Let's Talk Health

Torrens University Australia
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  • HEALTH & FITNESS

Let’s Talk Health is Torrens University Australia's flagship podcast, shining a light on the health and wellbeing topics that matter most to Australians. Hosted by Natalie Cook, Director of Innovation, Industry and Employability in Health and Education, each episode brings engaging conversations with experts from our Health faculty and staff. We’ll cover mental health, chronic pain, nutrition, naturopathy, ageing and more, delivering evidence-based insights, expert perspectives and practical advice to support informed health choices.

  1. 12/14/2025

    The intergenerational fix for the loneliness epidemic | with Assoc. Prof. Clare Littleton

    Loneliness is increasingly described as a modern epidemic - one that affects people of all ages and impacts both physical and mental health. In this episode of Let’s Talk Health, host Natalie Cook speaks with Associate Professor Clare Littleton, a public health researcher and Director of the Centre for Healthy Sustainable Development, to explore how where and how we live shapes our wellbeing. In this episode, we cover: What loneliness really means and why it’s considered a modern epidemicHow social isolation affects physical, mental and cognitive health across the lifespanWhy where you live and who you see each day shapes your sense of belongingWhat intergenerational housing looks like in practice (and why it works)How the built environment can encourage connection, community and healthier ageingCultural differences in ageing, caregiving and multigenerational livingHow incidental interactions between older adults and children build empathy and resilienceWhy public health researchers see intergenerational design as a key preventative strategyThe role of policy, community planning and aged care providers in reducing lonelinessWhat Australia is learning from global models of intergenerational livingCurious about public health, ageing, or how research is reshaping the way we live? Learn more about Clare and her team's research at the Centre for Healthy Sustainable Development. Interested in public health? Learn more about our programs at https://www.torrens.edu.au/courses/health/master-of-public-health . Connect with us and follow our news and stories: → Blog and Newsroom: https://www.torrens.edu.au/stories → TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@torrensuni → LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/torrens-university-australia/ → Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TorrensUni/ → Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/torrensuni

    24 min

  2. 12/09/2025

    How naturopathy helps when nothing else makes sense | with Jasmine King

    Naturopathy is growing in popularity, but many still don't know what it's really all about. If you've heard the name but want to know more, this episode of Let’s Talk Health is the perfect introduction to the intriguing world of herbal medicine. Natalie is joined by Jasmine King, Clinic Lead and Learning Facilitator in Naturopathy and Western Herbal Medicine at Torrens University Australia, to explore the science, traditions and everyday applications of this holistic approach to wellbeing. In this episode, we cover: What naturopathy is and how it blends biomedicine with holistic practiceThe difference between functional testing and standard pathology testsHow hormones influence mood, energy, and mental healthWhy women commonly struggle with protein intake (& why it matters)The role of blood sugar regulation in fatigue, irritability and brain fogHow gut health, digestion and nutrient absorption impact overall wellnessThe connection between mould exposure, environmental toxins & endocrine healthHow naturopathy supports mental, emotional and physical well-beingWhat to look for when choosing a qualified naturopathWhy long consultations help identify root causes, not just symptomsHow herbal medicine, flower essences and targeted nutrients fit into treatmentPractical lifestyle tips to improve mood, energy, and daily balanceConnect with us and follow our news and stories: → Blog and Newsroom: https://www.torrens.edu.au/stories → TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@torrensuni → LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/torrens-university-australia/ → Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TorrensUni/ → Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/torrensuni

    27 min

  3. 11/30/2025

    Is sitting worse than smoking? The hidden health impacts of sedentary life explained | with Assoc. Prof. Fahad Hanna

    In this episode of Let's Talk Health, host Natalie Cook speaks with Associate Professor Fahad Hanna, a public health expert from the Centre for Healthy Futures at Torrens University Australia, to explore the health risks associated with our increasingly sedentary lifestyles. From the convenience of remote work to hours spent in front of screens, the modern world encourages us to sit for prolonged periods, but at what cost? In this episode, we cover: The health risks of prolonged sitting and its effect on musculoskeletal healthThe connection between sedentary behavior and mental health issues, including stress, anxiety, and depressionHow working from home and the virtual lifestyle during COVID-19 exacerbated sedentary behaviorTips for combating sedentary lifestyles at work and homeThe role of physical activity in boosting productivity and well-beingHow simple changes to your daily routine can help break the sedentary cycleInterested in public health? Learn more about our courses here: https://www.torrens.edu.au/courses/health/public-health Connect with us and follow our news and stories: → Blog and Newsroom: https://www.torrens.edu.au/stories → TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@torrensuni → LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/torrens-university-australia/ → Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TorrensUni/ → Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/torrensuni

    25 min

  4. 11/27/2025 · BONUS

    Why crowds feel harder to handle after COVID | with Jenny Day

    In this bonus episode of Let’s Talk Health, host Natalie Cook speaks with psychology learning facilitator Jenny Day about how COVID-19 has reshaped our sense of personal space. While crowded trains and busy offices once felt normal, the pandemic triggered a global shift in how close we’re comfortable getting to others. Jenny explains why personal space boundaries expanded, how pathogen awareness influences our reactions, and why many people still instinctively step back in public settings. Together, they explore the psychological impact of lockdowns, the role of threat perception, and how factors like climate, culture and disease history shape comfort zones around the world. It’s a fascinating look at how our ancient survival instincts collided with a modern pandemic - and why closeness still feels different today. Connect with us and follow our news and stories: → Blog and Newsroom: https://www.torrens.edu.au/stories → TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@torrensuni → LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/torrens-university-australia/ → Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TorrensUni/ → Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/torrensuni

    5 min

  5. 11/24/2025

    Your brain, personal space & the science of everyday boundaries | with Jenny Day

    Personal space shapes our daily lives more than we realise - from crowded commutes to open-plan offices and the subtle ways we signal when things feel “too close.” In this episode of Let’s Talk Health, host Natalie Cook speaks with Psychological Science Learning Facilitator Jenny Day to explore the science behind personal space, stress and why our brains react so strongly to proximity.  Jenny breaks down how the brain interprets closeness, why our ancient threat systems activate in modern environments, and how anxiety, sensory overload and autonomy influence our comfort around others. Together, they discuss practical ways to recognise your own cues and approach these reactions with more understanding and self-kindness.  What “personal space” really means in psychological science How the brain processes proximity, threat and safety Why crowded trains, busy cities and open-plan offices feel overwhelming How the amygdala influences our reactions to closeness The link between anxiety, hypervigilance and larger personal space boundaries Why sensory overload is more common in modern environments How autonomy and control shape comfort levels in social spaces Everyday cues we use to signal “I need more space” Why headphones have become a universal social boundary marker Practical ways to understand your reactions and support your well-being Curious and want to learn more about the way our brain works? Our Bachelor of Psychological Science teaches you the skills you need to enter the world of psychology.  Connect with us and follow our news and stories: → Blog and Newsroom: https://www.torrens.edu.au/stories → TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@torrensuni → LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/torrens-university-australia/ → Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TorrensUni/ → Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/torrensuni

    27 min

  6. 11/19/2025 · BONUS

    Why the cosmetics industry needs to rethink “anti-ageing” | with Assoc. Prof. Rachel Ambagtsheer

    In this bonus episode of Let’s Talk Health, host Natalie Cook speaks with Associate Professor Rachel Ambagtsheer about how social media shapes the way we think about ageing. Together, they explore how beauty standards, image-based culture and “anti-ageing” messaging influence our expectations of what getting older should look like. Rachel explains why the cosmetics industry often reinforces ageist ideas, how constant exposure to curated images affects self-perception, and why younger generations may be absorbing narrow ideas of what is “normal”. Curious about ageism and want to take actionable steps to educate yourself? Take the Challenging Ageism Short Course: https://www.torrens.edu.au/studying-with-us/study-options/short-courses/challenging-ageism Connect with us and follow our news and stories: → Blog and Newsroom: https://www.torrens.edu.au/stories → TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@torrensuni → LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/torrens-university-australia/ → Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TorrensUni/ → Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/torrensuni

    3 min

  7. 11/16/2025

    How to spot ageism in healthcare (and why it’s still so common) | with Assoc. Prof. Rachel Ambagtsheer

    Ageing is something every one of us will experience, but ageism – the stereotypes, assumptions and biases tied to age – still shapes how people are treated in everyday life. In this episode of Let’s Talk Health, host Natalie Cook is joined by Senior Research Fellow and public health academic Associate Professor Rachel Ambagtsheer to explore why ageism often goes unnoticed, how it can show up in healthcare settings, and what we can all do to challenge it. To learn more about the Challenging Ageism short course, visit https://www.torrens.edu.au/studying-with-us/study-options/short-courses/challenging-ageism  In this episode, we cover: What ageism actually means and where the term originatedHow stereotypes, prejudice and discrimination based on age show up across the lifespanWhy ageism is often called “the last acceptable ism”The role of culture, intergenerational contact and societal norms in shaping attitudes to ageingHow ageism appears in healthcare, aged care and clinical decision-makingWhat “benevolent ageism” looks like (and why it’s still harmful)How self-directed ageism affects confidence, mobility, mental health and physical declineWhy age-based screening cut-offs can disadvantage older adultsStrategies for recognising and calling out ageism in clinical appointmentsHow families can advocate for older relatives without taking away their autonomyThe health, social and economic impacts of ageism on individuals and communitiesPractical actions anyone can take to challenge ageism in daily lifeRachel’s research into shifting attitudes and the impact of her “Challenging Ageism” short courseConnect with us and follow our news and stories: → Blog and Newsroom: https://www.torrens.edu.au/stories → TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@torrensuni → LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/torrens-university-australia/ → Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TorrensUni/ → Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/torrensuni

    28 min

  8. 10/29/2025 · BONUS

    Can you feel pain without being hurt? | with Tim Trevail

    In this bonus episode of Let’s Talk Health, host Natalie Cook speaks with Tim Trevail to explore why pain is more about protection than damage. Together, they unpack how the brain interprets pain, why context matters, and what it really means when something hurts - from stubbing your toe to recovering from injury. Using relatable examples, Tim explains how factors like childhood learning, fear, and even social settings influence how we feel pain. He shares how athletes train their brains to tolerate discomfort, why past injuries can trigger false alarms, and how understanding the mind–body connection can help anyone manage pain more confidently and move freely again. Curious about how the body heals and moves? Explore your path in Health at Torrens University Australia. Interested in helping others manage pain and improve movement? Discover Myotherapy courses at Think Education. Connect with us and follow our news and stories: → Blog and Newsroom: https://www.torrens.edu.au/stories → TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@torrensuni → LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/torrens-university-australia/ → Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TorrensUni/ → Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/torrensuni

    9 min
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About

Let’s Talk Health is Torrens University Australia's flagship podcast, shining a light on the health and wellbeing topics that matter most to Australians. Hosted by Natalie Cook, Director of Innovation, Industry and Employability in Health and Education, each episode brings engaging conversations with experts from our Health faculty and staff. We’ll cover mental health, chronic pain, nutrition, naturopathy, ageing and more, delivering evidence-based insights, expert perspectives and practical advice to support informed health choices.

Information

  • Creator
    Torrens University Australia
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Torrens University Australia
  • Show Website
    Let's Talk Health