Healthy Banter's Podcast

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What if we stopped waiting for osteoporosis to become a problem and started building stronger bones long before the first fracture?

In Part 2 of our conversation with Professor Belinda Beck, we dive deeper into the relationship between menopause, hormones, bone loss and osteoporosis, and explore what women can actually do to protect their bones as they age.

Belinda explains what happens to bone during menopause, why the drop in oestrogen can accelerate bone loss, and why high-load resistance and impact exercise can play such an important role. We also unpack ONERO®, the evidence-based exercise program developed from Belinda's research, including why strength, impact, balance and mobility all matter when it comes to reducing fracture risk.

And perhaps most importantly, we talk about prevention — because the goal isn't simply to treat osteoporosis after a fracture. It's to build strength, confidence and bone health before that first fracture ever happens.

A fascinating and practical conversation about getting older stronger — not more fragile.

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/

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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/

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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/

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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/

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When we think about menopause, symptoms like hot flushes and mood changes often come to mind—but did you know hormonal changes can also affect your ears, nose and throat?

In this episode, we're joined by Brisbane ENT surgeon Dr Emily Perry to explore the often-overlooked ways menopause can influence ENT health. From hearing changes and tinnitus to dry mouth, altered voice, and swallowing concerns, we unpack what happens as oestrogen levels change and what women can do to stay healthy through midlife and beyond.

We also discuss the important role of the thyroid, and how to protect your hearing. 

Whether you're approaching menopause, currently navigating it, or supporting someone who is, this episode shines a light on the symptoms that often fly under the radar. Join us for an insightful conversation filled with practical advice, myth-busting and expert guidance to help you breathe easier, hear better and feel empowered through every stage of midlife.

Looking for more Healthy Banter? Check out our website at https://www.healthybanter.com.au/ or follow us https://www.instagram.com/healthybanter.podcast/

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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/

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Who are the voices behind Healthy Banter? In this special episode, we're turning the microphones on ourselves.

Join us as we share our journeys into physiotherapy, women's health, and the experiences that sparked our passion for helping people move, feel, and live better. We chat about what inspired us to start Healthy Banter, the conversations we felt were missing, and our vision for creating a podcast that makes evidence-based health information approachable, practical, and enjoyable.

You'll get to know us beyond our professional roles—what drives us, what we've learned along the way, and why we're so passionate about challenging health myths, asking curious questions, and bringing expert guests together to help you make sense of your health.

Whether you're a clinician, a health enthusiast, or simply curious about the people behind the podcast, this is the perfect place to start.

Expect plenty of laughs, honest conversations, and, of course... a little healthy banter.

Looking for more Healthy Banter? Check out our website at https://www.healthybanter.com.au/ or follow us https://www.instagram.com/healthybanter.podcast/

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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/

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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/

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This episode is packed with evidence-based advice delivered in a compassionate, practical way—helping women feel more confident and less confused about food. 

In part 2 with Associate Professor Shelley Wilkinson, women’s health dietitian and clinician-researcher, we have a practical, down-to-earth conversation all about getting the foundations of nutrition right.

Think of this as Nutrition 101 for women—cutting through the confusion, fad diets, and overwhelming online advice to focus on the basics that truly matter for health, energy, hormones, and longevity.

Shelley breaks down simple, realistic strategies to help women nourish their bodies through every stage of life. We explore what balanced eating actually looks like, why fibre and protein matter, and how small, sustainable habits can make a big difference over time.

We also chat about the importance of getting your basics right first—like eating your 5 serves of veg, because you can’t outrun a bad diet and you can’t outsupplement one either.

Because healthy ageing isn’t about restriction or perfection. As Shelley's mantra goes, "Don’t just get older, grow bolder". 

For more of Shelley and amazing free online resources, books, blogs, as well as the capability of booking an appointment, including telehealth, if you feel that you would benefit from guidance or a dietary review, follow the links below. 

https://lifestylematernity.com.au/

https://lifestyleperimenopause.com.au/

For 10% off Shelley's "Nourish & Nurture", please enter the code HB10

Looking for more Healthy Banter? Check out our website at https://www.healthybanter.com.au/ or follow us https://www.instagram.com/healthybanter.podcast/