This Is Awkward

In our latest, and final, episode of Series 2 of This Is Awkward, we are speaking with Dr Kath Fielder about something rarely talked about, yet it’s something that all humans have in common. It’s death. About Dr Kath FielderKath works as a GP in County Durham and in a private Specialist Neurodevelopmental Assessment and Treatment Centre in Newcastle, having received an ADHD diagnosis herself recently. She is also part of the advisory team for Everydoctor; a campaigning organisation that fights for the NHS, staff and patients. Kath has particular experience in Mental Health; predominantly trauma and neurodivergence. She is also especially interested in empowering patients through effective communication and explanation, to support them in making the decisions that are right for them. Useful linksIf you’d like more information about some of the issues discussed in this episode, you may find the following links helpful:https://compassionindying.org.uk/ https://www.compassionate-communities.co.uk/ https://www.resus.org.uk/respect/respect-healthcare-professionals https://northerncanceralliance.nhs.uk/deciding-right/ https://www.hospiceuk.org/our-campaigns/dying-matters https://www.gov.uk/power-of-attorney https://advancedecision.service.compassionindying.org.uk/ 

This episode is a corker. Right at the top of the things we find awkward to talk about – sex.  Specifically, we’re talking about sex after becoming a parent. Sex and parenthood are not natural bedfellows (pun absolutely intended). Fortunately, we have Clio Wood, women’s health and sexual wellbeing expert and author of ‘How to get your mojo back’, on hand to offer some advice about tackling this topic. For more information about Clio, visit www.andbreathewellbeing.com or you can also find her on social media:Instagram: @andbreathewellbeingFacebook: www.facebook.com/andbreathewell X: @AndBreatheWell

Lyanne and Kristy speak with parenting expert, psychologist and author, Dr Emma Svanberg (AKA The Mumologist) about how to navigate conversations about parenting. From Gina Ford, to helicopter-parenting, authoritative parenting, parenting neurodiverse children and dealing with unsolicited advice - the hosts and guest cover a lot of ground. Emma's book 'Parenting for Humans' is out now.

As far as difficult subjects go, money is pretty high on the list for most people. Luckily, this week we have not one, but TWO brilliant experts in their field to help guide us through this conversational minefield.At the top of the show, we are joined by #1 best selling author, podcaster and financial expert, Peter Komolafe.Peter gives some incredible advice on topics such as asking for money, as well as how to ask for it back. Plus, he shares some of his own personal experiences of how to handle things if you don't get your money back, as well as how to better recognise and manage your own spending habits.For anyone interested in finding out more from Peter, he hosts a 6-week book club where he takes people through all the practical aspects of his latest book. More details can be found here: https://peterkomolafe.com/the-money-basics-book-clubSecondly, we hear brilliant insights from Joe Huston, Managing Director of GiveDirectly. Joe leads teams across 12 countries to deliver over one hundred and fifty million dollars a year to some of the poorest people in the world, so he certainly knows a thing or two about how to talk money. He shares his top tips for how to ask for money in the charitable sector, and his approach may surprise you!For more information, visit:givedirectly.orghttps://www.instagram.com/givedirectly/https://twitter.com/givedirectlyhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/givedirectly

Kristy and Lyanne talk with the font of knowledge, Dr Charlotte Gooding, about how to take the stigma out of menopause and perimenopause. If you're struggling to find the words to help you, or a loved one, through this natural - but sometimes difficult - time in life: look no further for warm wisdom and guidance. To find out more about the menopause, or for details of helpful resources, we'd encourage you to follow Dr Gooding on social media - @drcharlottegoodingFor anyone interested, the painting Kristy refers to at the end of the episode is Picasso's 'The Three Dancers'.

Kristy and Lyanne are joined by campaigner and prospective Parliamentary candidate for the True and Fair Party, Gina Miller, to talk about all things POLITICS. Conversations on politics can get horribly sticky really quickly, so our hosts delve into why it is still such a taboo to talk about politics and how we can approach it with a little more humility. We also discuss WHY it is important not to shy away from this awkward topic. Do let us know what you think.

This Is Awkward – Festive special  The weather is on the turn, the big brands have busted out their blockbuster style ads and festive tunes are playing in the shops. It can only mean one thing…yes Christmas is here. According to song, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year!”. But is it though? From tricky family dynamics, to present buying etiquette to dietary requirements, the most wonderful time of the year can also be absolutely fraught with awkwardness. Luckily, in this episode, Kristy and Lyanne chat to the award-winning Clinical Psychologist and writer Dr Emma Svanberg, (also known online as the Mumologist), who is on hand to help us all navigate this festive minefield. Our top 10 awkward festive conversations include: Is Santa real? Making chit chat with people you don’t normally spend time with Navigating having your parenting on show Being a guest in someone else’s house & following other people’s rules / traditions How to be sensitive to people who don’t celebrate Christmas Dietary requirements Saying no (but embracing your community)Christmas loneliness Mental load Money  If you’d like any further information about Dr Emma Svanberg, visit her webpage: Home - Dr Emma Svanberg  Or find her on Instagram @mumologist  She also has an excellent book, ‘Parenting for humans’ – available now - https://ebury.lnk.to/ParentingForHumansEmma signposts to Nova Reid in the episode - https://www.novareid.com/ Book: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-good-ally-nova-reid/2348881?ean=9780008439484 

A very personal episode for Lyanne, as she and Kristy talk with Jennie Agg about why conversations around miscarriage are still so difficult. With at least 1 in 5 pregnancies ending in miscarriage, we will all know someone who has been through it (whether we know it, or not) and so this episode is helpful for anyone who may struggle with the right thing to say. We hope this chat will provide little beacons of hope, reassurance, recognition and prompts for people who have been through miscarriage, and for those supporting them. There is also some excellent seagull audio-bombing at the end.