Why Positive Mental Health Feels So Hard Right Now
Your brain is millions of years old and your phone is about twenty. Here's why that gap wears you out, and one small word that helps.
Read moreWelcome to my little corner of the internet.
Science, stories and relatable imperfection. This is where I share what I know about positive mental health, what I’m learning and how I attempt to weave it into my life.
With a sprinkle of humour, a dash of adventure and a very cheeky cocker spaniel.





Your brain is millions of years old and your phone is about twenty. Here's why that gap wears you out, and one small word that helps.
Read moreIt's not a discipline problem. It's an environment problem. Here's why focus feels impossible at work, and 5 simple shifts to rebuild it.
Read moreSecond-guessing your decisions at work? It's not a confidence problem. It's self-awareness. Here's how to start building real self-trust.
Read moreWorkload isn't the full picture. Research shows relationships shape mental health at work more than we realise. Here's what actually moves the needle.
Read moreIt's not willpower. It's not you. Your brain is doing exactly what it's designed to do. Here are 3 small shifts to help you work with it.
Read moreIt's not a discipline problem. It's an environment problem. Here's why focus feels impossible at work, and 5 simple shifts to rebuild it.
Read moreMental health at work has been in the spotlight for years, yet many organisations still feel stuck. I see professionals every week from workplaces that genuinely say they care about their people but are relying on surface-level initiatives rather than building the systems, skills and culture that actually support wellbeing.…
Read moreWhat Is Positive Mental Health? Positive mental health isn’t taught like maths or science. So, while some people figure it out as they go, for others it can turn into a lifelong struggle. Today I’ll help you unpack what positive mental health really is, why it’s harder than ever and…
Read moreThe 2025 edition of the World Happiness Report is out and I love it! It’s produced by the University of Oxford’s Wellbeing Research Centre in collaboration with Gallup and the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network. This year The World Happiness Report focuses on the theme of caring and sharing and their effects…
Read moreAs the holiday season arrives, life often picks up speed. With Christmas approaching, we find ourselves moving faster, juggling more, and prioritising everyone else. Yet, amidst the busy season, it’s easy to forget that self-care isn’t a luxury but a necessity. Think of yourself as a candle—burning brightly, offering warmth…
Read moreIn his book Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life, Dacher Keltner delves into the profound impact of awe and its potential to shift our busy, stressed out lives. Whether you’re juggling professional responsibilities, managing a family, balancing multiple commitments, or all of…
Read moreIn the last three months, my 81 year old dad has started learning music, and I’ve never seen him more alive. He’s playing the aerophone beautifully, learning to sing, and now tackling the guitar. Watching him embrace this new chapter has been a true inspiration, and it’s a beautiful reminder…
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For the last twenty nine years, I am now aware that I have been psychologically ‘beating my self up’ due to many awful decisions I had made in my personal and business life. This was the worst possible impediment one needs when wanting to support a family, look after employees and the interests of shareholders. On one hand my self-belief, intuition, training and skills would propel me into endeavours that were impossible at worst or extremely difficult at best. I came to believe that only I could find the worst possible way to attempt a project or undertake a new venture.
I realised very recently that I needed some help to overcome some problems about the way I approached things that I could not define let alone understand, and that I needed help. Those readers of this testimonial who know me would certainly say, “Yes, you needed help!” I contacted Jodie Cooper and she was gracious enough, after I had completed her Introductory Questionnaire, to spend an hour with me in a FREE interview. Jodie was sufficiently astute to quickly recognise my problem – she provided me with the key to unlock the shackles that I alone had placed around my entire approach to life. In days my personal and business life has turned around with tangible results to demonstrate that change. I am now able to say I made one smart decision in my life. Dear readers, the only way you will learn Jodie’s secret solution to problems that I admit I had, and that you might have, is to contact Jodie and invest in one of her coaching programs.
Bruce, Professional Trader
“Thanks so much for today – the team and I loved the session and you have given us a lot to think about and work on.”
Liza Rodger, Associate Director Student Recruitment, University of Wollongong
“I started seeing Jodie Mid October 2022. I had just ended a 3 year relationship. I felt I had lost my way, my identity, my motivation and needed guidance to get back on track. I felt comfortable with Jodie from the initial ‘get to know each other’ session.
Jodie is so knowledgeable and understanding and has really taken the time to get to know me deeply and guide me through difficult and confronting topics. I am gaining an understanding of how my brain works in different situations and continue to develop strategies to cope and work through things in a more positive and mindful way.
Jodie does check ins throughout the week to see how I am going or to offer encouragement and is always available if I have a question or I want to express my happiness of achieving a success or goal.
I would highly recommend Jodie to anyone wanting to explore ‘Positive Psychology’. It has had a profoundly positive affect on my life.”
Helen Grace, Specialist Educator
“You absolutely nailed the presentation, thanks for calling me beforehand and asking just the right questions to really understand this group. In the evaluations your presentation was rated so highly –you were the highlight of the course.
I’m so glad you presented early. We just kept referring to everything you said. You were so generous with your stories and knowledge, you were a brilliant investment. Once again, thanks so much. I think that what you presented will make a real difference to the people who attended. You gave them strategies, insights, humour, tips and more. A thousand thank yous.”
Kristina Dodds, Program Coordinator. Motor Neurone Disease Association of New South Wales
“The Executive Coaching sessions I had with Jodie was money and time well spent. Her expertise & perspective on my business meant we were able to nut out a list of manageable tasks that would increase my business, my data base and my productivity. She gave me the confidence and the motivation to achieve tasks that I previously baulked at. Thank you Jodie for your understanding and insight.”
Maiya Kenny, Healing Steps Wellness Centre
“Thank you again for sharing your wisdom and knowledge with SASD over the past few months.
We have really enjoyed the sessions and are already thinking about the content and how we can work it in to our everyday.”
Kellie Ridges, Director. Student & Administration Services. University of Wollongong
“Thank you for delivering such a motivating training session and tailoring it for the different levels of management and staff. My staff really engaged with the practical exercises and it was a great opportunity for all of us to reflect as a team!”
Natasha Woodnut, Managing Director. Bohmer’s Tree Care
Jodie has a down to earth coaching style and truly meets people where they are at. She has a knack for supporting people to open up and explore new ways of thinking (and acting) by creating a playful and safe environment. Jodie is a great listener and is able to link what she is hearing to her extensive knowledge in brain based neuroscience and positive psychology, in addition to her lived experience within the workforce. If you are ready to create positive change for yourself with someone who truly knows their stuff, I would highly recommend Jodie Cooper.
Alli Williamson, Lead Facilitator & Teacher
“I wanted to send you a big thank you for your fantastic workshop on a subject a lot of people dread … Public Speaking! You took the fear out of this process for me and I’ve already taken on board the various tips and tricks for successful speaking in the future.
Thank you for an engaging, fun, encouraging and helpful workshop – I totally recommend attending Jodie’s workshop if you want to conquer the fear … and turn it instead into a very positive experience!”
Jo Singletary, University of Wollongong
“After 10 years owning and running a business it was time to freshen things up. My first and best move was to engage Jodie as a business and life coach. Over an initial 8 week period, Jodie provided down-to-earth psychological and emotional education and practical techniques to bring about change. I made a commitment to my myself to try these immediately at work and at home. Our company now has clearer goals, my team and I are achieving better business results, and we are happier doing it.
I also highly recommend Jodie’s Public Speaking course. In just one day our team went from zero to each presenting an engaging 5 minute talk. In my case, Jodie’s life coaching and public speaking training have given me the time and confidence to start performing stand up comedy, an ambition I had harbored since my teens.”
Dean Jackson, Owner and General Manager. Planet Footprint
“Jodie’s Coaching and small business advice is very practical and has helped me discover the important priorities in my business and personal life, I have found her coaching service incredibly helpful… Five stars.”
Scott Penning. Real Estate Professional
“Jodie was very engaging and authentic. Remembering the why and celebrating our success was a great team bonding opportunity.”
Workshop Participant, Rare Cancers Australia
“I loved the format and contents of this workshop. It’s taught me so much more than just preparing a presentation or speech. Jodie knows a lot and she is an amazing educator and speaker. I’m so glad I attended!”
Dorina Basurto, Wellness and Healing at Home
“Perfectly pitched session, perfectly timed and positive feedback from all the team who attended. Would highly recommend.”
Matthew Perry, Director. Graduate Research, UOW
“I attended Jodies Public Speaking workshop and took away so much. Jodie was able to turn something scary like public speaking and make it less daunting with actionable tools and frameworks to help you show up as your most authentic self and engage your audience with powerful content and connection.”
Kylie Jayne, Business Advisor. Enterprise Plus
“Jodie was amazing in helping me get ready for pitching! Her support and coaching in getting my ideas from thought to paper then get them structured led to us winning our pitching contest. What she taught me now forms the foundation of how I approach pitching, and, putting ideas to paper.”
Chris Magiri, Founder. GenSpeak
“Jodie immediately made a friendly and very professional impression on me. When I met Jodie life was starting afresh for me, I had no contacts for my business and no direction as to how to grow my client base and business contacts. At her invitation I embarked on a 6 week program with her and at the end of these sessions I had realised all of my personal and professional goals and am now running a successful bustling Cooking School in our local area.
Jodie stood by me every step of the way, guided me and encouraged me to do the things I would not have had the confidence to do on my own. She kept reinforcing with me my natural abilities and even though I know I would have eventually achieved these successes, I also know I would never have done it in the short space of time without her support. I would recommend Jodie’s’ life coaching program to anyone wishing to expand their possibilities in any area of their lives. Jodie is establishing herself as Illawarra’s leading Life Coach with her simple yet determined guidance, which she hands over with intimate care, precision and clarity.”
Maria Mitzikis, The Food Muse
“Jodie’s well-being session on our planning day helped to set the tone for the year for my team. Jodie’s positive and considered approach to mindfulness was a great reminder to find gratitude in all aspects of our lives. Her techniques and interactive games helped us consider the great things we have achieved at our service and created a positive mindset to project into our year ahead!”
Charise Orvad, Director. Keiraview Education & Care Services.
“Jodie Cooper was instrumental in assisting us with word-smithing a presentation that Modfab was giving at an international conference. Her expert advice and coaching was invaluable!”
Heike Roberts, Education Director. Modfab Pty Ltd
“The Public Speaking course exceeded all my expectations. Comprehensive, fun and highly effective… Thank you Jodie.”
Chris Homer, Mayor. Shellharbour City Council