The Wellbeing Edge

A quick journey into interoception and social connection

Wed, 20 May 2026 20:32:00 GMT

In this episode I dive into some of the science and practices behind interoception, social connection, and co-regulation, highlighting how there's so much more than words when it comes to social dynamics and connection.

Dr. Stephen Mattarollo: When a leading researcher in chronic stress, inflammation, and cancer meets mindbody medicine for a chronic illness

Wed, 13 May 2026 20:40:00 GMT

What happens when you're a lead researcher, studying chronic stress, inflammation, the immune system, and cancer...and then unexpectedly develop your own debilitating chronic illness?

Do you begin to question whether science really has all the answers to unlock human healing?

This week we welcome Dr Stephen Mattarollo to the podcast - and I think you're going to love his story!

Stephen has a background in immunology, with over 10 years’ experience as a biomedical researcher, leading a group in the field of cancer immunotherapy and neuroimmunology at the University of QLD.

As a result of chronic illness, Stephen confronted his own beliefs about healing and now teaches mind/body practices, including qigong, breathwork, relaxation therapy and meditation.

We discuss Stephen's research, the journey through his illness, and the full circle moment where he started applying the science of mindbody medicine to his own health challenges.

Contact Stephen via his website: https://www.drsteveqigong.com/about

Breath, Heart Rate Variability and the A52 Breath Technique

Wed, 06 May 2026 20:34:00 GMT

This is a short solo episode that walks you through some of the science, techniques and important notes on breathwork, the connection with heart rate variability, and a research-based technique called the A52 Method.

Before you begin any breathwork practice it is important that you speak with your GP to make sure it is safe to proceed.

The Wellbeing Edge Intro and Welcome

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 03:41:10 GMT

Welcome to The Wellbeing Edge. I'm so glad you're here! Learn more about the podcast here and subscribe to be notified about new episodes.

Coming up, we have interviews with top researchers at the cutting edge of wellbeing and performance and shorter episodes where I dive into some of the practical wellbeing strategies that will help you at your performance edge.

To support the wellbeing of your teams and leaders, reach out to me at sunrisewell.com.au.

website: sunrisewell.com.au

email: hello@sunrisewell.com.au

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruthkentsunrisewell/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunrise_well/#

Professor Jarrod Haar: Loneliness, Wellbeing, and Measuring Burnout

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 20:00:00 GMT

Jarrod Haar has spent decades studying the thing most of us spend over half of our waking lives doing, work. As one of New Zealand's most prolific management researchers, his work spans burnout, leadership, work-life balance, inclusion, innovation, and teams. But underneath all of it is a single driving question: what actually allows people to thrive?

In this conversation, we go well beyond the headlines. Jarrod unpacks what large-scale data can — and can't — tell us about the human experience at work. We talk about the kind of leadership and culture that genuinely changes outcomes, and why belonging and connection matter more than most leaders realise.

We also discuss how he protects his own wellbeing, what meaningful contribution feels like now, and what he believes about people, work, and living well.

Jarrod can be reached via his email: J.Haar@massey.ac.nz