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 matters
• How it can impact your mental wellbeing (and self-talk)
• The hidden link between procrastination, pressure and perfectionism
• When procrastination might be helpful — and when it’s holding you back
• How to start working with it, rather than constantly fighting it

If 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.

Stay tuned — new episodes every week.

It’s midlife, unfiltered — with a side of laughter, mocktails, and mild oversharing.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 short
• How the Spiral reframes “stuckness” and repetition
• The thinking behind the Spiral cards
• And why returning to the same place might actually mean you’re growing

If 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.

Stay tuned — new episodes every week.

It’s midlife, unfiltered — with a side of laughter, mocktails, and mild oversharing.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.

Stay tuned — new episodes every week.

It’s midlife, unfiltered — with a side of laughter, mocktails, and mild oversharing.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.

Stay tuned — new episodes every week.

It’s midlife, unfiltered — with a side of laughter, mocktails, and mild oversharing.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.

Stay tuned — new episodes every week.

It’s midlife, unfiltered — with a side of laughter, mocktails, and mild oversharing.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.

Stay tuned — new episodes every week.

It’s midlife, unfiltered — with a side of laughter, mocktails, and mild oversharing.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.

Stay tuned — new episodes every week.

It’s midlife, unfiltered — with a side of laughter, mocktails, and mild oversharing.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 🍸

Stay tuned — new episodes every week.

It’s midlife, unfiltered — with a side of laughter, mocktails, and mild oversharing.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.

Stay tuned — new episodes every week.

It’s midlife, unfiltered — with a side of laughter, mocktails, and mild oversharing.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 🍸

Stay tuned — new episodes every week.

It’s midlife, unfiltered — with a side of laughter, mocktails, and mild oversharing.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 🍸

Stay tuned — new episodes every week.

It’s midlife, unfiltered — with a side of laughter, mocktails, and mild oversharing.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 🍸

Stay tuned — new episodes every week.

It’s midlife, unfiltered — with a side of laughter, mocktails, and mild oversharing.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Susan Osman and Rachel Branson explore what meditation actually looks like in real life — from guided and silent meditations to breathwork, movement, Osho-style active practices, and even the slightly unhinged yoga shaking and gibberish that brought them together on a retreat.

They talk about how normal it is to have 200 thoughts racing through your head while you’re “meditating,” why stillness isn’t the only way to find calm, and how modern meditation is really about nervous-system regulation, not perfection.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re “bad at meditating,” this episode is for you.

New episodes every Monday at 6pm for Mocktail Monday 🍸

Stay tuned — new episodes every week.

It’s midlife, unfiltered — with a side of laughter, mocktails, and mild oversharing.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

An honest, thoughtful conversation about friendship, growth and the relationships that really support our wellbeing.

New episodes every Monday at 6pm for Mocktail Monday 🍸

Stay tuned — new episodes every week.

It’s midlife, unfiltered — with a side of laughter, mocktails, and mild oversharing.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Episode 10 of Well, That’s Awkward, Rachel Branson and Susan Osman dive into the uncomfortable truth about toxic friendships — the emotional vampires, the one-sided relationships, and the guilt that keeps us stuck far longer than we should be.

We’re asking the awkward questions:

Is it ever okay to fire a friend?

What does ghosting do to your confidence?

And how do you know when a friendship has crossed from supportive to draining?

Expect honest conversation, laughter, and a few awkward truths — because friendship should fill your cup, not empty it.

Stay tuned — new episodes every week.

It’s midlife, unfiltered — with a side of laughter, mocktails, and mild oversharing.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From stubborn bloating to the infamous “hormonal hug” around the waist, this episode explores the digestive issues many women quietly deal with but rarely talk about aloud.

In this episode, Susan and Rachel unpack the mysteries of the midlife tummy — including:

• bloating and digestive discomfort
• the shift in how our bodies store fat
• how hormones affect the gut
• the mixed world of liver cleanses and detox claims
• what gut health fads actually do (or don’t do)

This is real-life wellbeing through a comedic, relatable lens — because sometimes the only answer to bloating… is laughing about it.

Stay tuned — new episodes every week.

It’s midlife, unfiltered — with a side of laughter, mocktails, and mild oversharing.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From Greenwich Mean Time to the ancient lunar calendar, they discuss how rigid schedules fuel stress, why midlife often feels like time is speeding up, and whether slowing down could be one of the most powerful wellness tools we have.

Honest, funny and deeply relatable — this episode is for anyone who’s ever said, “I don’t have time.”

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts + WellbeingMagazine.com

New episodes every Monday at 6pm for Mocktail Monday 🍸

Stay tuned — new episodes every week.

It’s midlife, unfiltered — with a side of laughter, mocktails, and mild oversharing.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Acupuncture is one of the most talked-about alternative therapies for women over 40 — especially for stress, hormonal balance, chronic tension, pain relief and ageing support. But is it ancient energetic wisdom… or just an opportunity to become a pin cushion?

Acupuncture, Energy Flow & the Awkward Moment Before the Needle

This episode explores the full spectrum of acupuncture experiences — from Traditional Chinese Medicine to facial rejuvenation.

We talk about:

• How acupuncture works with the meridians of the body
• Facial acupuncture as a natural skin rejuvenation approach
• Why the phrase “just a tiny pinch” is always suspicious
• Eastern philosophy vs Western wellness trends

And yes — we even go there with bee sting therapy.

Because nothing says “healing” like willingly allowing nature to stab your meridians.

East vs West — and Why Women Are Turning to Alternative Healing

Women over 40 are increasingly curious about non-pharmaceutical wellness solutions — and acupuncture is one of the most popular therapies for midlife wellbeing globally.

This episode asks:

• Are we truly supporting energy flow and harmony?
• Or are we just desperate for something that works when stress + hormones + life collide?

It’s funny, honest and full of those awkward moments (including the inner voice debate that always starts right before the first needle goes in…).

Stay tuned — new episodes every week.

It’s midlife, unfiltered — with a side of laughter, mocktails, and mild oversharing.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is midlife reflection with a side of mystic humour — because sometimes spiritual clarity looks suspiciously like procrastination.

Tarot, Archetypes & Midlife Decisions

This episode dives into what really happens when you reach for a deck of Tarot cards instead of phoning a friend.

Do we consult the cards as a form of modern intuitive wisdom — or because it feels easier than dealing with reality head-on?

We explore:

• Tarot archetypes and what they reflect back at us
• Using divination tools instead of confronting choices
• The psychology behind seeking signs from the Universe
• Why women over 40 are gravitating to symbolic self-enquiry
• When woo-woo becomes powerful… and when it becomes avoidance

Because we’ve all been there — dramatically shuffling a Tarot deck like we’re front row in mystical Vegas, whispering “Show me something useful please” at the Universe, instead of just sending the text or replying to the email.

The Awkward Part

Do you admit to your friends that you used Tarot to guide a major life choice — job, relationship, moving home — or do you downplay it as “I just had a feeling”?

This is where intuition meets embarrassment… and we turn it into comedy.

New episodes drop every Monday at 6pm for Mocktail Monday — your weekly dose of laughter, honesty, taboo topics and zero-alcohol cocktail vibes.

Stay tuned — new episodes every week.

It’s midlife, unfiltered — with a side of laughter, mocktails, and mild oversharing.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is the episode where modern midlife stress meets mystical natural healing… and laughter meets science.

Does Nature Really Heal Us?

We’ve all had that moment — the fresh air, the huge skies, the sound of the sea — where your nervous system suddenly unhooks itself from stress, and everything feels lighter and temporarily solved.

But what is that?

This episode looks at whether the healing power of nature is:

• scientifically measurable
• energetically real
• or just a walk through a pine forest to get away from notifications and deadlines

We talk about bio photons, grounding, mountain energy, running water, forest bathing, and how women over 40 are increasingly turning to nature as a form of recovery, reset and mental clarity.

The Awkward Bit (because there always is one)

Let’s be honest…

have you ever leaned against a tree for a grounding moment — and then suddenly realised someone was watching you mid-tree embrace?

Yep. Us too.

This is nature therapy meets comedic embarrassment, and it’s gloriously relatable.

Stay tuned — new episodes every week.

It’s midlife, unfiltered — with a side of laughter, mocktails, and mild oversharing.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we’re talking HIFU facials, face gym routines, Botox, fillers, sculpting tools and that fine line between naturally glowing… and “could your emotions actually still show on your face?”

There’s laughter. There’s honesty.

And yes — there’s one jawline confession we absolutely weren’t expecting.

Because midlife beauty looks VERY different to what we were once told — and it’s time we talked about it without shame or secrecy.

🎧 Listen now to EP 3 of Well, That’s Awkward

Mocktail Monday continues every Monday at 6pm 🍸

Drop a 👁 if you’ve ever Googled “non-surgical facelift near me.”

Stay tuned — new episodes every week.

It’s midlife, unfiltered — with a side of laughter, mocktails, and mild oversharing.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What Happens When Wellness Meets Real Life?

In this episode, Rachel returns from a spiritual retreat in Bedfordshire. The setting: labyrinth walking, oracle cards, fire ceremonies, sound circles, breathwork, deep reflection and spiritual awakening…

But with one very awkward twist. Rachel arrived with a bladder infection.

Suddenly those slow, serene ceremonies and mindful rituals become slightly less peaceful when you’re clenching herbal tea in one hand and cranberry sachets in the other — and praying the next bathroom isn’t too far away.

Because wellness isn’t always floaty clothing, perfect nutrition and glowing skin. Sometimes it’s hoping no one hears you ask for the toilet yet again!

Stay tuned — new episodes every week.

It’s midlife, unfiltered — with a side of laughter, mocktails, and mild oversharing.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Episode 2 — How Much Hair is too Much Hair? — hosts Susan Osman and Rachel Branson dive into one of the most whispered-about beauty topics women Google at 2am but rarely say out loud: intimate hair removal.

From the Full Hollywood (“whoosh — it’s gone!”) to a subtle tidy-up, this episode explores the evolving world of bikini grooming, waxing menus, and the pressure to be hair-free.

We discuss laser hair removal, waxing techniques, styling trends, and the very real question: why do women feel there is a ‘correct’ amount of hair to keep or remove?

And yes — naturally — there are awkward moments, personal confessions, and plenty of oversharing along the way. Because it’s Well, That’s Awkward… and this is what we do best.

A one-take, no-filter podcast hosted by broadcaster Susan Osman and Wellbeing Magazine’s founder Rachel Branson.

Recorded on a variety of sofas, mocktails in hand, the show dives into all the subjects women over 40 whisper about but rarely say out loud — from menopause, medical spas to relationships with our bodies, nature and other people, waxing menus and wellness mishaps, along with unconventional treatments and health adventures.

It’s witty, unfiltered and refreshingly relatable — a podcast that reminds listeners they’re not alone in life’s awkward, hilarious moments.

Stay tuned — new episodes every week.

It’s midlife, unfiltered — with a side of laughter, mocktails, and mild oversharing.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Meet Your Hosts

Susan Osman — International Broadcaster (know to millions in China and around the world), journalist, radio host and screenwriter known for her sharp wit and smart conversation.

Rachel Branson — Founder & Editor-in-Chief of Wellbeing Magazine, a leading lifestyle and wellness publication with reach across Apple News and MSN.

They met on a bio dynamic wellness retreat, bonded over yoga shaking and gibberish, and haven’t stopped laughing since.

Stay tuned — new episodes every week.

It’s midlife, unfiltered — with a side of laughter, mocktails, and mild oversharing.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.