The Little Things

Why are erotic books and TV shows having a moment? And is our appetite for them really new?

On this episode of The Little Things, Francesca Rudkin and Louise Ayrey talk to author and sex historian Dr Esmé Louise James about the history of erotic fiction, from Fanny Hill to today’s romantasy boom. They discuss the appeal of shows such as Heated Rivalry and Bridgerton, the shame that has surrounded women’s reading choices, and whether exploring desire on the page can help us understand ourselves and communicate with a partner.

James is the creator of Kinky History and author of Becoming Venus.

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For some women, the days before their period bring much more than the usual symptoms of PMS.

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder, or PMDD, can cause severe changes in mood, anxiety, irritability, fatigue and concentration — disrupting work, relationships and everyday life.

Francesca Rudkin and Louise Ayrey are joined by clinical neuropsychologist Dr Caroline Gurvich to explain what PMDD is, why some women may be particularly sensitive to hormonal changes, its links with ADHD and perimenopause, and how it can be diagnosed and treated.

Plus, why tracking your symptoms could be the first step towards recognising that something more than PMS is going on.

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Public speaking can be terrifying – even for people who do it for a living.

Broadcaster Toni Street joins Francesca Rudkin and Louise Ayrey to share the lessons she’s learned from 20 years in radio and television, including how to manage nerves, connect with an audience, stop chasing perfection and become a more confident communicator.

Plus, why preparation matters, how body language can change the way you feel, and why saying yes to intimidating opportunities can help build confidence over time.

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Inflammation has become one of the biggest buzzwords in health and wellness — but do we actually understand what it is?

Award-winning immunologist Professor Roslyn Kemp joins Francesca Rudkin and Louise Ayrey to explain what inflammation does, why it isn’t always bad, how it changes as we age, and whether so-called anti-inflammatory foods and products really live up to the hype.

Plus, the everyday things that genuinely help keep your immune system working well.

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Do you manage the household bills but still feel unsure about investing, KiwiSaver or planning for retirement?

Investment manager and The Curve co-founder Victoria Harris joins Francesca and Louise to cut through the jargon and explain how women can start building their financial confidence—no matter their age or how much money they have.

From emergency funds and KiwiSaver to ETFs and investing your first dollar, this episode offers simple, practical steps to help you finally get started.

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What actually helps us live longer — and live well for longer?

GP and women’s health expert Dr Ginny Mansberg joins Francesca Rudkin and Louise Ayrey to cut through wellness trends, biohacking and information overload. They discuss the everyday habits that make the biggest difference, including food, movement, muscle, sleep and stress, as well as inflammation, GLP-1 medications and the health changes women should not ignore.

Most importantly, Dr Ginny explains why ageing well does not require a complete life overhaul — just a few realistic changes that work for you.

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How do we build successful careers and work hard without burning out?

Organisational psychologist Nick Petrie joins Francesca and Louise to talk about stress, rumination, burnout prevention and the habits that help people sustain high performance in an always-on world.

Nick shares the personal story that led him into this work, explains the difference between pressure and stress, and offers practical advice on how to stop ruminating, manage energy, create better boundaries and switch off at the end of the day.

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As concerns grow about the return of extreme thinness, Australian body image advocate Taryn Brumfitt joins Louise and Francesca to explore why beauty standards continue to shape the way we see ourselves. From social media and weight loss drugs to ageing and self-acceptance, she explains why the goal isn't loving your body every day, but learning to stop being at war with it.

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Francesca and Louise are joined by personal stylist and style coach Caitlin Taylor for a practical conversation about finding your personal style in midlife.

They discuss why wardrobes can become overwhelming as our bodies, lifestyles and confidence change, and how to work out what actually suits the person you are now.

Caitlin shares advice on understanding colour, identifying your “best bits”, clearing out clothes that no longer serve you, building a more useful wardrobe, avoiding impulse buys, and making getting dressed feel simpler, more confident and more fun.

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Broadcaster and No Such Thing As Normal host Sonia Gray joins Francesca and Lou to unpack what happens when  ADHD and perimenopause collide, and why so many women are only being diagnosed later in life.

From burnout and masking to hormones, anxiety and losing your ability to cope, Sonia shares her own late diagnosis journey and explains why understanding your brain can be life changing.

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