Explore every episode of the podcast Dr Julie's Coffee Chats

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!

Hot off our Santa Ball Tour we bring you Beige Flags version 2! Nothing like going on tour to find out about your friends quirks! This one will bring you some much needed laughs and you get to find out some more weird and wonderful things about us!

In this episode, we dive into the powerful story of Rachael Ferguson, woman whose life took an unexpected turn just two months after her wedding. Diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer at 32, Rachael’s journey highlights the importance of listening to your body and recognising the subtle signs of illness. From her initial health concerns to the diagnosis, she shares her experience with us. As an ambassador for Bowel Cancer NZ, Rachael advocates for awareness around symptoms. Join us as we explore her inspiring journey and learn how we can all be proactive about our health. 

In this weeks episode Caz and I discuss what it is like to be friends with someone who is a HSP. This gives such raw, vulnerable and loving insight into HPS and what we have learned as friends who work very closely together. It offers a special view point from Caz’s perfective as someone who is not HSP and how she went through her own journey to understand this – we have no doubt it will help many relationships in all their forms. 

In this episode I open the conversation on neurodiversity specifically talking from my own experiences as an HSP (Highly Sensitive Person) and someone on the autism spectrum. I particularly focus on HSP as this has been a huge area of my life that I have struggled with immensely and am now also parenting an HSP child. In this episode I break down what an HSP is – in the most simple way that I can – given the complex and beautiful nature of neurodiversity this will be a topic we revisit many times. 

Sophie and Damien are the proud owners of Strength Block here in Auckland, NZ. Strength training is one of the most important forms of exercise that we can do but it can be very daunting especially for women. Join us for a frank, real and highly informative interview with this passionate husband and wife team. 

Mary is a global DEIB & people executive, keynote speaker & ambassador for Lifeline NZ.

Join us for a frank, raw and crucial conversation on gender, inclusion, diversity and equity. In particular, how to tackle this as a parent and how to open discussions that can be both life changing and life saving in a world which is demanding more in this space - from our young people themselves.

One day the world will have reshaped and changed to not need such days with labels that only drive exclusion. Until then we will keep having the conversations to help support those that feel  a mix of emotions on these days - both Caz and I have different ups and downs on Father's Day so we share what we are doing this year....and more of what we hope our books will help to bridge. 

There's been lots going on so Caz and I decided to give you all a big update episode - we talk everything from Caz's wellbeing journey and body comp changes, to books, ink and some good laughs re Santa's balls which are coming too!

Yorana is an expert in this field specialising in the recruitment and coaching of women in helping them to land a job. As a mother herself she also understands juggling the balls - this is a much needed follow on expert interview to our Independent Women mini-series even if you are not looking at working but just building your confidence overall.  

In light of recent events Caz and I come together in this raw & honest podcast. We talk about the daming impact gossip can have, some of the harder parts of separation and also just what friendship in some of my darkest days has meant. 

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! 

This week Caz and I answer a listener question about togs! Are g-string swim bottoms ok to be worn by a swim instructor at a kids swimming school? You'll get our view on the topic and a bit of an education on all things tog bottoms! 

This episode is part 2 of our money and financial education independent women
series. In this interview Caz and I share our top tips on preparing cover letters, CVs
and interviews. This is relevant regardless of where you are in the work force (or not)
as keeping up with these skills are important – we never know when we might need
them and being prepared can make all the difference.

Caz and I are back with our independent women series – this week we cover a very
hard and personal topic – money & financial education. We believe that this is a
crucial topic to deep dive into – regardless of if you are working or not working, regardless of your family structure. This might be a little confronting so do make sure
you are in a good space to listen.

We have spoken in an earlier episode on how much an accountability structure has changed our lives. In this episode Caz so vulnerably shares where she was stuck with her food and activity and what she did and took on to get herself out of the rut she was in.

It will be impossible to listen to this fun episode with Caz and I without laughing! To break up some heavy topics we come at you with 10 funny questions (which we made up) and you will get to know us a little better in the process! Want to know our top sex advice? That’s a question!! 

I have lost track of how many have asked me to review this popular ‘diet’. I break down some of the pros and cons to fasting as a whole – and do deep dive into this particular fast – buckle in for this one as I have a LOT to say.

Today marks one year of the podcast! A whopping 52 episodes that have dropped every week! Join Caz and I for an episode that you will get so much from (along with much needed laughs) – we share three things that have literally changed our lives recently! 

This is a huge topic and one I am frequently asked about! In this episode I give the full comprehensive low down on toddler milk, dairy, plant based milks, calcium, formula, what to do with your child over the age of one and much more! This is a great one to share with friends who are also struggling in this area to make the best informed decision for their little one. 

This week we are joined by Jo Roberston a trained Sex & Betrayal Therapist, with a Masters in Science & Medicine, a hugely watched Ted Talk and mother to 3 boys! Jo shares her wealth of knowledge on how to talk to children about consent, sex, porn and so much more - a must listen for all parents!

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.

PCOS Case Study

In this episode I talk you through a PCOS case study - packed full of the science behind poly cystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and how this impacts us metabolically AND a case study diet from a mum also trying to make changes in her diet but not sure where to start.

I have been sharing my healing journey and therapy work here on the podcast. In this episode I share openly with you some of the key learnings I have got from therapy recently - including how we talk to ourselves which you will find helpful in your wellbeing work. 

It is Mother's Day on Sunday in the Southern Hemisphere - the second hardest day of the year for me (Christmas is the hardest). I typically dread Mother's Day. This episode gives a voice to this day for those that struggle (irrespective of gender, and how society defines a Mother) and to share the place of peace that is possible and hope, always hope. 

This week we have another three great caller questions! 

1. Metabolism - what can I do to increase it?  
2. PCOS - can you explain what it is and how does it effect food?
3. Toddler feeding - how can I make my toddler try new foods? 

This week I answer three great caller questions: 

Cooking: How do I tackle feeding my baby when cooking is something I dislike? 
Exercise: How do I find the time to exercise and fit it in? Mum Guilt: Juggling it all and trying to not have a mental breakdown - how do I do it? 

Caz and I bring you the first of a mini series we are doing called our "independent women series". Regardless of your stage of life, relationship, family structure, learning to do things yourself is important! We are the first to say that you want to be prepared for things to change and learning new skills (or old ones in a different way!) can be helpful. Plus as you know Caz and I are a bit 'ying & yang' when it comes to certain life/admin/household tasks - so enjoy a laugh as well. 

Trigger Warning - this podcast contains discussion around grief, trauma, loss and mental wellbeing - please protect your space if need be. In this episode I share with you an update on my healing journey. If you have not listened to episode #23 Surgery 1 Year On you might like to before this one.

I have been up against it lately - fighting the systems, dealing with an overflow of mental load - in this podcast I deep dive into this - if you are struggling under the weight of it all this one is for you. 

The week Caz and I join forces again to bring you a fun episode where we talk all
about boobs and bits! We jump into changes post a baby, boob jobs and sports bras.
Plus we talk about Hello Disc which has been a game changer for both of us and
Caz’s laser journey.

This week on the podcast we talk pushing go on the business! It's time to celebrate 10 years while deep diving on lessons learnt, my proudest moments and a message for my boys who have been a part of this journey from the beginning. 

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 week I answer three great caller questions:

- Morning Person: How to be a morning person especially after having kids?
- Premature Babies: Just when to start solids with a premature baby?
- Cholesterol: Understanding cholesterol, what are high cholesterol foods and
what is a cholesterol ratio?

This week I have the absolute pleasure of sharing with you a power house of a
human – Donna Davis – who is in the final stages of her book ‘Not Fine’ which I have
been working with her on for two years now through my publishing company. Donna
talks us through her amazing book and some of the highs and lows of the book
writing process.

This is something that has been front of mind for me for a little bit and so I
interrupted our podcast schedule with this. I am feeling this in some areas that I am
grinding away on. We have also been deep diving into eating patterns and body
composition lately which are common areas to feel the frustration of doing the work
and not seeing the results – you might need a tissue for the end!

In this weeks episode I tackle just where to start with mindful eating, why we get stuck, unpack the difference between restriction and enjoyment and how to apply mindful eating when so busy. For those that are struggling with your food (and have done potentially forever) and feeling out of control with eating – this one is for you. 

This week we have three wonderful questions: 

1) Toddler Dinner - Should I worry about my toddler not eating dinner?

2) Snack Logs - How good are these?

3) Meal Replacements - Yes or no?

This week Caz and I deep dive into this topic which is close to both of our hearts. We share some very personal stories never shared before. We unpack the difference between weight loss and body composition, we talk about things that have helped and not helped and much more - this is a huge and emotional topic and we hope we have given it the care it deserves and you might find yourself in here in different ways. 

This week we have three great caller questions:

1) Bliss Points - You have mentioned bliss points a few times on your podcast and socials can you expand on this further?

2) Grains - Why is there so much debate about grains?

3) Toilet Training - You have toilet trained three boys now are there any dos and don'ts or any foods you would recommend to help?

Last week on socials I shared a quote from an incredible woman - Mother Pukka - on the parenting paradox and my socials went off with this. Caz and I cracked open this conversation, motherhood guilt and all the layers of this in this weeks episode - this is for all of us :) 

This week we have three great caller questions relevant to setting goals:

1) How do I actually start tapping into what I want? I know you mentioned it's important to do so and why we struggle but am still not sure where to start?!

2) Just what is realistic with weight loss goals especially when you do not use scales?!

3). I am looking at having another baby this year and wanting to get my body ready to conceive but I also have a toddler where to start here?!

For some of you this year is going to be about survival. You are about to walk through a fire and are possibly like I don't even know if I will get through. I have faced and walked through a few fires in my time and have some big tips and tricks for you....this is not a light hearted one but one that might truly help....buckle in!

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'

Welcome to a brand new year - 2024!! Not one to do things half-pie you get both Caz and I in this episode cracking into the new year! In this episode we talk about goals - if we should have them and are we setting them (spoiler we are not!), why we struggle so much (especially as women) to even allow ourselves to think about what we want and then both of us share a very real want for us. 

Caz and I come together to wrap up this huge year! In this episode we reflect on our highs, challenges, sharing some 'funny stuff' and finally both of our single takeaway from the year (this last one we didn't share beforehand!)

Christmas can be a hard time of year for many people - for those that find this time hard, or are facing a tough Xmas this year this one is for you. In this episode I also do an inner child reading for you. This one might also be helpful for those that are supporting someone through this time too. 

Following on from last week I continue to deep dive into common areas that we struggle with at this time along with unpacking the fruit question!

1. Starting solids at Christmas time?

2. What is the deal with fruit? Is it really 'that bad?'

3. How to find me-time during this crazy period - it feels impossible?