Dr Jo Prendergast
Psychiatrist, bestselling author, comedian and mental health speaker helping people navigate life's toughest moments with wisdom and humour
(NZ Based)
Overview
Dr. Jo Prendergast is a psychiatrist, author, comedian and keynote speaker whose unique combination of clinical expertise, lived experience and humour has made her one of Australasia's most engaging voices on mental health and wellbeing. Drawing on more than three decades in medicine, alongside her experiences as a parent, performer and breast cancer survivor, Jo helps audiences better understand resilience, emotional wellbeing and the realities of modern life. Her presentations are insightful, relatable and refreshingly honest, blending evidence-based mental health strategies with warmth, humanity and laughter.
Who is Dr. Jo Prendergast?
Dr. Jo Prendergast graduated from Otago Medical School in 1992 before undertaking specialist psychiatric training in Sydney, earning Fellowship of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) in 2000. Throughout her career, she has worked across public and private mental health services in both New Zealand and Australia, supporting teenagers, adults and families through a wide range of mental health challenges.
Alongside her clinical career, Jo has built a reputation as a talented communicator and storyteller. In 2023, she released When Life Sucks, a practical and compassionate guide to supporting young people's mental health, published by HarperCollins in New Zealand, Australia and the United Kingdom.
In 2017, Jo stepped onto the comedy stage for the first time, launching an unexpected and highly successful second career as a stand-up comedian. Her award-winning comedy shows have sold out festivals across Australia, New Zealand and the UK, earning acclaim for their honest, funny and deeply human exploration of parenting, mental health, cancer recovery and everyday life.
Today, Jo combines her expertise as a psychiatrist, author, comedian and cancer survivor to deliver presentations that inform, inspire and connect with audiences in a truly memorable way.
Career Highlights
• Fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP)
• More than 30 years' experience in medicine and mental health
• Author of When Life Sucks (HarperCollins)
• Award-winning stand-up comedian and festival performer
• Nominated for Breakthrough Comedian at the NZ Comedy Guild Awards
• Sold-out comedy seasons at Adelaide Fringe, Melbourne Comedy Festival and Edinburgh Fringe
• Breast cancer survivor and advocate for resilience and wellbeing
• Regular media commentator across television, radio and podcasts in Australia, New Zealand and the UK
• Experienced conference keynote speaker and corporate presenter
Keynote Topics
• Beyond heroics - The hidden behaviours driving burnout and what actually helps
• What Should I Say? - The conversations that shape psychological safety at work
• Rethinking Talent - Unlocking the competitive advantage of neurodivergent thinking in the age of AI
• Laughter is the Best Medicine: Stand-up comedy meets hard-won wisdom from a doctor who went through cancer treatment
• Dr. Jo Prendergast is #coping: Stand-up and reflections on the demands of mid-life
What Your Audience Will Gain
Jo helps audiences better understand mental health through a combination of clinical expertise, practical advice and powerful storytelling. Her presentations provide actionable strategies for managing stress, supporting others and building resilience, while her humour creates a safe and engaging environment for meaningful conversations. Audiences leave informed, inspired and equipped with tools they can immediately apply in both their professional and personal lives.
Ideal For
• Organisations seeking to future-proof their workforce
• Leaders and teams in high-pressure, high-responsibility environments
• Teams who want to build sustainable performance and protect their people from burnout
• Teams focused on performance, retention, and workplace culture