Avsnitt

  • Riley Hemson is a multi-talented model, founder of two successful fashion brands and, more recently, a budding runner. She's a refreshing voice amidst the saturation of social media content; Riley's authenticity shines through in her candid and confessional realistic running diaries.

    At a Meta social media event, Riley's unique perspective on social strategy caught the attention of Soft and Curious host Jessica Leahy, among other notable figures. Despite her substantial following, Riley's ability to maintain an authentic connection with her audience is a testament to her influence. She openly discusses the complexities of parasocial relationships and the pressures she faces.

    The conversation delves into topics such as body image and fashion, with Riley offering valuable perspectives on the changing beauty standards and the industry pressures.

    This conversation serves as a reminder that body image is a journey, and now more than ever, we need to emphasise self-acceptance and embrace diversity.

    Some things to note from this episode:

    You can see all things Riley here We mentioned the movie Invisible BeautyThe New York Times article mentioned here
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  • The profoundly insightful Emma Walker, a seasoned midwife and registered nurse, joins The Soft and Curious to offer a fascinating glimpse into her diverse experiences and perspectives spanning childbirth and cosmetic nursing.

    Hailing from Byron Bay via the UK, Emma delves into her woman-centred approach to midwifery, exploring topics ranging from birth plans to the intricacies of healthcare intervention during challenging births or pregnancies.

    In recent years, Emma's career has transitioned to focusing on cosmetic nursing and providing holistic treatments. She's balancing an exciting blend of traditional procedures like Botox and filler alongside innovative protocols targeting women's health issues such as perimenopause.

    Amidst the almost unending societal debates on beauty, Emma's unwavering commitment to ethical practice shines through, emphasising regulatory changes aimed at safeguarding against body dysmorphia.

    Throughout the conversation, Emma's dedication to holistic well-being echoes loud and clear, underscoring her tireless efforts to integrate ethical principles into every aspect of her care.

    FOLLOW MORE FROM EMMA AT @emma_at_aesthetica_ on Instagram.

    Some things to note in this episode:

    Any medical discussion in this episode is general and should not replace any information given to you by your doctor or health care professional.

    TW: There's a warning for listeners as there is discussion about sexual assault, pregnancy complications and loss. If you are pregnant, we'd advise you to skip this episode, as there are other Soft and Curious episodes you can listen to instead.

    Fact check:

    When Emma discusses "normal vaginal births" and quotes statistics, those specific stats are, according to Australian Government Institute of Health and Welfare, Maternity models of care, published 25 Sept 2023:

    "The proportion of women having a non-instrumental vaginal birth was higher in those using midwifery group practice caseload care (68%) and lower in those using private obstetrician specialist care (34%) or public hospital high-risk maternity care (42%)."

    https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/mothers-babies/maternity-models-of-care-in-focus/summary

    WHO Breastfeeding advice, in relation to HIV-affected mothers, published NOV 2021:

    Encouraging mothers living with HIV to breastfeed exclusively is still strongly advised because it benefits the infant in many ways, including reduced illness and improved growth and development.

    https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/hiv-aids-infant-feeding-and-nutrition#:~:text=Encouraging%20mothers%20living%20with%20HIV,and%20improved%20growth%20and%20development.

    Also, it's important to note, as AIDSMAP does, the advice for HIV-affected mothers varies wildly, depending on their particular circumstances:

    "The advice given also differs according to where you live. In the UK and other high-income countries, the safest way for a mother living with HIV to feed her baby is to bottle feed using formula milk. In low-income countries, however, you may be advised to breastfeed. This is because overall it is safer for a child to have breast milk containing HIV than infant formula made with unsafe water and bottles that have not been sterilised."

    https://www.aidsmap.com/about-hiv/feeding-your-baby-when-you-have-hiv

  • Laura May Gibbs, the visionary behind the fashion label Nagnata, is not just a businesswoman but designing force shaping the narrative of modern activewear. Along with her sister and collaborator Hannah Gibbs, they've crafted more than a brand; Nagnata is a lifestyle, a synthesis of art, sustainability, and functionality.

    Passionate about wellness, Laura challenges conventional notions of women in business. In her candid, Soft, and Curious conversation, the Byron Bay-based creator reveals a shift from relentless hustle to embracing a flexible schedule. This transformation allows her to delve into her other passions, including travel, relationships, and her newfound love of surfing.

    Laura May's influence extends well beyond the seams of her designs. She’s a living embodiment of her bold declaration to an unyielding commitment to reshape an industry, infusing it with the values of today and the aspirations of a conscientious tomorrow. In every stitch in every business decision, Laura May Gibbs pioneers a new era where success is not just measured in profits but in the positive impact on individuals and the planet.

    Some things to note from this episode:

    you can see all things Nagnata at https://nagnata.comART + Activism ‘Amarina’ t-shirt featuring hand-painted artworks and a poem by the artist Amarina Toby illustrating her connection to Country in both English and traditional Bundjalung language is here https://nagnata.com/products/amarina-tee?_pos=2&_sid=f5b0cbded&_ss=rThe book on localisation is ‘Local Is Our Future’ by Helena Norberg-Hodge and you can find more from her here https://nagnata.com/products/amarina-tee?_pos=2&_sid=f5b0cbded&_ss=rNina Kanikowski is the author of The Mindful Traveller https://ninakarnikowski.com/store/p/themindfultravellerYou can follow more from Laura May at @lauramay_ on Instagram.
  • Meet ceramicist Anna Karina Elias, known as Karina to her friends. In our Soft and Curious conversation, this multifaceted artist shares how a breakdown became a breakthrough, leading to an unexpected sea change in Byron Bay. Ferociously curious and endlessly versatile, Karina weaves her rich cultural heritage, fascination with mythology, and self-exploration into evocative works. Her sculptures, beautifully deceptive yet layered with symbolism like claws and horns, capture the duality of the human experience. With a sensitivity to emotion and a passion for eternal truths, Karina invites you into a world of transformative art.

    Follw more from Karina here:

    https://www.instagram.com/annakarinae/?hl=en

    Follow more from The Soft and Curious here:

    https://www.instagram.com/soft.and.curious/?hl=en


  • Alisha Tinsley, is a photographer, stylist and the creative force behind The Series Bridal, a captivating wedding inspiration space, based in Byron Bay.

    While matrimony isn’t for everyone, for some, getting married is one of their most special days. But getting advice on anything wedding related can be financially daunting, so on this episode Alisha spills some of her valuable guidance for anyone about to lock in elements for their big day.

    Some things to note from this episode:

    - Explore The Series Bridal, a vibrant online wedding destination, for more inspiration on their website or via @the_series_bridal on Instagram.

    https://www.theseriesbridal.com

    - Dive into a visual feast on our @soft.and.curious Instagram, featuring a dedicated gallery showcasing the dresses and wedding looks discussed.

  • Enter the poignant pages of Penelope Svoronos' life where the loss of a parent doesn't just leave a mark; it bookmarks her existence. Join us in this Soft and Curious conversation with the international model, poet and creative force, formerly Penelope Benson, as we unravel the dog-eared corners of the past year since her father's passing.

    In Jessica's heartfelt chat with Penelope, we delve into the tidal waves of grief—expected aching swells of sadness and unexpected surges of spiritual catharsis. Join us to explore resilience, vulnerability, and the transformative power that grief can wield in the chapters of our lives.

    Some things we noted for this episode:

    Follow more from Penelope @PenelopeSvoronos

    https://www.instagram.com/penelopesvoronos/

    Joan Didion's book is The Year of Magical Thinking

  • Soft and Curious:

    Meet Sam Studd, the dynamic half of the sibling powerhouse known as The Studd Siblings. In cahoots with his sister Ellie and under the mentorship of their Cheese Master father, Will Studd, they've risen to fame as artisan cheese aficionados. Following the launch of their book, The Best Things In Life Are Cheese, Sam and Ellie are on a mission to arm us all with all the delectable knowledge, so we need never taste bad cheese again—mouldy and maggot-filled perhaps, but never just nasty. Get ready to savour this conversation.

    Some things we noted for this episode:

    Follow more from Sam on The Studd Siblings

    https://www.instagram.com/thestuddsiblings/?hl=en

    The Best Things in Life are Cheese: An incomplete (but delicious) guide to cheese!

    https://www.panmacmillan.com.au/9781761260308/

    Ellie Studd eats maggot cheese

    https://www.instagram.com/reel/CxYyBhatwNv/?hl=en

  • Meet Nina Karnikowski, the Australian travel writer and a fierce advocate for sustainable travel.

    In this Soft and Curious conversation, we discuss Nina's new manifesto on the ethics of modern travel, titled The Mindful Traveller. We set out on a candid exploration into Nina's awakening about the intricate nuances of how and why we travel and how it sparked a transformative personal journey.

    Karnikowski isn't just unravelling the secrets of the jet-setting travel writer lifestyle; she's challenging us to rethink our travel habits and embrace a mindful approach that resonates with both the adventurer and the planet. Buckle up for a discovery and conscious exploration with Nina at the helm.

    Follow more from Nina here

    https://www.instagram.com/nina_karnikowski/?hl=en

    Buy THE MINDFUL TRAVELLER

    https://ninakarnikowski.com/store/p/themindfultraveller