Episodes

In this episode of SIX Hats, Dr. Shami sits down with ADHD coach and consultant Francine Freedman to explore the realities of high functioning ADHD in adults. Many people with ADHD appear successful on the outside with careers, businesses, families, achievements and yet internally feel overwhelmed, exhausted, emotionally dysregulated, or constantly “behind.” Francine shares practical insights into why ADHD is often missed in adults, particularly women and high achievers, and explains how unders...

Burnout doesn’t always look like breaking down. For many men, it looks like continuing to function, going to work, supporting others, staying productive while quietly feeling exhausted, irritable, and disconnected. In this episode, Dr Shami explores the early signs of burnout that are often overlooked, and why recognising them early can make all the difference. This conversation offers a deeper understanding of how burnout develops, not just mentally, but physically, through the nervous syste...

In this episode, Dr Shami speaks with building biologist Nicole Bijlsma about the hidden health effects of mould and how your home environment may be contributing to chronic symptoms. Mould is more than just a cosmetic issue, it’s a biological exposure. When moisture sits in a home for more than 48 hours, microbes can proliferate and release toxins and airborne compounds that impact indoor air quality and health. Connect with Nicole here: https://www.buildingbiology.com.au/ Disclaimer: The con...

You can’t heal in survival mode. In this episode, we explore: • The difference between a regulated and dysregulated nervous system • Why your body may feel “on edge” even when life looks fine • Simple ways to create internal safety (without overwhelming yourself) Because your body doesn’t need perfection. It needs signals that it’s safe. Download e-book here: https://payhip.com/b/Houir Disclaimer: The content in the podcast is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional med...

Shoulder pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints, especially as we age, yet many people don’t fully understand what’s driving it. In this episode, Dr Shami sits down with Steffan Cavalera to break down rotator cuff pathology in a way that is clear, practical, and empowering. From why it develops to what actually works for recovery, this episode will help you rethink how you approach shoulder pain Disclaimer: The content in the podcast is not intended to constitute or be a su...

We’ve been taught to fight stress. But what if stress isn’t the problem — it’s the message? In this episode, I’ll help you understand: • Why your body creates stress responses • The shift from “something is wrong” to “something is trying to be heard” This is where your healing begins — with understanding, not fear. Download e-book here: https://payhip.com/b/Houir Disclaimer: The content in the podcast is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis ...

Menopause is a natural stage of life caused by declining reproductive hormones, usually occurring in the 40s–50s, but every woman’s experience is unique. In this episode, Dr Baljit Rana shares a compassionate and practical guide for men who want to better understand what their partner may be experiencing, emotionally, physically, and psychologically. This conversation focuses on awareness, empathy, communication, and support strategies that can help couples navigate menopause together. Connec...

Many people are living in chronic stress mode without realising it. They feel tired but wired, their sleep becomes disrupted, digestion becomes sensitive, and small stresses start to feel overwhelming. But often these symptoms are not random. They are signals from the nervous system that the body has been in survival mode for too long. In this episode of the SIX Hats Podcast, integrative GP Dr Shami explores 10 common signs that your body may be stuck in stress mode, and explains why recogni...

ADHD affects both children and adults, yet many people feel they’re still not getting the full picture, especially when it comes to root causes and long-term brain health. In this episode, I’m joined by Dr Ali Ajaz, a UK-based psychiatrist with specialist interests in Nutritional Psychiatry, Gut–Brain Health, and Functional Medicine. A graduate of Guy's, King's and St Thomas' School of Medicine, Dr Ajaz has over a decade of NHS experience in forensic psychiatry, alongside a strong academic back...

In this episode of SIX Hats, Dr Amy Behimer, PharmD, health coach, and person living with Multiple Sclerosis, joins us to unpack what thriving really means when you live with a chronic condition. Amy shares her personal journey — from clinical mindset to intuitive wisdom — and helps listeners see where most approaches to chronic health fall short. We explore how shifting perspective, prioritising energy, and stepping into new "hats" of health leadership can transform overwhelm into confidence. I...

In this episode of SIX Hats, Dr Shami is joined by neuroscientist Cameron Allen, founder of Neuroprogeny, to explore why nervous system regulation may be the missing link in healing — especially for people who feel they’ve “tried everything.” Together, they unpack: What nervous system regulation actually means (beyond breathwork and mindset) Why chronic stress and survival states are so common in modern life How learning safety in the body can unlock physical, emotional, and cognitive healin...

Today I’m joined by the incredible Rajes Harper — an Educational and Developmental Psychologist whose career spans more than two decades of supporting children, families, schools, and communities. Rajes holds a Doctor of Philosophy and a Master of Psychology in Educational and Developmental Psychology from Monash University. Since 2009, she has been a Trainer for Triple P International, teaching health, allied health, and educational professionals around the world how to deliver the Triple P — ...

In this episode of Six Hats, Dr. Shami sits down with Dr. Brian Ang—ophthalmologist, nutritional medicine advocate, and founder of Nutravision. Through his clinical work, he began connecting the dots between vision, inflammation, ageing, micronutrient status, and the brain—and discovered how profoundly nutrition shapes long-term eye and systemic health. Today, Dr. Ang shares the story behind Nutravision, why he believes targeted supplementation is the next frontier for protecting the eyes, and...

Today on The Six Hats, we’re joined by Dr Melissa Beitner, bariatric surgeon and obesity medicine specialist here in Melbourne. Dr Melissa Beitner is the founder of 360 Surgery, a comprehensive weight-management clinic based in Windsor with locations across Victoria. She is a bariatric surgeon and obesity medicine specialist who leads a multidisciplinary team of dietitians, psychologists, exercise physiologists, and physicians to provide a truly 360-degree approach to health. Dr Beitner is deep...

In this episode of SIX HATS, Dr Shami sits down with Michelle Campbell—founder of the social-impact nonprofit #Stability and author of Bluebird: A Memoir of Trauma, Heartbreak and Divine Beauty in the Struggle—to explore the emotional and systemic roots of financial illiteracy. From personal trauma to financial empowerment, Michelle shares how understanding money became her pathway to healing and how she’s now helping others escape cycles of economic instability. Together, we unpack the psychol...

In this intimate episode, Steph Sta Maria, writer and mother of two, invites us into the quiet, unspoken corners of becoming a mother later in life. Drawing from her own journey of two pregnancies at 44 and 47, and conversations with other women walking the same path, Steph explores the unique challenges and strengths of motherhood in midlife. You’ll hear about: The physical, mental and emotional changes unique to motherhood in your 40s How being high-performing makes motherhood more challengin...

Scapegoating at work is one of the most subtle—and damaging—forms of workplace abuse. Unlike bullying, which is overt and direct, scapegoating often hides in plain sight: an individual is unfairly blamed, excluded, or sacrificed to protect the image of a team or leader. In this episode, Dr. Nathalie Martinek, author of The Scapegoating Playbook at Work, unpacks the predictable stages of scapegoating and how they unfold in professional settings. You’ll learn: Why scapegoating isn’t the same as ...

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Romey Granek, a Melbourne-based general surgeon who graduated from Monash University in 2014. With a career spanning acute general surgery, trauma, Aboriginal health, and surgical education, Dr. Granek brings a thoughtful, systems-focused approach to patient care. We explore: Why gallbladder issues are the most common cause of abdominal pain in women How women often present differently with abdominal symptoms—and what that means for diagnosis What to expec...

In this powerful episode of SIX Hats, Dr. Shami sits down with Christine Garde-Denning, visionary founder and CEO of CouldYou?, a global nonprofit on a mission to eliminate period poverty by 2030. Christine shares the eye-opening moment that changed the course of her life, the ripple effect of menstrual health on education, dignity, and economic opportunity for women and girls—and why ending period poverty is a solvable, scalable issue. With projects in over 10 countries and a bold vision to e...

Join Jenny Bourke, a certified Create Lift Hypopressives Coach and Pilates Instructor, as she delves into her personal journey of overcoming pelvic organ prolapse through hypopressive exercises. In this episode, Jenny shares insights in the field, highlighting: Understanding Hypopressives: An introduction to hypopressive techniques and how they differ from traditional core exercises. Personal Transformation: Jenny's experience with prolapse post-childbirth and how hypopressives played a pivota...

What does personal safety really mean—and how do we protect it in relationships, especially when facing separation or control? In this empowering episode of SIX Hats, Dr. Shami sits down with multi-award-winning family and divorce lawyer Cassandra Kalpaxis—best-selling author, advocate, and creator of Australia’s first divorce retreat. From domestic violence prevention to helping women reclaim financial autonomy, Cassandra is rewriting the script for how women navigate separation with dignity a...

In this eye-opening episode of SIX Hats, Dr. Shami sits down with nutrition researcher and myth-buster Zoe Harcombe, PhD to unpack one of the most misunderstood topics in modern nutrition: dietary fat. From the war on saturated fat to the cholesterol conundrum, Zoe explains how flawed science, politics, and fear-based messaging led to decades of confusion. We dive into: Why fat doesn’t make you fat The truth about cholesterol and heart disease How public health guidelines got it wro...

In this episode, I speak with integrative gynaecologist Dr. Shamitha Kathurusinghe about a fresh, whole-person approach to women’s health. We unpack how nutrition and lifestyle can drive conditions like heavy periods, painful periods, and endometriosis—and why healing starts well before surgery. Dr. Shamitha shares what makes her patient journey different: taking time to understand the root causes, preparing patients with nutritional and emotional support, and only turning to surgery when it’s ...

In this episode, I am joined by clinical nutritionist Natalie Earle from Nutrition with Confidence to unpack two often misunderstood conditions: POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) and Long COVID. Together, they explore the complex web connecting immune dysregulation, autonomic nervous system dysfunction, and lingering fatigue after viral illness. Natalie brings a compassionate, root-cause lens to these chronic conditions—sharing nutritional strategies, calming the nervous system, ...