How Therapy Dogs Are Changing Classrooms — with Sarah Macdonald
Dr. Jodie is joined by Sarah Macdonald, founder and director of Canine Comprehension, a pioneering organisation that uses therapy dogs to support emotional literacy and mental health in school communities across Victoria, Australia. Sarah shares her own mental health journey and opens up about how her personal experiences have shaped her passion for helping young people — especially those struggling to regulate emotions, engage at school, or feel seen in the classroom. With warmth and honesty, Sarah talks about the powerful impact of Canine Comprehension's programs, the trust they build with students and teachers, and the long-term relationships they’ve developed in schools over the years. Topics covered include: How therapy dogs help kids feel safe, seen, and supported The emotional toll of anxiety and the importance of showing up anyway How parents and teachers can advocate for school wellbeing programs Practical ways to access funding through Victoria’s Schools Mental Health Menu The joy of long-term school partnerships (and the many dog mascots left behind!) Want to get in touch or learn more?Visit: www.caninecomprehension.com.auYou’ll find videos, program information, and contact details to start a conversation about bringing Canine Comprehension to your school.They're also on Facebook and LinkedIn, and happy to chat directly. Whether you're a parent, teacher, or simply passionate about kids’ mental health, this episode will leave you inspired by the powerful combination of empathy & education. Connect with me: https://linktr.ee/drjodirichardson?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAabqDVAw_zhoG3IXGRhgjn-J14BFJy50ztJbCHywMfZobVH12nX1USMbisI_aem_QViUbKkXHlwbD3y4kGcvGQSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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47:20
From ICU to Inner Peace: How Meditation, Gratitude & Service Saved Jane O'Brien's Life (Part 2)
In this powerful follow-up conversation with Dr. Jodi Richardson - Jane O'Brien shares how she’s navigated life after her transplant with deep presence, gratitude, and inner strength. We explore the fleeting nature of illumination, and how she’s turned daily practices like meditation and gratitude into anchors for resilience. Jane opens up about her experience with panic attacks, PTSD, and how modalities like EMDR helped her process trauma. She also shares an extraordinary story from her time in ICU—when, despite being unable to speak, she still found a way to help another patient rediscover her will to live. This episode is a gentle yet profound reminder of the healing power of perspective, the choice we have in how we meet life’s challenges, and the quiet strength found in giving to others—even when we ourselves are in need. If you’re facing a tough time, this conversation will remind you that you’re not alone—and that hope can be found in the most unexpected places.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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24:31
The Gift of Breath: Jane O'Brien's Story of Resilience, Gratitude, and Organ Donation
In this powerful and deeply emotional episode, host Jodi speaks with Jane O'Brien, a mother of three and former media professional, who shares her remarkable journey through chronic illness, resilience, and life-saving transformation. After being diagnosed at 38 with cystic fibrosis and bronchiectasis, Jane spent 15 years battling progressive lung disease and vocal cord paralysis. Her life changed forever when, at the edge of lung failure, she received the gift of a double lung transplant. Jane opens up about the physical and emotional toll of living with chronic illness while raising young children, her struggle with the idea of receiving donor organs, and the strength she drew from her family, her medical team, and the belief that better health was possible. She also shares how her daughter Holly’s drawing of her with healthy lungs became a daily symbol of hope—an image she kept by her side during hospital stays. This conversation is a moving exploration of uncertainty, gratitude, mental health, and the profound impact of organ donation—not only on recipients but on their families, too. PART 2 of this conversation will be released, in the next episode Connect with me: https://linktr.ee/drjodirichardson?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAabqDVAw_zhoG3IXGRhgjn-J14BFJy50ztJbCHywMfZobVH12nX1USMbisI_aem_QViUbKkXHlwbD3y4kGcvGQSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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27:03
Connection Before Correction, with Jodie Wassner (Part 2)
Dr. Jodi Richardson continues her illuminating conversation with psychologist Jodie Wassner, diving into Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and its transformative approach for families navigating childhood anxiety. What you'll learn: Why building connection and understanding must precede cognitive work with anxious children How to use the powerful ACT question: "Is that just something your mind is telling you?" Practical strategies for helping both parents and children tolerate uncertainty The step-by-step process of moving from empathetic understanding to helpful cognitive techniques Standout moment: "Parents often rush to fix their child's anxiety, but Jodie explains why spending months truly understanding your child creates the foundation for all effective intervention work." Who this episode is for: Parents supporting anxious children, educators working with anxious students, therapists interested in ACT approaches, and anyone seeking to understand psychological flexibility in managing anxiety. Listen now to discover how ACT principles can help anxious children separate from unhelpful thoughts while living according to their values. Jodie Wassner's book mentioned: https://www.woodslanehealth.com.au/products/9781839975820?srsltid=AfmBOorhVwFFObgAD0RWw76jrEEMKSsYh36ST4-fMTr-CBFUfXEOnuUD More on Jodie's work: https://www.curiouskidspsychology.com.au/our-team Connect with me: https://linktr.ee/drjodirichardson?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAabqDVAw_zhoG3IXGRhgjn-J14BFJy50ztJbCHywMfZobVH12nX1USMbisI_aem_QViUbKkXHlwbD3y4kGcvGQSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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31:00
Ease, Not Erase with Jodie Wassner on Anxiety and Neurodiversity
In this insightful episode, Dr. Jodi Richardson sits down with Jodie (Jordana) Wassner, a neuro-affirming Educational and Developmental Psychologist with over 25 years of experience working with young people and their families across Melbourne and Sydney. Drawing from both her professional expertise and personal lived experience with neurodivergence, Jodie shares her unique approach to supporting neurodivergent youth through radical acceptance and values-based strategies. As an author, speaker, and clinician who divides her time between direct client work and educational training for professionals and families worldwide, Jodie brings a wealth of practical wisdom to this conversation. The discussion takes a refreshing turn when addressing social challenges for young people with autism. Rather than prescribing generic social skills training, Jodie explains her values-first approach—helping neurodivergent youth define what meaningful friendship looks like specifically for them before determining steps toward connection. This personalised method honours individual differences while providing practical pathways to fulfilling relationships. Listeners will appreciate Jodie's candid exploration of "worry habits" and her perspective that anxiety isn't something to eliminate but rather to understand and accommodate. She challenges traditional symptom-reduction approaches to stress, instead offering tools to help young people recognise their specific anxiety patterns and develop sustainable coping strategies. Throughout the episode, Jodie weaves together insights from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) with her extensive experience supporting autism and attention differences, creating a compassionate framework for parents, educators, and clinicians supporting neurodivergent youth. Whether you're a parent seeking to better understand your neurodivergent child, a professional working with diverse young people, or someone interested in progressive approaches to mental health, this conversation offers valuable perspectives on embracing neurodiversity while building meaningful lives. Jodie Wassner's book mentioned: https://www.woodslanehealth.com.au/products/9781839975820?srsltid=AfmBOorhVwFFObgAD0RWw76jrEEMKSsYh36ST4-fMTr-CBFUfXEOnuUD More on Jodie's work: https://www.curiouskidspsychology.com.au/our-team Connect with me: https://linktr.ee/drjodirichardson?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAabqDVAw_zhoG3IXGRhgjn-J14BFJy50ztJbCHywMfZobVH12nX1USMbisI_aem_QViUbKkXHlwbD3y4kGcvGQSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Our minds didn’t evolve for modern day life. It’s natural to feel anxious, but sometimes we can get stuck in a cycle of anxiety that gets in the way of, well, everything. If you’re looking for a compassionate place to learn how to dial anxiety down and get on with creating a happier life with more calm, contentment, meaning and purpose, this is the podcast for you.Well, hello anxiety is hosted by anxiety and well-being speaker, educator and bestselling author Dr Jodi Richardson. Through open and honest conversations Jodi and her guests share expertise, inspiration and practical strategies to help you rise to the challenge of being human with the tools you need to thrive.
For education and entertainment purposes only.
New Zealand