The Locker Room

This week on ABCNQ, Susan Graham-Ryan and I discussed “Age at Work: Belonging Across Generations” and how age-diverse teams can still give people the anchor of having at least one colleague who “gets” their life stage. We explored why people don’t need everyone at work to be like them, but many do need at least one peer who reflects their season of life, especially when one in five reports feeling lonely at work.

Everyone wants to grow. But no one wants to let go. This week on ABC Qld, Sarah Howell and I discussed why real improvement sometimes means gently eliminating the habits, beliefs, and daily norms that belong to who you were- not who you're trying to become.

This week on ABC Sunshine Coast, Miranda Deakin and I discussed how shifting your mindset can turn exercise from a chore into a choice you actually want to make. We explored why being too rigid about the ‘perfect’ workout can backfire, and how embracing short, flexible bouts of movement can add up to real health benefits.

This week on ABC Brisbane, Sheridan Stewart and I discussed a school holiday game plan designed to be calm, fun and trulydoable, even when life is busy.

Laughter is one of the fastest ways to calm the brain and connect with other people. When we laugh together, our brains release “feel‑good” chemicals that lower stress and strengthen our bonds.

This week on ABCNQ, Susan Graham Ryan and I discussed whether technology is truly “rotting” our brains or simply changing how we think, focus and remember. We unpacked the latest research on screen time, attention, and memory, and shared practical strategies for using tech in ways that protect your cognitive health.

We’ll explore why chronic over‑efforting drives mental fatigue, tunnel vision, and burnout – and how small shifts in focus, pacing, and recovery can restore clarity and consistent performance. Join Susan Graham-Ryan and me on ABCNQ as we dive into evidence‑based ways to “do less,” protect your brain, and still get outstanding results.

This week on ABCNQ, Susan Graham-Ryan and I discussed why holding some good news close can protect our energy and reduce comparison stress. We talked about how private joy can strengthen self-confidence, deepen relationships, and give us space to enjoy milestones before the world weighs in.

This week on ABC NQ, Susan Graham‑Ryan and I discussed how decorating helps us express who we are, regulate our emotions and foster a sense of connection at home.

This week on ABCNQ, Susan Graham‑Ryan and I discussed how visiting a museum can quiet a busy mind and boost your emotional wellbeing. We unpacked why getting lost in art and stories can lower stress, reduce anxiety and help you feel less alone.

Ultra‑processed foods don’t just affect your waistline – even small daily amounts are now linked with measurable drops in focus and thinking speed, and a higher risk of dementia over time.

This week on ABCNQ, Susan Graham-Ryan and I discussed how to support others when you’re running on empty yourself, and why “being there” matters more than saying the perfect words.

This week on ABCNQ, Sarah Howell and I discussed how awe in majestic environments can help us step out of our own heads and feel part of something bigger. We explored how moments of awe support resilience, relationships and even our sense of purpose, plus practical ways to invite more awe into your week.

Are you spread so thin that even the “good” things feel exhausting? This week on ABCNQ, Susan Graham-Ryan and I discussed how to create more space, energy and ease in your day.

Could the way we talk to ourselves be the difference between feeling stuck and feeling lucky? This week on ABCNQ, Susan Graham-Ryan and I discussed how everyday choices quietly stack the odds in our favour, long before a “lucky break” appears.

Every bump, bruise or tear is a tiny teachingmoment about how safe the world feels and how strong a child believes they are. Join Susan Graham-Ryan and me on ABCNQ as we explore how parents can balance comfort and confidence so kids learn that pain is real, but they are capable.

Feeling those familiar butterflies before a big presentation, race or first date. This week on ABCNQ, Susan Graham-Ryan and I discussed what those sensations actually mean and how to use them to help rather than hinder your performance.

Have you noticed work emails, calls and worries creeping further into your evenings and weekends? This week on ABCNQ, Susan Graham-Ryan and I discussed how to spot work creep early, reset your boundaries and protect the parts of life that refill your tank.

This week on ABCNQ, Susan Graham-Ryan and I discussed how turning an ordinary walk into a mindful practice can quiet a busymind and steady your mood.

Is it possible that losing hope, not just working hard, is what really drains us? This week on ABCNQ, Susan Graham-Ryan and I discussed the science of hope on wellbeing.

Giving people the benefit of the doubt is a simple mindsetshift that can lower stress, improve relationships, and make everyday life feel more peaceful. This week on ABCNQ, Susan Graham-Ryan and I discussed how learning to pause before jumping to negative conclusions helps protect your mood and keeps tricky interactions from escalating.

Checking in on a neighbour, friend, or a stranger is a protective factor in resilience and wellbeing. This week on ABCNQ, Susan Graham-Ryan and I discussed how to have conversations when you want to lean in to others.

Checking in on a neighbour, friend or a stranger is a protective factor in resilience and wellbeing. This week on ABCNQ, Susan Graham-Ryan and I discussed how to have conversations when you want to lean in to others.

Knowing what to say and how to navigate conversations with children and teens can be challenging, especially in the face of tragedy. This week, Susan Graham-Ryan and I explored this important and sensitive topic.

Is doubt always the enemy of confidence, or can it sometimes be the very thing that sharpens our performance and decisions? This week on ABCNQ, Susan Graham-Ryan and I discussed thebenefits of doubt.

What might change if every person in the room felt they truly belonged there? This week on ABCNQ, Susan Graham-Ryan and I discussed inclusion by overcoming micro-exclusions.

What if joy could last far beyond those fleeting moments and become a foundation for your resilience?  Join Emma Hannigan and I on ABCNQ as we discuss how joyspan can transform your response to adversity, strengthenyour wellbeing, and help you live a life filled with meaning and connection.

We all have an inner voice, but not all of it helps us. This week on ABCNQ, Miranda Deakin and I discussed who is in charge: the inner coach or the inner critic.

Discover the power of imperfection. This week on ABCNQ, Susan Graham-Ryan and I discussed that we are missing out on joy and connection by chasing unrealistic standards.

When was the last time you truly switched off, away from the constant buzz of technology? This week on ABCNQ,Susan Graham-Ryan and I discussed the mental and emotional benefits of camping for Australians in 2025.

This week on ABC Qld, Sarah Howells and I discussed what it truly means to be kind.

When was the last time you gave your mind a good workout? This week on ABCNQ, Susan Graham-Ryan and I discussed why challenging your mind every day makes a difference for lifelong health and happiness.

Ever felt stuck on a problem at work or in life? Sometimes the best advice comes from the most unlikely place—a rubber duck. This week on ABCNQ, Susan Graham-Ryan and I discussed how the quirky rubber duck debugging method helps break mental roadblocks and spark insights.

If your brain is wired to adapt, why do we resist the idea of changing our minds? This week on ABCNQ, Susan Graham-Ryan and I discussed how embracing mental flexibility could become your secret weapon for both success and resilience.

Discover what it takes to make the right call when it matters most—whether on the field, in the sheds, or from the sideline. This week on ABC Northern Grandstand, Grant Bell and I discussed the skills and strategies involved in staying resilient and focused under pressure.

What happens when we stop running from discomfort and start listening to our feelings? This week on ABCNQ,Susan Graham-Ryan and I discussed how embracing every emotion creates a richer, more resilient life.

Have you ever found yourself putting off that doctor’s appointment, even when you know it’s important? This week on ABCNQ, Susan Graham-Ryan and I discussed why people delay medical screening and the journey to making health a priority.

This week on ABCNQ, Susan Graham-Ryan and I discussed, from reducing anxiety to evoking nostalgic calm, the increased phenomenon of adults sleeping with their childhood teddy bears.

Is knowing less sometimes the key to living more? This week on ABCNQ, Susan Graham-Ryan and I discussed why selectivelyignoring certain news, gossip, or stressors isn’t denial—it’s expert self-care.

This week on ABCNQ, Phil Brandel and I discussed how talking to yourself aloud can make difficulties seem smaller and progress feel bigger.

This week on ABCNQ, Susan Graham-Ryan and I discussed the stories we grew up with and discovered how to think critically about the advice passed down to us.

Is a little self-interest essential for resilience, or are you paying a health price for ignoring your needs? This week on ABCNQ, Susan Graham-Ryan and I discussed the pros and cons ofselfishness on our health.

Could “maybe” be the most powerful response to life’s ups and downs? This week on ABCNQ, Sarah Howells and I discussed how we often label experiences as good or bad too quickly.

Could volunteering be the missing piece in your mental wellness journey? This week on ABCNQ, Susan Graham-Ryan and I discussed the mental benefits of helping others.

Are we doing enough to support those caught in the “Care Squeeze”? This week on ABCNQ, Susan Graham-Ryan and I discussed the reality for many caring for children and supporting ageing family members.

Hard to believe Jaws first screened over five decades ago. This week on ABCNQ, Susan Graham-Ryan and I discussed why fear feels so exhilarating when it’s safely on a screen.

This week on ABCNQ, Susan Graham-Ryan and I discussed why true motivation comes from aligning your team’s values with daily habits, not just quick bursts of inspiration.

How do you manage the emotional fallout of a breakup, especially when it’s unexpected?  Join Susan Graham-Ryan and I on ABCNQ as we discuss the tricky territory of personal and professional partings.

Learn how sugar affects your brain and emotions. This week on ABCNQ, Susan Graham-Ryan and I discussed the surprising psychological triggers behind ourlove for sweets.

How often do we let the opinions of others silence our own voices? This week on ABCNQ, Susan Graham-Ryan and I discussed whether your courage to stand strong could inspire someone else to do the same.