The Little Things
In a world where well-being influencers are driven by endorsements, wellness trends generally come at a cost, and busy lives disrupt our best intentions, all many women want are simple, science-based facts to help us live a productive, happy balanced life. Enter The Little Things. Broadcaster Francesca Rudkin and health researcher Louise Ayrey have been friends for over a decade and have been through it all, and along the way have learned the benefits of practical information over costly fads. Join them for new episodes on Saturdays where they talk to experts on health, wellbeing, parenting and relationships to give you the information you need to thrive!
Episodes
Alison Mau on helping survivors find a way forward
Alison Mau joins Francesca Rudkin and Louise Ayrey to discuss Tika, the independent sexual harm reporting platform she co-founded with Zoë Lawton. Ali explains how Tika identifies reports naming the same person, how its collective approach enables free legal support once a group is formed, and why survivors retain control over their next steps. She also shares the personal significance of dis
Who gets what when you’re gone?
When did you last look at your will—and how much has your life changed since? Public Trust principal trustee Michelle Pope joins Francesca Rudkin and Louise Ayrey to unpack wills, trusts and enduring powers of attorney. They discuss what happens when someone dies without a will, how relationship changes can affect your plans, and why clear instructions can make a difficult time easier for th
Why are we so obsessed with smutty books and TV shows?
Why are erotic books and TV shows having a moment? And is our appetite for them really new? On this episode of The Little Things, Francesca Rudkin and Louise Ayrey talk to author and sex historian Dr Esmé Louise James about the history of erotic fiction, from Fanny Hill to today’s romantasy boom. They discuss the appeal of shows such as Heated Rivalry and Bridgerton, the shame that ha
PMDD: When ‘just PMS’ is something much more serious
For some women, the days before their period bring much more than the usual symptoms of PMS. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder, or PMDD, can cause severe changes in mood, anxiety, irritability, fatigue and concentration — disrupting work, relationships and everyday life. Francesca Rudkin and Louise Ayrey are joined by clinical neuropsychologist Dr Caroline Gurvich to explain what PMDD is, why
How to speak with confidence (even when you’re nervous)
Public speaking can be terrifying – even for people who do it for a living. Broadcaster Toni Street joins Francesca Rudkin and Louise Ayrey to share the lessons she’s learned from 20 years in radio and television, including how to manage nerves, connect with an audience, stop chasing perfection and become a more confident communicator. Plus, why preparation matters, how body language c
What inflammation is really doing to your body
Inflammation has become one of the biggest buzzwords in health and wellness — but do we actually understand what it is? Award-winning immunologist Professor Roslyn Kemp joins Francesca Rudkin and Louise Ayrey to explain what inflammation does, why it isn’t always bad, how it changes as we age, and whether so-called anti-inflammatory foods and products really live up to the hype. Plus,
How to start investing when you feel behind
Do you manage the household bills but still feel unsure about investing, KiwiSaver or planning for retirement? Investment manager and The Curve co-founder Victoria Harris joins Francesca and Louise to cut through the jargon and explain how women can start building their financial confidence—no matter their age or how much money they have. From emergency funds and KiwiSaver to ETFs and invest
How to live longer without overhauling your life
What actually helps us live longer — and live well for longer? GP and women’s health expert Dr Ginny Mansberg joins Francesca Rudkin and Louise Ayrey to cut through wellness trends, biohacking and information overload. They discuss the everyday habits that make the biggest difference, including food, movement, muscle, sleep and stress, as well as inflammation, GLP-1 medications and the
How to stop stress turning into burnout
How do we build successful careers and work hard without burning out? Organisational psychologist Nick Petrie joins Francesca and Louise to talk about stress, rumination, burnout prevention and the habits that help people sustain high performance in an always-on world. Nick shares the personal story that led him into this work, explains the difference between pressure and stress, and offers practi
Taryn Brumfitt: 'We were not born hating our bodies'
As concerns grow about the return of extreme thinness, Australian body image advocate Taryn Brumfitt joins Louise and Francesca to explore why beauty standards continue to shape the way we see ourselves. From social media and weight loss drugs to ageing and self-acceptance, she explains why the goal isn't loving your body every day, but learning to stop being at war with it.See omnystudio.com/list
What to wear when your wardrobe stops working
Francesca and Louise are joined by personal stylist and style coach Caitlin Taylor for a practical conversation about finding your personal style in midlife. They discuss why wardrobes can become overwhelming as our bodies, lifestyles and confidence change, and how to work out what actually suits the person you are now. Caitlin shares advice on understanding colour, identifying your “best bi
When ADHD and perimenopause collide
Broadcaster and No Such Thing As Normal host Sonia Gray joins Francesca and Lou to unpack what happens when ADHD and perimenopause collide, and why so many women are only being diagnosed later in life.From burnout and masking to hormones, anxiety and losing your ability to cope, Sonia shares her own late diagnosis journey and explains why understanding your brain can be life changing.See omn
Jimmy Wales on why the internet is such an angry place
Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales joins Francesca Rudkin and Louise Ayrey for a chat about trust, outrage and what the internet is doing to the way we see each other. From doomscrolling and toxic algorithms to political division, online arguments and the collapse of nuance, Wales explains why social media can make humanity seem far worse than it really is, and why he believes algorithms are “fee
Why midlife criticism hits so hard - and how to handle it
This week Francesca and Louise dive into the tricky topic of dealing with criticism and negative thoughts. They're joined by psychotherapist Kyle MacDonald, who shares his expertise on how to navigate negative feedback and the feelings that come with them. Kyle offers practical advice on how to build resilience and maintain a positive outlook while Francesca and Louise give context to why c
Why you can't blame menopause for weight gain
Menopause expert Niki Bezzant has some bad news for us: we can't blame our midlife weight gain on menopause. Niki joins Francesca and Louise to discuss what's really behind that sneaky middle age spread and what role menopause plays if it doesn't directly cause it. They also discuss hormone therapy, breast density, and how to manage perimenopause and menopause symptoms.See omnystudio.com/listener
Cosmetic treatments - the good, the bad and the downright dangerous
Microneedling, LED masks, Botox in a bottle - these are just a few of the many cosmetic trends we're bombarded with on a daily basis. But what works, what doesn't and what could actually do more harm than good? Francesca and Louise sit down with cosmetic medicine expert Dr Sarah Hart to separate hype from reality. They also dig into skincare essentials, and the truth about trending ingredients lik
Keeping the love alive after the kids have left home
Clinical psychologist Karen Nimmo joins Francesca and Lou for a discussion about navigating relationships when the kids leave the nest. Together they tackle the challenges of transitioning from a child-centric life to a more adult-oriented one, and the pressure this can put on relationships. Karen shares her expertise on how to prioritise your partner during this time, and offers practical advice
What happens when you're widowed too soon with Jana McPherson
Jana McPherson is a food blogger and business owner navigating life as a young widow after losing her husband Hamish in 2023. Joining Francesca and Louise to share her story of love, loss, and resilience, Jana discusses the challenges of widowhood, including financial stress, grief, and the emotional burden of caring for her children. She also opens up about the importance of self-care,
Is ultra-processed food really that bad for us?
The danger of ultra-processed food has been dominating the headlines, but do these foods deserve all the negative press they're getting? This week Professor Sarah Berry from King’s College London and chief scientist at ZOE helps us cut through the noise as we unpack what “ultra-processed” actually means, why not all processed foods are created equal, and how some foods are
Bringing attention back into focus
In a world where our attention is constantly pulled in multiple directions, how do we regain control of our focus? Professor Gloria Mark from the University of California, has spent her career studying what's happening to our attention spans and she joins Francesca and Louise to share some surprising statistics. It's a wonder we get anything done at all! But don't panic, Gloria also shares plenty
Dr Justin Coulson on what's really worrying our kids
When our kids worry, we worry. Especially when we don't know what they're worried about! This week, Dr Justin Coulson is back to talk about what really bothers kids and young adults most, and how parents can help. He shares some of his top tips for helping parents support their children through these challenges by fostering connection, understanding perfectionism, and encouraging open conversation
Dr Michelle Dickinson on the power and peril of AI
Are you ready to face the AI revolution that's already transforming our daily lives? Join Francesca and Louise as they step into the world of artificial intelligence with nanotechnologist and science communicator Dr Michelle Dickinson. From the benefits of AI as a productivity tool to the concerning lack of regulation in New Zealand and the ways we might be unwittingly sharing our children’s
Dr Lucy Hone on the living loss of dementia
When a loved one experiences dementia, grief does not wait for a tidy ending. Francesca and Louise sit down with resilience researcher and grief expert Dr Lucy Hone to talk about living loss and how to cope when someone you love is in ongoing cognitive decline. Later in the episode Helen Frank from Alzheimer’s Taranaki shares clear guidance on early signs, getting a diagnosis,and the s
The midlife rage no one warns you about
Many women are blindsided in their 40s by a sudden return of explosive anger. Clinical neuropsychologist Caroline Gurvich joins Francesca and Louise to explain how hormonal changes can intensify stress, spark mood swings and leave women feeling unrecognisable to themselves. She also shares what helps: lifestyle shifts, medical support and the importance of not simply putting up with it. Plus, a lo
What an athlete mindset can teach us about pressure
What do top athletes know about pressure that the rest of us don’t? Dr Kylie Wilson is a mental skills and performance coach who has worked with Olympians, rugby stars and world champions. She joins Francesca and Louise to share some of the mental skills sports stars use that can also help us regular folks in our everyday life. Prepare to take notes on learning from failure, reframing negati
Lorna Riley on divorce and dating
Coast FM's Lorna Riley has been through two divorces and is now engaged again. Her message to women staring down a midlife separation is clear: it is hard, it is heart-breaking, but you can still build a good life on the other side.Lorna joins Louise and Francesca to talk about the financial and emotional toll of separation, finding herself back in the dating pool in her fifties, a simple screen f
It's complicated: figuring out our relationship with alcohol
Many women have a complex relationship with alcohol and how it impacts our health and wellbeing as we age. Master health coach, Ree George, joins Louise and Francesca to talk about the role alcohol plays in women's lives, how it impacts us physiologically and psychologically, and why many of us find ourselves drinking more as we deal with the stresses of middle age. Ree shares practical, com
When women pay the price for paying the bills, with Nadine Higgins
Rising costs are hitting every household in Aotearoa, but for many women there’s an added weight – the invisible job of managing the family’s money. In this episode of The Little Things, hosts Francesca Rudkin and Louise Ayrey admit they’ve ended up as the “household CFOs”, juggling bills and budgets by default. They’re joined by financial advisor and Hera
Could supplements be doing you more harm than good?
The world of supplements can be overwhelming, but don't worry, we've got you! Naturopath Erin O'Hara joins Francesca and Louise to to help determine if you need supplements, how to select quality products, and make sense of trends and labelling. Discover when supplements can be helpful or even essential, versus when you're just wasting money (and potentially risking your health) on an unproven fad
How we should – and maybe shouldn’t – dress in our mid years, with Michiko Hylands
This week, Francesca and Louise are joined by celebrity stylist Michiko Hylands to talk fashion after 40 and 50, and how to find your confidence and style as you get older. They discuss wearing colors and styles outside your comfort zone, finding flattering silhouettes for your body type, feeling confident and vibrant with age, investing in timeless pieces, and embracing trends in a way that suits
Dr Libby on the importance of iron in our overall health
Do you constantly feel tired and exhausted no matter how much you sleep or rest? Have you been blaming it on stress or a busy life? The answer may be simpler than you think. This week, Francesca and Louise are joined by nutritional biochemist and author of Fix Iron First, Dr. Libby, to discuss the vital role iron plays in our energy levels and overall health, and why more women need to tackle this
Running marathons and understanding our bodies - what we learned last season
Francesca and Louise are back for Season 5 - but before they get into the new season, they are catching up on what they took away from Season 4, from grief to gut health, and the major change Louise has implemented. And there's still plenty more to cover, including dementia, alcohol, supplements, iron, fatigue and more. Be sure to subscribe and listen to the new season of The Little Things s
Holly Wainwright on how she learnt to embrace mid-life and the best things about getting older
For the last episode of the season, Francesca and Louise are joined by author, podcaster and editor with Mamamia, Holly Wainwright. The host of MID and co-host of Mamamia Out Loud, Wainwright has been telling women's stories for most of her career - but she wasn't sure what to expect when she approached middle age herself. She talks to Francesca and Louise about how times are changing for wo
Why menopause shouldn't hold you back from your exercise goals with Cathy Duffy
Francesca and Louise have been trail running for several years now, and while they love it as a hobby, both know how menopause and ageing can have an impact on getting into exercise and maintaining it. So this week, they are talking to Cathy Duffy, a running coach with Mile 27 in Australia, and who also has a Bachelor of Human Movement Science. She is focused on making sure women feel safe and com
Why you aren't going to sort your life out and why that's a good thing with Oliver Burkeman
Self-help books and advice gurus often promise big changes to revolutionise how you live your life, or push you to strive for perfection. But what if we accept the fact that we are mortal humans with a finite time on this Earth, with only so much ability to get things done - and if we place ourselves within that reality, is that when we can truly thrive? This week, Francesca and Louise are talking
Why understanding your gut could be the key to a healthy life with Dr Will Bulsiewicz
In the last few years, everyone has started talking about gut microbiome and how important it is to our health. Everything from longevity to mental health to disease resistance is now being linked to the gut - but how do we achieve a healthy gut microbiome? Do we really need probiotics or can lifestyle and diet alone help our gut to flourish? This week, Francesca and Louise get a step by ste
How to get the most out of therapy with Jacqui Maguire
Therapy can be a useful tool for many of us for a variety of reasons, but often times finding the right person for the right price can be the first barrier in seeking help. So who should you see? How can you access what you need? What does it cost? And how do we get the best out of it? To help you sort through it, this week Francesca and Louise are joined by clinical psychologist, writer and speak
The secret to extending your lifespan with Dr Nicholas Koemel and Joanna Wane
Stories about millionaires doing wacky things to decrease their biological age - like plasma transfusions with their teenage sons - have been doing the rounds over the last few years. But extending your lifespan can be done cheaply and easily. This week, Francesca and Louise talk to Dr Nicholas Koemer about the study he was a co-author on that looked at the easiest ways to change your lifestyle. A
Adolescence and the conversations you should have with your boys with Andrew Reiner
The Netflix hit Adolescence has got everyone talking - in particular, it's sparked conversations around boys and young men, and what's causing them to be drawn in by the 'manosphere' online. This week, Francesca and Louise are joined by Andrew Reiner, author of Better Boys, Better Men: The New Masculinity, and a Senior Lecturer at Towson University in Maryland where he teaches courses in men's and
Why we need to change the way we think about grief with Dr Denise Quinlan
Grief is something that we all experience in life - we all know what it is like to lose a loved one, be it a family member, friend, or even a pet. It doesn’t seem to matter how prepared you might be, how many times you have experienced it, or the circumstances around it, a devastating loss is just that – devastating. And finding the words to support those close to us can be
What to know when dealing with your GP with Dr Preeya Alexander
Our GPs are people we rely on for a lot. A visit can be as simple as a 15 min appointment to establish if our sore throat is a viral or bacterial infection, but it is sometimes the start of a long and difficult pathway of diagnosis, treatment and hopefully recovery for any one of many illnesses and injuries that could befall us. They play a big role in our health journey, but do we rea
How to adapt your makeup routine as you age with Lisa Matson
Many of us find a makeup routine that works, even if it takes years to get it right. But that doesn't mean that routine is always going to be the thing that works. This week, Francesca and Louise are joined by acclaimed local makeup artist Lisa Matson to discuss why our old routines don't work as we get older, and what we need to do to keep it working. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy
Surviving the empty nest with Kerre Woodham
This year Francesca and Louise have both sent a child off to university, and it has got them thinking about the empty nest and how to cope. To discuss, Newstalk ZB host Kerre Woodham joins them to get her insights into watching her daughter leave home, leave the country, and raise a family - and why your kids leaving home isn't the end of the world. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy inf
Why a metabolism reset is key to sorting your energy levels with Lara Briden
Francesca and Louise are back for a new season, and to kick things off, they are joined by Christchurch-based Canadian naturopath and author of The Metabolism Reset, Lara Briden, to discuss the key role metabolism plays in maintaining our energy levels, hunger and weight, and what you need to do if things are feeling a little off. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What we've learned so far - from relationship tips to avoiding sextortion scams!
The Little Things is coming back for Season 4 next week, but before the new season gets underway, Francesca and Louise are catching up on what they learned last season, including improving their family relationships, getting more protein into their diets, and how Francesca avoided being caught in a sextortion scam! New episodes are back from March 8th.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy
Everything to know about weight loss drugs with Professor Jeremy Krebs
For the final episode of the season, Francesca and Louise are discussing one of the hot topics of lifestyle and wellbeing at the moment - weight loss drugs. Ever since Ozempic hit the market in the US, it's all anyone can talk about - but how do these drugs work, and can you even get them in New Zealand? To discuss this, they are joined by Professor Jeremy Krebs to answer all your questions. See o
How to reset your healthy habits with Erin O'Hara
Forget New Year Resolutions - with the clocks having recently reset, and the school holidays coming to an end, now is the last chance many women will have to reset their healthy habits before the Christmas rush takes over the last few months of the year. With some tips of how to create these habits and stick to them, today Francesca and Louise are joined by naturopath Erin O'Hara. See omnystudio.c
Sex, communication and betrayal: All things intimacy with Jo Robertson
Intimacy in a relationship is about more than just sex - but good intimacy and honest communication can help your relationship avoid any pitfalls in that area as well. This week, Francesca and Louise are joined by sex therapist Jo Robertson to discuss everything you need to know about intimacy, from being honest about sex, to simple things to keep your relationship alive and communicative. See omn
What women need to know about cardiac health with Dr Cara Wasywich
Heart disease is the biggest killer of people in New Zealand, including women, yet it is still often seen as a male issue. This episode, Francesca and Louise discuss their own heart and cholesterol journeys and get advice and insight from leading cardiologist, Dr Cara Wasywich. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Understanding the middle aged male with Matt Heath and Dr Dougal Sutherland
The Little Things usually talks about the issues facing women of a certain age - but sometimes, those issues can be caused by their husbands or partners. So today, Francesca and Louise are turning their attention on middle-aged men - why do men get so down as they get older, how can they open up, and is 'male menopause' really a thing? To discuss this, their joinged by broadcaster and A Life Less
What you really need to know about nutrition with Dr Stacy Sims
When it comes to nutrition and what you put into your body, there is so much information out there about what not to do and what to do instead that it can be difficult to know the truth. This week, Francesca and Louise are joined once again by NZ-based leading expert on women's health and fitness, Dr Stacy Sims, to discuss all things nutrition, hydration, food and gut microbiome. See omnystudio.c
Your guide to making friends and maintaining good relationships with Dr Hannah Korrel
Making friends as a kid is easy work. As an adult? Not so much. From knowing how many friends you should have, to working through relationships that might be too toxic, juggling friends in adulthood is sometimes as complicated as your playground relationships. This week, Francesca and Louise are joined by Dr Hannah Korrel, author of How to Break Up With Friends, to discuss all the advice you need
Sextortion and online scams: How to keep your kids safe online with Olivia Carville and Sean Lyons
Parents always want to keep their kids safe in any circumstance, and always have. But with the rise of social media, that has become a more difficult task. Today, Francesca and Louise talk with US-based Kiwi journalist Olivia Carville on her investigation into the extent of sextortion scams targeting teen boys there, and then get advice on what parents can do to help their kids navigate the intern
All you need to know about going grey and cosmetic procedures with Brad Lepper and Dr Cat Stone
The physical effects of ageing can be difficult for many of us to accept. Whether we’re going grey or starting to develop wrinkles, a lot of us will do anything to avoid watch our bodies change.But there are plenty of cosmetic procedures available to help slow down those signs of ageing, from botox to dying your hair, that can help people feel more comfortable in their own bodies.For this week’s e
Caring for ageing parents: What you need to know with Esther Perriam
It’s a topic no one ever wants to think about, but people are being urged to plan early for their parent’s care as they got older. New Zealand’s population is continuing to grow - Stats NZ estimated in 2022 that the number of people 65 years or older would hit 1 million by 2028, which would equate to 1 in 5 New Zealanders. With more of us getting older and living for longer, it also means more fam
Why women are the 'perfect employees' and how to let your bosses know it with Jo Cribb
There are plenty of barriers in place when it comes to women in the workplace - not just from the gender pay gap, but the way mothers and middle-aged women are treated by their employers. To discuss how to break down those walls and be valued by your employer, this week Francesca and Louise are joined by women's employment advocate and head of her consulting agency, Jo Cribb. See omnystudio.com/l
What you need to know about HRT with Dr Samantha Newman
The Little Things is back for Season 3, and for the first episode, Francesca and Louise are digging into one of the most contentious topics in women's health at the moment - Hormone Replacement Therapy. Dr Samantha Newman joins to discuss all you need to know about the treatment and hormone changes in women, and why she thinks HRT is worth trying. For more from Dr Newman, head to: https://allabou
From parenting to staying healthy - what we've learned so far
Season 3 of The Little Things is coming out soon - but before that happens, Francesca and Louise are catching up on everything they've learnt from the first two seasons - what have they changed, what are they still working on, and what do they still need to learn? Season 3 returns from August 3rd. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The latest menopause research and what it means for you with Dr Ginni Mansberg
For the last episode of the season, we're revisiting one of the key topics all women need to know about - menopause. A lot has changed in just a few years, with Dr Ginni Mansberg re-releasing her book, The M Word, later this month to address the latest research. And with the latest research come some myths that need debunking. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why bearing the mental load is not 'pre-installed' in women with Dr Robyn Miller
The Mental Load Project is advocating for a change in how heterosexual relationships operate - and that means not placing all the burden of organising kids, the household, and sometimes the partner, on the wife and mother. Dr Robyn Miller joins Francesca and Louise to discuss the mental load, how to recognise it, and how to have the conversation about delegation. See omnystudio.com/listener for pr
The key to getting a good night's sleep with Dr Michael Mosley
This weekend marks the end of daylight saving - and that means a big jolt to our sleep cycles. Looking at the other 354 days of the year, how do we get a good night's sleep? This week, Francesca and Louise talk with Dr Michael Mosley, author of the new book 4 Weeks to Better Sleep: A life-changing plan for deep sleep, improved function and feeling great. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy inf
From ADHD to autism - understanding neurodiversity with Anton Ashcroft
The last few years have seen a spike in people being diagnosed with a neurodivergent condition, such as ADHD, autism, anxiety or OCD. It's something Francesca has had personal experience with, so to help other parents and adult women going on their own journeys, she and Louise talk all things neurodiversity with Anton Ashcroft, registered psychologist and co-founder of Divergent Thinking. See omny
Tackling body image issues for you and your kids with Claire Turnbull
Worries about body image are one of those issues that transcends age, gender and shape - whether worrying about being too skinny, too fat, not muscly enough, plenty of us have concerns about how we look. Registered nutritionist Claire Turnbull joins the podcast this week to discuss how women can come to terms with their own bodies, and what to do when discussing things with their kids. See omnystu
How to start exercising and do it from home with Kyra Seiler
Going for a run, going to the gym, or just starting to exercise in general after a long pause can be pretty daunting. So how do we get back into it, where should our focus be, and how can we do it from home if we don't want to go to the gym? This week, Francesca and Louise talk with personal trailer and resistance strength specialist Kyra Seiler.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Endometriosis, hysterectomies and your menstrual cycle: What you need to know with Dr Amelia Ryan
Most women pre-menopause menstruate every month. However, a recent New Zealand study showed functional menstrual literacy is as low as 50 percent, while 38 percent of those who menstruate don’t know the normal length of a period. So what do we need to know about our menstrual cycle? And from endometriosis to hysterectomies, what do we need to know to about our uterus? Today, Francesca and Louise
The truth about anti-ageing skincare with Dr Cara McDonald
It's hard to avoid being bombarded with advertisements and different products that all vow to reverse the signs of ageing - but do any of them actually work, or are there some very inexpensive methods we can use that are a lot more effective? Dr Cara McDonald, co director and principal dermatologist at Complete Skin Specialists in Melbourne, joins Francesca and Louise today to discuss everything
How to raise teens in an age of anxiety and judgement with Dr Justin Coulson
It's tough being a teenager these days, with constant access to phones not helping with anxiety - and it's just as hard being a parent, often for the same reasons of competitiveness and comparison with others. Dr Justin Coulson has written one of the definitive modern books on parenting, all while raising six kids himself. He joins Francesca and Louise to discuss the pressures parents put on teens
Elise Loehnen on the societal pressures women face and how to overcome them
Until 2020, Elise Loehnen seemed like she had it al. As the Chief Content Officer at Gwyneth Paltrow's GOOP, she was helping lead the way at one of the most talked about brands in the world. That's until her anxiety caught up with her, and she realised that was she was chasing after an impossible lie. She joins Francesca and Louise to discuss how that realisation led to her book, On Our Best Behav
How to stay mobile as you get older with Juliet Starrett
Mobility may not be the sexiest topic around - something fitness advocate Juliet Starrett is very aware of. However, more and more data shows how poor mobility can be a major health risk as you get older - and something as basic as struggling to get up off the floor should spark warning signs. Juliet joins Francesca and Louise today to discuss simple advice for anyone looking to stay mobile. See
Avoiding burnout and managing your brain health with Jude Walter
The Little Things is back for Season 2! And as we leave summer holidays behind and settle back into our regular routine, how do we avoid getting overwhelmed and hitting a wall in all aspects of our lives? Today, Francesca and Louise are joined by Jude Walter from Brainfit.World to discuss her experience with burnout, and the tips she has learned over the years to help people deal with their concer
The Little Things - Season 2 coming soon
Listen to new episodes from February 3rd wherever you get your podcasts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The best ways to delay cognitive decline with Dr Ginni Mansberg
For the last episode in this season of The Little Things, Francesca and Louise are talking to Dr Ginni Mansberg about her new book, Save Your Brain. She shares what she has learned about delaying dementia and cognitive decline, including what people need to know about drinking, work, sleep, blood pressure and coffee. You will be surprised about which things are good for you - and what you need to
What to know if you or a friend are diagnosed with cancer with Juliet Ireland
On a personal episode this week, Louise and Francesca discuss their shared experience after Louise was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016. They discuss what Louise and her family went through, and the importance of Francesca's friendship and support at that time. They are then joined by health psychologist Juliet Ireland to get advice for those going through the same experience. See omnystudio.c
How women should be exercising with Dr Stacy Sims
Exercise may seem like one of those that shouldn't be separated by gender - but growing research has found that 'one size fit all' exercise plans are often tailored solely for men, and don't factor in the different physiology of women. On today's episode, Francesca and Louise are joined by Dr Stacy Sims to discuss her research into this area, and what women really need to know about exercising. Se
How to talk to your kids about sex with therapist Jo Robertson
Many parents find sex to be a difficult and uncomfortable topic. It can be daunting to know how to talk about such an important part of being human with children, never mind working out what they actually should know at what age. With society being quite sexualised at times and pornography becoming very accessible, preparing children for the world we find ourselves in can feel complex. Today, Fran
Exploring the mysteries of your pelvic floor with physiotherapist Caitlin Day
It’s a subject many women would prefer not to think about, but there’s no avoiding the fact many struggle with issues with their pelvic floor as they get older. Studies show one in three women who give birth face some sort of ongoing issue as they get older, from prolapse to stress incontinence, but the ageing process can impact those who never go through pregnancy as well. Today, Francesca and Lo
What really works for dieting and nutrition with Professor Tim Spector
Dieting and nutrition have become a multi-billion dollar industry in recent years - but are we being sold a lie when it comes to calorie counting, exercise and fad diets? Today, Francesca and Louise talk to Professor Tim Spector about his decades of research into genetics, food and nutrition to discuss what does and doesn't work, recent discoveries about gut microbiome, and what blue foods can tel
The truth about menopause with Niki Bezzant
Did you know menopause is technically only a day - and that everything you experience before then is perimenopause? That's just one of the aspects of menopause Francesca and Lousie weren't fully aware of until they went through it themselves. To help digest the truth about menopause - from the symptoms, the duration, and the treatments - they go deep on the matter with Niki Bezzant, author of This
The realities of a healthy relationship with Karen Nimmo
Francesca and Louise are kicking off the series with a focus on something everyone needs to know - the secrets to maintaining a functioning relationship with your significant other. Karen Nimmo, clinical psychologist and author of The Good Partner, joins to discuss the different types of intimacy, the realities of communication and sharing workload, tips to get things to work - and what to do when
Trailer
The Little Things begins Saturday February 4th! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
