Slow It Down

Gillian Swinton came to New Zealand from Scotland, originally planning on just stopping by for her OE. But after falling for a Southland farmer she now calls NZ home.  Living in rural Otago, Gillian spends her time growing food, raising animals, and living the homestead life, all while working full time! In the episode we chat about how she ended up where she is, the beauty of working hard at something you love, what we can all do to reconnect with nature, and so much more! I'd love to hear how you feel about this episode, and the podcast as a whole. You can find me on Instagram @PJDeeJaySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's so much to consider when it comes to feeding your kids, and the available baby food selection can often be underwhelming. Which is where Gina Ulrich comes in with her natural baby food company Odi. In the episode we chat about why Gina started Odi, how to fit proper nutrition in an already hectic schdule as a mum, the surprising things your baby should be getting in their diet, Gina's terrifying cancer diagnosis, and so much more! There were so many things in this chat that surprised me and I know it's going to change how I look at food going forward.   I'd love to hear how you feel about this episode, and the podcast as a whole. You can find me on Instagram @PJDeeJaySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rebecca Keil is one of the OG Mummy Bloggers here in New Zealand. She has been sharing her journey with motherhood for over a decade now, with real, open, and honest chats about life.  In the episode we chat about how she's changed her approach to sharing her life online, setting up boundaries to protect her kids, the incredible reason why her family has been spending the past year living in two different parts of the country, and so, so much more. I was so excited to finally meet Rebecca and sit down for such an amazing chat where absolutely nothing was off limits, I really hope you enjoy it! I'd love to hear how you feel about this episode, and the podcast as a whole. You can find me on Instagram @PJDeeJaySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

WARNING: This episode contains brief mentions of miscarriage This week I'm joined by Rochelle Vranjes Marreiros, the founder of Seed Cycle Blend a whole food suppliment designed to help balance your hormones and support your ovaries. In the episode we chat about what led Rochelle to start her work as a nutritionist, what hormones actually are and what they do, and how women are so often miseld and gaslit by the medical industry. We are even joined by my adorable six month old who gives her thoughts on teething! I'd love to hear how you feel about this episode, and the podcast as a whole. You can find me on Instagram @PJDeeJaySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to season 2 of Slow It Down! I'm so excited to be getting back into the podcast after my six month maternity leave. I've seen so many incredible and inspiring people online and I just can't wait to sit down and have some real open and honest chats. Our first guest is Ellie Fitzgerald, who you may know as LovingElliesBelly. She's been doing an incredible job of spreading body positive online for years, but you may be shocked to find out that wasn't always her message. In the episode we talk about how her online presence has changed over the years, dealing with trolls, working with your partner everyday, and so much more! I had so much fun chatting with Ellie, and I know you'll love listening to her too!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jess Quinn is an inspiration. Life changed dramatically for Jess after having her leg amputated as a child due to cancer. Jess has gone on to do such big things, sharing her story and helping people understand what it's like living with a disability. Her latest venture is The Cyclist - an online platform dedicated to women’s health and creating a community. As a new mum, who is also starting a brand-new business, she also spoke about the importance of taking time to do simple activities like making a matcha and slowing down the process. Her advice to younger Jess at the end of the episode is also important for everyone to hear! Thank you so much to everyone who has tuned in for the last 26 episodes since I launched Slow It Down! I'll be taking a short break for the birth of my second child, but I'll be back soon with more real-life inspiration for how you can try and find a bit of peace in this beautifully chaotic life! About the show:  Life is fast. Information is overwhelming. We seem busier and more anxious than ever. Introducing ‘Slow It Down’. A time to chill, wind down and join a space that inspires people to live authentically and slow it down. A hub for living more consciously and incorporating mindful practices and rituals in an achievable way. The aim is to showcase guests who have chosen to live a more balanced lifestyle mixed in with experts who offer tangible tips and tricks to feel a little more zen. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I'm a huge Kita Alexander fan and I was so excited to talk with her on the podcast this week. She is not only a pop star who is currently touring with Dua Lipa in Australia (and is about to be here in Aotearoa) but also a mum trying to juggle both a career and being there for her kids.  We spoke about how she came to terms with the fact that her career was going to take a hit when she had kids, but also how she feels like she's come back into it with skills that give her a unique edge. She also gave us some nuggets of information on how she slows it down and speaks about her unique connection to spirituality and how it helps her in all areas of her life. About the show:  Life is fast. Information is overwhelming. We seem busier and more anxious than ever. Introducing ‘Slow It Down’. A time to chill, wind down and join a space that inspires people to live authentically and slow it down. A hub for living more consciously and incorporating mindful practices and rituals in an achievable way. The aim is to showcase guests who have chosen to live a more balanced lifestyle mixed in with experts who offer tangible tips and tricks to feel a little more zen. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I absolutely adore Morgan Penn! She is an old friend, and it has been awesome watching her evolve so much in the time I've known her. Her mission in life is to make people feel empowered in their sexuality and has such a great way of making people feel comfortable. The connection to her body and energy means Morgan has plenty to share about what it takes to slow it down. I really like the idea of having lots of tools in the toolbox to make sure you do check in with yourself and can pick the right tool for the moment.  If you want to know more, you can find out more morganpenn.co.nz About the show:  Life is fast. Information is overwhelming. We seem busier and more anxious than ever. Introducing ‘Slow It Down’. A time to chill, wind down and join a space that inspires people to live authentically and slow it down. A hub for living more consciously and incorporating mindful practices and rituals in an achievable way. The aim is to showcase guests who have chosen to live a more balanced lifestyle mixed in with experts who offer tangible tips and tricks to feel a little more zen. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Amantha Imber is an organisational psychologist and author, who wants you to know that even psychology professionals are not immune to burnout! After launching her book The Health Habit, she found herself suffering from burnout. Amantha talks me through how it presented and what steps she took to slowly make her way through. She was so generous with her story, and she gave lots of good tips to help. I especially liked the way she spoke about spotting stressors and working out whether you need to act on an issue or accept it. Amantha also shared a breath work technique that I've used almost every day since I recorded this podcast. It’s a goodie, hope you enjoy! Get in touch with Amantha Imber on LinkedIn or Instagram. You can purchase Amantha's book The Health Habit here. And you can listen to her podcast How I Work here.  About the show:  Life is fast. Information is overwhelming. We seem busier and more anxious than ever. Introducing ‘Slow It Down’. A time to chill, wind down and join a space that inspires people to live authentically and slow it down. A hub for living more consciously and incorporating mindful practices and rituals in an achievable way. The aim is to showcase guests who have chosen to live a more balanced lifestyle mixed in with experts who offer tangible tips and tricks to feel a little more zen. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rosa and Margo of Two Raw Sisters are an incredibly ambitious combo but they are beautifully down to Earth. In this episode we speak about the importance of what success means to YOU and making sure that you align it with your intrinsic priorities.  We also speak finding peace in the chaos, and the two were a perfect example of how everyone's road to peace is different. Margo, like me, loves a bit of time in a float to stop her brain, while Rosa clears her mind by journalling and dumping out all the thoughts swirling around. And it wouldn't be Two Raw Sisters without a few tips on how to stay healthy and sane with meal prep. Enjoy the show! About the show:  Life is fast. Information is overwhelming. We seem busier and more anxious than ever. Introducing ‘Slow It Down’. A time to chill, wind down and join a space that inspires people to live authentically and slow it down. A hub for living more consciously and incorporating mindful practices and rituals in an achievable way. The aim is to showcase guests who have chosen to live a more balanced lifestyle mixed in with experts who offer tangible tips and tricks to feel a little more zen.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Toni Street is one of the most upbeat and positive people out there so it can be surprising to find out how much tragedy and pain she has endured in her life. Distressingly, Toni lost 3 siblings while growing up and then while in the middle of a successful TV career, she was diagnosed with the autoimmune disease EGPA. We chat about the confronting realities that come with being unwell and the painful process of being diagnosed. This chat made me reflect on my own life, and the season of survival I'm in (while heavily pregnant!). The biggest takeaway for me from talking with Toni is the importance of family and creating a strong community to help support you when things get tough. About the show:  Life is fast. Information is overwhelming. We seem busier and more anxious than ever. Introducing ‘Slow It Down’. A time to chill, wind down and join a space that inspires people to live authentically and slow it down. A hub for living more consciously and incorporating mindful practices and rituals in an achievable way. The aim is to showcase guests who have chosen to live a more balanced lifestyle mixed in with experts who offer tangible tips and tricks to feel a little more zen.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's guest is a rural celebrity, with a following across the world. Philippa Cameron a.k.a @WhatsForSmoko is an online content creator based on a farm in the Waitaki Valley of the South Island who shares simple recipes for busy families everywhere.  I felt validated by this conversation, having moved rurally just a few years ago. Pip shares her own perspective in a down to earth and authentic way and brings up a number of things that I recognise in my community. We talk about the misconceptions that occur between rural and urban communities in New Zealand, and how the world would be a better place if people really tried to understand each other instead of jumping to conclusions. About the show:  Life is fast. Information is overwhelming. We seem busier and more anxious than ever. Introducing ‘Slow It Down’. A time to chill, wind down and join a space that inspires people to live authentically and slow it down. A hub for living more consciously and incorporating mindful practices and rituals in an achievable way. The aim is to showcase guests who have chosen to live a more balanced lifestyle mixed in with experts who offer tangible tips and tricks to feel a little more zen.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I've worked in the same building as Angelina for a long time, but this is the first time I really sat down and got to have a conversation with her about more than just work so it was epic to connect on another level.  We spoke about what's it's like becoming a mum in a career that can be daunting to step out of, how she's gone on a journey to embrace the spiritual side of her existence and how she tries to champion mental health conversations, particularly in a male dominated space. Listen to Angelina's podcast here and catch her on Radio Hauraki everyday from 9am - 2pm.   About the show:  Life is fast. Information is overwhelming. We seem busier and more anxious than ever. Introducing ‘Slow It Down’. A time to chill, wind down and join a space that inspires people to live authentically and slow it down. A hub for living more consciously and incorporating mindful practices and rituals in an achievable way. The aim is to showcase guests who have chosen to live a more balanced lifestyle mixed in with experts who offer tangible tips and tricks to feel a little more zen. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mindset Coach Efia Sulter joins me this week to talk about her work helping others with deep transformation in their lives. Her unique approach teaches you how to release deep seated beliefs around worthiness and shed the layers of shame so you can embody your higher self. I loved the idea of believing you are extraordinary and giving yourself permission to trust in your own superpowers. Efia also has some interesting thoughts on what success looks like for women and how it could symbolise failure in competing areas.  I hope you take away something from this episode, and if you want to know more, you can download The Bad B*tch Blueprint from Efia – a free 5-day workbook designed to help you release the past, reignite your spark and rediscover your power. efiasulter.com/free-workbook About the show:  Life is fast. Information is overwhelming. We seem busier and more anxious than ever. Introducing ‘Slow It Down’. A time to chill, wind down and join a space that inspires people to live authentically and slow it down. A hub for living more consciously and incorporating mindful practices and rituals in an achievable way. The aim is to showcase guests who have chosen to live a more balanced lifestyle mixed in with experts who offer tangible tips and tricks to feel a little more zen. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I was so nervous for today's chat because I grew up watching Carolyn Taylor on What Now! We talk about how that experience changed her, and how it helped her frame the rest of her working life. We also talk slowing it down, and the tips and tricks she uses to ground herself. She, like me, believes in the seasons of life. We can't have it all! However, we can enjoy what we've got, when we have it. Carolyn also had some good tips of keeping your body moving and how that can quiet the mind. I hope you enjoy this episode!   About the show:  Life is fast. Information is overwhelming. We seem busier and more anxious than ever. Introducing ‘Slow It Down’. A time to chill, wind down and join a space that inspires people to live authentically and slow it down. A hub for living more consciously and incorporating mindful practices and rituals in an achievable way. The aim is to showcase guests who have chosen to live a more balanced lifestyle mixed in with experts who offer tangible tips and tricks to feel a little more zen. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mikki Fisher is a force of nature! As a podcast host, reiki practitioner and psychic medium, she embodies a busy life. She's trying to slow it down just like all of us though. Mikki opens up about how long it took for her to trust that the intuition she was receiving was a psychic ability, and what that looks like living day to day. It also resonated with me when she spoke about trusting your own intuition with what your body might need to be more present and healthier, how the small parts of life are the most important and how kids can help us slow down. I hope you take something from this episode, and I'd love to know what you think! Get in touch on Instagram. About the show:  Life is fast. Information is overwhelming. We seem busier and more anxious than ever. Introducing ‘Slow It Down’. A time to chill, wind down and join a space that inspires people to live authentically and slow it down. A hub for living more consciously and incorporating mindful practices and rituals in an achievable way. The aim is to showcase guests who have chosen to live a more balanced lifestyle mixed in with experts who offer tangible tips and tricks to feel a little more zen. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's guest goes by many names including Amanda and Nonna, but we settled on Mandy for majority of the chat. Mandy and I worked together in radio a few years back and she has gone on to host her own podcast "Setting The Brow Low". I was honestly quite surprised when discovering a different side to Mandy and found it really resonated with the theme of the podcast. I really enjoyed Mandy’s analogy about rewiring your brain, how she's committed to being kind to herself and just starting self-care and meditation without the expectation of completion which takes the pressure off. I also loved her honesty around the fears of motherhood and hearing her own positive experience through committing to practises. Listen to Mandy's podcast here: Setting The Brow Low | iHeart Don't forget if you like this episode, share it with friends. About the show:  Life is fast. Information is overwhelming. We seem busier and more anxious than ever. Introducing ‘Slow It Down’. A time to chill, wind down and join a space that inspires people to live authentically and slow it down. A hub for living more consciously and incorporating mindful practices and rituals in an achievable way. The aim is to showcase guests who have chosen to live a more balanced lifestyle mixed in with experts who offer tangible tips and tricks to feel a little more zen. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Award winning author, educator and consultant Kim Forrester joins me on the first episode for 2025! Her mission is to inspire holistic wellbeing and fulness of living, so if you're looking to set up the new year feeling more connected, this is the episode for you. 94% of people have had some sort of spiritual experience and Kim reminded me to not dismiss the nudges that the universe gives us, and how that impacts our connection with ourselves. Nature and the universe have a rhythm, and we feel our best when we're in tune with it.  About the show:  Life is fast. Information is overwhelming. We seem busier and more anxious than ever. Introducing ‘Slow It Down’. A time to chill, wind down and join a space that inspires people to live authentically and slow it down. A hub for living more consciously and incorporating mindful practices and rituals in an achievable way. The aim is to showcase guests who have chosen to live a more balanced lifestyle mixed in with experts who offer tangible tips and tricks to feel a little more zen. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thank you to everyone who has joined me on the Slow It Down journey so far! It's been a big year, and I wanted to reflect on the way that I've tried to live the mantra of the podcast "finding peace in the chaos".  I hope you join me in 2025 for more tips, tricks and mantras to Slow It Down. If you've enjoyed the show, please share it with someone else who could find it useful. About the show:  Life is fast. Information is overwhelming. We seem busier and more anxious than ever. Introducing ‘Slow It Down’. A time to chill, wind down and join a space that inspires people to live authentically and slow it down. A hub for living more consciously and incorporating mindful practices and rituals in an achievable way. The aim is to showcase guests who have chosen to live a more balanced lifestyle mixed in with experts who offer tangible tips and tricks to feel a little more zen. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kaylee Bell is incredibly ambitious but also SO grounded. She's gone from Waimate to Nashville, and it's been a long journey that is starting to really bear fruit for her and her music career. Touring life isn't easy though, and although it's not as rock and roll as it used to be, it's still important to look after yourself.   Kaylee spoke about the role manifestation has played in her success, and her connection to the universe. Kaylee has been on a health journey for a while now and found out this year that she's expecting her first child with her partner Nick. About the show:  Life is fast. Information is overwhelming. We seem busier and more anxious than ever. Introducing ‘Slow It Down’. A time to chill, wind down and join a space that inspires people to live authentically and slow it down. A hub for living more consciously and incorporating mindful practices and rituals in an achievable way. The aim is to showcase guests who have chosen to live a more balanced lifestyle mixed in with experts who offer tangible tips and tricks to feel a little more zen.     See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.