Occupied

In this episode of Occupied, Dr Jessica Levick sits down with mental health nurse Ayden Riethmuller to explore the powerful intersection between lived experience and professional practice. Ayden shares his personal journey with mental health challenges and how these experiences have shaped his approach to care, compassion, and recovery-oriented practice. Together, they discuss the value of lived experience. This candid conversation highlights the strength that comes from vulnerability and the ways personal experience can enrich professional identity in mental health care. Whether you're a clinician, student, or someone with lived experience, this episode offers an honest, hopeful look at what it means to support recovery — for ourselves and others. Instagram: @OccupiedPodcastFacebook: Occupied Podcast Host: Dr Jessica LevickSubscribe now and never miss an episode!

In this episode, Brock sits down with Brad from The Becoming Collective to unpack what it really means to come into alignment with the profession of occupational therapy — and what happens when we drift away from it. Brad opens up about the origins of The Becoming Collective, how it started as a space for meaningful connection and reflection, and how the group evolved (and sometimes dissolved) as members navigated burnout, personal growth, and the realities of professional life. Together, Brock and Brad explore:

In this episode, Brock sits down with Brad from The Becoming Collective to unpack what it really means to come into alignment with the profession of occupational therapy — and what happens when we drift away from it. Brad opens up about the origins of The Becoming Collective, how it started as a space for meaningful connection and reflection, and how the group evolved (and sometimes dissolved) as members navigated burnout, personal growth, and the realities of professional life. Together, Brock and Brad explore:

In this episode of Occupied, Dr Jessica Levick chats with Professor Elspeth Froude — Professor of Occupational Therapy and National Head of the School of Allied Health at the Australian Catholic University. Elspeth shares insights from her leadership journey in academia, her passion for advancing the profession globally, and her role as Chair of the WFOT World Congress to be held in Thailand in 2026. Together, Jess and Elspeth explore the evolving landscape of occupational therapy education, research, and international collaboration, and discuss how occupational therapists can stay grounded in occupation while responding to global challenges. A thoughtful and inspiring conversation for anyone passionate about the future of occupational therapy and the power of leadership to create meaningful change.

In this episode of Occupied, Dr Jessica Levick chats with Professor Elspeth Froude — Professor of Occupational Therapy and National Head of the School of Allied Health at the Australian Catholic University. Elspeth shares insights from her leadership journey in academia, her passion for advancing the profession globally, and her role as Chair of the WFOT World Congress to be held in Thailand in 2026. Together, Jess and Elspeth explore the evolving landscape of occupational therapy education, research, and international collaboration, and discuss how occupational therapists can stay grounded in occupation while responding to global challenges. A thoughtful and inspiring conversation for anyone passionate about the future of occupational therapy and the power of leadership to create meaningful change.

In this episode of Occupied, Dr Jessica Levick is joined by Dr Kieran Broome — occupational therapist, educator, and researcher, to explore how we can bridge the gap between what we know and what we do. We unpack the concept of knowledge translation and why it's essential for meaningful, evidence-informed occupational therapy practice. Kieran shares insights into how OTs can stay curious, reflective, and engaged in lifelong learning, no matter where they are in their career journey. Whether you're a student, clinician, or academic, this conversation will leave you inspired to think critically, learn continuously, and translate knowledge into everyday action. Instagram: @OccupiedPodcastFacebook: Occupied Podcast Host: Dr Jessica LevickSubscribe now and never miss an episode!

In this episode of Occupied, Dr Jessica Levick is joined by Dr Kieran Broome — occupational therapist, educator, and researcher, to explore how we can bridge the gap between what we know and what we do. We unpack the concept of knowledge translation and why it's essential for meaningful, evidence-informed occupational therapy practice. Kieran shares insights into how OTs can stay curious, reflective, and engaged in lifelong learning, no matter where they are in their career journey. Whether you're a student, clinician, or academic, this conversation will leave you inspired to think critically, learn continuously, and translate knowledge into everyday action. Instagram: @OccupiedPodcastFacebook: Occupied Podcast Host: Dr Jessica LevickSubscribe now and never miss an episode!

In this episode, I'm joined by Joey Peppas, an occupational therapist running her own private practice. Together, we dig deep into the less-talked-about realities of our profession—being a people pleaser, battling imposter syndrome, and the unique personality traits that often draw us into OT in the first place. Joey shares her experiences of navigating private practice, from the practical challenges of running a business to the personal growth that comes with stepping outside the comfort zone. We also reflect on the ways our personalities shape how we show up as therapists, colleagues, and leaders. If you've ever felt like you're giving too much, doubted whether you're “enough,” or wondered what it really takes to thrive in private practice, this conversation is for you. https://www.instagram.com/p/DOfxLwMAbV1/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Instagram: @OccupiedPodcast Facebook: Occupied Podcast Host: Brock Cook Subscribe now and never miss an episode!

In this episode, I'm joined by Joey Peppas, an occupational therapist running her own private practice. Together, we dig deep into the less-talked-about realities of our profession—being a people pleaser, battling imposter syndrome, and the unique personality traits that often draw us into OT in the first place. Joey shares her experiences of navigating private practice, from the practical challenges of running a business to the personal growth that comes with stepping outside the comfort zone. We also reflect on the ways our personalities shape how we show up as therapists, colleagues, and leaders. If you've ever felt like you're giving too much, doubted whether you're “enough,” or wondered what it really takes to thrive in private practice, this conversation is for you. Instagram: @OccupiedPodcast Facebook: Occupied Podcast Host: Brock Cook Subscribe now and never miss an episode!

I sit down with Dr. Arameh Anvarizadeh, the newly elected president of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). We dive into her journey into occupational therapy, the experiences that shaped her leadership, and the values guiding her work at the highest level of the profession.

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Arameh Anvarizadeh, the newly elected president of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). We dive into her journey into occupational therapy, the experiences that shaped her leadership, and the values guiding her work at the highest level of the profession. Dr. Anvarizadeh shares candid insights into her personal story, the challenges she's faced, and the vision she has for advancing occupational therapy during her presidential term. From equity and inclusion, to professional advocacy, to building stronger connections across our diverse OT community, her priorities highlight the future direction of the profession. Whether you're a student, clinician, educator, or leader, this conversation will inspire you to reflect on what leadership means in occupational therapy—and how each of us can contribute to shaping the future of our field. Instagram: @OccupiedPodcast Facebook: Occupied Podcast Host: Brock Cook Subscribe now and never miss an episode!

Craig shares insights into the origins of this innovative approach, how it can enhance occupational therapy practice, and why clinical reasoning remains critical to the profession.

Join Brock and Jess as they chat with Dr Craig Greber about an exciting new model of clinical reasoning he's helped to develop. Craig shares insights into the origins of this innovative approach, how it can enhance occupational therapy practice, and why clinical reasoning remains critical to the profession. An essential listen for anyone interested in pushing the boundaries of OT thinking! Instagram: @OccupiedPodcast Facebook: Occupied Podcast Host: Dr Jessica Levick & Brock Cook Subscribe now and never miss an episode!

Brock and Jess chat and explore her firsthand experiences attending the 2025 Occupational Therapy Australia National Conference.

Brock and Jess chat and explore her firsthand experiences attending the 2025 Occupational Therapy Australia National Conference. She explores the highlights, key insights, and areas for improvement from her perspective. Adding depth to the conversation, you'll also hear reflections from a diverse range of attendees, capturing the varied impressions and standout moments from this year's event. Whether you attended or missed out, join us as we unpack the takeaways and discuss what it means for the future of occupational therapy practice. Instagram: @OccupiedPodcast Facebook: Occupied Podcast Host: Dr Jessica Levick & Brock Cook Subscribe now and never miss an episode!

In this candid conversation, Brock and Jess dive into the rewarding yet challenging world of academia within occupational therapy. They discuss the genuine highs, the unexpected lows, and share personal insights about navigating life as educators, researchers, and clinicians. Expect reflections on balance, burnout, triumphs, and the ongoing journey of growth in academia. Tune in for honest perspectives, helpful takeaways, and a relatable chat for anyone connected to or curious about the academic side of occupational therapy. Instagram: @OccupiedPodcast Facebook: Occupied Podcast Host: Dr Jessica Levick & Brock Cook Subscribe now and never miss an episode!

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

In Episode 174 of Occupied, host Dr Jessica Levick speaks with Martin Staines, an Advanced Occupational Therapist with a deep commitment to recovery-oriented practice in mental health. Martin shares reflections from his extensive clinical experience, exploring how occupational therapists can work authentically alongside people experiencing mental health challenges. The conversation dives into what recovery-oriented practice truly looks like in action—from fostering hope and autonomy to navigating risk, documentation, and systemic constraints. Jessica and Martin discuss the tensions clinicians face between policy-driven models of care and person-centred, values-based practice. They unpack the importance of relationships, everyday occupations, and creating space for meaning-making in mental health recovery. This episode is a rich and grounded exploration of how occupational therapists can challenge the status quo, advocate for human rights, and honour the lived experiences of those they support. Whether you're working in mental health or passionate about recovery-oriented care, this episode offers wisdom, inspiration, and practical strategies from the frontline. Instagram: @OccupiedPodcast Facebook: Occupied Podcast Host: Dr Jessica Levick Subscribe now and never miss an episode!

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