Well, That's Awkward

Welcome back to Well, That’s Awkward — the podcast where we say the things you’re probably thinking… but usually only after a glass of wine or two.In this episode, Rachel Branson and Susan Osman return to Whatley Manor — the place where their friendship first began — and, fittingly, they’re sipping mocktails while talking honestly about alcohol, identity, and the stories we attach to drinking. From how alcohol shows up in our friendships and family dynamics to the quieter questions about health, energy, sleep and even our skin, this is a conversation many of us have internally but rarely out loud.Together, they explore the moment midlife brings: when you start wondering whether drinking is still serving you, or whether it’s become habit, politeness, or social default. There’s no judgement here — just curiosity, reflection and a few awkward truths along the way.Whether you’re sober-curious, cutting back, rethinking your relationship with alcohol, or simply interested in a more conscious approach to wellbeing, this episode invites you to pause, reflect and maybe look a little differently at what’s in your glass.

When was the last time you thought about your teeth… beyond a looming dentist appointment or a sudden twinge that hijacked your entire mood?In this episode of Well, That’s Awkward, Rachel Branson and Susan Osman dive into the surprisingly emotional world of midlife dental care — from jaw tension and teeth grinding to fresh breath, gum health and why our mouths seem to age faster than the rest of us. Prompted by Susan’s recent (slightly traumatic, slightly numbing) trip to the dentist, the conversation opens up into a wider reflection on stress, self-care rituals, whitening obsessions, oral microbiomes, and the strange moment in life when tongue scraping and electric toothbrushes become genuinely exciting purchases.They also explore the holistic idea that our teeth may carry emotional stories, how stress shows up in the jaw, and why dental pain can feel so all-consuming. With humour, honesty and a few awkward confessions along the way, this episode invites you to rethink your relationship with your smile — and maybe finally book that check-up you’ve been avoiding.Expect laughter, relatable midlife truths, and a refreshingly honest conversation about the small parts of the body that quietly hold a lot of the story.

We breathe around 20,000 times a day — so why are so many of us doing it in ways that increase stress, disrupt sleep and mess with our nervous system?In this episode of Well, That’s Awkward, Susan Osman and Rachel Branson dive into nasal vs mouth breathing, Buteyko breathing, Wim Hof breathwork and why something as simple as how you breathe can affect your stress levels, energy, sleep and even facial structure.From calming breath techniques to extreme cold-plunge prep (and the occasional deep regret), this is an honest, funny conversation about one of the most powerful wellbeing tools we all carry with us.New episodes every Monday at 6pm for Mocktail Monday 🍸

What does “wellbeing” look like when it involves walking across hot coals, standing on broken glass, snapping wooden boards and bending metal with your throat? In this episode, Rachel returns from a retreat that was equal parts personal development and mild health & safety incident.Joined by Susan, the pair explore the rise of extreme wellbeing experiences — from fire walking and glass walking to fear-based empowerment rituals. Are these powerful breakthroughs that help rewire the nervous system and shift limiting beliefs? Or are they just very well-marketed spectacles with great Instagram content?This episode dives into fear, courage, mindset, and why sometimes stepping outside your comfort zone can genuinely change how you see yourself — even if it looks a little unhinged from the outside.Honest, funny and refreshingly grounded, this is a conversation about the modern wellbeing industry, the psychology of fear, and the strange places we go in search of personal growth.⚠️ Listener advisory: Please don’t try this at home.

This week on Well, That’s Awkward, Susan Osman and Rachel Branson explore the voice — how it changes as we age, how stress and hormones affect it, and why finding your voice in midlife can feel both empowering and uncomfortable.From vocal coaching and communication styles to the age-old question of whether men and women really speak different emotional languages, this episode looks at how we express ourselves — and why so many women stop sugarcoating as they get older.An honest, funny conversation about speaking your truth… even when your voice shakes.New episodes every Monday at 6pm for Mocktail Monday 🍸

In this episode of Well, That’s Awkward, Susan Osman and Rachel Branson explore the world of Ayurveda — the 5,000-year-old holistic health system built around balance, energy and individual constitution.Rachel has just returned from an Ayurvedic retreat in the Dolomites, and together they unpack what really happens at an Ayurvedic retreat, the three doshas (Pitta, Vata and Kapha), and why so many women turn to alternative health approaches in midlife.They discuss oil massages, pulse diagnosis, herbal remedies, digestion, lifestyle balance — and the reality of trying to live Ayurvedically once you’re back home, juggling work and everyday life.A thoughtful, funny conversation about ancient wisdom, modern wellbeing and finding balance without perfection.New episodes every Monday at 6pm for Mocktail Monday 🍸

In this episode of Well, That’s Awkward, Susan Osman and Rachel Branson dive into the confusing world of modern supplements — from vitamins and minerals to sprays, drops, patches and tinctures that promise everything from better sleep to glowing skin.They talk honestly about what they take, what’s helped, what was a complete waste of money, and how to tell whether a supplement is genuinely effective or just white-labelled marketing in a pretty bottle. From decoding ingredients with apps to understanding why delivery method matters, this episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating midlife wellbeing.If you’ve ever stood in a health shop wondering whether that tiny capsule is actually doing anything… this one’s for you.New episodes every Monday at 6pm for Mocktail Monday 🍸

This week on Well, That’s Awkward, Susan and Rachel explore what real friendship looks like in midlife. From soul-level connections and “mirror” relationships to being called out by the people who know us best, they ask the awkward but important question: how many truly good friends do we actually have?An honest, thoughtful conversation about friendship, growth and the relationships that really support our wellbeing.New episodes every Monday at 6pm for Mocktail Monday 🍸