What if the very things we judge ourselves most harshly for are actually the doorways to our deepest growth?

In this raw and moving conversation, I sit down with Dr Billy Garvey – developmental paediatrician, podcaster, and someone who understands that our struggles aren't problems to fix, but invitations to understand ourselves more deeply.

Billy works with children and families navigating neurodevelopmental differences, but this conversation goes far beyond diagnosis and treatment. It's about what it means to be human, to carry pain, and to find our way toward wholeness.

We explore:

• How childhood trauma shows up in our adult bodies and relationships
• The difference between fixing ourselves and truly understanding ourselves
• Why self-compassion is so much harder than compassion for others
• The power of simply being heard without needing to be fixed
• Breaking generational patterns whilst honouring where we came from
• The radical act of accepting all parts of ourselves – even the messy bits

I was struck by Billy's honesty about his own journey – anxious moments, the childhood experiences that shaped him, and the ongoing work of becoming whole. His willingness to share his struggles while holding space for others is exactly what makes him such a powerful person and a present father.

This conversation reminded me that we're all doing the best we can with what we know, and that our vulnerability isn't weakness... it's the doorway to connection.

[Recorded October 2025]

About Dr Billy Garvey:

Billy is a developmental paediatrician passionate about supporting children and families navigating neurodevelopmental differences. He's the co-founder of Guiding Growing Minds and brings a compassionate approach to his work, recognising that behaviour is communication and that understanding the 'why' behind struggles is essential. Billy is also the co-host – with Nick McCormack – of the popular podcast 'Pop Culture Parenting' and a sought-after speaker on topics of childhood development, trauma, and healing.

Connect with Billy:

• Instagram: @drbillygarvey
• Podcast: Pop Culture Parenting
• Website: Guiding Growing Minds

—

Connect with Humans, being™:

• Web: humansbeing.au
• Instagram: @humansbeingwithlaelstone
• Facebook: @humansbeingwithlaelstone
• TikTok: @humansbeingwithlaelstone
• YouTube: @humansbeingwithlaelstone

Humans, being™ is produced on the lands of the Bunurong and Wadawurrung people. We pay respect to their unique and diverse cultures and to elders past, present and future.