In this episode of the WMM podcast, Georgie Howe speaks with Dr. Nikki Kaye about the critical intersection of hormonal health and athletic performance. They discuss the importance of understanding RED-S (Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport), the impact of energy availability on performance, and the signs of low energy availability, particularly in female athletes. Dr. Kaye emphasises the need for a supportive environment for athletes, including coaches and medical staff, to help navigate hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause. The conversation also covers recovery strategies for athletes with RED-S and the importance of nutrition and training balance for long-term health and performance.

Recorded on the eve of the Gran Fondo World Championships, this special collab episode between The Domestiques and The WMN Podcast. Sheridan Braatvedt, Georgie Howe, Matilda Raynolds, and Lee “Hollywood” Turner go in depth, talking about nerves, preparation, and what’s really at stake with amaterur cycling events like this one.

The crew dives into the energy building in Lorne, the stories behind the riders, and why grassroots events like this matter more than medals.

And tomorrow - tune in for part two, featuring The Domestiques very own Mark O’Brien and Matilda Raynolds, fresh off their wins.

We'd love for you to jump over to The Domestiques podcast as they follow the world of cycling each week.

In this episode of the WMM podcast, hosts Georgie Howe and Sheridan Braatvedt engage in a lively conversation with Abby Mickey, a senior editor at Escape Collective and host of the Wheel Talk podcast. They discuss Abby's journey from a professional cyclist to a journalist, the importance of women's voices in cycling, and the challenges surrounding mental health and body image in sports. The conversation also touches on societal pressures, the impact of high-profile athletes like Serena Williams, and the need for a supportive environment in women's sports.

In this episode of the WMN Podcast, hosts Sheridan and Georgie are joined by Brunswick Cycling Club royalty, Australian champion, and proud ARA alumna Ruby Roseman-Gannon.

Ruby is not just one of the country’s most exciting cyclists — she’s also one of its sharpest thinkers. She shares her journey through the highs, the lows, and everything in between. With a science degree, a fiercely curious mind, and a sharp eye on the bigger picture, Ruby brings a fresh perspective to what it means to be a professional athlete in a sport that is anything but predictable.

They dive into the philosophy of improvement, the economic barriers that still exist in cycling, and the mental resilience needed to thrive at the top level. Ruby also unpacks the hidden dangers of the sport, the challenge of staying grounded, and the future of women’s cycling as she prepares for the 2025 World Championships in Rwanda.

Smart. Raw. Real. A proper deep dive with one of the best to do it.

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