Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Dr Julie's Coffee Chats

One year ago, I packed up my life — my business, my three boys, and our two dogs — and moved to Wellington. It wasn’t just a change in postcode; it was the beginning of rebuilding everything from the ground up after separation.

In this episode, I take you behind the scenes of what it’s really like to start over — the chaos, the courage, and the small but powerful moments of finding our feet again. From juggling solo parenting and running a business to creating a new sense of home, this is an honest look at what rebuilding truly takes.

If you’re in a season of change or starting again in any way, this one’s for you — a reminder that even in the rubble, there’s room for something new to grow.

In this episode, I dive into the post-school holiday burnout that so many mums know too well — the crash that comes after weeks of juggling, entertaining, and holding it all together. I unpack why this happens, the signs you might be running on empty, and how to start advocating for your own needs again (without guilt). I also include a very brief follow on from advocating for my own health care needs in perimenopause (like a mini part 3 from last week).

From small daily resets to learning to say no, this chat is about reclaiming your energy, your time, and your voice — because being a mum doesn’t mean being last on the list.

This week on Dr Julie’s Coffee Chats, I’m back with Part 2 of my raw, real perimenopause story. Following on from last week’s “red flags” episode, I share what it was like to finally reach out for help, start HRT, and navigate all the emotions, doubts, and unexpected moments that came with it. This isn’t a polished “how-to” guide — it’s me, sharing the ups and downs in real time, so you know you’re not alone if you’re walking this path too and that it's ok to advocate for your needs and for help.

Grab your coffee and settle in!

I’m taking the gloves off. In this raw, real episode of Dr Julie’s Coffee Chats, I share my personal experience with perimenopause — the moments that shocked me, the red flags I ignored...and the big one I couldn't ignore, and the steps I took after. Honest, unfiltered, and relatable, this is the conversation every woman deserves to hear. Don’t miss Part 2 coming next week! 

This week, I’m diving into one of the hardest things we face: saying no when deep down we really want to say yes. I’ll share the lessons I’m learning about boundaries, timing, and trusting that not every opportunity is meant for right now. Plus, a little life update—because you know I always keep it real with you - this is almost a part 1 and next week is part 2....you just have to keep tuned in!

 This Father’s Day felt different. For the first time, I can honestly say I’ve found a peace I never believed was possible — the kind that comes only after walking through the fire and slowly learning to heal. In this episode, I want to share a little of that journey with you, in the hope it brings comfort if you’re navigating your own. And tucked into that, because you are my podcast family, a gentle little announcement… my new cookbook is underway (and yes, you’re hearing it here first). 

Ah Time. Becoming a mum doesn’t make exercise easier—it makes it harder. In this episode, a follow on from last week, I get real about why finding time to move your body feels so tough in motherhood, and why waiting for life to “calm down” just doesn’t work. This is your gentle (but honest) reminder that prioritising yourself is not selfish, it’s essential. Think of it as a little kick up the bum to help you carve out time for exercise, reclaim your energy, and feel more like you again. 

Have you ever walked into the weights section of the gym… taken one look around… and then quietly backed away? You’re not alone. So many women tell me they want to start strength training, but it feels confusing, intimidating, and just plain hard to get going. Today, I’m breaking down the real reasons why strength training feels like such a mountain at the start – and how you can take simple, doable steps to make it work for you.

In this episode I’m talking about when to get help – something I see all the time in new parents, and anyone navigating changes in their body or wellbeing. I share the signs to watch for, why reaching out early is a strength, and simple steps you can take to get the support you need.

In this episode I give a timely reminder about throwing out your scales after an innocent comment from my youngest son Ray recently and the importance of keeping the focus on your daily actions NOT your results.

A caller question on just how we guide our children on what to say when they do not like something! This speaks to the wider topic of food and food behaviour boundaries which only just keep coming (hello nearly teenage years now!)

Sigh. Another media click bait post. More comments that only contribute to the broken system. Recently Radio New Zealand shared a post on a working mum partitioning to the government about the need for longer school holidays. The comments broke my heart. So along with some fire in my belly from reading 'A Different Kind of Power' I use this platform to say all what I would want to about those comments and a system where the math just doesn't math. 

In this episode, I’m unpacking the fear so many of us carry around food — fear of getting it wrong, fear of eating “too much,” fear of not counting or tracking everything perfectly.

Let’s talk about where this comes from, how it shows up in everyday life, and how we can start letting go of food fear for good.

Are you taking all the actions and feeling like you are getting no where? In fact possibly worse? That the weight is piling on despite everything? You are not alone and this episode is for you right when you need it the most.

Join us for an interview with Christina Bond - a clinical psychologist who co-founded Matrescence NZ with her sister and best friend Sam. This interview is a must listen for all mothers and mothers to be - it's a service I dearly wish was available when I was a first time mother! 

This podcast has always been a place where more of my personal journey has been shared, sometimes in snippets, sometimes in a full episode. What I do know without a shadow of doubt is that it's taken until now to really feel - out of the fray and into a new life so to speak and if that doesn't call for an episode as well as a firm stake in the ground that says hey we get to celebrate these milestones too - I don't know what does!

Feeling a little low? Extra tired, like you are just craving sugar 247? This is NOT in your head!! There is a whole hormone shift that happens when light gets less, days shorter and colder....do we even mention sick kids? I had to give you this drop of inspo right now and would love to see you on my virtual event tonight!

Hot off our highly successful Winter Launch and firm "hey we are not going anywhere" flag in the ground I wanted to share some of the raw reality of taking on big, hard goals. In this podcast I talk about a quote that I found which really sums up where we often get stuck in our goals. I share some of my PhD journey (the hardest bits) which is where I truly did my training in this process and more than anything I hope it gives some much needed inspo for you!

I do not like the term "mistake" here as there is only learning but if you can fast track your progress by gleaming some advice here then that's all that matters! In this podcast I talk you through just this - some top lessons from over a decade of helping parents with their own nutrition and guiding their children's food - plus all extra nuggets I always drop in these podcasts too! P.S All brand new winter goodies land TODAY as well!

This week on the podcast I answer a FAQ that has come though - and in true Julie style unpack so much more - how do we know if something is healthy for us? How do we actually just know what to eat? Why is it all so hard? This is one not to miss especially if you are needing some love and inspiration in your food journey!

It's cold, the days are short, our bodies are screaming to just go into hibernation and do we need to mention sick kids? In this episode I hit you with all my tips, tricks and golden nuggets for this period - including frequently asked questions on supplements and freeze-dried vegetables - all ahead of my huge Winter Range launch!

Life is hard we all need some guilty pleasures to get through here are some of ours....this goes South rather quick peeps - you are welcome!

Deep diving into this massive topic - who has it harder being a solo mother or being a single married mother - this seems to be a point of huge debate on socials so we are doing what we do and cracking this open.

In this episode, we dive into what it means to reclaim Mother’s Day in a way that feels true, healing, and empowering. Julie shares how she’s reshaping the day for herself. We also talk about Pink is Just a Colour, our children's book series, with a special spotlight on Special Days—a book that invites families to celebrate all kinds of meaningful moments in ways that make sense for them. Whether you love Mother’s Day or find it complicated, this conversation opens it all up! 

We have not done this in a while! In this episode Caz and I share three things which have changed our lives lately - as usual we end up going down all sorts of rabbit holes and the last one is very much a joint one! Enjoy!

Feeling guilty post Easter? You are not alone! Tune in for this heart warming episode packed full of tips to change how you reset probably forever and also here from Caz how her running is going or should we say not going and what she is changing. 

We’re replaying this episode because—yet again—it’s school holidays here in New Zealand and both myself and Caz are right in the thick of it.

This is a conversation that runs so much deeper than it appears on the surface. In this episode, I tackle the huge, hard topic of how our systems are failing mothers. Be warned—it’s confronting. I unpack the gender pay gap, occupational segregation, and the reasons women return to work, don’t return, or leave the workforce altogether. I explore the long-term impacts on our wellbeing and why all of this desperately needs to be challenged.

Important New Zealand Research Discussed:

• Noy, S & Sin, I (2021). The Drivers of Mothers’ Parental Leave Decisions: Evidence from the Growing Up in New Zealand Longitudinal Survey.
• Sin, I., Dasgupta, K & Pacheco, G. (2018). Parenthood and Labour Outcomes. Ministry of Women.
• Statistics New Zealand (2015). Women at Work 1991–2013. Available from www.stats.govt.nz

In this episode Caz and I chat about her transition to being a school mum - juggling all the balls, dropping them, the utter insanity of school hours and some much needed laughs (which really is the best therapy).

Not long after our deep dive into the viral bullying video Julie found herself in a similar situation. In this episode we talk about what happened, how it was (or was not) managed and where to from here. 

In this podcast I share my first CrossFit Open with you - the roller coaster of ups ands downs - this is not really about CrossFit but about deeper conversations around doing something just for you, taking on a challenge that you don't feel ready for, the thoughts and feelings that are familiar to so many of us "can I do this?" and "it all feels too hard"....then how you feel on the other side

This week's episode is all about Caz!! She has made not just one but two big decisions for herself and her life - this is a deep, moving, vulnerable, loving episode which you will not help but be inspired by.

In this episode Caz and I go right into this current incident - we deep dive into all things bullying, what we would do and more importantly what we should all be doing.

TW: Mental Health and Suicide 

In this episode Caz and I tackle the tricky situation of how do you break up with a friend - buckle up peeps!

In part 3 of our Independent Women Series you get the low down on three life skills Julie has learnt as part of doing life on her own with the helpful guidance of Caz of course! Get ready for some much needed lols as well as a gentle nudge to look at how we raise our biological girls and boys as we prepare them for the big wide world. 

In this episode Caz takes the mic to answer a caller question on what it is truly like to work 2 jobs! Enough said you just need to listen! 

In this episode Caz and I crack open the conversation on online behaviour! This was recorded off the back of a social media 'incident' in Dec 24 (some of you will know what we are talking about) but we talk about the wider impact and how on earth we guide our children when as adults we all still struggle. 

As it's the start of a new year many of you will have nutrition and wellbeing goals - for some you have been battling and hoping and praying that this year will finally be your year. Well it can be! Here I share my top 3 nutrition tips and secrets - I think you will be surprised at what they are....especially the last one....but it could literally be life changing for you.

Working, not working, school holidays, daycare, gendered work force we crack everything open here - Caz is about to enter the school system with all this ahead.

Following on from last week Caz joins the podcast and we talk all things post Xmas, 40th birthday, her wellbeing goals and just what's coming for 2025 - buckle in for all usual shenanigans and much needed laughs as this year gets off to a bang.

In this episode I recap the homework from last week - yes I did it and it's already made a huge difference in an area of my life that I have found daunting to tackle. I also break down what my actions and goals are in the three big areas of wellbeing (food, movement and sleep). I hope this helps to both inspire you and see how to make changes in these aspects realistic. 

Hitting you right from the start of 2025 with some solid inspiration! In this podcast I take a step ahead of sharing what's in store this year with some important homework for you to do (spoiler it's not really as bad as homework!). I encourage you not to spend too long on trying to get your goals perfect, what you can still do when in survival mode and a daily habit that changed my life last year.

Thank You 2024!

What a year!!! In this last episode of 2024 Caz and I wrap the year in our true unfiltered way....we share our biggest lessons, highs, lows and hint at whats around the corner in 2025 - one you will want to tune into as we come to a close on this year of huge change and growth.

In our second to last episode of the year Caz and I come together to have a friendly debate on all things traditions - from Santa to the Easter Bunny to the Tooth Fairy....like all our topics it will give some food for thought on just what you want to do with your own tribes!

The #womeninmalefields has gone absolutely viral on socials and with good reason! Julie already wanted to interrupt the schedule with this topic and then a lovely podcast listener struggling under the huge mental load we all carry (and struggle with) asked if we could do an episode on this - ask and you shall receive! 

In this episode I crack open the conversation on rest - it's not glamorous, it's not cool to post on social media and yet it is one of the fundamental pillars of our entire wellbeing. Why is it just so important? How do we get rest when we really feel we cannot and let's all support each other to get this a lot more especially over this time of year.

This week Caz and I explore the art of saying no. In this honest and thought-provoking podcast, we share personal stories, struggles, and insights on why setting boundaries can be so hard—yet so powerful. From navigating expectations to embracing the freedom that comes with refusal, this is one episode that will get you thinking about where in your life you might need to say no and what doors can open as a result! 

This weeks focus is on "how much"

1) How much weight training should we do?

2) How much protein should we have a day?

3) How much are you saying 'yes' when you really mean 'no'

Join us for an episode where we share our motherhood musings on the big milestone of school and reflections on gender curious parenting - this is a really good one on the topic of gender and challenging gender norms for the next generation plus just why we have written our forthcoming children's books!

Join us for the big move part two! It's been anything but vanilla! Hear what the move was actually like and how this has truly changed mine and the boy's lives. 

In this episode, I’ll be sharing my journey of relocating to a new city for a fresh start. We’ll dive into the highs and what it's been like sitting in the messy middle. This is Part One - where I talk about realising 'not this' anymore and what it meant to get to that point. This is one life update you won't want to miss!