Connect Talks

Connect

Connect is all about bringing like-minded people together, belonging to a community, exploring ways to improve your health and wellbeing, and helping you feel empowered to make the changes you want to.

  1. 2d ago

    S2 E9 More than Sex: Navigating Body Image, Relationships and Pelvic Pain with Marie Vakakis

    Pelvic pain doesn’t just impact our bodies and minds – it can also cause changes in our intimate relationships. Marie Vakakis, Couple and Family Therapist from The Therapy Hub, joins us to discuss the complexities of navigating pelvic pain and relationships. This episode isn’t just for those experiencing pelvic pain, but also their partners. Learn how to start an empowering discussion about your experiences, practical strategies to rediscover what feels good and creative ways to reframe what intimacy looks like as you journey through pelvic pain. This episode also explores themes of pelvic pain as a result of traumatic experiences. Additional resources for advice and support can be found below. Tune into this episode and the rest of the season to find out more and feel more empowered about your own health and wellbeing. Hosts and Guests Connect - https://www.moira.org.au/connect/Marie Vakakis - https://marievakakis.com.au/ Marie's recommendations Embrace (documentary) by Taryn Brumfitt - https://www.bodyimagemovement.com/embrace-film/The Love Deck by The Gottman Institute - https://www.gottman.com/couples/apps/The Body Is Not An Apology: The Power of Radical Self-Love by Sonya Renee TaylorCome as You Are: The Surprising New Science That Will Transform Your Sex Life by Emily NagoskiCome Together: The Science (and Art!) of Creating Lasting Sexual Connections by Emily NagoskiEsther Perel - https://www.estherperel.com/ Sexual violence support resources 1800RESPECT - https://1800respect.org.au/Full Stop Australia - https://fullstop.org.au/Centre Against Sexual Assault - https://www.casahouse.com.au/Australian Sexual Violence Support Directory - https://www.nasasv.org.au/support-directoryBeyond Blue - https://www.beyondblue.org.au/ Key resources Endo Help - ⁠⁠https://endohelp.com.au/⁠⁠Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinics (government-funded) - ⁠⁠https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/endometriosis-and-pelvic-pain-clinics?language=en⁠⁠Jean Hailes for Women’s Health - ⁠⁠https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/⁠⁠QENDO - ⁠⁠https://www.qendo.org.au/⁠⁠ Gender-affirming services and resources Although the podcast refers to ‘women’, Connect acknowledges that those experiencing pelvic pain and associated conditions are part of a diverse community with various identities. For resources designed for those who are gender-diverse and experiencing pelvic pain please refer to: Endometriosis Coalition - ⁠⁠https://www.acendo.com.au/gender-diverse-people-endometriosis⁠⁠Endometriosis WA - ⁠⁠https://www.endometriosiswa.org.au/im-seeking-support/endometriosis-and-gender-diversity/⁠⁠Thorne Harbour Health - ⁠⁠https://thorneharbour.org/services/⁠

  2. Aug 11

    S2 E8 Fertility and Pelvic Pain: Navigating the Journey with Professor Louise Hull

    Infertility is a journey that many don't expect to go on, but what can be even more unexpected is discovering a pelvic condition at the same time. Join Connect as we discuss the complexities of infertility, pelvic conditions and pelvic pain with gynaecologist and fertility subspecialist Professor Louise Hull. In this episode, Professor Hull explores infertility - how it might be diagnosed, possible causes and different options someone can explore to assist them in falling pregnant. This episode doesn't just touch on those experiencing infertility and pelvic conditions, but also their partner and how they may be impacted. Tune into this episode and the rest of the season to find out more and feel more empowered about your own health and wellbeing. Hosts and Guests Connect - ⁠⁠https://www.moira.org.au/connect/⁠⁠Professor Louise Hull - https://researchers.adelaide.edu.au/profile/louise.hull Key resources Endo Help - ⁠⁠https://endohelp.com.au/⁠⁠Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinics (government-funded) - ⁠⁠https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/endometriosis-and-pelvic-pain-clinics?language=en⁠⁠Jean Hailes for Women’s Health - ⁠⁠https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/⁠⁠QENDO - ⁠⁠https://www.qendo.org.au/⁠⁠ Gender-affirming services and resources Although the podcast refers to ‘women’, Connect acknowledges that those experiencing pelvic pain and associated conditions are part of a diverse community with various identities. For resources designed for those who are gender-diverse and experiencing pelvic pain please refer to: Endometriosis Coalition - ⁠⁠https://www.acendo.com.au/gender-diverse-people-endometriosis⁠⁠Endometriosis WA - ⁠⁠https://www.endometriosiswa.org.au/im-seeking-support/endometriosis-and-gender-diversity/⁠⁠Thorne Harbour Health - ⁠⁠https://thorneharbour.org/services/⁠⁠

  3. Aug 4

    S2 E7 Mind-Body-Pain Connection with Dr Megan De Souza

    For those living with pelvic pain, or any type of chronic pain, their experience is not simply a physical one. Pain impacts the mental health and wellbeing of someone, sometimes as much or even more so than it does to their physical body. For some, this can lead to social isolation from friends and family, difficulty engaging in intimate relationships and worsening of their overall health and wellbeing. Clinical and Health Psychologist, Megan de Souza is our guest on this episode and will explore how pelvic pain can impact mental health, the impact of the nervous system on pain and where someone can seek support to ensure they feel empowered, connected and supported. Tune into this episode and the rest of the season to find out more and feel more empowered about your own health and wellbeing. Hosts and Guests Connect - https://www.moira.org.au/connect/Megan de Souza - https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/australian-health-services/healthcare-service/camberwell-3124-vic/dr-megan-de-souza/clinical-psychology/9bb7a608-f673-45f8-9e1d-1d506be41073 Megan’s recommendations Healing Pelvic Pain by Dr Peta Wright Curable app – free trial period, creates a personalised recovery program https://apps.apple.com/au/app/curable-chronic-pain-relief/id1325784379Insight Timer app – free to use the basic version https://apps.apple.com/au/app/insight-timer-meditate-sleep/id337472899Mindfulness app – free trial period, includes programs on pain and chronic illness, sleep, and yoga nidra course https://apps.apple.com/au/app/mindfulness-com-meditation-app/id1466046486 Key resources Endo Help - ⁠https://endohelp.com.au/⁠Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinics (government-funded) - ⁠https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/endometriosis-and-pelvic-pain-clinics?language=en⁠Jean Hailes for Women’s Health - ⁠https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/⁠QENDO - ⁠https://www.qendo.org.au/⁠ Gender-affirming services and resources Although the podcast refers to ‘women’, Connect acknowledges that those experiencing pelvic pain and associated conditions are part of a diverse community with various identities. For resources designed for those who are gender-diverse and experiencing pelvic pain please refer to: Endometriosis Coalition - ⁠https://www.acendo.com.au/gender-diverse-people-endometriosis⁠Endometriosis WA - ⁠https://www.endometriosiswa.org.au/im-seeking-support/endometriosis-and-gender-diversity/⁠Thorne Harbour Health - ⁠https://thorneharbour.org/services/

  4. Jul 28

    S2 E6 Movement, Nourishment & Rest for Pelvic Pain with Freya Lawler – Part 2

    Treatment for pelvic pain conditions don’t just have to stop at medication and surgery. Movement, sleep, nutrition and mindfulness can all have a powerful impact on an individual's experience and are now being recommended more frequently by healthcare professionals. In this two-part episode, we speak with naturopath Freya Lawler, who specialises in complex reproductive health, endometriosis and IVF optimisation. Freya shares evidence-based advice on how someone living with pelvic pain can make small changes in their daily lives to make long-term improvements to their experiences of pain and overall wellbeing. In part two, Freya explores the power of movement and mindfulness. Tune into this episode and the rest of the season to find out more and feel more empowered about your own health and wellbeing. Hosts and Guests Connect - ⁠https://www.moira.org.au/connect/⁠Freya Lawler - ⁠https://www.freyalawler.com.au/⁠ Freya’s recommendations Open: Breathwork + Meditation app - https://o-p-e-n.com/Breathwork with Connect- https://www.moira.org.au/connect/resources/213839-breathe-wellMind Your Body: A Revolutionary Program to Release Chronic Pain and Anxiety by Nicole Sachs The Cure for Chronic Pain with Nicole Sachs Key resources Endo Help - ⁠https://endohelp.com.au/⁠Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinics (government-funded) - ⁠https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/endometriosis-and-pelvic-pain-clinics?language=en⁠Jean Hailes for Women’s Health - ⁠https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/⁠QENDO - ⁠https://www.qendo.org.au/⁠ Gender-affirming services and resources Although the podcast refers to ‘women’, Connect acknowledges that those experiencing pelvic pain and associated conditions are part of a diverse community with various identities. For resources designed for those who are gender-diverse and experiencing pelvic pain please refer to: Endometriosis Coalition - ⁠https://www.acendo.com.au/gender-diverse-people-endometriosis⁠Endometriosis WA - ⁠https://www.endometriosiswa.org.au/im-seeking-support/endometriosis-and-gender-diversity/⁠Thorne Harbour Health - ⁠https://thorneharbour.org/services/⁠

  5. Jul 21

    S2 E5 Movement, Nourishment & Rest for Pelvic Pain with Freya Lawler – Part 1

    Treatment for pelvic pain conditions don’t just have to stop at medication and surgery. Movement, sleep, nutrition and mindfulness can all have a powerful impact on an individual's experience and are now being recommended more frequently by healthcare professionals. In this two-part episode, we speak with naturopath Freya Lawler, who specialises in complex reproductive health, endometriosis and IVF optimisation. Freya shares evidence-based advice on how someone living with pelvic pain can make small changes in their daily lives to make long-term improvements to their experiences of pain and overall wellbeing. In part one, Freya introduces the impact of lifestyle changes and focuses on the important roles that sleep and nutrition play. Tune into this episode and the rest of the season to find out more and feel more empowered about your own health and wellbeing. Hosts and Guests Connect - https://www.moira.org.au/connect/Freya Lawler - https://www.freyalawler.com.au/ Key resources Endo Help - https://endohelp.com.au/Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinics (government-funded) - https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/endometriosis-and-pelvic-pain-clinics?language=enJean Hailes for Women’s Health - https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/QENDO - https://www.qendo.org.au/ Gender-affirming services and resources Although the podcast refers to ‘women’, Connect acknowledges that those experiencing pelvic pain and associated conditions are part of a diverse community with various identities. For resources designed for those who are gender-diverse and experiencing pelvic pain please refer to: Endometriosis Coalition - https://www.acendo.com.au/gender-diverse-people-endometriosisEndometriosis WA - https://www.endometriosiswa.org.au/im-seeking-support/endometriosis-and-gender-diversity/Thorne Harbour Health - https://thorneharbour.org/services/

  6. Jul 7

    S2 E4 Communication is Key: Julie Snook’s Story of Endometriosis

    Hearing the voices and stories of those living with endometriosis is a powerful way to build community awareness, reduce stigma and misunderstandings, connect with others experiencing the condition and help others feel less alone. In this episode, we are joined by multi-media professional and experienced television presenter Julie Snook as she shares her personal journey of endometriosis, experience since her teenage years. Julie shares with us the impact of her 13 surgeries, the impact a supportive workplace can have, and why it is vital to share your experiences and build a village of support. Tune into this episode and the rest of the season to find out more and feel more empowered about your own health and wellbeing. Hosts and Guests Connect - https://www.moira.org.au/connect/ Julie Snook - https://endometriosisaustralia.org/our-people/ambassadors/julie-snook/ Julie’s recommendations EndoThrive Workplace Accreditation Program - https://endometriosisaustralia.org/our-work/endo-at-work-program/endothrive-workplace-support-endometriosis/ Key resources Endo Help - https://endohelp.com.au/ Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinics (government-funded) - https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/endometriosis-and-pelvic-pain-clinics?language=en Jean Hailes for Women’s Health - https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/ QENDO - https://www.qendo.org.au/ Gender-affirming services and resources Although the podcast refers to ‘women’, Connect acknowledges that those experiencing pelvic pain and associated conditions are part of a diverse community with various identities. For resources designed for those who are gender-diverse and experiencing pelvic pain please refer to: Endometriosis Coalition - https://www.acendo.com.au/gender-diverse-people-endometriosisEndometriosis WA - https://www.endometriosiswa.org.au/im-seeking-support/endometriosis-and-gender-diversity/ Thorne Harbour Health - https://thorneharbour.org/services/

  7. Jun 30

    S2 E3 It Takes a Team: The Power of Multidisciplinary Care for Pelvic Pain with Associate Professor Pav Nanayakkara

    When it comes to treating pelvic pain, it can be overwhelming to know what the treatment is, or what treatments are available to you. Associate Professor Pav Nanayakkara returns to Connect Talks to unpack and help us understand the various treatments options available for someone experiencing pelvic pain. In this episode Dr. Pav will discuss medicinal, psychological, physical and surgical treatments, how to determine what the right options are and where to seek support in making these decisions. We will explore options which make treatment more accessible, including government funded pelvic pain clinics, and how to support those who are culturally and linguistically diverse or gender-diverse. Tune into this episode and the rest of the season to find out more and feel more empowered about your own health and wellbeing. Hosts and Guests Connect - https://www.moira.org.au/connect/ Associate Professor Pav Nanayakkara - https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/clinician/associate-professor-pav-nanayakkara/ Key resources Endo Help - https://endohelp.com.au/Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinics (government-funded) - https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/endometriosis-and-pelvic-pain-clinics?language=en Jean Hailes for Women’s Health - https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/ QENDO - https://www.qendo.org.au/ Gender-affirming services and resources Although the podcast refers to ‘women’, Connect acknowledges that those experiencing pelvic pain and associated conditions are part of a diverse community with various identities. For resources designed for those who are gender-diverse and experiencing pelvic pain please refer to: Endometriosis Coalition - https://www.acendo.com.au/gender-diverse-people-endometriosis Endometriosis WA - https://www.endometriosiswa.org.au/im-seeking-support/endometriosis-and-gender-diversity/ Thorne Harbour Health - https://thorneharbour.org/services/

  8. Jun 23

    S2 E2 Getting the Pelvic Pain Care You Deserve with Associate Professor Pav Nanayakkara

    The diagnosis of a pelvic pain condition isn’t always easy, with many experiencing years of misdiagnosis or even no diagnosis. So, how does having a team of healthcare professionals affirming your experiences impact the journey? Associate Professor Pav Nanayakkara joins us for an information-packed episode to help individuals at all stages of their pelvic pain experience understand just how important it is to seek supportive, personalised care. From diagnosis and treatment to surgery and seeking a second opinion, Dr Pav will leave you feeling informed, empowered and ready to advocate for yourself and your pelvic pain. Tune into this episode and the rest of the season to find out more and feel more empowered about your own health and wellbeing. Hosts and Guests Connect - https://www.moira.org.au/connect/ Associate Professor Pav Nanayakkara - https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/clinician/associate-professor-pav-nanayakkara/ Key resources Endo Help - https://endohelp.com.au/Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinics (government-funded) - https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/endometriosis-and-pelvic-pain-clinics?language=enJean Hailes for Women’s Health - https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/QENDO - https://www.qendo.org.au/ Gender-affirming services and resources Although the podcast refers to ‘women’, Connect acknowledges that those experiencing pelvic pain and associated conditions are part of a diverse community with various identities. For resources designed for those who are gender-diverse and experiencing pelvic pain please refer to: Endometriosis Coalition - https://www.acendo.com.au/gender-diverse-people-endometriosisEndometriosis WA - https://www.endometriosiswa.org.au/im-seeking-support/endometriosis-and-gender-diversity/Thorne Harbour Health - https://thorneharbour.org/services/

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Connect is all about bringing like-minded people together, belonging to a community, exploring ways to improve your health and wellbeing, and helping you feel empowered to make the changes you want to.

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