This Is Awkward

This Is Awkward – Festive special The weather is on the turn, the big brands have busted out their blockbuster style ads and festive tunes are playing in the shops. It can only mean one thing…yes Christmas is here. According to song, “It's the most wonderful time of the year!”. But is it though? From tricky family dynamics, to present buying etiquette to dietary requirements, the most wonderful time of the year can also be absolutely fraught with awkwardness. Luckily, in this episode, Kristy and Lyanne chat to the award-winning Clinical Psychologist and writer Dr Emma Svanberg, (also known online as the Mumologist), who is on hand to help us all navigate this festive minefield. Our top 10 awkward festive conversations include: Is Santa real? Making chit chat with people you don't normally spend time with Navigating having your parenting on show Being a guest in someone else's house & following other people's rules / traditions How to be sensitive to people who don't celebrate Christmas Dietary requirements Saying no (but embracing your community)Christmas loneliness Mental load Money If you'd like any further information about Dr Emma Svanberg, visit her webpage: Home - Dr Emma Svanberg Or find her on Instagram @mumologist She also has an excellent book, ‘Parenting for humans' – available now - https://ebury.lnk.to/ParentingForHumansEmma signposts to Nova Reid in the episode - https://www.novareid.com/ Book: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-good-ally-nova-reid/2348881?ean=9780008439484 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode delves deep into why we find it so hard to talk about money in relationships and how the domestic load also plays into this. Lyanne and Kristy talk with author and couples counsellor, Joanna Harrison, about what makes tackling the 'money conversation' so hard for couples - with practical tips on broaching the subject and keeping 'good hygiene' in your relationship. As usuaal, Kristy and Lyanne also give some top podcast recommendations at the end. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A very personal episode for Lyanne, as she and Kristy talk with Jennie Agg about why conversations around miscarriage are still so difficult. With at least 1 in 5 pregnancies ending in miscarriage, we will all know someone who has been through it (whether we know it, or not) and so this episode is helpful for anyone who may struggle with the right thing to say. We hope this chat will provide little beacons of hope, reassurance, recognition and prompts for people who have been through miscarriage, and for those supporting them. There is also some excellent seagull audio-bombing at the end. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Kristy and Lyanne talk with psychologist Dr Martha Deiros Collado about how to have conversations with children about divorce and separation. Whether you're currently in the eye of the storm, or if there is a decent amount of clear water between you and this challenging time - there is something in here to think on - and maybe act on. Dr Martha has a wealth of knowledge and a kind, pragmatic approach many will find helpful. Kristy and Lyanne both found the conversation incredibly interesting and hopeful - and are sure you will too. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Lyanne and Kristy are lucky enough to snag a chat with infertility and IVF expert, Emma Haslett. Emma is a journalist and has also co-created a book and a podcast - both called 'Big Fat Negative' - about the trials and tribulations of trying to conceive. Emma has recently had her second baby (via IVF) and talks all things ttc and taboo with the hosts. They cover everything from compassionate friends to victim-blaming relatives, male infertility to social media's influence. Go gently if you're in the throes of your own infertility journey but this episode has wise words that everyone can benefit from. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Lyanne and Kristy talk with gender equality activist and author, Gina Martin. Gina's new book 'No Offence, But...' tackles some of the commonly used phrases that shut down proper debate and critical thinking when it comes to gender 'norms' and provides readers with the tools to gently challenge old tropes. This episode is all killer, no filler as Gina covers a wide range of issues and problematic language, as well as where she feels she has failed in the past and her current inspiration. If you have ever felt cowed into silence at a dinner table, or in a boardroom, when subjected to sexist remarks - give this one a listen. Likewise, if your'e an ally and/or you are interested in equality and intersectional feminism - put your feet up and get your lugholes around this.. Enjoy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Many of us having had awkward, embarassing or difficult appointments with our GP and many of us avoid appointments altogether. Kristy and Lyanne chat with Dr Eloise Elphinstone about how to prepare for these appointments to minimise awkwardness, maximise time and get the outcome you're looking for. Your health is your wealth and putting off these appointments not only has a detrimental effect on your health but can also end up adding to the strain on the health service in the long run. So if you have a lump, bump, itch, or are feeling particularly blue, have a listen and get yourself well prepped to boss your next GP appointment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Kristy and Lyanne as they quiz Cate Sevilla, author of How To Work Without Losing Your Mind, on tricky work chats. From pay-rise panic to water-cooler wincing, we cover the conversations that can cause us to get hot under the collar in all the wrong ways. Cate is a font of knowledge and wisdom, after years working at some of the biggest companies in the world - at both ends of the power dynamic.From socially 'ick' awkwardness to downright distress, we cover it all - so, if you're struggling at work at the moment, take 5 (or 45) and we hope this episode will equip you with some tools to use in your workplace. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever feel like you put your foot in your mouth more often than a contortionist? Or worse, say nothing at all when confronted with tricky subjects? Fear not, ‘This Is Awkward – How to have difficult conversations' is a brand-new podcast, dedicated to tackling life's most awkward conversations.Led by hosts author Lyanne Nicholl and Kristy MacLeod, each episode focuses on a stand-alone topic and features a special guest who is on hand to offer their unique professional insight and experience.Subjects range from how to broach an embarrassing problem with your GP, how to navigate awkward conversations in the workplace, through to speaking to your partner about money, or tackling taboo subjects such as miscarriage and infertility, plus much more.Launching 12th July Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.