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: 🌊 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. Check out the Becoming Collective here:  The free Clarity Collection guide 1 download: https://thebecomingcollective.kit.com/07b16351bcThe OT Re-Alignment Experience page: https://becoming-realign-landing.lovable.app/The Becoming Collective page: www.thebecomingcollective.com Email: hello@thebecomingcollective.com

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! 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. Instagram: @OccupiedPodcast Facebook: Occupied Podcast Host: Brock Cook Subscribe now and never miss an episode!

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!

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. 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!

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!

So in this episode, I explore some random reflections I’ve had after coming across the concept of “minimalism”. It started when I found a documentary on Netflix called Minimalism: A documentary about the important things which was the beginning of me diving down the minimalism rabbit hole. “Minimalism is a lifestyle that helps people question what things add value to their lives. By clearing the clutter from life’s path, we can all make room for the most important aspects of life: health, relationships, passion, growth, and contribution.” The reason this concept grabbed me, once I started looking into it, is because I could see some really close links with Occupational Science! I decided to have a think and a chat about the links that I could see and how they might relate to Occupational Therapy and I hope this provides some food for thought for some people. https://www.theminimalists.com Keep occupied  Brockbrock.cook@me.com@brockcookOT

This episode I delved into the world of the New Graduate Occupational Therapist!! I had the pleasure of sitting down with the one and only Dominic Lloyd-Randolfi to hear about his journey into Occupational Therapy including his involvement with www.NewgradOccupationalTherapy.com NewGradOT is an amazing blog resource for new graduates containing an amazing array of information with the aim of helping new graduates navigate the (often scary) transition into the profession. We had a chat about his transition from student to practitioner, sex as an occupation, made some comparisons between American health care and Australia’s as well as (OF COURSE) provide some tips for new grad therapists to help make the transition to practice a much smoother and more productive one. Keep occupied  Brockbrock.cook@me.com@brockcookOT

Every now and then a small thing happens during my day triggers some much more extensive thoughts/reflections (ironic right?). Discussing with my Occupational Therapy students about the importance of reflection got me thinking about my personal journey towards developing this SUPER IMPORTANT skill. I discuss a bit about my experience of finally realising how amazing this skillset can be and some tips about when and how you can start implementing it. If you enjoy it and know someone else who could do with some tips on reflection than feel free to share this podcast with them! Keep occupied Brockbrock.cook@me.com@brockcookOT

Simone contacted me on Reddit following the release of Occupied episode 001 saying she wrote a blog called the Rocket OT and had created a visual that “demonstrates how regulation develops and is affected depending on environment/occupation”. After having a chat it was clear that Simone and myself were on similar wavelengths so how could I not have a chat with her and learn more about her occupation perspectives and her story. We delved into a tonne of topics including OT’s and the drift away from occupation, professional identity, sensory modulation as well as Simone’s very own Occupation based pediatric resources. I hope you enjoy it as much as we enjoyed having the discussion! Follow Simone’s work here:https://www.facebook.com/rocketot/ Keep occupied Brockbrock.cook@me.com

Operation Occupation was a project that I undertook a few years ago and was a turning point in my career for my personal growth into the profession of OT. Below is a presentation that I gave to the OT’s in my district about the “Operation Occupation” project whilst it was in progress: Keep occupied Brockbrock.cook@me.com