Dating Red Flags, Therapy & Finding the Right Person

Is turning 30 actually that scary, or have we all just been made to think it is? This week, we're talking all things turning 30, entering a new decade and the very mixed feelings that can come with getting older. From feeling a little wobbly about what's next to realising you don't need to have your entire life mapped out by a certain age, we're getting into what our thirties are really like. We chat about why life can feel so much better when you know yourself more deeply, care less about what other people think and stop chasing external validation. We also get into the pressure women feel around relationships, having children, fertility, careers and feeling like we're running out of time to make the “right” decisions. Plus, we read your thoughts on turning 30, reminisce about our questionable twenties, talk about navigating big life decisions with honest communication, and discuss why building a life that feels right for YOU matters so much more than sticking to someone else's timeline. And because we're us, there's plenty of side quests along the way, including a very chaotic story about a monkey stealing a thong in Bali. If you're approaching 30, already in your thirties, or just need a reminder that you're not behind in life, this one's for you. Your thirties aren't an expiry date. They might just be the beginning of your favourite chapter yet.

We're back with Part Two of Things We Learnt in Our 20s, because let's be honest, we barely scratched the surface the first time around! This week on The Lean Podcast, Em and Tia are sharing more of the life lessons, questionable decisions and little nuggets of wisdom they've picked up along the way. Think of this episode as your big sisters sitting down for a candid chat about all the things they wish they'd known a little sooner. From learning to trust your gut and becoming financially independent, to navigating relationships, overcoming comparison and realising that the way you look is the least interesting thing about you, we're covering a little bit of everything. We chat about the difference between chemistry and compatibility (because sometimes those butterflies are actually anxiety!), why your environment and the people you surround yourself with matter, and why your 100% is going to look different every single day. Plus, we talk about investing in your health, learning to make decisions without everyone's opinions, and why a year from now you'll wish you started today. And of course, it wouldn't be The Lean Podcast without a few chaotic tangents, including T's rather traumatic kangaroo removal experience. You truly can't make this stuff up. Whether you're navigating your 20s right now or reflecting on them from the other side, this episode is your reminder that we're all learning as we go. So grab your coffee, pop your headphones in and come have a laugh with us. We'd love to know: What's one thing you wish you'd learnt sooner? Send us a DM on Instagram and let us know!

In this episode of Lean In, Em and Tia chat all things travel, independence and stepping outside your comfort zone. They share their experiences travelling solo, the highs and challenges that come with exploring the world on your own, and what solo travel can teach you about yourself.

What does it actually look like to build a business from the ground up? This week, Tia is in the hot seat as we go all the way back to the beginning of Whole Health — from graduating as a naturopath and starting out with one-on-one consultations, to opening her first clinic, building a team, launching her own supplement range and eventually taking the business into the online space. We talk about how she knew it was time to go out on her own, the creative ways she funded and grew her first clinic, why she eventually decided to walk away from the Mermaid Beach space, and the importance of knowing when something is no longer serving your business. Tia also shares what she’s learnt about starting and growing a business, including finding your point of difference, staying authentic, outsourcing, delegating and getting the right people around you. And then there’s the less glamorous side of business — expensive mistakes, manufacturing disasters, packaging problems, navigating the TGA and learning some very costly lessons along the way. We also chat about how the Whole Health supplement range came to life, why Balance started as a powder, what it’s like seeing thousands of girls use something you created, and why Tia is now choosing to refine the business rather than simply make it bigger. Plus, we talk about the future of Whole Health, the Whole Health Hub, creating more free education and resources, learning to slow down and actually celebrate your wins, and what we're both leaning into right now. If you've ever thought about starting your own business, turning an idea into something real, or wondered what actually happens behind the scenes of building a brand, this one's for you.

What does a happy life actually look like to you? Not the life you see on Instagram. Not the life your parents expected you to have. Not the life that looks good on paper. Yours. This week we're talking all about finding your purpose, figuring out what actually makes you happy and creating a life that feels aligned with who you are. We chat about changing careers, knowing when it's time to pivot, finding your values, setting intentions for the year, using your interests and strengths to guide your career, and why you don't need to have everything figured out from the beginning. We also get into the pressure social media can create to have the perfect career, relationship, morning routine, body, house and life — and why it's so important to step back and ask yourself what your dream life actually looks like. Because your dream life might be a Gold Coast apartment and a busy social calendar. Or it might be a house on a few acres, a horse, chickens and a garden. Neither is better. They're just different. Plus, we talk five-year goals, dating with your values in mind, building community, our current routines, meal prep and a very funny misunderstanding involving "manifesting" and Australia Post. So if you're feeling a little lost, questioning what you're doing with your life, or simply wondering whether you're actually building a life that makes you happy, this one's for you.