Learning can be tough for any child—but for kids with dyslexia, ADHD, autism, dyscalculia, or dysgraphia, school can feel especially overwhelming. Add anxiety to the mix, and both children and parents can feel lost about where to turn.

In this heartwarming and practical conversation, Dr Jodi Richardson sits down with Emily Fogg, founder of Wise Owl Education and a passionate teacher with over 15 years’ experience supporting neurodiverse students. Emily shares how she’s helping families navigate the education system, advocate for their children, and rebuild confidence and joy in learning.

Together, Jodi and Emily explore:
💡 What common learning differences really mean (and what they don’t)
💡 How anxiety often shows up alongside learning challenges
💡 Practical steps for parents who suspect their child may need extra support
💡 Why mental health must come before grades—and how confidence can transform learning

If you’re a parent, teacher, or carer of a child who learns differently—or you simply want to understand more about how we can make education more inclusive—this episode is a must-listen.

Connect with Dr Jodi Richardson:

https://linktr.ee/drjodirichardson?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAabqDVAw_zhoG3IXGRhgjn-J14BFJy50ztJbCHywMfZobVH12nX1USMbisI_aem_QViUbKkXHlwbD3y4kGcvGQ

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What if the barrier to better mental health isn't knowledge - it's actually doing something about it? Most of us know meditation and gratitude are good for us, but how many of us actually practice them daily?

In this honest conversation, Dr. Jodi Richardson speaks with Cooper Chapman about the gap between knowing what helps and actually taking action. Cooper shares his personal journey from professional surfer to mental health advocate, shaped by early losses to suicide and his father's struggles with depression in an era of "toughen up" masculinity.

The conversation explores a deceptively simple question: Can we give just 1% of our day - 14 minute - to mental health? And more importantly, what would that actually look like in practice?

Key insights from this episode:

• Why meditation isn't about being "good" at it - it's about showing up
• The water bottle metaphor: understanding why your mind feels so busy when you first sit down
• How to watch thoughts float by instead of getting swept away by them
• The difference between responding and reacting in challenging moments
• Five core values that support mental health: responsibility, gratitude, empathy, mindfulness, and kindness
• Why connecting with nature and our senses matters more than we realize

Dr. Jodi shares a powerful personal story about empathy in a Woolworths checkout line that reminds us how regulation and mindfulness show up in everyday moments. The conversation also touches on eco-anxiety in young people, the importance of male mental health, and why making mental health "cool" matters.

This episode is for you if:

• You've tried meditation and felt like you were "doing it wrong"
• You know what helps but struggle with consistency
• You're looking for practical, science-backed approaches that don't require hours of your day
• You want to understand how to be more present in daily life

A refreshingly honest discussion about mental health that moves beyond awareness into actionable practices anyone can start today.

Resources mentioned:

• Shiva Rasa (YouTube/Spotify) for breathwork and meditation
• The 1% framework: 10 minutes meditation + 4 minutes gratitude
• Join Cooper's community: DM @thegoodhumanfactory on Instagram

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In part two of this essential conversation, host Dr. Jodi Richardson continues her discussion with Dr. Lexi Frydenberg about supporting children and teens struggling with anxiety.
Dr. Frydenberg shares practical, real-world examples of how parents can shift from focusing on challenging behaviours to catching their kids doing things right - from messy kitchens to difficult playdates. She explains the power of specific, timely feedback and why connection matters more than correction.
This episode tackles the questions parents are really asking: What do you do when your teenager won't talk to you? When should you seek professional help? What's the difference between seeing a GP, pediatrician, psychologist, or psychiatrist? And the big one - when is medication appropriate for childhood anxiety?
Dr. Frydenberg offers reassuring, evidence-based guidance on navigating the mental health system in Australia, including Medicare-rebated options, online therapy alternatives like the BRAVE program, and innovative approaches including music and art therapy. She also addresses the stigma around medication, explaining when it might be needed to "break the circuit" and help children engage with therapy.
Throughout the conversation, both parents share their own vulnerable moments—from caravan confrontations to modelling repair - reminding us that "good enough" parenting is exactly that: good enough.


Resources mentioned:

The Strength Switch by Dr. Lea Waters, Headspace, ReachOut, BRAVE program, Raising Children's Network, Royal Children's Hospital, Beyond Blue

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In this episode, Dr Jodi Richardson welcomes Dr Lexi Frydenberg, a pediatrician with over 20 years of clinical experience working with children and families at a large pediatric hospital in Melbourne and the Victorian Children's Clinic.
Dr Frydenberg shares what she's seeing in the clinic and how anxiety in children has changed, particularly post-COVID. She explains how anxiety often shows up in ways parents might not expect - through behavioral challenges, tummy aches, headaches, and school refusal - rather than children simply saying "I'm anxious."
In this conversation, they discuss:

How young children are now presenting with anxiety (younger than the traditional tween years)
The three main ways anxiety presents in children: somatic symptoms, articulated worries, and behavioral challenges
Why it's important not to rush to label children with diagnoses
The concept of anticipatory anxiety and how labels can become self-fulfilling prophecies
Practical first steps for parents: recognition, education, and having conversations at the right time
The power of "catching them being good" and focusing on strengths over challenging behaviors
Co-regulation: how parents need to regulate themselves first before helping their child
The fine line between helicopter/lawnmower parenting and teaching resilience
Graded exposure with practical examples (like food-related anxiety)
Why celebrating small wins matters more than achieving the end goal

Dr Frydenberg emphasizes that anxiety is a normal, protective response we all experience, but offers clear guidance on when it's gone too far and practical strategies families can use while waiting for professional support.
This is Part 1 of a two-part conversation. Join us next week for Part 2, where Dr Frydenberg discusses the roles of different practitioners, when medication might be helpful, and what to do when teens refuse to talk.
Resources mentioned:

https://www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/anxiety/ https://mentalhealth.melbournechildrens.com/media/kiuftzzo/mhs_childhood-anxiety_guide_e-single.pdf 

Raising Children’s Network: https://raisingchildren.net.au/ 

Anxiety and fears in children (0-8 years) Generalised anxiety in children (3-8 years) Anxiety: the stepladder approach (3-18 years) Raising Healthy Minds App

Beyond Blue
Reach Out
The BRAVE ProgramShow less 54Sheet1

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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.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

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

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.