We are currently experiencing an epidemic of anxiety, depression and mental health issues. Over the last decade, we've learned so much from research into the gut-brain axis, and the importance of gut health in order to create good mental health. But there's so much more to it than that. In this episode we chat about the role of inflammation in anxiety, low mood and sleep disturbances, the role of the microbiome in mental health, and the latest research on which probiotic strains are the most effective in helping to improve symptoms.

Low iron is something that both doctors and naturopaths/nutritionists see a LOT of in clinic. And often, despite giving high doses of iron supplements, levels simply do not budge. It's so frustrating! So... is it just about finding the "right" type of iron to give to the patient? Or is there something else going on? Enter Rebecca Edwards and her incredible knowledge of the biochemistry of iron absorption, and the role of the microbiome (and targeted probiotic therapy) in helping turn the deficiency state around.

Did you know that Western women have a 50% lifetime risk of osteoporotic fractures? Yet… Rebecca Edwards says “Calcium supplements are overused in relation to the benefit they give.” Yep - there’s new research coming out on the gut-bone axis - the direct line of communication between our digestion and our bones. And the role that inflammation plays in the increased breakdown of bones. Cue - targeted probiotic therapy to improve gut health, reduce inflammation and slow down bone loss.

Meet Kira Sutherland - a much loved practitioner and lecturer, and our industry go-to for female sports nutrition. Definitely worth a listen, even is you aren’t an athlete!

Meet Jade Miles - She’s making permaculture principles accessible for EVERYONE… even if you’re a city-dweller.

Meet Kylie Pinwill - a nutritionist and hormone whisperer for perimenopausal and menopausal women.

Meet Emma Park - her absolute zone of genius is working with pregnant women and new mums to ensure a healthy gut microbiome, through the combination of diet, gut healing strategies and the right probiotics at the right times. So, this episode is all about picking her brain on how to achieve better outcomes for both mums and bubs.

Listen as we cover what a healthy perimenopause (and menopause) is supposed to look like, why we may be entering into perimenopause MUCH earlier than we think (and what signs to look out for), and natural remedies for perimenopausal symptoms.

Anecdotally in both our businesses, Sharon and I have both noticed a HUGE link between having neurodiverse kids, and the mums developing chronic illness, especially autoimmune diseases and health conditions associated with long term stress. So I’ve got her on the show to pick her brain about nourishing the mother, and how to create a structure and lifestyle where EVERYONE is healthy and happy.

Why driven women are more prone to burnout, how to spot the warning signs, and how to come back from it all.

Meet Emma and Carla Papas, aka The Merrymaker Sisters. Listen as they open up about diet culture, obsessive food restrictions, body shaming in the fitness industry, and how they came to love and accept their bodies through their own brand of yoga and pilates.