Inside the Box

Kat, Tash & Caitlin

A podcast for women and professionals alike, hosted by mums and Women's Health Physiotherapists, Kat, Tash, and Caitlin. Established and driven by our desires to share our passion for educating and empowering women to better understand their bodies, in particular - what's inside their 'box'. Amongst ourselves, real-life patients and leading industry experts, we’ll unpack a variety of topics including pelvic floor dysfunction, pregnancy, exercise, birth, postpartum, sexual pain, endometriosis, leakage, prolapse and beyond.

  1. 12/23/2025

    Season 3 Finale : “Can I Say This Out Loud?” From Bladder Myths to Birth Prep

    We’re closing out 2025 and wrapping up Season 4 with one of our favourite formats – the “Can I Say This Out Loud?” episode, inspired by the iconic Dolly Doctor. This is the space where nothing is too awkward, too specific or too “Is it just me?” to bring into the light. In this finale, we dive into the real questions sent in by our Inside the Box community, covering everything from pelvic health curiosities to the myths that just won’t quit. Here’s a snippet of what we unpack:  • Vaginal trainers and vaginal weights – gimmick or genuinely useful? We break down where the science stands, who they may help, and when they’re not the answer.  • Peeing in the shower – harmless, helpful or something to rethink? We explore the physiology, the myths and what matters most for bladder health.  • Preparing for birth – both caesarean and vaginal. From pelvic floor considerations to practical planning, we talk through what to focus on, what to let go of and what supports women best as they approach birth in all its forms. As always, we bring evidence, experience and a healthy dose of honesty to the questions many people are thinking but rarely ask out loud. Thanks for being with us for another season. Your curiosity, conversations and courage to ask the “slightly awkward but deeply important” questions are what make this community what it is. We’ll see you in the new year for Season 4.

    37 min
  2. 11/12/2025

    Putting the Puzzle Together in Paediatric Continence with Dawn Sandalcidi

    In this episode, we are joined by Dawn Sandalcidi, a renowned paediatric pelvic health physiotherapist, to explore the often-complex world of bladder and bowel dysfunction in children. Dawn brings her decades of experience, clinical insight, and trademark enthusiasm to unpack what can be one of the trickiest, yet most rewarding areas of pelvic health. Key Topics Covered include: Putting the puzzle together in paediatric continence - Dawn shares how no two children are the same and why understanding the bigger picture of bladder, bowel, and behavioural patterns is key to successful outcomes.Making therapy fun - Practical ways to engage children in physiotherapy, from playful cues to visual learning tools and reward systems that make progress feel achievable.Constipation in children – assessment, diagnosis and treatment We unpack how common constipation really is, what warning signs parents should look for, and the step-by-step approach to effective treatment and maintenance.The importance of maintenance - Why resolving constipation isn’t the end of the story. Dawn explains the relapse risk and the importance of long-term management for healthy habits.What to expect as a parent and how to prepare for appointments, what the assessment process looks like, and how to manage expectations through what can be an emotional journeyNavigating toilet phobia and refusal - Gentle strategies to reduce anxiety and help children feel empowered, not pressured, when it comes to toileting.Positioning and the pelvic floor in little people. Simple adjustments that make a big difference. Dawn breaks down why toilet posture, stool supports, and relaxed pelvic floors are essential for success.Follow Dawn @kidsbowelbladder

    36 min
  3. 10/14/2025

    Understanding Chronic Pain with Nicola Michell

    This week on Inside the Box, we're diving deep into the multifaceted world of chronic pain, and how to treat it with both science and empathy. Our guest is Nicola Michell, the founder of City Physio in Sydney’s CBD, a titled Pain Physio who thrives on complexity, loves a challenge, and is on a mission to prevent chronicity where possible. Nicola brings a rare mix of clinical insight, real-life experience, and passionate advocacy for better chronic pain management—especially for women. She’s also a mum to Audrey, chronically sleep-deprived, a strength-training junkie, black coffee lover, and still somehow finds time to keep up with Grey’s Anatomy. In This Episode, We Explore: The Complex Nature of Chronic Pain What makes chronic pain so misunderstood—and so difficult to treat?Physio’s Role in Chronic Pain How can we, as physiotherapists, evolve our approach and better support patients in pain?Sleep & Pain: A Two-Way Street What we now know about the relationship between chronic pain and sleep disturbancesNicola’s practical tips for helping your body access restorative sleepPain on a Plate The impact of diet on chronic pain conditionsNutritional insights for women’s pain management—what helps, what harmsPerimenopause & Hormonal Shifts Why oestrogen plays a critical role in pain modulation, and how changing hormones in midlife can affect pain experienceThe Caregiver’s Burden How traditional female caregiving roles increase the emotional load—and how this intensifies chronic pain experiencesThe Science of Threat & Conditioning Classical conditioning, perceived threat, and how the brain “learns” painHow this knowledge can reshape the way we talk to and treat people in painWhether you're a clinician looking to deepen your understanding, or someone navigating chronic pain yourself, this episode offers science-backed insights, honest conversation, and practical tools for a more holistic approach. Connect with Nicola Michell Instagram: @nicola_cityphysio City Physio: https://cityphysio.com.au

    33 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

A podcast for women and professionals alike, hosted by mums and Women's Health Physiotherapists, Kat, Tash, and Caitlin. Established and driven by our desires to share our passion for educating and empowering women to better understand their bodies, in particular - what's inside their 'box'. Amongst ourselves, real-life patients and leading industry experts, we’ll unpack a variety of topics including pelvic floor dysfunction, pregnancy, exercise, birth, postpartum, sexual pain, endometriosis, leakage, prolapse and beyond.

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