Embracing the Mind

James Foley exudes humour and playfulness, and his back-catalogue of children’s books reflect this.  Fans of his beloved works such as Stellarphant or Goldfish-Finger can tune into today’s episode to hear James discuss his career as a writer, cartoonist and creative workshop provider.We'll also learn why we should all try to harness our playfulside, even as adults, in this insightful conversation.To learn more about James, his books, and his workshops, check out his website: jamesfoley.com.au/

Today’s guest Bobby Zheng reconnected with his passion for illustration while completing an internship with us at Embrace, where he assisted in the creation of a resource for young people experiencing dissociation.A recent bachelor of psychology graduate, Bobby tells us what it takes to study fashion in Florence, examines the distinctions between fine art and free art, and explores the importance of external validation.Embrace is supported by its principal partner, Rio Tinto, and Channel 7 Telethon Trust.

Keep an eye out next time you’re wandering the streets, and you may see a piece by today’s guest, Stormie Mills. His incredible art adorns blocks worldwide, using emotionally charged and monochromatic imagery to capture the attention of viewers.Stormie shares the power of journaling using sketches instead of words, and takes us on a journey that took his art career beyond the streets.TW: This episode contains discussion of mental health issuesEmbrace is supported by its principal partner, Rio Tinto, and Channel 7 Telethon Trust. Links:To read more about Stormie and see his work, you can check out his website:https://www.stormiemills.com/

Madeleine Griffith has years of experience as a multidisciplinary artist, and is Creative Director at Satellite Foundation, which uses creativity to build connection for young people who have family mental health challenges. From building a gingerbread car for a Porsche ad campaign to making prop bird poo for Hamish and Andy, Madeleine has tried her hand at many wacky and wonderful projects.But it is her personal repertoire that hits home in today's episode, as she shares ways of bringing creativity into her family’s everyday life. Join us as Madeleine shares ways of capturing your own creative expression, and explains the work being done by Satellite Foundation, including in rural and remote areas. TW: This episode contains discussion of mental health issues.Embrace is supported by its principal partner, Rio Tinto, and Channel 7 Telethon Trust.Links:https://www.satellitefoundation.org.au/ https://www.madeleinegriffith.com/

Today’s guest is Julie Fearns-Pheasant, an artist and educator with decades of experience teaching art to kids and adults.Julie shares how her experience as a person with a disability, and a breast cancer survivor, have shaped her own creative journey and artistic narrative.Join us as Julie explores how art can help when language is a barrier, how it can help us process trauma, and how clay isn’t just about moulding shapes – it’s about moulding minds.TW: This episode contains discussion of body image issues, ableism, and breast cancer.Embrace is supported by its principal partner, Rio Tinto, and Channel 7 Telethon Trust.

Recognised as one of just 100 National Living Treasures, celebrated Australian television identity and doyen ofcinema Ernie Dingo is our gest today.But Ernie’s influence extends well beyond the great outdoors and rests in the heartland. Ernie shares his spiritual and familial connection to his Yamatji homeland and tells usabout his camps that aim to reconnect young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men back to country and improve wellbeing.TW: Today’s episode contains themes that may be triggering or upsetting for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.Embrace is supported by its principal partner, Rio Tinto, and Channel 7 Telethon Trust.

Who better to provide evidence for the connection between creativity and mental health than Professor Katherine Boydell, director of the arts-based knowledge translation lab at the Black Dog Institute. She explores the research behind creativity as a tool for keeping us mentally healthy, her time on ABC documentary Space22, and the therapeutic process behind creative tasks. TW: This episode contains discussion of mental health issuesEmbrace is supported by its principal partner, Rio Tinto, and Channel 7 Telethon Trust.To read more about Katherine’s work at Black Dog Institute: https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/researcher/katherine-boydell/The Conversation article about the COVID-19 art project ‘Topsy Turvy’: https://theconversation.com/what-this-collaboration-between-artists-and-health-care-leaders-teaches-us-about-living-through-covid-19-167637Embracing the Mind is recorded on the land of the Nyoongar Wadjuk people. Embrace at The Kids acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the Traditional Custodians in Australia, and we pay respect to Elders past and present.

Today we welcome Chris Nixon, a Perth local and visual artist, who has countless art installations and has worked with clients such as Tame Impala, Nurofen, and Adobe. Chris shares his experience with finding a balance between creativity and everyday life, encouraging creativity in kids, and how art has helped him through life’s highs and lows.TW: This episode contains discussion of mental health issues and the mention of the loss of a parentEmbrace is supported by its principal partner, Rio Tinto, and Channel 7 Telethon Trust. Embracing the Mind is recorded on the land of the Nyoongar Wadjuk people. Embrace at The Kids acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the Traditional Custodians in Australia, and we pay respect to Elders past and present.Chris’ website:https://www.chrisnixon.net/

Shaun Tan is widely recognised for his captivating books and illustrations, which are often studied for their imaginative and intricately detailed subject matter.Join Shaun as he takes us on a journey from his humble beginnings as a young budding artist through to his life as a parent and career as an artist and illustrator. TW: This episode contains discussion of mental health issues.Embrace is supported by its principal partner, Rio Tinto, and Channel 7 Telethon Trust.Embracing the Mind is recorded on the land of the Nyoongar Wadjuk people. Embrace at The Kids acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the Traditional Custodians in Australia, and we pay respect to Elders past and present. Shaun’s website: https://www.shauntan.net/

This season, we're painting a picture of the link between creativity and mental health. As always, we're telling stories that are profoundly human, and across season four you will hear from celebrated artists across comedy, street art, acting, and painting. Join hosts Dr Karen Lombardi and Jack Boronovskis as they interview guests including Ernie Dingo, Shaun Tan, Simone Springer and James Foley.

In this special episode from The Kids Research Institute Australia, join parenting educator and author Maggie Dent and Associate Professor Yael Perry, Head of Youth Mental Health at The Kids, as they take a deep dive into the challenges facing today's teens in a digital world, and how parents and caregivers can better support them. Embrace is supported by principal partner Rio Tinto and Channel 7 Telethon Trust.

In our final episode of this season, we discuss the Australian Government's #EndGenderBias survey with MP Ged Kearney, before getting the final thoughts of our amazing list of guests. We talk about some of the improvements that have been made in research, before hearing stories of self-empowerment, finding purpose through adversity, and the power of self-worth.Thank you for listening to this season of Embracing the Mind.TW: This episode contains discussion of eating disorders, mental illness and childbirth trauma.Embrace is supported by it principal partner Rio Tinto and Telethon Trust.

We've made it to the two-part finale of this season of Embracing the Mind! In this episode, we will be discussing the changing face of women's healthcare in Australia since the 1970s, before we hear from MP Ged Kearney about her role as convenor of the National Women's Health Summit.We'll then hear from our guests on what it's like to feel unsupported accessing healthcare, the importance of early education for young people to tackle stigma, and how validation can be the first step towards healing.TW: This episode contains graphical medical content, and discussion of miscarriages, mental health issues and gender-based violence.Embrace is supported by principal partner Rio Tinto and Telethon Trust.

We've got a special bonus episode today! Karen was recently joined by Rio Tinto operational contracts supervisor Klara van den Burg, a mental health champion in her workplace.Klara talks about learning to embrace her neurodiversity at work, and overcoming challenges of working on a FIFO roster with kids. Embrace is supported by its principal partner, Rio Tinto, and Channel 7 Telethon Trust. TW: This episode contains discussion of mental health concerns.

In today's episode, we discuss the ongoing oestrogen patch shortage, the rapid rise of Ozempic, and the health outcomes of grandparents who are forced to take guardianship over their grandkids.CW: This episode contains references to mental health issues and medical trauma.Embrace is supported by principal partner Rio Tinto and Channel 7 Telethon Trust.

It was only in 1980 that the term 'hysteria', so often applied as a catch-all for emotional women, was removed from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. These oversimplifications created a context where women became experts at masking - hiding symptoms for fear of dismissal or worse, lobotomy.Today, we'll be talking about the impact of masking on the diagnosis pathway for neurodivergence.CW: This episode contains references to mental health issues.Embrace is supported by its principal partner, Rio Tinto, and Channel 7 Telethon Trust.

Today, we're talking to MP Ged Kearney about the Australian government's #EndGenderBias survey, before we hear more from our brave guests about their experiences with endometriosis and fibroids.TW: This episode contains references to graphic medical content, mental health issues and infertility.Embrace is supported by its principal partner Rio Tinto and Channel 7 Telethon Trust.

Strap in, because we have a lot to get through in today's episode. From cosmetic surgery to early onset menopause as a result of a hysterectomy, and the gendered roles of grandparenting, join us for our latest look at women's health. TW: This episodes contains references to medical trauma.

TW: This episode contains references to eating disorders.Today we're talking about how incidents like the thalidomide tragedy caused women to largely be removed from health research, leading to incomplete and underrepresentative data on aspects of health including symptoms for neurological conditions.ADHD resources:The Year I Met My Brain, by Matilda BoseleyADHD Girls to Women, by Lotta Borg SkoglundWomen and Girls on the Autism Spectrum, by Sarah Hendrickx

In episode three, we're starting to discuss women's health in earnest. We'll discuss the rise of the morning sickness medicine thalidomide despite there being zero research done on its health outcomes, before hearing from guests about fibroids, premature births, the menstrual cycle, and the gender bias in healthcare.

In the second episode of our series on Women's Wellbeing, we will hear from more of our interviewees about their experiences around societal expectations and stigma. We'll also discuss the pervasive role Reference Man has come to play in all our lives.

Season three of Embracing the Mind will focus on Women's Wellbeing. In our first episode, we're going to focus on the societal pressures and obstacles that women have historically faced, and how these are still impacting our lives today.

Welcome to season three of Embracing the Mind, our investigation into women's wellbeing.You’ll hear from ministers, educators, celebrated authors, advocates and business leaders. Some of the stories we have to share in this series may trouble you, but the heart of Embracing the Mind has always been in telling stories that are profoundly human. Season three coming on 16 July.

We bring this special three-part investigation into birth trauma to a conclusion by discussing the stigma parents can face and the importance of validation from healthcare professionals. We also examine the other layers of support available to young families, and the importance of storytelling as a means of combating stigma, creating change and providing purpose. TW: This episode contains discussion of content that may be distressing to some viewers, including still birth, depression, discussions of trauma, dissociation and postpartum psychosis. If this episode has caused you distress, please reach out to a loved one or call Lifeline on 13 11 14. You can also call the PANDA National Helpline on 1300 726 306, Monday-Saturday. Embrace is supported by its principal partner, Rio Tinto. You can follow our host Alix @drwoolard on Instagram.

In the second episode of our three-part investigation, we hear stories from parents about the impact birth trauma has had on their lives. They share some of the circumstances that led to the resultant birth trauma, and we unpack the loss of control that many parents experience before, during and even post-labour. TW: This episode contains discussion of content that may be distressing to some viewers, including still birth, depression, discussions of trauma, dissociation and postpartum psychosis. If this episode has caused you distress, please reach out to a loved one or call Lifeline on 13 11 14. You can also call the PANDA National Helpline on 1300 726 306, Monday-Saturday. Embrace is supported by its principal partner, Rio Tinto. You can follow our host Alix @drwoolard on Instagram.

TW: This episode contains discussion of content that may be distressing to some viewers, including still birth, depression, discussions of trauma, dissociation and postpartum psychosis. We're closing season two of Embracing the Mind with a special three-part investigation into birth trauma. In our first episode, you’ll be introduced to Hannah Kelly, a mother-of-one who experienced post-partum psychosis after failing to receive adequate support in the birthing suite. You will also hear about risk factors from Dr Kelli MacMillan, a senior lecturer and clinical psychologist at Murdoch Uni and King Edward Memorial Hospital. If this episode has caused you distress, please reach out to a loved one or call Lifeline on 13 11 14. You can also call the PANDA National Helpline on 1300 726 306, Monday-Saturday. Embrace is supported by its principal partner, Rio Tinto. You can follow our host Alix @drwoolard on Instagram.

TW: This episode contains discussion of content that may be distressing to some viewers, including dissociation, burnout, intrusive thoughts, compulsive behaviour and suicidal OCD. In our episode on obsessive compulsive disorder, I speak to Dr Leigh Sheppard about how receiving a diagnosis of OCD changed her career trajectory, and now sees her treating patients with OCD at her GP clinic, and making a difference with her not-for-profit OCDWA. I’m then joined by Curtin University’s Dr Rebecca Anderson, who busts a few myths about what OCD commonly looks like and tells me about the treatments available to people with the condition. If this episode has caused you distress, please reach out to a loved one or call Lifeline on 13 11 14. Embrace is supported by its principal partner, Rio Tinto. You can follow our host Alix @drwoolard on Instagram.

TW: This episode contains discussion of content that may be distressing to some viewers, including mention of suicide. Today, we’re focusing on the impact that working FIFO, or fly-in-fly-out, can have on a person’s mental health. We speak to Matt Resta who works in the mining industry, about the ups and downs he’s faced living between site and his home, and why he’s decided to become an advocate for mental health in his workforce. We also speak to Dr Laura Fruhen, of Radboud University in the Netherlands. Before Laura moved overseas, she worked on a project with WA’s Mental Health Commission examining the mental health of FIFO workers. She tells us about the findings from that work, including some of the factors that can impact mental health on site. If this episode has caused you distress, please reach out to a loved one or call Lifeline on 13 11 14. Embrace is supported by its principal partner, Rio Tinto. You can follow our host Alix @drwoolard on Instagram.

TW: This episode contains discussion of content that may be distressing to some viewers, including serious injury following a car accident, burn injury and depression. Today, we’ll be looking at post-traumatic growth – where people have been able to unlock newfound perspectives after suffering hardship. In this episode, we’re going to speak to 18-year-old Josh Forde, whose entire future was rewritten following an awful car accident just one year ago. Josh’s attitude in the months after the crash is a testament to his character and his ability to find the positives in anything. We’re then joined by Dr Lisa Martin from the Fiona Wood Foundation, who unpacks some of the theories about how post-traumatic growth occurs. If this episode has caused you distress, please reach out to a loved one or call Lifeline on 13 11 14. Embrace is supported by its principal partner, Rio Tinto. You can follow our host Alix @drwoolard on Instagram.

TW: This episode contains discussion of content that may be distressing to some viewers, including anxiety and stigma. In today’s episode on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, we speak to PhD student Kate Fitzgerald. Kate received a diagnosis of ADHD just before the referral system was met with substantial delays through the COVID period. She explains how to get a diagnosis, and how ADHD affects her day-to-day. Telethon Kids Institute researcher and UWA PhD student Irene Mateo Arriero then explains the best practice for parents and family members to discuss their child’s ADHD with others, and counters the common misconceptions around overdiagnosis. If this episode has caused you distress, please reach out to a loved one or call Lifeline on 13 11 14. Embrace is supported by its principal partner, Rio Tinto. You can follow our host Alix @drwoolard on Instagram.

TW: This episode contains discussion of content that may be distressing to some viewers, including anxiety and stigma. In today's really special episode, we will be speaking to 8-year-old Andre and his big sister Summer, who is 9 years old. Andre has a diagnosis for autism spectrum disorder, and we’ve gone to his house so he and Summer can ask me questions about my own experiences with autism, which my brother also has a diagnosis for. We’re then joined back at the office by CliniKids and Telethon Kids Institute’s Dr Gail Alvares, who tells us about the importance of listening to people with autism when doing research. If this episode has caused you distress, please reach out to a loved one or call Lifeline on 13 11 14. Embrace is supported by its principal partner, Rio Tinto. Check out Andre's favourite surfing group oceanheroes.com.au or on Instagram @oceanheroes You can follow our host Alix @drwoolard on Instagram.

TW: This episode contains discussion of content that may be distressing to some viewers, including OCD, suicidal ideation and vocal tics. In today's episode, we'll be discussing one of the more misunderstood health conditions, Tourette Syndrome, or Tourette's. Today's first guests are mother and son Mandy and Conor Maysey, who join us to dispel common misconceptions about Tourette's, which Conor first realised he had after a traumatic period in his early 20s. The pair also discuss the great work being done by the Tourette Syndrome Association of Australia, of which Mandy is president. We are then joined by Telethon Kids Institute Senior Research Fellow and mum to a daughter with Tourette's, Dr Melissa Licari, who shares details about her campaign to launch Australia's first national research project evaluating the unmet needs of people with Tourette's and other tic conditions. If this episode has caused you distress, please reach out to a loved one or call Lifeline on 13 11 14. Embrace is supported by its principal partner, Rio Tinto. You can follow our host Alix @drwoolard on Instagram.

TW: This episode contains discussion of content that may be distressing to some listeners, including childhood trauma. We’re going to do things a little differently today. You see, it turns out it’s not all that easy to get someone diagnosed with sociopathy or psychopathy to talk about their experiences. So instead, we’re going straight to the research and talking to Dr Jacob Dye, a researcher at Federation University who does all sorts of interesting work looking at dark triads and other traits that are present in these disorders. If this episode has caused you distress, please reach out to a loved one or call Lifeline on 13 11 14. Embrace is supported by its principal partner, Rio Tinto. You can follow our host Alix @drwoolard on Instagram.

TW: This episode contains discussion of content that may be distressing to some viewers, including depression, drug-related harm and PTSD. Over the next two episodes, we're going to discuss a couple of topics to which quite a bit of stigma is still attached. So we're changing up our format a little bit, going straight to some wonderful researchers in these fields. Today, we will be joined by ECU's Dr Stephen Bright, who tells us why dependence is the preferred term over addiction in research, dispels misconceptions around having an 'addictive personality', and shares insights into his research on pill testing. If this episode has caused you distress, please reach out to a loved one or call Lifeline on 13 11 14. Embrace is supported by its principal partner, Rio Tinto. You can follow our host Alix @drwoolard on Instagram.

TW: This episode contains discussion of content that may be distressing to some listeners, including war, displacement, violence and PTSD. Today's episode examines the mental health of refugees who have left behind their homeland in times of war. Our first Guest, Vlad Guz, woke up to bombs going off at Kyiv International Airport, heralding the beginning of a Russian invasion of his country. Vlad shares his story and explains why he thinks it is so important to not keep quiet. We are then joined by psychologist Avalon Tissue, who shares her own insights from working with refugees and the children of refugees. If this episode has caused you distress, please reach out to a loved one or call Lifeline on 13 11 14. Embrace is supported by its principal partner, Rio Tinto. Vlad's recommendations for anyone who would like to make a donation to Ukraine are United 24 and National Bank of Ukraine. NOTE: Alix mistakenly refers to Avalon Tissue, Clinical Psychologist (MCP) as a doctor in the introduction to this episode. Our sincere apologies to Avalon for the confusion!

TW: This episode contains discussion of content that may be distressing to some viewers, including anxiety and depression. And we are back for a second season of Embracing the Mind! We kick off the new season with this episode devoted to something so many of us experience with the rigours of work-life balance: burnout. Our first guest is Renee Buckingham, who tells us about the workload she packs into her day as a vegan blogger, commercial radio producer and contractor. Clinical psychologist Dr Joyce Chong then explains some of the factors that contribute to feelings of overwhelm, and how to address these. If this episode has caused you distress, please reach out to a loved one or call Lifeline on 13 11 14. Embrace is supported by its principal partner, Rio Tinto. You can follow Renee @melbveganguide and our host Alix @drwoolard on Instagram.

Welcome to Season 2 of Embracing the Mind. Join us as we talk about what goes on in the mind of an autistic child, what it’s like to receive a diagnosis of ADHD and how to live with OCD. We also speak to a Ukrainian refugee who survived the Russian invasion, learn how to grow from adversity, and finish with a special investigation into the trauma parents sometimes go through in the birthing suite.

TW: This episode contains discussion of content that may be distressing to some listeners, including racial discrimination, transphobia, suicide, depression and anxiety. Today's very special bonus episode of Embracing the Mind follows the launch of the Walkern Katatdjin (Rainbow Knowledge) Phase 2 National Survey Community Report. This first-of-it-kind national survey investigated the mental health and social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBTQA+ young people in Australia. We will return with season two later this year. Our first guest is social worker Tahlia Blow, a queer Mununjali woman living in Naarm (Melbourne). Tahlia shares her perspective on experiencing racial discrimination while growing up, at the same time as exploring her own identity. Next, we are joined by Associate Professor Bep Uink, a researcher at Telethon Kids Institute and Kulbardi Aboriginal Centre at Murdoch University. Bep, a Noongar woman, was one of the lead authors on the Walkern Katatdjin Community Report. She received a research translation grant from Embrace @ Telethon Kids Institute to assist with publishing the report. If this episode has caused you distress, please reach out to a loved one or call Lifeline on 13 11 14. Embrace is supported by its principal partner, Rio Tinto. Follow our host @dralwoolard on Instagram.

TW: This episode contains discussion of content that may be upsetting to some listeners, including depression, anxiety and eating disorders. Welcome to the final episode of season 1 of Embracing the Mind. Today, we explore the impact body dysmorphic disorder, or BDD, can have on a person's life. Our first guest is Stacey Anderson, who bravely shares her own experiences with BDD and the measures she has put in place to look after her mental health and wellbeing. Next, Alix is joined by Dr Amy Malcolm from Swinburne University. Amy tells us about the prevalence of BDD in the social media generation, and shares how far research has come and still has to go. This may be our final episode of series 1, but we are excited to share a bonus episode or two while we work on season 2. If this episode has caused you distress, please reach out to a loved one or call Lifeline on 13 11 14. Embrace is supported by its principal partner, Rio Tinto. Follow our host @dralwoolard on Instagram.

TW: This episode contains discussion of content that may be upsetting to some listeners. Climate anxiety has become increasingly prevalent in schools and universities, where action groups such as School Strike 4 Climate have rapidly emerged in response to the threat of climate catastrophe. And with natural disasters increasing in frequency amid repeated warnings from agencies like the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), a burden has fallen on younger generations set to inherit the repercussions of decisions made by today's policy-makers. Today's first guest, 16-year-old Victorian Joey Thompson, explains how he channels his own climate anxiety through action and activism for change. Next, Alix is joined by Associate Professor Fiona Charlson, a research fellow at the University of Queensland and leading expert on the mental health impacts of climate change. Fiona shares insights into the growing trend of climate anxiety in young people, and how people like Joey can actually use it for good. If this episode has caused you distress, please reach out to a loved one or call Lifeline on 13 11 14. Embrace is supported by its principal partner, Rio Tinto. Follow our host @dralwoolard on Instagram.

TW: This episode contains discussion of content that may be upsetting to some listeners, including racial discrimination. Cultural safety, or the creation of safe environments for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, has become a leading priority within the Australian healthcare system. Today's first guest is Gija woman Sarah Cattermole, an Aboriginal Community Coordinator at Telethon Kids Institute, who recalls a time she was made to feel culturally unsafe as a mother accessing healthcare services for her son. Sarah also discusses how to make workplaces more culturally safe. Next, Alix is joined by Dr Mishel McMahon, a Yorta Yorta woman and Aboriginal Rural Health Coordinator at La Trobe University. Mishel tells us why culturally safety translates to understanding who you are, and why it is important to all Australians. She also explains why we need to stop thinking in terms of 'diversity'. If this episode has caused you distress, please reach out to a loved one or call Lifeline on 13 11 14. Embrace is supported by its principal partner, Rio Tinto. Follow our host @dralwoolard on Instagram.

TW: This episode contains discussion of content that may be upsetting to some listeners, including anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. It's been a massive elephant in the room ever since March 2020, when much of the world went into varying degrees of lockdown. In the years since, we've learned to hate terms like 'unprecedented' and 'genomic sequencing', as we've collectively tried to brush aside the mental toll of extended lockdowns and lives put on hold. But over three years on, we are still coming to terms with the true mental health impacts of COVID lockdowns. In today's episode, Alix speaks to Gabe Milton, who moved to Melbourne weeks before it plunged into what become one of the longest lockdowns in the world. She is then joined by the Black Dog Institute's Dr Sophie Li, who explains why lockdowns were especially difficult for younger people, and how digital treatments and technology came to the forefront as we remained in our homes. If this episode has caused you distress, please reach out to a loved one or call Lifeline on 13 11 14. Embrace is supported by its principal partner, Rio Tinto. Follow our host @dralwoolard on Instagram.

TW: This episode contains discussion of content that may be upsetting to some listeners, including transphobia. Our first guest on today's episode is Xander Bickendorff, a research assistant focused on mental health outcomes of trans and gender diverse people. Xan shares their story of self-discovery of their gender identity, and offers some advice on how to be a better ally for trans and gender diverse people. Next, Alix speaks to Telethon Kids Institute researcher and UWA PhD candidate James Hill, a queer Ngarrindjeri man who is conducting research into the stigma experienced by trans and gender diverse young people. James outlines his research and explains why we need to centre the voices of people with lived experience in all research. If this episode has caused you distress, please reach out to a loved one or call Lifeline on 13 11 14. Embrace is supported by its principal partner, Rio Tinto. Follow our host @dralwoolard on Instagram.

TW: This episode contains discussion of postnatal depression, postnatal anxiety and birth trauma. Today's first guest is the founder of Karratha-based mental health service Grit and Gratitude, Liam Sorrell. Liam is a dad and counsellor who founded the Australian Dads Network, a platform for dads to connect, discuss parenting and seek support. Next, Alix speaks to Telethon Kids Institute researcher Vincent Mancini. Vincent discusses the rapid changes that new dads go through, as well as his work on The Fathering Project. This research aims to empower fathers to improve the health and wellbeing of their families. If this episode has caused you distress, please reach out to a loved one or call Lifeline on 13 11 14. Embrace is supported by its principal partner, Rio Tinto.

TW: This episode contains content that may be upsetting or triggering to some audiences, including discussion of depression, anxiety, OCD and suicidal ideation. Welcome to episode four, where Alix is joined by Luke McPherson, a mental health ambassador who delayed seeking treatment for his own mental health as he struggled to overcome self-stigma. Since seeking help, Luke has shared his own story to encourage others to seek support and look after their mental wellbeing. Next, Alix speaks to Telethon Kids Institute researcher Megan Ansell, who discusses her research into self-stigma and why it often shows up differently in young people than adults. Megan recently won funding from Embrace to develop a resource for healthcare workers with information on stigma and self-stigma. If this episode has caused you distress, please reach out to a loved one or call Lifeline on 13 11 14. Embrace is supported by its principal partner, Rio Tinto. Today's first guest Luke also has his own podcast, Between the Ears.

TW: This episode contains content that may be upsetting or triggering to some audiences, including discussion of eating disorders, trauma and severe mental illness. In this episode, host Dr Alix Woolard is joined by Tara Auty, who is receiving inpatient care in the United Kingdom. Tara is a close friend of a producer on this show, and shares her experience of living with psychosis and navigating a fragmented mental health system. Next, Alix speaks to Telethon Kids Institute researcher Zoe Waters. Zoe, who is completing a PhD at the University of Western Australia, discusses the leading risk factors for psychosis, and how we can better care for people experiencing it in our lives. If this episode has caused you distress, please reach out to a loved one or call Lifeline on 13 11 14. Embrace is supported by its principal partner, Rio Tinto.

TW: This episode contains content that may be upsetting or triggering to some audiences, including discussion of racial discrimination and anxiety. In today's episode, host Dr Alix Woolard is joined by Richmond and Claremont great Michael Mitchell, a Yamatji man who experienced discrimination during his playing career. Once his football days were over, Michael started working in Aboriginal mental health, and continues to advocate for supporting the wellbeing of athletes. Next, Alix speaks to Phoebe George, who is completing a PhD into how young people's access to green and blue spaces impacts on their social and emotional wellbeing. Phoebe shares her insight into how sport and physical activity can boost mental health, as well as some tips on staying active. Embrace is supported by its principal partner, Rio Tinto. If this episode has caused you distress, please reach out to a loved one or call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

TW: This episode contains content that may be upsetting or triggering to some audiences, including discussion of trauma and substance abuse. In our first episode, host Dr Alix Woolard is joined by Corey Casey, who overcame childhood trauma as part of her personal healing journey. Corey shares her story and how she overcame a difficult upbringing to create a bright future for herself. Next, Alix speaks to Professor Helen Milroy AM, one of Australia's leading psychiatrists and mental health researchers, about how intergenerational trauma manifests itself across everything from brain development to our relationships. Helen and Alix also discuss the historical legacies impacting the transmission of trauma in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and how healing can take place. Embrace is supported by its principal partner, Rio Tinto. If this episode has caused you distress, please reach out to a loved one or call Lifeline on 13 11 14. Follow our first guest @coreycasey1 on Instagram. Professor Milroy is Co-Director of Embrace at Telethon Kids Institute. She also serves as the Stan Perron Chair of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of Western Australia and the Child and Adolescent Health Service.

We know our mental health is as important as our physical health. Those same principles apply – we need to exercise our mind, have a diet of self-compassion, and find a balance that works for us. On this podcast, we talk to people about their mental health journey, including to those living with mental health conditions. We also learn from some of the leading researchers in mental health on the latest treatments and advances in their field. Join Dr Alix Woolard, a senior researcher in childhood trauma at Embrace @ Telethon Kids Institute, to learn more about the links between trauma and psychosis, how we can overcome self-stigma and why we need to make research practices more culturally sensitive. We're Embracing the Mind.