Well, That's Awkward

This week on Well, That’s Awkward, Rachel is fresh back from a longevity-focused wellness weekend at Regnum The Crown — where things got… cold, slightly surreal, and definitely awkward.From lying inside the immersive sound and vibration of the Gharieni RXL Satori, to experiencing vacuum-assisted lymphatic drainage with the Gharieni G-Vac, floating in a Dreampod Float Tank, and stepping into a cryotherapy chamber at -85°C (wearing a bikini, crocs and mittens)… this episode dives headfirst into the world of wellness technology.But beyond the novelty, Rachel and Susan Osman explore a bigger question:Is technology really the key to longevity — or are we overcomplicating something that still comes back to the basics?They unpack:What these treatments actually feel likeThe science behind popular longevity techWhether they genuinely support health and recoveryAnd where technology fits alongside sleep, nutrition and everyday wellbeingIt’s honest, curious, and — as always — a little bit awkward.

How much do we really understand our own minds?In this episode of Well, That’s Awkward, Rachel and Susan dive into the fascinating world of the brain — from how it shapes who we are, to the realities of memory changes, brain fog, and cognitive decline.They explore the impact of inflammation, sleep, stress and alcohol on brain health, alongside the more hopeful side of the conversation — neuroplasticity, and the tools that may help rewire the brain, from hypnotherapy to binaural beats.It’s an honest, thought-provoking discussion about how our daily habits influence our future brain health — and what we can start doing now to protect it.Expect relatable moments, a few laughs, and plenty of “oh… that’s why” insights.

In this eye-opening episode of Well, That’s Awkward, Rachel Branson and Susan Osman unpack one of the most common — and misunderstood — ingredients in our diets. From childhood treats and celebratory desserts to hidden sugars lurking in everyday foods, this honest conversation explores how sugar quietly shapes our health, habits, and wellbeing.Sugar isn’t just found in cakes and biscuits. It hides in cereals, sauces, smoothies, and even so-called “healthy” snacks. With humour, curiosity, and refreshing honesty, Rachel and Susan examine how confusing food labels and clever marketing can make it difficult to recognise just how much we’re consuming.Together, they explore the impact of sugar on energy levels, mood, skin, sleep, and long-term health, while reflecting on their own relationships with sweetness. This episode isn’t about guilt or restriction — it’s about awareness, balance, and making more informed choices without feeling deprived.Expect surprising insights, candid reflections, and perhaps a rethink about what’s really in your kitchen cupboard.In This Episode, We Discuss:The hidden sugars in everyday foodsHow sugar affects energy, mood, skin, and sleepThe confusion around food labels and marketing claimsDifferent names for sugar and how to spot themPersonal habits and our evolving relationship with sweetnessMaking mindful choices without guilt or restrictionWhether you're trying to cut back, improve your wellbeing, or simply curious about what sugar might be doing behind the scenes, this episode is for you.🎙️ Well, That’s Awkward is the podcast where we unpack the conversations you usually save for close friends — with honesty, humour, and a touch of awkward truth.

In this episode of Well, That’s Awkward, Rachel Branson and Susan Osman dive into the evolving world of skincare — from teenage experiments and so-called miracle creams to luxury serums, late-night impulse buys, and the rise of non-invasive treatments promising to turn back time.With their signature honesty and humour, Rachel and Susan reflect on what they’ve tried, what worked, and what definitely didn’t. They explore the realities of sun damage, changing hormones, and the lessons learned from years of trial and error. Along the way, they ask an important question: what would they tell their younger selves if they could go back?Spoiler alert — wear the SPF, step away from the tanning, and don’t believe every magazine promise.This episode is a candid and relatable conversation about ageing, self-care, and learning that skincare isn’t just about looking younger — it’s about caring for the skin you live in every day.So whether you're a skincare minimalist, a treatment devotee, or wondering if one more serum will finally change everything… this episode is for you.In this episode, we discuss:How skincare routines evolve over timeThe impact of sun exposure and hormonal changesNon-invasive treatments: what works and what doesn’tBeauty myths, regrets, and honest confessionsThe importance of SPF and preventative careSkincare as an act of wellbeing and self-care🎙️ Well, That’s Awkward is the podcast where we have the conversations you usually save for close friends — honest, insightful, and occasionally a little uncomfortable.

After our recent conversation on boredom, this episode takes a natural next step… into procrastination.That thing we all say we don’t do — while quietly doing it.In this honest and relatable episode of Well, That’s Awkward!, Susan and Rachel explore what procrastination really is, why we do it, and what might be going on beneath the surface when we keep putting things off.Is it laziness… or something deeper?Together, they unpack the emotional side of procrastination — from fear and perfectionism to overwhelm and decision fatigue — and share the kinds of things they each tend to avoid (and why).But this isn’t about productivity hacks or forcing yourself to “just get on with it.”Instead, they ask a more interesting question:Could procrastination actually be serving us?Is it sometimes protecting us from rushing into decisions, giving us space to think, or signalling that something doesn’t quite feel right?In this episode, you’ll discover:Why procrastination often shows up when something really mattersHow it can impact your mental wellbeing (and self-talk)The hidden link between procrastination, pressure and perfectionismWhen procrastination might be helpful — and when it’s holding you backHow to start working with it, rather than constantly fighting itIf you’ve ever told yourself “I’ll do it tomorrow”… or found yourself avoiding something important without really knowing why — this episode is for you.🎧 Tune in for a refreshingly honest take on procrastination — without judgement, guilt, or unrealistic expectations.

In this episode of Well, That’s Awkward!, Rachel Branson and Susan Osman explore a powerful shift in how we think about growth, progress, and personal change.For years, we’ve been told that wellbeing is linear — fix this, improve that, move forward. But real life doesn’t work like that. We revisit the same thoughts, patterns, and challenges again and again… and often feel like we’re going backwards.Rachel shares how this realisation led her to develop the Spiral concept — a more honest, compassionate way of understanding personal growth — and how it evolved into the creation of the Spiral cards.These aren’t about prediction or quick fixes. They’re tools for reflection, helping you pause, gain perspective, and make sense of where you are — especially in those moments that feel messy or unclear.Together, Susan and Rachel unpack:Why the traditional wellbeing model falls shortHow the Spiral reframes “stuckness” and repetitionThe thinking behind the Spiral cardsAnd why returning to the same place might actually mean you’re growingIf you’ve ever questioned your progress, felt frustrated by recurring patterns, or wondered if there’s a gentler way to navigate wellbeing — this episode is for you.Because maybe growth isn’t about always moving forward… Maybe it’s about learning how to return.

Boredom is something most of us try to avoid.We fill the gaps, reach for our phones, and keep ourselves busy — because doing nothing can feel uncomfortable… even unsettling.But what if boredom isn’t something to fix?In this episode of Well, That’s Awkward, Susan and Rachel explore their very different relationships with boredom. Susan rarely feels it at all, while Rachel is beginning to wonder whether boredom might actually be part of her creative process.Together, they ask:Is boredom a sign that something’s wrong — or a signal that something’s about to begin? Is constantly staying busy helping our wellbeing… or quietly exhausting us? And could doing nothing actually be good for our nervous system, creativity, and sense of purpose?As always, it’s an honest, relatable conversation with a few awkward moments along the way.

We weren’t sure this episode would even be recorded. Susan has been really unwell recently, which led us into a deeper conversation about illness — what it might be trying to tell us, and whether the way we think about our future health plays a role in healing.In this episode of Well, That’s Awkward, we explore the power of thought, the idea of imagining a future version of yourself who is well, and ask whether constantly trying to stay in the present moment has its limitations when you’re struggling.Rachel also shares insights from a thought workshop at Sculpture by the Lakes that is shaping how she thinks about the mind, intention and wellbeing.As always, the conversation is honest, reflective… and yes, there are a few awkward moments along the way.

In Episode 20 of Well, That’s Awkward, co-hosts Rachel Branson and Susan Osman reflect on a trip that was never meant to be transformational – but became exactly that. What began as a Land Rover experience day in the north of England (a deliberate step outside comfort zones and into controlled chaos) unfolded into an unexpectedly soulful encounter at Broughton Sanctuary, a place rooted in restoration, nature, and reconnection.This episode explores what happens when we say yes to experiences before fully understanding why we’re being drawn to them – and how moments of synchronicity can gently guide us towards the spaces we most need.