The Element of PLAY

Jodi Salmond
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Health & Fitness
  • Weekly

The Element of PLAY with Jodi Salmond is for burnt-out humans, high-functioning adults, and leaders ready to move beyond hustle culture and feel alive again. Through honest conversations, research-backed insights, and practical tools, Jodi explores how play helps us recover energy, spark creativity, build resilience, strengthen relationships, and reconnect with ourselves. Discover why play isn't frivolous—it's a powerful pathway back to connection, courage, curiosity, and a more vibrant life.

  1. 22h ago

    Episode 18: Caring for the Planet Without Losing Yourself | with Dr. Yolanda Waters

    What happens when the very place that brings you peace also becomes a source of grief? In this episode of The Element of PLAY, Jodi Salmond is joined by Dr. Yolanda Waters to explore the deep connection between people and the natural world, the emotional impact of climate change, and why conservation needs more than urgency and fear. For Yolanda, the ocean has always felt like home. Having started diving at just 13, she describes the underwater world as a place of peace, wonder and belonging. But witnessing coral bleaching and reef damage firsthand in 2024 changed that relationship. Something that once restored her energy began bringing anxiety, helplessness and grief. Together, Jodi and Yolanda unpack the reality of eco-anxiety, the gap between caring about the environment and knowing how to take action, and the importance of creating spaces where people can process these feelings together. Why nature feels like home: How the ocean, coral reefs and underwater experiences can create a deep sense of peace, belonging and connection. The emotional impact of climate change: Why witnessing environmental damage firsthand can lead to eco-anxiety, grief and even avoidance of places we once loved. The gap between caring and taking action: Why people can genuinely care about conservation but still struggle to find practical ways to contribute. Why conservation needs different entry points: How food, energy, culture, spirituality and tourism can help more people find their own connection to environmental action. How play can make a difference: Why joy, celebration and shared experiences can make conservation feel more inviting and sustainable than constant threat-based messaging. Why celebrating progress matters: How creating achievable milestones and taking time to recognise wins can help prevent exhaustion in environmental work. How to sustain your purpose without burning out: Why boundaries, separate hobbies, supportive communities and time for personal joy are essential when working toward something bigger than yourself. The power of noticing beauty: How intentionally observing small moments of beauty can shift our attention and reconnect us with appreciation. Play of the Week Start a beauty list. Whether you're walking, running, spending time outdoors or simply going about your day, intentionally notice the little things that catch your attention. A beautiful tree, the sound of birds, sunlight through the clouds, the ocean, or a moment that makes you smile. Write them down. You don't have to solve everything or carry the weight of the world every day. Sometimes, reconnecting with beauty helps remind us why we care in the first place. ✨ What if joy wasn't a distraction from making a difference, but part of what helps us keep going? Dr. Yolanda Waters is a dive instructor turned marine social scientist and the founder and CEO of Divers for Climate, a national movement of divers and dive professionals across Australia mobilised for climate action. Inspired by her time working on the Great Barrier Reef, she now designs evidence-based climate communication and engagement strategies that empower ocean communities to drive systemic change. Through her research, advocacy and media work, Yolanda is building a climate movement as diverse and dynamic as the ocean itself so that we can continue diving for generations to come. Founder & CEO Divers for Climate Email: yolanda@diversforclimate.com  Website: https://diversforclimate.com Instagram: @diversforclimate  Connect with Jodi Salmond 🌐 Website: https://elementofplay.com 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodi-salmond/ 📱 Instagram: https://instagram.com/the_elementofplay 📘 Facebook: https://facebook.com/theelementofPLAY 💼 Company LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/the-element-of-play 🎥 YouTube: The Element of PLAY 📩 Bookings & Interviews: elementofplaypodcast@gmail.com

  2. Nov 2

    Episode 17: The Gap Between Knowing and Doing | with Ed Howard

    What if the space between feeling stressed and reacting to it was as simple as one breath? In this episode of The Element of PLAY, Jodi Salmond is joined by Ed Howard, author of One Breath Leadership, to explore how a simple breathing practice can help us respond more intentionally, manage stress, and bring greater presence into our work and everyday lives. After spending 20 years balancing Zen training with a demanding career in finance, Ed began exploring how mindfulness could work in the real world of corporate leadership. His approach isn't about complicated meditation rituals or flowery self-help language. It's about finding practical ways to interrupt automatic reactions and create space to make better decisions. Together, Jodi and Ed explore the connection between breath, play, leadership, and nervous-system regulation. They discuss why knowing something isn't the same as practising it, how play can interrupt stress patterns, and why sometimes the most useful thing we can do is simply pause. Because leadership isn't just about what we achieve. It's also about how we show up along the way. How one breath can create space: Why pausing before reacting can help you move away from automatic responses and make more intentional decisions. The story behind One Breath Leadership: How Ed's 20 years of Zen practice alongside a high-pressure finance career inspired a practical approach to leadership. Why practice matters more than knowledge: How small, repeated experiences help turn ideas about mindfulness into everyday habits. How play interrupts stress: Why creative activities and playful experiences can help shift our thinking, reduce stress patterns, and bring more enjoyment into leadership. What gamification can teach us about behaviour: How simple, engaging approaches can encourage people to participate and make different choices. Why water can open up new thinking: How showers, baths, and scuba diving can create space for reflection, presence, and fresh ideas. How breathing supports calm and focus: Why Ed recommends a simple six-count inhale and six-count exhale practice, with attention on the lower belly. Play of the Week Practise the power of one breath. When you notice yourself feeling stressed, frustrated, or caught up in an automatic reaction, pause for a moment. Breathe in for six counts, then breathe out for six counts. Bring your attention to your breath and give yourself a little space before responding. You don't need a perfect meditation setup or a long break. Start with one intentional breath and see what changes. 🌐 Website: https://OneBreathLeadership.com Explore Ed's free resources, book chapters, audiobook, paperback and Kindle editions, and additional breathing practice materials. Connect with Jodi Salmond 🌐 Website: https://elementofplay.com 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodi-salmond/ 📱 Instagram: https://instagram.com/the_elementofplay 📘 Facebook: https://facebook.com/theelementofPLAY 💼 Company LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/the-element-of-play 🎥 YouTube: The Element of PLAY📩 Bookings & Interviews: elementofplaypodcast@gmail.com

  3. Oct 30

    Episode 16: Press Play on Your Own Life

    When was the last time you put on a song, forgot what anyone else thought, and just let yourself move? In this episode of The Element of PLAY, Jodi Salmond is joined by Laree Gadenne, DJ Soul Fusion, to explore how music, movement, and self-expression can help us reconnect with our energy and rediscover the joy of being ourselves. From childhood dance and the magic of hearing a familiar song to reading a crowd and creating an atmosphere where people feel free to move, Laree shares how music can shift a room - and sometimes, shift how we feel about ourselves. But this conversation goes beyond DJing. Laree opens up about authenticity, vulnerability, and the freedom that comes when we stop hiding parts of ourselves to fit other people's expectations. Whether she's wearing pink and sparkles, dancing, creating, or recharging with friends and time at the beach, she reminds us that play doesn't have to be another thing on our to-do list. Sometimes, it starts with giving ourselves permission to enjoy the moment. Why play starts with participation: How showing up fully and allowing yourself to be seen can open the door to connection and joy. How music changes our energy: Why familiar songs can bring back memories, unlock movement, and help us reconnect with a more carefree version of ourselves. The art of reading a room: How DJs respond to a crowd's energy, adapt in the moment, and use music to bring people together. Why authenticity is contagious: How expressing your full self can give others permission to let go of judgment and do the same. How to protect your energy: Why creative outlets, time with friends, the beach, exercise, and private moments of play matter for recovery. Why play doesn't need an audience: How dancing, DJing, or creating simply for yourself can bring joy without the pressure to perform. How vulnerability creates connection: Why sharing what you've learned can help others feel less alone and encourage more honest conversations. Play of the Week Choose one song that changes your mood. Put it on and let yourself move, sing, dance, or simply enjoy listening. Don't worry about looking good or getting the steps right. You don't need an audience, and you don't need to turn it into a workout. Just notice how you feel before and after. ✨ What could change if you gave yourself permission to play every day - even for the length of one song? Follow Laree for DJ Soul Fusion updates, performances, and upcoming events. Connect with Laree Gadenne ⁠⁠www.djsouldfusion.com⁠⁠ https://www.instagram.com/djsoulfusion/ Connect with Jodi Salmond 🌐 Website:⁠⁠ https://elementofplay.com⁠⁠ 💼 LinkedIn:⁠⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodi-salmond/⁠⁠ 📱 Instagram:⁠⁠ https://instagram.com/the_elementofplay⁠⁠ 📘 Facebook:⁠⁠ https://facebook.com/theelementofPLAY⁠⁠ 💼 Company LinkedIn:⁠⁠ https://linkedin.com/company/the-element-of-play⁠⁠ 🎥 YouTube: The Element of PLAY 📩 Bookings & Interviews: elementofplaypodcast@gmail.com

  4. Oct 19

    Episode 15: Work Is a Game. So Who Made the Rules? | with Tony Tenaglier

    What if work doesn’t have to be something you love every minute—but it also doesn’t have to leave you feeling disconnected from yourself? In this episode of The Element of PLAY, Jodi Salmond explores work, leadership, flow and personal growth with Tony Tenaglier. Drawing on experiences in marine science, workplace leadership, and yoga, Tony shares why meaningful work starts with understanding what matters to you, creating the right conditions for people to succeed, and learning when to step back. Together, they explore the difference between simply chasing outcomes and paying attention to how we get there. From listening to frontline workers and making room for safe failure to finding clarity through nature, yoga and journaling, this conversation challenges us to rethink how we work, lead and live. Because play isn’t just about having fun. It’s also about exploration, experimentation and giving ourselves the space to discover what’s possible. Why work doesn’t have to be perfect: How to question what could improve without falling into unrealistic self-help expectations. What makes leadership more effective: Why listening to frontline teams, providing support and encouraging ownership can create a stronger workplace. Why the process matters as much as the outcome: How examining the way we work—and correcting mistakes early—helps teams learn and improve. How to find your flow: Why clear goals, immediate feedback and a balance between challenge and skill can help you become fully absorbed in an activity. Why recovery is part of performance: How stepping away from intense engagement can restore clarity and help prevent burnout. How nature and yoga create perspective: Why experiences like surfing, diving, stillness and time outdoors can help us reconnect with ourselves. What difficult experiences can teach us about our values: How workplace challenges can reveal what matters most, including accountability and fairness. How small daily practices can shift your focus: Why journaling and writing down three things you appreciate each day can help you notice more than what’s going wrong. Take a few minutes each day to write down three things you appreciate. They don’t have to be big achievements. Notice the small things that brought you joy, helped you through a difficult moment, or reminded you of what matters. Then share those appreciations with someone else. Sometimes, reconnecting with what’s good begins with simply giving it our attention. Tony Tenaglier is an aerospace quality manager, PhD researcher in Industrial-Organizational Psychology, author, podcaster and 500-hour registered yoga teacher. His work sits at the intersection of meaningful work, leadership, flow, burnout, self-awareness and the question of what work should actually feel like.  He hosts Work Sucks, But I Like It, a podcast exploring careers, leadership, workplace culture, flow, purpose and meaningful work. He is also the author of The Impression of a Good Life: Finding Your Song and Dance and Don’t Let Life Pass You By: Win the Game of Work and Play, with In a Rush to Go Nowhere extending his thinking into yoga, stillness and the internal work behind how we live and work.  Links: Website: Work Sucks, But I Like It Podcast: Work Sucks, But I Like It on Apple Podcasts Spotify: Work Sucks, But I Like It on Spotify Connect with Jodi Salmond: 🌐 Website: https://elementofplay.com 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodi-salmond/ 📱 Instagram: https://instagram.com/the_elementofplay 📘 Facebook: https://facebook.com/theelementofPLAY 💼 Company LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/the-element-of-play🎥 YouTube: The Element of PLAY📩 Bookings & Interviews: elementofplaypodcast@gmail.com

  5. Oct 12

    Episode 14: You Can’t Make People Connect. So What Can You Do? | with Domenic Fusca

    What if genuine connection isn’t something we can manufacture - but something we can create the conditions for? In this episode of The Element of PLAY, Jodi Salmond is joined by Domenic Fusca, whose journey from more than 20 years in construction and fire safety into events and community building has shifted his focus from managing projects to creating meaningful human connection. Dom shares how moving to the Sunshine Coast changed his relationship with work, wellbeing and creativity, and why being closer to nature helped him slow down and reconnect with what matters. Together, Jodi and Dom explore what happens when we bring more play, curiosity and genuine interest into the way we work and relate to other people. Because sometimes connection doesn’t need a big plan. It can start with a question, a shared laugh, a playful moment - or simply being curious about another person. Why Dom made the shift from construction and project management into people-focused connection work How our environment can influence our wellbeing, creativity and ability to connect Why play doesn’t need to be scheduled - it can be as simple as music, movement, creativity or a playful moment during a busy day How playful thinking can create mental space for focus, problem-solving and new ideas Why genuine connection can’t be forced, but can be encouraged by creating the right conditions How curiosity and empathy help us understand different perspectives and build safer, more collaborative spaces Why relationships have seasons - and how seeing them as “complete” rather than “over” can change the way we experience change Be curious about one person this week. Ask them something deeper than the usual “How are you?” Maybe ask what brings them joy, what they’re curious about, or what they could talk about for hours. Don’t force the conversation. Just listen. You might discover something about them you never knew - and something about yourself, too. Dom is connected with Mask Events Australia, creating experiences that bring people together through purpose, creativity, culture and connection. Find Domenic Mask Events Australia Website: maskevents.com.au Social: @maskeventsaustralia Pranafest Website: pranafest.com.au Social: @pranafest_australia LinkedInDomenic Fusca linkedin.com/in/domenic-fusca Connect with Jodi Salmond 🌐 Website: https://elementofplay.com 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodi-salmond/ 📱 Instagram: https://instagram.com/the_elementofplay 📘 Facebook: https://facebook.com/theelementofPLAY 💼 Company LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/the-element-of-play 🎥 YouTube: The Element of PLAY 📩 Bookings & Interviews: elementofplaypodcast@gmail.com

  6. Oct 5

    Episode 13: Who Are You When You Stop Achieving? | with Jen Guyton

    What happens when you finally achieve the thing you've been working towards for years—and it still doesn't make you happy? In this episode, Jodi Salmond is joined by Jen Guyton, founder of Wild Beyond Coaching, for a deeply honest conversation about achievement, identity, ambition, play and what happens when success stops feeling like enough. Jen spent 15 years working towards a childhood dream in ecology and photography. When she finally achieved a major milestone—a National Geographic cover in 2024—the excitement faded within weeks, leaving her facing an uncomfortable question: If I achieved everything I thought I wanted, why don't I feel fulfilled? That realisation led Jen to confront what she calls the “Achievement Trap”—the cycle of working towards the next goal, receiving validation, and then immediately moving the finish line further away. Her journey back involved stepping away from photography, reconnecting with simple pleasures, learning to be a beginner again, and rediscovering what it feels like to do something simply because it's fun. In this episode, you'll discover: Why achieving your biggest goals doesn't necessarily create lasting happiness What the “Achievement Trap” is and how constant striving can disconnect us from joy How doing things badly, simply for fun, can help rebuild curiosity and creativity Why slowing down, breathwork and silence can reconnect us with ourselves How ambition can shift from external validation towards sustainable, intrinsic motivation Why life isn't a straight ladder of achievement, but a series of changing chapters and adventures How being present and putting down our devices can create deeper human connection Why calling something an “experiment” can make it easier to try without needing to succeed Jen also shares how her coaching work helps people “rewild” themselves—stripping away the layers of expectation and achievement to reconnect with who they actually are. Because maybe you don't need another goal. Maybe you need permission to play. ✨ Play of the Week: Do something purely because you want to. No networking. No productivity. No achievement. No need to be good at it. Just notice what happens when you give yourself permission to enjoy it. 🌐 Website: https://WildBeyondCoaching.com 📸 Instagram: @WildBeyondCoaching ✨ Take the “Why am I successful but not happy?” quiz and explore Jen’s coaching resources through Wild Beyond Coaching. 🌐 Website: https://elementofplay.com 💼 Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodi-salmond/ 🏢 Company LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/the-element-of-play 📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/the_elementofplay 📘 Facebook: https://facebook.com/theelementofPLAY ▶️ YouTube: The Element of PLAY 📩 Bookings & Interviews: elementofplaypodcast@gmail.com

  7. Sep 30

    Episode 12: Are You Performing at Your Best or Just Producing More? | with Ryan Griffin

    What if high performance isn't about pushing harder—but knowing when to stop? In this episode, Jodi Salmond is joined by Ryan Griffin, founder of Chunky Duck, for a conversation about sustainable high performance, burnout, leadership, work-life balance and the importance of staying connected to what matters. Ryan shares his own journey from a rapidly rising career in advertising to a serious health crisis that forced him to step away, rethink what success meant, and eventually build a different kind of business. Today, his approach to high performance is less about short bursts of productivity and more about creating a sustainable rhythm between output, recovery, health and life. That philosophy also shapes how he leads his remote team at Chunky Duck—with trust, autonomy and outcomes taking priority over micromanagement. From their “duck ups” Slack channel, where mistakes are openly shared, to carefully choosing clients who align with their values, Ryan has built a culture where people can learn, take ownership and still have a life outside work. But burnout doesn't always come from hating your job. Sometimes it comes from caring deeply, wanting to do more and struggling to recognise when your body has reached its limit. In this episode, you'll discover: Why high performance needs to be sustainable rather than based on constantly pushing harder The physical and emotional warning signs Ryan watches for when burnout is approaching How a major health crisis changed Ryan's relationship with work, success and wellbeing Why trust and autonomy can create stronger remote teams than micromanagement How openly sharing mistakes can build psychological safety and encourage learning Why choosing clients who align with your values can protect both wellbeing and work-life balance How play, presence and connection with family can help create a more balanced life Why investing time in relationships can be just as important as investing time in your career Ryan also shares a powerful reminder about connection: the people in our lives don't only need us when everything is going well. Sometimes the deepest relationships are built by showing up when someone is struggling. ✨ Play of the Week: Check in on someone. Take five minutes to send a message, make a call or simply ask someone how they really are. Because sometimes the most meaningful thing we can do isn't produce more. It's connect more. 🌐 Chunky Duck: No link provided 🌐 Website: https://elementofplay.com 💼 Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodi-salmond/ 🏢 Company LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/the-element-of-play 📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/the_elementofplay 📘 Facebook: https://facebook.com/theelementofPLAY ▶️ YouTube: The Element of PLAY 📩 Bookings & Interviews: elementofplaypodcast@gmail.com Connect with Ryan GriffinConnect with Jodi Salmond

  8. Sep 21

    Episode 11: The Unprofessional Professional: What a Costume Gives You That Confidence Alone Can't I with Ayva Rose

    What happens when you give yourself permission to play with who you are? In this episode, Jodi Salmond is joined by Ayva Rose, a photographer, graphic designer, dancer and burlesque performer, for a conversation about creativity, confidence, identity, community and the freedom that comes from embracing your playful side. Ayva’s creative journey has never fit neatly into one box. From starting photography at 16 to studying graphic design, photographing dance performances and eventually stepping back onto the stage herself, she brings together multiple creative worlds to build a career that feels authentically her own. For Ayva, costumes aren't just something you wear for a performance. They create space to explore different parts of yourself, build confidence and express things that everyday life doesn't always make room for. And sometimes, the most meaningful part isn't even being on stage. It's the laughter backstage. Helping someone with their costume. The nerves, the silliness, the shared excitement—and the feeling of being part of something. In this episode, you'll discover: How photography, graphic design and dance can come together to create a unique creative careerWhy Ayva describes herself as an “unprofessional professional” and what authenticity can bring to your workHow costumes and performance can become a form of identity play and confidence-buildingWhy the community backstage can be just as meaningful as the performance itselfHow embracing imperfection can make it easier to try something new and let yourself playWhy wearing colour and dressing in a way that makes you feel good can influence confidence and creativityHow being unapologetically yourself can attract the right people, clients and opportunities into your lifeFrom burlesque and dance to photography, fashion and business, this conversation is a reminder that play doesn't have to mean stopping what you're doing. Sometimes play is how you do it. ✨ Play of the Week: Wear something colourful or playful—not for anyone else, but simply because it makes you feel good. 🌐 Website: https://elementofplay.com 💼 Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodi-salmond/ 🏢 Company LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/the-element-of-play 📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/the_elementofplay 📘 Facebook: https://facebook.com/theelementofPLAY ▶️ YouTube: The Element of PLAY 📩 Bookings & Interviews: elementofplaypodcast@gmail.com

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About

The Element of PLAY with Jodi Salmond is for burnt-out humans, high-functioning adults, and leaders ready to move beyond hustle culture and feel alive again. Through honest conversations, research-backed insights, and practical tools, Jodi explores how play helps us recover energy, spark creativity, build resilience, strengthen relationships, and reconnect with ourselves. Discover why play isn't frivolous—it's a powerful pathway back to connection, courage, curiosity, and a more vibrant life.

Information

  • Creator
    Jodi Salmond
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    19
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Jodi Salmond
  • Show Website
    The Element of PLAY