We’re diving into a conversation that’s long overdue. In this episode, Sarena interviews me about pelvic floor health—what it really is, why it’s so misunderstood, and how it impacts women after childbirth (and well beyond).
I share my personal journey navigating pelvic floor dysfunction as a personal trainer and mum, the emotional and physical toll it can take, and the major gaps in postpartum education and support.
We also talk about breathwork, body awareness, and what truly needs to change in how we care for women after birth.
Whether you're postpartum, planning for a baby, or supporting other women on their journey, this episode is packed with insight, truth bombs, and practical tools.
👉 Stick around to the end for ways to get real support that actually makes a difference.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Personal Struggles
04:42 Understanding Pelvic Floor Issues
09:34 The Importance of Education and Awareness
15:48 Causes of Pelvic Floor Issues
22:11 The Impact of Childbirth on Pelvic Floor
27:10 Empowerment Through Knowledge
30:55 Reflections on Birth Experiences
30:55 Personal Trainer's Journey with Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
31:33 The Importance of Sharing Experiences
32:21 Training the Trainers: Educating on Postpartum Care
34:03 Understanding Pressure Management in Postpartum Fitness
34:51 Empowering Women in Postpartum Recovery
36:26 Finding Passion in Helping Others
37:08 Exploring Effective Support Services
39:42 Understanding Pessaries and Their Use
41:41 Advocating for Yourself in Healthcare
43:30 The Importance of Regular Checkups
45:49 Breath Work and Pelvic Floor Health
Useful Links:
JOIN the private FB community - Strong as a Mother
DOWNLOAD 5-Day Core Comeback Guide for free - ACCESS
Attend a workshop or class - MORE INFO
In today’s episode, I’m joined by the lovely Nikki, remedial massage therapist, fitness professional, studio owner, and busy mum of three. Nikki has a passion for helping people find balance between physical and mental well-being.
Together, we dive into the often-overlooked world of Caesarians (c-sections), what really happens to the body, the healing that’s needed beyond the scar, and how therapy like remedial massage can support recovery.
Have a 'mum shelf' so many talk about and struggle to get rid of, we discuss a powerful technique to improve it in one practice!!
So whether you’ve had a C-section, are planning for one, or work with postpartum women, this conversation is packed with insight and support.
Chapters:
00:00 Understanding C-Sections: The Surgical Process
03:53 Postpartum Recovery: Personal Experiences and Insights
09:27 The Impact of C-Section Scars on Core Strength and Pelvic Floor
14:11 The Broader Implications of Scar Tissue on the Body
19:28 Inflammation and Healing: The Role of Ice Therapy
20:04 Postpartum Recovery Essentials
23:52 Understanding Scar Release Therapy
27:54 Addressing the C-Section Shelf
29:59 Breathing Techniques for Healing
34:12 At-Home Techniques for Scar Care
37:48 The Emotional Journey of Recovery
Useful Links:
A GIFT from Nikki - an amazing video for you to access and try at home on your own scar - https://soulmassagetherapyandwellness.com/fannying-about-podcast/
Get in touch with Nikki - https://soulmassagetherapyandwellness.com/caesarianscartherapy/
Today, I’m joined by the fabulous Sarena for a cheeky chat all about ageing, gracefully, powerfully and with a healthy dose of side-eye at society’s obsession with anti-ageing. We’re unpacking everything from laugh lines to collagen, supplements to skincare fads, and asking the big questions: Why do women face so much pressure to ‘stay young’? And what if we just… didn’t buy into it?
In this episode, we explore how ageing looks and feels different for women, the impact of social expectations on self-image, and why we’re shifting our focus from chasing external perfection to building inner confidence, strength, and connection. We’ll also chat about the real MVPs of healthy ageing, like movement, nutrition, community, and, yes, a bit of Vitamin C.
Whether you’re starting to notice a few lines or just over the BS, this one’s for you. Let’s stop fighting age and start owning it.
Chapters:
00:00 The Concept of Anti-Ageing
03:01 Societal Pressures and Ageing
06:06 Quality of Life and Ageing
08:58 Shifting Perspectives on Ageing
12:02 Internal vs. External Validation
14:56 Healthy Ageing Practices
18:02 Nutrition and Exercise for Ageing Gracefully
21:00 The Importance of Social Interaction
24:00 Changing Attitudes Towards Beauty and Ageing
28:23 The Reality of Anti-Ageing Products
30:50 Lifestyle Changes vs. Quick Fixes
31:55 Exploring Collagen and Its Benefits
35:28 The Role of Vitamin C in Skin Health
37:25 Understanding Different Types of Collagen
41:54 The Buzz Around NMN Supplements
43:35 The Concept of Ageing Gracefully
46:59 Embracing Ageing and Inner Confidence
In this engaging episode, Lara and Sarena open up about the often-overlooked realities of perimenopause and menopause. Together, they dive into the physical and emotional symptoms many women experience, from midlife mood swings to the stubborn changes in body composition. Sarena shares her personal journey, from recognising early signs to adapting her nutrition, exercise, and mindset to better support her body through this phase.
They explore why building muscle becomes harder with age, the crucial role of strength training, and how nutrition, portion control, and even intermittent fasting can make a real difference, not just for fitness goals, but for gut health and overall vitality. They also unpack the complexities of menopause hormone therapy (MHT), highlighting the importance of staying informed, advocating for your own health, and embracing midlife as a time to thrive, not just survive.
Whether you’re noticing changes or simply want to be prepared, this conversation is packed with honest insights, practical tips, and plenty of empowerment for women at every stage of the journey.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Perimenopause and Menopause
02:01 Recognising Symptoms of Perimenopause
09:36 The Emotional Journey of Midlife
10:50 Health Changes and Lifestyle Adjustments
17:45 Nutrition and Exercise Strategies
24:11 Coping Mechanisms and Lifestyle Changes
28:35 Building Muscle and Strength Training for Women
32:54 Nutrition and Portion Control Insights
36:00 Intermittent Fasting and Gut Health
38:03 Understanding Menopause Hormone Therapy (MHT)
51:55 Advocating for Your Health and Finding the Right Support
Useful Links:
Australian Menopause Society factsheets and scoresheet! https://www.balance-menopause.com/balance-app/
https://www.menopause.org.au/health-info/fact-sheets
https://www.menopause.org.au/hp/gp-hp-resources/diagnosing-menopause?highlight=WyJzY29yZSJd
Diagnosing - www.menopause.org.au
In this conversation, Danielle Copeland discusses ADHD, its symptoms, diagnosis, and the impact of social media on public perception.
The discussion highlights the differences in ADHD presentation between genders, the role of diet and environment, and the importance of accurate information in understanding ADHD.
Copeland emphasises the strengths associated with ADHD and the need for self-acceptance among those diagnosed.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to ADHD and Its Misconceptions
03:10 Understanding ADHD: Symptoms and Diagnosis
06:01 The Impact of Diet and Environment on ADHD
09:08 Gender Differences in ADHD Presentation
11:59 The Role of Hormones in ADHD Symptoms
15:00 The Diagnostic Process for ADHD
17:57 Benefits of ADHD Diagnosis
21:05 Misinformation and Social Media's Role
23:47 The Importance of Accurate Information
27:09 Strengths and Challenges of ADHD
29:53 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Useful links:
In this conversation, Lara Jezeph discusses the importance of protein in women's diets, particularly for mothers.
She highlights the recommended daily intake of protein, the benefits of increasing protein consumption, and practical tips for incorporating more protein into meals.
The discussion also covers the protein needs of children and offers creative ways to sneak protein into their diets.
Chapters
00:00 Understanding Protein Needs for Women
08:06 Sneaky Ways to Increase Protein Intake
15:41 Protein Requirements for Children
Useful Links:
Protein Calculator - https://www.calculator.net/protein-calculator.html
The Mum Energy Code - FREE Download
I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Erin Wilson, ultra-marathon runner and owner of Barefoot Shoes Australia, to uncover everything you need to know about making the switch to barefoot shoes, for yourself and your little ones.
We tackled the big questions, like:
✅ Can barefoot shoes help with knee pain and common postpartum foot issues?
✅ What makes a shoe truly barefoot?
✅ How can mums and kids transition safely and comfortably?
✅ And…what does Erin really think about Crocs? 👀
But here’s the thing, not everyone suits being barefoot due to different biomechanics. So as always, please listen to this episode with an open mind and take what’s going to work best for you and your family.
If you’ve been curious about barefoot shoes but aren’t sure where to start, this episode is packed with insights, myth-busting, and expert advice to help you take the next step, literally!
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Barefoot Shoes
03:07 Erin's Journey into Barefoot Running
06:13 Understanding the Benefits of Barefoot Shoes
08:54 Transitioning to Barefoot Shoes
12:00 The Importance of Foot Health for Children
14:57 Addressing Common Misconceptions
17:57 Choosing the Right Barefoot Shoes
20:58 The Future of Barefoot Shoes
29:26 The Impact of Foot Alignment on Body Mechanics
32:23 Transformative Experiences with Barefoot Shoes
35:03 Choosing the Right Barefoot Shoes for Kids
40:17 Addressing Plantar Fasciitis and Foot Health
42:55 Affordable Options for Barefoot Shoes
45:54 Encouraging Mums to Embrace Barefoot Shoes
Useful Links:
Carrying on from last weeks episode, stick around until the end as I have another guest appearance from one of my brothers to get a male perspective on things.How do you manage differences in parenting styles between you and your partner or co-parents?Let’s talk about mum guilt—how do you handle those moments when you feel like you’re falling short?How do you carve out time for yourself amidst the chaos of parenting?If you could go back and tell yourself one thing at the start of your parenting journey, what would it be?If your kids could describe your parenting in three words, what do you think they’d say?
On today's episode I got to chat with my sister in law, mum to three and teacher Hannah Jezeph and what fun we had. So much fun I had to cut it into two episodes haha.
Can you tell us about your parenting journey so far? What has surprised you the most? How has becoming a parent changed your perspective on life or yourself? What’s the most rewarding and most challenging part of motherhood for you? Did your own upbringing influence your parenting style? If so, how? How would you describe your parenting style? Do you feel like it’s evolved over time? What do you think about the pressure to follow specific parenting philosophies or trends? How do you balance being nurturing and setting boundaries with your kids?
Today I had the pleasure of interviewing A/Professor Dr Shayanti Mukherjee who specialises in innovative cell-based therapies for pelvic floor disorders and birth trauma injuries. Researcher at Hudson Institute of Medical Research and Monash University.
Questions covered:
Giving hope for women living with a prolapse and other birth trauma injuries.
What is a prolapse, and how common is it, particularly among women?
What are the different types of prolapse, and how do they affect the body?
What are the most common causes or risk factors for prolapse?
What are some non-surgical ways to manage or improve prolapse symptoms?
When is surgery recommended, and what are the options available? How effective is it?
Lets talk about Hudson Universities latest research happening in the field of pelvic health that gives hope to women dealing with prolapse
What has working with prolapse patients taught you about resilience and healing?
Useful Links:
Podcast episode -
How a pessary changed my life.
Is a pelvic floor phsyio really worth it?
Australian Birth Trauma Association with Amy Dawes - https://birthtrauma.org.au/
Articles - https://www.hudson.org.au/news/pelvic-organ-prolapse-pioneer-gets-funding-to-find-a-fix/
https://www.hudson.org.au/news/the-hidden-condition-that-we-have-to-talk-about/
Dr Shayanti is seeking urgent donations to raise money for her research. If she raises 30% of the funding then the government with donate the rest. That 30% however is around $600k for vital equipment and to push the clinical trials so we can have this amazing technology change women's lives in the next 5 years rather than delaying it 5 years.
Here's how you can support - https://www.hudson.org.au/disease/womens-newborn-health/pelvic-organ-prolapse/
Carrying on from last weeks interview with Dr Liz Jenkins.
She helps couples reconnect, repair, and reignite their love, quickly transforming their relationships or marriages into their early years' connection and passion. Married for 37+ years, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and a Certified Connection Coach.
Questions covered:
How do relationships typically change after couples have children?
Why do so many couples struggle to maintain intimacy and connection during the parenting years?
What are some common misconceptions about romance and partnership after becoming parents?
How can mums navigate feelings of resentment or imbalance when one partner seems less involved with parenting or household responsibilities?
What’s the first step couples can take to start rebuilding their connection if they feel distant?
How can busy parents create space for intimacy when it feels like there’s no time or energy?
Many mums struggle to feel sexy or desirable after kids—how can they work through these feelings?
What are some red flags that indicate a couple may need to prioritise their relationship more?
Can you share a few small, daily habits or rituals that can help couples feel closer?
What are some creative or unexpected ways to plan date nights when time and resources are limited?
What’s the best piece of advice you give to parents struggling to rekindle their connection?
What’s one thing mums should stop doing that’s holding them back from feeling closer to their partners?
If a couple feels stuck, how do they know when it’s time to seek professional help?
Useful Links:
Perfectionism as a mum - Listen to episode
Blackwood Lingerie, Adelaide - https://www.blackwoodlingerie.com.au/
Dr Liz's FREE Couple's Connection Checklist: https://couplescheatsheet.com/couples-connection-cheat-sheet
FREE Love Languages Guide, a gamechanger that helps you both quickly understand and connect using the power of your love languages: https://learn.drlizjenkins.com/love-languages-guide
FREE Love Unlocked: Creative Date Nights for Couples at Home guide, packed with inspiring ideas and activities to deepen your connection and ignite passion in the comfort of your own space. https://bit.ly/CreativeDateNights
If you want to book a FREE COUPLE'S CONNECTION CALL to see which program may be a good fit for you...fill out the form on this page. Here's the link: https://drlizjenkins.com/apply
Today I had the pleasure of interviewing an old friend, Dr Liz Jenkins. She helps couples reconnect, repair, and reignite their love, quickly transforming their relationships or marriages into their early years' connection and passion. Married for 37+ years, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and a Certified Connection Coach.
Questions covered:
How do relationships typically change after couples have children?
Why do so many couples struggle to maintain intimacy and connection during the parenting years?
What are some common misconceptions about romance and partnership after becoming parents?
How can mums navigate feelings of resentment or imbalance when one partner seems less involved with parenting or household responsibilities?
What’s the first step couples can take to start rebuilding their connection if they feel distant?
How can busy parents create space for intimacy when it feels like there’s no time or energy?
Many mums struggle to feel sexy or desirable after kids—how can they work through these feelings?
What are some red flags that indicate a couple may need to prioritise their relationship more?
Can you share a few small, daily habits or rituals that can help couples feel closer?
What are some creative or unexpected ways to plan date nights when time and resources are limited?
What’s the best piece of advice you give to parents struggling to rekindle their connection?
What’s one thing mums should stop doing that’s holding them back from feeling closer to their partners?
If a couple feels stuck, how do they know when it’s time to seek professional help?
Useful Links:
Perfectionism as a mum - Listen to episode
Blackwood Lingerie, Adelaide - https://www.blackwoodlingerie.com.au/
Dr Liz's FREE Couple's Connection Checklist: https://couplescheatsheet.com/couples-connection-cheat-sheet
FREE Love Languages Guide, a gamechanger that helps you both quickly understand and connect using the power of your love languages: https://learn.drlizjenkins.com/love-languages-guide
FREE Love Unlocked: Creative Date Nights for Couples at Home guide, packed with inspiring ideas and activities to deepen your connection and ignite passion in the comfort of your own space. https://bit.ly/CreativeDateNights
If you want to book a FREE COUPLE'S CONNECTION CALL to see which program may be a good fit for you...fill out the form on this page. Here's the link: https://drlizjenkins.com/apply
I'm chatting to myself today (always fun) about how women can overcome gym anxiety, build their confidence and feel empowered through strength training.
What's covered:
Common fears or insecurities when starting or returning to the gym?
What are practical tips for getting comfortable in a gym environment?
What’s a good starting point for mums who have never been to a gym or are coming back after a long break?
How can learning proper form and technique help with confidence?
Let me know if you have questions or concerns about the gym environment? What makes you nervous about going?
Lara x
Useful links:
I love these leggings - the don't ride up, they support, they're buttery soft, don't have a seem in the front of your crutch so no camel toe issues and they're squat proof -
I have maybe 4-5 different colours now haha.
Part 2 with Ximy Gonzalez.
"Are you ready for a pillow fight" - Ximy goes into the weight loss industry and how it's not helping us but actually hindering our health.
Lara x
On today's episode I chat with Ximy Gonzalez for another thought provoking interview.
Ximy is a women's health coach, passionate about natural health and wellbeing. She speaks to us today about what she believes in and has experience with.
We go into so much more on the episode (as you can tell by the length) but it's been hard to put into words the information we covered. Let's keep some of it as a nice surprise for you beautiful listeners.
Why do we turn to food and drinks for comfort, even when we know it may not help in the long run?
How can we break free from the cycle of dieting, guilt, and emotional eating?
Do we truly want to change, or have we built our identity and social connections around these habits?
A bit of a confronting, maybe challenging episode to hear. Let me know your thoughts.
Lara x
Useful links:
Get in touch with Ximy - www.bombshellformula.com
Past podcast with Ximy - Heal your relationship with food and body image.
Fannying About trailer (use to be called ‘Real Talk For Mums)
Hey there, beautiful mum! Welcome to 'Fannying About' — the podcast that keeps it raw, real, and ridiculously relatable.
We’re here to talk about all the things no one warns you about. Like how to actually keep your pelvic floor in check, juggling life with kids and finding time for your health and sanity without losing your mind.
Whether it’s parenting fails, fitness wins, or just learning to laugh through the madness, this is your go-to space for honest conversations, expert advice and a little bit of fun along the way. Each week, you’ll get tips, tricks, and a whole lot of real talk.
Lara x
Burnout is a real thing for everyone, especially mums so how do we know if we are in 'burnout' and what can we actually do about it?
I share practical tools and techniques, I use that are simple, imperfect and small to help make huge differences in your life as a mum whether you are working, stay at home or both.
Useful Links:
Kate Kripke - Maternal Mental Health Expert - https://www.katekripke.com/work-with-me
The Good Enough Mum - https://seleni.org/advice-support/2018/3/14/the-gift-of-the-good-enough-mother