Most mums are dealing with exhaustion and a lack of sleep these days and feeling like there's no end in sight.

In this episode, I sit down with Australia’s leading sleep expert, Olivia Arezzolo, to unpack why so many of us are exhausted, wired, and waking up at 3am, and what we can actually do about it.

Olivia shares her powerful personal story, from battling severe mental and physical health challenges as a teenager to rebuilding her life and becoming one of the most trusted voices in sleep, stress, and holistic health. This isn’t just a conversation about getting more rest. It’s about understanding your body, your hormones, and the hidden factors that could be quietly sabotaging your wellbeing.

We dive deep into the science of sleep, covering everything from cortisol and melatonin to the real impact of stress, blue light, fasting, and alcohol on your sleep quality. Olivia also breaks down her “Five Fundamentals” for better sleep - simple, actionable strategies you can start implementing tonight, no matter how busy your life is.

Whether you’re a busy mum, a high performer, or just someone who wants to feel better, clearer, and more energised, this episode is packed with insights that could genuinely change your nights (and your days).

Information contained in this episode is general in nature and is not intended as medical advice. If you have concerns about ongoing sleep issues, consult your health professional.

LINKS

• Follow Emilee on Instagram (@emileehembrow) and TikTok (@emileehembrowofficial)
• Follow Olivia (@oliviaarezzolo) on Instagram
• Find out more about Olivia on her website
• Watch full episodes of Let's Be Real on YouTube
• Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind the scenes content – @novapodcastsofficial.

CREDITS
Host: Emilee Hembrow
Guest: Olivia Arezzolo
Executive Producer: Damien Haffenden

Find more great podcasts like this at novapodcasts.com.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Most people think they know Carina Mirabile from the hit TV series Married At First Sight… but what you see on screen is only part of the story.

In this episode, Carina joins me for a raw and unfiltered conversation about what really happens behind the scenes of reality TV — from strict rules and emotional pressures, to the mental toll of being watched (and judged) by millions.

She opens up about spending her own money to keep up her on-screen image, the truth about her relationship with Paul on MAFS, and why the experience changed the way she sees love, identity, and herself.

We also dive into the darker side of fame — online trolling, anxiety, and what dating looks like after reality TV in a world of apps and questionable intentions.

Can't get enough Married At First Sight? Check out the MAFS Funny Podcast.

LINKS

• Follow Emilee on Instagram (@emileehembrow) and TikTok (@emileehembrowofficial)
• Follow Carina (@carinamirabile) on Instagram
• Watch full episodes of Let's Be Real on YouTube
• Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind the scenes content – @novapodcastsofficial.

CREDITS
Host: Emilee Hembrow
Guest: Carina Mirabile
Executive Producer: Damien Haffenden

Find more great podcasts like this at novapodcasts.com.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode deals with suicide, bullying and sexual abuse. Listener discretion is advised.

Elsana Lower is a nurse, a mindset coach and a mum. In the last episode, she shared the raw reality of losing her teenage daughter Rylee to suicide following abuse and online bullying.

In the deeply moving conclusion to our conversation, Elsana Lower explores the transformative power of forgiveness and the mindset required to survive the unimaginable. This episode dives into the mechanics of 'learning to live and grieve simultaneously', offering a roadmap for anyone sitting in the "depths of hell" and is searching for a reason to choose life.

Elsana discusses how choosing forgiveness was not a gift to those who hurt her daughter, but a necessary disconnection to save her own life and release her attachment to their outcomes. She also talks about the importance of breaking self-isolation by showing up for social connections, even when your "social battery" feels empty, and using gratitude to retrain the brain to look for the "best part of the day," making it harder for the mind to dwell on the negative.

Listen to Part One of this conversation here.

SUPPORT:
If this episode raises concerns for yourself or a loved one, help is available:
Kids Helpline - 1800 55 1800 or https://kidshelpline.com.au/
Lifeline - 13 11 14 or https://www.lifeline.org.au/
Beyond Blue - https://www.beyondblue.org.au/

RESOURCES:
Online and social media info for parents: https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents
Bullying support: https://dollysdream.org.au/help-and-support

LINKS

• Follow Emilee on Instagram (@emileehembrow) and TikTok (@emileehembrowofficial)
• Follow Eslana (@eslanalower) on Instagram
• Listen to Eslana's podcast 'Why Mindset Matters'
• Check out Eslana's book 'Resilience After Great Loss'
• Watch full episodes of Let's Be Real on YouTube
• Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind the scenes content – @novapodcastsofficial.

CREDITS
Host: Emilee Hembrow
Guest: Eslana Lower
Executive Producer: Damien Haffenden
Recorded at: Pivotal Conversations Gold Coast

Find more great podcasts like this at novapodcasts.com.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode deals with suicide, bullying and sexual abuse. Listener discretion is advised.

This is one of the most raw and heartbreaking conversations I’ve ever had.

In this deeply emotional episode, I sit down with resilience coach, nurse and mother Elsana Lower, who opens up about the unimaginable loss of her 15-year-old daughter, Rylee.

It's a powerful and confronting story about the very real dangers of online bullying, grooming, and the devastating ripple effects of teen suicide. Elsana courageously walks us through the events leading up to that night, the warning signs that she missed, and the reality many parents aren’t prepared for.

But within her grief, Eslana ultimately found the power of resilience through forgiveness and healing, and renewed purposed in sharing her story and what it takes to keep going after such a devastating loss.

Listen to Part 2 of this story here.

SUPPORT:
If this episode raises concerns for yourself or a loved one, help is available:
Kids Helpline - 1800 55 1800 or https://kidshelpline.com.au/
Lifeline - 13 11 14 or https://www.lifeline.org.au/
Beyond Blue - https://www.beyondblue.org.au/

RESOURCES:
Online and social media info for parents: https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents
Bullying support: https://dollysdream.org.au/help-and-support

LINKS

• Follow Emilee on Instagram (@emileehembrow) and TikTok (@emileehembrowofficial)
• Follow Eslana (@eslanalower) on Instagram
• Listen to Eslana's podcast 'Why Mindset Matters'
• Check out Eslana's book 'Resilience After Great Loss'
• Watch full episodes of Let's Be Real on YouTube
• Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind the scenes content – @novapodcastsofficial.

CREDITS
Host: Emilee Hembrow
Guest: Eslana Lower
Executive Producer: Damien Haffenden
Recorded at: Pivotal Conversations Gold Coast

Find more great podcasts like this at novapodcasts.com.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Natalie Bassingthwaighte is one of Australia's best-known entertainers, thanks to her years in musical theatre, starring role on soap Neighbours and fronting dance act Rogue Traders.

This week, Nat joins me on Let’s Be Real for one of her most raw and honest conversations yet.

After years in the spotlight, Natalie opens up about the story behind the headlines, and what it was really like to unravel the version of herself she had been living for so long.

Natalie speaks candidly about juggling fame, motherhood, marriage, co-parenting, coming out later in life, and the terrifying but freeing process of choosing authenticity.

She opens up about the moment that changed her life while performing in the stage production of Jagged Little Pill, the “electric” connection she felt when she met her now-fiancée Pip, and the reality of navigating such a deeply personal journey as the world watched.

This is a conversation about heartbreak, healing, identity, blended families, public pressure, therapy, and learning to honour your heart.

You can read more about Nat's story in her book Love Like This, which is out now.

LINKS

• Follow Emilee on Instagram (@emileehembrow) and TikTok (@emileehembrowofficial)
• Follow Natalie (@natbassingthwaighte) on Instagram
• Grab Natalie's book 'Love Like This' in stores now
• Check out the 'Love Like This' audiobook here
• Catch Nat live on tour with Rogue Traders
• Watch full episodes of Let's Be Real on YouTube
• Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind the scenes content – @novapodcastsofficial.

CREDITS
Host: Emilee Hembrow
Guest: Natalie Bassingthwaighte
Executive Producer: Damien Haffenden
Recorded at: Pivotal Conversations Gold Coast

Find more great podcasts like this at novapodcasts.com.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, I sit down with Georgie Stevenson - entrepreneur, podcaster and founder of Nu Harvest supplements, and Rise & Conquer, the self-development platform brand built on manifestation and self-trust.

Georgie shares her journey from studying law and working at a corporate firm to walking away from it all to follow a path that felt more aligned with her values. What started as a creative side hustle quickly evolved into multiple thriving businesses.

But this conversation goes deeper than business.

We unpack the power of manifestation and what it really means (and what most people get wrong), the value in identity shifts, and why becoming the person you want to be matters more than chasing external success. Georgie breaks down practical tools to help you get unstuck, rewire your thinking, and step into a new version of yourself - even when it feels uncomfortable.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, uncertain, or like you’re capable of more, this episode will change the way you think about growth, mindset, and what’s possible for your life.

LINKS

• Follow Emilee on Instagram (@emileehembrow) and TikTok (@emileehembrowofficial)
• Follow Georgie (@georgiestevenson) on Instagram
• Listen to Georgie’s podcast ‘Rise & Conquer’
• Watch full episodes of Let's Be Real on YouTube
• Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind the scenes content – @novapodcastsofficial.

CREDITS
Host: Emilee Hembrow
Guest: Georgie Stevenson
Executive Producer: Damien Haffenden
Digital Content Producer: Brittany Birt
Recorded at: Pivotal Conversations Gold Coast

Find more great podcasts like this at novapodcasts.com.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if trauma, grief and emotional pain don’t just live in your mind — but in the rest of your body too?

Dr Sarah Jane is a chiropractor, holistic counsellor and founder of Spinal Energetics, a powerful approach to healing that works with the nervous system, the spine and the body’s stored emotional experiences.

In this deeply honest conversation, Sarah discusses how she coped after experiencing five miscarriages. We talk openly about her fertility struggles, grief, resilience, and how the body processes trauma, as well as why healing isn’t something someone else “does” to you, but something your body already knows how to do.

Sarah shares how the devastating losses, grief and unanswered questions that ultimately led her to create a healing method now used to help thousands of people around the world.

We also discuss the connection between trauma and the body, and how emotional experiences can shape your nervous system for years.

It's a raw and unfiltered conversation about loss, healing, and finding meaning after unimaginable pain.

LINKS

• Follow Emilee on Instagram (@emileehembrow) and TikTok (@emileehembrowofficial)
• Follow Sarah (@drsarahjanechiro) on Instagram
• Watch full episodes of Let's Be Real on YouTube
• Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind the scenes content – @novapodcastsofficial.

SUPPORT

• For immediate support in a crisis, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14
• More resources are available from Miscarriage Australia or Pink Elephants Support Network

CREDITS
Host: Emilee Hembrow
Guest: Dr Sarah Jane
Executive Producer: Damien Haffenden
Digital Content Producer: Brittany Birt
Recorded at: Pivotal Conversations Gold Coast

Find more great podcasts like this at novapodcasts.com.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In our last chat, fitness coach, entrepreneur and mum of five, Chontel Duncan told us the harrowing tale of finding her young son drowned in their backyard pool. Luckily he survived, but that wasn't the only near-tragedy to strike Chontel and her family.

In this episode, she opens up about the health problems that plagued her premature twins just weeks after their birth, and how the symptoms could have been written off as cot death if not immediately treated.

Chontel also reveals the parenting tips and tricks that help keep her family of 7 running like a well-oiled machine.

There was so much to speak with Chontel about, don't miss part one of our conversation!

LINKS

• Follow Emilee on Instagram @emileehembrow and TikTok
• Follow Chontel on Instagram @chontelduncan
• Listen to Part One of this chat here
• Watch full episodes of Let's Be Real on YouTube
• Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind the scenes content – @novapodcastsofficial.

CREDITS
Host: Emilee Hembrow
Guest: Chontel Duncan
Executive Producer: Damien Haffenden
Digital Content Producer: Brittany Birt
Recorded at: Pivotal Conversations Gold Coast

Find more great podcasts like this at novapodcasts.com.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.