The Little Things

In a world where well-being influencers are driven by endorsements, wellness trends generally come at a cost, and busy lives disrupt our best intentions, all many women want are simple, science-based …

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80 clip(s) in playlist

Alison Mau on helping survivors find a way forward
Alison Mau joins Francesca Rudkin and Louise Ayrey to discuss Tika, the independent sexual harm reporting platform she co-founded with Zoë Lawton. Ali explains how Tika identifies reports naming the same person, how its collective approach enables free legal support once a group is formed, and why…
48:48
Who gets what when you’re gone?
When did you last look at your will—and how much has your life changed since? Public Trust principal trustee Michelle Pope joins Francesca Rudkin and Louise Ayrey to unpack wills, trusts and enduring powers of attorney. They discuss what happens when someone dies without a will, how relationship c…
47:24
Why are we so obsessed with smutty books and TV shows?
Why are erotic books and TV shows having a moment? And is our appetite for them really new? On this episode of The Little Things, Francesca Rudkin and Louise Ayrey talk to author and sex historian Dr Esmé Louise James about the history of erotic fiction, from Fanny Hill to today’s romantasy boom. …
48:33
PMDD: When ‘just PMS’ is something much more serious
For some women, the days before their period bring much more than the usual symptoms of PMS. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder, or PMDD, can cause severe changes in mood, anxiety, irritability, fatigue and concentration — disrupting work, relationships and everyday life. Francesca Rudkin and Louise…
35:32
How to speak with confidence (even when you’re nervous)
Public speaking can be terrifying – even for people who do it for a living. Broadcaster Toni Street joins Francesca Rudkin and Louise Ayrey to share the lessons she’s learned from 20 years in radio and television, including how to manage nerves, connect with an audience, stop chasing perfection an…
45:21
What inflammation is really doing to your body
Inflammation has become one of the biggest buzzwords in health and wellness — but do we actually understand what it is? Award-winning immunologist Professor Roslyn Kemp joins Francesca Rudkin and Louise Ayrey to explain what inflammation does, why it isn’t always bad, how it changes as we age, and…
36:57
How to start investing when you feel behind
Do you manage the household bills but still feel unsure about investing, KiwiSaver or planning for retirement? Investment manager and The Curve co-founder Victoria Harris joins Francesca and Louise to cut through the jargon and explain how women can start building their financial confidence—no mat…
47:40
How to live longer without overhauling your life
What actually helps us live longer — and live well for longer? GP and women’s health expert Dr Ginny Mansberg joins Francesca Rudkin and Louise Ayrey to cut through wellness trends, biohacking and information overload. They discuss the everyday habits that make the biggest difference, including fo…
56:49
How to stop stress turning into burnout
How do we build successful careers and work hard without burning out? Organisational psychologist Nick Petrie joins Francesca and Louise to talk about stress, rumination, burnout prevention and the habits that help people sustain high performance in an always-on world. Nick shares the personal st…
49:54
Taryn Brumfitt: 'We were not born hating our bodies'
As concerns grow about the return of extreme thinness, Australian body image advocate Taryn Brumfitt joins Louise and Francesca to explore why beauty standards continue to shape the way we see ourselves. From social media and weight loss drugs to ageing and self-acceptance, she explains why the goa…
46:23