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The festive season often brings joy and togetherness, but it can also reveal differing expectations, leading to tension in our relationships. In this episode, Marie Vakakis joins Dr. Jodi to explore how understanding each other’s hopes and dreams for Christmas—and communicating well —can help prevent conflicts over finances, hosting duties and holiday plans. You'll feel beautifully supported if you're struggling to know how to navigate time spent with challenging family members or friends too. 

Marie is a therapist, mental health and relationship educator, and the host of the This Complex Life podcast. Through relatable stories and examples, she sheds light on the challenges many of us face during the festive season and offers fresh perspectives that resonate far beyond the holidays.

This conversation is packed with practical tips for fostering understanding, reaching compromises, and creating a holiday season that works for everyone. Whether you’re navigating family traditions, balancing priorities, or striving for a stress-free day, this episode provides the insights you need to celebrate with greater harmony and connection.

https://thetherapyhub.com.au/

https://www.instagram.com/marievakakis/

https://www.dictionaryofobscuresorrows.com/

The festive season often brings joy and togetherness, but it can also reveal differing expectations, leading to tension in our relationships. In this episode, Marie Vakakis joins Dr. Jodi to explore how understanding each other&rsquo;s hopes and dreams for Christmas&mdash;and communicating well &mdash;can help prevent conflicts over finances, hosting duties and holiday plans. You'll feel beautifully supported if you're struggling to know how to navigate time spent with challenging family members or friends too.&nbsp;
Marie is a therapist, mental health and relationship educator, and the host of the&nbsp;This Complex Life&nbsp;podcast. Through relatable stories and examples, she sheds light on the challenges many of us face during the festive season and offers fresh perspectives that resonate far beyond the holidays.
This conversation is packed with practical tips for fostering understanding, reaching compromises, and creating a holiday season that works for everyone. Whether you&rsquo;re navigating family traditions, balancing priorities, or striving for a stress-free day, this episode provides the insights you need to celebrate with greater harmony and connection.
<a href="https://thetherapyhub.com.au/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://thetherapyhub.com.au/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1733917750513000&amp;usg=AOvVaw1_IeMyS4TutrIg41YM6hw4">https://thetherapyhub.com.au/</a>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/marievakakis/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.instagram.com/marievakakis/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1733917750513000&amp;usg=AOvVaw3XKbFRI6TfknJwrqmwEUUf">https://www.instagram.com/marievakakis/</a>
<a href="https://www.dictionaryofobscuresorrows.com/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.dictionaryofobscuresorrows.com/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1733917750513000&amp;usg=AOvVaw0al6tVuhuQ3Y_TqK62qf8-">https://www.dictionaryofobscuresorrows.com/</a>

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.

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.

This is ‘Well, hello anxiety’, a podcast where we end the struggle with anxiety and build our toolkit of practical skills to thrive.

Well, hello anxiety with Dr Jodi Richardson

Anxiety happens. What happens next is what matters most. But where to start? And then what? And what if it's someone else you're trying to help? 'Well, hello anxiety' is the podcast where you'll learn answers to all of these questions and so much more. You'll finally see anxiety for what it really is, understand it, learn what the science says about settling it right down and how to help others as well. If you're looking for genuinely helpful, compassionate anxiety help, for yourself, or someone you care about, this is the podcast for you. An award-winning podcast 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 finally get anxiety out of the way so you can live the life that's waiting for you.



For education and entertainment purposes only.

Anxiety happens. What happens next is what matters most. But where to start? And then what? And what if it's someone else you're trying to help? 'Well, hello anxiety' is the podcast where you'll learn answers to all of these questions and so much more. You'll finally see anxiety for what it really is, understand it, learn what the science says about settling it right down and how to help others as well. If you're looking for genuinely helpful, compassionate anxiety help, for yourself, or someone you care about, this is the podcast for you. An award-winning podcast 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 finally get anxiety out of the way so you can live the life that's waiting for you.
 
For education and entertainment purposes only.

Creating a More Harmonious Christmas with Marie Vakakis

In part two of this essential conversation, host Dr. Jodi Richardson continues her discussion with Dr. Lexi Frydenberg about supporting children and teens struggling with anxiety.
Dr. Frydenberg shares practical, real-world examples of how parents can shift from focusing on challenging behaviours to catching their kids doing things right - from messy kitchens to difficult playdates. She explains the power of specific, timely feedback and why connection matters more than correction.
This episode tackles the questions parents are really asking: What do you do when your teenager won't talk to you? When should you seek professional help? What's the difference between seeing a GP, pediatrician, psychologist, or psychiatrist? And the big one - when is medication appropriate for childhood anxiety?
Dr. Frydenberg offers reassuring, evidence-based guidance on navigating the mental health system in Australia, including Medicare-rebated options, online therapy alternatives like the BRAVE program, and innovative approaches including music and art therapy. She also addresses the stigma around medication, explaining when it might be needed to "break the circuit" and help children engage with therapy.
Throughout the conversation, both parents share their own vulnerable moments—from caravan confrontations to modelling repair - reminding us that "good enough" parenting is exactly that: good enough.


Resources mentioned:

The Strength Switch by Dr. Lea Waters, Headspace, ReachOut, BRAVE program, Raising Children's Network, Royal Children's Hospital, Beyond Blue

In part two of this essential conversation, host Dr. Jodi Richardson continues her discussion with Dr. Lexi Frydenberg about supporting children and teens struggling with anxiety. Dr. Frydenberg shares practical, real-world examples of how parents can shift from focusing on challenging behaviours to catching their kids doing things right - from messy kitchens to difficult playdates. She explains the power of specific, timely feedback and why connection matters more than correction. This episode tackles the questions parents are really asking: What do you do when your teenager won't talk to you? When should you seek professional help? What's the difference between seeing a GP, pediatrician, psychologist, or psychiatrist? And the big one - when is medication appropriate for childhood anxiety? Dr. Frydenberg offers reassuring, evidence-based guidance on navigating the mental health system in Australia, including Medicare-rebated options, online therapy alternatives like the BRAVE program, and innovative approaches including music and art therapy. She also addresses the stigma around medication, explaining when it might be needed to "break the circuit" and help children engage with therapy. Throughout the conversation, both parents share their own vulnerable moments&mdash;from caravan confrontations to modelling repair - reminding us that "good enough" parenting is exactly that: good enough. Resources mentioned:
The Strength Switch by Dr. Lea Waters, Headspace, ReachOut, BRAVE program, Raising Children's Network, Royal Children's Hospital, Beyond Blue

When Your Child Won't Talk - Dr. Lexi Frydenberg's Guide on Supporting Anxious Kids (Part 2)

In this episode, Dr Jodi Richardson welcomes Dr Lexi Frydenberg, a pediatrician with over 20 years of clinical experience working with children and families at a large pediatric hospital in Melbourne and the Victorian Children's Clinic.
Dr Frydenberg shares what she's seeing in the clinic and how anxiety in children has changed, particularly post-COVID. She explains how anxiety often shows up in ways parents might not expect - through behavioral challenges, tummy aches, headaches, and school refusal - rather than children simply saying "I'm anxious."
In this conversation, they discuss:

How young children are now presenting with anxiety (younger than the traditional tween years)
The three main ways anxiety presents in children: somatic symptoms, articulated worries, and behavioral challenges
Why it's important not to rush to label children with diagnoses
The concept of anticipatory anxiety and how labels can become self-fulfilling prophecies
Practical first steps for parents: recognition, education, and having conversations at the right time
The power of "catching them being good" and focusing on strengths over challenging behaviors
Co-regulation: how parents need to regulate themselves first before helping their child
The fine line between helicopter/lawnmower parenting and teaching resilience
Graded exposure with practical examples (like food-related anxiety)
Why celebrating small wins matters more than achieving the end goal

Dr Frydenberg emphasizes that anxiety is a normal, protective response we all experience, but offers clear guidance on when it's gone too far and practical strategies families can use while waiting for professional support.
This is Part 1 of a two-part conversation. Join us next week for Part 2, where Dr Frydenberg discusses the roles of different practitioners, when medication might be helpful, and what to do when teens refuse to talk.
Resources mentioned:

https://www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/anxiety/ https://mentalhealth.melbournechildrens.com/media/kiuftzzo/mhs_childhood-anxiety_guide_e-single.pdf 

Raising Children’s Network: https://raisingchildren.net.au/ 

Anxiety and fears in children (0-8 years) Generalised anxiety in children (3-8 years) Anxiety: the stepladder approach (3-18 years) Raising Healthy Minds App

Beyond Blue
Reach Out
The BRAVE ProgramShow less 54Sheet1

In this episode, Dr Jodi Richardson welcomes Dr Lexi Frydenberg, a pediatrician with over 20 years of clinical experience working with children and families at a large pediatric hospital in Melbourne and the Victorian Children's Clinic. Dr Frydenberg shares what she's seeing in the clinic and how anxiety in children has changed, particularly post-COVID. She explains how anxiety often shows up in ways parents might not expect - through behavioral challenges, tummy aches, headaches, and school refusal - rather than children simply saying "I'm anxious." In this conversation, they discuss: How young children are now presenting with anxiety (younger than the traditional tween years) The three main ways anxiety presents in children: somatic symptoms, articulated worries, and behavioral challenges Why it's important not to rush to label children with diagnoses The concept of anticipatory anxiety and how labels can become self-fulfilling prophecies Practical first steps for parents: recognition, education, and having conversations at the right time The power of "catching them being good" and focusing on strengths over challenging behaviors Co-regulation: how parents need to regulate themselves first before helping their child The fine line between helicopter/lawnmower parenting and teaching resilience Graded exposure with practical examples (like food-related anxiety) Why celebrating small wins matters more than achieving the end goal Dr Frydenberg emphasizes that anxiety is a normal, protective response we all experience, but offers clear guidance on when it's gone too far and practical strategies families can use while waiting for professional support. This is Part 1 of a two-part conversation. Join us next week for Part 2, where Dr Frydenberg discusses the roles of different practitioners, when medication might be helpful, and what to do when teens refuse to talk. Resources mentioned:
<a href="https://www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/anxiety/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/anxiety/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1765352583593000&amp;usg=AOvVaw12mKONf26qDngf9uWXwrvR">https://www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/anxiety/</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://mentalhealth.melbournechildrens.com/media/kiuftzzo/mhs_childhood-anxiety_guide_e-single.pdf">https://mentalhealth.melbournechildrens.com/media/kiuftzzo/mhs_childhood-anxiety_guide_e-single.pdf</a>&nbsp;
Raising Children&rsquo;s Network: <a href="https://raisingchildren.net.au/">https://raisingchildren.net.au/</a>&nbsp;
Anxiety and fears in children (0-8 years) Generalised anxiety in children (3-8 years) Anxiety: the stepladder approach (3-18 years) Raising Healthy Minds App Beyond Blue Reach Out The BRAVE ProgramShow less&nbsp;54Sheet1

Recognising Childhood Anxiety: What Parents Need to Know with Dr Lexi Frydenberg

In Australia, 1 in 10 families are navigating life with food allergies - and the anxiety that comes with keeping children safe can be overwhelming. In this essential conversation, Dr. Jodi Richardson welcomes Tamara Hubbard, founder of the Food Allergy Counselor and author of May Contain Anxiety: Managing the Overwhelm of Parenting Children with Food Allergies.
Tamara is pioneering mental health support in food allergy care, helping families find what she calls the "just right balance" between anxiety and quality of life. As both a therapist specialising in food allergies and a parent who walks this path herself, she brings unique insight into the daily challenges families face - from label reading and school lunches to managing the fear of anaphylaxis.
In this episode, you'll discover:

Why anxiety is a natural part of food allergy management (and when it becomes overwhelming)
The powerful "what if to if-then" strategy for managing worried thoughts
How to determine what's safe, safe enough, and not safe for your child
Why avoidance can extend beyond what's medically necessary
The importance of having your healthcare team answer key safety questions
How families can live full, rich lives despite food allergy diagnoses

Whether you're newly navigating a food allergy diagnosis, supporting someone who is, or simply want to understand what these families experience daily, this conversation offers hope, practical strategies, and validation for the very real challenges of keeping children safe while helping them thrive.
Book Release: May Contain Anxiety is available now in North America in hardcover, paperback, e-book, and audiobook formats. Australian print editions are expected in early 2025, with digital versions available now.
Connect with Tamara: Visit foodalergycounselor.com for resources, articles, and therapeutic worksheets, or follow @foodallergycounselor on social media.

In Australia, 1 in 10 families are navigating life with food allergies - and the anxiety that comes with keeping children safe can be overwhelming. In this essential conversation, Dr. Jodi Richardson welcomes Tamara Hubbard, founder of the Food Allergy Counselor and author of May Contain Anxiety: Managing the Overwhelm of Parenting Children with Food Allergies. Tamara is pioneering mental health support in food allergy care, helping families find what she calls the "just right balance" between anxiety and quality of life. As both a therapist specialising in food allergies and a parent who walks this path herself, she brings unique insight into the daily challenges families face - from label reading and school lunches to managing the fear of anaphylaxis. In this episode, you'll discover: Why anxiety is a natural part of food allergy management (and when it becomes overwhelming) The powerful "what if to if-then" strategy for managing worried thoughts How to determine what's safe, safe enough, and not safe for your child Why avoidance can extend beyond what's medically necessary The importance of having your healthcare team answer key safety questions How families can live full, rich lives despite food allergy diagnoses Whether you're newly navigating a food allergy diagnosis, supporting someone who is, or simply want to understand what these families experience daily, this conversation offers hope, practical strategies, and validation for the very real challenges of keeping children safe while helping them thrive. Book Release: May Contain Anxiety is available now in North America in hardcover, paperback, e-book, and audiobook formats. Australian print editions are expected in early 2025, with digital versions available now. Connect with Tamara: Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://foodalergycounselor.com&amp;sa=D&amp;source=editors&amp;ust=1764649563137999&amp;usg=AOvVaw2Qrsb0lhMFn5c-QadVlxU_" data-rawhref="http://foodalergycounselor.com">foodalergycounselor.com</a>&nbsp;for resources, articles, and therapeutic worksheets, or follow @foodallergycounselor on social media.

Creating a More Harmonious Christmas with Marie Vakakis

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