The Little Things

Weight-loss injections are everywhere, but what is taking them actually like — and what happens when you want to stop? Francesca Rudkin and Louise Ayrey are joined by GP and bariatric physician Dr Lara Courtenay to discuss the everyday reality of GLP-1 medications, from appetite changes and side effects to nutrition, exercise and maintaining weight loss. They also explore why weight can become harder to manage in midlife, the difference between hunger and “food noise”, and why the conversation needs to move beyond willpower and judgement.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alison Mau joins Francesca Rudkin and Louise Ayrey to discuss Tika, the independent sexual harm reporting platform she co-founded with Zoë Lawton. Ali explains how Tika identifies reports naming the same person, how its collective approach enables free legal support once a group is formed, and why survivors retain control over their next steps. She also shares the personal significance of discovering she wasn’t alone, and offers advice on responding when someone discloses harm. This episode discusses sexual harm. Find out more at tika.org.nz.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When did you last look at your will—and how much has your life changed since? Public Trust principal trustee Michelle Pope joins Francesca Rudkin and Louise Ayrey to unpack wills, trusts and enduring powers of attorney. They discuss what happens when someone dies without a will, how relationship changes can affect your plans, and why clear instructions can make a difficult time easier for the people you leave behind.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why are erotic books and TV shows having a moment? And is our appetite for them really new? On this episode of The Little Things, Francesca Rudkin and Louise Ayrey talk to author and sex historian Dr Esmé Louise James about the history of erotic fiction, from Fanny Hill to today’s romantasy boom. They discuss the appeal of shows such as Heated Rivalry and Bridgerton, the shame that has surrounded women’s reading choices, and whether exploring desire on the page can help us understand ourselves and communicate with a partner. James is the creator of Kinky History and author of Becoming Venus.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For some women, the days before their period bring much more than the usual symptoms of PMS. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder, or PMDD, can cause severe changes in mood, anxiety, irritability, fatigue and concentration — disrupting work, relationships and everyday life. Francesca Rudkin and Louise Ayrey are joined by clinical neuropsychologist Dr Caroline Gurvich to explain what PMDD is, why some women may be particularly sensitive to hormonal changes, its links with ADHD and perimenopause, and how it can be diagnosed and treated. Plus, why tracking your symptoms could be the first step towards recognising that something more than PMS is going on.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.