Well, hello anxiety with Dr Jodi Richardson

In this powerful Part 1 conversation on Well, Hello Anxiety, Dr Jodi Richardson is joined by Melbourne-based guest Dara Simkin—founder of Culture Hero, co-author of Full Stack Human: The Mindset Upgrade You Need to Stay Human in a World Ruled by Technology, and Australia’s leading play-at-work specialist.

Together, they unpack why so many of us feel overwhelmed, anxious, and “frazzled” in 2026—even when life on paper looks fine. Dara explores how our nervous system, shaped for survival in a very different world, is now constantly reacting to modern-day stressors like financial pressure, global uncertainty, and nonstop information overload.

At the heart of this conversation is a surprising antidote: play. Dara explains why play isn’t something we “earn” after work, but a vital biological and emotional reset that helps regulate the nervous system, reduce cortisol-driven stress states, and bring us back into connection, presence, and adaptability. She also introduces the idea of “intelligent optimism,” “strategic hope,” and why curiosity and small, playful moments can shift how we experience daily life.

Jodi and Dara also explore the tension between growth and fear, the subconscious drivers behind anxiety and achievement, and why we often mistake survival patterns for personality traits.

This episode also introduces Dara’s work in organisations through Culture Hero and her research-backed approach to play, belonging, and adaptability.

Dara Simkin is a Melbourne-based consultant, speaker, and author, originally from the US, and brings a deeply human, practical lens to navigating modern anxiety and change.

📘 Learn more about Full Stack Human: https://fullstackhumanbook.com

Part 2 continues next week, where Dara shares practical, real-life ways to integrate play into everyday routines to help calm the nervous system and reduce anxiety.
Connect with Dr Jodi Richardson:
https://linktr.ee/drjodirichardson?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAabqDVAw_zhoG3IXGRhgjn-J14BFJy50ztJbCHywMfZobVH12nX1USMbisI_aem_QViUbKkXHlwbD3y4kGcvGQ
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In Part 2 of this powerful conversation, host Dr Jodi Richardson continues unpacking the realities of online safety with cyber safety expert Susan McLean.
From the alarming reality of online grooming to the simple but crucial “4 F’s” framework — flattery, favouritism, forbidden fruit and fear — Susan breaks down exactly how predators operate, and how parents can recognise the warning signs early.
This episode dives into:
Why grooming can happen in as little as days
How to actively (and appropriately) monitor your child’s online world
The truth about platforms like Roblox
Why digital gift cards and in-game currency are a major red flag
The growing concern around tracking in teen relationships and coercive control
How to start age-appropriate conversations that actually stick
Susan shares practical, no-nonsense advice to help parents stay informed, involved and empowered — because when it comes to online safety, doing nothing is not an option.
Learn more + connect:
Susan McLean: https://www.cybersafetysolutions.com.au
Book: Growing Up Digital (available via Amazon & Booktopia)
Google | Snapchat | Meta
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Dr Jodi Richardson is joined by cyber safety expert Susan McLean for a powerful and eye-opening conversation about the realities of raising kids in a digital world.
From the illusion of online anonymity to the very real risks of sextortion, Susan shares what every parent needs to understand about how children are navigating life online - and why being “safe at home” doesn’t always mean being safe on the internet.
With over three decades of experience, including her time as a former Victoria Police officer in the Sex Crimes and Child Abuse Investigation Unit, Susan brings practical, no-nonsense advice to help families stay informed, aware and proactive.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why kids behave differently online—and the truth about digital footprints
What sextortion is, how it happens, and why teen boys are increasingly being targeted
The legal realities around sharing explicit images
Why “one conversation” isn’t enough when it comes to online safety
How to create ongoing, everyday conversations that actually protect your child
This is an essential listen for any parent wanting to better understand the risks—and how to support their kids with confidence, clarity and care.
Resources & Links:Find Susan McLean’s book Growing Up Digital: Helping Your Kids and Teens Navigate Life Online via her website:Cyber Safety Solutions – https://www.cybersafetysolutions.com.au
Also available at major retailers including Amazon and Booktopia.

Connect with Dr Jodi Richardson:
https://linktr.ee/drjodirichardson?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAabqDVAw_zhoG3IXGRhgjn-J14BFJy50ztJbCHywMfZobVH12nX1USMbisI_aem_QViUbKkXHlwbD3y4kGcvGQ
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Dr Jodi Richardson is joined by family therapist, educator and author Lisa Taylor for a deeply honest and eye-opening conversation about parenting, anxiety, and the hidden patterns shaping our family lives.
After more than 25 years working with families, Lisa shares one powerful truth: it’s not about learning more parenting strategies… it’s about understanding ourselves first.
Together, Jodi and Lisa explore how parenting can stir our deepest fears, why our reactions often come from our own childhood “heart prints,” and how shifting from control to connection can transform our relationships with our kids.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
Why parenting triggers anxiety and big emotional reactions
What “heart prints” are—and how they shape your responses
The difference between reacting to your child vs responding to them
Why behaviour always equals a need
How curiosity, courage and connection can change everything
The three core emotional needs we all share: to feel seen, heard and loved
PLUS, Lisa shares practical ways to pause in the moment, create more emotional “bandwidth,” and move away from the pressure of perfect parenting.
This is a powerful reminder that we’re not just raising children—we’re growing ourselves too.
🔗 Connect with Lisa Taylor
Website: https://strengtheningfamiliesaustralia.com.au
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisataylor.ou
Facebook & LinkedIn: Lisa Taylor

Connect with Dr Jodi Richardson:
https://linktr.ee/drjodirichardson?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAabqDVAw_zhoG3IXGRhgjn-J14BFJy50ztJbCHywMfZobVH12nX1USMbisI_aem_QViUbKkXHlwbD3y4kGcvGQ
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In this rich and honest Part 2 conversation, Jodi and Dr Kat pick up where they left off, diving even deeper into the tools and strategies that help us recover, recharge, and truly thrive — both at work and at home.
In this episode, you'll learn:
Why connection and community are non-negotiable ingredients for recovery - and how to "stack" activities for an additive effect
How to identify your personal non-negotiables across the week (not just the day) so you can feel like you again
The three components of burnout that go beyond exhaustion - and why so many high-achieving women are quietly experiencing all three
Why women are often carrying a second and even third shift - and what the data says about when people are logging on to work
The gender differences in how we're triggered by our environment and why tidying the Tupperware drawer isn't just procrastination - it's nervous system regulation
A simple two-column exercise to audit your job demands vs. your job resources
How to say no gracefully at work - with Dr Kat's go-to script for managing up without burning bridges
What good work really means, and why Dr Kat believes work can be the solution to the mental health crisis, not just the problem
Dr Kat also shares more about her brand new book, Good Work: Transform Your Work from the Inside Out - a must-read for anyone who works (so, all of us!). Available on Amazon or through your local bookshop.
Learn more about Dr Kat Page OR Buy her book 'Good Work' at: www.drkatpage.com
Connect with Dr Jodi Richardson:

https://linktr.ee/drjodirichardson?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAabqDVAw_zhoG3IXGRhgjn-J14BFJy50ztJbCHywMfZobVH12nX1USMbisI_aem_QViUbKkXHlwbD3y4kGcvGQ
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.