What if better sleep could improve your anxiety, stress levels, relationships, performance and even longevity?

In this episode of Well, Hello Anxiety, Dr Jodi Richardson is joined by behavioural scientist and sleep expert Dr Jemma King to explore the powerful connection between sleep and mental wellbeing. Drawing on her work with elite athletes, police, military personnel and high performers, Dr King explains why sleep isn't simply about getting enough hours, but about protecting the quality and consistency of your sleep every night.

Together, they unpack why sleep deprivation makes us more reactive to stress, how REM sleep helps the brain process fear and emotional experiences, and why poor sleep may be contributing to the rising rates of anxiety many people experience today. They also discuss the impact of caffeine, technology, artificial light and modern lifestyles on our ability to get truly restorative rest.

You'll also learn practical, evidence-based strategies for improving sleep, including how to manage middle-of-the-night wake-ups, use cognitive shuffling to quiet a busy mind, create a sleep-friendly environment, and build the sleep consistency that supports both physical and mental health.

If you've ever found yourself lying awake at 3am with a racing mind, feeling anxious, overwhelmed or exhausted, this conversation is packed with insights that could transform the way you think about sleep and wellbeing.

Resources:
📖 Sleep First by Dr Jemma King (available in bookstores and on Audible)

Connect with Dr Jodi Richardson:

• Website: https://drjodirichardson.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjodirichardson

🎙️ Follow Well, Hello Anxiety for more evidence-based conversations about anxiety, mental health and wellbeing

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Trauma is something we all encounter in different ways -but what if healing from it could lead to growth, deeper connection and a renewed sense of purpose?

In this episode of Well, Hello Anxiety, Dr Jodi Richardson speaks with clinical psychologist Dr. Edith Shiro, author of The Unexpected Gift of Trauma: The Path to Post-Traumatic Growth.

Dr Edith explains what trauma really is, why it isn't always a major or obvious event, and how trauma can affect our relationship with ourselves, others and the world around us.

Together, Jodi and Dr Edith explore her five-stage model of post-traumatic growth:

Radical acceptance
Safety and protection
New narratives
Integration
Wisdom and growth

They also discuss why healing isn't necessarily linear, how we can recognise intergenerational trauma, and how becoming aware of what we've inherited from previous generations can help us create a different story for the generations that follow.

Dr Edith shares a powerful perspective on healing: “I’m healing my wound and from the wound comes the medicine and from the pain comes a purpose.”

Mentioned in this episode

📖 The Unexpected Gift of Trauma: The Path to Post-Traumatic Growth — Dr. Edith Shiro
🌐 Dr. Edith Shiro’s website — includes a post-traumatic growth questionnaire and information about her work and professional certification.

📱 Dr. Edith Shiro Instagram and Facebook: @DrEdithShiro

Dr Jodi Richardson

• Website: https://drjodirichardson.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjodirichardson

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When anxiety makes school attendance feel impossible, what alternatives are available?

In this episode, Dr Jodi Richardson chats with Alex Cork, Head of Admissions at Crimson Global Academy, about online schooling for young people experiencing anxiety, school avoidance, bullying or challenges in the traditional school environment.

They explore the difference between homeschooling and online schooling, how online learning can help rebuild academic confidence and resilience, and how young people can maintain friendships and social connections outside the traditional classroom.

Alex also shares stories of students who have used online schooling as a stepping stone back to traditional school - and explains why sometimes, finding the right school environment simply means doing things differently.

Links mentioned:

Crimson Global Academy: https://cga.school/

Chronic Pain Australia: https://www.chronicpainaustralia.org.au/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.