Occupied

06/11/2025

🎙️OCCUPIED - 182 - Doing, Being, Becoming Collective ft Brad Williams 🎙️

n 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:
* 🌊 The natural ebb and flow of professional identity — and how OTs can lose (and rediscover) their sense of purpose.
* 🔥 Burnout, disillusionment, and the courage it takes to pause and realign.
* 🧩 Why models and frameworks aren’t just academic tools, but anchors for reasoning, reflection, and reconnection with occupation.
* 🤝 The importance of community, vulnerability, and staying curious about who we are becoming as practitioners.
This episode is a grounded, honest reflection on growth, drift, and renewal — reminding us that returning to the core of our profession often starts with reconnecting to ourselves.

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Host: Brock Cook
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02/11/2025

🎙️OCCUPIED - 181 – Leading Change and Shaping the Future of Occupational Therapy with Professor Elspeth Froude 🎙️

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.

💥 Exclusive Listener Offer!
 Listeners of Occupied can receive 10% off full registration for the WFOT World Congress 2026 in Thailand using the code Occupied@10 at checkout. Don’t miss this chance to connect, learn, and celebrate occupational therapy on the global stage!

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Host: Dr Jessica Levick
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https://www.occupiedpodcast.com/181

17/10/2025

🎙️OCCUPIED - 180 – Knowledge Translation and Lifelong Learning with Dr Kieran Broome🎙️

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.

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Host: Dr Jessica Levick
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https://www.occupiedpodcast.com/180

20/09/2025

🎙️OCCUPIED - 179 - Private Practice with a Recovering People Pleaser ft Joey Peppas🎙️

In this episode, I’m joined by , 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.

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Host: Brock Cook

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https://www.occupiedpodcast.com/179

03/09/2025

OCCUPIED - 178 – Life and Leadership with the New AOTA President – Dr Arameh Anvarizadeh

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.

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Host: Brock Cook

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https://www.occupiedpodcast.com/178

16/07/2025

OCCUPIED - 177 - A New Clinical Reasoning Model with Dr Craig Greber

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!

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Host: Dr Jessica Levick & Brock Cook

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https://www.occupiedpodcast.com/177

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.

09/07/2025

OCCUPIED - 176 – Reflections from 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.

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Host: Dr Jessica Levick & Brock Cook

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https://www.occupiedpodcast.com/176-2

23/06/2025

🎙️OCCUPIED - 175 - Academia: Highs and Lows 🎙️

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.

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Host: Dr Jessica Levick & Brock Cook

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https://www.occupiedpodcast.com/175

23/06/2025

OCCUPIED - 175 - Academia: Highs and Lows

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.

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Host: Dr Jessica Levick & Brock Cook

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https://www.occupiedpodcast.com/175

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

09/06/2025

OCCUPIED - 174 - Recovery-Oriented Practice in Mental Health with Martin Staines

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.

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https://www.occupiedpodcast.com/174

09/06/2025

OCCUPIED - 174 - Recovery-Oriented Practice in Mental Health with Martin Staines

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.

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Host: Dr Jessica Levick

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https://www.occupiedpodcast.com/174

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

23/05/2025

🎙️OCCUPIED - 173 - OT Australia’s Chief Occupational Therapist Michelle Oliver🎙️

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.

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Host:  Brock Cook

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https://www.occupiedpodcast.com/173

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