Suck It And See with Nathy G

In the words of Tom Cochrane (who?!) "Life is a Highway - I wanna ride it all night long". And in keeping with this theme and my motto of living life with curiosity, hope and humour - in this episode I'm shining a light on a healing modality that is gaining traction when it comes to resolving trauma. Body-Centred psychotherapist Briony Pilkington and I first met about 18 months ago when I sought to further my quest to become more whole and less held back by forces such as will power (or a lack of), distraction (an oversupply of), lack of impulse control and self sabotage. It led me to Briony and a journey of discovery into how trauma (outside but not excluding shock and major trauma) can lie lurking deep within our somas (bodies) for decades, and hamper our best efforts and intentions to live full and productive lives - both professionally and personally. This episode is part 1 of a 2 part interview I did with Briony. In this episode we unpack the modality and Briony's training and experience in the field. In the episode that will follow - we will explore our client/practitioner journey together - so that people can get up close and personal with what it actually looks (and feels) like to embark on a body-centred healing pathway. I hope you enjoy this conversation.

Hello Lovelies. Full transparency - I don't know whether this is a newsletter or a podcast or a combo-fiasco of both. But in the spirit of curiosity and sometimes leaping before I look…On the eve of the 2024 Oscars - it's been a busy cinematic leadup to the red carpet rollout for tomorrow's glittering (politically charged no doubt) event.With the internet a-buzz with terms such as 'Oscar-bation', 'Vanity Projects', 'Award-whoring' and more - it will be an awards ceremony awash with more controversy than ever before.More controversy, more botox, more diversity, more glitter and - of course - more great films (and some....well...)As you get ready to pop your corn, and dust off your diamonds in preparation for the event - Megs and I have been busy in recent weeks (months even) dragging ourselves to the cinema (and the couch in some instances) to view all the nominated films in the Best Picture Category.As Mark Antony in Shakespear's Julius Caesar said 'lend me your ears'.Well - lend us your ears and we'll give you a round up of all to look out for for Oscars 2024. What we think will win, what we think should win, and what we think should have been left on the cutting room floor.Thanks for being part of my tribe. Your continued support is so appreciated on this journey of life, love and general craziness.Mwah!! Nathy G This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nathygaffney.substack.com

If you identify as a procrastinator - chances are you beat yourself up about the fact. You might feel like you lack self discipline, willpower, focus - and any number of other personality traits that our determined, tenacious, productive, get shit done type friends possess. Well despair no more, because in today's small talk episode I share a revelation that came to me courtesy of The Huberman Lab. In this episode Andrew (Hottie) Huberman talks to super habit genius Professor Adam Grant about the fact that not all procrastination is equal. It's true - if you live in denial about shit that needs to get done and just blatantly ignore doing things until the last minute - you do indeed fall into the procrastinator pot. But for the others out there - who (like me) put off getting started - while they mull over, muse, brainstorm, mentally massage their ideas/problems/projects and tasks - you could be what is called the 'Delayer'. And it may just be - that your end game is one that is more creative, allows for more innovative solutions and a more expansive approach to problem solving and decision making. It is a fascinating episode - all 3 hours of it, so if you want the small popcorn mini meal version - I've taken the highlights and squeezed them in here. If you haven't seen Tim Urban's TED Talk on Procrastination - STOP PROCRASTINATING - and watch it now. It's bloody funny. Tim Urbanhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arj7oStGLkU

Are you prone to the odd bout of procrastination? In this episode of Suck it and See, Nathy shares her (many) dances with the Procrastination Devil, and uncovers some interesting reasons why some people put shit off more than others…and what you might be able to do about it.

It's been an eventful week. I've had a tree die and crash through my window and witnessed a woman nearly drown in front of me. It's got me pretty agitated, so I figured now would be as good a time as any - to embark on an experiment to quell my relentless need for distraction. The agitation that goes along with not being good at focusing for long periods can cause huge dips in productivity - and now that I'm running my own business - and have no boss to answer to - the only person who suffers if yours truly isn't working efficiently - is - well - yours truly. Enter: The Art Challenge. A 3 hour exercise in focus and patience - pioneered by art historian Jennifer Roberts. One piece of art. 3 hours. No phones. No laptops. No friends. Just you, a notebook and pen - and the art of your choice. How hard could it be? Right?? Right?? hmmmm.... So - having committed to meeting a friend at the art gallery who would help me choose a painting for the 3 hour art challenge - I knew there was no backing out. Happy to report - I made it to the full 3 hours. Was it uncomfortable? Hell yes. Did I learn anything? Oh yeah baby. It was a fascinating experiment and one I highly recommend (if you can find 3 hours to spare). If you can't even begin to think of finding 3 hours to stare at a piece of art - well - the next 30 minutes will give you the next best experience. :D https://inews.co.uk/inews-lifestyle/wellbeing/wellbeing-oliver-burkeman-patience-four-thousands-weeks-book-1168413

After a several month long haitus - I'm delighted to be back at the microphone. To kick off 2024 and my renewed and reinvigorated committment to 'Suck It & See with Nathy G' - I've lured my podcasting bestie and regular guest, the witty, wise and wonderful Meaghan Archunde into the chair, to review this season's most talked about and TikTok'd film - Saltburn. For all of you who have seen it - 'Murder on the Dancefloor' will never be the same again - of that there is no doubt. But is 'Saltburn' Gen Z's Talented Mr Ripley? Or is it sooooooo much more? So great to be back, and if you are here with me - welcome and thankyou for your support. Your loyalty will be rewarded fortnightly from now on in. Mwah!!!

Uncertainty - not knowing or being able to control the outcomes of situations (or life in general) can really mess with some people's heads. The reality is - we can never be certain what's going to happen, and coming to a place of acceptance and peace with that fact can reap us rewards that we can't even foresee. Wayne Dyer famoulsy said 'Noone knows enough to be a pessimist', and yet we spin our wheels and overload our fragile nervous systems fretting about things - that we feel certain about - but that often turn out completely differently. Like the guy who had a cancer diagnosis. His whole life with his wife and young family - was plunged into uncertainty and trauma. He coudn't possibly see what was around the corner. He did what most people do in these positions - got laser focused on his priorities - his family and his health, and made massive changes. 3 weeks later - they cancelled his cancer! That's right - 'sorry buddy, we got it wrong - that thing we saw in your scan? Turns out someone breathed on the film' (Hey that's not what actually happened!) The piont is - it was only when his whole existence was plunged into uncertainty - that he went on to make some really good choices about his life!! What if we could reframe the way we look at and deal with life's uncertainties? See them as gifts and opportunities? What then? https://www.amazon.com/Curious-Discover-Missing-Ingredient-Fulfilling/dp/0061661198 Link to my new 'Substack Space' Coming soon!

How can you tell the difference between intuition and paranoia? I'm sure I've been both at various times and occasionally one has probably masqueraded as the other. Sound familiar? Well it turns out there is a difference and in today's super short small talk episode - I explore the differences - and the perils of ingnoring your intuition. If you're interested in knowing more about the difference between intuition and paranoia - I found this article to be super helpful: https://www.womenshealth.com.au/an-energy-expert-explains-how-to-tell-the-difference-between-intuition-and-paranoia/#:~:text=Intuition%20is%20an%20inner%20'knowing,from%20a%20place%20of%20fear. And if you're interested in developing and growing your intuition into a part of your inner counsel that you can tune in to, listen to and trust - there are some great strategies in this article right here: https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/how-to-strengthen-your-intuition Thanks for supporting the Suck it & See podcast. If you'd like to be notified every time a new episode drops - just hit follow or subscribe. Ciao ciao for now lovelies and see you next time. Mwah XXX

The doom and gloom of 'the change' in a woman's life is EVERYWHERE (okay. maybe it's just the algorhythms are just picking up on my age, but it does feel like overkill!) Whilst I fully embrace the need for far more information and easy access to the appropriate support and care required to navigate this stage of life that every woman will experience - what I have noticed is that the vast majority of information targeting women talks about the negative health impacts, the parts of our life and womanhood that are dying, drying up (or the case of hot flashes) frying up! I also believe we have an opportunity to craft a narrative around this 'transition' into women's next stage of life, with far more optimism, empowerment and joy. Let's face it - if you're a woman in your 50's - just to have been born in this day and age - means you have so much more opportunity to have a say in how your life plays out. Don't complain about becoming invisible - become visible. Claim this time in your life when you can craft a narrative, and present a story that contributes to a legacy that our daughters can claim as something to embrace when it's their turn, rather than something to be afraid of.

As a card carrying procrastinator, one of my favourite things to do is to research why I procrastinate, instead of doing all the things I know I should be doing. It has a dual advantage: not only do I get to delay doing the thing that I'm feeling discomfort and apprehension around, I also get to kid myself that I'm actually doing something productive, and therefore am justified in putting off tackling said annoying or uncomfortable task. Don't you love how humans can absolutely kid themselves into believing almost anything?! However, in the case of this episode of the podcast, it seems that I've managed to create something productive (a podcast episode) out of an activity (researching procrastination), that I was doing to avoid doing something uncomfortable that I was putting off (recording a podcast episode). See what I did there? Frikkin genius!!! But all self-congratulation aside, I have been working with a really cool productivity hack - the Pomodoro Technique - that is definitely helping me to tackle tasks. So in today's episode I share how it might work for you. https://todoist.com/productivity-methods/pomodoro-technique I also talk about a topic that is rapidly growing in interest for me - and that is the disregulation of the nervous system. So I also share a snippet of what I'm discovering in that space and how it relates to procrastination. Finally - I mention a brain function called 'Focus and Diffuse' - which relates to how we learn and retain information - really cool stuff. https://barbaraoakley.com/books/learn-like-a-pro/ Dr Barbara Oakley is a guru in this space. Check out her book 'Learn Like a Pro'.

In this super short episode I share why I've been quiet these past few months and share the output of my monk-like period of contemplation. Apart from changing the cover of the podcast (hope you like me sans showgirl wig!!) - I've decided to bravely go forth into the gig economy, forgoing the safety and security of a guarunteed monthly paycheck and launch myself into coaching entrepreneurs-ville. Will she stumble (likely), will she fall (if she stumbles - probably), will she give it a red hot shake (absolutely) and will she eat up the experience like a kid in a cake shop (definitely). It's an exciting time to be Nathy, and I hope you join me as I make 2023 the best year yet on my dance card!

There's no hiding it - I've been absent for a few months. Ironically - in the midst of Season 3 - which was dubbed 'The Confidence Season' - I lost my confidence and hid in a cupboard for several weeks. Occasionally peeking out and looking at the lonely microphone, but just unable to commit myself to speaking out loud and putting it out there. For those who walk amongst us seeking to grow and develop as people (isn't that everybody? Apparently not I've recently been informed, so I had to make the distinction), building confidence is part of that human development journey. But whether you want to become a more confident speaker, a more confident cook, or a more confident lover - there will be times when you stand on the platform with your ticket for the Confidence Train in your hand - and when it pulls into the station - for reasons unknown, you find yourself pocketing the ticket and saying 'not today'. Anyway, that's been me - boohoo! Poor little snowflake Nathy isn't sure if what she's doing is good enough to be out here in the podcast playground with all the other impressive pod-people. The good news is - I picked up Mark Manson's book 'The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fuck' https://www.amazon.com.au/Subtle-Art-Not-Giving-Counterintuitive/dp/0062457713 and slapped myself round the head with it - particularly the chapter about not being special. If you haven't read this book, and you're interested in growth - I highly recommend. Anyway - I'm not that special (according to Mark Manson - although he's never met me, so I still have that ace in the hole), so I can just put out whatever the fuck I like and say whatever the fuck I like and noone will care. I suddenly feel free. If you've been struggling with any of the above - my darlings - this episode is for you! Mwah!!!

We all have a resident 'mean girl' right? That bitch that lives inside our head and loves to tear us down when we're trying really hard. Yup - the Inner Critic is a massive confidence crusher!. In this super speedy bite size episode I share 5 tips to help calm that bitch down! For further reading on the topic and to explore the 5 elements in greater depth, here is a link to an article written by actual psychologists (so you know I'm not making it all up!!!) https://positivepsychology.com/self-compassion-5-steps/ Ciao Ciao for now lovelies! Mwah!! XXX

"Comparison is the thief of joy" - Thanks Theodore Roosevelt - ain't it the truth! We all know the epidemic of Comparisons on social media, compounded by filters to make you look younger, thinner, more tanned, more taught - but what it really results in, is a massive decline in the agency over our own journeys through this sweet and sometimes challenging life. By comparing ourselves to others - whether it's looks, jobs, houses, cars, income or lifestyle - we are swimming in other people's lanes. But not only is comparison the thief of joy, it's also a massive underminer of confidence. Learn from observing and studying others for sure (to be clear, don't be coming to me if you ever want to get a tennis ball over the net), but boo'hooing cos you'll never beat Serena Williams at Wimbledon is just asking for trouble if you want to become a better tennis player. It will set you up to feel hopeless and overwhelmed and never quite good enough. Comparison is a major Confidence Crusher. Be aware of when you fall prey to it and and repeat this mantra 'stay in your own fucking lane'!

Think about how excited you get (Scale of 1 - 10. 10 being 'I'm about to go off like a fire cracker', and 1 being "I'd rather stick hot needles in my eyes'), when someone suggests you go roller skating, or get up on a dance floor, or speak in front of other people. Your score will largely be determined by how confident you are in partaking (successfully) in this activity. If you know you can deliver a roller disco worthy performance, bust out some serious moves, or nail a TED Talk - your score is likely to be high. If however, you're neither confident nor competent in these areas, not only will you be filled with apprehension, self doubt and perhaps dread, but you are also likely to want to avoid these activities at all costs. The irony of course is that if you want to develop your confidence in any area of your life, you're going to have to fall on your ass, mess up some steps and fudge your lines in the quest to develop mastery in anything! But we're human right - and as humans, our default position is to avoid pain and discomfort (and public humiliation and ridicule). So how can we challenge ourselves to lean into the areas of our lives where our skills are wanting. In today's episode of Season 3 -the Confidence Season - I share the benefits of increasing your levels of curiosity as a great pathway towards building confidence. Curious? Check out the episode. Todd Kashdan has been researching the power of curiosity in amplifying our fulfillment in life for over 20 years (he's a curious guy!!) His book is definitely worth a read. https://www.amazon.com.au/Curious-Discover-Missing-Ingredient-Fulfilling/dp/0061661198

In this episode - I'm exploring one of the things that can actually undermine and crush our confidence - even when we're not looking! Be on the lookout for 'Crazy Makers'. I first read about these people about 25 years ago in a book by Julia Cameron, called "The Artists Way". https://juliacameronlive.com/the-artists-way/ (get her book or courses here if you're up for more from her). Julia describes Crazy Makers as "people who thwart the creativity of those they purportedly love". Heavy shit right? And while in her book she focuses on Crazy Makers in the context of the artist's life, let me tell you, Crazy Makers aren't just hanging out in painters and potters studios. They are literally everywhere and can be anyone... and you don't need to be an artist to be impacted by them. So today I'm sharing about who these people are, where and why they turn up in our lives, how to spot them, why sometimes we're even drawn to them to our own detriment, and some simple steps to take to short circuit the damage they can do to your confidence.

**Spoiler Alert** In this bonus episode, Nathy & Megs lift the lid on Tom Cruise's return to the role of Maverick. Join them in the cockpit as they review the long awaited and highly anticipated Top Gun sequel. After a brief sidetrack to wrap up Johnny Depp's recent win over Amber Heard and his celebratory $87 000 Indian dinner, we head out into the danger zone where Tom returns to the role of Maverick and tackles a new team of 'Top' Guns. Goose has defied genetics and given birth to a Rooster, but we can be assured of the lineage, because he plays the piano whilst wearing a cheap Hawaiian shirt. There's tension in the air to be sure, but none to match the sexual tension between Tom and Jennifer Connoly as they attempt to look like they still have the hots for each other - after all these years. There's plenty of shirts off action as the cast returns to the beach, oiled up and playing with not one, but two balls - both of them Tom's - as he reimagines the game of football, as only Tom can. There is a mission - not sure who it's against, but they're super bad and only Tom and his merry band of freshly squeezed Top Gun recruits can save the day! Buckle up, grab a martini and settle in for Top Gun Maverick Mayhem!

There are so many quotes and sayings that relate to success right? 'Success is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration'. How about 'It always seems impossible, until it's done'. And then 'A bend in the road isn't the end of the road, unless you fail to make the turn'. I could go on - and on. But all of these quotes (there's one above by Nelson Mandela, and another by Helen Keller) are by people who dug deep and did the uncomfortable thing - in order to get to a better place. And what does any of that have to do with confidence? Well at the heart of it all is a commitment to (here's another one) 'just keep showing up'. In th isepsiode of the Confidence season, we put another great C-Word under the spotlight - Consistency. It's a small (cos sometimes the steps ARE small) act of committing to being uncomfortable over and over again in the quest of gaining more confidence. You see - and absence of confidence, simply means that fear is present. Fear is currently taking up valuable real estate where you want Confidence to be. Many people mistakenly think that once they 'feel more confident' - then they can (or will) take action. Well I hate to burst your bubble - but it just doesn't work that way. In fact - i's the other way round. Consistency is the key. Showing up time and time again - in the face of discomfort is the best and most assured way of gaining confidence. Let's talk about why, and how you can do it for yourself!

Welcome to Season 3 lovelies. They say good things come in 3's (or is it bad things? - never mind). I'm excited to be back at the microphone with a bonafide 'theme' for Season 3 - and that is 'Confidence'. This season we're going to dissect this personality trait and look at it from every possible angle. Where it comes from. Why it's important. Can you have too much of it? Was she really 'born with it'? The things that make it, shake it and break it. Each episode throughout the season will explore a different element of Confidence. Today we kick off with 'Context'. 10 out of 10 people who attend the workshops I run, say they want to 'feel more confident' at the end of the session. But what does that actually mean? So let's start by exploring the fact that somewhere in your life - even if you don't feel it - you already have confidence in spades. The trick is to find out where. Once you do - you've already got a head start on this journey!

Yes it's been a long time between drinks, and I thank you lovely listeners who have been waiting patiently for me to get my shit together and sit back down at the microphone. We all know life gets in the way sometimes eh? Well my life is no exception. It just barges in and demands shit of me that quite frankly I could do without having to deal with, but it just needs doing. I've put my little season hiatus to good work though and have come up with a theme for Season 3. Another fabulous 'C' Word. A little less controversial that the previous C word me and Megs got amongst (Season 3 Episode 5 if you missed it - highly recommend) - this season's word is 'Confidence'. I'm going to put that C word under the microscope and explore it from all angles. Where it comes from, how tough it is to find it sometimes and how easy it can be to lose it. We'll look at how to build it, make it and fake it, and what to look out for when others try to crush it. I've got some great guests lined up who'll share thier own journey's in the quest for it and just generally have a good time! I'm back and I'm happy about it - I hope you are too!! Mwah! XXX

Wow!!!! 6 months already and the end of Season 2. We've talked Ultradian Rhythms, becoming a Covid Karen and reclaiming the word C*%T - amongst many other things and it's time for a short month long break. Season 3 is already shaping up to be a cracker. We'll be exploring Burn out (not the type you do in the your car!), energy healing, the funny side of funerals, and I'll be launching my series ‘The C Word' - no not that C word - it's a series that unpacks that magical, mythical (often elusive) feeling of “Confidence”. What it is, why it's important, where to find it, how to build it (not break it). I think you're gonna love it. I'm also trialing a break from social media. It's been years since I took a break, so I'm going to give it a crack and see what happens - I guess I'm going to ‘Suck it & See'!! If you don't want to miss my return, be sure to follow the podcast on Apple or Spotify, so you'll be notified when Season 3 kicks off. Ciao Ciao for now lovelies. Nathy G XXX

With my intimate in-depth knowledge of Hollywood married couples (courtesy of all the old Who Weekly's at my nail salon), coupled with my extensive experience in the field of psychology and therapy (no qualifications, but I've seen plenty over the years), and adding in my medical expertise with the condition of Alopecia (I know precisely one person with the condition) - I feel (along with thousands of other similarly qualified people - irony!!!) to be able to comment with great insight and authority on the goings on at some award show that was on the Tele over a week ago. I think you'll agree. It should go viral!!!!

We all have shit we worry about right? And at times, we are all plagued by struggle - whether your struggle is huge and related to external forces over which you have no control, or whether it's small and of your own making - one thing we know is true 'The struggle is real'... I'm struggling with post-Covid malaise. I've dived into a well full of "I can't bring myself to give a shit about anything" these past couple of weeks, and I'm not gonna lie - it sucks big donkey's hairy ones. However - in the interest of getting high on my own supply of the 'Suck it and See' approach (to life folks - NOT big donkey's hairy ones!), I decided to try the antidote to struggle - and that is to just let everything be easy. So this week, I've taken the easy way out and am sharing a story of struggle that I wrote some years ago. My struggle with my weight. My weight has always been a fierce opponent - think Rhonda Rousey at her peak and you get the idea. It's Miss 4kg VS Nathy G - Who will win this battle of the 'Tight-Ons'???!!! The exerpt is from my book 'The Gap Year(s)' - available on Amazon if in fact, you like what you hear in today's episode and want to know more... https://www.amazon.com.au/Gap-Year-Because-sometimes-takes/dp/1922328944

It's no news that hugs are awesome. I recently got a hug from my 20 year old son that rocked my world. Why? I've just come out of Covid Isolation during which time (although under the same roof), we remained separated completely. When we reconnected, it was everything a hug should be: the right amount of pressure, we both just wanted it to go on forever, and (I dunno about him), but I felt it at my very core and in my bones. So this is a hug. Not a snuggle or a cuddle - which while both of these things are lovely - they are not a hug. A hug, when done right, is purposeful, a true exchange of energy and intention. It applies pressure, not too light as to be insipid or half hearted, and not so hard that it squeezes the breath out of you. A great hug is more than a cursory 'wraparound of the arms followed by a back slap and......quick release' - a great hug is experienced, savoured - it shifts you, changes your state. You know what I'm talking about right? You know I love a litte research, so I went in search of insights into what makes hugs so special, and I discovered some cool stuff that I share in this episode. Humans need touch and connection to thrive - that's a given, but what is it about hugs that can transform us? Pressure is key - hence why swaddling babies is key to settling and soothing them -- firmly enough to make them feel safe, not so tight that they are constricted. The length of a hug is also crucial - 20 seconds the experts recommend - for the optimal release of oxytocin. This chemical is responsible for (among other things) reducing cortisol (the stress hormone), elevating feelings of recognition, trust, compassion and empathy. All gooooooooood stuff. (check out what I say about the benefits for teenage boys!!) But wait - there's more (and this is better than steak knives from the Shopping Channel) - the benefits of hugs can be derived from non human sources. When checking out the topic, I came across the amazing Temple Grandin - a women who suffered from high functioning autism in the 1960's. It was during her time working on cattle ranches that she observed how cattle calmed down when they moved out of the herding yard and into the squeeze shoot (the narrow fenced area to funnel them to another area). She then built herself a 'hug machine' (I think it was called a squeeze machine, but hug machine sounds more fun) and set about doing experiments on the benefits of applied pressure and how it impacted her stress response levels. She was a poineer and a bit of a rock star in this space - her work leading to therapies that serve people with not only autism but also ADHD. If you're keen to know more about her, Claire Danes starred in a bio-pic of her life in 2010. Meanwhile - give someone you love (or even like) a hug today. Hug harder and linger longer. Enjoy!! https://www.templegrandin.com/ https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1278469/ https://yourteenmag.com/family-life/communication/have-you-hugged-your-teen-today https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0956797614559284

Cap'n Corona has come to town rendering my voice huskier than Tom Waits on a big night of the Jack Daniels and Marlborough Reds. Back in isolation and with less energy that a balloon at a kids party with the helium sucked out of it - I felt it my duty as a podcasting badass - to at least let my listeners know that I'm still alive and kicking. Turns out - as I spoke, I discovered that isolation might have turned me into a Karen!

Nostalgia is a wonderful thing. We know the passage of time dulls our memories somewhat - the edges of recollection fray, pain is forgotten or maybe regrets sharpen up to cut deeper. Today - I nose into a bit of my own nostalgia. This time 20 years ago (at the time of typing these notes) - I was 29 hours into a 30 hour labour - the result of which was my son Luca, who (it should come as no surprise) turns 20 today. In today's episode I share some of the memories of these past 20 years as his mum. Some of them (should he listen to the episode - no guarantees there!), he will be familiar, and some that he will have no recollection of. The ups and downs, the pains and the joys - and one particular recollection of a bread knife that bore the brunt of my anger - lest the bread knife itself was hurled at one particularly annoying teenager. Perhaps you can relate??

Consider yourself warned. In this bonus episode (specially dropped for International Women's Day) Megs and I will be exploring that most polarising of words - Cunt. Never ones to back down from an expletive - we take the time to actually research where the word came from, (25th century BC folks!!) why it's got such a bad rap in recent centuries, (hello the patriachy demonising women's sexuality, and seeking to control us and treat us as property), and make our arguments for bringing it back out of the dark ages (and recesses), and put it back on the menu of words to be used to celebrate women, womanhood, female power and sexual liberation. Special mention to contributor Skylar Marie Gray - Comedian who shares the many names for the Cunt in her fabulous scottish accent (definitely upping our global appeal) ,and a nod to fellow podcaster and lover of 'salty language' - Matt Fidler - host of "Very Bad Words" - who in his episode on the word - did a lot more lofty research than Megs and myself! https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/very-bad-words/id1097614316 https://www.youtube.com/shorts/MztdLHkWbeM https://www.facebook.com/SkylarGrayComedian/

Turns out - memory isn't something that you ‘have', it's something that you ‘do'. So says brain coach Jim Kwik. About 30% of our memory is genetic, but the rest - a whopping 70% is born from practice and purpose. After a crushingly embarrassing name forgetting incident that happened over the summer - I thought it time to investigate how I can enhance my name recalling skills. There were some great discoveries - a variety of techniques you can try until you find the one for you, and also the big hard slap of truth - being that often we don't remember someone's name because we're just not listening. (Gulp). Anyhoo - take a listen - and you might just find the right one that will help you to avoid what I now refer to as ‘Larah-Gate'.

How often do you use other people's names when interacting with them? Maybe you do with people you know - but what about people you don't know? I became an avid name user and learner when I started running workshops, because instinctively - I knew that it was a quick way to develop rapport. (With an unusual name myself, I've always appreciated when people have inquired after it, and bothered to take the time to spell or pronounce it correctly). Turns out - using people's names when interacting with them does increase connection neurologically - when people hear their names - their brains release dopamine - the feel good and motivational brain chemical. So - if using someone's name can result in ‘feel good' for them, and an upswing in their desire to help you - where are the times, places and spaces where you could utilise this new (not so secret) super power of yours??

Move over Circadian Rhythms - I'm dancing to a new beat.  The beat of my Ultradian Rhythms.  Yes folks - turns out those mid-morning snack attacks, the mid-afternoon face plants on my desk, and those times when my brain just disconnected itself from reality were not just a result of big nights, no sleep and hangovers - nossssirrrreeeee.  That sexy beast science has delivered yet again with the revelatory research that I have a rhythm - yes I have a rhythm, you have a rhythm, we ALL have an Ultradian Rhythm, that determines how we rise and fall throughout the day! Ignore your Ultradian rhythm (and this episode!) at your peril.   PS:  Yes - before you comment - I know Luke is the oldest Hemsworth Brother!!

Do you remember when you first said ‘I love you' to your significant other? We're you relaxed or were you terrified? Did you immediately regret it the nano-second the words galloped away from your lips? That was pretty much me. In today's bonus Valentines Day episode, I share the lead up to the fateful declaration of ‘amore' and how - despite the fact that I wasn't looking for love - apparently it was looking for me!

What do you choose to do on any given day? Eat less crap? Walk an extra 2000 steps? Not binge the entire season 4 of Ozark in one sitting? Every day we choose our intentions and actions - and in today's 'small talk' episode I examine the choices that you can make to 'not be a C*#T'. It's not all profanity - there's a story - involving a 40 kg dog called Jack, a snake bite, 2 dribbling neanderthals and a hero called Dave. There's also a bit of psychology thrown in - just to keep it high brow. Oh - and of course - there's the 'C' word. All of that crammed into 8 minutes. Winner Winner Uber Eats Dinner! :D

In this Big Talk episode I spend time with the amazing performer Nikki Bennett - NOT to be confused with Nikki Webster - Nikki B has been gracing Aussie and International stages and screens since winning a major prize in the Australian Singing Competition when she was a teenager. From there she went on to wow audiences in the rock musical ‘Hair'.  In the 20 or so year since then, this powerhouse performer has toured the world (performing in a staggering 52 countries globally) with her own corporate entertainment production company, been the darling of Aussie Variety TV productions such as Tonight LIve, Midday, Good Morning Australia and Hey Hey It's Saturday.  Now Nikki is working on a project very close to her heart, bringing the life and work of one of Australia's most talented and iconic singers - Helen Reddy - to the stage in a full theatrical production. Nikki and I talk about the legacy of this incredible artist, how as a performer (and writer and director of 'Invincible - The Helen Reddy Story') she has trod the delicate balance between homage and tribute, the challenges she faced getting a producer to see Helen's story as a viable project to get behind, which in turn has spurred her on to embrace Helen Reddy's own feminist and activist messages, and through the research and development of the show, the many parallels between her's and Helen's own life. We put ageism, sexism and the domination of the music industry by stale pales males, under the spotlight - we knew it was the case in the 70's - when Helen was an emerging artist, and we give the current status quo a good shake down (while having some good laughs along the way).  For fans of Helen Reddy, Nikki is a wealth of history and anecdotes about this incredible female artist. Don't miss this episode.   And to follow Nikki and stay up to date with tour dates for 'Invincible - The Helen Reddy Story' - click on the link below! https://www.nikkibennett.com/music

Spoiler Alert!  I don't know of a James Bond fan on the face of the earth who won't have seen the latest Bond film by the time this episode comes out, but don't say you haven't been warned - we do lift the lid on the good, the bad and the ugly of Daniel Craig's latest ab revealing Bond'scepade. With my good pal Meaghan Archunde (Megs), we go toe to toe in a critique of the latest Bond flick - which I loved, and she struggled to stay awake in.  It's a lively debate, fuelled by our favourite martini's (always dirrrrrrty!)

In this slightly more reflective episode I share elements of my recent festive season experience and how it left me feeling far from relaxed and rejuvenated. Caring for (and about) others - whilst a great character trait - can leave naturally empathetic and highly sensitive people (yes folks I am soft and squishy on the inside), feeling not just depleted and exhausted - but quite frankly over everyone and with no more F*&Ks left to give!  Sound familiar?   Not ideal when surrounded by family and friends who expect you to turn on your Xmas lights and take part in the party.  So how do highly sensitive people care for themselves when the big bad world gets a bit fucking annoying and certain people just seem determined to suck your Mojo well dry? Well - I've done some research and here I share a few tips and techniques that just might help you restore your equanimity, get back to your happy place and keep the energy vampires at bay! https://www.skillsyouneed.com/ips/empathy-types.html https://www.psychologytoday.com/au/basics/highly-sensitive-person

Karen-Lee Roberts is a force of nature people. Prevented from enrolling in primary school, with teachers at the time labelling her 'retarded' she went on the graduate high school in the top 3% of the state. Diagnosed with Bi-Polar at 20 - with one of the worst cases her professor/psychiatrist said he had ever seen, she spent 20 years in and out of hospital, on so many drugs she rattled when she walked and continuous rounds of Electric Shock Therapy that has left massive black holes in her memory. And yet - with all of that - she has performed in musical theatre on the West End in London, written 2 childrens books - one 'Wilbur the Optical Whale' being adapted for the stage as an innovation award winning theatrical experience (2 awards at the Adelaide Fringe Festival. She has written and performs in her one woman show "Chameleon", and is a permanent member of Indelability Arts - the first of it's kind inclusive professional theatre company for people with a disability, in Australia. Her humour, warmth and grit shine through as she shares with me her journey from mental illness to mental wellness and how through her art, she has healed, and leads a full, exciting and successful creative life. https://karenleeroberts.com/?fbclid=IwAR02jdRZsdjdsqRv8iDpZcP8cazcAnu52d-PnXQmItqbJjpz4Z2El1VYqlU NB: With the exception of a few 'F Bombs' - the content is this episode is clean. However if you do find the word 'fuck' offensive - well fuck, sorry, but maybe this isn't for you.

In this Silly Season short session - I'm mulling over the responsibilities of gift giving as an Auntie. With Covid keeping us apart most of the year - I'm finally with my family - including my 10 year old nephew - for Xmas. And as such, I want to be the cool Aunty, who's gifts make the kids faces light up when they rip the paper off tomorrow morning. And what's wrong with that? But - what is the responsibility protocol of gift giving as an Aunty. Can I just throw caution to the wind and buy inappropriately rated video games, or must I adhere to the parents wishes of ‘children's literature' as Xmas gifts? Hmmm - let's find out!

In this first of the ‘Silly Season Sessions' - Australian's obsession with getting sunburned over summer is put under the spotlight (UV rays not included listeners!). Nathy laments her misspent youth pursuing the great Aussie suntan. While she misguidedly applied baby oil and brown vinegar to try to tan her Anglo/Irish hide in the 70's - and ended up more blistered than bronzed; she marvels at the reluctance of people to slip, slop, slap these days. Maybe, she muses, we need ‘tan guards' to issue tickets to remind the lobsters that it's time they covered up and left the beach.

Where do our senses of humor come from?  Over dirty martinis, one of my funniest friends Meaghan Archunde joins me to talk about how the torment of siblings builds your sense of humor, why Jesus of Nazareth should have had an R rating, and we ponder - just how young is too young to have seen the Exorcist?  

You could say I have a love/hate relationship with money. Love it when I have it, hate it when I don't. Pretty simple you'd think? Yeah, but nah. Money seems to have caused me grief throughout much of my adult life whether I had it or not. Spending my younger years perched high on the shoulders of my father while he laid bets at the races - horses, dogs, cats or whatever could run that you could bet on - laid the foundations of a pretty dysfunctional relationship with the old'moola. Life was either feast or famine, party time or povo street, then as an actor - always earning sporadically meant that I have never developed a balanced approach to money. So now - 7 years into a job which pays monthly, pays super and holiday pay etc, and I actually have money in the bank - how do I feel about it? Well...It's complicated.

Did Covid change your shopping habits? Have you bought stuff in the past 18 months that you would never have bought under normal circumstances? Yeah me too! Shopping has changed - and it's changed us. And you can buy some crazy shit online. My latest online purchase? Live lady bugs. I shit you not!

Author Nikki McWatters and I get up close and personal about motherhood, writing memoir, shagging pop stars and more. We marvel at our sliding door lives of growing up on Queensland's Gold Coast - same schools, same teachers, same careers - pondering if our parents had in fact sneakily had it off with each other and are we in fact sisters!! We also reminisce about our (almost famous) acting careers and how Cate Blanchett and Nicole Kidman stole our careers. An episode not to miss! Nikki McWatters is the author of six books. There are a couple of memoirs in there and a trilogy of young adult novels. She dabbled in all sorts of careers before settling on writing including being a housekeeper at Kerry Packer's mansion and acting in dodgy film and television shows. She lives in the Blue Mountains. Mother of five. Spokesperson for the CEO Sleepout. And passionate op-shopper.

Decision Fatigue is real and it's usually bashing down your door by 6pm - undoing all the good decisions you've made throughout the day - like exercising, eating well, and resisting online shopping deals - but come the end of the day when you're tired, cranky, and over the world - watch those good decisions come a tumbling down...

Hooray!!! I made it to launch day - and I'm still sane (relatively) Welcome lovely listeners to my first episode! XXX Are you one of those people that insist on 'editing' photos of you taken on other people's phones? Hey no judgement here - me too! Vanity and opportunity collide to make everyone a Vogue Editor these days. But just think of all those pics of you that don't make the cut - in ten years time, you'd probably look back on them - and think 'Phoarrrr - I was hot!' Today I explore that we edit and delete at our peril - because your older self will always look back on photos of younger you with longing and envy - but not if you've trashed them all!!!

Revised Trailer - the who, the what, the why and the how.