Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussion of sensitive topics, including disordered eating and mental health. If these topics are triggering for you, please take care while listening — and check the show notes for support resources.

In this episode of the WMN Podcast, hosts Sheridan and Georgie are joined by Suzy Wood, a Melbourne-based IP lawyer, grassroots racer, and all-round powerhouse bringing big “corporate girlie turned bike girlie” energy.

Suzy opens up about her experience with RED-S (Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport), how it started, how she found her way out, and how she rebuilt a healthier relationship with sport, food, and herself.

Together, they dive into the complex realities of disordered eating, mental health, and the pressure women face in sport. They share personal stories, unpack the warning signs, and talk through the role of healthcare professionals in recovery.

It is an honest and raw conversation grounded in lived experience and a shared belief that performance means nothing without wellbeing. This episode is a powerful reminder that healing is possible, support is out there, and you are never alone in the journey back to health.

Australian Support Services

⁠Butterfly Foundation⁠ – Call 1800 ED HOPE (1800 33 4673), use online chat, or access self-help resources

⁠Beyond Blue⁠ – Call 1300 22 4636, or explore extensive online resources for mental health support

⁠Lifeline⁠ – Call 13 11 14 (24/7 crisis support)

⁠Suicide Call Back Service⁠ – Call 1300 659 467 for counselling support

⁠MindSpot⁠ – Free online mental health assessment and CBT treatment courses

⁠Black Dog Institute⁠ – Clinical services and digital mental health tools

⁠ReachOut⁠ – Support forums and resources for young people

⁠Kids Helpline⁠ – Call 1800 55 1800 for support (ages 5–25)

International Support Resources

⁠NEDA (USA)⁠ – Information, screening tools, and helplines for eating disorders

⁠AED – Academy for Eating Disorders⁠ – Global network of professionals and evidence-based resources

⁠Eating Disorder Hope⁠ – Treatment resources and recovery content

⁠Beat (UK)⁠ – UK's leading eating disorder charity, helplines and support tools

⁠NAMI – National Alliance on Mental Illness (USA)⁠ – Advocacy, education, and support groups

⁠ADAA – Anxiety & Depression Association of America⁠ – Resources and treatment for anxiety, depression, and co-occurring conditions

⁠7 Cups⁠ – Free emotional support via trained volunteers and therapists

⁠DBSA – Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance⁠ – Peer-led support groups and wellness tools

In this episode of the WMM podcast, Georgie Howe and Sheridan Braatvedt dive into the highlights and key moments of the Tour de France Femmes. They discuss the excitement of the race, the emotional experiences of the riders, and the growing popularity of women's cycling. The conversation also touches on the importance of collaboration among women in the sport, the impact of viewership on sponsorship, and the need for a shift in how performance and body image are perceived in cycling. With personal anecdotes and insights from the ground, they celebrate the achievements of the riders and the community surrounding women's cycling.

In this episode of the WMM podcast, host Georgie Howe speaks with Dr. Alice McNamara, a two-time world champion rower and now an emergency doctor. They discuss Alice's journey from elite athlete to medical professional, the challenges of balancing sports and career, and the importance of compassionate care for athletes. The conversation delves into critical topics such as relative energy deficiency in sport, concussion management, and the gaps in medical understanding of female athletes. Alice shares her personal experiences with grief and how it shaped her perspective on life and sport, emphasising the need for holistic health in athletic performance.

In this episode, Georgie Howe and Sheridan Braatvedt sit down with one of the most exciting riders in the pro peloton, Sarah Gigante. At just 24, Sarah’s already done more than most of us dream of: she won the elite Aussie road title at 18, represented Australia at the Olympics and this year, she took the Giro d’Italia Women by storm, winning two brutal mountain stages, securing the climber’s jersey, and landing herself a podium finish overall. But her story goes far deeper than results.

Sarah opens up about the hard stuff: serious injuries, major surgery, long stretches off the bike, and the mental work it takes to rebuild. She reflects on how her love for the sport started, the pressure of early success and staying grounded through the highs and lows.

Join hosts Sheridan and Georgie on the WMN podcast as they dive into the world of women's cycling and sport to discuss Georgie's impactful article, "Where Pride Meets Performance: Women’s cycling as a model of inclusivity".

In this episode, they dive into queer inclusion, legacy systems, representation in sports and why authenticity shouldn't come at a cost. It's bold, thoughtful and unapologetically honest.

Read Georgie's article "Where pride meets performance: Women’s cycling as a model of inclusivity" here: https://escapecollective.com/where-pride-meets-performance-womens-cycling-as-a-model-of-inclusivity/

In this episode of the WMN podcast, hosts Georgie Howe and Sheridan Braatvedt chat with Dr. Gemma Sampson, an advanced sports dietitian, to discuss the critical role of nutrition in female athletes' performance. They explore common nutrition mistakes, the impact of cultural beliefs on eating habits, and the importance of adequate fueling for training and recovery. Gemma shares her journey into sports nutrition, the challenges faced by female athletes, and the need for a compassionate approach to address disordered eating and energy availability issues. The conversation emphasises the significance of understanding one's body, the timing of nutrition intake, and the necessity for tailored nutritional guidance for women in sports.

Trigger warning in this ep + support services below.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Female Athlete Nutrition

01:11 Gemma Sampson's Journey in Sports Nutrition

05:49 Cultural Challenges in Sports Nutrition

09:02 The Fueled Framework Explained

11:43 Overcoming Fear of Food

17:24 Understanding Disordered Eating vs. Eating Disorders

28:46 Recognising RED-S and Its Impacts

37:07 The Shift in Nutrition Awareness

45:18 The Importance of Timing in Nutrition

55:40 Final Thoughts on Nutrition and Performance

Work with Dr. Gemma Sampson: https://www.gemmasampson.com/apply

🇦🇺 Australian Support Services

ADAA – Anxiety & Depression Association of America – Resources and treatment for anxiety, depression, and co-occurring conditions

7 Cups – Free emotional support via trained volunteers and therapists

In this episode of the WMN podcast, hosts Georgie Howe and Sheridan Braatvedt chat with Grace Brown, one of Australia’s greatest cyclists and the newly appointed president of the Cyclist Alliance (TCA). The conversation delves into various themes, including the challenges faced by female athletes, the importance of representation in sports, and the need for a supportive environment for young cyclists. Grace shares her experiences with self-doubt, the significance of mentorship, and the ongoing fight for safety and fair treatment within the cycling community. The discussion also highlights the role of the UCI and the importance of collective bargaining for athletes. This episode of The WMN Podcast emphasises the need for change in women's cycling and the importance of empowering female athletes to advocate for their rights and well-being.

In this episode of the WMN podcast, hosts Sheridan Braatvedt and Georgie Howe engage in a heartfelt conversation with former professional cyclist Loren Rowney. They explore Loren's journey from being a competitive athlete to facing identity loss, mental health challenges, and the struggles of recovery from an eating disorder. Loren shares her experiences of transitioning into a new life beyond cycling, the importance of resilience, and her current role as a rider agent advocating for the next generation of female cyclists. The discussion highlights the complexities of being a professional athlete, the pressures of social media, and the need for kindness and understanding in the sport.

Trigger Warning!!!

This episode discusses topics including mental health and eating disorders. If these subjects are triggering for you, please prioritise your well-being and consider skipping this episode. If you or someone you know is struggling, here are some support services you can reach out to.

🇦🇺 Australian Support Services

• Butterfly Foundation – Call 1800 ED HOPE (1800 33 4673), use online chat, or access self-help resources

• Beyond Blue – Call 1300 22 4636, or explore extensive online resources for mental health support

• Lifeline – Call 13 11 14 (24/7 crisis support)

• Suicide Call Back Service – Call 1300 659 467 for counselling support

• MindSpot – Free online mental health assessment and CBT treatment courses

• Black Dog Institute – Clinical services and digital mental health tools

• ReachOut – Support forums and resources for young people

  Kids Helpline – Call 1800 55 1800 for support (ages 5–25)

• 
  

  🌍 International Support Resources

  
  

• NEDA (USA) – Information, screening tools, and helplines for eating disorders

• AED – Academy for Eating Disorders – Global network of professionals and evidence-based resources

• Eating Disorder Hope – Treatment resources and recovery content

• Beat (UK) – UK's leading eating disorder charity, helplines and support tools

• NAMI – National Alliance on Mental Illness (USA) – Advocacy, education, and support groups

• ADAA – Anxiety & Depression Association of America – Resources and treatment for anxiety, depression, and co-occurring conditions

• 7 Cups – Free emotional support via trained volunteers and therapists

• DBSA – Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance – Peer-led support groups and wellness tools

In this episode of the WMN Podcast, co-hosts Georgie Howe and Sheridan Braatvedt dive deep into the often-confusing world of fuelling while riding. Joined by Cam from Sul Nutrition, they unpack his journey into the sports nutrition space, the myths the industry still battles, and the powerful (and often underestimated) role that nutrition plays in performance both on and off the bike for any level of athlete.

As a bonus for WMN listeners, enjoy 15% off your Sul Nutrition order with the code sulsheep.

We sit down with Nick Owen, Australia’s renowned high-performance cycling coach and founder of NOC Sport Science. With over 15 years of experience coaching elite and para-cyclists, Nick shares his journey from lead sport scientist at the Victorian Institute of Sport to guiding over 40 national and world medalists, including stars like Luke Plapp and Ruby Roseman-Gannon. Georgie and Nick Owen discuss the evolution of youth cycling, the challenges faced in women's cycling performance, the impact of the menstrual cycle on training, and the importance of goal setting for athletes.