Tess Talks

Peptides are everywhere right now — but what actually are they, do they work, and what are the risks nobody’s talking about? This week on Tess Talks, Tess sits down with Lucas Aoun, biohacker, naturopath and supplement formulator, for a deep dive into peptides, dopamine, nootropics, brain fog, burnout, blood testing, social media overstimulation and the modern habits potentially destroying our energy, focus and motivation. Lucas also breaks down hidden nutrient deficiencies, liver health, nervous system regulation and the biohacks he personally uses to optimise performance, productivity and longevity.In this episode:Everything you need to know about peptidesThe biggest peptide mistakes people are makingThe hidden risks & dangers of peptidesGLP-1s, fat loss injections & weight loss cultureNootropics for focus, productivity, confidence & brain fogDopamine addiction, porn & social media overstimulationWhy so many people feel exhausted, flat & burnt outBlood test myths + the markers you should actually checkThe hidden supplement deficiencies impacting your healthWhy “normal” blood work doesn’t always mean optimalThe liver health blindspot most people overlookGut health, serotonin & nervous system regulationBiohacking tools for sleep, recovery & cognitive performanceAI, modern life & why authenticity matters more than everAs always, this episode is designed to ignite curiosity and is not medical advice. Please consult your healthcare practitioner before making changes to your health routine.Follow Lucas: @ergogenic_healthLearn more: boostyourbiology.comFollow me on Instagram: @tess.shanahan & @tesstalksofficial Follow me on TikTok: @tessshanahanFollow me on YouTube: TessShanahan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tess sits down with her husband Shaun for a candid, unfiltered couples Q&A, with questions submitted by you, the listeners - covering everything from communication and conflict, to finances, parenting and the conversations most couples avoid.They also open up about one of the most misunderstood topics in modern relationships — prenups (or financial agreements), and why they believe it’s less about distrust yet more about clarity, protection and having the hard conversations early.From balancing a young family with ambitious careers, to managing money as a couple, this episode offers a grounded, real look into what it actually takes to build a strong, lasting partnership.In the episode:How to maintain and “optimise” a long-term relationshipThe role of communication, transparency and shared valuesWhat actually makes relationships last (and what breaks them)Navigating conflict and handling things that annoy youGrowing together in business, life and personal developmentThe truth about prenups — and why they’re so misunderstoodHow to manage finances as a coupleBalancing a young family with career and ambitionWhy routines, roles and support matter more than you thinkThe importance of appreciating the “season” you’re inThis episode is sponsored by Chief, clean, high-protein snacks made with real, grass-fed ingredients and no fillers. Use code TESSTALKS for 20% off.www.wearechief.comFollow Shaun: @shaunwilson29Follow me on Instagram: @tess.shanahan & @tesstalksofficial Follow me on TikTok: @tessshanahanFollow me on YouTube: TessShanahan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feeling a little off track, stuck, or disconnected from the version of you you know you can be? This is your 5-minute reset. Grab a pen, your journal and 5 minutes of uninterrupted you time. Mimi Bouchard breaks down a simple but powerful way to reconnect with your future self.If you’ve set big goals for 2026 but don’t feel fully there yet… this is the pep talk (and practical tool) you need to come back to yourself.In this 5-minute activation, you’ll learn:How to define your “future self frequency”The 3–5 emotions that can shift your entire stateHow to layer and embody that energy in real timeA simple way to reset when you feel out of alignmentSave this, come back to it, and use it whenever you need to reset your energy and step back into the version of you you’re building.Because your future self isn’t something you chase… it’s something you choose.Buy Mimi's book: HereDownload the ACTIVATIONS app: Here Follow me on Instagram: @tess.shanahan & @tesstalksofficial Follow me on TikTok: @tessshanahanFollow me on YouTube: TessShanahan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hormones aren’t static, they shift throughout the month. Yet most of us were never taught how our cycle actually works, or how nutrition can support it.Tess sits down with Melissa Kovacevic, founder of The Seed Cycle and a practitioner in functional nutrition, to explore the growing conversation around seed cycling — a food-first ritual that aligns nutrition with the different phases of a woman’s cycle.Online, women are claiming seed cycling has helped reduce PMS, improve hormonal acne, support fertility, and bring more awareness to their cycle. But what’s actually happening in the body, and what does the current science say?In this episode we cover:• What seed cycling is and how it works• The four phases of the menstrual cycle explained• Why women’s hormones are cyclical (not linear)• How nutrients in seeds may support hormone balance• Seed cycling and fertility — what we know so far• Hormonal acne and what may be driving it• Coming off the pill and reconnecting with your cycle• The role of nervous system health in hormone balance• Reducing endocrine-disrupting chemicals in everyday life• Practical ways to support your cycle through food and lifestyleMentioned in the episode:The Seed Cycle WebsiteUse code TESSTALKS for 15% off your first purchaseFollow @the_seed_cycleBuy Mels’ Book ‘Seeds of Sisterhood’: HereFollow me on Instagram: @tess.shanahan & @tesstalksofficial Follow me on TikTok: @tessshanahanFollow me on YouTube: TessShanahan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if healing doesn’t always start with talking? Tess sits down with sound healer and breathwork facilitator Jadyen McGrath to explore how frequency, breath and nervous system regulation can support mental health in a modern world that rarely slows down. Jadyen shares his personal experience with depression, how therapy supported him, and why discovering breathwork and sound became a turning point in his healing.They explore how sound works physiologically in the body, why certain frequencies can ground or energise you, and what happens when the body finally feels safe enough to release stored stress.In the episode: • Jadyen’s experience with depression and finding healing through therapy, breathwork and sound • How sound impacts the nervous system and vagus nerve • Grounding vs activating frequencies (and when to use each) • The difference between live sound, speakers and binaural beats • Can music lyrics affect your psyche? • Why silence feels uncomfortable in modern life • Trauma release and emotional responses during sound healing • What Jadyen learned from Indigenous cultures and traditional songlines • Practical breath techniques you can use daily • How to regulate your nervous system in just a few minutesFollow Jayden: @jaydenmcgrath_Follow Jaydens’ App: @next_step_collectiveFollow me on Instagram: @tess.shanahan & @tesstalksofficial Follow me on TikTok: @tessshanahanFollow me on YouTube: TessShanahan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Tess Talks, Tess sits down with Annabel Karmel, one of the world’s most trusted voices in children’s nutrition and the author of over 50 books that have helped millions of families feed their kids with confidence.Annabel shares the deeply personal story behind her career — from the devastating loss of her first daughter to building a global food and wellness brand rooted in helping parents feel calm, informed, and empowered at the table.This is a real, honest conversation about feeding babies and toddlers without the pressure, guilt, or constant second-guessing.In this episode:Natasha’s storyWhy feeding kids feels so hard — and why it’s not your faultBaby-led weaning vs purées (and why doing both often works best)Finger foods, gagging vs choking, and how to feed with confidenceWhen to start weaning — and why flexibility mattersAllergies, eczema, and why early exposure can be protectiveThe truth about fussy eaters (spoiler: it’s often genetic)Why bland food isn’t the answer — and how flavour builds adventurous eatersIron, healthy fats, protein & what babies actually need from six monthsSensible snacking, lunchbox swaps & real-life food winsHow to take the pressure off mealtimes and stop power strugglesParenting guilt, trusting your intuition, and letting go of perfectionThis episode is for new parents, parents-to-be, and anyone who’s ever felt anxious, confused, or overwhelmed by feeding advice,  especially in the age of social media.Mentioned:Annabel Karmel Books: hereAnnabel Karmel App: hereGROW tableware range: hereFollow Annabel: @annabelkarmelFollow me on Instagram: @tess.shanahan & @tesstalksofficial Follow me on TikTok: @tessshanahanFollow me on YouTube: TessShanahan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gut health is everywhere — IBS, inflammation, leaky gut, food fear — yet so many of us still feel confused, bloated, exhausted, and unsure where to even begin.In this episode, Tess sits down with board-certified gastroenterologist and bestselling author Dr Will Bulsiewicz for the release of his new book Plant-Powered Plus. Together, they unpack why inflammation has become one of the biggest health issues of our time — and why the solution might be far simpler (and more hopeful) than we’ve been led to believe.Will explains why the gut microbiome is the command centre for human health, how 70% of the immune system lives in the gut, and what’s actually happening when people say they feel “inflamed.” They dive into IBS, leaky gut (aka increased intestinal permeability), histamine intolerance, chronic fatigue, bloating, hormonal symptoms, and why so many women feel dismissed when their tests come back “normal.”This conversation cuts through wellness noise and extremes — from restrictive diets to supplement overload — and brings things back to basics: food quality over food rules, consistency over perfection, and simple daily habits that genuinely support healing.In the episode:Why inflammation is so widespread in modern lifeThe real science behind leaky gut and IBSHow ultra-processed foods quietly disrupt the microbiomeWhy fiber helps some people — and hurts others (and how to approach it safely)The four pillars of a gut-healing dietWhy fermented foods aren’t for everyoneThe surprising gut benefits of coffee ☕How morning light, routine, and circadian rhythm affect digestion and energyWhy healing doesn’t have to be complicated — and can begin quicklyThis episode is empowering, practical, and deeply reassuring — especially if you’ve ever felt stuck in a loop of symptoms, restriction, or overwhelm.Healing is possible. And it often starts in the gut.Find more here:Purchase ‘Plant Powered Plus’ HereFollow Dr Will Bulsiewicz: @theguthealthmdFollow me on Instagram: @tess.shanahan & @tesstalksofficial Follow me on TikTok: @tessshanahanFollow me on YouTube: TessShanahan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the year comes to a close, this solo episode is a gentle pause — a moment to reflect, recalibrate, and intentionally step into the season ahead.This year has held immense polarity: expansion and contraction, joy and grief, certainty and surrender. In this episode, Tess reflects on the lessons, growth, and quiet moments that shaped the past year, while offering a grounded and soulful approach to welcoming the new one.Rather than leaning into the typical “new year, new you” narrative, this conversation is about alignment over pressure — closing chapters with intention, reconnecting to your inner compass, and creating space for what’s next.Tess shares her personal practices for:Reflecting on the year that’s passed through journalling and compassionate self-inquiryThe importance of symbolic closure and why it matters for emotional and energetic clarityHow she sets goals rooted in identity, values, and how she wants to feel — not just what she wants to achieveHer manifestation process, combining meditation with intuitive journallingHow vision boards can act as visual anchors for the life you’re consciously buildingThis episode is an invitation to slow down, release what no longer belongs in the next chapter, and step into the new year feeling grounded, clear, and aligned — without hustle, urgency, or reinvention.If you’re craving a more meaningful way to welcome the year ahead, this episode is for you.Follow me on Instagram: @tess.shanahan & @tesstalksofficial Follow me on TikTok: @tessshanahanFollow me on YouTube: TessShanahan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this practical and personal episode, Tess sits down with her husband Shaun to unpack what high-performance really looks like, not just in business, but in life, leadership and long-term relationships.From building one of Australia’s most successful consumer brands, Bondi Sands, to navigating marriage, parenthood and loss, this conversation explores the habits, mindset shifts and communication tools that sustain momentum through seasons of growth, pressure and change. Together, Tess and Shaun share how clarity, curiosity and consistency can shape both professional success and a strong, connected partnership.In this episode:What “Big, Hairy, Audacious Goals” really mean, and why long-term thinking mattersHow to break big goals down into executable behaviours and daily habitsWhy focus beats hustle, and why fewer goals lead to better outcomesThe role of curiosity in innovation, leadership and personal growthBuilding high-performance cultures through clarity, candour and trustDelegation, energy management and knowing where your highest impact liesWhy routines, sleep, fitness and organisation underpin sustainable successHow high-performance habits translate into strong relationshipsTreating your partnership like a team — supporting each other through different seasonsPractical communication tools for alignment, including mirroring and weekly check-insThe importance of values, long-term vision and evolving together over timeThis episode is a powerful reminder that success isn’t just about what you achieve — it’s about how you live, lead and love along the way. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After a whirlwind year of weddings, travel, motherhood and heartbreak, Tess is finally back in the studio for a long-awaited solo chat. Fresh off her honeymoon and settling back into life in Melbourne, she opens up about the emotional contrasts of 2025, the joy of marriage and family, and the profound grief of losing her mum.In this episode, Tess gets raw, honest but also offers some candid discussions on her honeymoon recap, wellness, routines, and all the little rituals helping her feel grounded again. She answers your most-asked questions, shares the practical hacks she’s loving, and brings you behind the scenes of what life really looks like right now.IN THIS EPISODE:A full life update post-honeymoon and how Tess has been feeling returning homeWhy she and Shaun aren’t rushing baby number two (but it’s on the horizon)Travelling with a baby — what worked, what didn’t, and the toys that saved themWhy ages 1–3 can be the hardest time to travel (and why it’s still worth it)The emotional reality of her mum’s cancer diagnosisNavigating caretaking, denial, decision-making and rapid declineThe heartbreaking timing around the wedding and rushing homeWhat grief feels like right now and the metaphysical comfort she’s foundThe “rock in your pocket” analogy from Jay Shetty and why it resonatedHow routine is grounding her: slow mornings, movement, simple pleasuresThe wellness habits she’s prioritising for the rest of 2024How she uses ChatGPT to structure her day, meals, supplements and even her pre-wedding glow-upCurrent training routine: lower cortisol workouts, more strength & PilatesHormone-aligned training (why she doesn’t run on her period anymore)Screen-time boundaries and the device that locks her apps at 7:30pmThe peptide stack she’s using now that she’s stopped breastfeedingRed light therapy, sauna routines and creating a consistent weekly rhythmThe sentimental ritual she’s obsessed with: journaling for RomeeThe unexpected gift found in her mum’s apartment — decades of her journalsWhy she’s focusing on slowness, softness and gentleness to end the yearThe Tess Talks “diary entry” message for this week: being kinder to yourselfFollow me on Instagram: @tess.shanahan & @tesstalksofficial Follow me on TikTok: @tessshanahanFollow me on YouTube: TessShanahan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Planning a wedding and don’t know where to start? In this episode, Tess sits down with Brittney from Nuptial Collective; the creative team behind Tess and Shaun’s four-day Beverly Hills celebration, to share practical, actionable tips for planning the perfect wedding, no matter your budget or location.Together they unpack the real steps of wedding planning: when to book suppliers, what a wedding planner actually does, how to choose your venue, how to build a guest experience people remember, and the small styling choices that make the biggest impact. They also break down destination wedding logistics, timelines, budgeting mistakes to avoid, and how to design a wedding aesthetic that feels timeless and true to you.Whether you’re newly engaged, drowning in Pinterest boards, or trying to plan without a planner, this episode is filled with expert insights, emotional guidance, and behind-the-scenes detail from Tess’ own multi-day LA wedding.Show notes:Tess chats with Brittney from Nuptial Collective about wedding planning, guest experience and how to bring a vision to life.What a wedding planner really handles — logistics, timelines, sourcing, styling, and full on-the-day execution.Why hiring a planner frees couples to enjoy the emotional moments instead of the admin.The importance of connection and trust between planner and couple.How Tess moved from a Byron wedding to Beverly Hills Hotel and why destination weddings can be magic.Planning an overseas wedding with a nine-month timeline and mixing Australian + LA suppliers effectively.Breakdown of Tess and Shaun's multi-day events: family dinner, rooftop welcome party, wedding day, and recovery pool party.Using touchpoints, stationery, gifting, and music to create a cohesive experience for guests.Designing an aesthetic based on lifestyle over trends and weaving storytelling through each event.Music as a design tool — from Sinatra-style live sets to disco & late-night high-energy moments.Practical planning order: book planner, venue, photographer/videographer, then celebrant.Ideal planning timeline, budgeting challenges, and using spreadsheets to stay organised.Why intentional elements matter more than trends or unnecessary décor.Small high-impact touchpoints: personalised notes, welcome gift bags, Polaroid guest book moments.Tess’ advice on staying grounded and present on the day, including meditation and going phone-free.How pre-planning logistics like touch-ups, handbags and run sheets prevent stress and help you stay in the moment.Episode Sponsor:This episode is brought to you by Vorfreude Stationary, timeless keepsakes and personalised gifts. Every piece made with love, care, and a deep passion for celebrating life’s most meaningful moments. Discount code for listeners: 15% off storewide, use TESSTALKS15 Follow @thenuptialcollectiveFollow me on Instagram: @tess.shanahan & @tesstalksofficial Follow me on TikTok: @tessshanahanFollow me on YouTube: TessShanahan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Part 2 of my chat with Nick Bell, we dive into the bold moves, biohacking obsession, and business mindset that keep him at the top of his game. From fending off a stalker to buying a company for $289 million in under a month, Nick shares the unfiltered truth about scaling fast, making killer pitches, and investing millions into cutting-edge wellness treatments. It’s part business masterclass, part health experiment and completely unpredictable.In this episode:The stalker story that sparked the launch of RemovifySelling WME after hitting $300M in revenueHow he’s now acquiring a business for $289 million in under a monthWhat makes a pitch land: confidence, clarity, and knowing your numbersViewing business as the ultimate game and why he’s still hungry to winSpending millions on biohacking and wellnessStem cell therapy, gene therapy, and self-experimentationHow an ice bath helped repair his heart after COVIDMorning and night routines for staying sharpThe emotional side of success, acne, and taking care of yourselfMentioned:Thanks to our sponsor, Wanderlust Wellspring Australia’s biggest biohacking summit. Join world-leading experts on October 25–26 on the Gold Coast for two days. Purchase tickets by clicking this link & follow @biohackau to learn more!Join the biohacking summit now: click this linkFollow Nicks podcast: @getharderpodcastFollow Nick Bell on Instagram: @nickbellau Follow me on Instagram:@tess.shanahan & @tesstalksofficialFollow me on TikTok: @tessshanahanFollow me on YouTube: TessShanahan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I sit down with Carla Oates, founder and CEO of The Beauty Chef, the brand that pioneered the inner beauty movement. From fermenting whole foods in her Bondi kitchen to building one of Australia’s most iconic wellness companies, Carla shares the story of trusting her instincts long before gut health was a trend. We dive into the challenges of staying true to your vision, the hardest lessons she’s learned as a founder, and how her definition of success has shifted over time. Beyond business, Carla opens up about the rituals that keep her grounded, what’s been feeding her soul lately, and the truths she wishes more people knew about the wellness industry.The instinct that led Carla to back gut health before the industry was readyEarly doubts, resilience, and the turning point where The Beauty Chef became more than just a productWhat the very first kitchen formulations looked like and how hands-on she wasThe hardest “no” she’s had to make as a founder and what it taught herHow her definition of success and growth has evolved over timeThe one Beauty Chef product that holds a special place for herAdvice for anyone feeling bloated, burned out, or disconnected and where to startCarla’s go-to rituals and hacks that ground her and make the biggest differenceWhat’s feeding her soul lately outside of the businessThe truths she wishes more people knew about the wellness industryMentioned in this episode Shop the Beauty Chef range here  use code TESS20 for 20% off storewide 😊Follow the Beauty Chef: @thebeautychefFollow me on Instagram: @tess.shanahan & @tesstalksofficial Follow me on TikTok: @tessshanahanFollow me on YouTube: TessShanahan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.