Grief is something we will all experience, yet it's often one of the hardest topics to talk about.

In this heartfelt and deeply moving episode of Well, Hello Anxiety, Dr Jodi Richardson welcomes back therapist, mental health educator, relationship expert and podcast host Marie Vakakis for an honest conversation about grief, loss and healing.

Drawing on both her professional expertise and recent personal experiences, Marie shares her reflections on caring for her grandmother through dementia, navigating anticipatory grief, saying goodbye to her beloved dog Walter, and learning how to carry love forward after loss.

Together, Jodi and Marie explore why grief is far more complex than most people realise, how it affects us emotionally and physically, the challenges grief can create in relationships, and why empathy - not fixing - is often the most powerful gift we can offer someone who is hurting.

This conversation offers comfort, validation and practical insights for anyone experiencing loss, supporting a grieving loved one, or navigating the uncertainty of anticipatory grief.

Dr Jodi & Marie talk about:

• What anticipatory grief really looks and feels like
• Why grief and anxiety are often closely connected
• The physical and emotional impact of loss
• Different grieving styles and how they can affect relationships
• The experience of pet loss and why it matters
• Why "grief is love with nowhere to go"
• Common phrases that aren't always helpful when someone is grieving
• The power of empathy, validation and simply showing up
• How cultural rituals can support the grieving process
• Why grief doesn't disappear—but can become easier to carry over time
• Practical ways to support a grieving friend, partner or family member

Connect with Marie Vakakis:

🌐 Website: https://marievakakis.com.au

🎙️ This Complex Life Podcast:
https://marievakakis.com.au/podcast

🧠 The Therapy Hub:
https://thetherapyhub.com.au

Connect with Dr Jodi Richardson:

🌐 Website: https://drjodirichardson.com

📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjodirichardson

📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drjodirichardson

DO YOU WANT TO HEAR THE POD LIVE? GET YOUR FREE TIX HERE

Loved This Episode?

If this conversation resonated with you, please share it with someone who may need support through grief, loss or life transitions. Your ratings, reviews and shares help us reach more people and continue important conversations about anxiety, mental health and wellbeing.

Remember: We don't heal grief by fixing it - we heal through connection, compassion and being witnessed. ❤️

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens when exhaustion becomes your normal? In this episode, Dr Jodi Richardson sits down with kinesiologist, yoga and meditation teacher Ilana Kosakiewicz, whose own experience with chronic fatigue and autoimmune illness forced her to stop - and ultimately transformed her life.

Together they explore:

The early whispers of burnout we often ignore
Why so many women have normalised exhaustion
The difference between rest and recovery
How “white space” resets the nervous system
Micro‑moments of rest that actually work
The power of Yoga Nidra and non‑sleep deep rest
How slowing down helps us show up better for the people we love
This conversation is a gentle reminder that rest isn’t indulgent - it’s essential.

Connect with Ilana Kosakiewicz:

Website: https://ilanak.com.au/

Instagram & Facebook: IlanaK.Kinesiology

LinkedIn: Alana Kazakovich

Podcast: The Energy Shift

Connect with Dr Jodi Richardson:

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if anxiety isn't the problem?
In this thought-provoking conversation, Dr Jodi Richardson is joined by psychologist and author Diante Fuchs to explore why so many people continue to struggle with anxiety despite trying therapy, strategies, and self-help tools. Dee shares her powerful Anxiety Trifecta framework, revealing the mental, emotional, and physical factors that can keep anxiety stuck.

Together, they discuss:

Why anxiety is a signal, not a flaw
The difference between ordinary anxiety and stuck anxiety
How fear of anxiety can keep the cycle going
Why uncovering root causes matters
The role of the nervous system in ongoing anxiety
Dee's practical EASE Method for responding differently to anxiety
How acceptance, compassion, and engagement can help you reclaim your life

This episode offers a hopeful and refreshing perspective: there is nothing wrong with you, and anxiety may have more to teach you than you realise.

Connect with Diante Fuchs
Website: theunstuckinitiative.com
Instagram: @ease.anxiety
TikTok: @ease.anxiety

Access the Stuck Anxiety Checklist discussed here: https://www.theunstuckinitiative.com/stuckanxietychecklist

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this deeply insightful episode of Well, Hello Anxiety, Dr Jodi Richardson welcomes Dr Ashleigh Moreland, founder of the Remind Institute, to unpack the nervous system, fawning, functional freeze, and the hidden barriers families face when seeking mental‑health support. Drawing from her PhD in neuroplasticity and her own 20‑year journey with anxiety, Dr Ashleigh reveals why she created her groundbreaking - and completely free - online Home Bases, designed for parents, practitioners, teachers, and schools who need clear, compassionate, research‑grounded guidance.

They explore:
• The difference between fight, flight, freeze and the relational survival response of fawning
• Why so many parents say “yes” after saying “no” six times
• How childhood emotional experiences shape adult nervous‑system safety
• Why understanding behaviour through a trauma‑informed lens changes everything
• The cost, access and overwhelm families face in the current mental‑health system
• How Dr Ashleigh’s Home Bases offer scripts, explanations, tools and neuroscience‑based strategies anyone can use

Explore the free Home Bases here:
• Anxiety Home Base: re-mind.ang.institute/anxiety
• ADHD Home Base: re-mind.ang.institute/adhd
• Perfectionism Home Base: re-mind.ang.institute/perfectionism

Join the free Facebook community Cycle Breakers, where all Home Bases are pinned and updated:
facebook.com/groups/cyclebreakers

Dr Ashleigh also shares what’s coming next: Home Bases for PTSD, complex PTSD, depression, dissociation, addiction, parenting, relationships, leadership and entrepreneurship — all designed to make expert‑level mental‑health support accessible to everyone.

A generous, practical and empowering conversation for anyone navigating anxiety, parenting challenges, or their own healing.

Connect with Dr Jodi Richardson:

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

Keep the conversations going — your donation helps fund and support future episodes: Donate here

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this deeply human and compelling conversation, Dr Jodi Richardson sits down with Connor Scott, the runner, fundraiser and counsellor whose extraordinary challenge - running 50 kilometres a day for 50 days - captured the attention of his community and raised vital awareness for youth mental health. This episode explores the real story behind the feat: the motivation, the cost, the injury he pushed through, and the moment he realised he had lost himself in the challenge he hoped would complete him.

Connor shares how the aftermath left him physically and emotionally depleted, and how that difficult period sparked two powerful initiatives: Mind Over Miles, a movement‑based community run club centred on connection and mental wellbeing, and The Running Therapist, his unique counselling service blending movement, nature and side‑by‑side conversation to help people open up in a more comfortable, human way.

Together, Jodi and Connor unpack the pressures of public commitment, the vulnerability of asking for help, the healing power of community, and the importance of showing up as your true self - whether you’re running a marathon or navigating life’s tougher seasons.

A generous, honest and inspiring episode for anyone who’s ever pushed themselves too far, rebuilt from burnout, or discovered that the real finish line is connection.

Keep the conversations going — your donation helps fund and support future episodes: Donate here

Follow Connor and his work:

• Instagram: Connor Scott (@connorscott10)
• The Running Therapist
• Mind Over Miles
• 9 for 9

Connect with Dr Jodi Richardson:

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

Keep the conversations going — your donation helps fund and support future episodes: Donate here

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this powerful and deeply personal conversation, Dr. Jodi Richardson welcomes Connor Scott — physiotherapist, counsellor, founder of The Running Therapist, and co-founder of Mind Over Miles and 9 for 9.

Connor shares the raw truth of his mental health journey — from growing up in Liverpool and navigating hardship, to experiencing panic attacks, overwhelm, and reaching his lowest point… and the life-saving moment that changed everything.

This episode explores:

• The courage it takes to open up — and why one honest conversation can change lives
• How connection, vulnerability, and movement became Connor’s pathway back to hope
• The simple but powerful role of friendship (and one mate’s idea that sparked something life-changing)
• What to say — and what not to say — when someone shares they’re struggling
• Why “holding space” matters more than having the perfect words

You’ll also hear about Connor’s extraordinary fundraising effort: running 50km every day for 50 days to support mental health organisation Speak & Share — a commitment that took an 18‑month recovery and speaks to his mission of ensuring no one faces mental health challenges alone.

Connor’s story is a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is a way forward — and that hope often begins with connection.

Keep the conversations going — your donation helps fund and support future episodes: Donate here

Follow Connor and his work:

• Instagram: Connor Scott (@connorscott10)
• The Running Therapist
• Mind Over Miles
• 9 for 9

💬 If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to someone you trust or a mental health professional.

➡️ Part 2 drops next week, where we continue this conversation and dive deeper into Connor’s work, community impact, and practical tools for mental wellbeing.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if almost everything you've been taught about happiness is wrong?

In this insightful conversation, Dr Jodi Richardson is joined by happiness researcher, coach and author Declan Edwards to unpack the myths that keep us stuck in the pursuit of happiness and what actually helps us build a happier, more fulfilling life.

Declan shares why happiness isn't something we achieve after reaching a goal, buying the next thing, or ticking all the right boxes. Instead, he explains how happiness can be cultivated through practical skills that help us navigate life's challenges, deepen our relationships, and spend more time flourishing.

Together, Jodi and Declan explore:

• Why "I'll be happy when..." is one of the biggest happiness traps
• The difference between happiness and wellbeing
• Why all emotions—even the uncomfortable ones—have an important role to play
• How emotional literacy can improve psychological health
• The power of noticing and naming our emotions
• Why gratitude works (and how to make it a sustainable practice)
• The wellbeing spectrum: from crisis and survival through to growth and flourishing
• How connection, community and relationships shape our happiness
• Practical happiness skills you can start using today

This episode is a reminder that happiness isn't found in perfect circumstances—it's built through small, intentional practices that help us appreciate what is already here.

Resources:

📖 How to Be Happy: Stop Chasing Happiness and Learn the Five Skills to Create It Instead by Declan Edwards

🎙️ Podcast: How to Be Happy

🌐 Learn more about the BU Happiness College: BU Happiness College

Connect with Declan and the BU Happiness College on social media by searching "BU Happiness College".

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone who could use a little more happiness in their life today. 💛

Connect with Dr Jodi Richardson:

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

• Dr Jodi Richardson – Anxiety Toolkit for Parents

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Part 2 of this deeply honest conversation, Dr Jodi Richardson continues her chat with Fleur Marks about the hidden cost of overachievement, the importance of rest, and learning to believe: you are enough.

Fleur shares how a life-changing health journey forced her to rethink success, self-worth and the constant pressure to keep doing more. Together, Jodi and Fleur explore:

• Why we shouldn’t wait for burnout or crisis before slowing down
• The powerful idea of becoming “self-full” instead of selfless
• Fleur’s transformative tea ceremony practice at Cloud Hidden in Byron Bay
• Learning to sit still, rest and reconnect with yourself
• The mindset shift behind “I’ve done enough, I have enough, I am enough”
• Letting go of perfectionism and overachievement
• How self-care became essential - not optional
• Redefining success through joy, presence, connection and wellbeing

This episode is a gentle but powerful reminder that life is happening now - and that success should never come at the cost of yourself.

Resources & Links:

• Fleur Marks’ book: The Overachiever’s Reset: A Better Way to Succeed Without Losing Yourself
• Fleur’s website + free reset exercises: flomax.com.au
• Booktopia
• Amazon Australia

Connect with Dr Jodi Richardson:

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

• Dr Jodi Richardson – Anxiety Toolkit for Parents

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.