Women & Wellbeing with Natalie Anderson

TW: This episode contains discussion around eating disorders. In this episode of Women & Wellbeing, Natalie Anderson is joined by author and psychology practitioner Elle Mace, for a powerful, thought-provoking and deeply informative conversation about disordered eating and the complex relationship we have with food, our bodies and our sense of self. Elle shares her personal journey with an eating disorder, opening up about the steps she took towards recovery and the importance of understanding the deeper issues that can underpin our relationship with food. Her experiences have helped shape her approach to supporting others, explored further in her debut book, Food Freedom. Together, Natalie and Elle explore the prevalence of disordered eating among entrepreneurs, high-performing athletes and individuals who experience intense pressure to achieve. They discuss how perfectionism, high expectations and the desire for control can sometimes become entangled with food, exercise and body image. They also examine the links between neurodiversity and eating disorders, highlighting the importance of understanding individual experiences and recognising that there is no single explanation or pathway when it comes to disordered eating. The conversation then turns to the impact our language and behaviours around food can have on children. How often do we label foods as ‘good’ or ‘bad’ without considering the messages this sends? Elle and Natalie explore the importance of being mindful of the language we use, the attitudes we model and the relationship with food we help shape for the next generation. They also tackle the rise of SkinnyTok, the harmful influence of social media diet culture and the growing conversation around GLP-1 medications, including their inappropriate use for weight loss. In a world where restrictive eating and unrealistic body ideals can be disguised as wellness, they discuss the importance of questioning what we see online and recognising the potential consequences of chasing a particular body shape. Finally, Natalie and Elle discuss the challenges of midlife body changes and how shifts in weight, hormones and body composition can trigger or exacerbate disordered eating behaviours. At a time when women may already be navigating significant physical and emotional changes, this conversation highlights the importance of self-compassion, support and moving away from the pressure to control or fight our bodies. ✨ In this episode, we explore: Elle’s personal journey with an eating disorder and the steps she took towards recovery Elle’s debut book, Food Freedom, and the importance of building a healthier relationship with food Understanding the difference between disordered eating and eating disorders Why entrepreneurs, high achievers and elite athletes may be vulnerable to disordered eating patterns The relationship between neurodiversity and eating disorders How perfectionism, pressure and the need for control can influence our relationship with food The impact of our language around food on children and the next generation Why labelling foods as ‘good’ or ‘bad’ can influence how we think and feel about eating The rise of SkinnyTok and the impact of social media on body image and diet culture GLP-1 medications, their growing popularity and concerns around inappropriate use How midlife weight changes can trigger or intensify disordered eating behaviours Challenging unrealistic body ideals and learning to approach ourselves with greater compassion Why we need more open, honest conversations about eating disorders and recovery This is an incredibly important conversation for anyone who has struggled with their relationship with food, felt pressure to change their body, or questioned the messages we receive about what we should look like and how we should eat. It is also a reminder of the responsibility we all share in shaping healthier attitudes towards food and body image, particularly for younger generations. By becoming more mindful of our language, challenging harmful narratives and recognising the complexity behind disordered eating, we can begin to create a more compassionate and supportive environment for ourselves and others. Because our relationship with food is about so much more than what is on our plates. It is connected to our emotions, experiences, environment and the expectations we place upon ourselves. 🎧 Tune in to Women & Wellbeing with Natalie Anderson for an honest, eye-opening and thought-provoking conversation about eating disorders, recovery, neurodiversity, diet culture and the pressures women face around food and body image. Connect with Elle: Instagram: @iamellemace Discover Elle’s debut book: Food Freedom For more wellbeing and lifestyle visit The Capsule at www.thecapsule.co.uk Get involved with our community and join us on Instagram & YouTube Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Women & Wellbeing, Natalie Anderson is joined by Dr Brooke Vandermolen, widely known as The OBGYN Mum, for an insightful and empowering conversation about women’s gynaecological health, breaking down taboos and separating medical facts from the myths and misinformation that so often surround women’s bodies. As an obstetrician and gynaecologist, Dr Brooke is using her platform to make women’s healthcare more accessible, helping women better understand their bodies, feel more confident asking questions and make informed decisions about their health. Together, Natalie and Brooke tackle subjects that are often misunderstood or left unspoken, highlighting why open, honest conversations about gynaecological health are so important. A particularly important part of the conversation focuses on consent during gynaecological examinations and how healthcare professionals can help women feel safe, respected and in control during appointments. Brooke discusses the importance of clear communication, understanding what to expect and ensuring women feel empowered to ask questions and express their concerns. They also explore the often-subtle symptoms of ovarian cancer, discussing the importance of recognising changes in your body and seeking medical advice when something doesn’t feel right. The conversation serves as a valuable reminder that understanding our bodies and knowing when to seek help can make a real difference. From pregnancy and birth options to understanding what happens to our cycles and wombs during perimenopause and menopause, this episode is packed with expert insight, practical information and advice to help women feel more informed at every stage of life. In this episode, we explore: Breaking the taboos surrounding women’s health and why we need to talk more openly about gynaecology Dr Brooke’s mission to challenge myths and misinformation surrounding women’s reproductive health The importance of consent during gynaecological examinations and how to feel more confident and in control during appointments How healthcare professionals can create a more reassuring and supportive experience for women The subtle symptoms of ovarian cancer and the importance of recognising changes in your body When to seek medical advice if you notice unusual or persistent symptoms Pregnancy and birth pathways, including the options available to women and what to consider when making informed decisions Understanding your menstrual cycle and what to expect from your body throughout your reproductive years What happens to your cycle and womb during perimenopause and menopause How knowledge and open conversations can empower women to advocate for their health This is an incredibly informative episode for women at every stage of life, whether you’re navigating pregnancy, trying to understand your menstrual cycle, approaching perimenopause or menopause, or simply wanting to feel more confident when discussing your gynaecological health. Dr Brooke reminds us that knowledge is power when it comes to our bodies. By breaking the silence, challenging misinformation and encouraging women to ask questions, we can help create a world where no woman feels embarrassed, dismissed or afraid to seek the healthcare she deserves. This episode is a must-listen! Join Natalie Anderson and Dr Brooke Vandermolen for an honest, enlightening and empowering conversation that will leave you feeling more informed about your body and better equipped to take charge of your gynaecological health. Connect with Dr Brooke: Instagram: @theobgynmum Get The Book: Bloody Powerful by Brooke Vandermolen For more wellbeing and lifestyle visit The Capsule at www.thecapsule.co.uk Get involved with our community and join us on Instagram & YouTube Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Women & Wellbeing, Natalie Anderson is joined by Intergrative Practitioner and Author Liberty Mills, for an inspiring and insightful conversation about her personal journey with lupus, fertility, and the transformative power of taking a holistic approach to health and wellbeing. Diagnosed with lupus in her early 30s, Liberty’s personal health journey led her to explore functional medicine and the many factors that influence our overall health. Her experience inspired a career change, leading her to become a Certified Integrative Health and Nutrition Coach, supporting individuals and couples on their journeys towards better health and fertility. Liberty shares how adopting a 360 approach to wellbeing helped her optimise her health and conceive, and how this experience shaped her philosophy towards supporting others. She is also the author of 360 Fertility: A Twelve-Week Plan for Optimising Your Chance of Conception, a practical guide that encourages readers to look beyond individual symptoms and consider the bigger picture when it comes to reproductive health. Together, Natalie and Liberty explore the role of functional medicine in supporting those with autoimmune conditions, the importance of understanding the underlying factors that can influence our health, and how nutrition, lifestyle, stress management and emotional wellbeing can all contribute to a more integrated approach to self-care. They also discuss the importance of mindfulness in our everyday lives, making conscious choices about our health, and learning to listen to our bodies. Liberty’s story is a powerful reminder of the value of taking an active role in our wellbeing and recognising that sometimes we need to look beyond individual symptoms to understand the bigger picture. In this episode, we explore: * Liberty’s personal journey with lupus and how it transformed her approach to health * Her experience of navigating fertility and conceiving * The power of a 360 approach to health and wellbeing * How functional medicine approaches autoimmune conditions * The connection between nutrition, lifestyle, stress and overall health * Liberty’s book, 360 Fertility, and the inspiration behind it * How Liberty applies an integrative approach when supporting her clients * The importance of mindfulness and being more present in our daily lives * Taking ownership of your health and making informed choices about your wellbeing This is an empowering conversation for anyone interested in women’s health, fertility, autoimmune conditions and the connection between mind and body. Whether you are navigating your own health challenges, exploring fertility, or simply looking to understand your body better, Liberty’s insights offer a fresh perspective on the importance of looking at health as a whole. Connect with Liberty: Instagram: @mills.liberty Discover Liberty’s book: 360 Fertility: A Twelve-Week Plan for Optimising Your Chance of Conception For more wellbeing and lifestyle visit The Capsule at www.thecapsule.co.uk Get involved with our community and join us on Instagram & YouTube Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Women & Wellbeing, Natalie Anderson welcomes back nutritionist and author Karen Newby to discuss her brand new book, The Post-Menopause Method, and explore how nutrition can help women navigate life after menopause, support healthy ageing and lay the foundations for a longer, healthier life. With her expertise in women’s health and nutrition, Karen encourages women to rethink the way we approach our years post-menopause, shifting the focus from simply managing symptoms to embracing this stage of life as an opportunity to invest in our long-term health and longevity. Together, Natalie and Karen explore how the choices we make today, particularly around nutrition and lifestyle, can influence how we feel, function and age in the years ahead. Natalie and Karen also discuss the overwhelming amount of health advice we encounter on social media, where controversy and sensational claims can often attract more attention than balanced, evidence-based information. They explore how this constant stream of conflicting messages can leave women feeling confused about their health and why it is so important to know where to turn for reliable advice. The conversation then turns to the relationship between nutrition, mood and cognitive function. From supporting brain health and maintaining mental sharpness as we age to exploring the foods that may help us navigate mood swings, Karen explains why what we eat matters. They discuss how small, achievable changes to our daily diets can support not only how we feel today, but also our long-term health, vitality and quality of life. In this episode, we explore: * Karen’s new book, The Post-Menopause Method, and her approach to healthy ageing * Why post-menopause is an important opportunity to invest in our future health and longevity * How nutrition and lifestyle choices can support healthy ageing and long-term wellbeing * The dangers of social media health misinformation and controversial wellness claims * How to navigate conflicting nutritional advice and find trustworthy information * The connection between nutrition and cognitive function * How food can support brain health and mental sharpness as we age * Mood food: exploring the foods and nutrients that may help support mood and emotional wellbeing * The relationship between nutrition, menopause and mood swings * How simple, sustainable dietary changes can support long-term health, vitality and quality of life * Taking a proactive approach to wellbeing to help us feel our best for longer This is an insightful conversation for any woman who wants to feel more informed, confident and empowered when it comes to her health. Karen reminds us that longevity isn’t simply about living longer; it’s about supporting our health, maintaining our independence and enjoying a better quality of life as we age. Looking after ourselves doesn’t have to involve complicated routines, expensive wellness trends or restrictive diets. Sometimes, the most meaningful changes begin with the food on our plates and the information we choose to trust. Connect with Karen: Instagram: @karen.newby.nutritionist Discover Karen’s book: The Post-Menopause Method For more wellbeing and lifestyle visit The Capsule at www.thecapsule.co.uk Get involved with our community and join us on Instagram & YouTube Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this highly emotive episode of Women & Wellbeing, actor, producer and breast cancer campaigner Victoria Ekanoye is joined by her mum, Candy, for a deeply moving conversation about resilience, family and using personal experience to create change. As both breast cancer survivors, Victoria and Candy share their experience of navigating diagnosis, treatment and the steady steps towards recovery whilst for bolstering each other with strength and support. Together, they reflect on how their shared experience opened up important conversations around women’s health, vulnerability and the power of the mother–daughter relationship during life’s most difficult moments. The conversation also explores the wider disparities that exist in cancer care for Black women around the world. Victoria and Candy speak candidly about why awareness, early detection and representation matter — and why challenging silence and stigma around cancer remains an essential part of their advocacy. Victoria is currently fronting the award winning documentary Shades of Survival, which shines a light on how breast cancer is experienced and treated across different countries and cultures. Through the project, she is helping to amplify global conversations around equity in healthcare and access to life-saving support. Alongside their work with Prevent Breast Cancer, the pair are also lobbying the UK government for greater awareness and policy change — ensuring that women’s voices, experiences and outcomes are better represented in cancer care. Later in the conversation we discuss Victoria’s gradual return to on-screen work following treatment, including her role in the Paramount Plus smash hit 'Girl Taken', and how creativity, purpose and storytelling have been part of her healing journey alongside being a mother to her young son Theo. Together, we discuss: – Surviving breast cancer as mother and daughter – The power of family support during illness – Disparities in cancer care for Black women globally – Cultural perceptions and stigma around cancer – Advocacy, awareness and policy change – Opening up intergenerational conversations around women’s health – Returning to creativity and career after illness This episode is a story of survival, love and determination — and a reminder that personal stories have the power to shift awareness, challenge systems and inspire change. For more wellbeing and lifestyle visit The Capsule at www.thecapsule.co.uk Get involved with our community and join us on Instagram & YouTube Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.