Beyond The Bleed

In today’s episode, I got to chat with the very lovely & knowledgeable Lea (she/her) from @chrysalis.tcm. Lea is a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioner who chatted all about using TCM to treat periods! Lea & I chat: -What is TCM? What is Acupuncture? How do the two differ? -How Lea got into TCM -TCM vs Naturopathy: our thoughts on how the two differ and where they compliment each other. -Overview of how TCM views disease/the human body -The basics of TCM principles, what happens when things go ‘out of balance’. -Endometriosis & other period complaints from a TCM perspective If you’re interested in working with Lea, or want to follow along her journey, she practises from a beautiful big multimodality clinic called Contagious Enthusiasm in Hampton, Victoria. Booking can be made via Lea’s website (https://www.chrysalistcm.com), Contagious Enthusiasm Website (https://www.contagiousenthusiasm.com.au) or via phone (03) 9603 0334 Lea has also created an ‘From Yin to Yang’ set of affirmation cards (I know! Told you she was awesome!) focused on TCM. I can confirm, they are incredible! You can check them out here: https://www.chrysalistcm.com/shop It was so great chatting to Lea. Grab a cuppa and come join us :)

Welcome back to season 2! For the first episode back, we couldn’t not bring back an OG podcast guest George Halifax (he/him) (@transitionalholistics), a transgender man who is strong voice for the rest of his community. The response to the first podcast episode with George was huge, so I got him on to chat about everything we didn’t get to cover in Season 1. In this episode, we get chat about: What George has been up to this past 12 months (we even got him back in the hot seat) Contraception amongst the transgender and queer community The use of the Oral Contraceptive Pill within the LGBTQIA+ community ‘Binding’ and ‘tucking’: what they are, how they can be dangerous Different types of surgeries within the transgender community: George gets really vulnerable about his own surgery and journey here And so much more! If you haven’t already, you can listen to our first episode together here. George and I are both so humbled and grateful by how many of you have tuned into our first episode together, thank you. This was such a fun episode to record, and I’m sooo grateful George said YES to coming back on! If you’re interested in working with George or following along his journey, you can find him over at: @transitionalholistics transitionalholistics@gmail.com George also has a service involving reading over your website / practitioner content to ensure inclusivity and offers diversity tips. For more information on this, you can contact him above. Further Resources: https://www.transhub.org.au/ https://trans101.org.au/ https://www.transfolkofwa.org/ Connect with the Host: emi-macnish.com.au @emi_macnish_naturopath George and I would both like to acknowledge the traditional owners of the lands, the Whadjuk Nyoongar & Dharawal people on which we each recorded the podcast episode on and on which we each live and work. We extend this respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People and their elders past, present and emerging. What an honour it is to be on such beautiful land. 

A bit of a different episode this week, with a HUGE amount of rawness & vulnerability. In this episode, I had the great honour of sitting down with my friend Joel (he/him). Joel is a cis man, who is always curious & wanting to understand the experiences of other humans. We end up reversing the role of the podcast, and Joel holds space for ME to open up the conversation around periods, and what life’s like for people who menstruate & how to support us. Our wish for this podcast is for us to both lead by example by showing how simple and easy conversations around periods can be with the cis men in our lives. Even further, it’s Joel stepping up, leading by example, & and encouraging other cis men to do the same. In this episode, we chat: -Where Joel & myself have learnt about periods growing up (the answer to this surprised us both) -Joel & my own personal stigmas around periods and journey to unravelling these as an adult -I give him an opportunity to ask ME questions about periods, and what it’s like to bleed -How to support people in your life with their menstrual cycle -How to have conversations around menstrual health in the various relationships in your life This episode is by far one of the most impactful conversations I’ve ever had around periods & it was an honour to chat with Joel. Grab a cuppa, & come join us! **The chats specifically around periods begins at 43:49...before that Joel & I explain how we met, & our hopes for the podcast episode...& how Joel feels about coming onboard. He puts me in the hotseat to answer some questions to get to know each other better. While we would highly recommend listening to the first section...if you're here for the period chats, skip ahead to 43:49 ;) **Joel & I would like to acknowledge the Dharawal people as the traditional owners of the land on which we sat down to record this episode. We also pay respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People and their elders past, present and emerging.

This week, I sit down with my Mum, Pam (she/her) & very dear Aunty, Sue (she/her) to chat about what it was like for them to have a period growing up & also, menopause stigmas! In this episode, we hear about their (very) different experiences of getting a period in the 70s (before sticky pads were actually a thing?!), how open their Mum and Dad were chatting about menstrual health in the house, & the challenges of menopause (something for us all to look forward to?!). Definitely bring a sneaky glass of red to this one, we were a couple of wines in & just having a good laugh & chat. What an honour it was to chat with two very special, incredible women! Connect with the host: Emi-macnish.com.au @emi_macnish_naturopath **We would like to acknowledge the Dharawal people as the traditional owners of the land on which this podcast episode was recorded on. I also pay respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People and their elders past, present and emerging.

In this episode, we cover off all things irregular cycles & Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)! We chat about how & why PCOS is THE most misdiagnosed thing I see in clinic, the criteria you need to fit for a PCOS diagnosis & some of the blood tests I love to see in my clients with PCOS. I also touch on how I treat PCOS Naturopathically, & bust some myths and misconceptions around the disorder.  Lastly I cover other things that can cause irregular cycles that I see in clinic.  Connect with the host: Emi-macnish.com.au @emi_macnish_naturopath **I would like to acknowledge the Dharawal people as the traditional owners of the land on which this podcast episode was recorded on, & on which I work and live. I also pay respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People and their elders past, present and emerging. It’s such an honour & true pleasure to be here.

This week, I sit down with Alex Sheaffe (she/her), a fellow Naturopath also specialising in the treatment of Endometriosis & also just a wholesome hilarious human! Alex and I both consult as part of the Jade Walker Health team (https://jadewalkerhealth.com) & we really are a powerhouse force & dream team when it comes to treating Endo. Alex was actually diagnosed with Endometriosis via MRI - after over a years worth of investigations, something we tend not to hear about. So, there’s a lot we can learn from her! In this episode, we sit down to chat allllll things Endo…causes, myths & misconceptions, chats about the classic ‘Endo bloat’, surgery 101, and even touch on the thing we wish every Endo client would know!! This is an absolute powerhouse of an episode, & such an incredible resource for those with suspected Endo or Adenomyosis. Where you can find Alex, & the Jade Walker Health Clinic: @be.healthstudio (for Alex) @jadewalkerhealth (for Jade - the OG Endo Naturopath!) Consults with Alex, myself & Jade: Jadewalkerhealth.com Herbal teas: jadewalker.com.au/ FB group, where we post weekly on Endo-related topics: https://www.facebook.com/groups/naturalmedicineforendo Connect with the host: Emi-macnish.com.au @emi_macnish_naturopath **Both Alex & myself would like to acknowledge the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation as the traditional owners of the land on which Alex was on during this podcast episode recording. We also pay respect to their elders past, present & emerging.

In this episode, I sit down and chat with the incredible Karen Saunders (she/her) (@karen_saunders_naturopathy). Karen is a Naturopath with a special interest in Vaginal health (including thrush and bacterial vaginosis). In the podcast, Karen and I cover: -Karen’s journey & how she became passionate about Vaginal health -The one thing she recommends all people with any type of vaginal imbalance (thrush, BV etc) do! -The importance of vaginal microbiome testing -The unsexy truth about managing blood sugar -How the gut microbiome is linked to the vaginal microbiome -Difference between acute and chronic thrush -The issue with using OTC or prescription antifungals longterm -Why she doesn’t prescribe the Anti-Candida diet in her clinic If you’re interested in working with Karen, you can find her over at: Karen-saunders.com @karen_saunders_naturopathy Grab a cuppa, & come join us!

Ever wonder what ACTUALLY happens during your menstrual cycle? What causes your period, why it’s important…& why I always bang on about ‘ovulation’? In this episode, I take it back to the basics, covering what you (probably) didn’t learn in sex ed. I get into the nitty gritty of almost every hormone involved in the menstrual cycle, & their purpose in the body. I also cover off the four ‘phases’ of your cycle (& why they are/aren’t important) & how to properly track your cycle! Further Resources: ‘A Guide to Understanding Your Period’ E-book: https://www.emi-macnish.com.au/store ‘Tracking Your Cycle Masterclass: the Do’s and Don’ts’: https://www.emi-macnish.com.au/store/p/tracking-your-cycle-masterclass Connect with the Host: Emi-macnish.com.au @emi_macnish_naturopath **I would like to acknowledge the Dharawal people as the traditional owners of the land on which this podcast episode was recorded on, & on which I work and live. I also pay respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People and their elders past, present and emerging.

For this episode, I had the honour of sitting down with my good friend George Halifax (he/him) (@transitionalholistics) to chat all things transgender & queer health and how we can be better ally’s to the LGBTQIA+ community. George is a proud trans man (and Naturopath) himself and a strong voice for the rest of his community, playing a large role in how I present myself as an ally. In this podcast episode, George and I chat: -George’s transition journey, and what it’s been like -Challenges faced by the LGBTQIA+ community -De-bunking common concerns around people transitioning -What we, as ally’s, can do to promote safe and inclusive spaces & the ultimate question we should be asking ourselves -De-gendering language around periods & anatomy -How to make your clinic more LGBTQIA+ friendly (for our practitioner pals) If you’re interested in working with George or following along his journey, you can find him over at: @transitionalholistics - Special interest in queer and transgender health Further Resources: https://www.transhub.org.au/ https://trans101.org.au/ https://www.transfolkofwa.org/ Connect with the Host: Emi-macnish.com.au @emi_macnish_naturopath

Welcome & hello to the first episode of Period Talk with Emi! In this episode, I discuss the challenges & growth I’ve experienced with the podcast, & what it will look like moving forward. I also chat all things my menstrual journey…delving into the nitty gritty from my first period, to where I am today. Grab a cuppa and a sneaky square of choccie, & come join me! Emi (she/her) BHSc Naturopath Emi-macnish.com.au @emi_macnish_naturopath **I would like to acknowledge the Dharawal people as the traditional owners of the land on which this podcast episode was recorded on, & on which I work and live. What an honour it is to be here. I also pay respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People and their elders past, present and emerging.

The holidays are here - and I know how chaotic life, sugar, late nights, and social events can get. But your hormones don’t have to suffer.In this solo episode of Beyond the Bleed, I share my quick, 5-step holiday plan to support your body, your energy, and your cycle — without missing out on the fun and margaritas. I’ll show you how to navigate the festive season with balance, hydration, rest, and self-compassion, so you can start the new year feeling confident, energised, and in tune with your body.In this episode you’ll learn:Why skipping meals (especially breakfast) sabotages your blood sugar and energy — and what to do insteadHow to enjoy holiday indulgences without derailing your hormonesThe importance of hydration and supporting your liver over the festive seasonHow to honour your rest and energy limits during busy social periodsWhy listening to your body now beats waiting for January’s “new year, new me”If you’re feeling stressed, exhausted, or like the festive season always throws your cycle off, tune in to hear practical, manageable ways to support your hormones — while still enjoying all the celebrations.Let’s Connect!:Instagram: @emi_macnish_naturopathWebsite: www.emi-macnish.com.auJoin the Hormone Healing Collective: www.emi-macnish.com.au/hhc🎧 If you enjoyed this episode don’t forget to subscribe, rate and share the show!Welcome to the Beyond the Bleed community!Music by top-flow-28521292 via PixabayDisclaimer: The content I share in this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for individual medical advice. Always seek the guidance of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding your health or medical condition.

If you want to walk into 2026 feeling like a confident, energised bad arse boss b*tch (in control of your moods, energy, and periods) this episode is your roadmap.In this episode of Beyond the Bleed, I share the five key areas I’d be focusing on now if you wanted to start the new year feeling balanced, empowered, and deeply connected to her body (aka: less PMS meltdowns, sugar crashes, and mystery bloating).If you’re ready to start making small, powerful changes now that’ll have you feeling strong, steady and hormonally balanced in 2026, this episode is for you.Because hormonal health doesn’t change overnight — it’s the small, intentional habits you start today that set the foundation for how you’ll feel months from now.Let’s Connect!:Instagram: @emi_macnish_naturopathWebsite: www.emi-macnish.com.auFind Your Hormonal Imbalance Quiz: https://emi-macnish.com.au/quiz🎧 If you enjoyed this episode don’t forget to subscribe, rate and share the show!Welcome to the Beyond the Bleed community!Music by top-flow-28521292 via PixabayDisclaimer: The content shared in this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for individual medical advice. Always seek the guidance of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding your health or medical condition.

Walking out of your gyno’s office feeling unheard, frustrated, or confused is more common than you think - and it doesn’t mean you’re out of options.In this solo episode of Beyond the Bleed, I am sharing why leaving the doctor’s office feeling defeated doesn’t have to derail your hormonal health journey, and how you can reclaim agency over your body and your healing.If you’re currently feeling stuck, unheard, or unsure where to turn next in your hormonal health journey, tune in to hear how you can reclaim control and start building a support system that actually works for you.Let’s Connect!:Join the Hormone Healing Collective Waitlist HEREInstagram: @emi_macnish_naturopathWebsite: www.emi-macnish.com.au🎧 If you enjoyed this episode don’t forget to subscribe, rate and share the show!Welcome to the Beyond the Bleed community!Music by top-flow-28521292 via PixabayDisclaimer: The content shared in this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for individual medical advice. Always seek the guidance of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding your health or medical condition.

This episode is extra close to my heart because I’m sitting down with one of my long-term clients, Alannah, to talk about her naturopathy journey - the hesitations, the financial fears, the deep need for support, and what actually changed for her once she finally took the leapWhat we cover in today’s episode:✨ Alannah’s honest experience seeing a naturopath for the second time (after her first one didn’t stick)✨ The biggest hesitations she had before starting and how she worked through them✨ How gut health became the foundation that changed EVERYTHING for her - mood, cycles, energy✨ Moving through mum-life overwhelm, postpartum depletion, and finding herself again✨ Her small business journey (and how improving her health helped her grow it)Alannah is also the owner of a small business where she hand-sews beautiful, practical baby + toddler clothing.You can explore her gorgeous work here:Instagram: @alannahjaydehandmadeWebsite: alannahjaydehandmade.comConnect with Emi:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emi_macnish_naturopath/ (@emi_macnish_naturopath)Website: https://www.emi-macnish.com.au/🎧 If you enjoyed this episode don’t forget to subscribe, rate and share the show!Welcome to the Beyond the Bleed community!Music by top-flow-28521292 via PixabayDisclaimer: The content shared in this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for individual medical advice. Always seek the guidance of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding your health or medical condition.

Endometriosis is complex. And if you’ve ever felt like you’ve “tried everything” but your symptoms still aren’t shifting, this episode is for you.In today’s solo episode of Beyond the Bleed, I’m breaking down the biggest reasons I see people continue to struggle with their Endo symptoms, even after making diet changes, lifestyle swaps, or working on their “oestrogen.” If you’re stuck, overwhelmed, or starting to lose hope, I want you to know this: there is a deeper layer that often gets missed and that’s exactly what we’re unpacking today.In this episode, I cover:Why surface-level changes (diet, lifestyle, supplements) aren’t enough without understanding your root causeThe often-missed biochemical drivers, like SNPs in oestrogen-metabolising enzymes and elevated beta-glucuronidaseWhy your Endo symptoms — like Endo belly, fatigue, headaches — are not something you just have to acceptThe mindset shift that can pull you out of “giving up” modeWhy relying only on a GP or Gyno keeps so many Endo patients stuckThe types of practitioners you actually need on your team for holistic, sustainable progressIf you’ve been feeling dismissed, unheard, or unsupported, this episode will help you understand the bigger picture of Endometriosis .Let’s Connect!Instagram: @emi_macnish_naturopathWebsite: www.emi-macnish.com.auJoin the waitlist for The Hormone Healing Collective: www.emi-macnish.com.au/hhc🎧 If this episode resonated, be sure to subscribe, rate, and share it with someone who needs it.Music by top-flow-28521292 via PixabayDisclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for personalised medical advice. Please speak with your qualified healthcare provider for guidance tailored to your individual health needs.

Your period is your monthly report card. 🩸It gives you powerful insight every month into what’s really going on in your body - IF you know how to listen.In this episode of Beyond the Bleed, I explore how your menstrual cycle can actually help you break the burnout cycle. Together, we dive into what your period is trying to tell you about your stress, nutrition, and emotional wellbeing and how learning to live in sync with your cycle might be the most restorative thing you can do for your body.If you’re constantly feeling exhausted, depleted, or like your body just isn’t keeping up, tune in to hear how reconnecting with your cycle could be the solution back to your freedom.Let’s Connect!:Instagram: @emi_macnish_naturopathWebsite: www.emi-macnish.com.au🎧 If you enjoyed this episode don’t forget to subscribe, rate and share the show!Welcome to the Beyond the Bleed community!Music by top-flow-28521292 via PixabayDisclaimer: The content shared in this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for individual medical advice. Always seek the guidance of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding your health or medical condition.

Endometriosis isn’t just a painful period. Infact, it’s not even just about the physical symptoms. It takes a mental, emotional and social toll that is rarely spoken about, or even acknowledged.In this episode of Beyond the Bleed, we chat to Naturopath & Nutritionist Alex Sheaffe (she/her) - who has learnt the hard way of how to manage heavy menstrual bleeding, fibroids and navigating a long journey to an Endometriosis diagnosis. Together we explore the hidden challenges of navigating life with Endo, the emotional labour it takes to manage your body and your life, and practical ways to reclaim control, resilience and self-compassion.As two Naturopaths both living with Endometriosis, we get the mental load that living with Endo (suspected or diagnosed…or any other chronic health condition really) brings.If you’re currently feeling overwhelmed, misunderstood or exhausted by your pelvic pain/Endo, we hope the episode helps you feel less alone in your journey - and reminds you that hope and help is out there for you!Connect with Alex:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexsheaffehealth/Book a 1:1 Appointment: https://www.behealthstudio.com.au/Connect with Emi:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emi_macnish_naturopath/ (@emi_macnish_naturopath)Website: https://www.emi-macnish.com.au/🎧 If you enjoyed this episode don’t forget to subscribe, rate and share the show! Welcome to the Beyond The Bleed Community!Music by top-flow-28521292 via PixabayDisclaimer: The content shared in this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for individual medical advice. Always seek the guidance of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding your health or medical condition.

Acne is NEVER just about your skin. Like, ever.In this episode of Beyond the Bleed, I explore why acne is always the last place to show up, and why true healing needs to be multifactorial and multi-lensed. From your gut to your nervous system, hormones, and lifestyle, your skin reflects what’s going on beneath the surface.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why acne is the symptom, not the root causeSigns and symptoms your gut health, nervous system, hormones and/or diet are worsening your breakoutsHow different acne locations can point to different underlying imbalancesIf you’re tired of throwing skincare at your face and hoping for the best - this episode is for you!Connect with Emi:Instagram: @emi_macnish_naturopathWebsite: www.emi-macnish.com.auBook a Hormonal Health Review: https://www.emi-macnish.com.au/services🎧 If you enjoyed this episode don’t forget to subscribe, rate and share the show!Welcome to the Beyond the Bleed Community.Music by top-flow-28521292 via PixabayDisclaimer: The content shared in this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for individual medical advice. Always seek the guidance of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding your health or medical condition.

Acne is never just about the skin! Because it’s so visible - it affects your confidence, identity and how you show up in the world! In this episode of Beyond the Bleed, we welcome Amanda (she/her), a passionate dermal clinician who is such a wealth of knowledge when it comes to skin, to help you navigate the overwhelming (and often isolating) world of skin - particularly acne.In this episode you’ll learn:The difference between dermal clinicians vs dermatologists vs beauticians in treatment of your acneThings she wishes everyone knew before they tried the latest skincare products or fads (I’m looking at you beef tallow & Korean skincare!)Common misconceptions and myths around skin health and acne treatmentsHow, for successful acne treatment, you need to delve beyond just the surface - the importance of the gut: skin connectionThe emotional impact of having acne - how to support yourself when it feels like all hope is lostEffective treatment for scarring and overall skincareIf you’re currently feeling frustrated, hopeless and stuck feeling like your skin is working against you - tune on in to hear how Dermal Clinicians 🤝 Naturopaths could be the solution back to your freedom.Connect with Amanda:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanda.dermal (@amanda.dermal)Learn more about dermal clinicians at the Australian Society of Dermal Clinicians: https://www.dermalclinicians.com.au/ and their Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asdcassociation.Connect with Emi:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emi_macnish_naturopath/ (@emi_macnish_naturopath)Website: https://www.emi-macnish.com.au/If you enjoyed this episode don’t forget to subscribe, rate and share the show! Welcome to the Beyond the Bleed Community!Music by top-flow-28521292 via PixabayDisclaimer: The content shared in this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for individual medical advice. Always seek the guidance of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding your health or medical condition.

After one run in 2023 that left me on the floor in the fetal position feeling clammy & nauseous with pelvic pain, I developed the belief of: “Because of my pelvic pain, I can’t run anymore”.In this solo episode of Beyond the Bleed, I’m sharing how that moment really shaped the way I related to my body AND how training for a half marathon (even though on the day I woke up and was unable to run it - more on that in the episode), helped me rebuild trust, safety, and connection with my body.In this episode you’ll learn:How pain can create deep-seated fear and distrust in our bodiesWhy “I can’t” is often a story built from protectionWhat training for a half marathon taught me about compassion, pacing, and body trustIf you’ve ever felt disconnected from your body, or like it’s betrayed you, this episode is for you.Connect with Emi:Instagram: @emi_macnish_naturopathWebsite: https://www.emi-macnish.com.au/🎧 If you enjoyed this episode don’t forget to subscribe, rate and share the show!Welcome to the Beyond the Bleed Community.Music by top-flow-28521292 via PixabayDisclaimer: The content shared in this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for individual medical advice. Always seek the guidance of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding your health or medical condition.