Let’s be honest—talking to our kids about sex, puberty and where babies come from can bring up more anxiety for us than them. In this episode, Dr. Jodi Richardson is joined by educator, author, and parenting expert Michelle Mitchell to guide parents through these tricky conversations with compassion, clarity, and confidence.

Drawing from decades of experience and her brand new book, Where Do Babies Come From? And Other Questions 8 to 12 Year Olds Ask, Michelle shares:

• Why early and age-appropriate conversations are crucial

• How to use humour and honesty to create a safe space

• What to do when you feel awkward or anxious as a parent

• Why giving kids the right words gives them the power to speak up

• The difference between replacing vs. reinforcing your role as the trusted adult

You’ll also hear hilarious real-life questions from kids, how to flip common fears parents hold, and why giving your child a book should never be a substitute for a conversation.

Whether you’ve had “the talk” or are dreading it, this episode will equip you with tools, language, and courage to start and sustain open dialogue with your kids.

📚 Michelle’s Books:

• Where Do Babies Come From? And Other Questions 8 to 12 Year Olds Ask

• A Guy’s Guide to Puberty

• A Girl’s Guide to Puberty

🛒 Where to purchase

• Children’s Books: michellemitchell.org

• Parenting Books: Available at all major retailers including Amazon and Booktopia

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After workplace trauma left her with PTSD and chronic fatigue, former high school teacher Amanda Battle found herself unable to work, physically depleted, and emotionally shut down. But one unexpected invitation—to a free diving retreat—set in motion a powerful journey of recovery and reconnection.

In this deeply moving conversation, Dr. Jodi Richardson and Amanda explore:

🌊 The science and soul of “blue therapy” and why the ocean is so calming for an anxious mind
🫁 How freediving helped Amanda reclaim her breath, strength, and sense of self
📷 The birth of Women of Water, Amanda’s stunning ocean-based photo project and coffee table book
🌀 The power of embodiment, community, and saying “yes” when everything inside you says “no”

Now a surf coach and underwater photographer, Amanda has not only transformed her own life—she’s helping hundreds of other women connect with healing, identity, and calm through the water.

Follow Amanda:
📷 @oceans.of.love.photography
📘 Women of Water available at: womenofwater.com.au

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Have you ever thought about your relationship with alcohol - not because of a problem, but out of curiosity or concern for your mental wellbeing? In this episode, Jodi sits down with sobriety coach, entrepreneur, and former ESPN anchor James Swanwick to talk about the surprising and powerful links between alcohol, anxiety, sleep, and overall health. James shares his personal story of quitting alcohol after a moment of reflection in a hotel mirror and how that decision changed his entire life.

Together, they explore:

• The neuroscience of alcohol and anxiety

• Why drinking to relax often backfires

• Social pressure, identity, and the myth of "just one glass"

• How to rethink your relationship with alcohol without shame

• Why giving it up might be the greatest gift you give yourself

Whether you're sober-curious, taking a break for Dry July, or just ready for more clarity and less anxiety, this episode will inspire and empower you to choose differently.

📘 James’ book Clear is available wherever books are sold, including Amazon.
🌐 Learn more about James and his coaching programs at alcoholfreelifestyle.com

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Why do we feel like we’re not enough - even when we are?

In this follow-up to their powerful first conversation, Dr. Jodi Richardson and psychologist Claudette Foley unpack the hidden forces that make anxiety so hard to shake in our everyday lives. From the thousands of ads we’re exposed to each day, to the curated lives we scroll past online, they explore how modern life feeds discontent — and what we can do about it.

Together, they talk about:

• Why advertising is designed to make us feel like we’re missing out

• How comparison fuels the anxiety loop (and why it's not just you)

• The “joy experiment” — a simple practice that can genuinely lift your mood

• What happens in our body when we feel joy (and why that matters)

• The emotional weight of parenting in a disconnected culture — and how we can rebuild our village

This episode is full of heart, insight, and practical hope. If you’ve ever felt stuck in the scroll, overwhelmed by pressure, or like everyone else has it more together — this is the reminder you need: you are not alone.

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Welcome to Part 1 of Dr. Jodi Richardson’s powerful conversation with community psychologist Claudette Foley, who brings more than 35 years of expertise across psychology, education, sociology, neuroscience and wellness.

In this episode, we zoom out from the individual experience of anxiety and explore the larger social, cultural and environmental forces that impact how we feel—often without us even realising. If you’ve ever asked yourself “Why am I like this?” or felt alone in your struggles, this conversation is a must-listen.

Key Topics Covered

• Why anxiety isn’t always about what’s “wrong” with you

• How housing, financial pressure, and social support impact mental health

• Social anxiety: what it really is and why it’s rising in young people

• The emotional toll of extroverted cultures on introverted bodies

• Understanding your “social battery” and recognising what drains or recharges you

• Cultural mismatches: what happens when your temperament doesn’t fit your surroundings

• Why some people feel out of place in group settings (and how to change that)

• Practical tools to feel more connected without pretending to be someone you're not

• Recognising unhelpful communication styles (like “dump and go” or “whiteboard writers”)

• Building belonging without masking your personality

Claudette also shares insights from her work with the World Health Organization and ACT pioneer Dr Russ Harris, offering a compassionate, big-picture view of anxiety that will help you feel less alone—and more empowered.

This is Part 1 of a two-part series. Stay tuned for next week’s continuation of this deeply validating and eye-opening discussion.

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Welcome back to Part 2 of Dr. Jodi Richardson's fascinating conversation with biohacking expert Camilla Thompson. In this episode, we dive deeper into the practical science of optimising your health and wellbeing through evidence-based biohacking strategies.

Camilla shares her personal approach to intermittent fasting, revealing how the 16:8 method can support cellular regeneration, boost energy levels, and potentially slow the aging process. Discover why "genetics load the gun, but lifestyle pulls the trigger" and how you have more control over your health outcomes than you might think.

Key Topics Covered:

• The role of NAD (the "elixir of youth") in energy production and brain health
• Practical intermittent fasting strategies and optimal nutrition timing
• The importance of healthy fats for hormone balance and cognitive function
• DNA methylation testing
• Foundation-first approach to biohacking
• Filtered water
• The connection between nutrient deficiency and food cravings
• Preventing cognitive decline and supporting brain health as we age
• The hidden toxins in everyday products and how to reduce exposure

Camilla also opens up about managing high-functioning anxiety and shares valuable insights about staying present and grounded. This episode is packed with actionable strategies for anyone looking to take control of their health span and age with vitality.

Connect with Camilla:

• Instagram: @biohackmecoach
• Website: [biohackmecoach.com] - includes free health guide
• Book available on Amazon, Booktopia, and in major bookstores

Remember, this episode is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

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Dr. Jodi Richardson welcomes biohacking trailblazer Camilla Thompson to demystify the world of biohacking and make it accessible for everyday people. Far from being just for Silicon Valley elite or those with unlimited budgets, biohacking offers practical, evidence-based strategies that anyone can incorporate into their daily routine.

Camilla, a nutritionist, wellbeing coach, and author of the new book "Biohack Me," shares her personal journey from chronic mold illness to optimal health, revealing how she reversed chronic inflammation and biologically aged backwards by 10 years. Through honest conversations about anxiety, depression, and health challenges, she demonstrates how biohacking became her lifeline to wellness.

Key Topics Covered:

• What biohacking really is (and isn't)
• Accessible biohacks including infrared saunas, cold therapy, and natural light exposure
• The connection between anxiety and biohacking
• Camilla's experience with mold toxicity and recovery
• Practical tips for saunas, cryotherapy, and red light therapy
• The importance of personalized, preventative health approaches

Featured Biohacks:

• Infrared saunas (30 minutes at 65°C, 3-4 times weekly)
• Cold showers and contrast therapy
• Natural light exposure and happy lamps
• Cryotherapy for inflammation reduction
• Red light therapy for cellular repair
• Hydrogen water and emerging therapies

This episode is perfect for anyone feeling overwhelmed by health information, curious about optimizing their energy and longevity, or looking for practical ways to take control of their wellbeing without breaking the bank.

Part 2 continues next week with more in-depth discussions on hormones, nutrition, and advanced biohacking strategies.

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In this special episode, Dr. Jodi Richardson welcomes two brilliant minds in child psychology for an in-depth conversation about supporting anxious children and their families.

Join Dr. Chris McCurry, clinical child psychologist and author of "Parenting Your Anxious Child with Mindfulness and Acceptance," alongside Emma Waddington, clinician, author, and founder of Us Therapy, as they explore the vital role parents play in helping anxious children not just survive, but truly thrive.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• How temperament shapes a child's anxiety and what parents should look for
• The powerful concept of "the anxiety dance" (ABC pattern) and how to re-choreograph unhelpful family patterns
• Practical strategies for supporting anxious children without falling into avoidance traps
• The importance of "coping out loud" and modeling emotional regulation for your children
• How to balance pushing your child to grow while honoring their temperament
• Why parents need to regulate themselves first and give themselves permission to take breaks
• Age-appropriate ways to discuss your own mental health challenges with your children
• The "gardener vs. carpenter" approach to parenting - helping children unfold rather than trying to mold them

Chris and Emma also share details about their new story-driven workbook series "Just In Case," designed to help children ages 8-12 learn acceptance and commitment therapy techniques through engaging narratives.

Whether you're parenting an anxious child, struggling with your own anxiety, or supporting families in your professional role, this conversation offers compassionate, evidence-based insights that will leave you feeling more empowered and hopeful.

Resources mentioned:

• "Parenting Your Anxious Child with Mindfulness and Acceptance" by Chris McCurry
• "Just In Case Sits With Anxiety" workbook series
• Life's Dirty Little Secrets podcast

More:

Upcoming books from Jessica Kingsley: https://us.jkp.com/collections/author-christopher-mccurry?_pos=1&_psq=McCurry&_ss=e&_v=1.0

Chris' website: https://chrismccurrychildpsychologist.com/

Emma's website: https://us-therapy.sg/

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