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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

If you've ever worried that your anxiety might be impacting your children, you're not alone.

In this compassionate conversation, Dr Jodi Richardson is joined by family therapist and author Lisa Taylor to explore one of the most common concerns anxious parents have: "Am I affecting my kids?" Together, they discuss the difference between sharing feelings and burdening children, how anxiety can sometimes lead to overprotection, and why children don't need perfect parents, they need honest, connected ones.

You'll hear practical strategies for talking to children about anxiety, supporting their independence, and helping them understand that a parent's feelings are never their responsibility to fix.


Connect with Lisa Taylor

Website: https://strengtheningfamilies.com.au
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisa.taylor.au/

Lisa's Book: "The Perfect Parent Trap"

Connect with Dr Jodi Richardson

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friendships can shape our children's confidence, wellbeing and sense of belonging for years to come. In this episode, parenting educator and bestselling author Michelle Mitchell joins Dr Jodi Richardson to share practical strategies for helping kids build healthy friendships, navigate conflict, manage bullying, and develop the social skills they need to thrive.

Together, they explore Michelle's powerful Friendship Framework and discuss what parents can do when friendship challenges arise.

Links

Michelle Mitchell

• Website: https://michellemitchell.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michellemitchell.author

Book

• Friendship Smart by Michelle Mitchell

Dr Jodi Richardson

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Relationships can be one of our greatest sources of support, but few of us are ever taught how to build and maintain healthy ones.

In this episode, Dr Jodi Richardson is joined by counsellor and relationship coach Anne Sidebottom for a thoughtful conversation about the relationship patterns we learn in childhood, how those patterns show up in adulthood, and what it takes to create healthier, more connected relationships.

Anne shares her deeply personal story of navigating betrayal, separation and single parenthood, and how those experiences ultimately led her to a career helping individuals and couples strengthen their relationships. Together, Jodi and Anne discuss the power of counselling, the importance of understanding our family influences, and why seeking support is one of the bravest steps we can take.

You'll also learn Anne's practical communication framework, the Feedback Wheel, a simple tool that can help couples navigate difficult conversations with greater understanding and less defensiveness.

Whether you're navigating relationship challenges, healing from the past, or simply wanting to connect more deeply with the people you love, this episode offers wisdom, hope and practical takeaways.

Connect with Anne Sidebottom
www.sidebottom.com

Connect with Dr Jodi Richardson

https://drjodirichardson.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special bonus episode of Well, Hello Anxiety, Dr Jodi Richardson is joined once again by counsellor, mental fitness coach and Morita Therapist Carly Taylor for an extended conversation from their recent live podcast recording.

Drawing on questions submitted by the audience, they discuss topics including workplace anxiety, preventing anxiety from becoming overwhelming, supporting children with anxiety, helping loved ones seek support, overcoming fears linked to past experiences, and finding more joy and balance in everyday life.

This episode is filled with practical strategies, compassionate insights and reassurance for anyone navigating anxiety, relationships, parenting and life's many uncertainties.

Connect with Carly Taylor:

https://www.carlytaylorcoaching.com.au/

Connect with Dr Jodi Richardson

https://drjodirichardson.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if anxiety isn't something to get rid of, but something to better understand?

In this special live recording of Well, Hello Anxiety, Dr Jodi Richardson is joined by counsellor, mental fitness coach and Morita Therapist Carly Taylor for a powerful conversation about anxiety, attention, acceptance and what it means to live fully, even when life feels uncertain.

Drawing on the wisdom of Morita Therapy, a Japanese approach to mental wellbeing, Carly shares why anxiety often shows up around the things we care about most, and how shifting our attention can transform our experience. Together, Jodi and Carly explore the relationship between fear and desire, why fighting uncomfortable emotions can make them stronger, and how we can build our capacity to face life's inevitable challenges.

Through personal stories, practical strategies and thought-provoking metaphors, this conversation offers a compassionate and refreshing perspective on anxiety that will stay with you long after you've finished listening.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• Why anxiety often appears alongside the things that matter most
• The powerful "two sides of the coin" metaphor for understanding fear
• What Morita Therapy teaches about acceptance and emotional wellbeing
• How attention shapes our experience of life
• Why trying to control emotions can create more struggle
• Practical ways to redirect attention when anxiety narrows your focus
• How to strengthen your "challenge muscle" and build distress tolerance
• The Japanese concept of Arugamama: "It is what it is. Now what needs to be done?"

This special live episode is filled with warmth, wisdom and practical insights to help you navigate anxiety with greater self-compassion and courage.

Connect with Carly Taylor:

https://www.carlytaylorcoaching.com.au/

Connect with Dr Jodi Richardson:

https://drjodirichardson.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.