Walk and Talk

This final episode of the year is a gentle invitation to pause and review. I walk through some of the questions I ask myself at the end of every year: How closely have I lived my values? Where have I found meaning through coherence, purpose and mattering?When did my strengths help me through challenge Where did small tools in my wellbeing toolkit make a real difference?I also share ideas for reflecting on your “things to do before I die” list, moments of joy and awe, and the goals you might choose for 2026. Join me for a reflective wander through values, meaning, strengths and flourishing, and perhaps giving yourself credit for more than you realise!

In this episode I am joined by Dr Helena Marujo, who describes herself as a joyful, socially engaged citizen and an activist through science. I love that.Helena traces the moment she realised she wanted to move beyond only measuring depression in young people and start asking different questions - ones about hope, justice, love and community. From there, her work has flowed into neighbourhoods, schools, ministries and global peace projects.What stayed with me most was her belief that our small “handfuls of sand” - a letter to neighbours, a conversation in a local salon, a community gathering - genuinely change the larger desert we share. If you have ever wondered whether what you do in your own street, family or team really matters, this conversation may give you heart.

I’ve just been to see Metallica (again!) and it sparked a whole stream of reflections about why big concerts, sporting events and live shows feel so good for us. In this episode I unpack the science behind those moments - collective effervescence, neural synchrony, emotional contagion, awe, shared identity and nostalgia , and how they shape our memories, emotions and wellbeing. I also share a few stories from the mosh pit and a Harry Enfield show, then invite you to reflect on how you can bring more of this energy, meaning and joy into your own life.

On this Walk and Talk, I share a reflection sparked by my recent conversation with Dr Corey Keyes. We explored the idea of languishing as a kind of emotional hunger - that gnawing sense of emptiness many people feel even when life looks fine on the outside.We talk through why those small, nourishing habits matter, how our “mental vitamins” build readiness for the inevitable ups and downs, and why every step toward feeling more alive counts. A gentle reminder that we do not need to leap into flourishing, sometimes it starts with feeding the parts of us that feel hungry.

In this Walk and Talk, I dip into the fascinating world of affective forecasting - the way we predict our future feelings and how those predictions shape our choices. From holidays and hikes to dentist appointments and morning coffee, our brain is constantly making emotional predictions. Yet the science shows we are not always as accurate as we think.As we explore the components of valence, specific emotions and intensity, I share how understanding these patterns can help us make wiser, more aligned decisions in daily life and in the bigger picture.

In this Walk and Talk, I reflect on my recent conversation with philosopher Dan Weijers about how artificial intelligence is reshaping the way we think, connect, and make choices.We explore the ethics of AI companions, the role of philosophy in developing critical thinking, and how we can use awareness and reflection to make wiser, more intentional decisions in a world overflowing with information.Learn more about Dan’s work here: www.danweijers.com

In this Walk and Talk, I explore one of the components of Psychological Capital - Efficacy - and how it shapes our sense of self-belief. I share some of the research on efficacy and what it really means to believe in our ability to make things happen.You will hear reflections from recent conversations with leaders who’ve experienced imposter thoughts (not a syndrome!) and how reframing these moments can strengthen our belief in ourselves. Together, we will unpack the difference between confidence and efficacy , vand explore practical ways to mobilise our motivation, skills, and support networks to achieve what matters most.

I am joined by Dr Lucy Hone for a heartfelt conversation on grief literacy, living losses and what it truly means to flourish. We explore the science of grieving, how language shapes healing, and ways to find hope after loss.This episode leads up to the launch of Lucy’s new book How Will I Ever Get Through This? - available for pre-order via Australian retailers: Allen & Unwinhttps://www.allenandunwin.com/browse/book/Lucy-Hone-How-Will-I-Ever-Get-Through-This-9781761472602 Booktopiahttps://www.booktopia.com.au/how-will-i-ever-get-through-this--lucy-hone/book/9781761472602.html Readingshttps://www.readings.com.au/product/9781761472602/how-will-i-ever-get-through-this--lucy-hone--2026--9781761472602 The Nilehttps://www.thenile.com.au/books/lucy-hone/how-will-i-ever-get-through-this/9781761472602 Amazonhttps://www.amazon.com.au/dp/1761472607

Today I wander through an idea that has been bubbling away for a while - ageing and identity. I share a sweet adventure with my mum, Hazel, a few reflections from friends and colleagues, and a lens from Brian Lowery’s Selfless that invites us to see how others shape our self-image across the years.Together we explore a mindset that supports vitality: staying curious, building social connection, moving our bodies in ways we enjoy, and contributing so we feel a strong sense of mattering. You will also hear nods to Lucy Ryan’s Revolting Women and the wisdom of Anne Riches.

In this Walk and Talk, I chat with Professor Andreas Krafft, whose research into hope and future thinking has inspired people around the world. We explored how hope is not just a feeling - it is an active choice to move forward with purpose and possibility.Andreas shared how our perception of the future shapes our wellbeing, and how walking into the future together builds trust, agency, and connection. It’s a conversation about human potential, collective hope, and the small actions that help us flourish - individually and as communities.