The Great Equalizer

How do you get kids to put down the screens and pick up a book WITHOUT turning reading into another parental battle?In celebration of World Literacy Month, Team TGE was joined by Eva Amores and Matt Cosgrove, the power husband/wife team and author/illustrator duo behind the hugely popular Worst Week Ever series.These books are packed with chaos, embarrassment, friendship, family drama and the gloriously messy realities of childhood. And, perhaps crucially so, they're also REALLY FUNNY. So what makes a book genuinely engaging for children, particularly those children who think they’re “not readers”?Sam and Charlene chat to Eva and Matt about the origins of Worst Week Ever, the creative relationship between an author and illustrator, working with your spouse, why humour can be such a powerful gateway into reading, and what young readers have taught the pair about storytelling.We also tackle a question familiar to many parents: How do you encourage children to read for pleasure in a world competing for their attention with YouTube, gaming and screens — without making books feel like homework?📚 In this episode:• The story behind Worst Week Ever• Why humour gets kids reading• Writing and illustrating for children• The author-illustrator creative process• Reluctant readers and reading for pleasure• How parents can encourage a love of books• Screens vs books (and why it doesn't have to be an either/or scenario)• What young readers can teach grown-ups about storytellingIf you’re parenting a reluctant reader, an enthusiastic bookworm, or a child who would rather be gaming than reading, this conversation is for you.--#TheGreatEqualizer #WorstWeekEver #EvaAmores #MattCosgrove #ChildrensBooks--

What do we still not know about menopause?In the final episode of TGE Talks: Menopause, we sit down with South Africa's foremost sexologist, Dr Elna Rudolph, to explore the biggest unanswered questions surrounding perimenopause and menopause.Despite affecting half the global population, menopause remains under-researched, with significant gaps in our understanding of everything from exercise and brain health to sexual wellbeing, treatment outcomes, and why women experience menopause so differently.In this conversation, we unpack where the science is clear, where evidence is still emerging, and why there is so much confusion surrounding topics like strength training, brain health, cognition, sexual wellbeing, hormone therapy and the menopause experience across different populations.Drawing on audience questions from throughout the series, Dr Rudolph shares insights into the current state of menopause research, discusses why women's health has historically been overlooked, and highlights the questions researchers are still working to answer.Whether you've followed the entire series or are joining us for the first time, this episode offers an evidence-informed discussion about one of the most important — and least understood — stages of women's health.In this episode, we discuss:• Why menopause research still has significant gaps – and why that matters.• What we know (and don't know) about strength training, protein and exercise during menopause.• Menopause, brain health, brain fog and cognitive ageing.• Painful sex, low desire and intimate wellbeing in midlife.• Hormone therapy, research priorities and the future of menopause care.• Why menopause experiences differ so dramatically from one woman to another.• The need for more research into menopause in African women and other under-researched populations.• Dr Elna Rudolph's biggest hopes for the future of menopause research.About Dr Elna Rudolph:Dr Elna Rudolph is a South African medical doctor, sexologist and Clinical Head of My Sexual Health. She served as President of the World Association for Sexual Health from 2021 to 2025, becoming the youngest person ever to hold the position, the first African, and only the second woman in the organisation's history.--🎧 Brought to you by The Great Equalizer, TGE Talks: Menopause is a six-part podcast series that explores every aspect of menopause with insight from leading medical experts, specialists and sexual health advocates.🎧 Tune in on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.🔔 Don't forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode.LINKS MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE:Mother Brain by Chelsea Conaboy: https://www.chelseaconaboy.com/mother-brainEpisode 105 | FOOD FOR MENOPAUSE with Dr Linia Patel: https://youtu.be/9xe-7Fu_ep4Want to share feedback, pitch yourself as a guest, or advertise on The Great Equalizer? Use the links below:Listener Feedback: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdpjgaVo9tVre6j_SPro_dhblYxxAuGCmDFwniwGOEwjivI8Q/viewformExpert Guest: Pitchhttps://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfMwxnjWcB8WGZYyH0pI3RS6FREEuoiKXs5Fjioo42NHJz_oA/viewformAdvertising: Collaborationhttps://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfrpU6zviNfQu0SCCFMyHOTZ5V3LISzmnS8BGsGSv6huc16Jg/viewform—#Menopause #Perimenopause #WomensHealth #DrElnaRudolph #TGETalks #TheGreatEqualizer #HealthyAgeing #WomensWellbeing #Midlife #MenopauseAwareness

It’s no secret that strength training is crucial for women in or approaching perimenopause. But what exactly are we talking about here?Is yoga and pilates going to cut it? Do you really have to lift heavy weights?And what about your pelvic floor? Protein intake? A time-turner to ensure you do all ‘the right things’ to secure a graceful aging process.It’s all a bit overwhelming, in all honesty. Which is why we’re tackling all our questions (and yours!) in Episode 5 of TGE Talks: Menopause.Life coach, physiotherapist and motivational speaker Sue Fuller-Good joins us in studio to chat about what really helps women thrive through midlife.If you've been bombarded by conflicting advice on social media about menopause fitness, weight loss, Pilates versus weight training, or the "perfect" workout, this episode offers practical, evidence-informed guidance for busy women navigating their 40s, 50s and beyond.Together, we discuss:* Why strength training is one of the most important forms of exercise during perimenopause and menopause.* What happens to your muscles, metabolism and bone health as hormones change.* The role of protein and nutrition in supporting healthy ageing.* How stress affects weight, energy and overall wellbeing.* Why pelvic floor health matters long after pregnancy (and why Kegels aren't the whole story!)* Realistic exercise habits that fit into busy lives.* How to build resilience, confidence and vitality during midlife.* The biggest myths about menopause and healthy ageing.* Sue's one non-negotiable piece of advice for every woman entering this stage of life.Whether you're experiencing hot flushes, fatigue, weight changes, reduced muscle strength, anxiety, or you simply want to feel stronger and healthier as you age, this conversation is packed with practical strategies to help you move well, feel well and live a life you can love.About TGE Talks: MenopauseTGE Talks: Menopause is a six-part series from The Great Equalizer exploring the realities of perimenopause and menopause with leading South African experts. Together, we're tackling the conversations women have been told not to have — from hormones and mental health to sexual wellness, exercise and healthy ageing.🎧 Subscribe for more honest conversations about women's health, parenting and midlife.👍 If you found this episode helpful, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE it with someone who needs to hear it.—#StrengthTrainingForWomen #HealthyAgeing #PelvicFloorHealth #FitnessOver40 #HormoneHealth #Menopause #Perimenopause #WomensHealth #MidlifeWellness #TGETalksMenopause #TheGreatEqualizer--MORE ABOUT OUR EXPERT GUEST:https://www.suefullergood.comSue Fuller-Good is a speaker, coach, author, physiotherapist and healer. Sue has developed a deep understanding of the multi-dimensional concept of wellbeing, which is the foundation for her businesses. Her passion lies in cultivating the energy in her clients to fund living an extraordinary, highly productive, successful and joy-filled life.​Sue weaves her understanding of anatomy, physiology, neuroscience, human behaviour, psychology, nutrition, pain, spirituality and health into everything she does. She has worked with countless individuals and many businesses and business schools, facilitating the learning of stress management practices, the art of wellbeing creation and the instruction of mindfulness practice and body awareness. Sue has presented at many conferences both internationally and locally. Her work opens people’s minds and awareness so that they can truly thrive.She is founder of Body Brilliance, The Energy Incubator and The Endless Energy Program, and the author of the recently published book: The Sweet Spot.Get Sue's book, The Sweet Spot, directly from her or from Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.za/Sweet-Spot-Energise-your-thrive/dp/190728284X

Can you really blame menopause, or is it anxiety? Are you depressed? Burnt out? Full of sh*t? Just a bitch?For many women, perimenopause and menopause bring far more than hot flushes and night sweats. Neuroscience has proven that hormonal fluctuations during midlife can trigger anxiety, depression, brain fog, irritability, loss of confidence, and a profound sense of no longer feeling like yourself. And yet, so many women suffer in silence, convinced they're simply failing to cope.In Episode 4 of TGE Talks: Menopause,  clinical psychologist  Mareli Fischer helps us unpack the often-overlooked impact of menopause on mental health. Together, we explore why this life stage can feel so emotionally overwhelming and how fluctuating hormones interact with the pressures of midlife.This conversation goes beyond self-care clichés to examine what really supports psychological wellbeing during menopause. From understanding the science behind mood changes and brain fog to building resilience, rediscovering joy and knowing when to seek professional help, this episode is packed with practical, evidence-based advice for women navigating one of life's biggest transitions.If you've ever found yourself wondering, What happened to me?, this episode is for you. Because menopause may change you, but it doesn't have to define you.In this episode, we discuss:Anxiety and depression in midlifeBrain fog, mood swings and emotional wellbeingWhy self-care alone isn't enoughEvidence-based strategies to support your mental healthHow to reconnect with yourself and thrive in midlife🎧 Brought to you by The Great Equalizer, TGE Talks: Menopause is a six-part podcast series that explores every aspect of menopause with insight from leading medical experts, specialists and sexual health advocates.🎧 Tune in on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.🔔 Don't forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode.Want to share feedback, pitch yourself as a guest, or advertise on The Great Equalizer? Use the links below:—Listener FeedbackExpert Guest PitchAdvertising Collaboration—#Menopause  #Perimenopause  #mentalhealth  #WomensHealth  #MidlifeWomenExpert Guest Contact Details: https://marelifischer.co.za

Menopause DOES NOT mean the end of your sex life!In Episode 3 of TGE Talks Season 1, we tackle one of the most misunderstood aspects of menopause: sex, intimacy, libido, desire and sexual wellbeing after 40.Too many women live with the misconception that menopause means you're "dried up," undesirable or no longer interested in sex. But the reality is far more nuanced. Desire can change during midlife, but it doesn't disappear. Understanding those changes can help you reconnect with your body and rediscover pleasure, confidence, and unexplored intimacy.South African medical doctor and sexual health specialist Dr Heather Blaylock joins us to discuss sexual medicine, menopause care, hormonal health, pain management and regenerative wellness.In this episode, we cover:✔️ What a healthy libido can look like after 40.✔️ The difference between libido and desire.✔️ Dryness and atrophy: what is happening to our vaginas!?✔️ The physical, emotional and psychological factors that affect sexual wellbeing✔️ Common and treatable causes of low libido during perimenopause and menopause✔️ Pain during sex, including chronic pain and its impact on intimacy✔️ PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) therapy and other non-surgical treatment options for vaginal rejuvenation✔️ Practical first steps for women who feel disconnected from their sexualityWhether you're navigating perimenopause, menopause, hormonal changes, low libido, painful sex, relationship challenges, or simply wondering what's normal in midlife, this conversation offers evidence-based information, practical tools and the reassurance that you're not alone in the chaos.Brought to you by The Great Equalizer, TGE Talks: Menopause is a six-part podcast series that explores every aspect of menopause with insight from leading medical experts, specialists and sexual health advocates.🎧 Tune in on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.💬 We'd love to hear from you. Do you have a question, story or experience to share? Email us at [email protected] or drop us a voice note on Instagram.🔔 Don't forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode.#Menopause #Perimenopause #SexAfter40 #LowLibido #WomensHealth #MidlifeWomen #MenopauseSupport #SexualHealth #VaginalDryness #MenopausePodcast #Libido #Intimacy #Hormones #HealthyAging #thegreatequalizer