This Is Awkward

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 rece...

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 tac...

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. Hosted on A...

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,...

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 encou...

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...

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 requiremen...

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 a...

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 littl...

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...

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 co...

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...

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 y...

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 dynam...

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 fea...