Let's Be Real

In this episode of Let’s Be Real, I’m joined again by my sisters Amy and Tammy Hembrow for a very honest conversation about love, relationships, dating, and how social media has completely changed the way we connect with each other. We chat about everything from meeting people online versus in real life, the pressure of sharing relationships online, and whether social media has made it harder to trust in modern relationships. Tammy opens up about lessons she’s learned from past relationships, rebuilding trust, recognising red flags, and understanding the difference between love, lust, and being love-bombed. Plus, we share our biggest relationship red flags and green flags, what we look for in a partner, and the lessons we’ve learned as we’ve grown older. This one is a real sister chat — honest, uncensored, and full of conversations about love, heartbreak, growth, and what makes a relationship truly work. This episode also wraps up Season One of Let's Be Real. We'll take a quick break but return with Season Two! LINKS  Follow Emilee on Instagram (@emileehembrow) and TikTok (@emileehembrowofficial) Follow Tammy Hembrow on Instagram @tammyhembrow and TikTok Follow Amy Hembrow on Instagram @amy_isha_hembrow and TikTok Watch full episodes of Let's Be Real on YouTube Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind the scenes content – @novapodcastsofficial.  CREDITS Host: Emilee Hembrow Guests: Tammy Hembrow & Amy HembrowExecutive Producer: Damien Haffenden Recorded at: Pivotal Conversations Gold Coast  Find more great podcasts like this at novapodcasts.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, I'm chatting with model, TV presenter, mum and entrepreneur Rachael Finch. You might remember Rachael as Miss Universe Australia in 2009, or from her appearances on Dancing With The Stars, Celebrity MasterChef or Sunrise. Now she runs a wellness business and cafe with husband Michael. This is an an honest conversation about motherhood, wellness, body image, business, and what it really means to create a balanced life. Rachael opens up about her journey from the pressures of the modelling industry to finding a healthier relationship with food, fitness, and herself. She shares the lessons she’s learned around feeling healthy versus simply looking healthy, the importance of longevity, and why consistency will always matter more than quick fixes. We also delve into the realities of modern motherhood — from mum guilt and raising confident kids, to navigating social media judgement and staying grounded in your own values. Rachael also shares how meditation and mindfulness have transformed the way she manages the demands of parenting, running businesses, and showing up for herself. From her move from Sydney to the Gold Coast, to redefining success beyond external validation, Rachael shares the mindset shifts that have helped her create a life centred around health, connection, purpose, and presence. LINKS  Follow Emilee on Instagram (@emileehembrow) and TikTok (@emileehembrowofficial) Follow Rachael (@rachael_finch) on Instagram Check out Rachael's Kissed Earth range Watch full episodes of Let's Be Real on YouTube Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind the scenes content – @novapodcastsofficial.  CREDITS Host: Emilee Hembrow Guest: Rachael FinchExecutive Producer: Damien Haffenden Recorded at: Pivotal Conversations Gold Coast  Find more great podcasts like this at novapodcasts.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I've got my sisters back on the pod this week, and not only are we catching up on life, but we're delving deep into what people on social media get wrong about us. Tammy, Amy and I are breaking down the wrong assumptions people make about us, the real stories behind some of our viral social media posts, and Tammy opens up about her ADHD diagnosis. But there's so much more in this episode, so don't miss it. LINKS Follow Emilee on Instagram @emileehembrow and TikTok Follow Tammy Hembrow on Instagram @tammyhembrow and TikTok Follow Amy Hembrow on Instagram @amy_isha_hembrow and TikTok Watch full episodes of Let's Be Real on YouTube Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind the scenes content – @novapodcastsofficial. CREDITSHost: Emilee HembrowGuests: Amy and Tammy HembrowExecutive Producer: Damien HaffendenDigital Content Producer: Brittany BirtRecorded at: Pivotal Conversations Gold Coast  Find more great podcasts like this at novapodcasts.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, I sit down with 102.9 Hot Tomato radio host, podcaster and mum-of-two, Emily Jade O'Keefe, for a raw and honest chat about parenting in the age of social media. Emily opens up about why she believes devices are the bigger issue (not necessarily social media itself), and the strict rules she has in place around phones, bedrooms and monitoring apps. We also chat about how she juggled her early morning duties hosting the Gold Coast's #1 breakfast show while raising a family, handling multiple ADHD diagnoses in her family, and how she's instilling a solid work ethic in her daughter as they collaborate on a podcast. With 30 years' experience as a broadcaster, it was great to hear Emily's insights on women and mums in the media industry, and her pivot into social media and podcasting. LINKS  Follow Emilee on Instagram (@emileehembrow) and TikTok (@emileehembrowofficial) Follow Emily Jade (@emilyjadeokeeffe) on Instagram Listen to Emily Jade & Millie's podcast Move Over Mama Hear Emily Jade weekdays on the Gold Coast's 102.9 Hot Tomato  Watch full episodes of Let's Be Real on YouTube Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind the scenes content – @novapodcastsofficial.  CREDITS Host: Emilee Hembrow Guest: Emily Jade O'KeefeExecutive Producer: Damien Haffenden Recorded at: Pivotal Conversations Gold Coast  Find more great podcasts like this at novapodcasts.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Most mums are dealing with exhaustion and a lack of sleep these days and feeling like there's no end in sight. In this episode, I sit down with Australia’s leading sleep expert, Olivia Arezzolo, to unpack why so many of us are exhausted, wired, and waking up at 3am, and what we can actually do about it. Olivia shares her powerful personal story, from battling severe mental and physical health challenges as a teenager to rebuilding her life and becoming one of the most trusted voices in sleep, stress, and holistic health. This isn’t just a conversation about getting more rest. It’s about understanding your body, your hormones, and the hidden factors that could be quietly sabotaging your wellbeing. We dive deep into the science of sleep, covering everything from cortisol and melatonin to the real impact of stress, blue light, fasting, and alcohol on your sleep quality. Olivia also breaks down her “Five Fundamentals” for better sleep - simple, actionable strategies you can start implementing tonight, no matter how busy your life is. Whether you’re a busy mum, a high performer, or just someone who wants to feel better, clearer, and more energised, this episode is packed with insights that could genuinely change your nights (and your days). Information contained in this episode is general in nature and is not intended as medical advice. If you have concerns about ongoing sleep issues, consult your health professional. LINKS  Follow Emilee on Instagram (@emileehembrow) and TikTok (@emileehembrowofficial) Follow Olivia (@oliviaarezzolo) on Instagram Find out more about Olivia on her website Watch full episodes of Let's Be Real on YouTube Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind the scenes content – @novapodcastsofficial.  CREDITS Host: Emilee Hembrow Guest: Olivia ArezzoloExecutive Producer: Damien Haffenden Find more great podcasts like this at novapodcasts.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode deals with suicide, bullying and sexual abuse. Listener discretion is advised. Elsana Lower is a nurse, a mindset coach and a mum. In the last episode, she shared the raw reality of losing her teenage daughter Rylee to suicide following abuse and online bullying. In the deeply moving conclusion to our conversation, Elsana Lower explores the transformative power of forgiveness and the mindset required to survive the unimaginable. This episode dives into the mechanics of 'learning to live and grieve simultaneously', offering a roadmap for anyone sitting in the "depths of hell" and is searching for a reason to choose life. Elsana discusses how choosing forgiveness was not a gift to those who hurt her daughter, but a necessary disconnection to save her own life and release her attachment to their outcomes. She also talks about the importance of breaking self-isolation by showing up for social connections, even when your "social battery" feels empty, and using gratitude to retrain the brain to look for the "best part of the day," making it harder for the mind to dwell on the negative. Listen to Part One of this conversation here. SUPPORT:If this episode raises concerns for yourself or a loved one, help is available:Kids Helpline - 1800 55 1800 or https://kidshelpline.com.au/Lifeline - 13 11 14 or https://www.lifeline.org.au/Beyond Blue - https://www.beyondblue.org.au/RESOURCES:Online and social media info for parents: https://www.esafety.gov.au/parentsBullying support: https://dollysdream.org.au/help-and-support  LINKS  Follow Emilee on Instagram (@emileehembrow) and TikTok (@emileehembrowofficial) Follow Eslana (@eslanalower) on Instagram Listen to Eslana's podcast 'Why Mindset Matters' Check out Eslana's book 'Resilience After Great Loss' Watch full episodes of Let's Be Real on YouTube Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind the scenes content – @novapodcastsofficial.  CREDITS Host: Emilee Hembrow Guest: Eslana LowerExecutive Producer: Damien HaffendenRecorded at: Pivotal Conversations Gold Coast  Find more great podcasts like this at novapodcasts.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Natalie Bassingthwaighte is one of Australia's best-known entertainers, thanks to her years in musical theatre, starring role on soap Neighbours and fronting dance act Rogue Traders. This week, Nat joins me on Let’s Be Real for one of her most raw and honest conversations yet. After years in the spotlight, Natalie opens up about the story behind the headlines, and what it was really like to unravel the version of herself she had been living for so long. Natalie speaks candidly about juggling fame, motherhood, marriage, co-parenting, coming out later in life, and the terrifying but freeing process of choosing authenticity. She opens up about the moment that changed her life while performing in the stage production of Jagged Little Pill, the “electric” connection she felt when she met her now-fiancée Pip, and the reality of navigating such a deeply personal journey as the world watched. This is a conversation about heartbreak, healing, identity, blended families, public pressure, therapy, and learning to honour your heart. You can read more about Nat's story in her book Love Like This, which is out now. LINKS  Follow Emilee on Instagram (@emileehembrow) and TikTok (@emileehembrowofficial) Follow Natalie (@natbassingthwaighte) on Instagram Grab Natalie's book 'Love Like This' in stores now Check out the 'Love Like This' audiobook here Catch Nat live on tour with Rogue Traders Watch full episodes of Let's Be Real on YouTube Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind the scenes content – @novapodcastsofficial.  CREDITS Host: Emilee Hembrow Guest: Natalie BassingthwaighteExecutive Producer: Damien Haffenden Recorded at: Pivotal Conversations Gold Coast  Find more great podcasts like this at novapodcasts.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if trauma, grief and emotional pain don’t just live in your mind — but in the rest of your body too? Dr Sarah Jane is a chiropractor, holistic counsellor and founder of Spinal Energetics, a powerful approach to healing that works with the nervous system, the spine and the body’s stored emotional experiences. In this deeply honest conversation, Sarah discusses how she coped after experiencing five miscarriages. We talk openly about her fertility struggles, grief, resilience, and how the body processes trauma, as well as why healing isn’t something someone else “does” to you, but something your body already knows how to do. Sarah shares how the devastating losses, grief and unanswered questions that ultimately led her to create a healing method now used to help thousands of people around the world. We also discuss the connection between trauma and the body, and how emotional experiences can shape your nervous system for years. It's a raw and unfiltered conversation about loss, healing, and finding meaning after unimaginable pain. LINKS Follow Emilee on Instagram (@emileehembrow) and TikTok (@emileehembrowofficial) Follow Sarah (@drsarahjanechiro) on Instagram Watch full episodes of Let's Be Real on YouTube Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind the scenes content – @novapodcastsofficial. SUPPORT For immediate support in a crisis, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 More resources are available from Miscarriage Australia or Pink Elephants Support Network CREDITSHost: Emilee HembrowGuest: Dr Sarah JaneExecutive Producer: Damien HaffendenDigital Content Producer: Brittany BirtRecorded at: Pivotal Conversations Gold Coast  Find more great podcasts like this at novapodcasts.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this deeply honest and emotional episode of Let’s Be Real, I sit down with fitness coach, entrepreneur and mum of five, Chontel Duncan. From building a successful fitness empire with her high school sweetheart to raising five young children in a loud, love-filled home, Chontel shares what life really looks like behind the social media highlight reel. She also recounts the terrifying moment she found her two-year-old son at the bottom of their backyard pool and how instinct, CPR training and staying calm under pressure ultimately saved his life. But there's so much more to Chontel's story, and she'll be back for part two in the next episode. LINKS Follow Emilee on Instagram @emileehembrow and TikTok Follow Chontel on Instagram @chontelduncan Watch full episodes of Let's Be Real on YouTube Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind the scenes content – @novapodcastsofficial. CREDITSHost: Emilee HembrowGuest: Chontel DuncanExecutive Producer: Damien HaffendenDigital Content Producer: Brittany BirtRecorded at: Pivotal Conversations Gold Coast  Find more great podcasts like this at novapodcasts.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Let's Be Real - some important health advice for all women that I wish I'd known earlier. Sarah Percy is a Women's Health Physiotherapist who specialises in pelvic floor education. She has some valuable insights and advice when it comes to pregnancy, intimacy, bladder weakness and so much more. We even chat about the shaming she received online after revealing she was having a cesarean. When we sat down to record this, we were joined on the couch by Sarah's then- The advice contained in this episode is general in nature and may not be suitable for applicable for everyone. Consult your own physician or physiotherapist for tailored advice. LINKS Follow Emilee on Instagram @emileehembrow and TikTok Follow Sarah on Instagram @femalephysiosarah More info on Female Physio Co Watch full episodes of Let's Be Real on YouTube Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind the scenes content – @novapodcastsofficial. CREDITSHost: Emilee HembrowGuests: Amy and Tammy HembrowExecutive Producer: Damien HaffendenDigital Content Producer: Brittany BirtRecorded at: Pivotal Conversations Gold Coast  Find more great podcasts like this at novapodcasts.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you're like me, you probably got a bottle of Who Is Elijah in your purse, but the story behind the brand is as amazing as the fragrance itself. Raquel Bouris was working a 9-5 corporate job when she stumbled across this phenomenal scent, and decided to build a business around it. She's gone from bottling in her lounge room to a million-dollar global brand.  This week, Raquel reveals to me exactly what it took to make the business a success while juggling being a mum, the truth about working with her husband on a daily basis, her lessons in personal and business failure, and her thoughts on whether women can have it all. LINKS Follow Emilee on Instagram (@emileehembrow) and TikTok (@emileehembrowofficial) Follow Rory (@rorywarnock_) on Instagram Grab Rory's book 'Unlock Your Breath' Listen to Rory's breathwork sessions on Spotify Watch full episodes of Let's Be Real on YouTube Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind the scenes content – @novapodcastsofficial. CREDITSHost: Emilee HembrowGuest: Raquel BourisExecutive Producer: Damien HaffendenDigital Content Producer: Brittany Birt Find more great podcasts like this at novapodcasts.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this raw and deeply honest conversation, Zoe Marshall speaks to Emilee about hitting rock bottom, then finding a way back to life. From surviving abuse, embracing grief and redefining manifestation as a grounded, embodied practice, Zoe shares what real healing looks like when you don’t bypass the pain. Together, Emilee and Zoe explore motherhood, and raising emotionally intelligent children while still healing yourself. This episode serves as a powerful reminder that growth doesn’t come from positivity alone, but from feeling it all. LINKS Follow Emilee on Instagram (@emileehembrow) and TikTok (@emileehembrowofficial) Follow Zoe (@zoebmarshall) on Instagram More on Ariise Listen to Zoe's podcasts Ariise and The Deep Watch full episodes of Let's Be Real on YouTube Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind the scenes content – @novapodcastsofficial. SUPPORT For immediate support in a crisis, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 More resources are available from Beyond Blue CREDITSHost: Emilee HembrowGuest: Zoe MarshallExecutive Producer: Damien HaffendenDigital Content Producer: Brittany Birt Find more great podcasts like this at novapodcasts.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week I'm thrilled to be joined by one of the OG Instagram influencers and the woman behind the gorgeous Babyccino Bear range - Hannah Polites. As a mum of four herself, she knows the struggle of juggling kids, a growing business and a massive online audience. In this episode we unpack just how her Insta-fame began, the challenges of balancing family and business, and our common enemy - laundry! LINKS Follow Emilee on Instagram (@emileehembrow) and TikTok (@emileehembrowofficial) Follow Hannah (@hannahpolites) on Instagram Check out Babyccino Bear Watch full episodes of Let's Be Real on YouTube Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind the scenes content – @novapodcastsofficial. CREDITSHost: Emilee HembrowGuest: Ashy BinesExecutive Producer: Damien HaffendenDigital Content Producer: Brittany Birt Find more great podcasts like this at novapodcasts.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.