If you've got a pile of half-finished projects, an inbox full of “start laters,” or a dream you keep pushing aside — this episode is for you. Psychologist and clinical hypnotherapist Dr Patricia Zurita Ona (aka Dr Z) joins Jodi to dive deep into a misunderstood topic: anxious, overwhelmed, perfectionistic procrastination.

This is not about being lazy or unmotivated. This is about the emotional and psychological loops that keep you stuck — even when you really care about getting things done.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How “rules,” feelings, and self-doubt keep us from starting
• Why procrastination is often a sign of anxiety, not apathy
• Why compassion, not criticism, is key to moving forward
• 3 of Dr Z’s 6 powerful reflection questions to understand your own procrastination patterns

This conversation is grounded, practical, and full of “a-ha” moments that’ll have you rethinking the way you treat yourself when you’re stuck. And don’t worry, next week we’ll pick up right where we left off.

🧠 Based on Dr Z’s brilliant new book The ACT Workbook for the Anxious Procrastinator - a must-read if you want to stop delaying and start doing what matters most.

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Welcome back to Part 2 of this powerful conversation with psychologist and clinical hypnotherapist Dr Amanda Ferguson. This week, we dive into the tight grip of anxiety’s “what-if” questions—the intrusive, spiralling thoughts that keep us stuck—and how to disarm them with clarity, confidence, and calm.

Dr Ferguson shares her expert techniques for interrupting anxious thinking, navigating hard decisions, and reframing growth as something we choose, not fear. Together with Dr Jodi Richardson, they explore how even the smallest steps forward can lead to powerful change—especially when we embrace discomfort as part of a meaningful life.

Whether your “what-if” is about career, parenting, health, or relationships, this episode will help you move from stuck to supported.

🧠 Learn more about Dr Amanda Ferguson

Website: www.dramandaferguson.com

Socials: @dr_amanda_ferguson

Podcast: Psyched for LifeShow less

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Why does anxiety still show up—even when life looks good on paper? In this deeply human conversation, Dr Jodi Richardson welcomes psychologist, author, and hypnotherapist Dr Amanda Ferguson to explore the profound link between anxiety and the existential dilemmas we all face.

In Part 1, they unpack the five universal challenges—freedom vs. responsibility, meaning, isolation, mortality, and the weight of choice—and how these shape our internal worlds, often without us realising. Dr Ferguson shares real-world insights from her 30+ years in practice, plus empowering ways to approach life’s toughest questions with honesty, courage, and self-compassion.

Whether you're feeling stuck, facing a crossroads, or simply navigating the tension of being human, this episode offers fresh language and clarity for the anxiety that comes with just being alive.

Learn more about Dr Amanda Ferguson

• Website: www.dramandaferguson.com

• Podcast: Psyched for Life

• Instagram: @dr_amanda_ferguson

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Welcome to Part 2 of my heartfelt conversation with psychologist Harriet Iles, founder of Restorative Space Psychology. If you haven’t yet listened to Part 1, we encourage you to go back - this episode builds on the powerful insights we shared last week about befriending anxiety with compassion and curiosity.

In this episode, we dive deeper into the nervous system—what it is, how it works, and why understanding our stress states is essential for emotional wellbeing.

Together, we explore:

• What “regulation” actually means and how to practise it in everyday life

• The five common nervous system responses: fight, flight, freeze, flop, and fawn

• How to identify which state you’re in—even when you’re not sure why you’re triggered

• Grounding techniques and sensory strategies to help you return to calm

• Why self-compassion isn’t just helpful—it’s vital for healing

With Harriet’s gentle guidance and evidence-based insights, this episode offers real tools for navigating life’s unpredictability—one breath, one moment at a time.

🧠 Learn more about Harriet Iles and Restorative Space Psychology:

• Website: restorativespacepsychology.com

• Instagram: @restorativespacepsychology

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What if anxiety isn’t something to battle, but something to listen to?

In this powerful episode, Dr. Jodi Richardson is joined once again by psychologist Harriet Iles for a deeply compassionate conversation about learning to befriend anxiety rather than resist it. Together, they unpack how reframing your relationship with anxiety - by approaching it with curiosity, kindness and self-awareness - can transform the way it impacts your life.

You’ll learn:

• Why anxiety is a messenger, not a flaw

• The difference between fear and anxiety—and how to respond to both

• How to build your capacity to move through discomfort instead of getting stuck in it

• The lifestyle pillars that support nervous system regulation

• Practical, everyday strategies for grounding, soothing and resetting

Whether you live with an anxiety disorder or simply feel overwhelmed by life’s pressures, this episode will leave you feeling understood, equipped, and empowered.

Connect with Harriet Iles:
Harriet is the founder of Restorative Space Psychology in Sydney and works with clients online across Australia.
Find out more or book at: restorativespacepsychology.com
Follow on Instagram: @restorativespacepsychology

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Let’s be honest—talking to our kids about sex, puberty and where babies come from can bring up more anxiety for us than them. In this episode, Dr. Jodi Richardson is joined by educator, author, and parenting expert Michelle Mitchell to guide parents through these tricky conversations with compassion, clarity, and confidence.

Drawing from decades of experience and her brand new book, Where Do Babies Come From? And Other Questions 8 to 12 Year Olds Ask, Michelle shares:

• Why early and age-appropriate conversations are crucial

• How to use humour and honesty to create a safe space

• What to do when you feel awkward or anxious as a parent

• Why giving kids the right words gives them the power to speak up

• The difference between replacing vs. reinforcing your role as the trusted adult

You’ll also hear hilarious real-life questions from kids, how to flip common fears parents hold, and why giving your child a book should never be a substitute for a conversation.

Whether you’ve had “the talk” or are dreading it, this episode will equip you with tools, language, and courage to start and sustain open dialogue with your kids.

📚 Michelle’s Books:

• Where Do Babies Come From? And Other Questions 8 to 12 Year Olds Ask

• A Guy’s Guide to Puberty

• A Girl’s Guide to Puberty

🛒 Where to purchase

• Children’s Books: michellemitchell.org

• Parenting Books: Available at all major retailers including Amazon and Booktopia

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After workplace trauma left her with PTSD and chronic fatigue, former high school teacher Amanda Battle found herself unable to work, physically depleted, and emotionally shut down. But one unexpected invitation—to a free diving retreat—set in motion a powerful journey of recovery and reconnection.

In this deeply moving conversation, Dr. Jodi Richardson and Amanda explore:

🌊 The science and soul of “blue therapy” and why the ocean is so calming for an anxious mind
🫁 How freediving helped Amanda reclaim her breath, strength, and sense of self
📷 The birth of Women of Water, Amanda’s stunning ocean-based photo project and coffee table book
🌀 The power of embodiment, community, and saying “yes” when everything inside you says “no”

Now a surf coach and underwater photographer, Amanda has not only transformed her own life—she’s helping hundreds of other women connect with healing, identity, and calm through the water.

Follow Amanda:
📷 @oceans.of.love.photography
📘 Women of Water available at: womenofwater.com.au

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Have you ever thought about your relationship with alcohol - not because of a problem, but out of curiosity or concern for your mental wellbeing? In this episode, Jodi sits down with sobriety coach, entrepreneur, and former ESPN anchor James Swanwick to talk about the surprising and powerful links between alcohol, anxiety, sleep, and overall health. James shares his personal story of quitting alcohol after a moment of reflection in a hotel mirror and how that decision changed his entire life.

Together, they explore:

• The neuroscience of alcohol and anxiety

• Why drinking to relax often backfires

• Social pressure, identity, and the myth of "just one glass"

• How to rethink your relationship with alcohol without shame

• Why giving it up might be the greatest gift you give yourself

Whether you're sober-curious, taking a break for Dry July, or just ready for more clarity and less anxiety, this episode will inspire and empower you to choose differently.

📘 James’ book Clear is available wherever books are sold, including Amazon.
🌐 Learn more about James and his coaching programs at alcoholfreelifestyle.com

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