Expert insights on creating a more inclusive world for our children's mental wellbeing

This week, we're joined by renowned mental health professional Dr. Mark Cross for a profound conversation about the mental health challenges facing young people today.

Dr. Mark Cross shares eye-opening statistics from groundbreaking research and offers practical guidance for parents and caregivers navigating these crucial conversations. Together, our guests explore how creating a truly inclusive society—one that embraces all individuals, not just those who think like us—is essential for supporting youth mental health.

Discover powerful insights from Dr. Cross's influential book, "CHANGING MINDS - THE GO-TO GUIDE TO MENTAL HEALTH," as our experts provide actionable strategies for:

• Recognising warning signs of mental health struggles in young people
• Creating safe spaces for open conversations about mental wellbeing
• Building more inclusive communities that support diverse thinking
• Focusing on what is most important in our life

Whether you're a parent, educator, or simply someone who cares about the future of our youth, this episode offers invaluable wisdom for fostering healthier minds and stronger communities.

More about our guest Dr Mark Cross:

https://www.drmarkx.com/

Connect with me:

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

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What does it truly mean to live a happy life? This PART 2 of the conversation with our special guest Declan Edwards, a happiness researcher and the Founder of BU Happiness College, to explore the science and skills behind lasting well-being.

Declan shares insights into how we can make change toward happiness, the importance of accepting who we are, and highlights why you should create a happy organisation.

Even in our hardest moments, can we challenge ourselves to find happiness! Tune in to discover how...

🎧 Listen now!

More about Declan Edwards:

https://declanjedwards.com/

Connect with me:

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does it truly mean to live a happy life? In this episode, we sit down with Declan Edwards, a happiness researcher and the Founder of BU Happiness College, to explore the science and skills behind lasting well-being.

Declan shares insights into hedonic vs. eudaimonic happiness, the importance of embracing emotions with curiosity, and how businesses can cultivate a culture of happiness. From ancient Greek philosophy to modern workplace strategies, this conversation is packed with practical tools to help individuals and organizations thrive, not just survive.

Even in our hardest moments, can we challenge ourselves to find happiness? Tune in to discover how!

🎧 Listen now!

More about Declan Edwards:

https://declanjedwards.com/

Connect with me:

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many of us were raised to be “good girls” - girls who strive to perform perfectly, fearing criticism; who try to please everyone, fearing rejection; and who protect others, fearing abandonment.

In the short term, these behaviors often win us the appreciation, recognition, and love of others. But in the long term, they can lead to exhaustion, loss of self-identity, resentment, and worse.

In this powerful episode, Dr. Jodi talks with Dr. Michelle McQuaid, co-founder of The Good Girl Game Changers, to better understand the good girl dilemma, what we can do to make meaningful change for ourselves now, and how we can parent in ways that break the cycle.


https://thegoodgirlgamechangers.typeform.com

https://thegoodgirlgamechangers.typeform.com/goodgirlsurvey

https://michellemcquaid.substack.com/podcast

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Anxiety doesn’t discriminate. While we know this to be true, it’s rare to hear from a Clinical Psychologist who not only works with patients to manage anxiety but also has a personal anxiety journey he's happy to talk about. In this engaging conversation Dr Daniel Berends offers a unique perspective from both sides of the therapist’s couch.

He shares his journey to becoming a Clinical Psychologist after a 'gap decade', how the brain is wired to keep us 'safe, not happy', powerful metaphors to understand anxiety, what it's like practicing as a psychologist while also managing his own anxiety and practical ideas to help us all let go of worries and unhelpful thinking.

https://bdhh.com.au/

Book Recommendations
The Happiness Trap, Russ Harris
The Reality Slap, Russ Harris

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Dr Jodi's guest, Andrew Rooke, was emotionally and physically exhausted when he collected his last corporate paycheck. He was unfulfilled, in poor health, and knew something had to change. Through his own personal journey to living a vibrant, healthy, values-aligned life, Andrew began coaching others to do the same. He is now a sought-after transformational health and energy coach, guiding people to live with energy, wisdom, and optimal body and brain functioning.

In this thought-provoking episode, Andrew shares fascinating insights into the patterns we live in, our lack of awareness about so much of what we do, anxiety, stress, the meaning-making we engage in, the responsibilities we have for our choices, and so much more.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-rooke-2690252/

https://www.instagram.com/iamandrewrooke/

https://www.facebook.com/CoachAndrewRooke/

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Everyone worries—it’s a perfectly human thing to do. But for some, worry is constant and all-consuming. It can even feel gut-wrenching at times when it’s out of control. Worry can not only make us feel emotionally drained and mentally overwhelmed but can also take a toll on our physical health, disrupting sleep and affecting our ability to focus and enjoy life. When we worry, our attention is dragged into the future, leaving everything that's right in front of us out of reach.

This episode is packed full of practical ideas to help you tame your worried mind, or support someone else who worries a lot. Dr Jodi is joined by Psychologist Harriet Iles who talks about the different ways we respond to stress, explains exactly what worry is, the role it plays in our lives, the difference between productive and unproductive worry and what we can do to help manage our worries and move through our anxiety.

https://restorativespace.com.au/

https://www.instagram.com/restorativespacepsychology/

https://www.psychologytoday.com/profile/1371522

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When a child is going through the process of receiving an autism diagnosis, it can be an incredibly challenging time for families. The uncertainty of not knowing what lies ahead, the emotional weight of the diagnosis, and the flood of questions about how to best support their child can feel overwhelming. Every family’s experience is unique, and the journey often comes with a mix of emotions—ranging from fear and confusion to relief and hope. Understanding autism, finding the right support, and navigating this new landscape can feel daunting, but it also presents opportunities to connect with strengths, embrace differences, and find a path forward.

In this episode, Dr. Jodi is joined by Dr. Stacey Rabba, a Developmental Psychologist who works closely with families navigating the process of an autism diagnosis. With expertise in autism across the lifespan, Dr. Stacey helps families bridge the gap during what can be a vulnerable time. She shares insights with Dr. Jodi about psychological and practical support, access to services, helpful resources, connecting with support networks, and more.

ASDetect - https://asdetect.org/
Raising Children Network - https://raisingchildren.net.au/autism
Raising Children Network (early signs) - https://raisingchildren.net.au/autism/learning-about-autism/assessment-diagnosis/early-signs-of-asd
Different Journeys - https://www.differentjourneysautism.com/
Amaze - https://www.amaze.org.au/
Aspect - https://www.aspect.org.au/


Publications relevant to autism diagnosis
Parents' experiences of an early autism diagnosis: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1750946719301035?casa_token=WqQq8NPaZR8AAAAA:iJSRQmZ15LWPVVTdQacc01qKsgWqtXLKS8d3HBoYhOZJGZMADyyfd6fBT2I1ABd1r6ERTRLaiw
Parents' experiences of the service pathway to an autism diagnosis: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0891422220301190?casa_token=uGUnNNHUv14AAAAA:0MnYg7GedTUF_vrGNQeIoIZBsXiY6huAH9xP06P-s4TrB_11O3tIsgoP-gbXpbiK9P9D_ybliw


How to connect with me:
Linked In: https://au.linkedin.com/in/dr-jodi-richardson-15589240

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