On the Couch with Clare

In this episode of On the Couch with Clare, I’m joined by Bella Duncan — speaker, advocate, and the powerful voice behind the platform A Kid With Two Homes. Bella shares her lived experience growing up in a separated family and gives an honest, heartfelt insight into what life is really like for a child caught between two homes.

While many experts offer professional advice on co-parenting, Bella speaks from the perspective that matters most - the child’s. Her story and practical wisdom have resonated with thousands of parents navigating divorce and separation. Whether you’re co-paren...

In this episode of On the Couch with Clare, I’m joined by Dr Justin Coulson - one of Australia’s most trusted parenting experts, founder of Happy Families, and a long-time voice on how to raise emotionally-healthy kids in a digital world. We are discussing a topic that many parents find uncomfortable but it is essential - kids and pornography.

From first exposure (spoiler: it’s earlier than you think) to the long-term impact on body image, consent, relationships, and development. This is a grounded, respectful and eye-opening conversation for any adult raising or working with childr...

In this episode of On the Couch with Clare, I’m joined by Dr Anastasia Hronis - a clinical psychologist, founder of the Australian Institute for Human Wellness, and passionate educator on the neuroscience of behaviour. Together, we unpack the surprising and powerful role dopamine plays in our daily lives and why understanding it can be a total game-changer.

Dopamine isn't just the “feel-good” chemical - it’s the engine behind motivation, habit formation, attention, addiction, and so much more. Clare and Anastasia chat about the science in real-world terms from social media scrolling to parenting, procrastination, and why...

In this episode of On the Couch with Clare, I’m joined by Jack Ayoub — union organiser, former federal political candidate, opera singer, and unapologetic truth-teller. You may have seen Jack recently stirring up conversation with his bold piece in The Australian titled LGBTQIA+ Doesn’t Speak for Me: It’s Time to Dismantle the Rainbow Alliance.

But beyond the headlines, Jack's story is one of resilience, community, and asking the tough questions — from growing up in rural NSW and overcoming hardship, to navigating identity, belonging, and the risk of being reduced to a label.

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Today’s guest is Dr Anthony Dillon, a psychologist and an Indigenous academic and commentator and we’re having a discussion that is a cross-section between mental health and culture. We chat about Anthony’s current trends in mental health diagnoses, the potential drawbacks of labelling, victim mentaliity, and the significance of community and connection in mental wellbeing.

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On the Couch with Clare today is Heidi Anderson, a former breakfast radio host and current PR and confidence coach. Heidi shares her personal journey of reclaiming her confidence through various life experiences. We talk about the origins of confidence, the impacts of societal expectations, and practical steps listeners can take to build their own confidence through small, consistent actions.

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My guest in this episode is Dr Timothy Pychyl, a retired psychology professor, author and podcaster who spent his career researching why we become our own worst enemy through procrastination. We discuss the common issue of procrastination, debunking myths and exploring its root causes, as well as the impacts of chronic procrastination on mental and physical health, the interplay between personality traits and procrastination, and offer practical strategies for overcoming it.

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In this episode, I’m chatting with Kim John Payne, a family therapist and author of ‘Simplicity Parenting’, and we’re exploring how the relentless pace of today’s society impacts children's development and mental health. We discuss the issue of children's overstimulation in modern family life, how dialling back activities and fostering a simpler lifestyle can lead to more resilient and balanced children, the importance of giving children downtime, and how less can genuinely be more when it comes to parenting.

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Today, I am joined on the couch by Liz Gould, a psychologist and a seasoned high-performance coach who brings her extensive experience in sports and corporate leadership. We discuss what sets elite performers apart, neurological differences in high performers, the importance of routines, the interplay of genetics and environment, and ways to apply these insights to everyday life for better.

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Today’s guest is Darren Mort, a renowned family law barrister who has also enjoyed a successful career as an actor, producer, and author. Darren shares his insights from his extensive career in family law and his personal experiences with family violence. We also discuss the complexities of family court, co-parenting, and the importance of maintaining a positive relationship for the sake of children. We then talk about his creative work in film and literature, which aims to provide resources and support to families in distress.

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Today I’m pleased to welcome Thomas Malucelli on the couch. Thomas is a former contestant on The Bachelor, Australia in 2023 and a relationship coach. We explore the highs and lows of modern dating, particularly focusing on dating apps. Thomas shares insights from his personal journey and we also talk about the practicalities of using dating apps effectively, understanding what one truly wants in a partner, and overcoming common dating pitfalls and bad behaviours.

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Our guest today is Melissa Brown, a former financial advisor and accountant, and the author of ‘Un*ck Your Finances’. Melissa went from having less than nothing in her 30s to financial independence by her 40s and is now on a mission to help others create financial freedom. We discuss so many interesting topics - I’m sure you’ll enjoy this conversation with practical tips and advice to help you gain financial confidence.

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Joining us today is Katharine Birbalsingh, the headmistress of Michaela Community School in London and a name synonymous with innovation and excellence in education. Known for its high standards and strict discipline policies, Michaela fosters an environment where traditional values, personal responsibility, and strong discipline lead to academic and personal success. Enjoy this conversation as we discuss Katharine’s journey, the principles that guide her, and her thoughts on the future of education.

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Today join me on the couch for this very special conversation with Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price, who is known for her unwavering stance that we are all Australians and part of a nation that we can have pride in. She has made significant contributions to policy discussions on Indigenous affairs, the environment and community development. We discuss the consequences of woke culture, the role of education, and the vision for a united Australia.

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Our guest in this episode is Dr Ginni Mansberg, a renowned GP, author, and television presenter who has a passion for supporting families, women's health, and lifestyle medicine. We discuss the challenges of parenting teenagers, offering evidence-based advice and practical strategies for parents. We also talk about the parental mental load, the Sandwich Generation (managing the dual responsibilities of raising teenagers and caring for ageing parents), the importance of self-compassion and maintaining a healthy family dynamic through connected communication and proper support systems.

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In the very first episode, host Clare Rowe tells us why this podcast nearly didn’t happen. And here’s a hint….perfectionism is the enemy of productivity! Discussing her personal experience of hesitating to launch this podcast, Clare talks about the neurological and behavioural reasons behind this hesitation and emphasises the importance of taking imperfect first steps to create momentum. 

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Today we’re talking about alcohol with our guest Sarah Rusbatch. More specifically, the concept of where alcohol becomes a problem, particularly for women. Sarah is the author of Beyond Booze: How to create a life you love, alcohol-free. We’re talking to Sarah about her own personal journey, and her mission to support others who may be curious about their drinking habits.

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Joining us today is Clare Lehmann, the founder of Quillette, an online platform that champions free thought and explores scientific and cultural ideas, often sidelined by mainstream narratives and outlets. The discussion unpacks some of the most pressing issues facing the next generation - mental health, the impact of social media and the ideologies shaping our educational systems.

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Come take a seat On the Couch with Clare, your weekly dose of common sense and raw conversations, where psychology meets everyday life. It’s a show aimed to bring scientific insights, engaging conversations and never shies away from the tough topics across health, relationships, politics, parenting and everyday life.

You’ll hear from guests from diverse backgrounds, including media personalities, authors, and health professionals. Expect a blend of professional wisdom, personal anecdotes and political correctness - free zone.

Clare’s straightforward and honest approach delivers shame-free practical solutions, new perspectives, and actionable advice. Keeping it rea...