Thrive: Wellbeing with St John's

Optimisation promises better wellbeing, but at what cost?In this episode of Thrive with St. John's, we explore how the pressure to constantly improve can subtly increase stress for teenagers, even when it’s wrapped in “healthy” habits. We unpack the risks of over‑optimisation, from comparison and rigidity to burnout and self‑doubt, and why more isn’t always better.You’ll hear practical ways parents can help teens critically engage with wellbeing content online, rather than feeling ruled by it. We also discuss how to create boundaries, structure, and routines that offer support without stretching young people further, leaving room for flexibility, rest, and enoughness.📍 Learn more about usThrive is brought to you by leading independent school St. John's School in Surrey, UK, for pupils aged 11 to 18.📧 Contact us: [email protected]

Is AI a tool, a threat, or something in between? The Thrive Podcast is back, and this episode might just change how you think about the technology shaping young people’s lives.Vanessa Sokal (Mental Health Lead) and Dr. Liz Pritchett (Assistant Head, Pastoral Care and EDI) sit down with Nicki Watts, founder of AI Youth, to explore the world of AI and what it really means for young people today. From unlocking creativity and new ways of learning to navigating hidden safeguarding risks, this conversation is a great starting point for parents. Learn More about Nicki:AI YouthNicki Watts | LinkedInMedia Mentioned:Everyday Sexism by Laura BatesThe Safe AI For Children AllianceMe, Myself & AI: Chatbot research | Internet Matters📍 Learn more about usThrive is brought to you by a leading independent school in Surrey, UK, for pupils aged 11 to 18.📧 Contact us: [email protected]

Welcome to a fresh episode of the Thrive Podcast from St John’s School! Join Vanessa Sokal (Mental Health Lead) as she explores why ambition looks and feels different for Gen Z and why that matters for parents. Understand how Gen-Z is redefining what it means to dream big. Vanessa journeys through the history of ambition, uncovers what matters most to Gen-Z, and reveals practical ways parents can inspire and nurture ambition that feels both meaningful and safe. Tune in for thought-provoking stories, actionable tips, and a new perspective on helping the next generation thrive!For reference: Gen Alpha: 2013 - 2024 (2 - 13)Gen Z: 1997 – 2012 (14 – 29)Millennials: 1981 – 1996 (30 – 45) Gen X: 1965 – 1980 (46 – 61) Boomers II: 1955 – 1964 (62 – 71)Boomers I: 1946 – 1954 (72 – 80)Media Mentioned:Psychological Safety Episode ⁠Here!⁠📍 Learn more about usThrive is brought to you by a leading independent school in Surrey, UK, for pupils aged 11 to 18.📧 Contact us: [email protected]: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Home | St John's School Leatherhead⁠⁠⁠

Welcome to a new episode of the Thrive Podcast from St John’s School! Join Vanessa Sokal (Mental Health Lead) and Dr. Liz Pritchett (Assistant Head, Pastoral Care & EDI) as they dive into the crucial topic of psychological safety with expert guest Hannah Sherbersky. Hannah is a family and systemic psychotherapist, educator, and passionate advocate for relational approaches to mental health and wellbeing. She currently serves as Director of the Systemic Portfolio and Deputy Director of Postgraduate Taught Programmes at the University of Exeter. Together, they blend psychological theory with real-world experience, offering parents and carers practical insights into what psychological safety looks like in family life, why it matters, and how to build it at home. Tune in for actionable advice and inspiring perspectives you can use right away!🔗 Find Hannah Sherbersky:Website: https://hannahsherbersky.co.uk/📍 Learn more about usThrive is brought to you by a leading independent school in Surrey, UK, for pupils aged 11 to 18.📧 Contact us: [email protected]: ⁠⁠Home | St John's School Leatherhead⁠⁠

Join Vanessa Sokal, Mental Health Lead at St. John’s School, as she dives into why winter can zap teens’ energy and motivation—and what really works to turn things around. With insights from psychology and research, Vanessa shares creative, actionable tools for parents to help teens stay engaged and energised, even on the gloomiest days.📍 Learn more about usThrive is brought to you by a leading independent school in Surrey, UK, for pupils aged 11 to 18.📧 Contact us: [email protected]: ⁠Home | St John's School Leatherhead

Don’t miss this engaging episode from St John’s School, as Vanessa Sokal (Mental Health Lead) and Dr. Liz Pritchett (Assistant Head Pastoral Care & EDI) sit down with Harriet Frew, counsellor, podcast host, and leading expert on eating disorders. Together, they dive into the big topics of food, body image, and navigating the holiday season. Harriet offers down-to-earth advice and heartfelt strategies, not just for Christmas, but for thriving year-round.🔗 Find Harriet Frew:Website: THE EATING DISORDER THERAPIST - The Eating Disorder Therapist Harriet Frew⁠Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/1qJQ4BoRfJ4d7LAQ222SE0?si=af4a3e47811a4460Instagram: @theeatingdisordertherapist_📍 Learn more about usThrive is brought to you by a leading independent school in Surrey, UK, for pupils aged 11 to 18.📧 Contact us: [email protected]: ⁠Home | St John's School Leatherhead⁠Media MentionedFreddie Flintoff: Living with BulimiaBrian Keane & Harriet Frew PodcastAtomic Habits by James Clear

Tune in to this joyful episode from St John’s School, where Vanessa Sokal (Mental Health Lead) and Dr. Liz Pritchett (Assistant Head Pastoral Care & EDI) chat with Dr. Andy Cope, the UK’s very own ‘Doctor of Happiness’. Dive into the uplifting science and everyday practice of gratitude as they share inspiring stories and practical tips for families. Discover how gratitude boosts wellbeing, strengthens family bonds, and helps young people nurture optimism and resilience. Full of engaging ideas you can try at home, this episode is a celebration of finding happiness in the little moments of daily life!🔗 Find Dr. CopeWebsite: Dr Andy Cope - Art of Brilliance Instagram:  Andy Cope (@thehappybloke) • Instagram photos and videosAmazon.co.uk: Andy Cope: books, biography, latest update📍 Learn more about usThrive is brought to you by a leading independent school in Surrey, UK, for pupils aged 11 to 18.📧 Contact us: [email protected]: Home | St John's School Leatherhead

Join St John’s School in this episode, Vanessa Sokal (Mental Health Lead) and Dr. Liz Pritchett (Assistant Head Pastoral Care & EDI) talk with consultant clinical psychologist Dr Nihara Krause, founder of youth mental health charity stem4 and creator of the award-winning Calm Harm app. Dr Krause shares her expertise on why self-regulation is such a challenge for teenagers, how parents can support their children through emotional ups and downs, and the tools that really make a difference. With practical strategies and compassionate advice, this episode provides families with clear guidance on building resilience and achieving balance at home.🔗 Find Dr. Nihara Krause & stem4 online:Website: ⁠ Home - Nihara KrauseInstagram: ⁠ Dr Nihara Krause MBE (@drniharakrause) • Instagram photos and videos#stem4: stem4 - supporting teenage mental healthCalm Harm App: Home - Calm Harm App📍 Learn more about usThrive is brought to you by ⁠St John’s School, Leatherhead⁠, a leading independent school in Surrey, UK, for pupils aged 11 to 18.📧 Contact us: [email protected]

Join St John's School in this episode, Vanessa Sokal (Mental Health Lead) and Dr. Liz Pritchett (Assistant Head Pastoral Care & EDI) talk with author and coach Natalie Costa about helping teens manage anxiety during the back-to-school transition. Natalie shares practical tools, mindset shifts, and real-life advice to support both parents and teens during this emotionally challenging time of year.🔗 Find Natalie Costa online:Website: Let’s raise a generation of connected humans | Natalie CostaInstagram: Natalie Costa (@nataliecostacoaching) • Instagram photos and videos📍 Learn more about usThrive is brought to you by St John’s School, Leatherhead, a leading independent school in Surrey, UK, for pupils aged 11 to 18.📧 Contact us: [email protected] Mentioned:Stroke of insight - Jill Bolte TaylorMy Stroke of Insight: A Brain Scientist's Personal Journey by Jill Bolte Taylor | Goodreads