All of us go through good times and bad and develop coping mechanisms through life’s experience. But how much of our resilience is in-built and how much can be learnt with positive behavioural techniques, self-care and mindfulness? Hear from the experts about the power of laughter, the importance of alone time, and the ability to rebuild our foundations when rocked by a crisis, perhaps even coming back stronger as a result.

Speakers:

Kerri Sackville: Australian author, columnist, and social commentator known for her insightful contributions to the Sydney Morning Herald, Melbourne Age, and Sunday Life magazine. She has written five non-fiction books and contributed to anthologies. Her latest, The Secret Life of You (Pantera, 2023), explores the impact of solitude.

Jana Firestone: Therapist with over 17 years’ experience specialising in grief, trauma, and family dynamics. Host and executive producer of The Curious Life Podcast and The Days That Follow, and author of Plot Twist: A Personal Guide to Surviving Life’s Unexpected Curveballs and the bestseller Embracing Change. Jana applies a warm and practical therapist’s perspective to navigating life’s toughest challenges.

Erica Frydenberg AM: Clinical, organisational, and educational psychologist, and Principal Research Fellow (Honorary) at Melbourne Graduate School of Education. She has authored over 150 academic works and books on coping, resilience, and psychology. Her 2022 book Coping in Good Times and Bad: Developing Fortitude targets a general audience. Erica's work is grounded in positive psychology, and she recently completed a Holocaust memoir.

Ros Ben-Moshe (moderator): Author and Adjunct Lecturer at La Trobe University's School of Public Health and Psychology, specializing in laughter, wellbeing, and positivity. She coordinates the Laughter, Resilience, and Wellbeing online course. Ros is known for her international bestsellers The Laughter Effect and Laughing at Cancer. A sought-after expert, she contributes regularly to media outlets like The Huffington Post, Canberra Times, and Herald-Sun.

Want to pre-order your lunch for the Festival Sunday? Just pick 1 of our 3 delicious options via:
🔗 Pre-order your lunchbox