The Health Connection Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode, Amy and Mari dive into the very real challenge of fussy eating and admit they definitely don’t have it all figured out. Between them, they’re navigating both fussy eaters and children who will try almost anything. They share honest experiences from their own families, including how their approach has evolved over the years and what they’ve learned along the way. From understanding that food refusal isn’t always about the food itself, to exploring what might really be going on beneath the surface, this conversation offers reassurance, perspective, and practical insights. They also discuss whether avoiding food battles altogether is the answer, or if there’s a more supportive way forward.

In this episode, Mari and Amy unpack New Year goal setting with a refreshing focus on mindset rather than outcomes. They discuss why so many resolutions fall apart and how busy mums can approach their goals in a way that feels supportive, realistic, and sustainable. Drawing from their own experiences, they openly share challenges such as feeling overwhelmed and struggling with consistency around exercise, alongside the mindset shifts that are helping them move forward. This episode offers reassurance, relatability, and practical encouragement for anyone wanting to set meaningful goals for 2026, without pressure or perfection.

In this episode, Amy and Mari discuss how to talk to children about food without creating guilt, fear, or judgement. They explore “once-in-a-while” foods, misleading packaging, artificial sweeteners, and the impact of using food as a reward or punishment. With real-life examples (including Saturday sweets!), they share a more balanced, child-friendly approach to food conversations at home.

This week, we unpack the December overload: constant UPF “treats,” festive pressures, and the mental load mums carry. We discuss healthier ways to celebrate wins, how to reduce the sense of relentlessness, and a simple four-section to-do list that helps you prioritise what truly matters. Plus, we share sweet sibling dynamics with the Elf on the Shelf and offer practical tips for navigating social events and alcohol during a busy month.

In this episode, Mari and Amy highlight the value of investing in your health as a proactive approach to prevention rather than waiting until issues arise. They discuss the mindset shifts that helped them reconsider how they viewed spending on health products and programmes, and they offer practical insights on how to prioritise your wellbeing even when finances feel tight.

In this episode, Mari and Amy explore the complexities of making meaningful changes to your health. They discuss why these shifts can feel challenging and reflect on their own experiences after implementing simple yet impactful lifestyle adjustments. They also offer practical guidance and straightforward strategies to help you consider positive changes for yourself, along with insights into the progress that can follow when you remain consistent.

In this episode, Mari and Amy share key moments from their personal health journeys and reflect on how their approaches to wellbeing have evolved over time. They discuss the shifts they’ve experienced in their energy levels, the importance of learning to listen to their bodies, their experiences with postnatal recovery, and many more benefits. You’ll also discover Amy’s favourite “hug in a mug” and why it’s become a staple in her routine.

In this very first episode, hosts Mari Craig and Amy Durston share the story behind their partnership and what inspired them to launch this podcast. You’ll hear how they first met, how their shared passion for simple, sustainable health practices grew into a thriving community — The Health Connection — and why they’re on a mission to help busy women, especially mums, prioritise their own wellbeing. Because when you’re always taking care of everyone else, it’s vital to remember one thing: put your own oxygen mask on first!

Episode 17

In this episode of The Health Connection, Mari and Amy tackle a challenge many parents know all too well: children with very different food preferences, sometimes known as fussy eaters. They share their own experiences of navigating the stress that can come when a child refuses certain foods, or will only eat something if it’s presented in a particular way… chips over mashed potato, anyone??

The conversation explores different approaches parents often consider, from putting food directly on a child’s plate for exposure to simply having it available on the table for them to choose. This also leads into a wider reflection on the food messages many of us grew up with, like being told to clear our plates or missing out on pudding if we didn’t finish our meal, and how bribery or negotiating around food can sometimes create more challenges over time.

Alongside sharing stories from their own families, Mari also talks about some positive experiences from clients who have navigated similar situations. The episode includes helpful resources for parents looking for inspiration, including Mari’s Substack maricraig.substack.com and an Instagram account they love following Kids Eat in Color www.instagram.com/kids.eat.in.color

In this episode of The Health Connection, Mari and Amy talk about the realities of trying to serve healthy meals during the busy after-school rush. With clubs, activities, and different schedules to juggle, family mealtimes don’t always look the way we imagine they should, and that can leave parents feeling guilty. They discuss whether it’s really such a bad thing for children to eat in the car on the way to activities, how to stay flexible when different children need to eat at different times, and why preparation can make all the difference. This honest conversation is about letting go of unrealistic expectations, finding practical ways to nourish your family, and remembering that good enough often really is good enough.