👋🏼Guys, we are taking a BREAK. Will we be back? When will we be back? We aren't entirely sure. Josiah and Renee are so proud of what they have achieved in the time they have been together over the last 2 years.

We reflect on our favourite episodes, the biggest learnings and what advice we have to those starting out in the podcast world.

As always, stay tuned on our accounts for what may be next.

You are wonderful! Thank you for listening, engaging, opening your eyes and ears to a different point of view.

STAY CURIOUS, See you soon!

Follow us on our socials:

Renee - https://www.instagram.com/renee_buckingham/

Josiah - https://www.instagram.com/josiahshala/

ALWAYS REMEMBER...

Please know these podcast episodes are a reflection of our own personal lived experiences and we are not here to shame anyone that may or may not agree with that. These are unfiltered, honest and vulnerable conversations where we support one another to hold their beliefs and respect the other.

Get involved in the conversation and let us know where you stand -

https://www.instagram.com/inthemiddle_thepodcast/

https://www.tiktok.com/@inthemiddle_thepodcast?lang=en

Video Producer - Mads https://www.instagram.com/madeleine.creative/

🎙️ From Mic to Marathon: Josiah’s Wild Challenge 🏃‍♂️

What happens when you accidentally commit to running a marathon on a podcast? For Josiah, it meant lacing up and tackling 42.2 km—rain, hail, or shine.

Join The In The Middle Crew—Renee, Josiah, Producer Maddie, and Johnny—as they hit the road to Inverloch for Josiah’s FIRST-EVER marathon. From the first step to the finish line, we’re bringing you the highs, the struggles, and the unexpected moments along the way.

💥 Did he conquer the challenge?

⏱️ What was his EXACT finish time?

🤔 And the big question… would he do it again?

A huge shout out to the amazing team at Inverloch Run Club for hosting us!

Tune in for the ultimate endurance test, podcast-style. 🎧🔥

ALWAYS REMEMBER...

Please know these podcast episodes are a reflection of our own personal lived experiences and we are not here to shame anyone that may or may not agree with that. These are unfiltered, honest and vulnerable conversations where we support one another to hold their beliefs and respect the other.

Get involved in the conversation and let us know where you stand

https://www.instagram.com/inthemiddle_thepodcast/

https://www.tiktok.com/@inthemiddle_thepodcast?lang=en

Video Producer - Mads

https://www.instagram.com/madeleine.creative/

This week we explore whether or not alternative relationships are the future. Have you heard of this term before? Let's unpack it...

https://fashionjournal.com.au/life/non-monogamy-relationship-2/

Alternative Relationships:

These break from traditional monogamy, emphasizing communication and consent:

- Polyamory: Multiple loving relationships.

- Open Relationships: Emotional commitment, sexual freedom.

- Relationship Anarchy: Defining connections without labels.

- Swinging & Monogamish: Occasional non-monogamy within boundaries.

Esther Perel’s Theories:

Perel explores the balance of love, desire, and modern relationships:

- Desire vs. Security: Passion fades without mystery.

- Erotic Intelligence: Curiosity and playfulness sustain attraction.

- Infidelity: Painful but can spark growth.

- Relationship Fluidity: No one partner meets all needs.

- Autonomy & Closeness: Independence and intimacy can coexist.

Research & Trends:

- Prevalence: 20% of North Americans have tried consensual non-monogamy (CNM).

- Interest: 1 in 6 Americans want polyamory.

- Current Engagement: 4-5% of U.S. adults in open relationships.

- Demographics: CNM is more common among men, LGBTQ+ folks, and younger generations.

- Attitudes: 1 in 6 Brits and many young Australians are open to CNM — if stigma decreases.

Challenges:

- Social Stigma: Misunderstanding and judgment persist.

- Emotional Complexity: Jealousy and possessiveness require intentional communication.

The Future of Relationships:

Alternative structures are on the rise, and as societal norms evolve, people may feel freer to choose relationship models that align with their evolving needs.

👀🪫Today we are exploring a topic you may or may not know about - planned obsolescence. WHAT is it and are you impacted by!?

Josiah has bought this to our attention after discovering his car battery was set up to DIE?! Let us know your thoughts on this topic/

Research references:

Planned obsolescence—the practice of designing products with a limited lifespan to encourage frequent replacements—has significant environmental and economic impacts in Australia. In 2016, the country generated approximately 23.6 kilograms of electronic waste (e-waste) per person, with 65% ending up in landfills.

In response to these challenges, Australia has seen a growing movement advocating for the "Right to Repair," aiming to empower consumers to repair and maintain their products. The Productivity Commission conducted a public inquiry into this issue, assessing unnecessary barriers to repair and exploring policy responses.

A landmark decision by Australia's High Court further bolstered this movement by ruling that manufacturers' patent rights do not override an individual's right to repair and reuse a patented product after its intended design life.

eaglegate.com.au

Advocacy groups like Clean Up Australia emphasize the importance of repair in reducing waste and promoting a circular economy. They argue that shifting towards repairable products can significantly decrease landfill contributions and foster sustainable consumption patterns.

cleanup.org.au

ALWAYS REMEMBER...

Please know these podcast episodes are a reflection of our own personal lived experiences and we are not here to shame anyone that may or may not agree with that. These are unfiltered, honest and vulnerable conversations where we support one another to hold their beliefs and respect the other.

Get involved in the conversation and let us know where you stand

https://www.instagram.com/inthemiddle_thepodcast/

https://www.tiktok.com/@inthemiddle_thepodcast?lang=en

Video Producer - Mads

https://www.instagram.com/madeleine.creative/

🍻Should Drinking Be Banned At Events? The Future UNPACKED...

WARNING: This episode discusses drinking, addiction and if you or someone you know find this to be a sensitive topic, this episode isn't for you. 

With Saudi Arabia set to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup—andlikely following in Qatar’s footsteps by banning alcohol sales in stadiums—we’re seeing a growing trend of major sporting events distancing themselves from booze. But is this the future, or just an isolated case?

Saudi Arabia's ambassador to the United Kingdom has revealed that no alcohol will be allowed at the 2034 World Cup.

In an interview on LBC, Prince Khalid bin Bandar Al Saud said no alcohol will be sold anywhere during the tournament, including in hotels.

"At the moment, we don't allow alcohol," PrinceKhalid told LBC.

"Plenty of fun can be had without alcohol - it's not100% necessary, and if you want to drink after you leave, you're welcome to, but at the moment, we don't have alcohol."

Prince Khalid also ruled out the possibility of fans drinking alcohol back in their hotels like they were able to at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, which is a Muslim country.

"No, there is no alcohol at all," he said."Rather like our weather, it's a dry country."

"Everyone has their own culture. We're happy to accommodate people within the boundaries of our culture, but we don't want to change our culture for someone else."

Australia's drinking culture has long been a significantaspect of its social fabric, but recent trends indicate shifts in consumption patterns, health implications, and economic impacts.

Current Consumption Statistics

Prevalence of Alcohol Consumption: In 2022-23, approximately 80.3% of South Australians reported consuming at least one full serve of alcohol in the past year, a figure consistent with previous years.
sahealth.sa.gov.au

Risky Drinking Behaviors: Nationally, 31% of Australians aredrinking at risky levels, with around one in four reporting they'd had more than 10 standard drinks per week on average in 2022-23.
adf.org.au

REFERENCES:

https://www.ticketnews.com/2025/02/saudi-arabia-says-alcohol-will-be-banned-at-2034-fifa-world-cup/

SUPPORT:

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction inAustralia, numerous services offer support, counseling, and treatment. Here are some key contacts:

National Services:

National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline: Provides freeand confidential advice about alcohol and other drugs, including available treatment options. Call 1800 250 015 to be automatically directed to the appropriate service in your state or territory. 

headtohealth.gov.au

Lifeline: Offers 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention services. Reach them at 13 11 14 or visit their website.

SMART Recovery Australia: Provides evidence-based addiction recovery programs through free group meetings. More information is available on their website.

ALWAYS REMEMBER... 

Please know these podcast episodes are a reflection of our own personal lived experiences and we are not here to shame anyone that may or may not agree with that. These are unfiltered, honest and vulnerable conversations where we support one another to hold their beliefs and respect the other. 

Get involved in the conversation and let us know whereyou stand - https://www.instagram.com/inthemiddle_thepodcast/ 

https://www.tiktok.com/@inthemiddle_thepodcast?lang=en

Video Producer -  Mads https://www.instagram.com/madeleine.creative/

🤯When it comes to making decisions about our choices in 2025 - do we have TOO much?

The "paradox of choice" is the idea that having too many options can actually lead to less satisfaction, anxiety, and decision paralysis. It’s a concept that was popularized by psychologist Barry Schwartz in his book The Paradox of Choice: Why More Is Less.

The basic premise is that while we often think more choices will lead to greater happiness or better outcomes, the opposite can happen. 

https://www.ted.com/talks/barry_schwartz_the_paradox_of_choice

ALWAYS REMEMBER... Please know these podcast episodes are a reflection of our own personal lived experiences and we are not here to shame anyone that may or may not agree with that. These are unfiltered, honest and vulnerable conversations where we support one another to hold their beliefs and respect the other. 

Get involved in the conversation and let us know where you stand https://www.instagram.com/inthemiddle_thepodcast/ 

https://www.tiktok.com/@inthemiddle_thepodcast?lang=en

Video ProducerMads https://www.instagram.com/madeleine.creative/

‍🔥WTF Is A 'Relationship Retro' & Do YOU need it? 

💛In this week's episode we explore if having a monthly relationship check in could make, great or benefit your relationship? Josiah and Renee speak about whether it is something they do or benefit from and break down what it is?

Do you think your relationship would benefit from a monthly check in? Or even your friendship dynamic?  Josiah calls his wife LIVE on the podcast to pitch the idea!

A relationship retro (short for relationship retrospective) is a practice often used by couples or partners to reflect on their relationship, similar to how teams conduct retrospectives in agile project management. The goal is to review the past period or experience, discuss what worked well, what could be improved, and set intentions for the future.

Resources: 

Here is the website it was inspired from and below we shareRenee's monthly check in checklist:  https://medium.com/@glovguy/relationship-retros-625ee5a27d5f

Renee's format (from a non professional): 

STARTING:
Put it in the calendar same time every month. Don’t avoid it and make sure you are in a safe space. Get a journal out or a book you write in and put on a 30 min timer - you don’t want these dragging out. You may go over a little, but try not to.
THE SHARING:
SHARE
Admire
Desire
Appreciate
THE CHORES:
A space for you to share your thoughts on the day-to-day dynamic and splitting the load. Remember your job here is to listen and validate the other persons experience. Use “I” not “You” Dialogue

THE PHYSICAL STUFF (For romantic partners or sometimes friends) Where are youat? Are your needs, desires and wants being met?
PLAN:
Something fun! A date! Something New? A trip away? A no phone day together?
THE CHALLENGES:
Not your fav part but the most important part. Take turns at sharing or writing down the things that have bothered you or concerned you about yourself or the other persons behaviour.
It’s hard not to get defensive - but its important to remember words such as “thank you for sharing your truth, i hear you”. If you are defending yourself or getting angry - does this make it a safe space for the other peson to share?

SUPPORT:Over the next month - how can I best support you with one thing you may be facing right now? You can check in on this the next time you do the retro.

DO SOMETHING FUN: You may feel ICKY after sharing so openly and vulnerably - this is so normal. So try and do something fun together. Dance! Put on a tune 

 ALWAYS REMEMBER... 

Please know these podcast episodes are a reflection of our own personal lived experiences and we are not here to shame anyone that may or may not agree with that. These are unfiltered, honest and vulnerable conversations where we support one another to hold their beliefs and respect the other. 

Get involved in the conversation and let us know where you stand  https://www.instagram.com/inthemiddle_thepodcast/ 

https://www.tiktok.com/@inthemiddle_thepodcast?lang=en

Video ProducerMads https://www.instagram.com/madeleine.creative/

In this episode, we explore the growing phenomenon of ultra running and the extreme challenges athletes like Ned Brockman are taking on in their pursuit of breaking records and pushing human endurance to its limits. From coast-to coast runs to multi-day, non-stop races, ultra runners are tackling distances that were once thought to be beyond human capability—and they're doing it faster than ever before.

But with this rise in extreme endurance events, the question arises: Is it too much? How far can the human body and mind really go before they break? What toll are these ultrarunners paying on their bodies and mental health to achieve these feats? And perhaps more importantly, is there a line that shouldn't be crossed in the pursuit of glory and world records?

We are joined by the incredible Jacqui Bell - Brooks ambassador and youngest person in the world to run an ultra marathon on all 7 continents.

Jacqui Bell is an accomplished Australian ultra runner known for her impressive feats in endurance running and her commitment to pushing the boundaries of human physical performance. She has gained recognition in the ultra-running community for her remarkable ability to tackle some of the toughest races, often running distances well beyond the standard marathon length.

Bell has participated in numerous ultramarathons and multi stage races, showcasing her strength, endurance, and determination. She is known for competing in races that challenge even the most seasoned runners, including events like the Ultra Trail Australia and 6-day Stage Races, which test both physical and mental toughness.

Beyond her athletic accomplishments, Jacqui Bell is also a passionate advocate for mental health awareness and fitness as a tool for personal growth and resilience. She has used her platform to inspire others to take on ultra-distance running, emphasizing the importance of perseverance, mindset, and the mental aspects of long-distance running.

ALWAYS REMEMBER... 

Please know these podcast episodes are a reflection of our own personal lived experiences and we are not here to shame anyone that may or may not agree with that. These are unfiltered, honest and vulnerable conversations where we support one another to hold their beliefs and respect the other. 

Get involved in the conversation and let us know where you stand - https://www.instagram.com/inthemiddle_thepodcast/ 

https://www.tiktok.com/@inthemiddle_thepodcast?lang=en

Video Producer

"Breaking the Age Expectations: Should Haves?"

🎉 Is your life REALLY on track? 🎉

In this episode, we’re blowing the lid off the crazy expectations society has set for us as we age. By 30, you should have a career, a partner, maybe a house—and definitely kids, right? But who says? 🤔 And why are we still letting these "should's" control us?

Join us as we celebrate Josiah's birthday—but here’s the twist: Is he REALLY where he thought he’d be by this age? Spoiler alert: It’s not what you think. 😱 Plus, we’ve got a wild surprise for Josiah that will leave you on the edge of your seat. 🎁🔥

Tune in to find out with Josiah and Renee 

👉 Why the “should haves” are keeping you stuck 👉 How to throw out the rulebook and start living life YOUR way 👉 The shocking truth about Josiah’s journey—and his unexpected birthday surprise!

You won’t want to miss this one. 💥

ALWAYS REMEMBER... 

Please know these podcast episodes are a reflection of our own personal lived experiences and we are not here to shame anyone that may or may not agree with that. These are unfiltered, honest and vulnerable conversations where we support one another to hold their beliefs and respect the other. 

Get involved in the conversation and let us know where you stand - https://www.instagram.com/inthemiddle_thepodcast/ 

https://www.tiktok.com/@inthemiddle_thepodcast?lang=en

Video Producer -  Mads https://www.instagram.com/madeleine.creative/

HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT THE USA TIK TOK BAN!? Why are they doing it and who is actually impacted?

TikTalk: The Ban Debate is the podcast where we break down the latest hot-button issues surrounding social media, technology, and the digital world. Hosted by Renee and Josiah we dive deep in to the world of the US.

We explore the pros and cons of a potential TikTok ban, looking at issues like privacy concerns, national security, the impact on free expression, the digital economy, and the global landscape of social media.

Whether you’re a TikTok enthusiast, a tech skeptic, or someone caught in the middle of the debate, TikTalk gives you the insights you need to stay informed and think critically about what’s at stake in the digital age. *Please know - we recorded this on the 13th Jan so if things feel a bit behind, that is why! 

Sourced articles:

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-01-16/what-the-tiktok-ban-in-the-us-actually-means/104819928

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c3e18qylq5do

ALWAYS REMEMBER... 

Please know these podcast episodes are a reflection of our own personal lived experiences and we are not here to shame anyone that may or may not agree with that. These are unfiltered, honest and vulnerable conversations where we support one another to hold their beliefs and respect the other. 

Get involved in the conversation and let us know where you stand - https://www.instagram.com/inthemiddle_thepodcast/ 

https://www.tiktok.com/@inthemiddle_thepodcast?lang=en

Video Producer