This week Nicola and Di chat with New York Times Best-Selling Author, Johann Hari. Johann is an award-winning journalist and the author of 5 books that have sold millions of copies across the world and been translated into 40 languages. He has spent many years pulling at threads most of us don’t even realise we’re tangled in. From addiction to attention spans and depression, the invisible forces shaping how we live, Johann’s insightful words have spread all over the world, through not only his books, but his TED talks that have been viewed more than 93 million times and his appearances on some of the world’s leading podcasts and shows. 

In this episode, Johann opens up about his early childhood and gives us an insight into what life was like for him as a young boy. He talks about the difficult situations and challenges he’s been through, which gave him the personal motivation to start asking questions to understand more about some of the biggest problems of the modern world - addiction, anxiety, depression, loneliness, focus, and weight gain. 

We talk about the 9 causes of anxiety and depression, and that the Western world’s focus on treating anxiety and depression through medication alone, has missed the mark by not taking the time to address the underlying causes. Johann talks about broadening the menu of options and treatments available to people, and the importance of understanding what is causing your anxiety or depression, so you can find the appropriate treatment.

He shares some incredible stories and examples of social prescribing, and the way that working together, building community and leaning into connection are some of the most powerful antidepressants in the world.   

We also talk to Johann about his latest book, The Magic Pill, which goes through everything you need to know about GLP-1 weight loss drugs. Johann shares about his personal journey with Ozempic, the pros and the cons, and how despite getting everything he thought he wanted - losing weight and looking good, he didn’t actually feel better. 

We had so much fun chatting with Johann. Even though the topics we cover in this episode are quite serious, Johann is an exceptional story teller with a wonderful sense of humour and we laughed a lot. We hope you enjoy this episode as much as we did!

This episode is proudly supported by Montgomery Investment Management, trusted experts helping you build and protect your financial future. For further information, please contact David Buckland, Chief Executive Officer or Rhodri Taylor, Account Manager on (02) 8046 5000 or investor@montinvest.com

We’ve created a special offer for our Back Fence listeners to use at Positive Energy. Listeners can get a 10 class pack for $150 (save $90) or 25% off an unlimited membership for 3 months. Use code: BACKFENCEPE to activate your special offer. 

We'd love you to join us for our Backfence Disco on Friday, May 29th at Positive Energy in Sydney. It's going to be such a fun night and we can't wait to dance the night away with you in person! Buy your tickets here: https://events.humanitix.com/over-the-back-fence-disco

Follow Nicola and Di on IG here - https://www.instagram.com/overthebackfencepodcast/

Follow Johann on IG here - https://www.instagram.com/johann.hari/

Find out more about Johann’s books here - https://johannhari.com/

Buy Johann’s book Lost Connections here - https://thelostconnections.com/

Watch Over The Back Fence on YouTube here - https://www.youtube.com/@Overthebackfencepodcast/podcasts

Follow Positive Energy on IG here - https://www.instagram.com/positiveenergy_health_fitness/

This week Nicola and Di chat with New York Times Best-Selling Author, Johann Hari. Johann is an award-winning journalist and the author of 5 books that have sold millions of copies across the world and been translated into 40 languages. He has spent many years pulling at threads most of us don&rsquo;t even realise we&rsquo;re tangled in. From addiction to attention spans and depression, the invisible forces shaping how we live, Johann&rsquo;s insightful words have spread all over the world, through not only his books, but his TED talks that have been viewed more than 93 million times and his appearances on some of the world&rsquo;s leading podcasts and shows.&nbsp;
In this episode, Johann opens up about his early childhood and gives us an insight into what life was like for him as a young boy. He talks about the difficult situations and challenges he&rsquo;s been through, which gave him the personal motivation to start asking questions to understand more about some of the biggest problems of the modern world - addiction, anxiety, depression, loneliness, focus, and weight gain.&nbsp;
We talk about the 9 causes of anxiety and depression, and that the Western world&rsquo;s focus on treating anxiety and depression through medication alone, has missed the mark by not taking the time to address the underlying causes. Johann talks about broadening the menu of options and treatments available to people, and the importance of understanding what is causing your anxiety or depression, so you can find the appropriate treatment.
He shares some incredible stories and examples of social prescribing, and the way that working together, building community and leaning into connection are some of the most powerful antidepressants in the world.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
We also talk to Johann about his latest book, <a href="https://magicpillbook.com/">The Magic Pill</a>, which goes through everything you need to know about GLP-1 weight loss drugs. Johann shares about his personal journey with Ozempic, the pros and the cons, and how despite getting everything he thought he wanted - losing weight and looking good, he didn&rsquo;t actually feel better.&nbsp;
We had so much fun chatting with Johann. Even though the topics we cover in this episode are quite serious, Johann is an exceptional story teller with a wonderful sense of humour and we laughed a lot. We hope you enjoy this episode as much as we did!
This episode is proudly supported by <a href="https://investwith.montinvest.com/otbf">Montgomery Investment Management</a>, trusted experts helping you build and protect your financial future. For further information, please contact David Buckland, Chief Executive Officer or Rhodri Taylor, Account Manager on (02) 8046 5000 or <a href="mailto:investor@montinvest.com">investor@montinvest.com</a>
We&rsquo;ve created a special offer for our Back Fence listeners to use at <a href="https://positive-energy.com.au/">Positive Energy</a>. Listeners can get a 10 class pack for $150 (save $90) or 25% off an unlimited membership for 3 months. Use code: BACKFENCEPE to activate your special offer.&nbsp;
We'd love you to join us for our Backfence Disco on Friday, May 29th at Positive Energy in Sydney. It's going to be such a fun night and we can't wait to dance the night away with you in person! <a href="https://events.humanitix.com/over-the-back-fence-disco">Buy your tickets here: https://events.humanitix.com/over-the-back-fence-disco</a>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/overthebackfencepodcast/">Follow Nicola and Di on IG here</a> - <a href="https://www.instagram.com/overthebackfencepodcast/">https://www.instagram.com/overthebackfencepodcast/</a>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/johann.hari/">Follow Johann on IG here - https://www.instagram.com/johann.hari/</a>
<a href="https://johannhari.com/">Find out more about Johann&rsquo;s books here - https://johannhari.com/</a>
<a href="https://thelostconnections.com/">Buy Johann&rsquo;s book Lost Connections here - https://thelostconnections.com/</a>
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@Overthebackfencepodcast/podcasts">Watch Over The Back Fence on YouTube here - https://www.youtube.com/@Overthebackfencepodcast/podcasts</a>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/positiveenergy_health_fitness/">Follow Positive Energy on IG here - https://www.instagram.com/positiveenergy_health_fitness/</a>

Di Edwards and Nicola Dale have been best friends for close to four decades & they actually share a ‘back fence’ in Sydney! 
They share a love of life, a passion for people, and have discovered a simple conversation over the back fence, can change a life and give a sense of belonging . 

“We’re not neuroscientists, psychologists, doctors or monks - we just love people - and know with age comes wisdom."

Di Edwards and Nicola Dale have been best friends for close to four decades &amp; they actually share a ‘back fence’ in Sydney!  They share a love of life, a passion for people, and have discovered a simple conversation over the back fence, can change a life and give a sense of belonging . 
“We’re not neuroscientists, psychologists, doctors or monks - we just love people - and know with age comes wisdom."

Over the Back Fence

Over the back fence is a podcast by two incredible women in their 50’s and 60’s - for women.

Di and Nicola have an infectious energy that is bound to light you up. It’s a podcast which values community, connection and lifting each other up. 

Here, Di and Nicola will delve in to the highs and lows they’ve experienced in life… From starting a family, experiencing marriage breakdowns, to embracing new beginnings. They’ll discuss the lessons they’re still learning, and interview people with inspiring stories to tell. 

Di and Nicola will invite guests on OTBF from all over the globe. From close friends, entrepreneurs, comedians, councillors to motivators and life coaches - to unlock their wisdom and have a laugh along the way.

Over the back fence is a podcast by two incredible women in their 50’s and 60’s - for women.
Di and Nicola have an infectious energy that is bound to light you up. It’s a podcast which values community, connection and lifting each other up. 
Here, Di and Nicola will delve in to the highs and lows they’ve experienced in life… From starting a family, experiencing marriage breakdowns, to embracing new beginnings. They’ll discuss the lessons they’re still learning, and interview people with inspiring stories to tell. 
Di and Nicola will invite guests on OTBF from all over the globe. From close friends, entrepreneurs, comedians, councillors to motivators and life coaches - to unlock their wisdom and have a laugh along the way.