebottom
Visit: schoolofplay.com.au

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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."

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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_QViUbKkXHlwbD3y4kGcvGQ

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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_QViUbKkXHlwbD3y4kGcvGQ

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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_QViUbKkXHlwbD3y4kGcvGQ

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.