The Smart Sister Podcast
By Emma & Laura
Emma is a passionate millennial who decided to pack it all up and move over to WA to start her teaching career leaving her younger sister Laura behind to face the tumultuous years of high school alone. In this podcast, two sisters discuss their journeys whilst redefining what it means to be a “smart girl” by talking all things mindset, wellness, study, relationships and lifestyle. They’re the sisters you always wished you had.
The Smart Sister PodcastDec 20, 2020
24//Moving out of home for the first time - advice and budget tips
Welcome to Episode 24!
In today's episode, Emma shares her story with moving out of home and how this had an impact on her independence and maturity. Laura dives in with some questions for her sister to answer as she is curious on so many levels about how her sister went about living 'away from home'. Some helpful tips and tricks are offered by Emma regarding the steps into moving out of home, financial advice and tips on 'how to live cheap'. Lastly, Laura raises some more personal questions on how moving out of home has changed Emma's life and how living with a partner is different to living with friends.
Enjoy the episode!
- E&L xo
//Follow us on Instagram @thesmartsisterpodcast to join our smart girl community!
//Also follow Laura’s IG @laura.lifestylee for more health and wellness tips
23//Our Christmas SPECIAL
Welcome to Episode 23 of The Smart Sister Podcast!
"It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas... everywhere you go". It is the time of year where carolling, laughing and twinkle lights bring so much joy and happiness to the world. In today's 2020 Christmas special episode, Emma and Laura take a trip down memory lane and reminisce over some family Christmas traditions, where some include street parties, advent calendars and even Hi-5! The girls share their 'typical' Christmas day menu, including breakfast, pre's, entrée, main, dessert and finally antipasto! Lastly they share their top favourite 'Christmassy themed things' in a Q&A section...top Christmas movie? Song?
Hopefully as listeners you will enjoy this episode as much as they enjoyed recording it!
Merry Christmas ya filthy animals!
- E&L xo
//Follow us on Instagram @thesmartsisterpodcast to join our smart girl community!
//Also follow Laura’s IG @laura.lifestylee for more health and wellness tips
22//Online tools for self discovery
Hey guys! Welcome to Episode 22!
In today's episode, Emma and Laura discuss the online VIA character strengths survey, the meaning behind it and what character strengths are. After completing the survey themselves recently, both girls try to guess each other's top 5 strengths... do they know each other as well as we think?
They also share some other online tools that listeners can use for self-discovery, some including the Enneagram test, horoscopes, and the Myers-Briggs 16 personalities test.
There are many benefits of practicing self-reflection and using tools which work for you can be a great way to discover yourself!
Enjoy the episode,
- E&L xo
//Follow us on Instagram @thesmartsisterpodcast to join our smart girl community!
//Also follow Laura’s IG @laura.lifestylee for more health and wellness tips
21//Welcome back to season 2
Welcome to Season 2!!
The smart sisters missed you guys, and now they're back! To kick start season 2, today the girls will be catching up what they have been accomplishing in the past 5 weeks where they talk all things exams, school, finishing university and moving out!
Emma and Laura have planned some new exciting episode ideas for season 2 which they cannot wait to share with you all :) Some fun news is that season 2 will involve some sponsorships as well as intriguing episodes!
Enjoy the episode!
- E&L xo
//Follow us on Instagram @thesmartsisterpodcast to join our smart girl community!
//Also follow Laura’s IG @laura.lifestylee for more health and wellness tips
20//Why you should volunteer - PLUS a smart sister podcast announcement!
19//Social media detox - benefits and challenges
18//Our #QandA episode!
Welcome to Episode 18!
This episode is a little different... a Q&A! These smart sisters answer lots of questions provided by their listeners! They discuss the reasons why they started the podcast, some skills they have learned, their favourite episodes, and they even share a sneak peek into the question of 'is there going to be a relationships episode?'. If you would like to hear your question being answered, or you're simply curious to hear some Q&A, be sure to tune in!
Enjoy!
- E&L xo
//Follow us on Instagram @thesmartsisterpodcast to join our smart girl community!
//Also follow Laura’s IG @laura.lifestylee for more health and wellness tips
17//Ciao, bonjour, hola! - travel hacks and tourist anxiety - Smart Sisters on tour?
16//Exam study tips to stay motivated - ways to prepare for exams
Welcome to Episode 16!
In today's episode, Emma and Laura dive into the topic of exam study techniques! There are so many ways to study, whether you enjoy visual, auditory, physical or even aural. These sisters have many tips to share with everyone... including interleaved practice, study scheduling, work/life balance and even creating a mistake log! If you struggle to find ways to study for your exams, lack motivation or are feeling overwhelmed with all the work you have to do... this episode is for you!
Be sure to send Emma and Laura a message about what habit you'll start to implement, or send them a photo of a creative study material!
- E&L xo
//Follow us on Instagram @thesmartsisterpodcast to join our smart girl community!
//Also follow Laura’s IG @laura.lifestylee for more health and wellness tips
15//Manifesting our goals - hard work pays off
Welcome to Episode 15! Today Emma and Laura dive into the topic of manifestation. What is manifestation? How do you experience it? Well, in today's episode they have some exciting news which they feel very proud about. They discuss their views on manifestation, how they have manifested their recent goals, how gratitude intertwines and share some exciting dreams for their future! Manifesting looks different for everyone, but one thing that is always true is how to turn dreams into reality.
Enjoy the episdode!
- E&L xo
//Follow us on Instagram @thesmartsisterpodcast to join our smart girl community!
//Also follow Laura’s IG @laura.lifestylee for more health and wellness tips
14// Career journey from med school to the army - GUEST INTERVIEW
Welcome to Episode 14!
In today's episode, Emma and Laura have their first GUEST interview! A best friend to Emma and a second older sister to Laura... Vivian! Vivian opens up and shares her very interesting and inspiring career journey starting from being a high-school student, to now a lieutenant in the army! She talks about some setbacks and challenges which she has encountered across her life, some great achievements, her life balance, how she copes with the pressures of med-school, and lastly her loving inspirations.
Thank you Vivian for sharing your stories with everyone and if you would like to hear more about this topic, make sure to let them know!
- E&L xo
//Follow us on Instagram @thesmartsisterpodcast to join our smart girl community!
//Also follow Laura’s IG @laura.lifestylee for more health and wellness tips
13//Friendships in your twenties vs in high school
Welcome to Episode 13!
In this episode Emma and Laura compare friendships throughout high school vs friendships in adulthood. Laura asks Emma some questions about how friendships change over time. They discuss friendship values, identifying toxic friends, how moving away from home affects relationships, how friendships change over time, the difficulty with making friends, jealousy within groups and lastly how romantic relationships can create conflicts in a friendship group. Be sure to listen to gain some perspective, an insight into the future and some hot tips from these gals!
- E&L xo
Follow us on Instagram: @thesmartsisterpodcast to join our smart girl community!
Also follow Laura’s IG: @laura.lifestylee for more health and wellness tips xo
12//Journaling for self care - how to develop your journaling practice
In today's episode, Emma and Laura chat about one of their favourite hobbies... journaling! One way which they enjoy self care is through the practice of mindful journaling. Emma shares her stories about her original inspiration, the various journal types she uses, and some of her favourite journaling styles. Laura shares her approach to journaling, her purpose and how it allows her to disconnect from the busy world. They discuss the troubles of 'perfectionism' around creating a 'scrapbook' rather than remembering the original purpose of journaling, where Laura opens up about her experiences with this. Lastly, some advice is offered about how to start, when to start, what to try and how to approach journaling!
Hope you enjoy!
Lavendaire Website: www.lavendaire.com/ Lavendaire Youtube: www.youtube.com/c/AileenXuLavendaire/featured
Follow us on Instagram: @thesmartsisterpodcast to join our smart girl community!
Also follow Laura’s IG: @laura.lifestylee for more health and wellness tips xo
11//These are a few of our favourite foods - how well do we know each other?
10//Mental health - speaking up when you need help - benefits of seeing a psychologist
CONTENT WARNING: Sensitive topics including mental health and psychologist experiences discussed in this episode. If you wish not to listen or engage in this episode, please ignore. This does not provide professional help, instead is an open discussion of experiences. If you wish to seek help or advice, please contact a trusted adult, counsellor, kids helplines (resources down below).
Welcome to Episode 10!
In today's episode, Emma and Laura open up and discuss their stories around mental health. Both sisters share their journey in relation to regularly engaging with each of their psychologists. They open up about the many benefits of seeking help when you need it and how seeing a professional help has changed their views on society and helped them gain confidence. Laura tells us about her challenging experiences deciding to seek help... while also sharing some funny stories from along the way! Emma offers some advice for encouraging a friend to seek help if they think they need it. Lastly, the girls share some helpful tips for when family may not be supportive or open with mental health, and some strategies for still getting the help you need even if you cannot physically see someone. You are the most important person in your life, so if you feel like you may need help or would like to engage with a professional... do it! Laura's favourite quote : "Don't let the opinions of others drown you inner voice".
- E&L xo
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesmartsisterpodcast/?hl=en to join our smart girl community!
Also follow Laura’s IG: @laura.lifestylee for more health and wellness tips xo
Resources:
Beyond Blue: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/
Kids Helpline: https://kidshelpline.com.au/
People Psychology: https://peoplepsychology.com.au/?gclid=CjwKCAjwmrn5BRB2EiwAZgL9on4orzo3q3J9y3NR6Oc43jZyNPWeQJk8MbKAfcHGgNJUpNYu_scZqRoCxIkQAvD_BwE
09//Career chats with Emma - becoming a teacher - subject and university course selection tips
Welcome to Episode 09!
In today's episode Laura asks Emma a few questions related to her career journey into becoming a teacher. Emma shares her passions from when she was a teenager, how she dealt with her Year 12 subject selections and some creative tips on how to have a 'fun' study environment. She talks about her tough decisions regarding degree choices, career paths, university co-curriculars, clubs and challenges she faced when applying to her teaching course. Lastly, Emma offers some words of wisdom for those transitioning to Year 12 or university. Laura explains some of her future plans while Emma listens to her questions and opinions.
We hope you enjoy hearing about Emma's career story!
- E&L xo
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesmartsisterpodcast/?hl=en to join our smart girl community!
Also follow Laura’s IG: @laura.lifestylee for more health and wellness tips xo
08//How to get out of a funk - tips for a motivation slump
Welcome to Episode 08!
In today's episode we share some of our tips into getting out of a 'funk'. You know that feeling of lack of motivation and sluggish? Yes, we all know this feeling... so here is some of our advice.
Firstly recognising and accepting the feeling, journaling about it, moving your body, getting fresh air, chatting with someone in a good mood, reflecting on your purpose will all help this feeling. It is also wise to listen to upbeat music, clean anything you can find and to switch up where you are located. Not everything can be done in one day, so just start now and get done what you can :)
- E&L xo
'Start with Why' by Simon Sinek: https://www.amazon.com.au/Start-Why-Leaders-Inspire-Everyone/dp/1591846447
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesmartsisterpodcast/?hl=en to join our smart girl community!
Leave us a review on Apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-smart-sister-podcast/id1519168346
Also follow Laura’s IG: @laura.lifestylee for more health and wellness tips xo
07//What does being a SMART girl mean to us? Sister memories - bonding and growing up stories
Welcome to Episode 07!
In today's chat, Emma and Laura share what being a 'smart girl' means to them - living with purpose and intent. They discuss comparison as well as stigmas around being intelligent as a female in today's world. The share many memories growing up together, being creative and starting their first 'business' as young kids and reminiscing about fun times hosting fashion shoots and creating music videos together. Emma and Laura also share how they bonded more recently, including their shared love for self-care and mindfulness. Finally, the sisters reflect on their travels to Vietnam and eating at their favourite restaurant - Fonda! To finish off, they share some wisdom to all the other girls with sisters out there.
- E&L xo
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesmartsisterpodcast/?hl=en to join our smart girl community! Leave us a review on Apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-smart-sister-podcast/id1519168346
Also follow Laura’s IG: @laura.lifestylee for more health and wellness tips xo
06//Laura’s fitness, food and mindset journey - overcoming setbacks
CONTENT WARNING: Sensitive topics including fears around food, body image, and ED recovery are discussed in this episode. If you wish not to listen or engage in this episode, please ignore. This does not provide professional help, instead is an open discussion of experiences. If you wish to seek help or advice, please contact a trusted adult, counsellor, kids helplines: https://kidshelpline.com.au/
Welcome to Episode 06!
In today's episode, Emma interviews Laura about her fitness, food and mindset journey. Laura happily shares some of her experiences including her attitude towards health growing up, the turning point when she became more conscious around food and 'healthy' eating. On the more sensitive note, Laura opens up about her fears of breaking the 'streak' whilst dealing with difficult food situations, along with a discussion of her ongoing recovery from her lowest point. She chats about the journalling strategy she uses which helps with her setbacks, the process of creating her new Instagram along with overcoming people's judgements towards her passion and opinions. Lastly, Laura shares her story about her workout routines and how COVID-19 impacted her rhythm, finishing with some lighthearted advice for others wishing to begin a lifestyle journey or simply to become more aware on this topic.
- E&L xo
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesmartsisterpodcast/?hl=en to join our smart girl community!
Also follow Laura’s IG: @laura.lifestylee for more health and wellness tips xo
05//Money stuff - Emma teaches Laura all things bank accounts, budgeting and buying your first car - dealing with fear of spending
Welcome to Episode 05! Today's episode is a little bit different, as Laura asks Emma a few questions related to money and finances. As Emma is 7 years older she has much financial knowledge to share with Laura and the world. Some topics discussed include teenage bank accounts, emergency funds, the saver vs spender mindset, fears around spending, buying your first car, regretful purchases, speaking up at work, low income difficulties, budgeting and saving tips, social media pressures and lastly some long term financial goals.
Resources:
The Barefoot Investor https://www.amazon.com.au/Barefoot-Investor-2018-Update-Money/dp/0730324214
She's on the money podcast https://www.shesonthemoney.com.au/
The young workers centre http://www.youngworkers.org.au/
Up bank https://hook.up.me/emmafazzino
- E&L xo
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesmartsisterpodcast/?hl=en to join our smart girl community!
Also follow Laura’s IG: @laura.lifestylee for more health and wellness tips xo
04//Culture food and our Italian roots - travel to Italy and family memories
In this episode we chat about our Italian culture and what that means to us today. We chat about the many special memories with our Nonno including ravioli night, the dinner dances and Italian pastries! We share our favourite stories growing up at our beachhouse as well as how food = family in our household. Laura shares some of favourite dishes she tasted when travelling in Italy, and Emma reminisces about our famous lasagna nights.
Our Nonno was an inspiring role model, leaving his home country to start a new life here in Australia. We miss him dearly and send our love to all those experiencing hardships in Italy at this troubling time.
"Shout-out to all the WOGS out there" - L
Stay tuned for more episodes to come!
- E&L xo
Follow us on Instagram: @thesmartsisterpodcast to join our smart girl community!
Also follow Laura’s IG: @laura.lifestylee for more health and wellness tips xo
03//Five study habits to adopt - learning hacks from a teacher
Welcome to Episode 3!
In today's podcast we share our top 5 study tips to adopt for improved work efficiency. Everyone is different, so not every study technique will work for everyone... and that's okay! In this episode Emma offers her advice from being a teacher, and Laura reflects on her study journey through the high-school years. We dive into organising your tasks, the Eisenhower matrix, accountability partners, types of learning preferences and of course the much needed growth mindset! After listening to this we hope that you can either reflect on your habits, notice ways to change or simply be proud of your current effectiveness.
Stay tuned for more episodes to come!
- E&L xo
Follow us on Instagram: @thesmartsisterpodcast to join our smart girl community!
Also follow Laura’s IG: @laura.lifestylee for more health and wellness tips xo
02//Living interstate - moving out, homesickness, sister separation
Welcome to Episode 2!
In this episode we flashback to the day when Emma flew away to Western Australia to start her new career. Emma talks about her journey into becoming a teacher and what it was like starting a new life interstate. We chat about the exciting visit from Laura and the rest of the family; the fun adventures to the Pinnacles, Rottnest Island and more... Laura shares her experiences with going through school without her big sister to guide her, and how she become more independent.
Stay tuned for more episodes to come!
- E&L xo
Follow us on Instagram: @thesmartsisterpodcast to join our smart girl community!
Also follow Laura’s Instagram: @laura.lifestylee for more health and wellness tips xo
01//Introduction - get to know us - the inside scoop
Our very first episode! We are so excited for this amazing journey ahead of us. In this episode we explain our hopes and dreams about the podcast and share some details about us. Who we are, what are our goals and the reasons why we started this in the first place!
Stay tuned for more episodes to come!
- E&L xo
Follow us on Instagram: @thesmartsisterpodcast to join our smart girl community!
Also follow Laura’s Instagram: @laura.lifestylee for more health and wellness tips xo
00//Trailer
Welcome to The Smart Sister Podcast - for #realgirlchats on the important things in life.
Official launch coming soon xx
In the meantime, follow us on instagram @thesmartsisterpodcast