Advertise on podcast: Well, hello anxiety with Dr Jodi Richardson

Have you ever left something to the last minute and promised yourself that next time you’ll start well ahead? Maybe there’s a task you’re putting off right now, and you can’t quite work out why getting started feels so hard. It isn’t because you’re lazy, and it isn’t because you’re not capable. In this episode, Dr Jodi Richardson is joined by Brendan Mahan, an internationally recognised ADHD and executive function expert, host of the ADHD Essentials podcast, and author of Overcoming the Wall of Awful. Brendan has given a name to the invisible emotional barrier that builds up between us and the tasks we struggle with, and once you understand it, so much starts to make sense. Whether it’s you, or a child or teen you parent or teach, this conversation offers fresh language, a lot of reassurance and some simple ways to get moving. In this episode, they explore: What the Wall of Awful is, and why everyone has one How emotions like disappointment and rejection build the wall, with anxiety holding it together Why “just do it” doesn’t help, especially for young people Simple strategies to get moving, from music and movement to body doubling Why the wall never disappears, but we get stronger at getting past it Connect with Brendan Mahan: https://brendanmahan.com/ Connect with Dr Jodi Richardson: Website: https://drjodirichardson.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjodirichardson See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Anxiety can arrive out of nowhere, leaving us confused, overwhelmed and wondering why now. In this episode, Dr. Jodi Richardson is joined from London by Lily Felton, trainee clinical psychologist at King’s College London and author of Outsmart Anxiety: A Practical Guide to Understanding and Empowering Your Mind. Lily brings a rare blend of research, clinical training and lived experience to a conversation about why anxiety isn’t something to eliminate, and how we can stop it from keeping our lives small. In this episode, we discuss: What Lily would tell her younger self, who felt anxiety in her body and carried shame about it for years The case of SM, a woman who couldn’t feel fear, and what it teaches us about why we need anxiety How “worry time” with a worry book can help settle racing thoughts at night Recognising when it’s time to seek professional support, and why that step takes real courage Why confidence follows action, and how repetition turned Jodi’s nerves about live radio into something she now looks forward to Graded exposure and willingness: taking small steps toward the things we love The anxiety cycle explained, and why avoidance keeps us stuck The meaning behind the name Well, Hello Anxiety Connect with Lily Felton: LinkedIn Connect with Dr Jodi Richardson: Website: https://drjodirichardson.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjodirichardson See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if being an athlete has nothing to do with elite competition? In this inspiring conversation, Dr Jodi Richardson sits down with coach, athlete, photographer, community builder and founder of Hybrid Edge, Lucy Piper, to explore the powerful connection between movement, identity, courage and anxiety.  Lucy shares her vision for The Embodied Athlete, a coaching framework designed to help people understand the patterns, beliefs and identities that shape how they show up in sport and in life. Together, Jodi and Lucy discuss authenticity, self-trust, social anxiety, community, and why so many people struggle to claim the title of "athlete" even when they train consistently.  They also explore: Why sport can be a fast track to courage and personal growth  The link between identity and anxiety  How our internal stories shape our lives  Lucy's athlete archetypes and diagnostic tool The difference between performing and authentically showing up for yourself  Building community through movement and connection  The three levers you can pull to create change: state, story and strategy  If you've ever doubted yourself, struggled to back yourself, or felt like you're waiting for permission to become the person you want to be, this episode is for you.  Connect with Lucy Instagram:@hybrid_edge  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucypiper Connect with Dr Jodi Richardson: Website: https://drjodirichardson.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjodirichardson   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

High performers often look calm and capable on the outside, while underneath their thoughts are racing and their body is carrying the strain. In this episode, host Dr Jodi Richardson welcomes back psychologist Harriet Iles, founder of Restorative Space Psychology, to explore what's really happening for overthinkers, high achievers and busy professionals, parents and athletes operating at a fast pace.Harriet explains how high performance often comes with demands from others and from ourselves, and how stress and anxiety build when those demands feel greater than the resources we have to meet them. She also challenges a common belief among high achievers: that the inner critic drives their success.This episode dives into:The difference between stress and anxiety, and why a little stress can actually help us performRecognising whether the expectations we place on ourselves are driven by our values or by fearWhy being our own cheerleader supports success more than self-criticism doesHow connecting to meaning, not fear of failure, helps protect us from burnoutPractical ways to ease the load, from reprioritising and setting boundaries to automating everyday decisions.  Harriet shares grounded strategies for anyone performing under pressure, along with a reassuring reminder that sometimes we are simply doing too much, and reprioritising is the perfect place to begin. Connect with Harriet Isles:https://restorativespace.com.au/ Connect with Dr Jodi Richardson: Website: https://drjodirichardson.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjodirichardson See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if the biggest thing standing between you and the life you want isn't a lack of knowledge, time or opportunity, but fear?In this inspiring and deeply honest conversation, Dr. Jodi Richardson welcomes long-time friend, coach, speaker, podcaster and newly completed PhD candidate Craig Harper for a discussion about grief, resilience, behaviour change and human potential. Together, they explore why so many of us struggle to make the changes we know would benefit us, and what it really takes to create meaningful, lasting transformation.Craig shares insights from decades of coaching experience, reflects on the recent loss of his father, and offers a powerful reminder that while life is often uncertain, our capacity to grow, adapt and change is far greater than we realise.In this episode, you'll discover:• Why fear of failure, fear of discomfort and even fear of success can keep us stuck where we are.• The reason knowledge alone isn't enough to create change, and why action is the missing piece.• How lasting habits are built through consistency rather than motivation.• Why identity plays such an important role in personal transformation.• Practical ways to improve your health, wellbeing and mindset without trying to overhaul your entire life overnight.• The importance of self-compassion when you slip up or fall short of your goals.• How to stop waiting for the "right time" and start creating momentum today.• Why most people dramatically underestimate their own potential.Resources mentionedConnect with Craig HarperInstagram: @craiganthonyharperThe You Project PodcastWebsite: https://craigharper.net 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.

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 acceptanceSafety and protectionNew narrativesIntegrationWisdom and growthThey 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 TaylorWebsite: https://strengtheningfamilies.com.auInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisa.taylor.au/Lisa's Book: "The Perfect Parent Trap"Connect with Dr Jodi RichardsonWebsite: https://drjodirichardson.comInstagram: 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 Sidebottomwww.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.

When a relationship reaches a crossroads, uncertainty can feel overwhelming. In this episode, Dr Jodi Richardson speaks with Certified Gottman Therapist and Discernment Counsellor Anne Carter about navigating relationship challenges, managing anxiety during times of uncertainty, and understanding the options available when you're unsure about the future of your relationship.Anne explains how discernment counselling differs from traditional couples therapy, why clarity can ease anxiety, and how couples can move forward with greater confidence, whether that means rebuilding their relationship or choosing a different path.In this episode they discuss:What discernment counselling isHow it differs from couples therapyManaging anxiety during relationship uncertaintyThe role of mindfulness and self-compassionThe three pathways available to couples at a crossroadsWhy hope and clarity matter when making difficult decisionsResourcesAnne Carter | Well of Life Counselling & Therapyhttps://www.welloflife.com.auConnect with Dr Jodi Richardsonhttps://drjodirichardson.comIf this episode could help someone you know, please share it with them. ❤️ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

DO YOU WANT TO HEAR THE POD LIVE? GET YOUR FREE TIX HERE Are you doing all the "right" wellbeing habits but still feeling exhausted? In this episode of Well, Hello Anxiety, Dr Jodi Richardson is joined by performance dietitian, executive coach and author Jessica Spendlove to explore why so many people are running on empty despite knowing the wellbeing basics. Jessica shares her practical approach to sustainable wellbeing, built around five key rhythms: sleep, nutrition, movement, stress, recovery and connection. Together, they discuss the power of consistency over perfection, why recovery is the antidote to stress, and how small, proactive habits can help boost energy, resilience and overall wellbeing. In this episode, you'll learn: Why you can feel exhausted even when you're doing all the "right" things How consistency supports better energy, sleep and wellbeing Why recovery is essential, not optional The importance of sleep timing and daily rhythms What "structured flexibility" means and how it can work for you How to build resilience through simple, sustainable habits Why your busiest days should shape your wellbeing strategy About Jessica Spendlove Jessica Spendlove is a performance dietitian, executive coach, speaker and author of For the Long Run: Build Your Daily Operating System for Energy, Recovery and Wellbeing. Her work helps people build sustainable energy, resilience and high performance through practical, evidence-based strategies. Connect with Jessica Website: jessicaspendlove.com Instagram: @jessicaspendlove LinkedIn: Jessica Spendlove Get the Book For the Long Run: Build Your Daily Operating System for Energy, Recovery and Wellbeing (Wiley) Connect with Dr Jodi Richardson: https://linktr.ee/drjodirichardson?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAabqDVAw_zhoG3IXGRhgjn-J14BFJy50ztJbCHywMfZobVH12nX1USMbisI_aem_QViUbKkXHlwbD3y4kGcvGQ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.