Healthy Banter's Podcast

Healthy Banter

A podcast by women, about women, for women. Honest conversations that blend clinical insights with everyday life. Together with their guests, the hosts Meg & Jules explore what it means to gain strength, build confidence, and live better—every single day

  1. Sep 21

    Strong Bones for Life: What Women Need to Know About Osteoporosis with Professor Belinda Beck - Part 1

    Send us Fan Mail We often think about osteoporosis as something that happens later in life—but Professor Belinda Beck is here to remind us that bone health starts much earlier than we think. In Part 1 of our conversation with Professor Belinda Beck, we get back to the basics of bone health and explore what our bones actually need to stay strong throughout our lives. We chat about how bone develops during childhood and adolescence, why puberty is such an important window for building our “bone bank”, and what happens to bone as we age. We unpack the difference between osteopenia and osteoporosis, what a DEXA scan actually tells us, and why a fracture from something as simple as a fall from standing height—or even a cough—can be an important warning sign. Belinda also busts some common myths around exercise and bone health, explaining why progressive resistance training and appropriate impact loading are so important, why simply walking more may not be enough, and why unloading the body can have such a significant effect on our bones. Plus, we dive into the practical stuff: calcium, vitamin D, diet, caffeine, gravity and even whether your shoes could be affecting the loading your bones receive. And if you missed the opportunity to build your bone bank during adolescence, don't panic—Belinda explains why it is never too late to improve bone, even into older age. This is a fascinating conversation packed with evidence, practical advice and plenty of “I didn't know that!” moments. Here are some helpful links from today's discussion with Professor Belinda Beck: The Onero Academy website (what is ONERO® and how to become an ONERO® provider) https://onero.academy/ Onero® locations map (how to find an ONERO® provider https://onero.academy/locations/ The Bone Clinic website (for Belinda's back story and other resources) https://theboneclinic.com.au/ The ONERO® Summit website (an educational meeting for ONERO® licensees, doctors and patients/the public) https://web.cvent.com/event/b495b09b-d427-4030-8a99-c6a2a5332444/summary The Bone Clinic FB page (where I post information and important advances in the field of bone health in lay terms) https://www.facebook.com/theboneclinic Looking for more Healthy Banter? Check out our website at: https://www.healthybanter.com.au/ or follow us https://www.instagram.com/healthybanter.podcast/

  2. Sep 7

    From the Couch to Consistency: Building Healthy Habits That Last with Caitlin Clarke - Part 2

    Send us Fan Mail In Part 2 of our conversation with Exercise Physiologist Caitlin Clarke, we unpack the role of exercise alongside GLP-1 medications, including why maintaining muscle mass, strength and bone health is especially important for women. We discuss how movement supports physical and mental wellbeing, improves long-term weight management, and helps create sustainable habits that last well beyond any prescription. Caitlin also explains how to access an Exercise Physiologist in Australia, including referrals through a GP Management Plan, private health insurance rebates, and other pathways that can make expert support more affordable. For anyone feeling overwhelmed by where to begin, this episode is packed with practical advice on starting exercise at home, building confidence, and creating a routine that fits your life. You'll learn why you don't need to exercise perfectly to see results—and how small, consistent actions are far more powerful than all-or-nothing thinking. If you would like to book with Caitlin or one of her experienced colleagues, check out the Bodytrack website here:  https://www.bodytrack.com.au/booking-enquiry/#booking-enq Check out more about Caitlin here:  https://www.bodytrack.com.au/team/caitlin-clarke/ Looking for an exercise physiologist (EP) in your area? Check out ESSA's find an accredited exercise professional here:  https://www.essa.org.au/Web/Web/Member-location-search.aspx?hkey=46879bd9-85a7-4332-b652-f46dafaab941 Looking for more Healthy Banter? Check out our website at: https://www.healthybanter.com.au/ or follow us https://www.instagram.com/healthybanter.podcast/

  3. Aug 24

    Exercise Made Simple: Breaking Through the Barriers with EP Caitlin Clarke - Part 1

    Send us Fan Mail Whether you're struggling to find the motivation to exercise, unsure where to begin, or wondering if you're doing enough, this episode is for you. We're joined by Exercise Physiologist Caitlin Clarke to unpack everything you need to know about building an exercise routine that works for your body, your goals, and your stage of life. We discuss the biggest barriers that stop people from exercising, why motivation isn't the key to long-term success, and how to create habits that are realistic and sustainable. Caitlin explains how to find your personal exercise baseline, how much activity you really need to experience meaningful health benefits, and why starting small is often the smartest approach. We also explore the importance of variety in your exercise routine—not only to keep movement enjoyable but to build strength, improve fitness, and reduce the risk of overuse injuries. We also dive into why adolescence is one of the most important windows for building lifelong bone health. Caitlin explains how the right types of exercise during the teenage years help maximise bone density, why this matters later in life, and how balanced training and good nutrition can help reduce the risk of stress fractures and Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs). Whether you're just starting your exercise journey, training for a goal, supporting an active teenager, or looking to stay healthy for decades to come, this episode is packed with practical, evidence-based advice you can apply straight away. If you would like to book with Caitlin or one of her experienced colleagues, check out the Bodytrack website here:  https://www.bodytrack.com.au/booking-enquiry/#booking-enq Check out more about Caitlin here:  https://www.bodytrack.com.au/team/caitlin-clarke/ Looking for an exercise physiologist (EP) in your area? Check out ESSA's find an accredited exercise professional here:  https://www.essa.org.au/Web/Web/Member-location-search.aspx?hkey=46879bd9-85a7-4332-b652-f46dafaab941 Looking for more Healthy Banter? Check out our website at: https://www.healthybanter.com.au/ or follow us https://www.instagram.com/healthybanter.podcast/

  4. Jul 27

    Breathe Easy: All You Need to Know About Kids' Tonsils & Adenoids with Dr Emily Perry - Part 1

    Send us Fan Mail Do tonsils and adenoids actually serve a purpose? Why do some children seem to be constantly battling sore throats, snoring, mouth breathing or blocked noses? And when is it time to stop "waiting it out" and seek specialist advice? In this episode, we're joined by Brisbane ENT surgeon Dr Emily Perry to answer the questions every parent has about their child's tonsils and adenoids. We explore what these tissues do as part of the immune system, why they can become enlarged or repeatedly infected, and why children can usually continue to thrive even after they are removed. Together, we discuss: What tonsils and adenoids are, and their role in childhood immunity.The signs parents should look for, including snoring, mouth breathing, restless sleep, recurrent tonsillitis and changes in behaviour or concentration.When it's appropriate to see an ENT specialist.When surgery might be recommended—and when it isn't.What families can expect if a tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy is advised.Whether you're wondering if your child's snoring is normal, concerned about frequent sore throats, or simply curious about why we even have tonsils and adenoids in the first place, this episode is packed with practical, evidence-based advice to help parents breathe a little easier. Looking for more Healthy Banter? Check out our website at https://www.healthybanter.com.au/ or follow us https://www.instagram.com/healthybanter.podcast/

  5. Jun 15

    Bendy, Dizzy & Exhausted: Connecting the Dots - Hypermobility Part 2 with Sharon Hennessey

    Send us Fan Mail In Part 2 of our conversation with Sharon Hennessey—award-winning physiotherapist, founder of The Hypermobility Project, and principal of Not Just Bendy Hypermobility Services—we explore how hypermobility can impact women across different life stages, from pregnancy through to perimenopause and menopause. We discuss the influence of hormonal changes on connective tissue, joint stability, pain, fatigue, pelvic health, and physical function, as well as the important links between hypermobility, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS). Drawing on nearly 30 years of clinical experience and her own lived experience, Sharon shares practical insights to help women better understand their bodies and navigate these transitions with confidence. In this episode, we cover: • Hypermobility and pregnancy • Perimenopause and menopause • Pelvic health, pain, and fatigue • POTS and MCAS • Practical management strategies for women across the lifespan Whether you're living with hypermobility or supporting someone who is, this episode offers valuable insights into the unique challenges and opportunities that can arise during a woman's life journey. Looking for hypermobility friendly clinicians? Check out the below directories: https://www.ehlers-danlos.com/healthcare-professionals-directory/ https://potsfoundation.org.au/clinician-directory/ For amazing hypermobility resources, courses and tools please check out the below websites: https://www.notjustbendy.com/blog/ https://hypermobilityproject.com/clinician-tools Looking for more Healthy Banter? Check out our website at https://www.healthybanter.com.au/ or follow us https://www.instagram.com/healthybanter.podcast/

  6. Jun 1

    Good Day / Bad Day - Hypermobility with Sharon Hennessey Part 1

    Send us Fan Mail What does it really mean to be hypermobile—and when does being "just bendy" become something more? In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, we are joined by Sharon Hennessey, award-winning Australian physiotherapist, founder of The Hypermobility Project, and principal of Not Just Bendy Hypermobility Services. With nearly 30 years of clinical experience and lived experience as both an individual and parent navigating hypermobility, Sharon brings a unique and deeply practical perspective to this often misunderstood condition. Together, we unpack the foundations of hypermobility, exploring what it is, why it occurs, and how it can affect children and teenagers during key stages of growth and development. Sharon shares her expertise in recognising the signs that may indicate a young person needs additional support, discusses the difference between generalised joint hypermobility and conditions such as Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD) and hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS), and explains why these presentations are frequently overlooked or misunderstood. Whether you're a parent, healthcare professional, coach, teacher, or someone living with hypermobility, this episode provides an evidence-informed introduction to the challenges and strengths that can accompany hypermobility in childhood and adolescence. Looking for hypermobility friendly clinicians? Check out the below directories: https://www.ehlers-danlos.com/healthcare-professionals-directory/ https://potsfoundation.org.au/clinician-directory/ For amazing hypermobility resources, courses and tools please check out the below websites:  https://www.notjustbendy.com/blog/ https://hypermobilityproject.com/clinician-tools Looking for more Healthy Banter? Check out our website at https://www.healthybanter.com.au/ or follow us https://www.instagram.com/healthybanter.podcast/

About

A podcast by women, about women, for women. Honest conversations that blend clinical insights with everyday life. Together with their guests, the hosts Meg & Jules explore what it means to gain strength, build confidence, and live better—every single day

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