PODCAST · health
The Cyclist
by Jess Quinn and Katherine Douglas
The go-to women’s health podcast for real, honest conversations about hormones, periods, PCOS, endometriosis, fertility, and the rest. Hosted by Jess Quinn & Katherine Douglas, we dive into all things women's health and help you to demystify owning a female body— with expert advice and real stories to help you feel empowered and informed. If you’re tired of being dismissed and want to decode your body, this podcast is for you. Subscribe now and let's learn to cycle better together.
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Progesterone, PCOS, Endometriosis and Miscarriage: Naturopath Francesca Lyon on the Hormones Changing Everything
What if the key to your mental health, fertility, and longevity was sitting quietly in one hormone most women have never been taught to protect?In this episode, Jess sits down with Francesca Lyon, degree-qualified Naturopath and Medical Herbalist from Auckland, now based in Amsterdam, and Director of Nutrition at Future Woman, a UK-based at-home hormone testing company. Francesca has spent over 13 years specialising in women's health, hormones, fertility, PCOS and perimenopause, and this conversation is one of the most wide-ranging and genuinely eye-opening we've had on The Cyclist.It starts with progesterone, the hormone Francesca is perhaps most passionate about, and why protecting ovulation is the single most impactful thing a woman can do for her mental health, sleep, pain levels, brain health and longevity. She explains what happens when progesterone breaks down in the body, how it communicates with GABA, our calming neurotransmitter, and why so many women in their 30s experiencing anxiety, rage, sleep disruption and low mood are being handed anxiety medication when what they actually need is more progesterone.Francesca shares her own story of burnout, cystic acne, a miscarriage, and a brain AVM, an arteriovenous malformation, that was diagnosed after she developed daily debilitating migraines two weeks postpartum. She had suspected the AVM for years before her diagnosis, having studied them in her psychology degree and had a gut feeling she had one, only to be told not to be silly. The moment she was finally diagnosed, her first thought was: I told you.They go deep into miscarriage, what Francesca believes about why they happen, why she would never wait for three before investigating, and what she thinks about the deeply underfunded and underinvestigated space of pregnancy loss. She talks honestly about the grief of a lost pregnancy, the anxiety of trying again, and the client she worked with who had eight miscarriages in a year before a progesterone deficiency was finally identified and addressed.The conversation moves through PCOS, which Francesca believes is reversible in every case when the root drivers are properly investigated, and endometriosis, which she approaches as an autoimmune and inflammatory condition, often triggered by a microbial infection. She shares her views on the gluten and dairy question for endo, the link between environmental toxins and PCOS, and why unexplained infertility is really just uninvestigated infertility.There's also a genuinely practical section on sleep, two of Francesca's top sleep hygiene tips for hormone health, and an honest conversation about the food noise and control that can come with managing a condition like endometriosis, and when the stress of avoiding a food is worse than just eating it.Francesca is also co-founder of Future Woman, an at-home hormone testing service using the Dutch test, with expert interpretation and a personalised protocol included, making comprehensive hormone testing accessible without the cost of multiple practitioner appointments.Find Francesca at flnaturopathy.com and Future Woman at future-woman.comFollow and connectInstagram: @wearethecyclistWebsite: wearethecyclist.comHit play. Your hormones have been trying to tell you something. This episode might be the one that finally makes it click.
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Period Pain: The Pain I Learned To Normalise with Ella Cunningham
We're closing out our period pain miniseries the way it started. With a real story.In the final episode of the Period Pain Mini Series, Jess sits down with Ella, founder of Els Lovers, a New Zealand-made brand creating wearable heat packs designed specifically for endometriosis and period pain relief. Ella takes us right back to the beginning to a musical theatre rehearsal camp, three days before her 14th birthday, when her very first period arrived and brought her to her knees. From that day forward, eight-day heavy periods, severe pain, and chronic exhaustion became her norm. Because her mum had always suffered the same way, Ella assumed that's just how it was for her too.What followed was years of dismissed symptoms, a GP who attributed her chronically low iron to her plant-based diet rather than the blood she was losing every month, and a gynaecologist at family planning who told her that heavy periods were an opinion. It wasn't until a nutritionist connected the dots, low iron, low B12, IBS-like symptoms, painful heavy periods, and said the word endometriosis, that Ella finally had somewhere to start.She shares what it took to push for her diagnosis, what her endometriosis surgery in February 2024 actually involved, and why the year and a half she spent with a Mirena afterwards was the most painful of her life and how trusting her body and getting it removed was the decision that finally started turning things around.Ella also opens up about having to leave her first full-time job out of university at just 21 because her pain had become too unpredictable to manage, and how that painful chapter led her to create Els Lovers. Handmade in Aotearoa from 100% natural cotton, Els heat packs were born out of Ella's own search for something wide enough, long enough, and weighted enough to actually wrap around the places that hurt.This is the episode we want every young woman who is quietly pushing through to hear. Because how the hell are you supposed to know if your period pain isn't normal if nobody is talking about it?This is episode five of five of The Cyclist's period pain miniseries. All episodes are available now.Find Ella and Els Lovers at elslovers.com or on Instagram @elsloversFollow and connect Instagram: @wearethecyclist Website: wearethecyclist.comHit play. And if you know someone who needs to hear this, send it to them.
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Period Pain: The Part No One Talks About with Psychologist Andy Leggat
Your pain is real. And your brain is trying to protect you.In episode four of our period pain miniseries, Jess sits down with Andy Leggat, registered Health Psychologist and Fertility Counsellor with over 15 years of clinical experience, for one of the most validating conversations we've had on this podcast. Andy is a returning Cyclist guest, and if you haven't heard her first episode on the emotional side of infertility, we'd highly recommend going back to that one too.If you've ever been told your pain is in your head, been referred to a psychologist and felt confused or even insulted by that, or spent years quietly gaslighting yourself into thinking you're just not coping, this episode is for you.Andy explains why psychological care isn't the ambulance at the bottom of the cliff when it comes to period pain. It's a core part of the picture. She breaks down how the brain actually processes pain, not as a simple tissue-based experience, but as a deeply contextual one shaped by the nervous system, past experiences, trauma, environment, and the relationship we have with our own bodies. Two people with the exact same diagnosis can experience pain in completely different ways, and this conversation explains why.They get into pain memory and how significant pain experiences shape future ones, the cyclical nature of anticipatory anxiety around periods, and why years of chronic dismissal, from doctors, from family, from ourselves, can create deeply entrenched thought patterns that spill over into health anxiety, hypervigilance, and conditions like panic disorder. Jess shares honestly that this conversation hit close to home, describing how she was body scanning and messaging her husband in a spiral just minutes before they sat down to record.Andy unpacks self-gaslighting, what it is, why it's concerningly common, and why it makes complete sense when you've spent years being told your pain is normal. She talks about the grief that quietly sits underneath chronic pain, the grief of missed career milestones, changed relationships, and lost trust in your own body, and why naming it as grief can be one of the most validating things a person can do.There's practical guidance throughout, too. How to navigate period pain conversations in the workplace, how to raise children who feel safe talking about their bodies without amplifying anxiety, and exactly what a first session with a health psychologist looks like so there are no surprises before you walk in the door.This is episode four of five of The Cyclist's period pain miniseries. All episodes are available now.Follow and connectInstagram: @wearethecyclistWebsite: wearethecyclist.comHit play. Your body is working hard to keep you safe. This episode will help you understand how.Listen to Andy’s episode, Infertility Unfiltered: The Emotional Side of Infertility with Psychologist Andy LeggatHere’s the link to it on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1S5M8ob4zVC0kDGi1J44wi
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Period Pain: What Your Pelvic Floor Has To Do With It with Pelvic Health Physio Caitlin Fris
Your pelvic floor has more to do with your period pain than you might think.In episode three of our period pain miniseries, Jess is joined by Caitlin Fris, pelvic health physio, founder of Unity Studios, The Cyclist's resident pelvic health expert, and the woman behind @thevaginaphysio on Instagram. Caitlin has been on the podcast before and if you haven't heard her first episode, Pelvic Health Demystified: Pain, Pleasure & Power, we'd highly recommend going back to that one too.This conversation starts with something deceptively simple, the term "painful periods", and why Caitlin thinks it does a disservice to everyone who experiences them. When the language we use doesn't capture the full picture, it becomes easier for symptoms to be dismissed, minimised or misunderstood. And that has real consequences.Caitlin shares her own experience of uterine fibroids and the moment she dropped to the ground mid-Pilates class, flooded with blood and excruciating pain, and why that moment changed how she thinks about the language around period pain entirely. She explains what normal period pain looks like versus what warrants investigation, and why the addition of symptoms like painful sex, bladder pain, or bowel pain alongside period pain should always prompt further investigation.We get into what a pelvic health physio assessment actually looks like from start to finish, so there are no surprises before you walk in, and why the majority of that first hour is simply talking. Caitlin explains the central sensitisation picture, how the nervous system gets turned up in volume after months or years of chronic pain, and why that's not weakness or drama, it's biology. She also walks us through the connection between a hypertonic pelvic floor and period pain, explaining how up to 70% of people with endometriosis will experience pelvic floor dysfunction, and why learning to relax the pelvic floor is often much harder than learning to contract it.There's also a beautifully simple breathwork exercise in this episode that Caitlin takes us through live, something anyone can do at home, including a visualisation technique involving a rosebud that we won't spoil here.They also go deep on painful sex, how it presents, what structures might be involved, when it's entry pain versus deep pain, and why even one negative experience can set up a pain cycle that takes time and the right support to unwind. And Caitlin finishes with honest advice for anyone who has been told their pain is normal when it really doesn't feel that way: get a second opinion, write everything down, and find someone who will actually listen.This is episode three of five of The Cyclist's period pain miniseries. All episodes are available now.Find Caitlin at Unity Studios or follow her on Instagram @thevaginaphysio. She's also listed on The Cyclist's practitioner directory at wearethecyclist.com.Follow and connect Instagram: @wearethecyclist Website: wearethecyclist.comHit play. Your pelvic floor will thank you.Listen to Caitlin’s episode, Pelvic Health Demystified: Pain, Pleasure & Power with Caitlin Fris Here’s the link to it on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4PMxhbNRBoKocQifgy4QC9
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Period Pain: What Conventional Medicine Leaves Out with Naturopath Loula George
What if the answers to your period pain have been hiding in your gut, your diet, and your environment all along?In episode two of our period pain miniseries, Jess sits down with Loula George, one of New Zealand's most respected naturopaths, with over 30 years of experience specialising in women's health. Loula is the kind of practitioner whose name gets whispered in reverent tones across the women's health community, and after this conversation, it's easy to understand why.Loula opens up about how she found her way into naturopathy, from a childhood in a traditional Greek family where food and herbs were medicine, to an ecology degree, to a chance encounter with a naturopathy prospectus on a coffee table at 28 that changed everything. Three decades later, she says it's the women themselves who have taught her everything she knows.This conversation covers a lot of ground. Loula explains exactly where naturopathy sits within the broader women's health landscape, why the time and depth of a naturopathic consultation can uncover things a 10-minute GP appointment simply cannot, and why she sees her role as much about education and advocacy as it does about treatment.She walks us through the naturopathic view of period pain, how the gut, hormones, stress, pelvic floor, trauma, and genetic factors can all play a role, and why the estrobolome (the bacteria responsible for estrogen metabolism in the gut) is one of the most important and undertalked pieces of the period pain puzzle. We get into the histamine connection with endometriosis, the foods that consistently aggravate inflammation, and why gluten and dairy elimination doesn't have to be forever, just long enough to find your individual triggers.Loula also shares the herbs and nutrients she returns to again and again for period pain, including magnesium, PEA, Don Quai, Motherworth, and Ashwagandha, and explains how to know when supplements are working and how long to stay on them. She gives her honest view on the contraceptive pill as a first-line treatment for period pain, and why putting teenage girls on the pill before their endocrine system has even fully developed can create a whole other set of problems down the track.We also go deep on endocrine disrupting chemicals, plastics, non-stick cookware, synthetic fragrances, polyester clothing, and why the load of these in our everyday environment matters more than most of us realise. Kat recommends the Netflix documentary My Plastic Detox, which follows six fertility-struggling couples and shows just how measurably reducing plastic exposure can shift the picture.This is episode two of five of The Cyclist's period pain miniseries. All episodes are available now.Find Loula George and her team at their Auckland clinic. Loula is also listed on The Cyclist's practitioner directory at wearethecyclist.com.Follow and connectInstagram: @wearethecyclistWebsite: wearethecyclist.comHit play. Your body has been trying to tell you something. This episode might help you understand what.
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Period Pain: Is Your Pain Being Taken Seriously? It Should Be. Says Gynaecologist Dr Praveen De Silva
This is where the period pain conversation gets real.In the first episode of our Period Pain Mini-Series, Kat sits down with Dr Praveen De Silva, a New Zealand-born gynaecologist, endometriosis surgeon, and Clinical Lead for Endometriosis and Laparoscopic Surgery at Te Whatu Ora Waitemata. He was also the name our community called out overwhelmingly when we asked who they wanted to hear from on this topic. And after this conversation, it's easy to see why.Dr Praveen opens up about his own journey into women's health, from a passion for obstetrics to completing a two-year fellowship at the world-leading Sydney Women's Endosurgery Centre, and why period pain became the area he chose to dedicate his career to.Together, we unpack one of the most important distinctions in women's health: period pain is common, but significant period pain is not normal. Dr Praveen walks us through what that actually means, what's happening in the body during a painful period, and at what point symptoms cross the line from manageable to something that deserves medical attention.We also get into the reality of navigating the New Zealand health system with period pain, the delays, the frustration, and what self-advocacy actually looks like in both the public and private sectors. Dr Praveen shares what a specialist appointment looks like from his side of the table, why he approaches each patient as a collaborative brainstorm rather than a one-size-fits-all prescription, and why he'll be the first to admit he doesn't have all the answers.From pain medication and hormonal contraception to the multidisciplinary team approach, surgery, and the long-overdue shift toward diagnosing endometriosis without requiring an operation first, this conversation covers the full picture. Including the stat that still stops us in our tracks: it takes an average of seven to eight years to receive an endometriosis diagnosis in New Zealand.If you are pushing through period pain and wondering whether what you're experiencing is normal, this episode is for you. Part one of five in this deep dive into period pain. All episodes of the mini-series are available now.Find Dr Praveen De Silva at Auckland Gynaecology Group in Newmarket, Waitemata Surgeons in Takapuna, and in Whangārei. Online consultations available from anywhere in New Zealand.Website: drpraveendesilva.com Follow and connectInstagram: @wearethecyclistWebsite: wearethecyclist.comHit play. You don’t have to go through this alone.
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Welcome to the Period Pain Mini Series! Here’s what to expect
Hello, and welcome to The Cyclist Period Pain miniseries. We are so glad that you're here. Before we get into the episodes, we wanted to sit down and talk to you about why we made the series, because honestly, it comes from a really personal place. In fact, I don't think The Cyclist would exist without period pain. It was a huge pivotal part in our journey that led us to realise we need more in women's health.Period pain has been one of the biggest things in our lives, not a minor inconvenience, not something we just push through quietly. For us, it has been years of not knowing, of being dismissed, of wondering whether what we were experiencing was normal. And if you're a Cyclist listener, which you clearly are, we're pretty sure that a lot of you have been experiencing this too.So this year, we made the decision to not only do our bi-weekly episodes, we also wanted to go deeper. We wanted to create a mini series that let you really immerse yourself in a subject, hear from multiple perspectives, and walk away feeling like you actually understand something you didn't before.In The Period Pain mini series, we cover everything from what period pain actually is, to how to navigate the medical system, to what the research says about natural approaches, to the very real psychological toll of living in a body that hurts.We speak to gynecologist Dr. Praveen De Silva, naturopath Loula George, pelvic health physio Caitlin Frizz, psychologist Andy Leggett, and we hear the real and raw story of Ella Cunningham, who has lived it firsthand. We have dropped all the episodes of the mini series today, so you can listen at your own pace, in your own time.Follow and connectInstagram: @wearethecyclistWebsite: wearethecyclist.comHit play. We hope this series makes you feel a little less alone.
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Ellie Fitzgerald on Child-Free by Choice, Circumstance, or Something in Between
Almost two years on, and this conversation goes even deeper.Ellie Fitzgerald was the very first guest on The Cyclist, and she's back. In this raw and honest catch-up, Jess and Ellie revisit everything that has unfolded since Ellie shared her ruptured ectopic pregnancy story, nearly two years ago now. What started as a check-in becomes one of the most vulnerable conversations we've had on this podcast.Ellie opens up about where she and her partner are at today, a place she describes as possibly child-free, though she's still unpacking whether that's a decision from the heart or a response to trauma. She talks honestly about the grief that doesn't follow a timeline, the moments that still catch her off guard, and what it's like to navigate those questions from family and friends when you haven't figured out the answers yourself.She also shares the deeply personal way she holds Binki in her memory, something we've never heard before, and what the approaching two-year due date brings up for her each year.The conversation moves through therapy, which Ellie is only just beginning, and why she's waited this long. She reflects on the unexpected ways the ectopic pregnancy has changed her body, her cycle, her pain, and her hormones, and gets honest about her relationship with her body, which she describes as the hardest it's ever been. From blaming her body through three years of infertility, to losing Binki, to navigating weight changes and self-worth, this is a conversation about what it really looks like to carry grief in your body, not just your mind.Ellie also shares why she recently made the decision to rename her platform from Loving Ellie's Belly to simply Ellie Fitzgerald, and what that change meant for her sense of identity.This one is tender, funny, deeply real, and a reminder that grief has no deadline.Follow and connectInstagram: @wearethecyclistWebsite: wearethecyclist.comHit play. And if you haven't heard Ellie's first episode, start there: Endo, Infertility & Losing Baby Binkie with Ellie Fitzgerald. Here’s the link on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3wy5McIgaGR4Lyb3XQvz9Q
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We’re back! Sertraline, breastfeeding & a new era of The Cyclist
We're back! And it feels so good to say that.In this episode, Jess and Kat reunite for an honest and overdue catch-up after a longer break than either of them planned. Life has been full. A new baby, a return to work, new products, and some deeply personal health journeys that kept unfolding in the background.Kat opens up about returning to work after six months of maternity leave with baby Louie, navigating the beautiful chaos of breastfeeding, and the sleep regression that hit two nights before her first day back. She shares what imposter syndrome really feels like when your brain isn't firing, and why she's redefining what success looks like at this season of life.Jess gets honest about where she's at with her panic disorder, now two years in, and the decision she put off for a long time: going on medication. She talks through what finally changed her mind, the realities of tapering onto sertraline while trying to conceive, and the Mel Robbins moment that helped her zoom out and find hope again. She also shares an update on her cycle and what she's noticing as she continues her trying to conceive journey.They also talk through what's been keeping them busy behind the scenes. The team have had three new Cadence product launches, including Period Comfort, Head Ease, and Hydro Babe. Then they pull back the curtain on what The Cyclist looks like in 2026.The Cyclist also has an exciting new format: Biweekly episodes, miniseries (the first of which will be a deep dive on period pain), in-person community events, and a vision to make The Cyclist the go-to library for women's health in Aotearoa New Zealand.This one is warm, real, and a very welcome return.P.S., If you’d like to check out the breast pump Kat has, here it is: https://lacevo.com/products/wearable-breast-pump-set?country=AU Follow and connectInstagram: @wearethecyclistWebsite: wearethecyclist.comHit play. We've missed you. And we're so glad to be back!
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2025 Wrapped: Anxiety, Babies & Big Dreams with Jess & Kat
A raw and honest end-of-year conversation reflecting on everything 2025 asked of us.In this final episode for the year, Jess and Kat sit down for an unfiltered chat about the highs, the heartbreaks, and the behind-the-scenes reality of the year that was.We speak openly about Jess’ battle with anxiety, the moments we felt completely overwhelmed, and the times we genuinely questioned whether we could keep going. We reflect on launching not one but two brands, the pressure that came with it, the pinch-me moments, and the lessons that only come from doing hard things in real time. This episode is about growth, boundaries, resilience, and what it really takes to build something meaningful while navigating your own health and nervous system.Follow & ConnectInstagram: @wearethecyclistWebsite: wearethecyclist.comHit play for an honest close to the year, and a reminder that you are not alone in the messy middle. We can't wait to be in your ears again in 2026!
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The Mind Body Approach Every Woman Needs with Britt McNabb
This week we sit down with fitness trainer and psychology graduate Britt McNabb, known online as @mindbody.britt, for a powerful conversation on healing your relationship with movement and the body you call home.Britt shares her own 40kg weight loss journey and how it shaped the unique mind body approach she uses with women today. Her work blends nervous system education, fitness, and deep self compassion to help women create lasting change without punishment or shame.In this episode we talk about the bridge between mind and body, what real self love looks like beyond aesthetics, how to rebuild trust with yourself, and the emotional reality of learning to appreciate a changing body. It is wise, raw, grounding, and deeply supportive for anyone who has ever felt stuck in their health journey.Follow and [email protected] to the conversation. Hit play and join the journey.
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Endometriosis, Ulcerative Colitis & Learning to Love a Changing Body with Elbee
This week we sit down with Elbee to talk about the health changes that arrived after birth and the journey to finally being taken seriously.Elbee is a beauty, lifestyle and parenting creator who was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis postpartum, later undergoing endometriosis surgery in 2023 and facing unexpected complications with the Mirena.We speak about the early signs that something was not right, the emotional toll of managing chronic illness while parenting, and how her relationship with her body shifted through weight changes and recovery. Elbee shares what helped her advocate for herself, what she wishes more women were told after birth, and how she is learning to trust her body again. This is a gentle and honest conversation for anyone moving through symptoms that feel dismissed or unexplained.Follow and [email protected] play and join the journey.
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Hearing ‘It’s Bowel Cancer’ at 26 with Jess Thompson
We sit down with the incredible Jess Thompson, who was diagnosed with bowel cancer at just 26 years old. What started as a gut feeling that something wasn’t right led to a diagnosis that gave her only one to two years to live.Jess walks us through her journey, the symptoms she pushed for answers on, navigating a healthcare system that didn’t always take her seriously, going through chemo and major surgery, and what it felt like to stare death in the face. She shares the moment she was told she was in remission and how that changed her relationship with her body, her priorities, and her sense of purpose.But Jess’s story doesn’t end there. Shortly after celebrating being cancer free, her partner was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour. She opens up about how they processed this together, what resilience looks like now, and the lessons she carries forward every day.This conversation is raw, grounding, and full of courage.It’s a reminder that listening to your body can save your life, and that even in the darkest moments, there can still be light.Follow and connect:@wearethecyclistwearethecyclist.comHit play and join us for this powerful episode.
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Anxiety, Panic Attacks & Women’s Health: Jess and Dr Victoria Go There
A real, honest conversation about anxiety, panic attacks, and the overwhelming moments so many of us quietly carry.This week we’re joined by Dr Victoria Thompson, clinical psychologist, to dive deep into anxiety in all its forms.Jess opens up about her own recent experience with anxiety and panic attacks, sharing what those moments have actually looked and felt like behind the scenes. Together, we unpack what anxiety really is, how to recognise when it’s becoming unmanageable, why panic attacks happen, and how health anxiety shows up, especially for women navigating chronic symptoms or complex health journeys.We also explore the link between women’s health conditions and anxiety, and the practical tools that can help you come back to safety, calm, and self-trust.If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, spiralled into fear, or wondered “is this normal?”, this episode will feel like a breath out.Follow & ConnectInstagram: @wearethecyclistWebsite: wearethecyclist.comHit play and join the journey.
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Laura Henshaw on Pregnancy, Period Pain and Why Your Body Isn't a Trend
This week we are joined by Laura Henshaw, co-founder of Kic.In this conversation, Laura opens up about her experience with painful periods, navigating pregnancy & her decision to have children, and how her relationship with cycle syncing has evolved over time. We also dive into the cultural moment of GLP1s, SkinnyTok, comparison culture and the pressure to change or control our bodies in order to fit in.Laura shares what has helped her stay connected to herself, soften self judgment, and find confidence in a changing body. This is an honest, spacious and deeply human chat about identity, womanhood and coming home to your body.Follow & ConnectInstagram: @wearethecyclistWebsite: wearethecyclist.comPress play, we cannot wait for you to hear this one.
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Daisy Dagg: Vulvodynia, Endo & Life After a Hysterectomy
This week on The Cyclist, we sit down with Daisy Dagg for one of the most open and powerful conversations we’ve had yet.Daisy shares her story starting from her cervical cancer diagnosis in her early years, through the confusing and painful journey that eventually led to her vulvodynia diagnosis. She opens up about what it’s really like to live with chronic pelvic pain, from how it affects intimacy and relationships, to the emotional toll of constantly being dismissed.We then talk about her experience with endometriosis and the decision to have a hysterectomy, diving into the mix of grief, relief, and hope that can come with it.This is an honest, brave, and necessary conversation about the realities of living in a body that’s constantly in pain, and finding a voice through it all.Follow & Connect:@wearethecyclist | wearethecyclist.com
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Endo, Type 1 Diabetes & Finding Strength in Setbacks with Jess Kerr
What does it take to perform at the top of your game when your body doesn’t always play ball?This week, we’re joined by Jess Kerr, New Zealand cricketer, to talk about living and performing with type 1 diabetes, navigating endometriosis surgeries, and being diagnosed with Bell’s Palsy.Jess shares how she manages blood sugar, recovery, and energy on and off the field, what it’s really like to push through chronic pain as an elite athlete, and how she’s learnt to listen to her body instead of fight against it.It’s an honest conversation about resilience, identity, and redefining strength when your health throws you a curveball.Follow & Connect:@wearethecyclist | wearethecyclist.comHit play and join the journey.
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The Truth About PCOS, TikTok Myths, and The Pill with Dietician Sara Widdowson
From PCOS to the pill - we’re diving into the topics that TikTok loves to oversimplify.In this week’s episode, we’re joined by Sara Widdowson, dietitian and founder of Your Monthly, to unpack the real science (and the real-life experience) behind PCOS, hormone balance, and contraception.We tackle the big questions:✨ What actually is PCOS - and can you cure it?✨ Why do so many TikTok “hormone hacks” miss the mark?✨ How can you best support your body when coming on or off the pill?This one’s for anyone who’s ever been confused, overwhelmed, or misled by the noise online. Sara helps us bring it back to evidence, empathy, and what’s actually within your control.Follow & [email protected] play and join the conversation, because understanding your hormones shouldn’t be this hard.
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You Are Not a Small Man: How Hormones Change the Way We Move with Lydia O'Donnell
Today Jess sits down in Sydney with longtime friend and running legend Lydia O’Donnell, co-founder of Femmi and Nike Run Club Head Coach for the Pacific.Lydia shares how shifting from “how I look” to “what my body can do” changed everything, including her performance. She opens up about RED-S, losing and regaining her period, and how cycle-aware training and proper fueling helped her rebuild strength and smash PBs. You’ll hear the story behind Femmi, why women aren’t “small men” in sport, the power of male allies, and Lydia’s advice to younger athletes on patience, confidence, and learning your body.Follow & Connect:Instagram: @wearethecyclistWebsite: wearethecyclist.comHit play to join the conversation and take what you need for your next run, walk, or workout.
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Building Cadence: The Story, the Science, and the Sisterhood
We’ve officially launched Cadence, our sister brand, our passion project, and the culmination of three years of building, learning, and healing.In this episode, Jess and Kat share the full journey from that first DM to launch day - the highs, the heartbreaks, and the why behind it all. We chat about what drove us to create Cadence, the gaps we saw in the women’s health space, and the products that supported us on our own journeys (and now, hopefully, yours too).We also dive into the realities of the supplement industry - how unregulated it is, what transparency really means, and why we built Cadence to be different.If you’ve ever dreamed of turning frustration into purpose, this one’s for you.✨ Follow & ConnectInstagram: @wearethecyclistWebsite: wearethecyclist.comShop Cadence: cadencewellbeing.comHit play to join us on the journey.
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Born Without A Uterus with Prue Craven
This week on the podcast we’re joined by Prue Craven, who was born with a rare condition called MRKH, meaning she never developed a uterus.Prue opens up about the moment she realised something was different, the long journey through IVF and surrogacy heartbreak, and the life-changing 14-hour transplant surgery that gave her the chance to carry her own child. She shares what it was like to wake up with a uterus for the first time, the incredible story of her friend becoming her donor, and how it felt to finally give birth to her daughter Rose.This is a story about resilience, hope, and breaking down what we think is possible for women’s health.Follow & ConnectInstagram: @wearethecyclistWebsite: wearethecyclist.comHit play and join the journey.
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The Brutal Reality of Endometriosis and Adenomyosis with Georgie
This week on the podcast we’re joined by Georgie, who courageously shares her real story with endometriosis and adenomyosis. She speaks honestly about the symptoms she’s lived with, the multiple surgeries she’s endured, and the ongoing challenges of navigating life with chronic pain.We dive into how her diagnosis has reshaped her day-to-day - from the difficulty of holding down work to the way her dreams of having children have shifted. Georgie’s openness is raw, relatable, and a reminder of the resilience so many women draw on while navigating these conditions.Follow & Connect:Instagram: @wearethecyclistWebsite: wearethecyclist.comHit play to listen in and join the journey.
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Kat's Birth Story: From VBAC to Emergency C Section
In this episode, Kat shares her powerful and emotional birth story.From raspberry leaf tea to acupuncture, induction herbs, dates, evening primrose oil, perineal massage, and even colostrum collection, Kat takes us through everything she tried in the hopes of achieving a VBAC. Despite her best efforts, her journey led to a second emergency c-section - and with it, the lessons and peace she found in knowing she had done everything she could.We talk through the emotional rollercoaster of birth, her tips for postpartum recovery, and the surreal moment where Jess experienced a miscarriage while Kat was in labour - a true reminder of the complexity of womanhood and the shared experiences of our bodies.Follow & Connect:Instagram: @wearethecyclistWebsite: wearethecyclist.com
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Gen Mora: What Anorexia Taught Me About My Body, My Periods, and My Pregnancy
From battling anorexia and OCD to co-founding one of New Zealand’s leading mental health charities Voices of Hope, Genevieve Mora’s story is one of resilience and hope.In this episode, Gen (@_genevieve_mora) opens up about her lived experience with anorexia, the toll it took on her body and cycles, and the road to recovery. We dive into how disordered eating impacts reproductive health, why launching a charity became her way of helping others, and what it’s been like navigating pregnancy after everything her body has been through.This is a raw, honest, and empowering conversation about mental health, womanhood, and learning to trust your body again.Follow & Connect:Instagram: @wearethecyclistWebsite: wearethecyclist.comHit play to join us on this powerful journey with Gen.
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The Endometriosis Story Every Woman Needs to Hear with Abbey Harrison
This week on The Cyclist Podcast we’re diving into a raw and powerful story of living with endometriosis.Our guest is Abbey Harrison, perinatal and women’s health social worker, who not only supports women through birth, loss, and midwifery referrals, but has also walked her own long road with chronic illness.In this episode we focus mostly on her personal journey with chronic health, particularly Endometriosis. She shares her deeply personal journey, from being dismissed with symptoms as a teenager, to multiple laparoscopies, becoming a young mum, going through miscarriage, and learning how to rebuild her sense of self in a body that doesn’t always cooperate.It’s a conversation about endo, resilience, and redefining your worth when life doesn’t follow the script. This is an episode every woman will see a piece of herself in.Follow & ConnectInstagram: @wearethecyclistWebsite: wearethecyclist.comHit play and let's learn to cycle better together.
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Is Your Makeup Messing With Your Hormones? with Emma Peters from Aleph Beauty
This week we’re joined by Emma Peters, clean beauty advocate, makeup artist, and founder of Aleph Beauty.The global beauty industry is worth over $670 billion, but behind the glamour lies a hidden health story. Many everyday products contain hormone disruptors that can interfere with the endocrine system, impacting everything from menstrual cycles to fertility and long-term hormonal balance.Emma brings over 20 years of experience in the beauty world, breaking down what “clean beauty” really means, which ingredients to watch out for, and why this is so much more than just a trend—it’s a health conversation. As a mother to two daughters at very different stages of their hormonal journeys, Emma shares both professional expertise and personal perspective on why this matters for our generation and the next.Follow & Connect:Instagram: @wearethecyclistWebsite: wearethecyclist.comHit play and join us as we uncover the hidden health impacts of the beauty industry.
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My Second Miscarriage and Everything It Taught me with Jess Quinn
This week, it’s just me, Jess, sharing my miscarriage story, both past and present.I open up about the heartbreak, the silence, and the lessons I’ve learnt along the way. It’s raw, unfiltered, and deeply personal, but it’s a conversation that so many of us need to hear. My hope is that this episode helps someone feel less alone in their own journey, or helps others better understand what miscarriage can be like behind the statistics.Follow & ConnectInstagram: @wearethecyclistWebsite: wearethecyclist.comHit play and join me as I share my story.
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The Birth Episode Every Woman Should Hear with Dr Morgan Edwards
This week on the podcast we’re talking all things birth with Dr Morgan Edwards, an Obstetric Anaesthetist specialising in pain management, epidurals, and anaesthesia during labour and delivery. From C-sections to epidurals, and the importance of self-advocacy, Dr Morgan shares her expert insights, practical advice, and the realities that often get left out of the conversation.We unpack what really happens in the delivery room, how to navigate your options, and the small but powerful steps you can take to feel confident, prepared, and in control during birth. Whether you’re planning, pregnant, or reflecting on a past birth, this episode is full of empowering takeaways and myth-busting truths.Follow & Connect:Instagram: @wearethecyclistWebsite: wearethecyclist.comAs mentioned in the episode, here is a link to Dr Morgans resource Your Labour Your WayHit play to feel informed, equipped, and ready to advocate for yourself.
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The Truth About Perimenopause Every Woman Should Know with Dr Nicky Keay
Hot flushes, low mood, brain fog, weight changes, insomnia... sound familiar? You might be in perimenopause, even if no one’s told you so.This week on The Cyclist, we’re joined by hormone expert and medical researcher Dr Nicky Keay to break down what perimenopause and menopause actually are, when they can start, and what signs to look out for. We cover the most common (and commonly missed) symptoms, how to know if you're in it, and the role of hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone during this transition.We also dive into RED-S (Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport) and how undereating, stress, and overtraining can impact your hormones at any age, especially during midlife.This is the hormone education we should have received sooner, and a must-listen for anyone wondering if what they’re experiencing is “just stress” or something more.Follow & Connect& connect with us below: @wearethecyclist wearethecyclist.comHit play and let’s learn to cycle better together.
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26
The Pill, PMS & the Endo Symptoms We Have Been Taught to Ignore with Dr Amelia Ryan
Dr Amelia Ryan, co-owner of Advanced Gynaecology Auckland, is a gynaecologist on a mission to improve how we diagnose and treat women's health conditions, especially endometriosis.In this episode, we get into the realities of being diagnosed with endo, why so many of us are dismissed or misdiagnosed for years, and how ultrasound is changing the game. We also unpack the good, the bad, and the misunderstood when it comes to the pill, plus why PMS shouldn’t just be shrugged off as “normal”.Whether you're navigating hormonal symptoms, trying to get a diagnosis, or just want to understand your body better, this one’s for you.Follow & Connect:Instagram: @wearethecyclistWebsite: www.wearethecyclist.comFind Amelia Here: https://www.advgynae.co.nz/Hit play and let’s demystify your body together.
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25
Miss Polly's Kitchen: Chron's, Egg Freezing & a Baby on the Way
From life on luxury superyachts to navigating chronic illness and fertility decisions, Polly Markus (aka @miss_pollys_kitchen) has lived many lives in one. In this feel-good episode, we sit down with Polly to chat about her journey with Crohn’s disease - from diagnosis to remission - and how it led her to make big decisions like freezing her eggs and preparing for motherhood.She shares what it was like working as a chef at sea, how food became both her creative outlet and healing tool, and what she's learned through pregnancy after chronic illness. This episode feels like a Facetime with your funniest, most honest friend.A must-listen if you’re navigating gut health, fertility, or just love a good real-life story.And, of course, a link to our FREE Basal Body Temperature (BBT) Guide Here. Follow & ConnectInstagram: @wearethecyclistWebsite: www.wearethecyclist.comHit play and come hang out with us.
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What Kats First Birth Taught Her & What She Is Hoping To Do Differently This Time
In this episode, it’s just us - Jess and Kat - sitting down for a real and raw chat about Kat’s first birth and how she’s preparing for baby number two.Kat opens up about her birth with Cooper, how she ended up having an unplanned C-section, and the things she wishes she’d known beforehand. We talk about her recovery, the early postpartum days, and the products that actually helped during that chaotic season.Now, with her second baby on the way, Kat’s taking a different approach, from mindset to planning, and shares what she’s doing this time to feel more informed, calm, and empowered.Whether you’ve given birth before or are navigating it for the first time, this one feels like a warm chat with friends , with practical takeaways and honest reflections along the way.Follow & Connect:Follow us on Instagram: @wearethecyclistExplore more at wearethecyclist.comHit play and come behind the scenes with us on all things birth, recovery, and doing it your way.
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The Truth About PCOS That Your Doctor Didn’t Tell You with Nutritionist Clare Goodwin
PCOS: Is it your hormones, your diet, or both? In this episode, we break it all down with expert Clare Goodwin (@thepcosnutritionist).Clare is a PCOS nutritionist and medical scientist who’s helped thousands of women take back control of their hormones without extreme diets or restriction.We cover what’s actually driving PCOS symptoms, why insulin is often the real root cause, and how to manage it with realistic food and lifestyle changes. Clare also answers some of your top questions - from how much inositol to take daily, to what to do when you’ve tried FODMAP, gluten-free, and everything in between. Plus: what no one tells you about stress, under-eating, and hormone chaos.Follow & Connect:Follow Clare on Instagram @thepcosnutritionistFind us on Instagram: @wearethecyclistExplore more at wearethecyclist.comHit play and let’s decode PCOS - once and for all.
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22
Louisa Morley on Twins at 16, Egg Donating & Getting Pregnant on Contraceptive
This week we’re joined by Louisa Morley - mum of four, content creator, and all-round open book.In this candid, feel-good conversation, Louisa shares her journey of falling pregnant with twins at 16, navigating surprise pregnancies (yes, even while on the pill and the Mirena), and what it was really like to become an egg donor. We also chat about her experience of not having a period for two years, the emotional and hormonal shifts along the way, and how she’s approaching cycle education with her own daughters. It’s raw, relatable, and full of wisdom you wish you’d heard sooner.Follow & ConnectFollow Louisa on Instagram @louisamorley_Follow us on Instagram @wearethecyclistVisit our website: www.wearethecyclist.comHit play and join us for a conversation that feels like a FaceTime with your bestie.
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21
Infertility Unfiltered: From Early Menopause to Motherhood with Jennifer Edmonds
This week on The Cyclist mini-series Infertility Unfiltered, we’re joined by Jennifer Edmonds, a woman who defied the odds and found her way to motherhood, twice.After being told she was in early menopause, Jennifer went on to have her first born through IVF, then later conceived her second child naturally following a long road of secondary infertility.In this episode, she shares her raw, real, and deeply hopeful journey, from heartbreak to healing, and what it’s like to hold on to hope when the path isn’t linear. Jennifer’s honesty and resilience offer powerful insight for anyone navigating their own fertility challenges.Follow & Connect:Instagram: @wearethecyclistWebsite: www.wearethecyclist.comHit play to hear a story of strength, surrender, and beating the odds.
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20
Vaginas, Perimenopause & Everything After with Dr Olivia Smart
What’s really going on with your vagina, your cycle, and your hormones?This week on The Cyclist podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Olivia Smart - a Christchurch-based gynaecologist with a warm, no-nonsense approach to women’s health.In this episode, we dive deep into the menstrual cycle, vaginal health, and the often-misunderstood vaginal microbiome. Dr. Smart also helps us unpack what’s actually happening during perimenopause and menopause - and how to support your body through it all. From pH balance to hormone shifts, it’s an empowering and informative chat that leaves no question off the table.Follow & Connect:Instagram – @wearethecyclistWebsite – www.wearethecyclist.comHit play and join us for a conversation every woman deserves to hear.
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19
Infertility Unfiltered: The Emotional Side of Infertility with Psychologist Andy Leggat
What does it really mean to navigate the emotional rollercoaster of fertility treatment, not just physically, but mentally and relationally?This week, we’re joined by Andy Leggat, a registered Health Psychologist and Fertility Counsellor with over 15 years of clinical experience. Andy has worked extensively with individuals and couples dealing with reproductive health challenges, including infertility, gynaecological pain, cancer, and chronic conditions.We dive deep into the emotional toll of fertility treatment, how to support a partner through the process, and why secondary infertility can come with its own set of complexities. Andy also shares insights on what not to say to a friend going through it, how to hold space for grief and hope at the same time, and what true support looks like.Follow & ConnectInstagram: @wearethecyclistWebsite: www.wearethecyclist.comHit play to feel a little more seen, supported, and informed - wherever you are on your journey.
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18
The Show Must Not Go On: Emma Watkins’ (aka Emma Wiggle's) Endo Wake-Up Call
Endometriosis, stage performances, and yellow skivvies - this week we’re joined by Emma Watkins, the original Yellow Wiggle, to talk about living with endo in the spotlight.Emma opens up about her stage 4 endometriosis diagnosis, what it was like managing debilitating pain while touring the world with The Wiggles, and why she pushed through for so long, even when her body was screaming at her to stop. From pausing shows mid-performance to finding strength in slowing down, this is a story of resilience, reality, and reclaiming health on your own terms.Whether you're navigating your own endo journey or just want to hear what it really looks like behind the curtain, Emma’s story will stay with you.Follow & Connect:Instagram: @wearethecyclistWebsite: www.wearethecyclist.comHit play and join us for this powerful conversation. 💛
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17
Infertility Unfiltered: A Holistic Approach to Infertility with Jessica Giljam-Brown
This week on Infertility Unfiltered (a mini series by The Cyclist), we’re joined by Jessica Giljam-Brown, a nutritionist and medical herbalist, known for her work at Wellness by Jessica. Jess shares both her personal and professional insight into infertility, a journey she knows intimately and one she now supports others through with evidence-based, holistic care.We speak with Jess about the emotional toll of infertility, how natural medicine can play a role in the process, and what she wishes more people knew when seeking support. She opens up about her own path to pregnancy, as well as practical nutrition and supplement tips for those trying to conceive.Please note: Jess is currently pregnant, so if this may be triggering for you, please take care and feel free to skip this episode.Follow & Connect:✨ Instagram: @wearethecyclist✨ Website: www.wearethecyclist.comWe’re so glad you’re here - hit play, subscribe, and let’s learn to cycle better together.
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16
Jess & Kat Get Honest About Their Journeys with Natural Health
This week, we’re sharing our personal journey into natural medicine, the real, raw, and surprising moments that led us to where we are today.Kat opens up about growing up in a medical family and how chronic UTIs became the turning point that led her to naturopathy. Jess shares how natural medicine became a powerful support during her cancer treatment and why it’s now an essential part of her holistic health routine.We talk about what naturopathy actually is, how we integrate it into our everyday lives, and how it’s shaped the way we think about our bodies, symptoms, and healing.We love these solo episodes, we yap about womens health all day long so it's nice to sit down and record it. Follow & Connect:✨ Instagram: @wearethecyclist✨ Website: www.wearethecyclist.comWe’re so glad you’re here - hit play and let’s learn to cycle better together.
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15
Infertility Unfiltered: Understanding Infertility and when to seek help with Dr Lizzie Glanville
This week, we’re kicking off our four-part mini-series for Infertility Awareness Month: Infertility Unfiltered.We’re joined by gynaecologist and fertility specialist Dr. Lizzie Glanville to open the conversation with expert insights, compassion, and clarity.We unpack how to navigate infertility in both the public and private system, when to seek help, and what intervention options actually look like. Dr. Lizzie also breaks down common myths around fertility, sheds light on secondary infertility, and shares how to advocate for yourself when you feel unheard. Plus, we answer some of the community questions that came through.Follow & Connect:✨ Instagram: @wearethecyclist✨ Website: www.wearethecyclist.comWe’re so glad you’re here - hit play, subscribe, and let’s learn to cycle better together.
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14
Dr Libby on What Women Need to Truly Thrive
This week we’re diving into the emotional and physicaldrivers behind women’s health.We’re joined by nutritional biochemist, bestselling author, and women’s health expert Dr Libby (@drlibby)to talk about stress, hormones, and iron, and how it’s allconnected.We unpack the impact of chronic stress, the role emotions play in hormone health, and why so many women are unknowingly iron deficient. Dr Libby also shares insights from her latest book Fix Iron First and her new supplement Iconic Iron, designed specifically with women in mind. Follow & Connect:✨Instagram: @wearethecyclist✨Website: www.wearethecyclist.comWe’re so glad you’re here - hit play, subscribe, and let’s learn to cycle better together.
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13
Eating in Tune with Your Cycle: The Nutrition Talk You Needed with Sara Widdowson
This week we're diving into your plate & your cycle. We're joined by dietician Sara Widdowson from Your Monthly (@yourmonthly) to talk all things cycle syncing, hormones and how food can support your cycle as a whole. We unpack how to build a blood-sugar friendly plate, how to eat to support your hormones, and what you really need to know about managing PCOS, endometriosis, or irregular cycle.We have also created the first ever The Cyclist downloadable in collaboration with Sara. You can download it here Follow & Connect:✨ Instagram: @wearethecyclist✨ Website: www.wearethecyclist.comWe’re so glad you’re here - hit play, subscribe, and let’s learn to cycle better together.
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12
Sharyn Casey - The Diagnosis That Changed Everything
In this open, honest, and deeply powerful episode, we’re joined by the incredible Sharyn Casey (@sharyncasey) for a conversation that pulls back the curtain on motherhood, fertility, and mental health. Sharyn shares her journey through infertility and the emotional rollercoaster that came with it, including her diagnosis of a septate in her uterus and the life-changing care she received from her gynaecologist. She opens up about the premature birth of her son, the unexpected realities of new motherhood, and her experience with anxiety and depression, all while showing up on radio and TV with the warmth and humour we know her for. With grace, grit, and her signature realness, Sharyn reminds us that behind every woman is often a story we haven’t heard, one of strength, struggle, and healing. This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating their own fertility or mental health journey, or simply needing a reminder that you’re not alone.Follow & Connect:✨ Instagram: @wearethecyclist✨ Website: www.wearethecyclist.comWe’re so glad you’re here - hit play, subscribe, and let’s learn to cycle better together.
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11
It's Not All In Your Head with Clinical Psychologist Dr Bex Parkes
In this raw, validating, and deeply insightful episode, we’re joined by the brilliant Dr Bex Parkes - clinical psychologist, founder of All About Wellbeing, and advisor to The Cyclist - for a conversation that pulls back the curtain on the powerful intersection between mental health and women’s health.Bex shares her personal journey through years of undiagnosed fibroids and autoimmune challenges, and how learning to trust her body became a radical act of self-advocacy. Together we unpack the messy, often overlooked emotional side of chronic pain and women’s health - from the impact of medical gaslighting to rebuilding trust with your own body when it feels like the system isn’t listening.This episode explores the science and lived realities behind mind-body pain cycles, trauma, central sensitization, and why the psychological toll of not being believed can sometimes hurt more than the symptoms themselves. Bex offers real-world tools for calming your nervous system, practicing radical acceptance, and changing the narrative around what it means to “push through” versus honoring when your body needs rest.With honesty and a big dose of compassion, this conversation is a lifeline for anyone who’s ever felt dismissed, confused, or alone in their health journey. Tune in for practical advice, myth-busting truths, and a reminder that your pain - and your experience - are real.This is a must-listen for anyone ready to rewrite the rules around healing, find community in the tough stuff, and learn how psychology can be a game-changer in both personal and collective health.Follow & Connect: ✨ Instagram: @wearethecyclist✨ Website: www.wearethecyclist.comWe’re so glad you’re here - hit play, subscribe, and let’s decode the cycle together.
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10
How Food Helped Us Heal: The Two Raw Sisters Story
In this open, honest, and hilarious episode, we’re joined by the incredible Rosa and Margo from Two Raw Sisters for a conversation that’s as empowering as it is entertaining.Margo shares her journey with chronic fatigue and endometriosis, and how years of navigating symptoms led her to a deeper understanding of her body and health. Rosa opens up about her experience with RED-S (Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport) as a young high-performance athlete, and the pivotal moment that shifted everything in her healing journey.Together, they reflect on how food became a foundational part of their recovery, not just as nourishment, but as a tool for joy, connection, and transformation. What started as a personal path to healing has since evolved into a movement, with Two Raw Sisters inspiring thousands to eat and live more intuitively.With their signature humour, wisdom, and no-BS approach, Rosa and Margo talk about the power of slowing down, tuning in, and rewriting the rules when it comes to health and healing.This is a feel-good, deeply real episode that reminds us all that wellness doesn’t have to be rigid, it can be raw, messy, joyful, and uniquely yours.Follow & Connect:✨ Instagram: @wearethecyclist✨ Website: www.wearethecyclist.comWe’re so glad you’re here - hit play, subscribe, and let’s learn to cycle better together.
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9
Beyond Endo: What You Deserve to Know About Your Body with Dr Fiona Connell
In this open, honest, and insightful episode, we’re joined by the brilliant Dr. Fiona Connell for an empowering conversation that pulls back the curtain on women's health - from navigating endometriosis and medical gaslighting, to understanding the menstrual cycle and advocating for the care you deserve.Dr. Fiona shares her expertise on what a healthy menstrual cycle actually looks like - breaking down the hormonal shifts, symptoms, and signs that are often misunderstood or overlooked. She offers a clear, compassionate guide to what’s "normal," what’s not, and why so many women are left in the dark about their own bodies.We dive deep into the reality of living with endometriosis and why a multidisciplinary approach - bringing together GPs, specialists, physiotherapists, dietitians and more - is so crucial for truly effective care. Fiona also speaks candidly about the widespread issue of medical gaslighting, and why self-advocacy in the healthcare system has become such an essential (but exhausting) part of so many women's journeys.From decoding your cycle to reclaiming your voice in medical spaces, this episode is a must-listen for anyone who’s ever felt dismissed, confused, or let down by the system.This is an eye-opening, validating, and empowering conversation about knowing your body, standing your ground, and rewriting the narrative around women's health.Whether you're living with endo, learning about your cycle, or fighting for better answers - this one’s for you.Follow & Connect:✨ Instagram: @wearethecyclist✨ Website: www.wearethecyclist.comWe’re so glad you’re here — hit play, subscribe, and let’s learn to cycle better together.
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When Your Body Doesn’t Work the Way You Hoped with Bree Tomasel
In this open and deeply personal episode, we sit down with the hilarious and heartfelt Bree Tomasel (@breetomasel) to talk about the messy, emotional, and often misunderstood side of women’s health.Bree shares her experience living with endometriosis and PCOS - from the symptoms she brushed off for years to the moment she finally got answers. She opens up about the emotional rollercoaster of navigating fertility in a same-sex relationship and how hormones and chronic pain have played such a huge role in her life. We also chat about advocating for yourself in a medical system that doesn’t always listen, the grief that comes with feeling let down by your body, and why talking out loud about the hard stuff matters more than ever.This episode is raw, real, and incredibly important - especially for anyone trying to understand their body, support a loved one, or simply feel less alone.Follow us on Instagram @wearethecyclist and join the conversation
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7
Let's Talk About Sex (like really talk about it) with Jo Robertson
In this open, honest, and deeply validating episode, we’re joined by the incredible Jo Robertson (@jorobertson.therapy) for a no-holds-barred conversation about sex, shame, and everything we were never taught about our bodies.Jo opens up about the most common struggles she sees in her therapy room - from painful sex and post-UTI fear, to differing libidos, low desire, and the emotional weight that comes with trying to conceive. She shares how disconnection from our bodies, unrealistic expectations, and a lack of education are quietly shaping the way so many of us experience intimacy.We unpack what it means to rewrite your sexual story, how to communicate your needs without guilt, and why the idea of being “broken” is not only false - but deeply harmful. Jo also reflects on how infertility can shift your relationship with your partner, your body, and your sense of self - and why compassion is key through it all.From quiet shame to conscious healing, this conversation is a powerful reminder that your experience is valid, your pleasure matters, and you are so not alone in how you feel.This is a tender, affirming, and myth-busting episode that opens the door to more empowered, informed, and authentic intimacy - whatever that looks like for you.Whether sex feels painful, pressured, or just confusing—this one’s for you.Follow & Connect:✨ Instagram: @wearethecyclist✨ Website: www.wearethecyclist.comWe’re so glad you’re here — hit play, subscribe, and let’s learn to cycle better together.
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6
Endo, Mental Health & Fertility with Tima Savea
In this open, honest, and feel-good episode, we’re joined by the lovely Tima Savea (@timasavea) for a heartfelt conversation that unpacks the often unseen layers of womanhood - from living with endometriosis and navigating fertility, to mental health, painful periods, and the emotional toll that so often goes unspoken.Tima opens up about her personal journey with endometriosis - the pain, the confusion, the delays in diagnosis - and how it’s impacted her fertility journey and relationship with her body. She shares what it’s been like to advocate for herself in a system that often dismisses women’s pain, and the strength she’s found through vulnerability, faith, and support.We also dive into her experience with mental health - the highs, the lows, and the importance of speaking out. Tima reflects on how hormonal shifts and chronic pain have affected her emotionally, and how she’s learning to give herself grace through it all.From her raw reflections on womanhood and motherhood to the power of sharing our stories out loud, this episode is a gentle reminder that you're not alone in what you’re feeling - and that healing comes in many forms.This is a vulnerable, empowering, and soul-nourishing conversation about trusting your body, finding light in hard moments, and breaking the silence around menstrual and reproductive health.Whether you’re living with endo, on your own fertility journey, or just craving a safe, real space to feel seen - this one’s for you.For Jess' Period Underwear Recommendations: BoodyAwwa BondsFollow & Connect:✨ Instagram: @wearethecyclist✨ Website: www.wearethecyclist.comWe’re so glad you’re here — hit play, subscribe, and let’s learn to cycle better together.
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
The go-to women’s health podcast for real, honest conversations about hormones, periods, PCOS, endometriosis, fertility, and the rest. Hosted by Jess Quinn & Katherine Douglas, we dive into all things women's health and help you to demystify owning a female body— with expert advice and real stories to help you feel empowered and informed. If you’re tired of being dismissed and want to decode your body, this podcast is for you. Subscribe now and let's learn to cycle better together.
HOSTED BY
Jess Quinn and Katherine Douglas
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