The Wellbeing Edge

The Wellbeing Edge

by Ruth Kent
BusinessHealth & Fitness
Season 1
Dr Stan Steindl: Compassion, connection, behaviour change, and our tricky brains
This interview with Dr Stan Steindl is a must-listen for anyone who is looking to cultivate more compassion in their lives, either for themselves or for others. We cover topics like behaviour change, navigating challenging relationships and the difficulty that comes up when you want to strive to feel more compassion for someone at times when compassion and kindness is lacking. We look at the 3-Circle model of compassion and the method of motivational interviewing interwoven with compassion for behaviour change. Dr Stan Steindl is a Clinical Psychologist in private practice at Psychology Consultants Pty Ltd, and an Adjunct Professor at School of Psychology, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia. He is also co-director of the UQ Compassionate Mind Research Group. Stan’s research interests are in the areas of motivation, behaviour change, compassion and compassion-based interventions, and especially the role of cultivating compassion and self-compassion in the context of trauma, shame, self-criticism and clinical disorders, as well as promoting psychological well-being. He is the author of three books and several book chapters and research publications. His books include: Compassion in a T-Shirt: The First 35 Scripts (2020), The Gifts of Compassion: How to Understand and Overcome Suffering (2020), The Gifts of Compassion: Personal Practice Workbook (2021), and Compassion in a T-Shirt: Another 35 Scripts! (2023). You can connect with Dr Steindl at his website: https://www.stansteindl.com/ On his Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@drstansteindl On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_stan_steindl/ And on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stan-steindl-150a5264/
S1 · E12
Jul 15, 2026
1:03:06
How Culture Impacts Wellbeing
This episode explores wellbeing through the lens of culture and asks important questions about how a person's culture can impact their wellbeing, both outside of work and inside of work. When we think about culture, we often think of either the broader culture of a country, or the culture an organisation shapes through expectations of behaviour and leadership examples. But when it comes to wellbeing it's important to remember that culture doesn't just fall into these two distinct buckets. People come to work with many layered cultures, and this is layered into other cultures which are created within the workplace, such as the micro-culture of a team. If this episode gets you thinking and you want to continue the conversation, email hello@sunrisewell.com.au to set up a call.
S1 · E11
Jul 1, 2026
14:17
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!
S1 · E10
Jun 24, 2026
47:48
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
S1 · E9
Jun 17, 2026
14:17
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
S1 · E8
Jun 10, 2026
38:39
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.
S1 · E7
Jun 3, 2026
17:29
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/
S1 · E6
May 27, 2026
55:15
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.
S1 · E5
May 20, 2026
25:02
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
S1 · E4
May 13, 2026
52:16
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.
S1 · E3
May 6, 2026
27:07
1 of 2