On the Couch with Clare

In this episode of On the Couch with Clare, I’m joined by Bella Duncan — speaker, advocate, and the powerful voice behind the platform A Kid With Two Homes. Bella shares her lived experience growing up in a separated family and gives an honest, heartfelt insight into what life is really like for a child caught between two homes.

While many experts offer professional advice on co-parenting, Bella speaks from the perspective that matters most - the child’s. Her story and practical wisdom have resonated with thousands of parents navigating divorce and separation. Whether you’re co-parenting now, have family or friends going through it, or simply want to understand how to support children through separation, this conversation is for you.

In this episode: 

• Bella’s story of growing up in a separated family from age three
• The lasting impact of conflict between homes
• Why the little moments like pick-ups and drop-offs matter so much to kids
• The common co-parenting mistakes well-meaning parents make
• How parents can shield their kids from unnecessary stress, confusion and responsibility
• Practical advice for parents from handovers to new partners, to managing tricky family dynamics
• Why giving children a “voice” is important, but handing over “choice” can be an unfair burden
• The realities of managing divorced parents into adulthood and how Bella eventually took back control of her own life.

Connect with Bella:

• A Kid with Two Homes website
• Instagram

Connect with Clare: 

• Instagram 
• YouTube
• Facebook 
• LinkedIn
• Website

More about On the Couch with Clare:

Come take a seat On the Couch with Clare, your weekly dose of common sense and raw conversations, where psychology meets everyday life. It’s a show aimed to bring scientific insights, engaging conversations and never shies away from the tough topics across health, relationships, politics, parenting and everyday life.

You’ll hear from guests from diverse backgrounds, including media personalities, authors, and health professionals. Expect a blend of professional wisdom, personal anecdotes and political correctness - free zone.

Clare’s straightforward and honest approach delivers shame-free practical solutions, new perspectives, and actionable advice. Keeping it real, she addresses everything from fitness struggles, ADHD and digital addictions to mental health challenges and the dating scene. So, whether you’re sipping coffee or enjoying your favourite wine, prepare for your weekly meet-up with a friend who’s here to show you that the only battle you’re truly facing is with yourself—and it’s a battle you can win.

Clare Rowe is a dynamic Sydney-based psychologist with a Masters in Educational & Developmental Psychology. Heading up a leading Child & Adolescent Psychology clinic, Clare’s career spans from the therapy room to the courtroom and the media spotlight, offering practical solutions for parents regaining confidence, individuals navigating life post-divorce, and anyone trying to balance the demands of a fast-paced world.

Dropping every Thursday, "On the Couch with Clare" will unfold with season 1 launching in July 2024.

Mentioned in this episode:

Rafton Family Law

Rafton Family Lawyers are a specialist Family and Divorce Law Practice located in Richmond, Penrith, Parramatta and throughout Western Sydney that also offers services in Estate Planning, Wills and Estate Disputes. They offer a full range of services in property settlement, court representation and other divorce law matters.

Rafton Family Law

In this episode of On the Couch with Clare, I’m joined by Dr Justin Coulson - one of Australia’s most trusted parenting experts, founder of Happy Families, and a long-time voice on how to raise emotionally-healthy kids in a digital world. We are discussing a topic that many parents find uncomfortable but it is essential - kids and pornography.

From first exposure (spoiler: it’s earlier than you think) to the long-term impact on body image, consent, relationships, and development. This is a grounded, respectful and eye-opening conversation for any adult raising or working with children today. If you’ve ever wondered how to have that conversation with your child, this episode is for you.

In this episode:

• When and how most kids are first exposed to pornography
• What porn is teaching our kids and what they’re not learning
• The emotional and psychological impacts of early exposure
• How to talk about porn without shame, fear or shutting kids down
• Why open conversations around consent, respect and healthy relationships matter more than ever
• What schools should be teaching and what still falls to parents
• How to start the chat, even if you’ve left it later than you’d hoped.

Connect with Justin:

• Happy Families website
• Instagram

Connect with Clare: 

• Instagram 
• YouTube
• Facebook 
• LinkedIn
• Website

More about On the Couch with Clare:

Come take a seat On the Couch with Clare, your weekly dose of common sense and raw conversations, where psychology meets everyday life. It’s a show aimed to bring scientific insights, engaging conversations and never shies away from the tough topics across health, relationships, politics, parenting and everyday life.

You’ll hear from guests from diverse backgrounds, including media personalities, authors, and health professionals. Expect a blend of professional wisdom, personal anecdotes and political correctness - free zone.

Clare’s straightforward and honest approach delivers shame-free practical solutions, new perspectives, and actionable advice. Keeping it real, she addresses everything from fitness struggles, ADHD and digital addictions to mental health challenges and the dating scene. So, whether you’re sipping coffee or enjoying your favourite wine, prepare for your weekly meet-up with a friend who’s here to show you that the only battle you’re truly facing is with yourself—and it’s a battle you can win.

Clare Rowe is a dynamic Sydney-based psychologist with a Masters in Educational & Developmental Psychology. Heading up a leading Child & Adolescent Psychology clinic, Clare’s career spans from the therapy room to the courtroom and the media spotlight, offering practical solutions for parents regaining confidence, individuals navigating life post-divorce, and anyone trying to balance the demands of a fast-paced world.

Dropping every Thursday, "On the Couch with Clare" will unfold with season 1 launching in July 2024.

Mentioned in this episode:

Rafton Family Law

Rafton Family Lawyers are a specialist Family and Divorce Law Practice located in Richmond, Penrith, Parramatta and throughout Western Sydney that also offers services in Estate Planning, Wills and Estate Disputes. They offer a full range of services in property settlement, court representation and other divorce law matters.

Rafton Family Law

In this episode of On the Couch with Clare, I’m joined by Dr Anastasia Hronis - a clinical psychologist, founder of the Australian Institute for Human Wellness, and passionate educator on the neuroscience of behaviour. Together, we unpack the surprising and powerful role dopamine plays in our daily lives and why understanding it can be a total game-changer.

Dopamine isn't just the “feel-good” chemical - it’s the engine behind motivation, habit formation, attention, addiction, and so much more. Clare and Anastasia chat about the science in real-world terms from social media scrolling to parenting, procrastination, and why your brain sometimes resists doing what’s good for you.

In this episode:

• What dopamine actually is and why it’s central to so many of our behaviours
• How modern life hijacks our dopamine system
• Why motivation often comes after action — not before it
• The addictive power of intermittent rewards and “dopamine loops”
• How understanding dopamine can help parents with kids struggling at school or with routine
• Strategies to break unhelpful patterns and build better habits
• What we can do when we feel stuck, overwhelmed or unable to get going.

Connect with Anastasia:

Anastasia Hronis' website

Instagram

Connect with Clare: 

• Instagram 
• YouTube
• Facebook 
• LinkedIn
• Website

More about On the Couch with Clare:

Come take a seat On the Couch with Clare, your weekly dose of common sense and raw conversations, where psychology meets everyday life. It’s a show aimed to bring scientific insights, engaging conversations and never shies away from the tough topics across health, relationships, politics, parenting and everyday life.

You’ll hear from guests from diverse backgrounds, including media personalities, authors, and health professionals. Expect a blend of professional wisdom, personal anecdotes and political correctness - free zone.

Clare’s straightforward and honest approach delivers shame-free practical solutions, new perspectives, and actionable advice. Keeping it real, she addresses everything from fitness struggles, ADHD and digital addictions to mental health challenges and the dating scene. So, whether you’re sipping coffee or enjoying your favourite wine, prepare for your weekly meet-up with a friend who’s here to show you that the only battle you’re truly facing is with yourself—and it’s a battle you can win.

Clare Rowe is a dynamic Sydney-based psychologist with a Masters in Educational & Developmental Psychology. Heading up a leading Child & Adolescent Psychology clinic, Clare’s career spans from the therapy room to the courtroom and the media spotlight, offering practical solutions for parents regaining confidence, individuals navigating life post-divorce, and anyone trying to balance the demands of a fast-paced world.

Dropping every Thursday, "On the Couch with Clare" will unfold with season 1 launching in July 2024.

Mentioned in this episode:

Rafton Family Law

Rafton Family Lawyers are a specialist Family and Divorce Law Practice located in Richmond, Penrith, Parramatta and throughout Western Sydney that also offers services in Estate Planning, Wills and Estate Disputes. They offer a full range of services in property settlement, court representation and other divorce law matters.

Rafton Family Law

In this episode of On the Couch with Clare, I’m joined by Jack Ayoub — union organiser, former federal political candidate, opera singer, and unapologetic truth-teller. You may have seen Jack recently stirring up conversation with his bold piece in The Australian titled LGBTQIA+ Doesn’t Speak for Me: It’s Time to Dismantle the Rainbow Alliance.

But beyond the headlines, Jack's story is one of resilience, community, and asking the tough questions — from growing up in rural NSW and overcoming hardship, to navigating identity, belonging, and the risk of being reduced to a label.

In a world that loves neat categories, Jack's perspective challenges us to think more deeply about individuality, equality, and what genuine community really looks like.

In this episode, we chat about:

• Who gets to speak for a community and why Jack believes no one can represent such diverse experiences
• The complexity of identity and why sexuality, gender or background shouldn't define the whole person
• Growing up in rural NSW, hardship, loss and how real community changed Jack's life
• The origins and evolution of the LGBTQIA+ movement — and whether it's time for honest reflection
• Why labels can feel both empowering and deeply limiting
• How we have open, respectful conversations even when the topic is controversial.

Links and Resources:

• Read Jack's article: LGBTQIA+ Doesn’t Speak for Me: It’s Time to Dismantle the Rainbow Alliance — Read it here (subscriber-only)

Connect with Clare: 

• Instagram 
• YouTube
• Facebook 
• LinkedIn
• Website

More about On the Couch with Clare:

Come take a seat On the Couch with Clare, your weekly dose of common sense and raw conversations, where psychology meets everyday life. It’s a show aimed to bring scientific insights, engaging conversations and never shies away from the tough topics across health, relationships, politics, parenting and everyday life.

You’ll hear from guests from diverse backgrounds, including media personalities, authors, and health professionals. Expect a blend of professional wisdom, personal anecdotes and political correctness - free zone.

Clare’s straightforward and honest approach delivers shame-free practical solutions, new perspectives, and actionable advice. Keeping it real, she addresses everything from fitness struggles, ADHD and digital addictions to mental health challenges and the dating scene. So, whether you’re sipping coffee or enjoying your favourite wine, prepare for your weekly meet-up with a friend who’s here to show you that the only battle you’re truly facing is with yourself—and it’s a battle you can win.

Clare Rowe is a dynamic Sydney-based psychologist with a Masters in Educational & Developmental Psychology. Heading up a leading Child & Adolescent Psychology clinic, Clare’s career spans from the therapy room to the courtroom and the media spotlight, offering practical solutions for parents regaining confidence, individuals navigating life post-divorce, and anyone trying to balance the demands of a fast-paced world.

Dropping every Thursday, "On the Couch with Clare" will unfold with season 1 launching in July 2024.

Mentioned in this episode:

Rafton Family Law

Rafton Family Lawyers are a specialist Family and Divorce Law Practice located in Richmond, Penrith, Parramatta and throughout Western Sydney that also offers services in Estate Planning, Wills and Estate Disputes. They offer a full range of services in property settlement, court representation and other divorce law matters.

Rafton Family Law

Today’s guest is Dr Anthony Dillon, a psychologist and an Indigenous academic and commentator and we’re having a discussion that is a cross-section between mental health and culture. We chat about Anthony’s current trends in mental health diagnoses, the potential drawbacks of labelling, victim mentaliity, and the significance of community and connection in mental wellbeing.

In this episode:

• Anthony's journey into Psychology
• Growing up with Indigenous and English heritage
• Current mental health trends and diagnoses
• The impact of labels in mental health
• Victim mentality and its effects
• The importance of social connection
• Identity politics and division in society
• The Voice to Parliament debate
• Cultural training in psychology
• Advice for young people

Connect with Dr Anthony Dillon:

Website

LinkedIn

Facebook

Connect with Clare: 

• Instagram 
• YouTube
• Facebook 
• LinkedIn
• Website

More about On the Couch with Clare:

Come take a seat On the Couch with Clare, your weekly dose of common sense and raw conversations, where psychology meets everyday life. It’s a show aimed to bring scientific insights, engaging conversations and never shies away from the tough topics across health, relationships, politics, parenting and everyday life.

You’ll hear from guests from diverse backgrounds, including media personalities, authors, and health professionals. Expect a blend of professional wisdom, personal anecdotes and political correctness - free zone.

Clare’s straightforward and honest approach delivers shame-free practical solutions, new perspectives, and actionable advice. Keeping it real, she addresses everything from fitness struggles, ADHD and digital addictions to mental health challenges and the dating scene. So, whether you’re sipping coffee or enjoying your favourite wine, prepare for your weekly meet-up with a friend who’s here to show you that the only battle you’re truly facing is with yourself—and it’s a battle you can win.

Clare Rowe is a dynamic Sydney-based psychologist with a Masters in Educational & Developmental Psychology. Heading up a leading Child & Adolescent Psychology clinic, Clare’s career spans from the therapy room to the courtroom and the media spotlight, offering practical solutions for parents regaining confidence, individuals navigating life post-divorce, and anyone trying to balance the demands of a fast-paced world.

Dropping every Thursday, "On the Couch with Clare" will unfold with season 1 launching in July 2024.

On the Couch with Clare today is Heidi Anderson, a former breakfast radio host and current PR and confidence coach. Heidi shares her personal journey of reclaiming her confidence through various life experiences. We talk about the origins of confidence, the impacts of societal expectations, and practical steps listeners can take to build their own confidence through small, consistent actions.

In this episode:

• Heidi's Journey to Confidence Coach
• The role of society and self-discovery
• Action equals confidence
• Envisioning confidence and support
• The power of surroundings and inner critic
• A life-changing moment
• The power of vulnerability
• Coping mechanisms and alcohol
• The role of relationships in self-love
• Motherhood and confidence
• Practical tips for building confidence

Connect with Heidi:

Heidi Anderson website

Instagram

Proudly Sponsored & Launched by

Podcast Launch & Marketing Strategist 

Tash Miller

@iamtashmiller

www.sheleadscreativeagency.com.au

Connect with Clare: 

• Instagram 
• YouTube
• Facebook 
• LinkedIn
• Website

More about On the Couch with Clare:

Come take a seat On the Couch with Clare, your weekly dose of common sense and raw conversations, where psychology meets everyday life. It’s a show aimed to bring scientific insights, engaging conversations and never shies away from the tough topics across health, relationships, politics, parenting and everyday life.

You’ll hear from guests from diverse backgrounds, including media personalities, authors, and health professionals. Expect a blend of professional wisdom, personal anecdotes and political correctness - free zone.

Clare’s straightforward and honest approach delivers shame-free practical solutions, new perspectives, and actionable advice. Keeping it real, she addresses everything from fitness struggles, ADHD and digital addictions to mental health challenges and the dating scene. So, whether you’re sipping coffee or enjoying your favourite wine, prepare for your weekly meet-up with a friend who’s here to show you that the only battle you’re truly facing is with yourself—and it’s a battle you can win.

Clare Rowe is a dynamic Sydney-based psychologist with a Masters in Educational & Developmental Psychology. Heading up a leading Child & Adolescent Psychology clinic, Clare’s career spans from the therapy room to the courtroom and the media spotlight, offering practical solutions for parents regaining confidence, individuals navigating life post-divorce, and anyone trying to balance the demands of a fast-paced world.

Dropping every Thursday, "On the Couch with Clare" will unfold with season 1 launching in July 2024.

My guest in this episode is Dr Timothy Pychyl, a retired psychology professor, author and podcaster who spent his career researching why we become our own worst enemy through procrastination. We discuss the common issue of procrastination, debunking myths and exploring its root causes, as well as the impacts of chronic procrastination on mental and physical health, the interplay between personality traits and procrastination, and offer practical strategies for overcoming it.

In this episode:

• Defining procrastination and common myths
• The emotional aspect of procrastination
• Historical context and evolutionary perspectives
• The impact of procrastination on health and wellbeing
• Personality traits and procrastination
• Accepting negative emotions
• The RAIN technique
• Perfectionism and procrastination
• The role of technology in procrastination
• Practical strategies to overcome procrastination

Connect with Dr Timothy Pychyl:

Psychology Today blog

Solving the Procrastination Puzzle

I Procrastinate Podcast

Connect with Clare: 

• Instagram 
• YouTube
• Facebook 
• LinkedIn
• Website

More about On the Couch with Clare:

Come take a seat On the Couch with Clare, your weekly dose of common sense and raw conversations, where psychology meets everyday life. It’s a show aimed to bring scientific insights, engaging conversations and never shies away from the tough topics across health, relationships, politics, parenting and everyday life.

You’ll hear from guests from diverse backgrounds, including media personalities, authors, and health professionals. Expect a blend of professional wisdom, personal anecdotes and political correctness - free zone.

Clare’s straightforward and honest approach delivers shame-free practical solutions, new perspectives, and actionable advice. Keeping it real, she addresses everything from fitness struggles, ADHD and digital addictions to mental health challenges and the dating scene. So, whether you’re sipping coffee or enjoying your favourite wine, prepare for your weekly meet-up with a friend who’s here to show you that the only battle you’re truly facing is with yourself—and it’s a battle you can win.

Clare Rowe is a dynamic Sydney-based psychologist with a Masters in Educational & Developmental Psychology. Heading up a leading Child & Adolescent Psychology clinic, Clare’s career spans from the therapy room to the courtroom and the media spotlight, offering practical solutions for parents regaining confidence, individuals navigating life post-divorce, and anyone trying to balance the demands of a fast-paced world.

Dropping every Thursday, "On the Couch with Clare" will unfold with season 1 launching in July 2024.

In this episode, I’m chatting with Kim John Payne, a family therapist and author of ‘Simplicity Parenting’, and we’re exploring how the relentless pace of today’s society impacts children's development and mental health. We discuss the issue of children's overstimulation in modern family life, how dialling back activities and fostering a simpler lifestyle can lead to more resilient and balanced children, the importance of giving children downtime, and how less can genuinely be more when it comes to parenting.

In this episode:

• The impact of overstimulation on kids
• Understanding simplicity parenting
• The sympathetic and parasympathetic balance
• The modern childhood crisis
• The importance of downtime and creative play
• Preparing kids for future success
• Challenging modern parenting norms
• The impact of overexposure on children
• Creating a safe harbour for children
• Practical advice for parents

Connect with Kim John Payne:

Simplicity Parenting website

Facebook

Instagram

Connect with Clare: 

• Instagram 
• YouTube
• Facebook 
• LinkedIn
• Website

More about On the Couch with Clare:

Come take a seat On the Couch with Clare, your weekly dose of common sense and raw conversations, where psychology meets everyday life. It’s a show aimed to bring scientific insights, engaging conversations and never shies away from the tough topics across health, relationships, politics, parenting and everyday life.

You’ll hear from guests from diverse backgrounds, including media personalities, authors, and health professionals. Expect a blend of professional wisdom, personal anecdotes and political correctness - free zone.

Clare’s straightforward and honest approach delivers shame-free practical solutions, new perspectives, and actionable advice. Keeping it real, she addresses everything from fitness struggles, ADHD and digital addictions to mental health challenges and the dating scene. So, whether you’re sipping coffee or enjoying your favourite wine, prepare for your weekly meet-up with a friend who’s here to show you that the only battle you’re truly facing is with yourself—and it’s a battle you can win.

Clare Rowe is a dynamic Sydney-based psychologist with a Masters in Educational & Developmental Psychology. Heading up a leading Child & Adolescent Psychology clinic, Clare’s career spans from the therapy room to the courtroom and the media spotlight, offering practical solutions for parents regaining confidence, individuals navigating life post-divorce, and anyone trying to balance the demands of a fast-paced world.

Dropping every Thursday, "On the Couch with Clare" will unfold with season 1 launching in July 2024.

Today, I am joined on the couch by Liz Gould, a psychologist and a seasoned high-performance coach who brings her extensive experience in sports and corporate leadership. We discuss what sets elite performers apart, neurological differences in high performers, the importance of routines, the interplay of genetics and environment, and ways to apply these insights to everyday life for better.

In this episode:

• Exploring the Secrets of Success
• Nature vs. Nurture in Athletic Success
• The Importance of Deliberate Practice
• Celebrating Achievements and Overcoming Tall Poppy Syndrome
• Learning from High Performers: Practical Strategies
• The Role of Curiosity and Consistency in Success
• Effective Time Management and Prioritization
• The Role of Performance Psychologists
• Morning Rituals and Consistency
• Superstitions and High Performers
• The Importance of Rest and Recovery
• Taking Action Towards Your Goals

Connect with Liz:

Instagram

Connect with Clare: 

• Instagram 
• YouTube
• Facebook 
• LinkedIn
• Website

More about On the Couch with Clare:

Come take a seat On the Couch with Clare, your weekly dose of common sense and raw conversations, where psychology meets everyday life. It’s a show aimed to bring scientific insights, engaging conversations and never shies away from the tough topics across health, relationships, politics, parenting and everyday life.

You’ll hear from guests from diverse backgrounds, including media personalities, authors, and health professionals. Expect a blend of professional wisdom, personal anecdotes and political correctness - free zone.

Clare’s straightforward and honest approach delivers shame-free practical solutions, new perspectives, and actionable advice. Keeping it real, she addresses everything from fitness struggles, ADHD and digital addictions to mental health challenges and the dating scene. So, whether you’re sipping coffee or enjoying your favourite wine, prepare for your weekly meet-up with a friend who’s here to show you that the only battle you’re truly facing is with yourself—and it’s a battle you can win.

Clare Rowe is a dynamic Sydney-based psychologist with a Masters in Educational & Developmental Psychology. Heading up a leading Child & Adolescent Psychology clinic, Clare’s career spans from the therapy room to the courtroom and the media spotlight, offering practical solutions for parents regaining confidence, individuals navigating life post-divorce, and anyone trying to balance the demands of a fast-paced world.

Dropping every Thursday, "On the Couch with Clare" will unfold with season 1 launching in July 2024.

Today’s guest is Darren Mort, a renowned family law barrister who has also enjoyed a successful career as an actor, producer, and author. Darren shares his insights from his extensive career in family law and his personal experiences with family violence. We also discuss the complexities of family court, co-parenting, and the importance of maintaining a positive relationship for the sake of children. We then talk about his creative work in film and literature, which aims to provide resources and support to families in distress.

In this episode:

• Darren's personal journey with family violence
• The complexities of family law
• Navigating family relationships and violence
• The role of passion in family law
• Challenges and criticisms of the Family Court
• Innovative approaches to Family Law
• Darren's creative ventures: Books and Films

Connect with Darren Mort:

Website

Instagram

Facebook

LinkedIn

Connect with Clare: 

• Instagram 
• YouTube
• Facebook 
• LinkedIn
• Website

More about On the Couch with Clare:

Come take a seat On the Couch with Clare, your weekly dose of common sense and raw conversations, where psychology meets everyday life. It’s a show aimed to bring scientific insights, engaging conversations and never shies away from the tough topics across health, relationships, politics, parenting and everyday life.

You’ll hear from guests from diverse backgrounds, including media personalities, authors, and health professionals. Expect a blend of professional wisdom, personal anecdotes and political correctness - free zone.

Clare’s straightforward and honest approach delivers shame-free practical solutions, new perspectives, and actionable advice. Keeping it real, she addresses everything from fitness struggles, ADHD and digital addictions to mental health challenges and the dating scene. So, whether you’re sipping coffee or enjoying your favourite wine, prepare for your weekly meet-up with a friend who’s here to show you that the only battle you’re truly facing is with yourself—and it’s a battle you can win.

Clare Rowe is a dynamic Sydney-based psychologist with a Masters in Educational & Developmental Psychology. Heading up a leading Child & Adolescent Psychology clinic, Clare’s career spans from the therapy room to the courtroom and the media spotlight, offering practical solutions for parents regaining confidence, individuals navigating life post-divorce, and anyone trying to balance the demands of a fast-paced world.

Dropping every Thursday, "On the Couch with Clare" will unfold with season 1 launching in July 2024.