The WMN Podcast

In this episode of the WMN podcast, hosts Sheridan Braatvedt and Georgie Howe engage in a heartfelt conversation with former professional cyclist Loren Rowney. They explore Loren's journey from being a competitive athlete to facing identity loss, mental health challenges, and the struggles of recovery from an eating disorder. Loren shares her experiences of transitioning into a new life beyond cycling, the importance of resilience, and her current role as a rider agent advocating for the next generation of female cyclists. The discussion highlights the complexities of being a professional athlete, the pressures of social media, and the need for kindness and understanding in the sport.Trigger Warning!!!This episode discusses topics including mental health and eating disorders. If these subjects are triggering for you, please prioritise your well-being and consider skipping this episode. If you or someone you know is struggling, here are some support services you can reach out to.🇦🇺 Australian Support ServicesButterfly Foundation – Call 1800 ED HOPE (1800 33 4673), use online chat, or access self-help resourcesBeyond Blue – Call 1300 22 4636, or explore extensive online resources for mental health supportLifeline – Call 13 11 14 (24/7 crisis support)Suicide Call Back Service – Call 1300 659 467 for counselling supportMindSpot – Free online mental health assessment and CBT treatment coursesBlack Dog Institute – Clinical services and digital mental health toolsReachOut – Support forums and resources for young peopleKids Helpline – Call 1800 55 1800 for support (ages 5–25)🌍 International Support ResourcesNEDA (USA) – Information, screening tools, and helplines for eating disordersAED – Academy for Eating Disorders – Global network of professionals and evidence-based resourcesEating Disorder Hope – Treatment resources and recovery contentBeat (UK) – UK's leading eating disorder charity, helplines and support toolsNAMI – National Alliance on Mental Illness (USA) – Advocacy, education, and support groupsADAA – Anxiety & Depression Association of America – Resources and treatment for anxiety, depression, and co-occurring conditions7 Cups – Free emotional support via trained volunteers and therapistsDBSA – Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance – Peer-led support groups and wellness tools

In this episode of The WMN Podcast, Georgie and Sheridan delve into the topic of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S), exploring its implications for athletes. They discuss the symptoms, diagnosis, and recovery process associated with RED-S, emphasising the psychological challenges faced during recovery. The episode also touches on societal pressures regarding body image and the importance of a healthy diet and relationship to food.Links:The WMN Podcast is powered by Black Sheep⁠Listen in and visit our Instagram page to learn about how you can win a $500 Focus gift voucher.⁠Stardust: Period, Ovulation, and Pregancy Tracker App

In Episode 20 of the Love Women’s Cycling Podcast, hosts Bridget and Faz chat with Black Sheep founder John Polson and ex Sigma Social Media Manager, Lucy Mannal, on the current state of play in women’s cycling products. They discuss the lack of development within the women's sector, but also the positive steps some brands are making internally to provide a product that addresses the issues that are specific to women cyclists.

If you’ve ever been a part of a women’s cycling group, I bet you were drawn in by the sense of community. I’m talking about the living life together, turning up to a group ride without worrying about how high your socks are, or sitting beside a girlfriend on a ride knowing that each others company is just what you needed, helping another friend learn how to use cleats or change a tyre for the first time , knowing it doesn’t matter how fast or slow you ride because this is the kind of community that just doesn’t care. We’re all wired to desire it. And we can all offer it. In this episode we threw the mic to two regulars on the podcast, WMN Ambassadors Bridget Slocum and Faz Zamani and asked them, and their women’s cycling community in Melbourne about the importance of women supporting women.

As women in our community who have been involved with and are passionate about the Man Ride, we asked friends of the family Bridget Slocum and Faz Zamani to have an open discussion about digital detoxing. In a day and age where social media and communication has increasingly become an overburdening distraction, and, as recreational athletes, we put our physical health above all else, the women ask: ’Is it time to prioritise our mental wellbeing with the same level of investment we lend to social media and staying fit?’.

In today's podcast we listen in as two Specialized Women’s Racing teammates Ella Bloor from Canberra and Matilda Raynolds of Melbourne have a chat over the phone about life as they know it right now. Less racing and more home time has allowed both these women to find other passions, as well as reinvent themselves (and their avatars) in the virtual peloton. We even go behind the scenes as Matilda gives drops some live commentary while competing in the first virtual race of the National Road Series – a 35km Crit. If you know 'Tils', you’ll know we worked hard to keep this part of the podcast PG-rated! Fingers crossed we succeeded.

Coffee Ride is a new Love Women's Cycling Podcast mini series brought to you by Black Sheep. It’s our way of staying connected with you on a more regular basis with bite size chunks, perfect for your mid-morning brew break. We're kicking off this new series with an interview with Gemma Sampson, an Advanced Sports Dietician to elite and amateur endurance athletes. In a climate where immunity and disease are a hot topic, Gemma gives us her hot tips on how to fuel for better health and performance.

From the men’s pro peloton to the women’s, British-born photographer Jojo Harper has made her mark in the photography and cycling arena, two industries dominated heavily by males.A softly spoken, quick-witted young woman, with a great eye and an even greater heart, Jojo spoke about her experiences in the professional peloton. The differences between shooting male and female professional cyclists, and what it’s like being apart of an ever-evolving women’s cycling scene. She also tells us how truly embedding yourself within a team can allow you to create a connection with its athletes – it comes with distinct advantages, and too, can cause its own distractions.