Ep 105 The Worry Dog: How Dr Julie Paine is Helping Children Manage Anxiety
Sep 8, 2026 · 50 min · 13 segments
EPISODE OVERVIEW Dr Julie Paine spent years as an equity research analyst at Morgan Stanley, reading balance sheets and sizing up senior leadership, before retraining as a Chartered Psychologist…
EPISODE OVERVIEW Dr Julie Paine spent years as an equity research analyst at Morgan Stanley, reading balance sheets and sizing up senior leadership, before retraining as a Chartered Psychologist. Over the course of twenty years of practice she noticed that the roots of most adult anxiety trace back to childhood — and started to wonder what it would take to reach children before those patterns set in. The result is Django the Dachshund, Stories From a Very Small Dog — a children's book series narrated by Julie's own miniature dachshund, built to give children a way to understand and hold their worries rather than be consumed by them. The first title, Joss and the Lucky Boots, follows a young girl facing a huge challenge at school, almost overwhelmed by worry, until Django helps her see it differently. In this conversation, Julie unpacks the psychology behind the books — including attentional plasticity and the idea that children can build real agency over anxiety — and shares what she's learned taking Django directly into schools, plus the story behind the Django Worry Dog, a small companion toy built on the same principle as Guatemalan worry dolls. IN THIS EPISODE - The two career pivots that took Julie from equity research to psychology to children's author - Why the birth of her second child was the real turning point away from investment banking - The moment in session that led Julie to want to reach children before anxiety takes hold - What attentional plasticity is, and how it gives children agency over worry - Why Django had to be the narrator, not Julie — and what that meant for how the books are written - How Julie is taking the books directly into schools as her primary route to market - The story behind the Django Worry Dog, and why it's a companion to the books rather than a separate product - What's next for the Django series, and Julie's hopes for where the mission can go ABOUT DR JULIE PAINE Dr Julie Paine is a highly experienced Chartered Psychologist and former Equity Research Analyst for US bank, Morgan Stanley. Educated at University College London and City University London. She holds Doctorate, Masters and Undergraduate degrees in Psychology. Following twenty years working in mental health, Julie decided to repurpose her knowledge and extensive experience and package it in a way that might appeal to young children, educators and parents, to help build childhood resilience against anxiety. A condition she identifies as blighting the lives of many adult patients. And so, *Django the Dachshund,* the loveable lead character and narrator, in a new series of children’s books was born. Based on Julie’s own and much-cherished miniature dachshund dog. The books aim to do so much more than simply tell a story, targeting young readers aged 6 to 9 years. They are not medicalised or lead footed. Instead they deliver adventure and enjoyment first and mental health learning as a natural by-product, through warm, uplifting text and enchanting illustrations. *Joss and the Lucky Boots* is the first of four books to be published in the series about a young girl who faces a huge sporting challenge at school and is almost consumed with worry and doubt, until Django encourages her to think a little differently and win the day. LINKS & RESOURCES Django the Dachshund — djangothedachshund.com Instagram — @storiesfromdjango Email: [info@djangothedachshund.com](mailto:info@djangothedachshund.com) Illustrations by Nicola Metcalfe. For enquiries about bulk order discounts, contact [info@djangothedaschschund.com](mailto:info@djangothedaschschund.com) WORK WITH CAROLYN Carolyn Butler-Madden helps purpose-driven leaders turn conviction into both impact and commercial advantage. Keynote speaking — carolynbutlermadden.com Consulting — thecauseeffect.com.au
EPISODE OVERVIEW Dr Julie Paine spent years as an equity research analyst at Morgan Stanley, reading balance sheets and sizing up senior leadership, before retraining as a Chartered Psychologist…
