Top podcast episodes | July 2025

Well we’re almost at the end of August so I thought why not share my July podcast recommendations I promised in the previous post - seriously though where is the time going? 

For me July was a big month of getting back into podcasts - some old favourites and other new gems! This stellar and very varied lineup reflects my own curiosity and passion for learning. There’s science, improving communication, motherhood and everything in between! You won’t be bored! Let's get into them! 

1. Diary of a CEO - “Vitamin D Expert: The Fastest Way to Dementia & the Dangerous Lie You’ve Been Told About Sunlight!” Eye opening | will make you want to get outside and lap up the sunshine Dr. Roger Seheult - critical care physician and vitamin D researcher joins Steven Bartlett to challenge conventional wisdom about the links between sunlight and health. Far beyond its role in vitamin D production, Seheult reveals how natural light exposure influences everything from mitochondrial function to immune resilience and cognitive decline. Dr Seheult describes a case study of a leukemia patient whos condition dramatically improved after sunlight exposure. Also discussed if the “Eight Pillars of Health”, why infrared light boosts cellular energy, limitations of vitamin D supplements in comparison to natural light and the links between circadian rhythms, mental health and light exposure. If you’re like me and prioritise nature-based therapies and herbs or if you’re curious about science behind holistic wellness you’ll enjoy this episode.  Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5FppGJEZweJBVEWoQdxvIQ?si=gN4JTnK0TIay7_CchBsyLQ

2. The Jess Rowe Big Talk Show - “Safe Space: What is it like to be a Mum in the bush, and feel completely alone?” Deeply moving | You’ll be in awe of rural mums Two of my favourite people caught up for a chat about the hidden realities of rural motherhood. Steph Trethewey - founder of Motherland Australia and Jess Rowe explore challenges and complexities of raising a family in rural and remote areas of Australia. Together these gorgeous women unpack the emotional toll of geographic isolation and lack of support, the absence of mother’s groups and mental health support in remote areas and Steph’s journey from moving to a remote Tassie farm to founding Motherland - an award winning national charity that supports and connects rural mothers across Australia and delivers services that reduce isolation and improve mental health outcomes. Steph leaves us with a good reminder, “It’s important to remember those tough moments, because if you don’t you start to take life for granted and you go back into the rat race and you make the same decisions… Life is short. Nothing is worth the pain. If you are not happy you need to find a way out - take the trip, talk to your partner, book the dinner and find joy.” Steph also shares some confronting statistics including “70% of rural mums say loneliness is the hardest part of parenting” and the obscene number of maternity services that have closed in rural areas over the past 20 years. Highly recommend you check out Motherland and find out how you support our valuable rural mums. Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2dIofcjQv1kEsx0h9iTHAL?si=11nzEIahTsqvrdD53i4dNA

   
   

3. Dietitian Connection – “From Family Meals to Nutrition Careers” Heartfelt ep about a father-daughter duo Dave Grotto and his daughter Madison are both accomplished dietitians. In this episode they reflect on how they got started in nutrition, including Dave’s 14 year old epiphany “Wow, what power I have in the recommendations I give people” while working at his parents health food store. The pair discuss the impact of early exposure to food culture and wellness how mentorship can shape career choices. Madison draws on the importance of communicating about nutrition well (part of my role in Be MindFull) saying “We really have an impact and people listen to us so I think it’s really important to make sure you’re collaborating and getting the best message that you can out there” Dave discusses the opportunities in the nutrition industry right now “Don’t blink because something else might come up that might be exciting for you because it is a dynamic profession that’s always changing”. Finally they close the podcast with some thought-provoking messages about the future of dietetics, “I’m excited about how we impact lives, just think about what our message is. It’s about nutrition. It’s about eating food. It’s fundamental for existence and it doesn’t mean that it just has to be boring. But I think that’s the exciting message that we have is that you can have your cake and eat it too!”  Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2kGOV7qZ0V5NvgKDxeYIyb?si=NemGmA2IQriAs_uY-7dF3w

4. Huberman Lab - “The Chemistry of Food & Taste with Dr. Harold McGee” Easy-to-understand science | will change the way you think about food You’ve heard of our five basic flavor profiles: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami, but have you considered the molecular magic or browning meat or how copper cookware changes the flavour? This podcast with renowned food scientist and author Dr. Harold McGee dives into how taste preferences evolve, why cultural expectations and food rituals influence what we enjoy and what your genetics have to do with your tastebuds. If you’re like me and interested in the role food plays in culture and the science of food this one is listen! Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/02OAt62uhBE4mTUriZyQZT?si=ekVfnQFSRZCPfX0T3McTpA
   

5. Feel Better, Live More with Dr Ragan Chatterjee - “The Art of Communication: How to Stay Calm, Connected and In Control During Life's Toughest Moments with Jefferson Fisher” Connecting & Communicating well Communication expert Jefferson Fisher unpacks the emotional undercurrents that often detail communication and shares tools and strategies to shift from reaction to reflection. Jefferson and Dr Chatterjee delve into the power of intentional breathing before speaking, how to “control the moment” with tone and timing, diffusing situations through “I can tell”, how silence can benefit tough conversations and three pillars of effective communication (clarity, empathy and presence). What I liked about this episode is that it’s not one sided about how to talk better. It’s about listening with intention, navigating conversations with grace and building deeper connections.  Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5cNK2ro109VT3RTRIMr543?si=97KvNPoNQVWEiXPCzbz0Ow

From the vulnerability of rural motherhood to the bold voices challenging norms, the episodes I was drawn to in July reminded me that storytelling isn’t just entertainment, it’s connection, courage, and community. I hope these conversations spark your curiosity and you can find time to reflect and ponder.  

Like always, I’m already curating a fantastic list for August. Many more leading industry  voices and thought provoking ideas to come! 

Until then - stay curious, keep learning. 

Take a moment to care for yourself:

If any of the stories or themes in this post have stirred difficult emotions, please know you're not alone. Support is available—reach out to Lifeline on 13 11 14 for free, confidential help 24/7.