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

In this powerful Part 1 conversation on Well, Hello Anxiety, Dr Jodi Richardson is joined by Melbourne-based guest Dara Simkin&mdash;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&rsquo;s leading play-at-work specialist. Together, they unpack why so many of us feel overwhelmed, anxious, and &ldquo;frazzled&rdquo; in 2026&mdash;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&rsquo;t something we &ldquo;earn&rdquo; 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 &ldquo;intelligent optimism,&rdquo; &ldquo;strategic hope,&rdquo; 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&rsquo;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:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://fullstackhumanbook.com&amp;sa=D&amp;source=editors&amp;ust=1776668109559255&amp;usg=AOvVaw2WWm9_uypjEEBL33ha-JDT" data-rawhref="https://fullstackhumanbook.com">https://fullstackhumanbook.com</a> 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:
<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://linktr.ee/drjodirichardson?fbclid%3DPAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAabqDVAw_zhoG3IXGRhgjn-J14BFJy50ztJbCHywMfZobVH12nX1USMbisI_aem_QViUbKkXHlwbD3y4kGcvGQ&amp;sa=D&amp;source=editors&amp;ust=1762815572393415&amp;usg=AOvVaw181E6AW8V9KU-FvOVSeOG1" data-rawhref="https://linktr.ee/drjodirichardson?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAabqDVAw_zhoG3IXGRhgjn-J14BFJy50ztJbCHywMfZobVH12nX1USMbisI_aem_QViUbKkXHlwbD3y4kGcvGQ">https://linktr.ee/drjodirichardson?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAabqDVAw_zhoG3IXGRhgjn-J14BFJy50ztJbCHywMfZobVH12nX1USMbisI_aem_QViUbKkXHlwbD3y4kGcvGQ</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.