Occupied

They discuss the genuine highs, the unexpected lows, and share personal insights about navigating life as educators, researchers, and clinicians.

Dr Jessica Levick speaks with Martin Staines, an Advanced Occupational Therapist with a deep commitment to recovery-oriented practice in mental health.

In this episode of Occupied, I sit down with Michelle Oliver, Australia's first-ever Chief Occupational Therapist, for an inspiring and insightful conversation about her journey, her vision for the profession, and the evolving landscape of occupational therapy in Australia. We dive into: Michelle's personal career path—from clinical practice to national leadership What the role of Chief Occupational Therapist entails and how it came to be The pivotal work being led by Occupational Therapy Australia to advance our profession Key themes and what to expect from the upcoming OT National Conference in Adelaide The importance of representation, policy influence, and strategic leadership for OTs at every level Whether you're a student, clinician, or leader in health, this episode will leave you reflecting on how we care—for others and ourselves—in complex systems. Instagram: @OccupiedPodcast Facebook: Occupied Podcast Host: Brock Cook Subscribe now and never miss an episode! BONUS!!!If you are considering going to the 31st NATIONAL CONFERENCE & EXHIBITION 2025 in Adelaide next month than let me save you some $$$. OTA have kindly provided a link especially for listeners of the pod! Register for the conference using this link and save yourself up to $265 on your registration PLUS go into the draw to win two tickets to the conference Gala Dinner! Register here: https://www.otausevents.com.au/otaus2025/friendsofthepodcast-occupied

Dr Jessica Levick speaks with consultant psychiatrist Dr Theo Theodoros to explore the realities of working in challenging, complex and high-pressure healthcare environments.

Welcome back to the Occupied Podcast! After a significant hiatus, we're rebooting with fresh perspectives, exciting content, and most importantly, a brand-new co-host—Jessica Levick. In this special reboot episode:Meet Jessica Levick: Get to know Jessica, her professional background in Occupational Therapy, and her vision for the future of Occupied.What's Changing: Brock and Jessica discuss why the podcast took a break, what's been happening behind the scenes, and what listeners can expect moving forward.New Directions & Fresh Ideas: Explore exciting new topics, formats, and features coming your way. From in-depth conversations and expert interviews to addressing critical issues in Occupational Therapy. Join us as we kick off a new chapter filled with enthusiasm, insight, and community engagement. Subscribe and stay occupied with the conversations that matter! Follow us on social media: Instagram: @OccupiedPodcast Facebook: Occupied Podcast Hosts: Brock Cook & Jessica Levick Subscribe now and never miss an episode!

In this episode I sit down with Dr. Jessica Levick to explore the intersection of identity, social media, and the commercialisation of mental health. Together, we unpack the growing influence of social media personalities on mental health narratives, discussing both the opportunities and the challenges this creates for individuals seeking support. We delve into how this trend impacts perceptions of identity and mental well-being and consider the role Occupational Therapy can play in promoting authentic, inclusive, and ethical approaches to mental health care in this evolving digital landscape. Whether you're an OT, a student, or simply curious about the impact of social media on health, this episode will leave you with plenty to think about. Tune in for an insightful and thought-provoking conversation! And hey, if you enjoyed today's chat, we'd love it if you could leave us a review and share the episode with your network. Look after yourself, look after others, and always keep Occupied Brock@brockcookOTbrock.cook@me.com

In this inspiring episode of Occupied, I sit down with the multi-talented Lindsay DeLong, an occupational therapist and online content creator known for her innovative videos on assistive technologies. Lindsay shares her journey of merging her passion for occupational therapy with her creative flair, offering listeners a unique perspective on how assistive technologies can enhance lives. She delves into the challenges and rewards of being a creator in this niche, providing valuable insights for both aspiring content creators and occupational therapy professionals. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of healthcare, technology, and creativity, as Lindsay's story is a testament to the impact one can make by combining their professional expertise with their personal interests. And hey, if you enjoyed today's chat, we'd love it if you could leave us a review and share the episode with your network. Look after yourself, look after others, and always keep Occupied Brock@brockcookOTbrock.cook@me.com

In the latest episode of our podcast, we delve into the fascinating topic of Critical Thinking and its significance in our daily lives. We aim to unravel the mysteries of this crucial skill set, often overlooked yet essential for personal growth and informed decision-making. We'll discuss practical strategies for nurturing a critical mindset, share insights from experts in the field, and provide listeners with actionable tips to apply critical thinking in various aspects of their lives. Whether you're a seasoned critical thinker or just beginning to explore this area, this episode promises to be an enlightening journey into the world of rational thought and reasoned analysis. Join us as we embark on this adventure to enhance our cognitive abilities and enrich our understanding of the world around us. And hey, if you enjoyed today's chat, we'd love it if you could leave us a review and share the episode with your network. Look after yourself, look after others, and always keep Occupied Brock@brockcookOTbrock.cook@me.com

Today's episode is all about mastering interviews, whether you're sitting in the hot seat or the one steering the conversation. We're unpacking everything from breaking down interview myths to post-interview protocols in a way that's easy to digest and even easier to put into action. First off, we're tackling what really happens in an interview, shining a light on the realities versus the common myths. Making a stellar first impression is more than just dressing sharp; it's about presenting the best version of yourself, from your body language to your choice of words. And speaking of words, we'll dive into how to keep the conversation flowing naturally, with tips on active listening and expressing yourself clearly without getting tangled in jargon. Feeling jittery just thinking about interviews? No stress! We've got some straightforward strategies to help you stay cool and collected. Plus, once the interview's over, we're not leaving you hanging. We'll chat about the art of the follow-up and why reflecting on your interview experience is a hidden gem for personal growth. Wrapping up Episode 167, remember, it's all about being prepared, staying authentic, and communicating clearly. Tune in next time for more real talk and pro tips in the world of occupational therapy. And hey, if you enjoyed today's chat, we'd love it if you could leave us a review and share the episode with your network. Look after yourself, look after others, and always keep Occupied Brock@brockcookOTbrock.cook@me.com

I'm joined by Helen Harrington and Marielle Turner and we embark on a journey of self-reflection and understanding. We delve into the concept of white privilege, and its impact on healthcare today.

Never in my wildest dreams did I see us getting here. Last night we clocked over….half a million downloads!! That's right…500,000

1 Month on from the OT Australia National Conference in Cairns and these are some reflections from the event! Look after yourself, look after others, and always keep Occupied Brock@brockcookOTbrock.cook@me.com

Was listening to OT & Chill recently and something from this episode triggered my brain into thought!

I explore my friend, Marie's, journey into working with kids with trauma and some of the considerations that need to be made by clinicians when working in this kind of area.  Look after yourself, look after others, and always keep Occupied Brock@brockcookOTbrock.cook@me.com

The main aim of this presentation is to share the evolution of the role of occupational therapists in the field of eating disorders.

If you're on social media and don't know Mandy then are you really on social media? Mandy is not only a beautiful person but has been in the online space helping therapists and students grow and learn into the profession.

What does being Independent mean? why does it always seem to be an OT's goal for their clients? Is it even possible? A long time bug bear that I decided to have a deeper look into. Part of this ep looks at info from the included article. 

Karina Sanson-Fisher Occupational therapist in Mulubinba (Newcastle), Australia Instagram @doing.therapy Session title Doing Drugs: Occupational therapy and alcohol and other drugs Session details This session explores an occupational therapy role working with people who use alcohol and other drugs, and provides my own experiences of finding and maintaining occupationally focussed practice in this space. For more and how to register for future seminars, see: https://blogs.brighton.ac.uk/occupation/

Absolutely honoured to be asked to deliver the keynote for the Wisconsin OT Association virtual conference. This is that presentation as well as the Q&A at the end of it for your consumption. 

If you're like me you are aware that memory is a thing. You may even know there are different types etc but for many this is the extent of it. Allison Brush IS the Memory OT. I came across her page on Insta where she puts out awesome content around the OT's role when working with people whose memory has been impacted. It seemed like something that I definitely had to find out more about and brought you along for the ride!

Time for a secret sneaky episode! featuring the one and only Claire Hocking doing her All About Occupation Seminar For more and how to register for future seminars, see: https://blogs.brighton.ac.uk/occupation/

So I've been asked a fair bit about where I think the profession is at right now and where I think it's going. So here is a short and sweet exploration of that exact topic.....or is it....

We explore OT's role in politics and how Clarice's background makes her the perfect therapist to break this down for me. We look at various practice areas and the impact the medical model is having on them as well as our opinions on the positive or negative aspects of this impact.

This seminar aims to create a dialogue about the possibilities of life faced by the population who experience dissidence of genders and sexualities.

Leadership is a topic that everyone has come across during their studies, career, sports engagement or just general life but how's your knowledge about what it actually is?

A hot topic every April during OT month. Why does no-one know what we do? I want to look deeper into how this became a problem and what can we do to fix it.

You may have heard her on the Holly the OT podcast and if not then definitely get on that! Holly works in a super remote Australian town called Lightening Ridge. Her experience of the newgrad transition on top of working super remote is unique and one that everyone can take lessons from.

his session will focus on understanding the basics of sexuality and the various ways it translates into human occupations.

For some students virtual learning and, in turn, virtual therapy is the only option available. Zoom fatigue, anyone? ?‍♀️ This got us thinking…is this really the best way for students to be learning and what are some alternative means for providing client centered therapy. What about using resources that all of us have right at our fingertips: Nature! ??

Carissa returns to the podcast! During her last episode (OCCUPIED 123) she discussed her personal experience with eating disorders and was about to embark on her doctoral project. She has now completed that project and has come back to talk about how it went.

This session will cover the learnings from a number of years research into digital workers' occupational experience.

Is being a fieldwork educator a skill? What are traits that make a good educator? Importance of communication  Navigating safety and expectations  Educators knowing their roles in fieldwork education When do you know that you are ready to take students? How we can prepare to be a fieldwork educator

In this episode Moo and I explore creativity and where the mental and physical benefits of creativity might lay as well as how Moo manages the balance between using creativity for self expression as well as a business.

What makes OT practitioners good (and bad) as entrepreneurs Navigating the ins and outs of business without a business degree  Importance of understanding finances  Can anybody be an entrepreneur Social entrepreneurship 

Session Title “How Did I Get Here? One Occupational Therapist's Search for Meaning” Session Details (TW // sexual violence) The purpose of this session is to provide my personal perspective as a practitioner, educator, and researcher on the topics identified as the focus of this seminar series. In these roles, I have attempted to understand people as occupational beings. This quest has led me to explore and promote people's engagement in activities, and in learning in particular, and appreciate the high degree of trauma many people have experienced or are experiencing whenever they attempt something new or challenging. This recognition has shaped my teaching and intervention practices and has me now focused on the legacy of occupational therapy in mental health, so I would like to share some resources that have resonated with me on this journey, in hopes that they may inspire others, cause discussion, and engage lively debate. Resources https://research.aota.org/ajot/articl... https://research.aota.org/ajot/articl... In 2006, as I was first shifting from a clinical to educational focus, I was hopeful; the community-engaged scholar is a role that has held significance for me. In the aftermath of a personally chaotic period of my life. I met Tina Champagne, and she inspired me then and has continued to be a source of motivation, persistence, and determination in my contribution to OT. It has always been my hope that I could contribute to improving the health and well-being of the people I encounter in life. The chance to teach holds a special potential and obligation in achieving my goals. I became very interested in studying how students learn, and how to maximize significant learning. I examined the meaning of my students' and my own engagement in activities in many very diverse contexts, and the relationship between occupation, identity, trauma, recovery and self-discovery https://research.aota.org/ajot/articl... https://clairecunnington.com/ https://articlegateway.com/index.php/... As this process has continued to evolve, I have been able to create community-based collaborations with local organizations in which I have become involved https://www.mlkjrfamilyservices.org/a... https://www.viability.org/ And begun to reflect on my own legacy and those who helped shaped my experience as an OT practitioner, educator & researcher: https://www.allen-cognitive-network.org/ https://naric.com/?q=en/content/order-life-skills-manual https://www.otleaders.org/home For more and how to register for future seminars, see: https://blogs.brighton.ac.uk/occupation/

This ep we have a look at that experience and then funnel down into her interest and experience living and working with chronic pain.

We explored Samantha's journey through the profession, how she got involved with WFOT, how she made it to the position of President and we explore the upcoming WFOT Congress in Paris.

Alondra is an occupational therapist in Bay Area California and currently, she provides services via Hippotherapy, which entails incorporating horses And utilizing the movement of the horse Within the treatment sessions. She has a keen interest in imposter syndrome given her own personal experience of it. 

Her passion for improving those around her and assisting people to learn from her experiences is infectious. But how did it get to this stage? How did she get to share her content with thousands of OT's? How does she cope with modern day stressors of being a content creator? These are just a couple of the things we explored.

This session will introduce the participants to the community-based Music Engagement Program, which aims to create opportunities for social interaction and wellbeing for all of those who are involved through sharing songs.

I'm the first to admit that I never used the MOHO much in clinical practice for a number of reasons. Conversations with Ruth started to get me to revisit some of the thoughts I'd had for a long while.

So recently I embarked on a challenge with a few friends. We read Greg McKeown's Essentialism: The disciplined pursuit of less. The common feeling through the group was that we all often take on way more projects than we might have the capacity to handle.

Outcome measurement is crucial to proving the effectiveness of occupational therapy, but remains scarce in many areas of practice. So what's holding us back?

In this episode we explore the injury and his rehabilitation up to this point from an occupational perspective.

This episode we are diving into the effects we have been experiencing recently due to the COVID-19 pandemic and “safer-at-home” restrictions. We looked at how it has impacted our habits and routines and also what we can do to adjust to these changes to maintain a sense of positivity and mental wellbeing.

This is a model that I have used for many years with a massive variety of clients, friends, family and myself to help explain how a variety of concepts interrelate and can impact on our ability to cope with life. 

Dr Nick Pollard is a senior lecturer in occupational therapy at Sheffield Hallam University, teaching occupational therapy students at undergraduate and post graduate level, and course leader of the MSc pre-registration programme. He was previously professional lead in occupational therapy, vocational rehabilitation and dietetics on an interim basis for 23 months, and before that team leader and research co-ordinator for occupational therapy also at senior lecturer grade. His MA explored internal migration and mental health; His MSc explored occupations in creative writing groups, and his PhD the political implied in occupational therapy. Dr Pollard has written and presented extensively on community based rehabilitation and on critical explorations of occupational therapy. You may know Dr Pollard for having coedited several landmark occupational therapy texts, notably the Occupational Therapy without Borders books, with a new edition published in 2016. This episode we explore the need for OT's to understand and take a more active role in being political within the spaces that we work. Look after yourself, look after others, and always keep Occupied Brock@brockcookOTbrock.cook@me.com If you want even more valuable content join for bonus podcast episodes, resources, mentorship and much much more!

Session Details In this seminar, we will discuss the following: - The nature of meaningful occupations - The difference between meaningful and psychologically rewarding occupations - The postulated healing properties of meaningful and psychologically rewarding occupations - Future research to clarify the nature of meaningful and psychologically rewarding occupations

You know her. You love her. I'm honored to have the phenomenal Professor Gail Whiteford back on the podcast. This time we got to talk about a project thats very close to her heart and we lay out a challenge to you all to get involved!

As occupational therapy practitioners, we know the importance of community; so please reach out and let us know how you are navigating this challenging time. We here at the OT RoundTable want to support you and band together as an OT community.

Just a short update about where I've been, what I've been up to, and what the plan is for 2022!