This Is Awkward

Talking about death and palliative care

Tue, 18 Jun 2024 05:15:04 GMT

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 Fielder

Kath 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 links

If 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/

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How to talk about sex after becoming a parent

Tue, 11 Jun 2024 04:00:47 GMT

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: @andbreathewellbeing

Facebook: www.facebook.com/andbreathewell

X: @AndBreatheWell

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Different Parenting Styles

Tue, 04 Jun 2024 04:00:06 GMT

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.

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How to talk about money

Tue, 14 May 2024 07:53:38 GMT

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-club

Secondly, 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:

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Talking about menopause

Tue, 07 May 2024 04:00:06 GMT

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 - @drcharlottegooding

For anyone interested, the painting Kristy refers to at the end of the episode is Picasso's 'The Three Dancers'.

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Politics

Tue, 30 Apr 2024 04:00:06 GMT

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.

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Festive Special

Tue, 05 Dec 2023 15:15:08 GMT

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/ParentingForHumans

Emma 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

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Money, Relationships and the Mental Load

Wed, 23 Aug 2023 04:00:31 GMT

This episode delves deep into why we find it so hard to talk about money in relationships and how the domestic load also plays into this. Lyanne and Kristy talk with author and couples counsellor, Joanna Harrison, about what makes tackling the 'money conversation' so hard for couples - with practical tips on broaching the subject and keeping 'good hygiene' in your relationship. As usuaal, Kristy and Lyanne also give some top podcast recommendations at the end.

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All about Miscarriage

Wed, 16 Aug 2023 04:00:07 GMT

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.

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Talking with Kids About Divorce and Separation

Wed, 09 Aug 2023 04:00:48 GMT

In this episode, Kristy and Lyanne talk with psychologist Dr Martha Deiros Collado about how to have conversations with children about divorce and separation. Whether you're currently in the eye of the storm, or if there is a decent amount of clear water between you and this challenging time - there is something in here to think on - and maybe act on. Dr Martha has a wealth of knowledge and a kind, pragmatic approach many will find helpful. Kristy and Lyanne both found the conversation incredibly interesting and hopeful - and are sure you will too.

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Talking about Infertility and IVF

Wed, 02 Aug 2023 04:00:24 GMT

In this episode, Lyanne and Kristy are lucky enough to snag a chat with infertility and IVF expert, Emma Haslett. Emma is a journalist and has also co-created a book and a podcast - both called 'Big Fat Negative' - about the trials and tribulations of trying to conceive. Emma has recently had her second baby (via IVF) and talks all things ttc and taboo with the hosts. They cover everything from compassionate friends to victim-blaming relatives, male infertility to social media's influence. Go gently if you're in the throes of your own infertility journey but this episode has wise words that everyone can benefit from.

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Addressing Gender Inequality

Wed, 26 Jul 2023 08:05:07 GMT

In this episode, Lyanne and Kristy talk with gender equality activist and author, Gina Martin. Gina's new book 'No Offence, But...' tackles some of the commonly used phrases that shut down proper debate and critical thinking when it comes to gender 'norms' and provides readers with the tools to gently challenge old tropes. This episode is all killer, no filler as Gina covers a wide range of issues and problematic language, as well as where she feels she has failed in the past and her current inspiration. If you have ever felt cowed into silence at a dinner table, or in a boardroom, when subjected to sexist remarks - give this one a listen. Likewise, if your'e an ally and/or you are interested in equality and intersectional feminism - put your feet up and get your lugholes around this.. Enjoy.

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Awkward Conversations with your GP

Wed, 19 Jul 2023 04:00:32 GMT

Many of us having had awkward, embarassing or difficult appointments with our GP and many of us avoid appointments altogether. Kristy and Lyanne chat with Dr Eloise Elphinstone about how to prepare for these appointments to minimise awkwardness, maximise time and get the outcome you're looking for. Your health is your wealth and putting off these appointments not only has a detrimental effect on your health but can also end up adding to the strain on the health service in the long run. So if you have a lump, bump, itch, or are feeling particularly blue, have a listen and get yourself well prepped to boss your next GP appointment.

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Difficult Conversations at Work

Wed, 12 Jul 2023 04:00:27 GMT

Join Kristy and Lyanne as they quiz Cate Sevilla, author of How To Work Without Losing Your Mind, on tricky work chats. From pay-rise panic to water-cooler wincing, we cover the conversations that can cause us to get hot under the collar in all the wrong ways. Cate is a font of knowledge and wisdom, after years working at some of the biggest companies in the world - at both ends of the power dynamic.

From socially 'ick' awkwardness to downright distress, we cover it all - so, if you're struggling at work at the moment, take 5 (or 45) and we hope this episode will equip you with some tools to use in your workplace.

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Teaser

Wed, 05 Jul 2023 20:14:29 GMT

Ever feel like you put your foot in your mouth more often than a contortionist? Or worse, say nothing at all when confronted with tricky subjects? Fear not, ‘This Is Awkward – How to have difficult conversations’ is a brand-new podcast, dedicated to tackling life’s most awkward conversations.

Led by hosts author Lyanne Nicholl and Kristy MacLeod, each episode focuses on a stand-alone topic and features a special guest who is on hand to offer their unique professional insight and experience.

Subjects range from how to broach an embarrassing problem with your GP, how to navigate awkward conversations in the workplace, through to speaking to your partner about money, or tackling taboo subjects such as miscarriage and infertility, plus much more.

Launching 12th July

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