The Wellbeing Edge

The Wellbeing Edge

por Ruth Kent
Temporada 1

Professor Divya Mehta: Epigenetics, diet and exercise, stress, and intergenerational trauma

Did you know your gene activity changes every minute of every day, and can even be affected by a single cup of coffee or your last meal? I absolutely loved diving into this conversation with Professor Divya Mehta where we discussed epigenetics, exercise and diet, stress management, intergenerational trauma and so much more. Professor Mehta is a leading researcher in genomics, mental health, and wellbeing at the Queensland University of Technology . Her work explores how our genes interact with our environment and lifestyle to shape resilience, stress responses, and long‑term psychological health. With more than 120 scientific publications, over $22 million in research funding, and 25 recognitions including "Superstar of STEM", Divya’s research shows that gene activity isn’t fixed - it can be influenced by the choices we make every day, from our social connections to our physical habits. If you want to know more about DNA, genetics, and what you can do to lower your risk of illness, this episode is for you!

What 'presence' can give you

This episode explores the science and the human side of presence and what bringing more presence to your life can give you. Much more than just being a little more 'in the moment' presence has the power to unlock relationships, develop massive self-awareness, and help you to reach your potential. Tune into this short 'food for thought' episode to inspire the actions you take to be more present with yourself, with others, and with the world. To learn more about Sunrise Well, go here: https://www.sunrisewell.com.au/ And to book a call: go here: https://www.sunrisewell.com.au/contact

Dr Carissa Gardiner: Timing Changes Everything With Sleep, Caffeine & Alcohol

Most of us have had a bad night's sleep after one too many coffees or a glass of wine, but Carissa has made it her life's work to actually measure what's happening and what the best steps are to enjoy a coffee and also get a good night of rest. Dr Carissa Gardiner. Carissa is a postgraduate research fellow with the SPRINT Research Centre at Australian Catholic University in Brisbane. Her work focuses on sleep, performance, and recovery, with a particular interest in how everyday substances like caffeine and alcohol influence these outcomes. She explores how the timing and use of these substances can be better aligned to support sleep and overall wellbeing, translating research into practical, real-world guidance that can be applied in daily life. Follow Dr Carissa Gardiner here on Instagram and LinkedIn: https://www.instagram.com/drcarissagardiner/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/carissa-gardiner-b08b91267/ ACU: https://www.instagram.com/acuimages/ https://www.linkedin.com/school/australian-catholic-university/ SPRINT Research Centre: https://www.instagram.com/sprint_research_center/ https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/sprint-research-centre/posts/?feedView=all

Self Awareness, Stress, and Motivation

This episode dives into Self-Awareness, Stress, and Motivation, helping you to tune in to your body to help you make better decisions about energy, focus and motivation. Be prepared for self-reflection and questions that get you thinking about how your internal world influences your external experience.

Dr Kassia Beetham - Strength And Movement: Physical Wellbeing During Pregnancy

Dr Kassia Beetham is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist and an Associate Professor at Australian Catholic University, where she is Course Coordinator of the Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology (Brisbane). In this episode, Dr Beetham walks me through the movement and exercise recommendations before, during and post-pregnancy, for optimal health for both the mother and the baby, including how to promote wellbeing at work for pregnant employees. Dr Beetham's research focuses on exercise physiology in pregnancy and postpartum, with particular emphasis on cardiovascular adaptations, placental function, and maternal health. Kassia is passionate about translating research into practice to support women’s health and wellbeing across the lifespan, and regularly works with clinicians, educators, and policymakers to improve evidence‑informed care. Her Instagram page, The Pregnancy Movement, aims to cut through the myths and shed light on Women's Health Physiology. Learn more here: https://www.instagram.com/thepregnancymovement/

A quick journey into interoception and social connection

In this episode I dive into some of the science and practices behind interoception, social connection, and co-regulation, highlighting how there's so much more than words when it comes to social dynamics and connection.

Dr. Stephen Mattarollo: When a leading researcher in chronic stress, inflammation, and cancer meets mindbody medicine for a chronic illness

What happens when you're a lead researcher, studying chronic stress, inflammation, the immune system, and cancer...and then unexpectedly develop your own debilitating chronic illness? Do you begin to question whether science really has all the answers to unlock human healing? This week we welcome Dr Stephen Mattarollo to the podcast - and I think you're going to love his story! Stephen has a background in immunology, with over 10 years’ experience as a biomedical researcher, leading a group in the field of cancer immunotherapy and neuroimmunology at the University of QLD. As a result of chronic illness, Stephen confronted his own beliefs about healing and now teaches mind/body practices, including qigong, breathwork, relaxation therapy and meditation. We discuss Stephen's research, the journey through his illness, and the full circle moment where he started applying the science of mindbody medicine to his own health challenges. Contact Stephen via his website: https://www.drsteveqigong.com/about https://www.facebook.com/restorativeqigong

Breath, Heart Rate Variability and the A52 Breath Technique

This is a short solo episode that walks you through some of the science, techniques and important notes on breathwork, the connection with heart rate variability, and a research-based technique called the A52 Method. Before you begin any breathwork practice it is important that you speak with your GP to make sure it is safe to proceed.

Professor Jarrod Haar: Loneliness, Wellbeing, and Measuring Burnout

Jarrod Haar has spent decades studying the thing most of us spend over half of our waking lives doing, work. As one of New Zealand's most prolific management researchers, his work spans burnout, leadership, work-life balance, inclusion, innovation, and teams. But underneath all of it is a single driving question: what actually allows people to thrive? In this conversation, we go well beyond the headlines. Jarrod unpacks what large-scale data can — and can't — tell us about the human experience at work. We talk about the kind of leadership and culture that genuinely changes outcomes, and why belonging and connection matter more than most leaders realise. We also discuss how he protects his own wellbeing, what meaningful contribution feels like now, and what he believes about people, work, and living well. Jarrod can be reached via his email: J.Haar@massey.ac.nz

The Wellbeing Edge Intro and Welcome

Welcome to The Wellbeing Edge. I'm so glad you're here! Learn more about the podcast here and subscribe to be notified about new episodes. Coming up, we have interviews with top researchers at the cutting edge of wellbeing and performance and shorter episodes where I dive into some of the practical wellbeing strategies that will help you at your performance edge. To support the wellbeing of your teams and leaders, reach out to me at sunrisewell.com.au. website: sunrisewell.com.au email: hello@sunrisewell.com.au LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruthkentsunrisewell/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunrise_well/#
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