Just As Well, The Women's Health Podcast

In this powerful episode of Just As Well, Claire Sanderson speaks to Tracy Hall — author, financial wellness advocate and senior marketing leader — about the devastating romance fraud that changed her life. After meeting a man through online dating, Tracy believed she had found love with a successful finance executive. Instead, she was drawn into an elaborate deception by one of Australia’s most notorious con men, who stole her life savings. Tracy shares how trust was built, the subtle warning signs she missed, and how she rebuilt her confidence after betrayal. The conversation also explores why women need to understand their finances, how financial vulnerability can show up in any relationship, and what practical steps we can all take to protect ourselves. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does chronic stress actually do to your body — and how can you start to feel better? In this episode of Just As Well, Claire Sanderson speaks to Nahid De Belgonne, founder of The Human Method, about nervous system dysregulation, burnout, cortisol overload and why so many women feel constantly overwhelmed. Nahid explains how stress can show up emotionally through irritability, impatience and reactivity, and physically through poor sleep, gut issues, inflammation, skin flare-ups and exhaustion. She also shares practical tools to help calm the body, including movement, breathwork and simple techniques to release stress before it builds up. In this conversation, they cover: - What a dysregulated nervous system actually is - Why modern life keeps us in survival mode - The emotional and physical signs of chronic stress - How cortisol affects the body - Why high-achieving women are particularly vulnerable to burnout - Practical ways to regulate your nervous system every day If you’ve been feeling frazzled, reactive, exhausted or like you can never properly switch off, this episode is for you. Subscribe to Just As Well for more conversations on women’s health, wellness and how to feel better. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How much are everyday products affecting your hormones? In this episode of Just As Well, Gemma Atkinson and Claire Sanderson speak to functional medicine health coach Kirsty Smith about endocrine disruptors hidden in fragrance, cleaning products, plastics, skincare, clothing, and even blue light. They discuss how these toxins may affect metabolism, periods, fertility, energy, sleep, and overall health — plus simple low-tox swaps you can start making today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Just As Well, Gemma Atkinson sits down with broadcaster, author and podcaster Angela Scanlon for a deeply honest conversation about motherhood, burnout and finding balance. Angela shares how she accidentally fell into television, the relentless drive that pushed her career forward, and the moment becoming a mother forced her to confront parts of herself she had been running from for years. In this episode, Angela opens up about her experience with eating disorder recovery, using work as a coping mechanism, and the seven years she spent in therapy learning how to rebuild her relationship with herself. Gemma and Angela also talk about: • The messy reality of motherhood • Work addiction and burnout • Raising confident daughters • Body image and growing up in the media spotlight • Wellness habits, gratitude and daily rituals • Why women need permission to fail and try again It’s a funny, warm and refreshingly honest conversation about ambition, healing and the pressure women carry — and why sometimes the best advice you can give your younger self is simply: you’ll be alright. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does “health span” really mean — beyond the buzzword? In this episode, we dive into autoimmunity, chronic inflammation and the everyday habits that can support long-term health in the real world. . We explore how inflammation shows up in ways many of us don’t recognise — from joint pain and fatigue to stress responses, sleep disruption and visceral fat. There’s a deep dive into the difference between acute and chronic stress, how stress can impact blood sugar (even without food), and why so many women may need to rethink how they approach fasting. . We also discuss: The lifestyle shifts that can support autoimmune conditions Fasting for women — and when it may not be appropriate Why muscle is critical for longevity, metabolic health and resilience Overtraining vs recovery Supplements — and why testing matters before adding anything new HRT, hormones and ageing Foods that may support long-term health (including some underrated staples) Plus, we look at emerging longevity tools, how biological age testing works, and why progress — not perfection — is a more sustainable approach to wellbeing. . Buy the books mentioned in this episode: The Anti-Ageing Zone by Dr Barry Sears - https://fave.co/4u1mLpH The Anti-Inflammation Zone by Dr Barry Sears - https://fave.co/4u6VOkm Fast Like a Girl by Mindy Pelz - https://fave.co/4b3bhck . This episode is for information and education only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your health or medication. . Hosts: https://www.instagram.com/glouiseatkinson/ https://www.instagram.com/clairesanderson/ Director of photography : https://www.instagram.com/edmundcurtiscine/ Wellness video producer: https://www.instagram.com/chelia.batkin/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jodie Ounsley may be known to millions as Gladiators’ Fury — powerful, fearless and unstoppable — but in this deeply honest conversation, she shares the strength that doesn’t come from the gym. . Joining Gemma Atkinson and Claire Sanderson on Just As Well, the Women’s Health UK podcast, Jodie opens up about losing her dad suddenly just weeks before performing on the Strictly Christmas Special. She reflects on navigating grief in the public eye and the emotional mountain challenge she’s taking on in his honour — carrying 56kg, one kilo for every year of his life. . Jodie also discusses: · Becoming the first deaf woman to represent a senior England rugby side · Growing up with a cochlear implant · Body confidence in women’s rugby · Switching between her Gladiators persona and her real self · Redefining what strength really means . A powerful, uplifting and deeply human episode about resilience, identity and vulnerability. . Hosts: https://www.instagram.com/glouiseatkinson/ https://www.instagram.com/clairesanderson/ Director of photography : https://www.instagram.com/edmundcurtiscine/ Wellness video producer: https://www.instagram.com/chelia.batkin/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if one simple supplement could support better sleep, stress resilience, cravings and energy — and most women aren’t getting enough of it? . Nutritionist and naturopath Rhian Stephenson joins Gemma Atkinson and Claire Sanderson on Just As Well to explain how to use supplements properly, starting with food first and adding targeted support only where it’s genuinely needed. . They discuss magnesium, vitamin D, creatine and electrolytes, how stress and life stage affect nutrient needs, and why supplements should complement — not replace — good nutrition, sleep and exercise. . A practical, science-led conversation for women who want to feel better without falling for wellness hype. . Hosts: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/glouiseatkinson/⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/clairesanderson/⁠ Wellness video producer: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/chelia.batkin/⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why does ADHD feel harder during perimenopause and menopause — and why does your brain suddenly feel so different? In this episode of Just As Well, Claire Sanderson and Gemma Atkinson are joined by menopause expert and Owning Your Menopause founder Kate Rowe-Ham to unpack how hormonal changes can amplify ADHD traits, brain fog, anxiety, overwhelm and emotional dysregulation in midlife. Kate shares her own late ADHD diagnosis alongside her experience of perimenopause, explaining why so many women feel dismissed, misdiagnosed or told they’re “just stressed” during this stage of life. Together, they explore the overlap between menopause, mental load and neurodiversity — and why understanding what’s happening in your body and brain is key to advocating for yourself. You’ll also hear practical, accessible advice on what actually helps: from tracking symptoms and navigating support, to lifestyle foundations like movement, strength training, nutrition and daily habits that support focus, mood and long-term health. Whether you’re in your late 30s, deep in perimenopause or post-menopause — and especially if you’re questioning ADHD or struggling to cope — this conversation will help you feel informed, validated and far less alone. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if almost everything you’ve been told about women’s fitness is wrong? . In this episode of Just As Well, hosts Gemma Atkinson and Claire Sanderson, Editor-in-Chief of Women’s Health UK, sit down with world-leading exercise physiologist and nutrition scientist Dr Stacey Sims. . This is a must-watch conversation for women who want to train smarter, feel stronger, and protect their long-term health. . Dr Sims breaks down the science of female physiology in a clear, practical way, explaining why women should stop shrinking male fitness plans — and what to do instead. From lifting heavy and rethinking cardio, to fuelling workouts properly and navigating perimenopause, this episode is packed with actionable advice you can start using immediately. . In this episode, you’ll learn: - Why strength training is non-negotiable for women — especially in midlife - How just two high-quality workouts a week can transform your body - Why fasted training can sabotage hormones, muscle, and fat loss - How your menstrual cycle affects performance, recovery, and hydration - The difference between true HIIT and “hard-ish” workouts - How lifting heavy can support brain health and reduce dementia risk - Why protein timing matters more than calories - The real benefits of creatine for women (strength, mood, bone & brain health) - How to train smarter through perimenopause and menopause . Whether you’re frustrated that your training “isn’t working anymore,” curious about optimising health after 40, or simply tired of fitness advice that wasn’t designed for women — this conversation will change how you think about exercise forever. . 🎧 Listen, subscribe, and share with a friend who needs this. . Hosts: https://www.instagram.com/glouiseatkinson/ https://www.instagram.com/clairesanderson/ Wellness video producer: https://www.instagram.com/chelia.batkin/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special reflective episode of Just As Well, Gemma Atkinson and Claire Sanderson look back on some of their favourite, most talked-about and eye-opening conversations from the podcast so far. . From longevity and strength at every age with world-leading orthopaedic surgeon Dr Vonda Wright, to sex therapist Kate Moyle breaking down what’s actually normal (and what’s not) when it comes to women’s sex lives, this episode revisits the expert advice that really stayed with us. . Gemma and Claire also relive powerful interviews with elite sports stars, including England football icon Lucy Bronze and heroic red Rose Ellie Kildunne, exploring mindset, resilience, confidence and what it truly takes to perform at the top of your game. . Whether you’re interested in health, hormones, relationships, performance or simply honest conversations about modern womanhood, this episode is a reminder of why these voices — and these stories — matter. . ✨ Listen back, reflect, and take something useful into your own life. Don’t forget to like, subscribe and share if you enjoy the conversation 💛 . Hosts: https://www.instagram.com/glouiseatkinson/ https://www.instagram.com/clairesanderson/ Wellness video producer: https://www.instagram.com/chelia.batkin/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Live from the AO Arena, before England’s netball test against New Zealand, we sat down with three World Cup-winning Red Roses: Amy Cokayne, Holly Aitchison and Mo Hunt for one of our most powerful episodes yet. We talk pressure, periods, and playing through pain. The ridiculous abuse they get online. Why looking different makes them stronger on the pitch. How they see their bodies not as objects but as tools. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kat Suchet - CEO & Founder of Hatch Athletic Ltd - joins us for an honest, evidence-based conversation about training during pregnancy, returning to fitness after birth, and the myths that still scare women away from movement. Kat is a women’s health physiotherapist, former CrossFit athlete and coach, and the creator of one of the UK’s leading pre- and postnatal strength programmes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices