Health with Heart with Dr Skye

Before I introduce you to this episode, I have to apologise for my failing microphones. In spite of the imperfect audio, I have decided to publish this episode because it is full of insight and understanding into a topic that we don't talk about enough. Many women don't even know their is a name for their symptoms. Talya Chemel is a pelvic floor physio with a joy and passion for the work that she does that is infectious. Her special interest is women's health and she works with women in ameliorating pain associated with vaginal penetration often caused by the involuntary contraction of vaginal muscles in response to any kind of penetration. This conversation explains clearly what is happening in the pelvis, what we can do about it, other conditions that may contribute to this picture and the importance of nervous system regulation as a vital component towards healing. Talya talks us through what women can expect from a visit to a pelvic floor physio and how you can even do your own dilator therapy at home. Please share this episode with all the women in your life so that we can make this diagnosis early and give women the education and support they need to prevent shame and isolation. You can book an appointment with Talya or her team here +27 11 440 1412

I'm with Dr Patrick Bennett again, the founder of Flourish Obesity online clinic and we are going a level deeper looking at the hype, the risks, the benefits of the GLP 1 drugs that we have already and the new ones on the horizon. Since our last episode we have a lot of real world experience and the access to this class of drugs has exploded. We unpack the physiology and the limitations and how these drugs are changing medicine, habits and often, body size and shape. In a culture where smaller and thinner is often applauded as better, it's no wonder that people are getting these drugs from legitimate and non legitimate sources even before they are approved by the FDA. If you are obese, overweight or using these drugs to keep off that extra 2kg that caught up with you in middle age or menopause, we are speaking to you. We will answer your questions about muscle mass, brain preservation, micro-dosing and whether or not you will land up with Ozempic face or go blind from your next dose!Please support the show by giving us some stars, subscribing and sharing this episode so that Health with Heart can bring you more empowering health content.You can find Flourish online clinic at: https://flourishweightloss.co.za/

Ursula Botha is the founder of Confident Voices, she is a communication coach, a teacher and a master of dramatic arts. This conversation speaks to the heart of how we express ourselves, the words we choose and the silent messages we send with our posture and body language. We name the imposter syndrome in every room, the tricks we can use to refine our performance and how we can use the small every day interactions we have with the world to practice the skills we need for higher stakes moments. I loved connecting with Ursula and reminding myself of the recreation possible in every moment. You can find more about Ursula: https://www.confidentvoices.co.za/about-confident-voices

Money impacts everything, our stress levels, our values, our relationships, and even our sense of humour. In this episode, I’m joined by my dear friend, Kate Tibshirany for a refreshingly honest (and very funny) conversation about the real-life side of finances.We talk side hustles, brain space, the chaos of debit orders all landing at once, and the age-old question: should you be saving, or focusing on paying off debt? Along the way, we unpack how to give to charity in ways that genuinely make an impact, how to talk to children about money without passing on fear or shame, and how to make financial choices you’ll actually be glad you made later.This episode is equal parts laughter and reflection — a chance to take stock of your financial wellbeing, rethink what “value” really means, and feel a little less alone in the money mess. Perfect listening if you want a good laugh and a gentle nudge toward more intentional financial choices.#finciancialwellbeing #money #values #investing #priviledge #laughteristhebestmedicine #conscious

Relationships have never been simple… but today they more competition than they ever have before. Between the pressure that technology brings, financial stress, the expectations of idealistic romance, and the constant comparison that comes with social media, many couples feel stretched thin — disconnected, overwhelmed, or unsure how to find their way back to each other 💛In today’s episode, we’re joined by Melissa de Waard, with over 20 years of psychology experience, she now holds space to facilitate separations between couples in a way that is respectful and centers the wellbeing of children in the landscape of divorce. Melissa brings a calm, grounded wisdom to relationships on the rocks, helping partners slow down, communicate with more compassion, centre their children’s wellbeing, and thoughtfully rebuild for a healthier new chapter 🌿 together or apart.This is a gentle, honest conversation about love, conflict, repair, and what it really takes to create stability in modern relationships. You don't need to have a relationship that is on the rocks to learn something new about yourself, your partner or the way that you relate to one another from this episode.

In this episode, Erin van Schoor explores how our relationship with food mirrors our relationship with ourselves, and why true health is built not through punishment and rigid discipline, but through awareness, compassion, and trust. Drawing on her own personal experience with body dysmorphia and unexplained seizures alongside her work in conscious nourishment and health coaching, Erin unpacks how patterns of restriction, control, and perfectionism disconnect us from our bodies, and how shifting toward devotion, presence, and self-respect transforms both eating and living. This conversation reframes nourishment as a relationship rather than a rulebook, showing how when discipline softens into devotion and daily choices become acts of care rather than control, food stops being a battleground and becomes a pathway back to wholeness. This interview has changed my own journey with myself.

Dr Rubendren Naidoo is an anaesthesiologist and pain specialist with special interests in chronic pain management, medical law, bio ethics and long distance running. He is the founder of the Oxford Pain Clinic and the chair of the National Pain Congress. He is a sensitive, empathic, intuitive and bright voice in an often clinical landscape. This episode will enrich listeners with an understanding of pain science and physiology. We speak to the tools we have to ameliorate pain and the different levers clinicians and therapists can use to ease this difficult journey. Dr Naidoo shares some personal stories, he names the fear that often accompanies medical practitioners to work and he inspires us to challenge how we think, how we work and how we challenge authority. You can read more about Dr Naidoo at oxfordpainclinic.co.za#pain #opiates #health #ethics #donoharm #oaths #hippocrates #medicine #doctors #healing #psychology #medicallaw #chronicpain

This is a recording of a talk I did recently for a large group of working women (and some men!). It is a robust and hopefully very well explained introduction to what is happening hormonally through perimenopause and into menopause. I talk you through the physiology, what to expect, how to consider hormone replacement therapy and some of the other aspects of modern life that impact healthy hormone production; thyroid disease, unhealthy body weight, stress and alcohol. You should feel empowered after listening, to have a conversation with your doctor about symptoms and treatment. Enjoy! Love, Skye PS. Please share the episode if you found it helpful and give the show some stars when you are done xox#Menopause #perimenopause #hormonehealth #healthempowerment #womenempowerment #podcast #wellness #doctor #integrativemedicine #holisticcare #bodyidentical #healing #womenshealth #inspiration #healtheducation #HRT

Your pelvic floor is the undercarriage of your abdominal organs. It is the channel through which we birth, receive and let go. This seat in the body holds so much power and is often a place where we can manifest traumas, both physical and psychological. This conversation with the warm, knowledgable and accessible Kirsty Nel is an introduction to your own anatomy or the anatomy of your partner. We talk to the impact that the pelvic floor has on continence of urine as well as the impact that pelvic floor dysfunction can have on sexual experience and the menstrual cycle. We speak to vaginal versus caesarian baby deliveries and the impact of birth trauma on this group of muscles. A pelvic floor physio can have an incredible influence on your healing journey after a traumatic birth or in preparing your pelvic floor for a birth in the antenatal phase.It is not normal to leak urine or experience pain with penetration. This conversation will empower you to know when to ask for help and where to find it. You can follow Kirsty Nel #and.her.physiotherapy for more learning and to book an appointment. If you enjoyed this episode, please support our podcast by subscribing, giving us some shining stars and sharing this with friends to build better health literacy for all people.

Carly Seager is a functional medicine dietician with an interest in prevention and reversal or relief from disease, through the healing power of food. This episode is so full of wisdom. We talk about the gut brain axis and impact that food can have on mood, anxiety and energy. A global rise in autoimmune disease has a relationship with how we eat too, the gut-immune axis is so important to consider if you are at risk of autoimmune disease or if you have a diagnosis.We cover gluten, fibre, the microbiome, the importance of detoxification and healthy bowel movements. The metabolic impact of carrying visceral fat on our cardiovascular risk and how insulin and cortisol can impact weight loss and gain. We get into nervous system regulation, stress and the relationship that we all have with food and our bodies. This episode will hit the spot for medical and non medical people giving a beautiful framework for thinking about nutrition and wellbeing. This densely informative episode is followed by a Part 2 coming soon talking to women's hormone health and food. You can book an appointment with Carly via her website; http://intelihealth.co.za/employees/carly-seager/ or follow her on instagram @carly.seager.dietician for more wisdom.

Here is a short reflection on the history of smoking, its evolution to the modern day vape and the impact that it is having on our spirits, our habits and our cells. Pause for breath.

Dr. Alan Rozanski is a distinguished Professor of Medicine and Cardiologist whose research established a groundbreaking link between psychological stress and heart disease. His work speaks to the body mind connection and how our relationships, diet, movement and community impact our cardiovascular risk of disease and death. Prof shares his rich experience and research on the subject as we explore the intersection of health and life, cholesterol, exercise, diet, mindset and more.If you are looking for practical ways to improve your heart health and understand what heart disease means, this episode is for you.

Dr Suzanne Gilbert Lenz is an Obstetrician-Gynaecologist with qualifications in Ayurveda and Integrative medicine too. She is an author, a clinician, a mother, a breast cancer survivor and a regular guest on the Drew Barrymore Show. She brings a lens to this work that is intimate, whole bodied and balanced. She is the author of an empowering and beautifully written book called Menopause Bootcamp which offers support to women all over the world. This conversation is close to my heart. So many of the women around me have crossed the threshold into this landscape of changing hormones. It can be gnarly and tumultuous and wonderful all at once. Dr Suzanne reminds us, we will all land on the other side! We speak to the array of symptoms that this time can bring and the various pieces to consider when thinking about supporting the body through these transitions. We debunk cancer risk and hormones and explore some of the patriarchal impositions that this field of medicine is bravely shrugging. Lets get into sex after menopause, keeping the v*gina and v*lva healthy and tips and tricks for prescribers and patients. You can connect with Dr Suzanne on instagram @askdrsuzanne It is with gratitude and excitement that this episode goes out into the world.

This episode is a chat between two like-minded humans who reflect, appropriately concisely, on the potential magic of restreaming things, paying attention to what fills the space in your life and decluttering. Our living spaces are a container for our thinking, being and doing; and creating environments that cultivate joy and presence have an impact on the way that we experience and express our worlds.   Alex Parry is a first-time author and long-time writer (for other people), a small business owner, self-confessed animal-lover, horse-rider, chardonnay aficionado, sister, friend, wife and free-thinker.   Alex runs a creative studio called The Vision Board and has recently extended her creativity into a decluttering passion with Clarity & Co. If you would like to book a decluttering consultation with Alex, you can email her at [email protected] or find her on Instagram at #alexandraparry At a time of year that we should be reflecting on what we have and resisting the urge for more accumulating, this conversation might be just what you needed to hear. Please subscribe to this podcast if you haven't already and show us some love with 5 stars and a loving comment.

Scott Plate lives in Silvercity New Mexico and is a master and student of many things. He is an award winning actor, director, teacher and story teller. Scott is a writer, a life coach, imago facilitator, death doula and co-founder of Native Heart Seed. This conversation is a confluence of many ideas and reflections. Scott speaks with such warmth and eloquence about his own ADHD, growth and expansion. We talk about honouring transitions small and big, his personal relationship to death, disease and dying and his work as a death doula, actor and writer. This episode is the embodiment of authenticity and the power of paying attention to the right things, places and people. You can connect with Scott for coaching or facilitation at https://nativeheartseed.com

This is an information dense episode unpacking the physiology of fat and the impact of extra fat on metabolism. We delve into why we need fat, how our bodies strive to hold onto fat at all costs and how this impacts our metabolic, cardiovascular and mental health. Dr Patrick is a health tech entrepreneur with a passion for supporting patients on a weight loss journey. His online platform, Flourish, is a place where specially trained professionals can support patients on a weight loss journey with a multi disciplinary team and the right medicines to support them. We talk about all of the weight loss drugs available to us, their risks, benefits and the new ?wonder drug - Ozempic that everyone is trying to get hold of. With its origin discovery in the stomach of the heeler dragon, this episode will empower professionals and non medical persons with a deep understanding of how to navigate weight loss in an obesogenic world.

This episode is an invitation to reflect on how you can be the change you want to see in the world. Sam shares about the realities of marginalised women in South Africa and how you can step up to help. We explore the burn out of empaths and the importance of filling your own cup. We talk about body autonomy, the challenges our legal system faces and how many social institutions can perpetuate cycles of abuse. We don't have all the answers, but we hope this conversation helps you to open your heart, your mind and your privilege towards more sharing, upliftment and healing. Sam works full time for Doctors Without Borders as the head of Philanthropy and partnerships. She is driven by a deep seated passion to fight for justice and empower African women. Sam founded an award winning social justice and advocacy platform, Lady Liberty, that brings free legal advice and support to women in distress and need.

This conversation with the wise, empathic and astute Dr David Dansky dives into the applications of Ketamine, it is a must listen for practitioners or patients who are interested in this modality. David has been practicing emergency medicine for the past 40 years and in the last five has added Ketamine to his armament of tools. He lectures and empowers colleugues on the subject of Ketamine and shares wonderful stories in this interview about how the unexpected reach of this drug has revealed itself to him through his practice. We explore the history of anti depressants, the mechanisms through which Ketamine opens the reward pathways of the brain and allows us to change them and the different ways in which this medicine can be administered and used. We touch of the pharmacokinetics of other psychedelics and how these are similar and different to Ketamine. We talk about risks and possible adverse outcomes too. David is one of those rare jewels of a doctor, who knows that we are only instruments in the healing process and that our ego's often get in the way of the work that is required of us. This episode comes with deep gratitude for wonderful humans.

This episode is a toolkit for understanding the most common type of baldness or hair loss and provides insights into almost everything you need to know about approaching this problem. Dr Asi is warm, charismatic and passionate in equal measure about life and hair! He is currently doing his doctorate in hair transplant surgery and works alongside his brother Dr Eric Peretz. Together they are changing the landscape of hair transplantation, bringing artful flare, cutting edge science and a real desire to empower patients with education along the way. You can follow this heart warming duo on TikTok or instagram @trichogenics or trichogenics.com

Michelle is a long time yoga practitioner, yoga teacher, folk herbalist, non-dual dharma practitioner, contemplative psychotherapist (in training) and nature enthusiast. Her passion is exploring the application of therapeutic tools of the yogic and dharma traditions to build resilience, cultivate lasting change and instill life-long positive habits that support and balance her clients. Michelle trains yoga teachers and runs retreats and mentorship programs in South Africa and Europe. Her love for plants and plant healing led her to Peru as a teenager and birthed a life long love and fascination with the Amazon basin. She has spent time immersed with local tribes gaining knowledge and understanding the plants and cosmologies of healing while doing personal work and facilitating retreats in the Amazon. Her path has woven together plants, people and spirituality in order to cultivate an environment of peace and growth. Her wish is that all beings may benefit from what she shares and through this, recognize the preciousness of this human life. In our conversation we traverse the landscape of Michelle's work and daily practice and share with you invitations, ideas and hopefully, inspiration.

It's not every day that you meet a surgeon with the insight and sensitivity of an empath. In this conversation with Sumesh, affectionately known as Dr Sumi, we talk of all things urology and help to familiarise you with the terrain of this vast speciality. Dr Sumi shares of his own personal experiences and how those shape the care and sensitivity with which he practices. If you struggle with sexual dysfunction, recurrent UTIs or difficulty holding your wees in, this episode is for you. It's an empowering dialogue about the signs and symptoms you should never ignore and guidance on how to care for your urogenital system best.

We live in a fat phobic society and at the same time are more overweight than we have ever been. Rue Cornfield, a health coach, takes the middle road with her healthy-ish wisdom. Rue shares her values and the building blocks she recommends to her clients for getting strong, fit and vital. We focus on keeping things simple and moderate and never depriving yourself. Rue reminds us that exercising discipline is essential and hat it takes time to change old habits. Join us for a giggle and a chat about how to eat, stay grateful and keep fit.

When we are intentional about how we move and think, we reap the rewards. Music is so central to how we celebrate, mourn and regulate ourselves, but how often are you that intentional about what you are listening to? This conversation explores the listening journey, from the first sound that you hear, your mother's heart beat.. to the ballads that we hope you will serenade yourself with. You will gain a deeper understanding of the tools that music therapy offers as a healing modality for those who identify with less linguistic emoting. Nathanielle, a classically trained soprano, shares her voice, her wisdom and her perspectives on the power of your own internal voice and her experience using music for healing in brain injury, dementia and embodiment. This episode is sure to get you humming, at the very least!

If you are a human being, this podcast is for you. If you are a parent, you are obliged to listen. Esther Hecht shares pragmatic, inspiring and accessible wisdom on how to create safety, boundaries and connection. The principles of conscious parenting can be applied to every relationship in your life. Here is a road map for better self regulation, modelling helpful behaviours and teaching missing skills to your children. This enriching episode is an invitation for your own growth and development and Esther gives us the 'how to' with warmth, grace and vibrance.

I loved connecting with Dr Simone Silver. Simone is a functional medicine doctor with an interest in chronic stress and balancing sex hormones. She is a gracious embodiment of the work that she does and she brings to life in this conversation the impact and intricacies of cortisol and how it affects thyroid, your microbiome, your sex hormones and your serotonin production. We explore tools for better regulation and the downstream cascade of events when a person's nervous system doesn't have an off button. Dr Simone so beautifully articulates the fine balance between our body, mind, spirit and environment. We hope that you feel inspired to moderate your own stress responses after you listen to this, chronic stress certainly leads to chronic disease and here is some of why. You can find Dr Simone Silver at https://hormonalhealth.co.za/.

It was a joy to connect with Brad and Anthony and talk about their work using Ketamine in the psychotherapeutic context. The power of a psychedelic experience does not lie in the medicine alone, but rather, the therapeutic system within which it is grounded. With thorough preparation, careful attention to set and setting, a trusting therapeutic relationship and ongoing integration, the power and magic of such compounds is unleashed. For anyone looking to explore their own psyche and extend their growth and development or anyone who is looking for alternatives to address depression, anxiety, OCD or addiction, this conversation is door opening.

Dr Emma Bryant, a powerhouse of surgical skill, passion for women's health and advocate for women's rights to care; takes us on a journey through gynaecological cancers. We delve deep into screening, signs not to ignore and appropriate investigation and management. This episode tells you everything you need to know about HPV, HPV vaccination, Colposcopy and Cervical Cancer. Ovarian cancer, the most insidious of them all is explored and the risks that we have control of for increasing our endometrial cancer risk. This is a wonderful review for primary care doctors and nurses and incredibly empowering for all patients too. Please email me for CPD points for this episode on [email protected] Dr Emma works in Pretoria and her practice can be found here: https://dremmabryant.co.za/

In this monologue, we will talk about nature versus nurture and get into the genetics of inherited cancers. We will unpack the most common cancers affecting men and women in South Africa and talk about some simple strategies to reduce risk and improve screening and early detection. If cancer is something that you worry about, then this is an empowering episode to reduce anxiety and give you some actionable take aways.

In this fascinating discussion about what we know about stool transplants, we unpack the history of this novel practice, it's current applications and the potential for it's future. By transplanting the stool of a 'super donor,' we are able to manipulate your microbiome and in so doing affect many disease processes. Dr Barrow explains how this procedure is done, it's risks and the current research being done in Autism, Psychiatry, Functional gut disease, Inflammatory bowel disease and more. We get down to the details of Helico Bactor pylori infection and PPI use and how what we eat and our mode of birth delivery is so vital to building our biomes. This episode is dense and enriching.

It's time for women to rewrite the patriarchal narrative attached to all kinds of medicine, especially that of female sexual and reproductive wellbeing. In this conversation with sexual health expert Dr Larisse, we explore all of the pieces that are necessary for a full and embodied sexual life. I think that men need to listen to this conversation as much as women do. We empower you with knowledge and tools for your own healing and actualisation; touching on your own anatomy, sexual pain, libido, relationships, hormones and the impact of contraception on fulfilling sex. Learn more about O injections and what you should and shouldn't be putting inside your vagina. May this conversation unlock a curiosity and seeking for greater fulfilment for you and your partner.

James is an experienced people development consultant, facilitator, coach and speaker. He has lived and worked in Australia, Canada and the US, and worked across Europe, Southern Africa, Asia and the Middle East, gaining a broad perspective and deep understanding of people from all cultures and backgrounds. James believes that all human development and lasting change is driven from the basis of self-awareness, which is not a once-off event, but a lifelong journey of deliberate exploration. His energetic and empathetic style, along with his deep understanding of human nature shines through in this conversation. We discuss Jame's preferred psychometric tool and the insights it provides into human choices, preferences and behaviours. After listening to this, you should have a more compassionate view of yourself and the people that you love and work with. We hope that it inspires your own growth and reflection.

This conversation met me in so many places. Mairéad Heffron is a dabbler in many things, she is a yoga teacher, a writer, a birth doula, a health policy specialist and founder of Space to Breathe which offers mindfulness inspired programmes online to mothers. We explore the secret rage, the losses, the changes in identity and the reclamation of what is wild, primal and beautiful about mothering. Thank you to Feedspot for naming this podcast in their top ten list. https://blog.feedspot.com/south_africa_healing_podcasts/

For those of you who don't know much about homeopathy, this conversation gives you insight into the philosophy and scope of the Homeopath's work. Dr Lindi Mets asks, is it kind, is it gentle and is it necessary of every treatment that she prescribes for a patient. She talks passionately about lifestyle medicine, food intolerances, the connection between the gut and the skin, the supplement industry and the regulatory chasm that perpetuates a divide between allopathic and allied health professionals. Lindi and I both hope that this conversation ripples into the rooms of other health care professionals encouraging more dialogue, collaboration and transformation.

In this episode with specialist, Dr Alison Bentley we explored normal and disordered sleep, sleep apnoea, CPAP, the overlap between psychiatry and sleep as a specialty and how to teach your children to sleep without traumatising you or them! We talk about cannabis, alcohol and the controversial prescription hypnotics available. Dr Bentley is as knowledgable as she is easy to understand, sharing tools for improving your own sleep quality and debunking some of the myths around sleep that we have all been led to believe. You thought you needed 8 hours, but this is not true! I learned so much in this conversation and we both hope that it is helpful to you.

This episode gave me so much food for thought that lingered with me. It shifted some of my own perceptions around trauma and healing in a provocative and intelligent way. Dr Pakirri practices both allopathic and functional medicine. She has an interest in regenerative medicine and epigenetics and works at an energetic level too. She focuses on the neuro-cognitive aspects of disease looking at emotional and psychological trauma and how these both manifest in the body. I hope you enjoy her passion for her work and her wisdom as much as I did. You can book an appointment to see her on 082 505 2194. She practices from Bryanston West.

This is a must listen episode for any parent who needs an introduction to the microbiome and how to feed your children. Dr Kim shares a wealth of wisdom, tools and tricks that will empower you to slowly improve your entire family's health outcomes with the dietary choices that you make every day. Kim is a dietician, a medical doctor, an integrative health coach and a mother of three. Her combined experience in paediatric HIV research, diabetes and general practice is felt through her accessible approach to healing and patient care. We explore everything from method of birth delivery, medicines, pesticides, fibre, constipation, what to do about bread and what the most powerful influence on a child's future gut health is. Can you guess?

This conversation with the knowledgable and accomplished Dr Carla Pontes takes us on a journey to understanding the importance of the connection between the mouth and the body. Carla teaches us about gum disease and how caring for our gums reduces our risk for almost every chronic disease. This conversation invites the collaboration between medical and dental specialists for more holistic oversight of human wellbeing. Carla educates us on how much toothpaste to use, we discuss the fluoride debate and just exactly how you should be caring for your and your children's mouths.

In this talk with me on Men's health, we will explore the interconnectedness of all systems and how each of these pillars of health informs the next one. I will share practical, easy and accessible information that you can apply immediate change to your own wellbeing. We will talk about Testosterone, Cortisol, your Stress response, the accelerators and decelerators of the body, what to do if you get chest pain and how to think about reducing your risk of cancer. Finally also, a word on erectile dysfunction, pornography and the mating habits of humans in a technological age!

This conversation with Ingrid Lotze explores the power of community, vulnerability and mindful communication for building connection and resilience. Ingrid is the Chairperson of a women empowerment NPO, called Women for Africa, she is an entrepreneur, a keynote speaker. She co founded (with her husband Gavin), their business His and Hers which is aptly referred to as a transformation agency. In this episode, we will explore how collective transformation enables and empowers the individual to heal. Ingrid will share tools that you can use in your own organisations and relationships to approach conflict with a growth mindset and to find the gold in our difference and diversity.

In this inspiring episode with Dr Ela Manga, we explore the power of breath as a tool for healing. Dr Ela is an integrative medicine doctor, but breath is her craft. This in-built intelligence is accessible to everyone and is the great connector of all humans. Using breath as a vehicle, Dr Ela shares how we can change our physiology and overcome disease. She describes different kinds of breath, her own frame work for addressing breath work and shares some of her own personal stories and experiences. I came away from this interview feeling so inspired and humbled by Dr Ela's light being.

This conversation is important for anyone who is planning to have children in the future. Be empowered with tools for taking proactive steps towards ensuring that you have done everything that you could have, to give yourself the opportunity to become a parent with as little intervention as possible. The world is changing and women are delaying starting families, men's sperm counts are lower than ever before. Dr Picton talks us through strategies for reducing risk and taking the right steps at the right time.

It was such a joy to sit with my dear, old friend Nicola Varney and share insights and tips for more robust communication and conflict resolution. Nicola's experience in communication strategy, learning and development has spanned both the start up and corporate world. She brings with her to this conversation, her gentle sense of humour, her own vulnerability and real life examples from her day to day life; making this conversation so relatable and so applicable from the moment that you hear it. We both hope that you take this conversation to heart and that the next tricky moment that you have at work or at home, is navigated with more ease because of it. After all, what defines us so uniquely as humans is our craft of language, best we use it for it's highest purpose; developing deeper and more meaningful connections to those around us.

Its difficult not to finish each other's sentences when you are talking about the work that you do together and the work that you love! Melinda and I have been partners for a decade now and our shared love of the microbiome and its impact on all of your organ systems is apparent in this rich conversation. We explore symbiosis, pre biotics, probiotics and rebiotics. We talk about the Gut - brain axis and how specialised epithelial cells of the gut produce most our seratonin. What you eat has an enormous impact on the microbiome that you are constantly building. We would love to hear from you and hope you enjoy this episode!

Dr David Nossel's passion for people and healing is palpable in this interview which explores the new burden of Autism and ADHD that we are facing. Functionally trained by world expert, Dr Kurt Woeller, David's wisdom and knowledge brings relief and healing to so many families who grapple with children who fall into this spectrum. We discuss what brought him to this work, genetics, detoxification, methylation and how we can best respond to each of these challenges. I hope you find our conversation enlightening and that it brings hope to families everywhere who need it.

Maria came to see me a few years ago complaining of pain, immobility and exhaustion. In a conversation we started just before 2020, something shifted for her. She took the first step on a journey which has led her to losing >35kg, making one good decision at a time. She shares with us her story of perseverance and triumph. We explore intermittent fasting, how to combat sugar cravings, the circadian rhythm of nature and of our cells and how you can start this journey too. We hope you find it motivating and that it leads you to taking your own first steps, whatever they may be. Thank you Maria for your openness and warmth in sharing your story.

It feels appropriate to open this first episode in conversation with my parents. Their shining light in the world has lit so much of the magic that defines my human experience. In an increasingly confusing world of relationships, they offer simple tools and experience for fostering life long partnerships that are anchoring, safe and sacred. We explore how commitment is a decision and how the right partner can call you to your highest self. The intimacy of sacred, life long partnership is an opportunity for self actualisation and awakening. In an era where we are thankfully shrugging the patriarchal constructs of age old institutions, this conversation shines light on the potential for beauty and transformation through authentic traditional partnership. We know that people who are in committed, loving relationships, have better health outcomes and reduced all cause mortality. It is with gratitude and immense love, that I introduce my first podcast episode with Eleanor and Sidney Katzeff. Eleanor is a mother, actress, writer, artist and well of wisdom. Sid is a father, mentor, Jeweller and now also an Imago therapist, his second career embodies his lifelong love of psychology. They both bring healing wherever they go. You are in for a treat with this heart warming, funny, honest and practical conversation about lasting love.