Modern Woman's World

This week it’s part 2 of ‘Lockdown 2.0 vs 1.0.’ The girls talk about this unusual year working at home, how every day feels like ‘Groundhog Day,’ taking time to find some different ways to enjoy each day, home schooling in lockdown and 'iso birthdays.' It’s a really hard time, so be kind to yourself and check in on others. 

We’re back! We took a bit of an impromptu break as we needed to deal with this new lockdown we find ourselves in. Today we talk about Lockdown 1.0 vs 2.0 and how we are dealing, ‘Bovids’ (you’ll have to listen to find out what this means), how it’s okay to not put pressure on yourself during this time and guilty pleasures to help get us through these strange times we find ourselves in. 

This week, the girls bring you part two of their chat with special guest Samantha Rowe from Memories of an Angel to talk about pregnancy and infant loss. In this episode they explore the stigmas, misunderstandings and complexities surrounding adoption, surrogacy and IVF, including the financial and time impacts. Samantha also talks about where she and her husband are up to on their journey. Find out more about Memories of an Angel here: https://www.memoriesofanangel.com.au Please note, the content in this episode may be triggering for some people. If you need support, please phone Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636. Follow Modern Woman’s World on Instagram at @modernwomansworldpodcast_, plus keep up to date with Sam, Kristine, Jen and Sarah. Got a story to share or an episode request? Email modernwomansworld@gmail.com

This week, the girls welcome a very special guest Samantha Rowe to talk about a very important topic- pregnancy and infant loss. In part one, Samantha shares her story and tells us why she founded Memories of an Angel. Find out more about Memories of an Angel here: https://www.memoriesofanangel.com.au Please note, the content in this episode may be triggering for some people. If you need support, please phone Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636. Follow Modern Woman’s World on Instagram at @modernwomansworldpodcast_, plus keep up to date with Sam, Kristine, Jen and Sarah. Got a story to share or an episode request? Email modernwomansworld@gmail.com

This week, the girls welcome back Sarah! They speak about how being in isolation and living in these unprecedented times has changed and created new habits and changed their motivation levels. Also, they discuss if people are becoming more anxious as restrictions slowly start to lift. Sam was excited to start home schooling, with an organised schedule and everything in place - but after eight weeks, how is that going? At the start, it was a bit of fun using new apps like Zoom and House Party – but now, the girls discuss if we are becoming sick and tired of all this screen time? Was it a bit of a novelty?  The girls also discuss the positives of being in isolation, including reading more and enjoying a few more things they hadn’t had the opportunity to in the past like lunchtime walks and gardening. Kristine’s inner critic ‘Barb’ also pops by for an unwelcome visit!

The girls talk about their experience in isolation, in what feels like has been a very long time staying at home! They discuss the new normal – working from home, home schooling and now, what it will be like to gradually ease back into normal life, as well as new anxieties. They ask if we want to go completely back to how life was and the things they have taken out of the last few weeks, including slowing down (and not missing the everyday commute!)

It’s been over a month now in isolation and the girls catch up via Zoom to talk about about how they are doing. From working from home, some of the hobbies they’ve been taking on, to home schooling, there's been a lot happening in each of their worlds despite being at home. The girls also question and discuss why it seems many people are placing so much pressure on themselves to emerge from self-isolation with a ‘new skill’ or  becoming ‘super fit’ and bringing it all back to reality. They also discuss some of the top things they can’t wait to do when this period is over.

Zoe Langenberg is a social media whiz who spends her days helping small businesses make the most of social media.  It’s no secret the girls love to support local business, so they asked Zoe to share her top tips and tricks on the podcast. In part two, Zoe talks about social media upskilling, keeping headspace for creativity and 2020 trends.   Find Zoe at Be Social Media.  Follow Modern Woman’s World on Instagram, plus keep up to date with Sam, Kristine, Jen and Sarah.  Got a story to share or an episode request? Email modernwomansworld@gmail.com. 

It's an unprecedented time for the world right now. Everyone is affected in some way by the current COVID-19 situation. This week, the girls adjust to a 'new normal' for a while and record the podcast using Zoom whilst discussing how they are dealing with this new situation including working at home, home schooling and the struggle of not seeing family and friends in person. Kristine, having just returned home from Malaysia speaks about her experience arriving home and how she is finding self isolation. The girls also talk about their list of goals they hope to achieve while staying home.

Zoe Langenberg is a social media whiz who spends her days helping small businesses make the most of social media.  It’s no secret the girls love to support local business, so they asked Zoe to share her top tips and tricks on the podcast. In part one, Zoe lays out her social media strategy and talks about the best way to gain followers for free.  Find Zoe at Be Social Media.  Follow Modern Woman’s World on Instagram, plus keep up to date with Sam, Kristine, Jen and Sarah.  Got a story to share or an episode request? Email modernwomansworld@gmail.com.

The way we work is changing. Young Australians will have an average of five careers and 17 jobs in their lifetime. With so much flexibility and uncertainty in the modern workforce, career planning can feel daunting.      Marija Duka, lawyer turned career coach, joins the girls to talk about empowering millennial women to pursue their passions. Part two covers all aspects of career transition, from time management to what to tell your boss. Plus, Marija reveals her new venture.   Follow Modern Woman’s World on Instagram, plus keep up to date with Sam, Kristine, Jen and Sarah.  Got a story to share or an episode request? Email modernwomansworld@gmail.com. 

The way we work is changing. Young Australians will have an average of five careers and 17 jobs in their lifetime. With so much flexibility and uncertainty in the modern workforce, career planning can feel daunting.      Marija Duka, lawyer turned career coach, joins the girls to talk about empowering millennial women to pursue their passions. In part one, Marija shares her own career change journey, tackling fears and being clear about what you want.  Follow Modern Woman’s World on Instagram, plus keep up to date with Sam, Kristine, Jen and Sarah.  Got a story to share or an episode request? Email modernwomansworld@gmail.com.

Home renovations can be one of life’s most stressful events. As a single woman living solo, Kristine wanted to be prepared and not get taken advantage of. But no amount of research or recommendations could have prepared this renovation nightmare.  Plus, the girls talk about the male-dominated tradie industry, actions you can take when renos go wrong and Sarah’s aspiration for The Block.  Recommendations:  Measure Kit app   MagicPlan app  Sun Seeker app  Pocket Book app  Home Design 3D Outdoor and Garden app Three Birds Renovations Follow Modern Woman’s World on Instagram, plus keep up to date with Sam, Kristine, Jen and Sarah.  Got a story to share or an episode request? Email modernwomansworld@gmail.com.  

If you scroll through Instagram, you’ll see self care has become synonymous with face masks, massages and yoga classes. But, according to the girls, the best self care can be simple and free. It’s all about knowing yourself and what you need, and making a little time for it every day – whether it’s spending time in your garden like Sam or using a gratitude app like Kristine.  Recommendations:  Gratitude App  Lumosity Brain Training  Self care worksheet  Follow Modern Woman’s World on Instagram, plus keep up to date with Sam, Kristine, Jen and Sarah.  Got a story to share or an episode request? Email modernwomansworld@gmail.com.  

Meet Archie, Devo, Elvis and Toby, the very good boys who support the hoomans behind this podcast.  Dogs (and Sarah’s extended pet family) are very near and dear to the hearts of the girls. In this episode they share stories about their cheeky pets, good and bad pet parent habits and how to find the right dog for your lifestyle.  Recommendations:  Find the right diet for your dog Dog House Dog Cafe Charlie Parkers  KMART pet supplies  Follow Modern Woman’s World on Instagram, plus keep up to date with Sam, Kristine, Jen and Sarah – and, of course, Archie, Devo and Toby (ft. Tiberius). Got a story to share or an episode request? Email modernwomansworld@gmail.com.

Valentine’s Day is around the corner and the girls are talking about Date Night, from first date activities to dating on a budget to carving out quality time with your SO when you live together.  And if V-Day gives you anxiety, Kristine says to forget the romance and celebrate all kinds of love instead, whether that’s for your friends, family or yourself!  Recommendations:  The Peacock Den   Hey Tiger chocolate  Daily Blooms Follow Modern Woman’s World on Instagram, plus keep up to date with Sam, Kristine, Jen and Sarah.  Got a story to share or an episode request? Email modernwomansworld@gmail.com.  

Australia is facing a climate emergency with a summer of record heat and bushfires. In this episode the girls talk about their passion for the environment and the small actions they take that add up to a bigger difference.  Plus, Sarah shares stories of living in drought and fire affected areas of rural NSW while Sam shares her sustainability goals for the year.  Recommendations:  Cut shower times by one minute  Bamboo reusable coffee cup Be a conscious consumer Tumbleweed cafe worm farm  Biome  Other resources: Too hot for humans? The Guardian  Ladies of the Land  Think Dirty app Follow Modern Woman’s World on Instagram, plus keep up to date with Sam, Kristine, Jen and Sarah.  Got a story to share or an episode request? Email modernwomansworld@gmail.com.  

Striking up friendships can be hard, especially as an adult, and studies show more than a quarter of Australians feel lonely every week. We’re social creatures at heart and the benefits of friendships are many. But how can we create a community if we live away from family or everyone is time poor? In this episode, the girls share their stories about making and keeping friends, from meeting people at the dog park to popping by someone’s house unannounced.   Recommendations:  Re-listen to episode three on networking Introduce yourself to people  Pop in to see friends in the area Volunteer your time  Follow Modern Woman’s World on Instagram, plus keep up to date with Sam, Kristine, Jen and Sarah.  Got a story to share or an episode request? Email modernwomansworld@gmail.com.  

For many of us, January means setting resolutions for the new year, and more often than not, health is front and centre. In a special two-part series, wellness coach Laura Morel joins the girls to discuss fitness, nutrition and mindset.  In part two, Laura gets into the nitty gritty of nutrition and eating well, from healthy family dinners that kids will love to meal prepping to homemade snacks. Diet is a four-letter word in this episode, it’s all about fueling your body and feeling satisfied. Follow Laura on Instagram at Laura Morel Wellness. Recommendations:  Twinings sleep tea Keep it Cleaner  Meal Prep Society on Instagram  The Beauty Chef collagen inner beauty boost  Follow Modern Woman’s World on Instagram, plus keep up to date with Sam, Kristine, Jen and Sarah.  Got a story to share or an episode request? Email modernwomansworld@gmail.com.

For many of us, January means setting resolutions for the new year, and more often than not, health is front and centre. In a special two-part series, wellness coach Laura Morel joins the girls to discuss fitness, nutrition and mindset.  In part one, Laura talks about the importance of mindset and shares her tips for setting sustainable, achievable fitness goals that won’t leave you hating exercise. Follow Laura on Instagram at Laura Morel Wellness. Recommendations:  Baxter Blue blue light glasses  Wake-Up Light with Colored Sunrise Simulation Alarm Clock Walking Smart watch Follow Modern Woman’s World on Instagram, plus keep up to date with Sam, Kristine, Jen and Sarah.  Got a story to share or an episode request? Email modernwomansworld@gmail.com.  

This episode the girls talk babies: choosing to have a baby, or not to have a baby, when and how, or when there isn’t a choice at all.  Sarah quizzes Sam on her pregnancy and being a new mum, while Kristine looks into freezing her eggs. Wherever you are on the spectrum, the girls have got you covered.  Recommendations:  Arlo Baby Fruit Only fruit hampers AMH test Melbourne IVF  Other resources: Memories of an Angel, run by Samantha Rowe  Follow Modern Woman’s World on Instagram, plus keep up to date with Sam, Kristine, Jen and Sarah.  Got a story to share or an episode request? Email modernwomansworld@gmail.com.

Pre-Christmas madness is underway and it seems like everyone wants to squeeze in a festive catch up before December’s over. The girls talk about their gift-buying rules, creative present ideas and what to bring to someone’s event when you’re told not to bring a thing.   And it wouldn’t be an episode about social etiquette without a vent about how ‘right-side walkers’ are a threat to Melbourne’s liveability #petpeeve.  Recommendations:  Regifting Buyfromthebush and stayinthebush Follow Modern Woman’s World on Instagram, plus keep up to date with Sam, Kristine, Jen and Sarah.  Got a story to share or an episode request? Email modernwomansworld@gmail.com. 

Empowerment and intuition coach Ellen Mohan sits down with the girls to talk about everything from digital detoxing to essential oils. Ellen is passionate about helping women to harness the power of their intellect and intuition. Plus, a beginners guide for cleansing the energy in your house.   Ellen trained at Beautiful You Coaching Academy. You can follow her on Instagram here.   Follow Modern Woman’s World on Instagram, plus keep up to date with Sam, Kristine, Jen and Sarah.  Got a story to share or an episode request? Email modernwomansworld@gmail.com.  

Tis the season to be jolly, and while some love festive get togethers, the work Christmas party can be a difficult social occasion to navigate.  It could be the one time of the year you can’t avoid hanging out with your colleagues outside the office. The girls share survival tips from finding a buddy to the Irish goodbye.  Recommendations:  Bytox Hangover Patch DiDi rideshare Ola rideshare                                       Follow Modern Woman’s World on Instagram, plus keep up to date with Sam, Kristine, Jen and Sarah.  Got a story to share or an episode request? Email modernwomansworld@gmail.com

Get ready for 2020 with special guest Caroline Guillemain-Brunne, the “life assistant you never knew you needed”.  Caroline is the founder of Organise.Curate.Design. and helps people to balance their lives, businesses and to-do lists. In this episode she shares her top tips for successful goal setting, getting organised and actually enjoying the holidays (hint: go on strike).  Follow Modern Woman’s World on Instagram, plus keep up to date with Sam, Kristine, Jen and Sarah. You can follow Caroline on Instagram here.  Got a story to share or an episode request? Email modernwomansworld@gmail.com

Saving can feel like a hard slog. Especially as wages haven’t kept up with the rising cost of living. But there are ways to squirrel money away for a house, holiday or emergency. In this episode, Jen, Kristine and Sam reveal their top tips for saving (and spending wisely), and Sarah talks about how she got herself out of credit card debt.  Afterpay correction: We got our info about failed automatic payments wrong. If an automatic payment fails, late fees from Afterpay can apply. Here are Afterpay’s terms of service, and an article in The Guardian showing how much of Afterpay’s revenue comes from late fees.   Recommendations:  Profit First, Mike Michalowicz She’s On The Money podcast  Hussh.com.au Follow Modern Woman’s World on Instagram, plus keep up to date with Sam, Kristine, Jen and Sarah.  Got a story to share or an episode request? Email modernwomansworld@gmail.com. 

One in five Australians struggle with their mental health, and the rates are higher for women than men. One of the barriers that prevents people getting help is stigma. So in this episode, the girls open up about their struggles with mental health and the importance of reaching out for support.   If this episode raises concerns for you, 24/7 support is available at Lifeline on 13 11 14 or www.lifeline.org.au and at Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467 or www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au. Recommendations: Headspace app  Smiling Mind  Follow mentalhealth.q, crazyheadcomics and veronicadearly Keep a gratitude journal  Further support:   PANDA Beyond Blue Follow Modern Woman’s World on Instagram, plus keep up to date with Sam, Kristine, Jen and Sarah.  Got a story to share or an episode request? Email modernwomansworld@gmail.com.

A good morning routine can set you up for the day. So how do you build solid habits when every impulse is telling you to hit the snooze button? Sam reveals the secrets behind her mantra a good morning routine starts the night before, while Sarah shares her daily struggle to get out of bed – and how she’s going to try to get over it.  Recommendations: Before5am Instagram Wake-Up Light with Colored Sunrise Simulation Alarm Clock (Sarah will report back!) Uniqlo HEATTECH The Subtle Art of not giving a F*ck, Mark Manson “When life gives you lemons, don't make lemonade – learn to stomach lemons better.” Other resources: The 5AM Club  The Squizz podcast  Follow Modern Woman’s World on Instagram, plus keep up to date with Sam, Kristine, Jen and Sarah.  Got a story to share or an episode request? Email modernwomansworld@gmail.com.  

The rising cost of living combined with stagnant wages mean many of us need to live in share houses well into adulthood, or perhaps move in with our partners earlier than planned. If you’re one of the lucky ones who can afford solo living, it comes with it’s own perils. This episode the girls open up about their living situations and share nightmare house stories, from the fear of changing a lightbulb to walking in on your flatmate sniffing your underwear.  Recommendations: Blue Hills Honey  Falling Inn Love  Future Women  Other resources: Flatmates.com.au   Flatmatefinders.com.au Fairy Floss Real Estate  Who Gives a Crap The Freedom and Perils of Living Alone, New York Times  Old People’s Home for Four Year Olds, ABC Follow Modern Woman’s World on Instagram, plus keep up to date with Sam, Kristine, Jen and Sarah.  Got a story to share or an episode request? Email modernwomansworld@gmail.com.

Is work-life balance an elusive unicorn? It’s certainly something that we talk about a lot, but struggle to achieve. This week, the girls share their very different ideas on how they try to crack the code on work-life balance. Whether you’re like Kristine who prefers to set clear boundaries or like Sarah who finds it necessary to blur the lines, this episode will give you some ideas for how to find a balance.  Recommendations: Youfoodz  She Mentors  Nine Perfect Strangers, Liane Moriarty  Frank Body Follow Modern Woman’s World on Instagram, plus keep up to date with Sam, Kristine, Jen and Sarah.  Got a story to share or an episode request? Email modernwomansworld@gmail.com.

Starting a new job is one of the most stressful events in life. But we’re changing jobs more and more frequently, and research shows that people entering the workforce will have 17 jobs and five careers in their lifetime. So starting a new job is something we need to have the skills to nail! The girls share their top tips, from building relationships to knowing the ins and outs of your workplace.  Plus, Sarah’s nightmare job in an emergency department.  Recommendations:  Laneige Water Sleeping Mask Barefoot Investor Cardamom chai tea The Loudest Voice Follow Modern Woman’s World on Instagram, plus keep up to date with Sam, Kristine, Jen and Sarah.  Got a story to share or an episode request? Email modernwomansworld@gmail.com.

Does everyone you know have a side hustle? Do you need one? This week the girls talk about having a side business, and how to finally get yours off the ground. Also, they welcome their very first guest: Mary of @mariamtysmakeup! Mary works part time and also has her own business as a makeup artist, and she shares how she manages a side hustle on top of family life, her top beauty tips, as well as her dream face to paint.    Recommendations: Pick Three: You Can Have It All (Just Not Every Day) I Made a Thing podcast  Ruby Lee Follow Modern Woman’s World on Instagram, plus keep up to date with Sam, Kristine, Jen and Sarah. Check out Kristine’s blog here and Sam’s blog here.  Got a story to share or an episode request? Email modernwomansworld@gmail.com.  

If you’re starting your own business or exploring a side hustle, getting clients is the most essential step. But it’s also one of the trickiest. The girls talk about the different ways to attract clients, from word of mouth to digital marketing. Plus, why female entrepreneurs need to stand by their worth. 

If you feel like you’re in a rut or your life isn’t how you imagined it would be, maybe it’s time to pivot. The girls talk about taking risks and making changes, and how to stay resilient if things don’t work out. Plus, Jen shares her sliding doors moment – a tiny decision that changed the course of her career.

Tinder, Bumble, Hinge. Your next date is literally at your fingertips. Why then, with endless choices, does dating feel so hard? Single lady Kristine talks decision fatigue and disappointing first dates. And the girls ask, are dating apps making everyone too picky?

Love it or hate it, networking can help you get ahead in your career. Networking Queen Sarah reveals her tips for reading the room, striking up a conversation and making valuable connections. Plus, networking horror stories and how to tactfully escape an awkward situation.

Does having a drink feel like the only way to draw the line under a long, hard day? The girls share their ahhhhh moments – from a glass that turns into a bottle to swapping wine for kombucha – and ask, is it ok to drink every day, how much is too much, and what impact does drinking have on your life?

Whether you know it or not, you have a personal brand – and it’s more important in professional life than ever. As Amazon founder Jeff Bezos famously said, it’s “what people say about you when you’re not in the room.'' The girls discuss how to create an authentic personal brand without letting it take over your life.

Meet the four friends behind Modern Woman’s World. Each week, Jen, Sarah, Kristine and Sam catch up to discuss the highs and lows of life, from starting a side hustle to getting out of a bad date to taking a mental health break. Wherever you are in life – single, juggling kids and work, pursuing your passion, climbing the career ladder or trying to figure things out – this podcast has something for you. Launching 14 August.