The Wellness Collective with Nat Kringoudis

Let's talk about sex. More specifically, why you might not feel like it. 😂In this solo episode, I'm unpacking what I call the six shades of not tonight. Because here's something I see all the time: women tell me they've lost their libido, but when we start asking a few more questions, it turns out there might be something else going on.Not thinking about sex, not wanting it, not enjoying it and finding it painful are four very different experiences. Yet somehow, we bundle them all together and call it low libido.We'll explore spontaneous and responsive desire, the mental load, stress, your nervous system, relationship dynamics and the hormonal changes that can influence how you feel about intimacy. I'll also talk about oestrogen, testosterone and progesterone, and why understanding what's happening in your body matters.And importantly, if sex is painful, please don't assume it's just part of getting older. There are things worth investigating and options that may help.So before you decide your libido has disappeared, let's look at the bigger picture. Your body might be telling you something entirely different. 💛🌿 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✅ The difference between spontaneous and responsive desire✅ Why not thinking about sex doesn't automatically mean you have low libido✅ The six shades of not tonight and which one might sound familiar✅ How stress, exhaustion and your mental load can influence sexual desire✅ Why your nervous system plays a bigger role in libido than you might think✅ How oestrogen affects vaginal health, moisture and comfort during sex✅ The role testosterone plays in women's sexual desire and overall wellbeing✅ Why progesterone, ovulation and your menstrual cycle can influence how you feel✅ Why painful sex shouldn't simply be accepted as part of getting older✅ How pelvic floor support, lubrication and other approaches may help with discomfort✅ How familiarity and routine can affect desire in long-term relationships✅ Why it's worth looking at the bigger picture before reaching for another supplement📌 Chapters (Jump to your favorite part!):00:00 - Intro02:30 - Have you actually lost your libido?04:16 - Spontaneous vs responsive desire06:46 - The six shades of not tonight08:56 - Number 1: Sex? I forgot that existed09:40 - Number 2: I could be convinced10:15 - Number 3: I'd rather clean the oven11:30 - Number 4: It hurts, so why would I want to?12:25 - Number 5: I love you, but don't touch me this week13:05 - Number 6: I want it, just maybe not the sex we're having13:30 - Oestrogen, testosterone and libido15:00 - Why lifting weights and eating protein matter17:42 - Progesterone, ovulation and your cycle19:50 - Your nervous system and the impact of stress23:15 - When sex hurts: what could be going on?25:00 - Is it your libido or your relationship?26:18 - Reconnecting with your partner and bringing back novelty28:30 - What I'd look at before reaching for another supplement30:56 - Hormone testing and understanding the bigger picture32:00 - Going deeper into libido and women's health🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes on self-care, healing, and empowerment!👇 All the Good Stuff 👇FREE Hormone Quiz: https://form.typeform.com/to/a3wsLZF6 Nat’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natkringoudisNK The Membership: https://site.natkringoudis.com/membership HRT Masterclass: https://site.natkringoudis.com/hrtmasterclass 

What happens when you stop taking midlife so seriously? 😂I'm joined by Danielle Novatarger, better known as The Hormonal Queen, for a hilarious conversation about perimenopause, getting older and all the things our bodies seem to throw at us along the way.Danielle has been teaching Pilates since 2009, but she's also built a following through her funny, relatable content and real-life stories. We chat about how she got started, the unexpected reels that went viral, her move into stand-up comedy and why being able to laugh at yourself is such a superpower.We also get into the realities of life in midlife. From changing bodies and brain fog to parenting, household responsibilities, ageing parents and the everyday moments that make you wonder what on earth is happening. Because sometimes, a little humour can make the whole thing feel less overwhelming.It's a reminder that while women's health and menopause deserve to be taken seriously, we don't have to approach every part of the experience with doom and gloom. We can learn, support each other and have a bloody good laugh along the way. 💛🌿 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✅ How Danielle went from Pilates instructor to social media personality and The Hormonal Queen✅ The unexpected content that helped her grow her online following✅ Why being able to laugh at yourself can be such a powerful thing✅ What it's really like navigating perimenopause and the changes that come with midlife✅ Danielle's journey into stand-up comedy and performing live shows✅ The realities of juggling children, work, household responsibilities and ageing parents✅ Why women over 40 need more than doom-and-gloom conversations about menopause✅ How humour can help us feel less alone in the things we experience✅ Why connection and shared experiences with other women matter✅ Danielle's plans for the Royal Gala of Menopause!📌 Chapters (Jump to your favorite part!):00:00 - Intro01:46 - Meet The Hormonal Queen02:09 - From boot camps to Pilates04:50 - How Danielle found her voice through comedy05:28 - Laughing at the embarrassing moments08:17 - The reels that unexpectedly went viral09:23 - When did getting older get so hard?09:55 - Household jobs, kids and midlife realities11:52 - The underwear hack you didn't know you needed14:13 - Growing a brand by just having a go15:34 - Taking the leap into stand-up comedy17:09 - Why we need to laugh at ourselves19:09 - Manifesting Mandy and the patient who wants results without the work21:56 - Social media, perception and taking things personally25:30 - Fibre, digestion and the realities of midlife25:48 - The midlife juggle: kids, work and ageing parents27:13 - Bringing more lightness to life after 4028:21 - The Dyson, the cat and one very unfortunate accident30:15 - Have we made menopause too serious?31:37 - Political correctness and learning to laugh33:51 - Finding humour through life's harder moments35:08 - The Royal Gala of Menopause37:03 - Where to find The Hormonal Queen🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes on self-care, healing, and empowerment!👤 Guest Info:Danielle Novytarger: https://www.instagram.com/hormonal_queen/ 👇 All the Good Stuff 👇FREE Hormone Quiz: https://form.typeform.com/to/a3wsLZF6 Nat’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natkringoudisNK The Membership: https://site.natkringoudis.com/membership HRT Masterclass: https://site.natkringoudis.com/hrtmasterclass 

What happens when your mum is that organic mum? 😂In this episode, I'm joined by Geordie Ritchie, the woman behind the hilarious internet character, The Organic Mum. We're talking crunchy parenting, alternative health practices and what it's really like growing up in a household where Subway isn't welcome on the property.Geordie shares the stories and childhood experiences that inspired her character, from comfrey leaves and homemade birthday cakes to strict food rules and trying to fit in when your family does things differently. We also get into raising teenagers, navigating peer pressure and what happens when your kids start questioning the beliefs they've grown up with.And of course, we put Geordie to the test with some very important questions about carob, seed oils, hot dogs and plum vinegar. 😂It's a funny, honest conversation about parenting, family influence and the fine line between wanting the best for your kids and letting them find their own way. Because as much as we might laugh at our parents' quirks, there's often a little bit of them in us, too.🌿 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✅ Meet Geordie Ritchie, the woman behind The Organic Mum✅ The parenting philosophy behind her alternative approach to family life✅ What it's like growing up with strict food rules and unconventional health practices✅ How childhood experiences inspired the hilarious Organic Mum character✅ Navigating teenage rebellion, peer pressure and wanting to fit in✅ Why Geordie believes in tools like astrology, human design and numerology when parenting✅ Her thoughts on homeopathy, natural deodorant, seed oils and everyday food choices✅ The stories behind comfrey leaves, homemade birthday cakes and the infamous Subway rule✅ Why even the most well-intentioned parenting choices can feel challenging for children✅ Whether there's a little bit of Organic Mum in all of us📌 Chapters (Jump to your favorite part!):00:00 - Meet The Organic Mum00:35 - The philosophy behind her parenting style01:54 - Mainstream school vs alternative education03:12 - A morning routine guided by spirit04:54 - Homeopathy, pendulums and alternative health06:46 - Astrology, human design and understanding your kids09:00 - School lunchboxes and the battle to fit in10:02 - The teenage deodorant dilemma11:34 - When your teenager goes against everything you believe14:17 - Carob, seed oils and hot dogs: the food debate17:05 - The meal Geordie can't stop talking about18:09 - Manifesting Mandy and Stagnation Stacey24:56 - The story behind The Organic Mum26:08 - Comfrey leaves, childhood burns and other memories27:00 - Growing up crunchy and feeling different31:20 - The childhood stories that inspired the character34:04 - Healthy birthday cakes and becoming your mother36:40 - The outrageous opinions that get people talking37:28 - Is there a little bit of Organic Mum in all of us?🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes on self-care, healing, and empowerment!👤 Guest Info:The Organic Mum IG: https://www.instagram.com/_organic_mum/The Organic Mum TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@organicmum_ 👇 All the Good Stuff 👇FREE Hormone Quiz: https://form.typeform.com/to/a3wsLZF6 Nat’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natkringoudisNK The Membership: https://site.natkringoudis.com/membership HRT Masterclass: https://site.natkringoudis.com/hrtmasterclass 

Your vulva doesn't need to look like anyone else's. And your vagina definitely doesn't need to smell like flowers. 😂In this solo episode, I'm talking all things vulvas and vaginal health, starting with the nine vulva types that got me curious in the first place. We'll chat about why so many women worry about how they look, what actually makes a vulva and a vagina different, and why we need to stop treating normal differences as something that needs fixing.But we're going beyond appearances, because your vagina has its own little ecosystem of bacteria, and it's fascinating. I'll explain the vaginal microbiome, the role of beneficial bacteria like Lactobacillus, and how your hormones, menstrual cycle, sex and different stages of life can influence what's happening down there.We'll also cover vaginal odour, discharge, bacterial vaginosis, thrush, and the things that can disrupt your natural balance. Because understanding what's normal for your body is far more useful than trying to mask symptoms or chasing another beauty standard.Let's make these conversations a little less awkward and a whole lot more normal. 💛🌿 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✅ Why vulvas look different and why there isn't one normal appearance✅ The difference between your vulva and your vagina✅ How beauty standards can influence the way women feel about their intimate anatomy✅ What the vaginal microbiome is and why it matters✅ The role of Lactobacillus bacteria in maintaining the vaginal environment✅ How your menstrual cycle, hormones, sex and life stages can influence vaginal pH✅ The difference between bacterial vaginosis (BV) and thrush✅ Why vaginal odour and discharge can change, and when persistent symptoms deserve attention✅ How antibiotics, douching and fragranced products may affect the vaginal environment✅ Why vaginal health deserves more attention during perimenopause and menopause📌 Chapters (Jump to your favorite part!):00:00 - Let's talk vulvas!01:20 - The nine vulva types: what's the fuss about?04:24 - Why are we so uncomfortable talking about vulvas?08:53 - Vulva appearance, labiaplasty and changing bodies10:30 - Your vaginal microbiome: the ecosystem inside13:30 - Meet Lactobacillus, your vaginal bacteria18:03 - How hormones, your cycle and sex influence vaginal health22:32 - What can disrupt your vaginal microbiome?24:00 - Vaginal odour, discharge and what to pay attention to25:00 - Vaginal bacteria and reproductive health27:15 - The biggest takeaway: understand your body, not beauty standards🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes on self-care, healing, and empowerment!👇 All the Good Stuff 👇FREE Hormone Quiz: ⁠https://form.typeform.com/to/a3wsLZF6⁠ Nat’s Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/natkringoudis⁠NK The Membership: ⁠https://site.natkringoudis.com/membership⁠ HRT Masterclass: ⁠https://site.natkringoudis.com/hrtmasterclass⁠

Have you ever wondered whether something in your environment could be affecting how you feel?In Part 2 of my conversation with Sinclair Kennally, we're talking all things mold, mycotoxins and detoxification. We explore why mold is getting more attention, the symptoms Sinclair associates with exposure, and why people in the same household can respond differently.We also get into what detox actually means. Your body already has systems to process and eliminate waste, but Sinclair explains how stress, the nervous system and liver function fit into her approach to supporting that process. We talk about assessing your environment, moisture in the home and why it's worth understanding what's happening before jumping into drastic changes.If you missed Part 1, go back and give that a listen first. We covered parasites, heavy metals and Sinclair's own health journey, and this conversation picks up right where we left off.🌿 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✅ What mold and mycotoxins are, and how exposure can happen✅ The symptoms Sinclair associates with mold exposure✅ Why people living in the same home may respond differently✅ What to consider when assessing possible mold in your home✅ Why ventilation and moisture control matter✅ How food can come into the conversation around mold exposure✅ The connection Sinclair describes between stress, the nervous system and liver function✅ Why detox is about more than a short cleanse✅ What a broader approach to detoxification may involve📌 Chapters (Jump to your favorite part!):00:00 - Picking up where Part 1 left off01:23 - What is mold, and where does it come from?03:31 - Symptoms that may be associated with mold exposure05:34 - Why some people may be more affected than others06:38 - What to do if you find mold in your home08:01 - Assessing mold exposure and the body11:16 - Finding and addressing mold at home12:00 - Ventilation and moisture control13:48 - What does detox actually mean?15:39 - The connection between stress, the nervous system and liver function17:26 - Detox beyond cleanses and quick fixes18:50 - Do we need to be afraid of mold and detox?🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes on self-care, healing, and empowerment!👤 Guest Info:Sinclair Kennally: https://www.instagram.com/sinclairkennally/ 👇 All the Good Stuff 👇FREE Hormone Quiz: https://form.typeform.com/to/a3wsLZF6 Nat’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natkringoudisNK The Membership: https://site.natkringoudis.com/membership HRT Masterclass: https://site.natkringoudis.com/hrtmasterclass 

Have you ever felt like you know something isn’t right in your body, but you’re not getting to the bottom of it?In this episode, I’m joined by Sinclair Kennally, who has her own very personal story of chronic illness and falling through the cracks of conventional medicine. We talk about her journey, the layers she believes were contributing to her health and what led her into the work she does today.We get into mold, heavy metals, parasites, the immune system, digestion and why Sinclair believes symptoms can be the body communicating that something needs attention. We also talk about my own experience with parasites and high aluminium levels, which took my health journey in a direction I never expected.There’s a lot to unpack here, so this is actually Part 1 of 2. And trust me, we’ve got plenty more to get into when we talk about mold and detoxification in Part 2.🌿 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✅ Sinclair’s own journey with chronic illness and searching for answers✅ Why she believes there can be multiple layers behind chronic symptoms✅ The role mold and environmental exposures have played in her experience✅ Why she looks at the body’s ability to heal rather than only the symptoms✅ What Sinclair believes about parasites and immune function✅ How digestion and stomach acid come into the conversation✅ Nat’s unexpected experience with parasites and high aluminium levels✅ Why Part 2 goes even deeper into mold and detoxification📌 Chapters (Jump to your favorite part!):00:00 - Intro01:54 - Sinclair’s chronic illness journey04:46 - Heavy metals, mold & environmental exposure06:07 - Can the body still heal?08:00 - Let’s talk parasites09:49 - Nat’s parasite story12:01 - Parasites, aluminium & immune health12:28 - Digestion, stomach acid & pathogens16:22 - Childhood exposures & health19:42 - What happens after parasite removal?20:12 - What’s coming in Part 2🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes on self-care, healing, and empowerment!👤 Guest Info:Sinclair Kennally: https://www.instagram.com/sinclairkennally/ 👇 All the Good Stuff 👇FREE Hormone Quiz: https://form.typeform.com/to/a3wsLZF6 Nat’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natkringoudisNK The Membership: https://site.natkringoudis.com/membership HRT Masterclass: https://site.natkringoudis.com/hrtmasterclass 

What happens when conversations about our values, relationships and the world around us feel harder to have?In this episode, I’m joined by Zana Pali, a lawyer, podcast host and mother, for an open conversation about speaking with conviction, navigating disagreement and the way our views can shape our relationships and communities.We talk about gender roles, parenting, traditional values and what each person might bring to a relationship. Zana also shares some of her own experiences, including divorce, becoming a mother and how her perspective on relationships has changed over time.We also touch on public debate, politics, safety and social connection, and why it can be valuable to make room for different perspectives while still being thoughtful about how we speak to one another.This is a conversation that raises plenty of questions. Take what resonates, and make space to think through the rest for yourself.🌿 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✅ Zana’s perspective on speaking openly and standing by your values✅ Why disagreement can be difficult to navigate✅ Different expectations around gender roles and relationships✅ How becoming a parent can shift your priorities✅ Zana’s reflections on marriage, divorce and choosing a partner✅ Why community and connection matter✅ How to approach conversations where people see things differently📌 Chapters (Jump to your favorite part!):00:00 - Introduction01:54 - Speaking Openly About Difficult Topics06:28 - Politics, Safety & Community08:02 - Public Debate and Differing Views33:04 - Relationships, Marriage & Expectations🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes on self-care, healing, and empowerment!👤 Guest Info:Zana Pali: https://www.instagram.com/zana_pali/ The Audacity Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/theaudacitypodcast.official/ 👇 All the Good Stuff 👇FREE Hormone Quiz: https://form.typeform.com/to/a3wsLZF6 Nat’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natkringoudisNK The Membership: https://site.natkringoudis.com/membership HRT Masterclass: https://site.natkringoudis.com/hrtmasterclass 

What happens when becoming a mum changes the way you see yourself, your body and your whole life?In this episode, I’m joined by Dominique Elissa, model, podcaster and soon to be mum, for a really honest conversation about pregnancy, body image, grief and everything that comes with stepping into a completely new chapter.Dominique opens up about losing her mum and what it feels like to enter motherhood without having her there. We talk about the importance of finding your people, asking for help and building a community around you, especially when life feels completely unknown.We also talk about body image, food and the unexpected ways pregnancy has changed Dominique’s relationship with both. From learning to eat when she’s hungry to letting go of the pressure to look a certain way, there’s a beautiful reminder here about listening to what your body actually needs.And at the heart of this conversation is intuition. Those little signs your body gives you, the things we often ignore, and what can happen when we finally slow down enough to listen.🌿 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✅ The reality of pregnancy beyond the obvious changes✅ Dominique’s experience with body image and food during pregnancy✅ Navigating grief while entering motherhood✅ Why community and asking for help matter so much✅ Learning to trust your intuition and body wisdom✅ The pressure social media can put on new mums📌 Chapters (Jump to your favorite part!):00:00 - Meet Dominique04:00 - Pregnancy, Grief & Becoming a Mum06:00 - Why Community Matters09:30 - Comparison & Social Media14:20 - Pregnancy & Body Image18:00 - Changing Your Relationship With Food35:00 - Trusting Your Intuition42:15 - Listening to Your Body🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes on self-care, healing, and empowerment!👤 Guest Info:Dominique Elissa: https://www.instagram.com/dominiquelissa/ Selfdom Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/7a24MjicbKYDu7bCFWwzLISelfdom website: https://selfdom.au/ 👇 All the Good Stuff 👇FREE Hormone Quiz: https://form.typeform.com/to/a3wsLZF6 Nat’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natkringoudisNK The Membership: https://site.natkringoudis.com/membership Hydrogen Health Hydration Guide: https://site.natkringoudis.com/sipwell HRT Masterclass: https://site.natkringoudis.com/hrtmasterclass Keywords:Dominique Elissa, pregnancy, motherhood, becoming a mum, first time mum, pregnancy body image, body image, pregnancy and food, intuitive eating, motherhood journey, grief and motherhood, losing your mum, pregnancy mental health, maternal mental health, community for mums, motherhood support, doula, social media and motherhood, women's health, hormones and pregnancy, body confidence, intuition, body wisdom, self care, women's wellness, Nat Kringoudis, The Wellness Collective, Australian wellness podcast

If you're already having hot flushes, night sweats, or generally feeling hotter than you used to, the idea of voluntarily sitting in a sauna might sound a little counterintuitive.But stay with me.In this mini episode, I'm diving into why I think sauna actually gets more interesting after 40. As we move through perimenopause and menopause, our hormones don't just change in isolation. They influence everything from temperature regulation and stress to sleep, cardiovascular health and metabolism.I unpack why controlled heat exposure can help the body adapt, what hormesis actually means, and why more stress is definitely not always better. Because the goal isn't to see how long you can survive in a sauna. It's about giving your body the right amount of stimulus, then allowing it to recover and adapt.We also get into hydration, sweating, detoxification, cardiovascular health, metabolism, and why sauna is one of my favourite tools for building resilience as we get older.And importantly, this isn't another wellness hack to add to your already enormous list of things you're apparently supposed to be doing.It's about understanding your body, the changes happening through midlife, and finding simple ways to support your health along the way.🌿 What You'll Learn in This Episode:✅ Why sauna gets more interesting after 40✅ What happens to your body's thermostat during menopause✅ How heat adaptation can help build resilience✅ What hormesis actually means✅ Why recovery matters just as much as the stress itself✅ How sauna can support your health beyond just relaxation📌 Chapters (Jump to your favorite part!):00:00 - Why Sauna Gets Better After 4002:20 - Your Changing Internal Thermostat04:00 - Heat, Stress & Hormesis06:10 - Why More Isn't Better07:20 - Hydration, Sweating & Detox10:00 - Sauna & Cardiovascular Health12:30 - Metabolism, Recovery & Resilience14:19 - Why I'm Obsessed With Sauna🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes on self-care, healing, and empowerment!👇 All the Good Stuff 👇FREE Hormone Quiz: https://form.typeform.com/to/a3wsLZF6 Nat’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natkringoudisNK The Membership: https://site.natkringoudis.com/membership Nook Saunas: https://nooksaunas.com.au/ Free Sauna Guide PDF: https://site.natkringoudis.com/infrafix