Let's Talk Health

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 epidemic
• How social isolation affects physical, mental and cognitive health across the lifespan
• Why where you live and who you see each day shapes your sense of belonging
• What intergenerational housing looks like in practice (and why it works)
• How the built environment can encourage connection, community and healthier ageing
• Cultural differences in ageing, caregiving and multigenerational living
• How incidental interactions between older adults and children build empathy and resilience
• Why public health researchers see intergenerational design as a key preventative strategy
• The role of policy, community planning and aged care providers in reducing loneliness
• What Australia is learning from global models of intergenerational living

Curious 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 .

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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 practice
• The difference between functional testing and standard pathology tests
• How hormones influence mood, energy, and mental health
• Why women commonly struggle with protein intake (& why it matters)
• The role of blood sugar regulation in fatigue, irritability and brain fog
• How gut health, digestion and nutrient absorption impact overall wellness
• The connection between mould exposure, environmental toxins & endocrine health
• How naturopathy supports mental, emotional and physical well-being
• What to look for when choosing a qualified naturopath
• Why long consultations help identify root causes, not just symptoms
• How herbal medicine, flower essences and targeted nutrients fit into treatment
• Practical lifestyle tips to improve mood, energy, and daily balance

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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 health
• The connection between sedentary behavior and mental health issues, including stress, anxiety, and depression
• How working from home and the virtual lifestyle during COVID-19 exacerbated sedentary behavior
• Tips for combating sedentary lifestyles at work and home
• The role of physical activity in boosting productivity and well-being
• How simple changes to your daily routine can help break the sedentary cycle

Interested in public health? Learn more about our courses here: https://www.torrens.edu.au/courses/health/public-health

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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.

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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. 

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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
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→ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/torrensuni

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 originated
• How stereotypes, prejudice and discrimination based on age show up across the lifespan
• Why ageism is often called “the last acceptable ism”
• The role of culture, intergenerational contact and societal norms in shaping attitudes to ageing
• How ageism appears in healthcare, aged care and clinical decision-making
• What “benevolent ageism” looks like (and why it’s still harmful)
• How self-directed ageism affects confidence, mobility, mental health and physical decline
• Why age-based screening cut-offs can disadvantage older adults
• Strategies for recognising and calling out ageism in clinical appointments
• How families can advocate for older relatives without taking away their autonomy
• The health, social and economic impacts of ageism on individuals and communities
• Practical actions anyone can take to challenge ageism in daily life
• Rachel’s research into shifting attitudes and the impact of her “Challenging Ageism” short course

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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:
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Pain is something everyone feels, but few truly understand. In this episode, physiotherapist and educator Tim Trevail helps us unpack why pain is such a complex experience. We’ll explore why two people with the same injury might feel pain differently, how the brain shapes what we sense, and why education can sometimes be the best medicine. Tim also discusses how elite athletes reframe pain, and the myths that keep patients - and practitioners - from fully
understanding it.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why pain isn’t always a sign of damage
• How the brain and nervous system influence pain perception
• The truth about posture and why “motion is lotion”
• The impact of sedentary lifestyles and screen time on pain
• Simple ways to meet your weekly movement goals
• How strength training supports healthy ageing (& reduces injury risk)
• The connection between stress, anxiety & persistent pain
• Why understanding pain is the first step toward living pain-free

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 the Myotherapy course at Think Education.

Connect with us and follow our news and stories:
→ Blog and Newsroom: https://www.torrens.edu.au/stories
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In this bonus episode of Let’s Talk Health, host Natalie Cook speaks with Dr Liza Oates about the foundations of organic farming and what makes it different from conventional methods. Dr Oates shares her journey into researching organic food, explains why soil health is at the heart of organic farming, and explores how this impacts both the nutritional value of food and the environment. It’s a fascinating insight into the “why” behind organic practices and what consumers are really investing in when they choose organic.

Curious about the world of Naturopathy and want the opportunity to learn from Dr. Liza Oates? Explore the Bachelor of Health Science (Naturopathy) at Torrens University Australia.

Connect with us and follow our news and stories:
→ Blog and Newsroom: https://www.torrens.edu.au/stories
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