In Part 2 of her conversation with Dr Jodi Richardson on Well, Hello Anxiety, Australia’s leading play-at-work expert Dara Simkin dives deeper into how play can transform the way we think, work, and connect.

Dara breaks down Dr Stuart Brown’s play personalities—including the creator, competitor, explorer, joker, kinesthetic, collector, storyteller and director—and explores how understanding your dominant styles can help you bring more play into everyday life (even in small, “mundane” moments like changing your coffee order or talking to a stranger).

The conversation also unpacks why most of our days are actually improvised, yet we’ve never been taught how to do it well. Dara introduces the powerful “Yes, and” vs “Yes, but” exercise, revealing how a single word shift can completely change collaboration, energy, and creativity in conversations and workplaces.

They also explore:

Why play is essential for mental health, creativity, and resilience
How workplace “play” often fails when it becomes performative instead of meaningful
The importance of permission, space, and spark in creating playful work environments
Why seriousness does NOT equal success
How energy, bandwidth, and burnout are connected to how we live and work
The idea of “vitamin C” (connection) and intelligent optimism in navigating modern life

Dara also reflects on how play isn’t optional—it’s fundamental. As she shares, when we lose play, we lose access to creativity, hope, and flexible thinking.

👉 Learn more about Dara’s work: https://culturehero.co

👉 Explore the book Full Stack Human: https://fullstackhumanbook.com

👉 Available at Amazon, Booktopia, gimmicks readings and your local bookstore

Connect with Dr Jodi Richardson:

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

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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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

Feeling overwhelmed at work? You’re not alone - and it might not be a “you” problem.

In this episode of Well, Hello Anxiety, Dr Jodi Richardson is joined by organisational psychologist Dr Kat Page, author of Good Work, to explore how our workplaces can shape our mental health - for better or worse.

Together they unpack why anxiety and stress at work are often a natural response to demanding environments, not a personal weakness. From constant interruptions and heavy workloads to a lack of control or recovery time, Dr Kat explains how modern work can keep our nervous systems stuck in “stress mode.”

But there is hope.

In Part 1 of this conversation, you’ll learn:
• Why anxiety at work is often a normal biological response, not a failure
• How high demands and low control can lead to burnout and job strain
• The powerful concept of “punctuating your day” with small pauses to reset your nervous system
• Why the way you spend your time after work can make a huge difference to your recovery

If you’ve ever felt stretched between work, family, and life admin - this episode will help you understand what’s really going on and give you practical ways to support your wellbeing.

🎧 Plus: This is Part 1 of a two-part conversation with Dr Kat Page... stay tuned for Part 2 next week.

Connect with Dr Kat Page:

https://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.

Parenting can be one of the most meaningful – and most challenging – roles we’ll ever have. But what if the key to raising emotionally healthy children isn’t about fixing our kids… but about understanding ourselves?

In this powerful conversation, Dr Jodi Richardson sits down with world-renowned clinical psychologist and bestselling author Dr Shefali, often described as Oprah Winfrey’s favourite parenting expert and the pioneer of the Conscious Parenting movement.

Dr Shefali shares how traditional parenting models rooted in control, fear, and perfectionism can unintentionally disconnect us from our children – and how a conscious parenting approach can transform not only our relationships with our kids, but also our relationship with ourselves.

Together, Jodi and Dr Shefali explore:

Why parenting is not a talent but a skill we cultivate

How our children can become mirrors for our own healing

The hidden pressure parents place on themselves to be “perfect”

Why awareness and presence are the first steps to conscious parenting

How to repair after conflict and strengthen connection

Why the most important work of parenting is actually raising our own inner child

If you’ve ever felt guilt, overwhelm, or the pressure to get parenting “right”, this episode is a powerful reminder that perfection isn’t the goal – growth and awareness are.

Dr Shefali will also be visiting Australia for two special live events where she’ll dive deeper into conscious parenting and how it can transform families for generations.

Learn more about Dr Shefali and her work:
https://www.drshefali.com/

Tickets for Dr Shefali’s Australian events:
https://www.ticketmaster.com.au/dr-shefali-tickets/artist/3755409

If this conversation resonates with you, share it with another parent who might need the encouragement today.

Connect with Dr Jodi Richardson:

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.