Advertise on podcast: Wellbeing

On this edition, we'll hear how bacteria work and move substances in and out of their cells, and how scientists understand how microbes behave together in the microbiome and affect human health. Ben Hipwell is a researcher (PhD candidate) in the bacterial regulation and transport lab at the University of Newcastle, working under Dr Karl Hassan. His research investigates mechanisms of action in bacteria, including how compounds affect bacterial physiology and transport systems in organisms like Escherichia coli — knowledge that connects to microbial regulation and transport processes. Understanding these mechanisms helps illuminate how bacterial cells control their internal environment and interact with their surroundings, which are key aspects of microbial community behaviour and important for understanding the microbiome’s dynamics and impact on health and disease. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Remote mental health focuses on how people living outside major cities can access timely, effective and culturally appropriate care. In this episode, we’re joined by Dr Hazel Dalton, whose research explores mental health promotion, suicide prevention and innovative service models in rural and remote communities. Hazel’s work bridges research and practice, highlighting how community-led approaches, workforce support and place-based solutions can strengthen mental health outcomes where services are limited and distances are vast. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Social prescribing connects people to non-clinical supports that address loneliness, isolation, connectedness and well-being, reshaping health beyond medicine. In this episode, Dr Dragana Vidovic, co-author of a major systematic review on its impact, explains how this holistic, person-centred approach empowers individuals and strengthens communities. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scientists have developed an app that helps improve nutrient assessment, helps identify potential micronutrient deficiencies, and supports better-targeted nutrition programs. Smartphone photos, voice notes, and wrist sensors accurately capture diet, improving nutrient assessment and guiding better health decisions, especially in vulnerable communities. Professor Tracy Burrows is a nationally recognised nutrition scientist whose innovative work is transforming how we understand what people eat.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this edition we’re joined by paediatric nutritionist Mandy Sacher, one of Australia’s leading experts in children’s nutrition and healthy eating. Mandy is the founder of Wholesome Child, an organisation dedicated to improving family nutrition through education, practical tools, and evidence-based guidance. She’s also a bestselling author and a passionate advocate for making healthy eating accessible and achievable for every household. Recently, a new study has revealed that food labelling is major blind spot in Australian parenting. Many parents believe they’re making healthy choices for their children, but packaging claims and confusing ingredient lists often tell a different story. Mandy has long argued that our current labelling system can be misleading, masking high sugar, sodium, and additive levels behind “natural” or “wholesome” marketing. She’ll help us unpack what’s really in the foods we buy for our kids, how to read labels more critically, and what changes are needed to make food information clearer and more honest. Whether you’re a parent, carer, or simply someone who wants to understand what’s on your plate, Mandy’s insights will shed light on the hidden pitfalls of packaged foods, and how we can empower families to make healthier, more informed choices. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Associate Professor Jodie Ingles leads Australia’s National Registry for Genetic Heart Disease, bringing together patients and families to improve diagnosis, treatment and understanding of inherited heart conditions through cutting-edge genomic research. Prof. Ingles and her team at the Garvan Institute are researching the genetic causes of inherited heart diseases, such as cardiomyopathies and arrhythmias, which can lead to sudden cardiac death. Their work focuses on identifying the underlying genetic mutations that put individuals and families at risk, using advanced genomic sequencing and data from the National Registry for Genetic Heart Disease. By combining genetic insights with clinical information, they aim to improve diagnosis, guide personalised treatment, and inform family screening. The team also studies how families experience and respond to genetic testing, helping to shape better care and counselling for affected Australians. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this edition, Dr Kerri Gillespie from Queensland University of Technology’s School of Clinical Sciences discusses how your dinner might shape your mood. She breaks down new research from the Translational Research Institute in Brisbane showing the links between veggies, sugar, and fibre—and your mental health—and identifies some changes worth trying in what you eat. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This edition looks at the findings of report from The George Institute for Global Health in partnership with the Liptember Foundation, Australia’s leading organisation dedicated to advancing women’s mental health. The study, Beyond the Surface 2024, reveals that rates of poor mental health among Australian women remain alarmingly high. More than half report symptoms of depression, and nearly as many struggle with anxiety. For younger women, pressures around body image have climbed sharply, while Indigenous women are experiencing disproportionately high levels of PTSD. These findings highlight not only the personal toll of poor mental health, but also the systemic barriers that prevent many women from getting the care they need — whether that’s the cost of treatment, stigma, or a healthcare system that isn’t always designed with women in mind. To help us unpack this, Graham Wilson talks with Professor Bronwyn Graham, lead researcher and mental health expert at The George Institute for Global Health where she is Director of the Centre for Sex and Gender Equity in Health and Medicine, and a Professor in the School of Psychology at UNSW Sydney. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

High blood pressure is often called the “silent killer” because it has no obvious symptoms, yet it’s a leading cause of stroke and heart disease. To help us understand more, we’re joined by Trent Williams, Clinical Nurse Consultant in Cardiology at John Hunter Hospital, and Conjoint Senior Lecturer at the University of Newcastle. The good news is that there are simple steps people can take to lower their risk, and many of them start at home. Despite the risks, many people don’t get their blood pressure checked often enough, and awareness in the community remains patchy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr Liz Kirk, founder of BeyondErgo and a leading authority on ergonomics and workplace health. With a background that spans academic research, doctoral studies, and hands-on workplace programs, Liz shares her journey to becoming an expert in the field and how her work has evolved from theory into practical solutions for modern organisations. We explore the hidden risks of prolonged computer and desk work—going far beyond the familiar aches and pains to long-term impacts on overall health and wellbeing. Liz explains how simple ergonomic checklists, awareness of correct screen setup, and the habit of regular breaks can play a crucial role in preventing chronic conditions. Leaders will gain insight into their responsibilities around workplace health and safety, while employees will hear how they can take ownership of their wellbeing at work. Dr Kirk also highlights the measurable benefits businesses see when they invest in wellness training, from improved productivity to reduced absenteeism. To wrap up, Liz offers listeners practical, everyday advice they can apply immediately to protect their health in any workplace setting. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rob O’Hara is a registered psychologist who is dedicated to creating a relaxed, non-judgemental space for clients to explore their mental health, with a strong focus on trauma-informed care. At The Base, Rob incorporates outdoor-based therapies such as surf therapy, bushwalking, and walk-and-talk sessions in natural settings, helping clients connect with nature as part of their healing journey. He brings extensive experience across a range of settings, including drug and alcohol services and psychosis recovery. Rob is currently completing his PhD at the University of Newcastle, researching the benefits of walk-and-talk nature therapy for men’s mental health. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this edition, we look at dietitians and the important role they play in supporting the wellbeing of the community and those who need their expertise. Founder and senior dietitian at Arubah Health, Beth Belford, is dedicated to helping clients make sustainable changes through a non-diet approach. She has a wealth of experience across the field of nutrition and dietetics, including the informed use of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy-Enhanced (CBT-E), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Family-Based Therapy (FBT) for eating disorders. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chelsea Felkai speaks to Oliver Croft about medication safety management, chronic disease support, digital health and innovation, immunisation and preventative care, medication reviews and health collaboration.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Virginia Reid talks with one of the co-authors of The New Psychology of Health: Unlocking the Social Cure (2018). Professor Alex Haslam talks about how he and his team have discovered that people who are more socially connected tend to live longer, recover more quickly from illness, and experience better overall physical and mental health. These benefits are not just about having company—they reflect the powerful influence of social identity. When people see themselves as part of a meaningful group, whether it’s family, a workplace, a community, or a sports team, this shared identity provides a source of strength, purpose, and resilience. Social ties have been shown to be as beneficial to health as not smoking, maintaining a good diet, and regular exercise. This is because our group memberships shape how we cope with stress, how supported we feel, and how we make health decisions. Belonging can reduce feelings of loneliness, increase motivation to follow medical advice, and even affect how our bodies respond to treatment. In therapy and healthcare, outcomes improve when there’s a strong relationship between practitioner and patient—especially when they share a common understanding or identity. When people feel like their therapist or doctor is “on their side” or “one of us,” trust increases, communication improves, and treatment is more likely to succeed. Health isn’t just an individual matter—it’s deeply social. Our connections to others shape how we think, feel, and behave. This is true across many health challenges: from depression and addiction to trauma recovery and chronic pain. People are more likely to recover and thrive when they can maintain or rebuild meaningful group relationships. For health services, this means recognising that fostering connection and identity should be part of the care process. Encouraging participation in group programs, peer networks, and supportive communities can be just as important as medication or clinical treatment. Social identity is not just about who we are—it’s also a powerful pathway to better health. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Alyce Barnes, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Newcastle, focuses on enhancing youth physical activity and promoting gender equity. She leads initiatives like Physical Activity 4 Everyone (PA4E1) and Healthy Youngsters, collaborating with schools and communities to embed sustainable health practices. Her work emphasizes empowering girls and fostering inclusive environments. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.