The Peaches Podcast

You might have heard the name Maz Compton over the years - that’s because Maz is a bit of an Aussie great when it comes to media - she’s been a personality in the space for over 12 years - with experience in radio, TV and online media. But what you might not know is that Maz battled with her relationship with booze… with regular drinks and parties stock standard in the media scene, drinking high volumes, often, was not only accepted but encouraged. Soon, Maz noticed that booze had become a coping mechanism for stress - before slowly creeping towards a dependence. If this sounds familiar, listen up Peachy, because this episode is for you.

We love the way Maz isn’t afraid to ‘have the conversation’ around drinking - within Australia, it’s basically a glorified answer to everything from celebrations, stress relief, practically any social engagement and for many - is simply routine. But why is it that our ears prick up, and our irritations arise when a mate turns you down for a drink at the pub? Are our reactions to someone ‘going sober’ or even just ‘taking a break’ from the booze a little judgemental, and perhaps unhelpful? Especially when we remember that alcohol, whether we like it or not, is actually a toxin that screws with our sleep, moods, weight and overall health?

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Tors and Bec are back with another episode - this time discussing BOUNDARIES. Appropriate boundaries can be life changing - but damn they can be hard to set! In this episode, Bec explains the positive effects boundaries have had on her mental health, and Tori admits it's a concept she's still working on. Personal limits and the ability to say no when it comes to work, friends, family, your social life, your wellness routine - where can you see them helping you?

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For anyone who isn’t aware of the life force that is Kelly McCarren, let us paint a picture for you: Kel is a digital creator and podcaster - she hosts the #1 Beauty Podcast in Australia, You Beauty and is basically known as a master of all things marketing. Kelly is the kinda gal you can trust to give you a no BS answer, no matter what the question is. Whether you’re probing into her personal life, want to know if she’s had any work done, or - more recently - you’re after a no filter account of her experience with pregnancy, birth and the wild ride that is post partum - Kel is going to unapologetically tell you how the fuck it is.

Naturally, we simply had to have her on the poddy. Buckle up, Peachies, and grab yourself a glass of wine or hot cuppa - cos we’re about to get real.

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Our final episode of season three of the Peaches Poddy welcomes the truly enchanting Gillian Cosgriff - an award-winning musical comedian, actor, writer, composer and self-confessed pessimist. Tori sat down with Gill to find out exactly what it takes to be a part of a professional theatre ensemble - from the audition process, the grueling training and rehearsal schedules, performing the same show night after night and - when a global pandemic hits - to have your dream job torn away from you in a matter of moments. This episode will have you giggling non stop, and will also give you a newfound appreciation for the incredible service those who work in the arts provide for the general public. Tori and Gill also touch on the concept of 'body neutrality', and how finding a reason to stay strong and fit as an adult has evolved for them both.

We are absolutely delighted to welcome our long term Peachy Fam member Alice onto the poddy in this very raw, intimate and touching episode. Tori recently asked Alice if she'd be open to sharing her experience on freezing her eggs - not only is the subject one that is relatable, it's oh so relevant! With friends and family all around her considering the same procedure, Tori thought it would be far more insightful - and helpful - if an episode based on freezing ya eggs was told first hand - not recounted from a doctor or reproductive health rep. 

We thank Alice for sharing so bravely and beautifully in this ep - in true Peaches Style - no filter, and no details spared!

In this truly informative and captivating episode, Tori sits down with Marika Day - Accredited Practicing Dietitian & Nutritionist - to address the orthorexic culture in our youth. If you've ever felt like your desire for 'clean eating' and exercise has gone from a healthy habit to downright obsessive, listen in. This episode may be triggering for those who have experienced eating disorders - Marika and Tori discuss how orthorexia can negatively impact almost every aspect of your life. 

They touch on how made up food intolerances often mask restrictive or disordered eating patterns, health repercussions like hair loss, recurrent illness, extreme fatigue and a loss of menstrual cycles. Marika's approach to wellness is one that is both science backed and gentle. She encourages setting realistic goals, and to never trust health advice on instagram given by unqualified influencers who likely have genetics or smoke and mirrors to thank for the very image you're buying into!

Paloma is the woman behind one of Sydney’s best salons - aptly named Paloma. She has a cult-like following and is a passionate advocate for climate change and first nations rights. This episode is a fantastic one for anyone looking to level up on their awareness when it comes to environmental issues - we discuss how to tackle conversations in this realm without judgment or patronisation. As well as conscious parenting techniques for children with behavioural issues, self aware leadership in business and so much more.

The important takeaway? It's not ALL BAD NEWS when it comes to Mother Earth! Tori was intrigued and uplifted to hear that Australian hair salons actually play a pivotal role in helping to clean up oil spills in the ocean - using huge sausage like structures full of our humble hair trimmings. If you've ever needed an excuse to treat yourself to a chop and a style, you've found it! Clear some time in your day for a walk in nature and tune into this fascinating conversation with Paloma Garcia.

A Fierce mental health advocate, Hannah brings neurology and psychology together to explain common life dilemmas, minus the BS. She also helps people to learn skills like assertiveness, how to ‘break up’ well, and how to have a ‘good fight’. Strap in and be ready to delve into the inner workings of your mind in this ep, Peachies - it's a truly eye opening interview!

It's hard to put words to the gravity of this episode - but we'll try. Sally Obermeder is an incredible woman, who is the definition of resilience. After finally having success via IVF when trying to conceive, Sally was at one of her final OB appointments before heading into the realm of birth, newborns and beyond; as an afterthought, she casually mentioned a lump in her breast that had formed during pregnancy - as she was literally walking out the door of her doctor's office. This sparked the beginning of a grueling cancer journey, with Sally undergoing 16 rounds of chemotherapy, two mastectomies and radiation - all during the tender postpartum period. 

Her tale of survival is a beautiful one - but it doesn't end there. Sally and her husband Marcus decided they wanted to grow their family after she received a clean bill of health - but with only a few embryos left and a body that might not be able to sustain a pregnancy after such intensive cancer treatment - they turned to surrogacy. This story is not one without hardships - but it is truly the most uplifting and inspiring interview. Tori cried at least three times - so we warn you now, Peachies, grab the tissues and be ready to immerse yourself in the journey of our much adored Sal.

Amanda Goff was formerly known as Samantha X.... You might recognise the name - she was famously Australia’s highest paid escort. Amanda is also a mother of 2, a celebrated author and a journalist. In 2017, she announced via instagram that she was ‘hanging up her heels’ and retiring from sex work. At Peaches HQ, we have loved following Amanda’s story over the years, from the way she proudly ‘outed’ herself as - cue gasps - both a mother who volunteers at the school tuckshop AND a wildly successful escort, to her decision to leave the industry behind.

More recently, Amanda has shared her own experience with sobriety. There was SO MUCH to cover in this amazing interview, and we promise you, Peachy Fam, that Tori asked ALL the questions that spring to mind: Amanda generously cleared her to ‘ask her anything’ - so pour a wine, be mindful of little ears and be ready to delve into the world of Samantha X....

The Peaches Poddy is BACK for Season 3. We kick things off with a classic B&T episode - where the girls discuss THE BREAKUP!

In a world where women ticking off every box when it comes to work, family, health and home is not only celebrated, but often expected, things can start to feel overwhelming. We know there are many mothers out there who feel stretched so thin by their responsibilities in work and at home, that they can sometimes feel the joy being sucked from their days. Bec was one of those mamas. 

The pressure of owning a company, and trying to stay accountable in a fast paced business as well as juggle the beautiful but demanding role of primary caregiver to her son Hunter was, in the end - not what she wanted. B chose to step down as a co-owner of Peaches, and continue her integral role within the company as Head Trainer - here's how we navigated this change with love, empathy, respect and friendship at the forefront of every discussion and ultimate decision.

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In this very special episode, T & B sit down with team member and killer instructor Bella Bradford. Until recently, Bella was a regular 22 year old, doing all the things you'd expect a smart, fun loving and fiercely ambitious young woman to be doing in her prime. After moving to Sydney to follow her dreams, Bella was working as a star instructor in some of the best fitness studios in the Eastern Suburbs, studying hard and of course - having the odd wild night or two on the weekends with her girlfriends. 

Many of the Peaches community will know Bella, and her incredible classes. She became favourite among our clients within weeks of joining the team - with Tori and Bec often receiving texts from long time members singing her praises. Everything changed, however, 5 days before Christmas in 2021. After experiencing some painful health issues that she had thought were related to her wisdom teeth, Bella struggled to find a diagnosis that matched her symptoms. During oral surgery, the problem was finally discovered - a white mass hiding in Bella's jaw was biopsied, and identified as a very rare and aggressive cancer called Rhabdomyosarcoma. 

In this episode, Bella fills us in on what the past 5 months have looked like for her - from multiple surgeries, chemo and hospital stays, this resilient and eternally positive bright star was nothing short of inspirational in this interview. Bella, as always, has her eyes firmly set on the future. Next stop: Europe 2023!

This week on the poddy, Bec opens up about dealing with the breakdown of her parent's marriage. Being an 'older child' when your parents divorce can sometimes be more even difficult. B shares with Tori how witnessing her parents divorce, and playing the integral role of a buffer in her small family dynamic affected her.

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Bec and Tori discuss being in business with your bestie. How do you navigate the intimacy of a friendship while preserving the function of a business? What happens when conflict arises, and how do you manage people's feelings when giving feedback? It's time to talk all things business and friendship!

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This week on the poddy, we're talking all things RELATIONSHIPS. Tori and Bec asked our listeners what they wanted to hear about - and the overwhelming feedback was post partum sex! Plus keeping the spark alive in long term relationships, and crappy ex boyfriends from the past. Grab a vino and snuggle up on the couch - this episode is just like a chat with your bestie. No filter, TMI and lots of giggles!

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Erin is the co-founder of the outrageously successful swimwear brand, Triangl. You might remember Triangl from the glory days of instagram, when they were THE bikini brand. Donned by A-list celebrities including Kendall Jenner and dominating the market. Erin went from a suburban, middle class upbringing to entrepreneurial success beyond her wildest dreams - in what seemingly was the blink of an eye, she was a multimillionaire living in Monaco. 

But every record day of sales, every designer handbag added to cart and every stunning piece of art hung on her wall was hiding a much sadder truth for Erin. She wasn’t happy, and she couldn't figure out why. Today we discuss her journey to building an iconic brand, and what really went on behind the scenes.

Gabby was diagnosed with breast cancer after a chance discovery on her left nipple when she was only 33 years old. She was a mother to two young girls at the time - a wife, a doula, a photographer, a yoga instructor - and so much more. A self described ‘kale smoothie drinker’ - Gab was not prepared for the label of ‘being sick’. She bravely takes us on her journey through getting a mastectomy, losing her hair, chemotherapy and going into early menopause. But most importantly, we’ll learn how the strength of community, female friendship, and damn fine modern medicine helped Gabby take on the fight of her life.

Matilda was raised in the idyllic coastal town of Byron Bay, before getting ‘discovered’ at 16 and ultimately becoming a high fashion runway model. She’s walked for the likes of Gucci and Dior, but in our eyes, her greatest achievement so far has been hitting pause on her modelling career in order to get well. 

Realising she had an eating disorder, and learning to accept that she needed help, has been one of her biggest feats so far. We’re so grateful to Matilda for her brave honesty and unfiltered insight into hiding an eating disorder. 

We sit down with long term member of the Peaches Community - the beautiful Loren Burton. Our interview with Loren was like a big warm hug - in it we discuss everything from the modelling industry, body image, growing up as a woman of colour in Australia and raising boys. We loved our chat with Loren, and we hope you will too. 

This week on The Peaches Podcast, Bec shares her journey through the first 12 months of motherhood. Not all births are magical, and not every mum gets that instantaneous Hollywood moment of pure elation with their newborn. As Bec says, her 'birth story' began when she got home, and was well and truly into the flow of looking after her beautiful boy, Hunter. We are so thankful to Bec for normalising the wide array of feelings new mums can experience. 

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Last week, we spoke to Cassey Maynard about her divorce, and we’re back with part 2 of her amazing story. Today we discuss Cassey’s explant surgery, the loss of her beloved mother, and her own journey to finding love again, before becoming a mother herself.

The Poddy is back, Peachies! After an overwhelming reception for Season One of The Peaches Podcast, Bec and Tori are back to kick off Season Two with a good old fashioned heart to heart.

In this episode, the girls ask each other 'How are you, really?'. Bec shares the insights from the strain her relationship went through at the end of 2021, and Tori discusses looking back at the trauma of her emergency surgery while pregnant. Bring your tissues and an open heart for this D'n'M!

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This week on the podcast, we're joined by someone very special - Bec's mum Lesley. Lesley has lived an incredible life, and has proven to be one of the most resilient women we know. In this episode, she shares with us her experience with men's violence against women, and how her love for her children carried her through some of her darkest days.

RESOURCES:

We sit down with Leigh Campbell to unpack her incredible climb up the ladder of the Australian media world, and how - sometimes - you don't need to take the traditional route to success. Leigh dropped out of high school, and doesn't have a degree in journalism - yet she holds a coveted senior role at one of Australia's most successful women's media companies - Mamamia.

In this episode we discuss the reproductive rights of women - one of them being, abortion. Providing safe and - importantly - LEGAL access to pregnancy termination is something we feel very passionate about here at Peaches HQ. Young women, or uterus owners, deserve autonomy over their bodies.  We shed light on the often taboo subject of abortion, with the queen that is Jenn Atilemile. Jenn was so brave to share her experience with us - and her openness about her journey with therapy and self discovery is one we can all benefit from - for this, we thank her. Trigger warning - this episode touches on assault. 

SPONSOR SHOUTOUT: 

This is Peta Friend's transition story. This episode explores an era when being gay was still illegal, and the conversation about being transgender was more than taboo - it didn’t happen. It was a 17 year journey for Peta to transition into the woman she is today, and we were so honoured to hear about the stages of her journey, her struggles of identity, the loneliness of figuring out her future on her own, family dynamics, and ultimately - healing both physically and emotionally. Peta is the inspiring founder behind Trans Pride Australia, designed to help the transgender and gender diverse community find recourses and connections - for both themselves and their friends and family.

*Please be patient and gracious with us as we navigate through the evolving language around gender identity, and remember that this is Peta's story - not a blanket statement or interview about the multi-faceted realities of this subject.

RESOURCES:

Tori and Bec are co-owners of Peaches Pilates and your hosts of The Peaches Podcast. This episode is a chance to get to know them better before we dive into juicy conversations and interviews. Hear about their crazy childhood phases, broken hearts, how they met and went on to become business partners and besties. 

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