Minipod: The Menopause Episode

In this episode my guest is the brilliant beauty influencer Zak Heath.Zak who has over a million followers on TikTok is a huge advocate of gender fluid makeup and teaches both women and men how to create beautiful, natural looks.During the episode we chat about the politics around men who wear makeup and why there is often a societal expectation to make it over the top and dramatic when men should be able to enjoy using natural makeup to enhance their features and make them feel more confident.Zak discusses how he is working towards getting for more gender inclusivity in beauty brands and also explores why beauty means so much to him.This is a fascinating conversation and really got me thinking about how gender divisive the beauty industry can be. I can't wait for you to hear it xx

If you want a product that gives you the most healthy, luminous, lit from within glow then you need to listen to today's mini mini pod xx

*This episode is supported by Dr Paw Paw*I was having an Insta-rant about my frustration about bad advice on social media leading teens to buy expensive, highly active skincare that is anything but good for their skin when I received a message from my lovely friend and co-founder of Dr Paw Paw, Pauline Paterson. She was in total agreement and we ended up having a very long phonecall about our sadness about all the misinformation and our fear that it would end up affecting our own kids.By the end of the call I knew that I had to get her on the podcast so that we could share our thoughts.During the episode we chat about bringing up tweens and teens in a world where social media has a huge influence and how to navigate it. (Pauline has a lot of brilliant wisdom to share). We also talk about the kind of ingredients that people of this age should be using and what they most definitely shouldn't!The final part of the episode is very kindly sponsored by Dr Paw Paw Your Gorgeous Skin which is Pauline's amazing skincare line. We talk through the range and the products that are perfect for teens because of their gentle and barrier repairing ingredients.I really hope you enjoy this episode and that you find it helpful whether you have or know teens and tweens who need a bit of gently guidance in the world of skincare.

There's a fair amount squeezed into this week's minipod.I go into detail about Charlotte Tilbury's new fragrance collection and tell you which one I can't get enough of (It's the PERFECT holiday scent). I also have a potentially health-changing book for you, news of a beautiful lipstick launch, the eyelash serum I can't wait to try and the product that's totally upped my hair game. xx

Bryony Blake is back and a lot has been happening!This week we're talking:Bryony's enlightening experience as a bio-dynamic farmerNicola's screaming noseChild and puppy mayhemNicola's fashion fail (thanks a lot Rishi Sunak)And of course we have loads of beauty recommendations and Bryony will be answering lots of your makeup dilemmas.Enjoy xx

Don't tell me what I can and can't wear just because I'm over 40! This tiny episode is for the women who aren't ready to go all soft and subtle with their liners and are far more interested in a bit of rock chic xx

In this episode I speak to the brilliant nutritionist Dominique Ludwig.Dominique is highly qualified and a hugely trusted voice in this field and during the episode we have an in depth chat about how ultra-processed food has become so commonplace and why it is the last thing that we should be eating if we care about our future health.Dominique also gives some brilliant advice and tips for the types of food that can really help us in our 40's + and why eating sufficient protein can be an absolute game changer. She also talks about why diets are a no-no and we need to shift our eating habits to set us up for life.I loved Dominique's no nonsense advice and extensive knowledge and hope that she inspires you to navigate the at times confusing and emotionally charged world of nutrition.

This week's Minipod is unapologetically beauty product focussed and I'll be telling you about some new products on the block that have got me excited.From the do it all Glycolic stick to the hair heat protectant and texturiser in one to the lipstick that really doesn't move, there are so many things to tell you about.Enjoy finding out about these greta new releases.

My guest today is the utterly brilliant Melissa Leong.Melissa is an Australian freelance food writer, food critic, television host and radio broadcaster. She is currently a judge on a series called Dessert Masters and was previously a judge on MasterChef Australia. In 2020 she was named Who Magazine's Sexiest Person of the year. And luckily for us, Melissa is also incredibly eloquent and passionate about beauty, fragrance and wellbeing.Our conversation is one of my favourite types in that we cover so much ground and it is all so interesting and enlightening. From the surprising turn of events in Melissa's career journey to how she handles depression and anxiety to the important lesson she learnt about exercise recently and how she takes herseld out of her comfort zone, there is so much to learn from Melissa. We of course chat about our mutual love for beauty and Melissa talks about her focus on glowing, healthy skin, her favourite style of makeup and what beauty means to her now she is in her 40's.You'll love getting to know Melissa and if you're anything like me, she'll inspire you in a whole host of ways. 

Welcome to my tiny Monday episode. This week I'm waxing lyrical about the benefits of press on nails and which brands I love xx