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

Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Send us a text here This weekend, the world dresses up as witches for Halloween. Here in Australia, it’s also Beltane, the spring fire festival in the Southern Hemisphere wheel of the year. So it felt like the perfect time to ask: what comes up for you when you hear the word witch? For centuries, it was used to silence women: the healers, the midwives, the wise women, and anyone who lived by the moon and her own knowing. Even now, many of us feel a flicker of discomfort saying it out loud. That includes two doctors who were trained to dismiss “old wives’ tales”. In this episode, Dr Peta Wright, Dr Thea Bowler and Sam Lindsay-German explore what it might mean to reclaim that word. We look at where the fear came from, what was lost, and what we might find again: more trust in our bodies, more reverence for our cycles, more sisterhood, and a lot more magic. We start, of course, by pulling an oracle card… ✨ In this episode, we explore: Why the word witch still makes so many of us uncomfortable The witch trials as ancestral trauma, and how fear taught women to stay small, stay quiet and turn on each other The women’s knowledge that was passed down by word of mouth rather than written in books, and what happened when that chain was broken Our cycles as a mirror of the moon, the tides and the seasons Why menstrual blood became something to hide, and an invitation to see it differently Sam’s simple practice for reconnecting with your land, the moon and your own cycle Covens, “god-sips” and why women are so powerful together Small daily rituals, slow living, and coming out of the broom closet This episode is for you if: You’ve ever felt drawn to the moon, the seasons or your own cycle and weren’t sure why. Or you’re tired of being told your body needs fixing. Or you’ve been looking for your coven. We’d love to hear about your own rituals and spells. Send us a message using the link at the top of these notes. Want to join us on retreat in 2027? Come and remember the witch within – 4 days to reconnect with the sacred wild, wise woman beneath it all. Find out more at verawellness.com.au/reclaiming-the-witch-within-retreat . ______________________ 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 A note before you listen: this episode talks about harm in the medical system and touches on childhood trauma and abuse. Please take care of yourself as you listen. When did you last check in with your own body before you checked in with someone else’s opinion of it? In this episode, Dr Peta Wright, Dr Thea Bowler and Sam Lindsay-German talk honestly about women, medicine and power. It’s not an anti-medicine conversation because modern medicine has its time and place. But it is about what can happen when we hand our authority over without first asking what feels right for our own body. And it’s about how to keep that authority, even in a doctor’s office. It’s a raw conversation. There’s anger, there are tears, and there’s a reminder that you’re not alone. In this episode, we explore: Why the most important health check might be the one you do with yourself How the words we hear about our bodies can shape how we feel in them Why so many of us want a label for our suffering, and what we might really be searching for Anger as a sacred and mobilising force ROOTED, our six steps for keeping your own authority when you seek care This episode is for you if: You’ve ever left an appointment feeling smaller than when you walked in. Or you’re facing a decision about your body and want to make it from a place of power, not fear. ______________________ 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 In our last episode, Peta and Thea talked about Vera's practitioner training, and why no one should have to do this work alone. This week, we're introducing you to one of the women who reminds us of that every day. Lauren Williams has been a midwife for most of her life. She'll tell you it's part of the thread of who she is. She's worked in birth suite, led research that changed how a large hospital cares for women in early labour, and built a new model of care from the ground up. By most measures, she'd made it. And then her body started telling her something she couldn't ignore any longer. In this episode, Lauren sits down with Dr Peta (one of her closest friends) and Sam to talk about the moment she chose her body wisdom over the executive ladder. She shares what it took to walk away, what she learnt about herself as a mother, and why she now feels like she's meeting herself for the first time. In this episode, we explore: Lauren's path from nursing to birth suite, research and leadership, and why she kept coming back to being "with woman" The moment her body said no, and what it cost to listen Mothering the mother – why a supported mother matters for the whole family What Lauren wishes every new mother understood about her nervous system and co-regulation Matrescence, the word we need for the transformation of becoming a mother Rites of passage across a woman's life, from adolescence to matrescence to perimenopause Burnout in midwifery, and finding a way to do this work that doesn't cost you yourself This episode is for you if: You're standing at a crossroads in your work or your life, and you already know the answer but you're scared to act on it. Or you're a mother who's felt stretched too thin to be present. Or you're a practitioner wondering whether there's another way to do the work you love. About Lauren Lauren is our midwife at Vera Wellness and a private endorsed midwife. She offers pregnancy and postnatal care, including home visits, and runs her own practice, Tapestry of Life, where you'll also find her retreats for midwives and her Matrescence Matters T-shirts. You can visit her website here: www.tapestryoflife.com.au ______________________ 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 A quick note: this is a conversation about our practitioner training, so we're talking clinician to clinician at times. But if you're living with pelvic pain, we hope it's a comfort to hear that there are practitioners out there learning to slow down, listen and work this way. If you've ever sat across from a woman in pain, done everything you were trained to do, and still gone home feeling it wasn't enough, we know that feeling well. It's why we created our Transformational Medicine program – to help practitioners meet women in pain in a whole new way, starting with themselves. In this episode, Sam Lindsay-German sits down with Dr Peta Wright and Dr Thea Bowler as our very first Transformational Medicine cohort comes to a close. We talk about why we built this training with women's health physiotherapist Paula Hindle, and what it felt like to finally teach the way we practise. We also talk about why so much of the program begins with you as the clinician – your own nervous system, your body and your cycles – before it ever turns to the person in front of you. We can't offer someone a sense of safety we haven't found in ourselves first. That's where this work starts. In this episode, we explore: What we mean by transformational medicine, and the shift from fixing a symptom to listening to what it's telling you Why the practitioner is the medicine first – co-regulation and the therapeutic use of self Zooming out from the pelvis to the nervous system, a person's life and their sense of meaning How our first cohort's program worked – 12 weeks online, with two retreats held at Vera Coming back to reverence for the womb space and our cyclical nature, starting with ourselves The community our first cohort has built, and why you don't have to do this work alone This episode is for you if: You work with women with pelvic pain – as a gynaecologist, GP, physio, psychologist, naturopath, health coach or anything in between – and you sense there's more to it than what you were trained to look for. Or you're tired of carrying the pressure to fix, and you're ready to show up differently: present, regulated and a little lighter. For practitioners: join our next cohort Our next Transformational Medicine cohort begins in early 2027. If this conversation stirred something in you, register your interest and we'll let you know as soon as dates are confirmed. Graduates get a certificate of completion and can join our new membership for ongoing check-ins, case discussions and community. Our program is currently CPD approved with RACGP and RANZCOG: 24.5 hours with RACGP for the online program, 14.5 hours for the retreat, and 24 hours with RANZCOG. ______________________ 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 disconnection you feel from your body isn't because something's wrong with you – but because you've forgotten you're divine? In this episode, we explore the power of recognising the goddess within – not as a spiritual concept you have to strive for, but as the truth of what you already are. We talk about why goddess energy has been suppressed, shamed, and severed from our collective consciousness – and what happens when we reclaim it. This isn't about rejecting the masculine or declaring one better than the other. It's about remembering that the feminine divine deserves reverence, and that every woman is a living expression of the goddess in all her forms. If you've ever felt shame about your body, your cycle, your darkness, or your changing form – this conversation is an invitation to see yourself differently. In this episode, we explore: The Triple Goddess: maiden, mother, and crone – and why we fear the wild woman energy of the luteal phase and menopause Why we're culturally trained to say "God" but feel awkward saying "Goddess" – and what that reveals about patriarchy and disconnection Why society celebrates only the masculine aspects of women (productivity, sameness, control) and pathologises the feminine (cyclical nature, rest, darkness, rage) Goddess archetypes like Kali, Saraswati, and Aphrodite – and how they teach us to embrace every facet of ourselves The menstrual cycle as a sacred mirror of the moon's phases – and why we shame the fullness but revere it in nature How women have been severed from their own sexuality – and whether we even know what true feminine sexuality is beyond the male gaze The power of adorning yourself, dressing as a goddess, and worshipping your own temple Your goddess practice: Dress as a goddess every day for 40 days. Not for anyone else – for you. Adorn yourself. Notice what shifts. Tag us on Instagram @verawellness.com.au in your goddess pictures – we'd love to see you reclaim your divinity. Resources mentioned: 📚 The Other Goddess by Joanna Kujawa – exploring feminine divinity and sexuality 📚 Mary Magdalene books by Meggan Watterson – feminist theology and the sacred feminine 📚 Sharon Blackie's books – fables, archetypes, and goddess stories 🃏 Goddess oracle cards by various authors Upcoming event: Join us for a special goddess gathering with Dr Joanna Kujawa on Friday, 13 March 2026 at Vera Wellness. 🎟️ Get your tickets here and dress like a goddess. 🌿 ______________________ 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 A quick note: We recorded this at our practitioner event, so we're talking clinician-to-clinician in parts. But if you're navigating pelvic pain yourself, you might find it really validating to hear how we think about symptoms, nervous system states, and what actually drives lasting change. If you're a practitioner working with pelvic pain, you've probably felt the pressure to fix, the complexity of trauma and chronic symptoms, and the frustration of treatments that don't create lasting change. In this episode, we share the foundations of the Vera Wellness approach to pelvic pain – an evidence-informed, nervous-system-led framework that shifts care away from symptom whack-a-mole and toward genuine transformation. Recorded live at our online practitioner event on 30 October, this conversation includes practical tools, a powerful case study, and a clear reframe that changes everything: pain isn't the problem to eliminate – it's information . And the nervous system is the foundation of both patient outcomes and practitioner sustainability. If you're craving a more grounded, embodied approach to pelvic pain care – one that supports your patients without burning you out – this episode is for you. In this episode, we explore: Why the nervous system is the foundation of pelvic pain care (and clinician wellbeing) A real patient case study – and what changed when care shifted from "fixing" to listening The Vera philosophy: no one is broken, and no one needs to be fixed Pain as information – and what happens when we replace fear with curiosity Polyvagal theory: nervous system states and what they look like in the consult room The "alarm vs fire" reframe: why conventional care often tries to silence symptoms while the deeper drivers remain Catastrophising, overprotection and central sensitisation – and why these matter clinically Co-regulation: how your tone, pace and presence shape patient safety and outcomes Guided regulation practices you can use immediately (including pelvic and self-compassion-based tools) Why paradigm-shifting care requires paradigm-shifting ways of working For practitioners: If today's conversation resonates, you may be feeling the same shift we're seeing across women's health – a desire for care that is more embodied, integrative and nervous-system-led. In 2026, Dr Peta Wright, Dr Thea Bowler and holistic physiotherapist Paula Hindle are hosting Transformational Medicine: Alchemising Pain into Power with two pathways: 4-day in-person immersive retreat (17–20 April 2026) 12-week online program (starts 4 May 2026) Explore the program here: https://www.verawellness.com.au/practitioner-program-intensive ______________________ For more information about us, visit VeraWellness.com.au . We’d love to continue the conversation with you on Instagram @verawellness.com.au ______________________ 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 Today’s conversation is a little different. Dr Thea and Vera physiotherapist Paula Hindle take you inside the sauna at the end of a long clinic day – a place where their most honest reflections tend to unfold. This episode opens a deeper look at what it really means to hold space for suffering in women’s health. Not with a rush to fix, but from a grounded, embodied place where practitioners learn to regulate their own nervous systems while sitting alongside their patients’ pain. Paula and Thea explore the subtle but profound shift that happens when clinicians start listening with curiosity. This is a conversation about attunement, presence and the reality that true transformation rarely begins with a medical intervention – it begins with being witnessed. If you’re a practitioner who feels called toward a more heart-centred, embodied, nervous-system-led approach to pelvic pain, this episode is for you. In this episode, we talk about: The art of sitting with discomfort – what happens in us as clinicians when we witness pain without immediately jumping to solutions. A powerful patient story and how healing unfolded when the focus shifted from pathology to nervous system understanding. Attunement in practice – how Paula recognised dysregulation the moment the patient walked in, and why she abandoned the “plan” to create space for grief, safety and connection. Letting the patient guide the process – the difference between algorithmic care and compassionate, responsive care in pelvic pain. Why clinicians must be regulated first – the capacity to hold another’s story is directly linked to the state of our own nervous systems. The truth is, real healing often begins long before hands-on treatment. It begins in the pause – the moment we sit with discomfort, listen deeply, and allow a patient’s story to unfold without rushing toward certainty or control. When practitioners regulate themselves, the whole room changes. Safety expands. Insight emerges. And the patient’s own wisdom becomes a central part of the therapeutic process. ______________________ For practitioners: Transformational Medicine – Alchemising Pain into Power If today’s conversation resonates, you may be feeling the same shift we’re seeing across women’s health – a desire for more embodied, integrative, nervous-system-based care. In April 2026, Dr Peta Wright, Dr Thea Bowler and Paula Hindle will be hosting a 4-day immersive retreat and practitioner program designed to help clinicians: Understand their own nervous system Experience regulation and embodiment tools firsthand Learn how to attune to complexity, trauma, and pain in the clinical room Develop a more grounded, compassionate and effective approach to pelvic pain You can find all the details here: https://www.verawellness.com.au/practitioner-program-intensive . Early bird pricing ends on 31 December 2025 and payment plans are available. ______________________ For more information about us, visit VeraWellness.com.au . We’d love to continue the conversation with you on Instagram @verawellness.com.au ______________________ 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 After a long pause, Women of the Well is back. In this conversation, Dr Peta, Dr Thea and Sam sit together in a very real season of life transition – talking about menopause, ageing, endings and the one thing most of us are trying to avoid thinking about: death. In this episode, we talk about: Sam’s real-time experience of perimenopause – still cycling at 51, noticing stronger bleeds, night waking and hot flushes that arrive like a clear “message” from her body. Listening instead of resisting – how tuning into symptoms (rather than fighting them) has helped Sam adjust her training, eating and lifestyle in ways that feel right for her. Why menopause isn’t just decline – the cultural story that says menopause “takes everything away” versus the reality of greater freedom, time, clarity and physical strength many women experience in midlife. Anxiety, mood shifts and the luteal phase – Peta and Thea share candidly about premenstrual anxiety, irritability and “existential dread”, and how naming these patterns with family helps. Ageing, fear and the medicalisation of menopause – a critical look at the booming “menopause industry”, the framing of oestrogen deficiency as a disease, and the idea that all women should be on hormones forever. Death as the unspoken backdrop – how our fear of mortality shows up in the obsession with trying to keep bodies the same, and why accepting change can soften this fear. Suffering, growth and feeling it all – the difference between caring for our bodies and micromanaging them, and why discomfort can be a portal to meaning and maturation rather than something to eliminate at all costs. From attraction to resource – shifting from needing to be sexually “attractive” to being valued for presence, wisdom, skills and contribution as we age. Competing, comparing and complaining – how these patterns keep us stuck in misery about our changing bodies, and what opens up when we practise acceptance instead. Soul, spirit and the unchanging self – returning to the part of us that doesn’t age, even as our bodies inevitably do. A reflective invitation as you listen to this episode: Where are you feeling pain, discomfort or resistance right now? If you treated those sensations as messages rather than problems to fix, what might they be asking of you? How could you allow what is happening – rather than trying to control or outrun it – and see what unfolds next? Resources mentioned: “The Thunder, Perfect Mind” – an ancient poem from the Nag Hammadi / Dead Sea Scrolls collection, often read as a voice of the divine feminine. Stay connected – the conversation doesn’t end here. If this episode brought up reflections, questions or stories of your own menopause experience, the Women of the Well team would love to hear from you. Share your thoughts or topic requests for future episodes via email to marketing@verawellness.com.au and let us know: What are you noticing in your own season of change – and what might your body be trying to tell you? ______________________ 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 We didn’t plan for this to happen… but when we sat down to talk, something shifted. This week's episode is not a conversation about a particular health topic or a deep dive into hormones or cycles… It’s an honest reflection on where we’re at, and an invitation to pause. After more than 30 episodes, we’ve arrived at a natural winter – a moment to slow down, reassess, and honour the cycle of this podcast project. We didn’t plan this in advance. But when we sat down to record and felt our energy shift, we realised it was time to listen to our bodies and our inner knowing, just as we always invite you to do. This may not be a forever goodbye… but it is a “pause for now.” 🎙️ In this final episode for now , we reflect on: 🌿 Why it’s okay to rest, and how we can honour the natural seasons and cycles of life 🌿 The truth behind why we started this podcast (and what we never wanted it to become) 🌿 How constantly striving to optimise our health can become another form of self-judgement 🌿 Why letting go, embracing stillness, and trusting our own inner knowing is the most powerful healing we can do Whether this is a short pause or a more permanent ending, we’re so grateful you’ve been with us. The full library of episodes will remain available , so you can return to them whenever you need support, insight, or a gentle reminder to come back to yourself. 💬 If this podcast has impacted you, we’d honestly love to hear from you. Send us a message on Instagram @verawellness.com.au or email marketing@verawellness.com.au. Thank you for being here. Thank you for listening. And thank you for honouring your own rhythms, too. ______________________ Additional resources to support you: 🧘‍♀️ Heal Your Pelvic Pain – Our live online program delivered by leading women's health experts to help you alchemise your pain, reconnect with your body, and reclaim your life. 🌕 Unlocking the Power of Your Cycle – a self-paced course to help you understand and work with the phases of your cycle for more vitality and clarity. 📖 Healing Pelvic Pain by Dr Peta Wright – A comprehensive guide on managing pelvic pain. ______________________ 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, we’re continuing the powerful conversation we started in Episode 32 about victim consciousness – and how it shows up in our lives in ways we might not expect. But this time, we go even deeper. Dr Peta and Sam explore the unconscious patterns that keep us stuck – from our beliefs about who we are to the stories we tell ourselves (and others) about our pain. Together, they unpack: 🌿 Why victim, rescuer and perpetrator roles always co-exist – and how we can move beyond this triangle 🌿 The subtle ways women are taught to bond over suffering (and what to do instead) 🌿 How shame, superiority and saviour-complex behaviour keep us disempowered 🌿 Why our language matters (and how to stop casting spells like “I have to…”) 🌿 How our beliefs about our body, our past, and our identity shape our suffering This episode isn’t about blame or denial – it’s an invitation to start recognising your own patterns and beliefs, and gently shifting them so you can experience more joy, peace, and presence. 🎧 Listen now to part 2 of this raw, transformative series – and let us know how it lands for you. Resources mentioned: The Wheel of Consent by Betty Martin The Four Cs Practice (Don’t complain, compete, compare or criticise – from yogic tradition) The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle Teachings from Caroline Myss and Byron Katie Questions and topics: Do you have a question about this episode or a topic you want us to explore on the podcast? Send us a text (link above episode description), a message on Instagram or email us at marketing@verawellness.com.au. ______________________ 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 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. ______________________ 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 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 ______________________ 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. ______________________ 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 ______________________ 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. ______________________ 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. ______________________ 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 . ______________________ 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. ______________________ 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. ______________________ 📢 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. ______________________ 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.