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)

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  🌍 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.

In this episode of The WMN Podcast, Georgie and Sheridan delve into the topic of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S), exploring its implications for athletes. They discuss the symptoms, diagnosis, and recovery process associated with RED-S, emphasising the psychological challenges faced during recovery. The episode also touches on societal pressures regarding body image and the importance of a healthy diet and relationship to food.

Links:

• The WMN Podcast is powered by Black Sheep
• ⁠Listen in and visit our Instagram page to learn about how you can win a $500 Focus gift voucher.⁠
• Stardust: Period, Ovulation, and Pregancy Tracker App

In the return episode of The WMN Podcast, new hosts Sheridan Braatvedt and Ex-Pro Georgie Howe kick things off with a raw, wide-ranging conversation about Georgie’s unexpected journey from elite rowing to pro cycling. They explore the gritty realities of team dynamics, burnout, body image, and redefining success beyond the podium. From Princeton to pro pelotons, and Zwift races to Roubaix, Georgie opens up about her evolution as an athlete, the role of purpose in sport, and the importance of building platforms for women to speak their truth.

In Episode 21 of the Love Women’s Cycling Podcast, hosts Bridget and Faz chat with three Melbourne based Endurance Cyclists about their experience with mental health on the saddle, and both the short, and long-term impacts that come with the sport. They also discuss how this type of cycling provides a safe mental-haven and an escape from the rush of everyday life.

In Episode 20 of the Love Women’s Cycling Podcast, hosts Bridget and Faz chat with Black Sheep founder John Polson and ex Sigma Social Media Manager, Lucy Mannal, on the current state of play in women’s cycling products. They discuss the lack of development within the women's sector, but also the positive steps some brands are making internally to provide a product that addresses the issues that are specific to women cyclists.