Women of the Well | Women's health, done differently

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Do you ever feel powerless, stuck, or like life is just happening to you?

In this episode of Women of the Well, Dr Thea and Dr Peta explore a topic that might feel a little uncomfortable but has the potential to spark real change.

They’re talking about victim consciousness.

Not as a label or an accusation, but as a nervous system state that many of us (consciously or unconsciously) fall into – especially when we’ve experienced chronic pain, health issues, or any form of trauma or dismissal.

They discuss:

🌿 What victim consciousness really means – and how it’s linked to a dysregulated nervous system

🌿 Why identifying with your diagnosis (endo, PMDD, menopause, etc) can actually keep you stuck

🌿 The Victim Triangle – and how it plays out in chronic health conditions

🌿 Why society benefits from keeping women disempowered (and why reclaiming your power matters)

🌿 How to shift your beliefs, reclaim agency, and access more joy, pleasure, and possibility in your life

If you’ve ever felt stuck in your pain, powerless in your body, or trapped by a diagnosis, this is a must-listen conversation that aims to help you see things differently and move forward with more compassion for yourself.

Quick request: We’re planning future episodes right now, and we’d really love your input. If there’s a topic or question you want us to explore, please email or send us a DM on Instagram — your suggestions truly shape the show.

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For more information about us, visit VeraWellness.com.au. 

We’d love to continue the conversation with you on Instagram @verawellness.com.au

​​To stay in the loop with every new episode of Women of the Well and gain first access to special resources and events – join our Podcast VIP Club here.

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DISCLAIMER:

This podcast is for information and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 

Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Send us a text here

Feeling more tired, irritable, or overwhelmed than usual – but not sure why?

In this raw and relatable conversation, Sam Lindsay-German is joined again by Vera Wellness naturopath, Elysia Humphries, to unpack the real (and often hidden) symptoms of perimenopause and menopause – from brain fog and burnout to joint pain, weight gain, and loss of identity.

Together, they explore:

🌿 What perimenopause really looks like – and why it’s not just about hot flushes

🌿 The hidden symptoms that show up before your period disappears – from frozen shoulder to burnout

🌿 Why your hormones are impacting your joints, brain, energy, and even your tolerance for noise

🌿 How to support your cognitive health, mood, and resilience (even if you’ve got small kids and zero time to yourself)

🌿 The real story behind midlife weight gain – and why that “menopause belly” might actually be helping you

🌿 Natural medicine vs HRT – and why you don’t need to choose sides

Whether you’re in your 40s and feeling off, deep in the transition, or supporting someone else, this episode will help you feel seen, supported, and better equipped for what’s ahead.

Recommended resources from this episode:

• 📖 Wise Power by Alexandra Pope and Sjanie Hugo Wurlitzer

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For more information about us, visit VeraWellness.com.au. 

We’d love to continue the conversation with you on Instagram @verawellness.com.au

​​To stay in the loop with every new episode of Women of the Well and gain first access to special resources and events – join our Podcast VIP Club here.

______________________

DISCLAIMER:

This podcast is for information and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 

Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Send us a text here

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common hormonal conditions affecting women – but is it really what you think it is?

In this episode of Women of the Well, Dr Peta, Dr Thea, and Sam break down what PCOS actually means, why it’s often misunderstood (even by medical professionals), and what you really need to know if you’ve been given this diagnosis.

They discuss:

🌿 The real meaning behind “polycystic ovaries” – why the name is misleading and how it can result in overdiagnosis and misdiagnosis.

🌿 Why PCOS isn’t a one-size-fits-all condition – understanding the different causes behind ovulation issues and how factors like insulin resistance, inflammation, and stress play a role.

🌿 The impact of birth control on PCOS diagnosis – why going on the pill young can mask underlying issues and what happens when you stop taking it.

🌿 How lifestyle, stress, and nutrition affect ovulation – the key factors that can restore your cycle naturally and what to focus on instead of weight loss.

🌿 Why your period is a monthly “report card” for your health – and what irregular, heavy, or absent cycles are telling you about your body.

If you’ve been diagnosed with PCOS (or suspect you might have it), this episode will help you understand what’s really happening in your body – and how to support yourself with the right approach.

Additional Resources:

💡 Unlocking the Power of Your Cycle – A self-paced course to help you understand and work with your cycle for better health, energy, and hormonal balance.

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For more information about us, visit VeraWellness.com.au. 

We’d love to continue the conversation with you on Instagram @verawellness.com.au

​​To stay in the loop with every new episode of Women of the Well and gain first access to special resources and events – join our Podcast VIP Club here.

______________________

DISCLAIMER:

This podcast is for information and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 

Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Send us a text here

Going through IVF can feel like an emotional rollercoaster – from navigating all the medical procedures to handling the stress and uncertainty of the process.

But what if there were natural ways to support your body and mind during this journey?

In this episode, Sam sits down with Vera Wellness naturopath Elysia Humphries to explore a holistic approach to IVF.

Together, they chat about:

🍃 What really impacts IVF success – and why egg and sperm health matter more than you think.

🍃 The most effective supplements and herbs for fertility support (and the ones that might not be worth your money).

🍃 How stress affects IVF outcomes and simple ways to keep your nervous system regulated.

🍃 The importance of feeling supported – how finding the right doctor, team, and care plan can make all the difference.

If you or someone you love is on an IVF journey, this episode is packed with insights to help you feel more empowered, informed, and supported every step of the way.

Additional resources:

🎙️ Episode 25: Preparing your body for pregnancy with naturopath Elysia Humphries

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For more information about us, visit VeraWellness.com.au. 

We’d love to continue the conversation with you on Instagram @verawellness.com.au

​​To stay in the loop with every new episode of Women of the Well and gain first access to special resources and events – join our Podcast VIP Club here.

______________________

DISCLAIMER:

This podcast is for information and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 

Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Send us a text here

What happens when life forces you to stop?

After the recent cyclone left Dr Peta and the Vera Wellness clinic without power, this week’s episode of Women of the Well is a little different – recorded at Dr Thea’s house with no proper microphones, just an honest conversation about what it feels like to truly slow down.

Peta and Thea reflect on the past week of stillness, disconnection (literally), and the unexpected lessons that come from being forced to pause.

They discuss:

🍃 The unexpected gifts of slowing down – how the absence of power, screens, and schedules created space for presence and connection.

🍃 How modern life pulls us out of alignment – and why we’re often trapped in a cycle of productivity that doesn’t serve our bodies or well-being.

🍃 The impact on children – what happens when kids aren’t rushed, and how their natural state teaches us about being fully present.

🍃 Listening to your body’s signals – why symptoms like pain, stress, and exhaustion might actually be messages asking you to change your pace.

🍃 Small but powerful shifts you can make – rethinking work, commitments, and what’s truly essential for a life that feels fulfilling.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re running on autopilot, constantly doing instead of being, this episode is an invitation to rethink what you actually need – and what you don’t.

Additional Resources:

💡 Follow Aimee Aroha for inspiration on simple, slow, and intentional living. 

📖 Journaling prompt: What would your life look like if you designed it for presence rather than productivity?

We’d love to hear your thoughts. Send us an email, leave a comment on Instagram, or share this episode with someone who needs it.

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For more information about us, visit VeraWellness.com.au. 

We’d love to continue the conversation with you on Instagram @verawellness.com.au.

​​To stay in the loop with every new episode of Women of the Well and gain first access to special resources and events – join our Podcast VIP Club here.

______________________

DISCLAIMER:

This podcast is for information and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 

Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Send us a text here

This week’s episode of Women of the Well is a little different. 

Due to the recent cyclone and flooding at our clinic, we couldn't record our usual episode.

Instead, we have something truly special for you – a deeply nourishing Heal Your Sacred Pelvis meditation guided by expert pelvic floor physiotherapist Paula Hindle.

This meditation was created for our 9-week Heal Your Pelvic Pain program, which is currently underway. It’s a powerful and insightful practice designed to help you reconnect with your pelvic space. However, it can also be confronting – especially if you’ve experienced pain, trauma, or disconnection in this area. 

Please know that you are in control throughout the practice. If you need to pause, return to your breath, or step away, honour that.

What to expect in this guided meditation:

✨ A gentle yet profound practice to reconnect with your pelvic space
✨ Breathwork and visualisation to help release stored tension, trauma, or emotions
✨ A safe space to observe and honour your body’s wisdom
✨ A reclamation of your sacred feminine energy

This meditation invites you to explore your relationship with your pelvic space – acknowledging past experiences, releasing what no longer serves you, and cultivating healing, pleasure, and empowerment.

Find a quiet, comfortable space, and allow yourself to fully receive this practice.

We’ll be back with our usual episodes as soon as possible. 

Until then, we hope this meditation offers you the restoration and insight you need.

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For more information about us, visit VeraWellness.com.au. 

We’d love to continue the conversation with you on Instagram @verawellness.com.au

​​To stay in the loop with every new episode of Women of the Well and gain first access to special resources and events – join our Podcast VIP Club here.

______________________

DISCLAIMER:

This podcast is for information and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 

Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Send us a text here

Continuing our fertility series on the podcast, this week we’re exploring a more intentional path to conception.

Because conception isn’t just about biology…

It’s also about connection, energy, and creating space for new life. 

And while fertility tracking and supplements have their place, there’s a deeper, more intentional way to approach this journey.

In this episode, Dr Peta and Sam explore conscious conception, sharing how yogic and tantric philosophies offer a more holistic path to pregnancy. 

They discuss the power of ritual, mindfulness, and body awareness to help you feel more aligned, present, and connected – both with yourself and your partner.

Whether you’re preparing to conceive now or simply want to deepen your relationship with your body and fertility, this conversation will give you a new perspective on what it means to truly welcome new life.

Listen now to learn:

🍃 Why conscious conception is about creating space – physically, emotionally, and spiritually – before bringing a child into the world.

🍃 How stress, modern lifestyles, and rigid timelines can impact fertility – and why surrendering to the process matters.

🍃 The power of ritual in conception, from walking together in nature to setting intentions before intimacy.

🍃 How moon cycles, circadian rhythms, and the nervous system influence fertility and overall well-being.

🍃 The role of body connection practices – like self-massage, moonbathing, and breathwork – to foster deep trust in yourself and your journey.

🍃 A simple but beautiful ritual to honour and invite a soul into your life.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking a more intentional, connected, and holistic approach to conception.

Additional resources:

💻 Our online course, Unlocking the Power of Your Cycle is designed to help you deeply understand your menstrual cycle – so you can identify your most fertile days and support your body for a healthy conception.

🪷 More about Sam Lindsay-German and her healing work with women. 

🧘‍♀️ Join Sam for Sadhana recorded live each weekday at 5am in The Calm Room.

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For more information about us, visit VeraWellness.com.au. 

We’d love to continue the conversation with you on Instagram @verawellness.com.au.

​​To stay in the loop with every new episode of Women of the Well and gain first access to special resources and events, join our Podcast VIP Club here.

______________________

DISCLAIMER:

This podcast is for information and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 

Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Send us a text here

When it comes to conception, most people focus on when to get pregnant – but what about how to prepare your body for pregnancy?

In this episode, Sam Lindsay-German speaks with naturopath and fertility expert Elysia Humphries about the essential steps to support your reproductive health – whether you're thinking about trying soon or simply want to optimise your fertility for the future.

They cover everything from egg and sperm quality to the key lifestyle, diet, and mindset shifts that make a difference in your ability to conceive.

Listen to this episode to learn:

🍃 Why fertility isn’t just about egg count – and how to improve egg quality at any age.

🍃 The impact of hormonal contraception and why coming off the pill early matters for conception.

🍃 How stress, sleep, and nutrition influence reproductive health – and practical ways to optimise each.

🍃 The essential nutrients and supplements for egg and sperm health (and why preconception care matters for both partners).

🍃 How fertility is so much more than biology – what emotional, energetic, and lifestyle factors can impact your ability to conceive.

This episode is a must-listen if you’re planning for pregnancy or simply want to be more informed about your reproductive health.

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Additional resources:

💻 Our online course, Unlocking the Power of Your Cycle is designed to help you deeply understand your menstrual cycle – so you can identify your most fertile days and support your body for a healthy conception.

______________________

For more information about us, visit VeraWellness.com.au.

We’d love to continue the conversation with you on Instagram @verawellness.com.au.

To stay in the loop with every new episode of Women of the Well and gain first access to special resources and events – join our Podcast VIP Club here.

______________________

DISCLAIMER:

This podcast is for information and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 

Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Send us a text here

For many women, fertility can feel like a ticking clock – especially when conversations about egg freezing and fertility testing are becoming more common. 

But how much do we really understand about ovarian reserve, egg quality, and the realities of fertility preservation?

In this episode, Dr Peta, Dr Thea and Sam break down what the AMH test (often called the ‘egg timer test’) actually tells you, when egg freezing might be a good option, and why this whole conversation is bigger than just biology.

Listen now to find out:

🍃 What the AMH test measures and why it doesn’t predict your ability to conceive naturally.

🍃 The truth about ovarian reserve and how age, lifestyle, and stress impact fertility.

🍃 How the egg freezing process works – success rates, costs, and key considerations.

🍃 The biggest misconceptions about the pill and fertility (does birth control really preserve your eggs?).

🍃 Why most women who freeze their eggs never use them – and what this tells us about fertility, career, and life choices.

This is a must-listen episode if you’re curious about fertility preservation, feeling anxious about your biological clock, or simply want to make more informed decisions about your reproductive health.

______________________

For more information about us, visit VeraWellness.com.au. 

We’d love to continue the conversation with you on Instagram @verawellness.com.au

​​To stay in the loop with every new episode of Women of the Well and gain first access to special resources and events – join our Podcast VIP Club here.

______________________

DISCLAIMER:

This podcast is for information and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 

Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Send us a text here

What if the way we’ve been treating pelvic pain is keeping women stuck in a cycle of suffering?

For too long, the standard approach to pelvic pain – whether it’s endometriosis, period pain, or persistent discomfort – has focused on managing symptoms rather than addressing the deeper causes. 

Women are left feeling like their bodies are betraying them, caught in an endless loop of medications, surgeries, and frustration.

In this episode, Dr Peta and Dr Thea reveal a different way forward – one that helps you reclaim your body, rather than fight against it. 

They share how nervous system regulation, mindset shifts, and body awareness can transform your relationship with pain and open the door to true healing.

🎧 Listen now to find out:

🌿 The mind-body connection in chronic pelvic pain – why pain isn’t just physical.

🌿 How nervous system dysregulation and past experiences can amplify pain.

🌿 Why self-compassion and nervous system regulation are key to true healing.

🌿 The science behind pain, inflammation, and hormonal balance.

🌿 How you can reclaim agency over your body and move towards healing.

Struggling with period pain, endometriosis, or chronic pelvic discomfort?

The Heal Your Pelvic Pain program is designed to help you break free from the cycle of pain. 

This 9-week program, led by Dr Peta Wright, Dr Thea Bowler, and physiotherapist Paula Hindle, gives you the tools to:

✨ Understand the root causes of pelvic pain.

✨ Rewire your nervous system for safety and ease.

✨ Reconnect with your body to feel empowered, not defeated.

📅 Course starts on Monday, 17 February 2025

🎟 Sign up by Friday 14 February to join this transformative program.

✅ Learn more and sign up here.

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📢  Free Workshop – Monday, 10 February at 12pm AEST

Before the course begins, Paula Hindle will be hosting a free online workshop – open to everyone – to help you prepare for healing and set yourself up for success. 

Join us for practical strategies and insights to start making shifts in your body and nervous system.

🔗 Register for the free workshop here.

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For more information about us, visit VeraWellness.com.au. 

We’d love to continue the conversation with you on Instagram @verawellness.com.au.

​​To stay in the loop with every new episode of Women of the Well and gain first access to special resources and events – join our Podcast VIP Club here.

______________________

DISCLAIMER:

This podcast is for information and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.