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:

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In this episode, Dr. Jodi Richardson welcomes back Sarah Rusbatch for her third appearance on the podcast—a conversation that has truly been life-changing for Jodi's own alcohol-free journey.

Sarah, a specialist in gray area drinking and menopause coach based in Perth, Western Australia, shares her expertise on supporting midlife women through some of life's biggest transitions. From understanding gray area drinking (for those who don't identify as alcoholics but notice alcohol taking more than it's giving) to navigating perimenopause and healthy aging, Sarah offers practical, compassionate guidance rooted in science.

Key topics discussed:

• What gray area drinking is and why midlife women are most affected
• Sarah's personal transformation from gray area drinker to marathon runner
• The powerful quote: "Be patient when becoming a version of yourself you've never met before"
• Why women become more insulin resistant after 40 and what to do about it
• Simple "hacks" for better sleep, including morning sunlight exposure without sunglasses
• The shocking truth about liquid sugar and children's health ratings
• How to approach change through "tiny experiments" rather than overwhelming overhauls
• The importance of understanding the "why" behind healthy choices

Sarah discusses her programs including 30-day alcohol-free challenges and her Thrive After 40 program, which focuses on nutrition, movement, sleep, and overall wellbeing for midlife women—all delivered with compassion and community support.

Whether you're curious about your relationship with alcohol, struggling with midlife changes, or simply want to feel vibrant and excited about aging, this conversation offers hope, practical strategies, and the reminder that it's never too late to become the healthiest version of yourself.

Find Sarah: SarahRusbatch.com | Instagram: @sarahrusbatch

This episode is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

Connect with Dr Jodi Richardson:

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In this deeply moving episode, Dr. Jodi Richardson speaks with author and health journalist Casey Beros about the realities of becoming a caregiver for aging or terminally ill loved ones. Casey shares her personal journey of uprooting her young family to care for her father through his terminal mesothelioma diagnosis, offering both heartfelt storytelling and practical guidance.

Casey opens up about the challenges of navigating Australia's healthcare system, the myth of the "sandwich generation," and why burnout is an inevitable risk for carers who don't prioritise respite. She discusses the importance of self-compassion, the power of dark humour during difficult times, and why showing up with integrity matters—even when relationships are complicated.

Her book, Next of Kin, has been called "The Barefoot Investor for care" and provides essential guidance for the more than three million Australians currently in caring roles. Whether you're caring for aging parents, a sick child, or a partner needing support, this conversation offers validation, hope, and actionable advice.

Key topics include:

• Recognising yourself as a caregiver (you might already be one)
• Navigating healthcare systems and becoming a better advocate
• The critical importance of respite care
• Finding moments of joy and humor in dark times
• Honouring your loved ones in meaningful, unconventional ways

Resources mentioned: Violet (violet.org.au) - government-funded support for carers

This episode is essential listening for anyone in a caring role or preparing for the inevitable season when they will be.

Connect with Dr Jodi Richardson:

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.