This week on Dr Julie’s Coffee Chats I’m diving into a thought every mum has had — usually while staring at a pile of washing that’s been sitting in the machine for far too many days (me!) — “How does everyone else do it?” The truth? They don’t. None of us do. We’re all juggling, dropping balls, picking up new ones, and trying to keep ourselves and our families afloat as best we can. In this episode, I’m sharing a very real moment from my own morning that reminded me just how much invis...

In this week’s Coffee Chat, I’m talking about something every parent, every woman, every human feels — that pressure of trying to hold all the balls, make all the choices, and somehow keep up as we head into Christmas. I share a moment from just this week: standing in my kitchen at 9pm, exhausted after a full day of work and training, trying to decide between dishes, a shower, or doing a puzzle with my 6-year-old… and what happened when I finally walked back out and found him fast aslee...

In this Coffee Chat, I’m diving into something that comes up every year around this time: comparison. From body image to Christmas plans to what everyone else’s family, life, or business seems to be doing — it can feel like we’re constantly measuring ourselves against other people’s highlight reels. I share why comparison actually spikes during this season (spoiler: it’s biology, not a personal flaw), how stress and social media amplify it, and even how I’ve felt it myself recently comparing ...

In this quick Coffee Chat, I’m breaking down one of the biggest nutrition myths I still hear all the time: that “gluten-free means healthy.” I also share more of my own personal gluten journey where the DJK products really took flight before I even knew it plus what's next for DJK HQ - it's a big week here! Grab your coffee, take a breath, and tune in for a tiny reset with me 🤎

As the festive season ramps up, it can feel like food (and stress) are everywhere — parties, school events, baking, late nights… and somewhere in there we’re meant to feel “balanced.” In this episode, I’m sharing three simple, realistic food tips to help you feel grounded, nourished, and actually enjoy this season — not survive it. These are the same tools I use myself when life gets busy: adding before restricting, planning for balance instead of perfection, and keeping joy (and food!) conne...

October was a month full of curveballs — moving house, losing our sweet Chloe, juggling birthdays, secondary school prep, Christmas launches, and the everyday load that never stops. In this honest coffee chat I share the real lessons that came from a messy, emotional, and very human month. From accepting that some balls will drop, to recognising when your standards are just too high, this episode is a reminder that you’re doing the best you can with the resources you have. I also talk about t...

If you’re needing a little drop of wellbeing inspiration today, this episode is for you. In this Coffee Chat, I share a gentle reminder of the three pillars that keep me grounded through every season — protein, power, and progress. These aren’t just about food or fitness, but about fuelling yourself in every sense: nourishing your body, owning your strength, and recognising the quiet, steady progress that truly matters. A short, soulful reminder that even when life feels heavy, you are still ...

A year after our big move to Wellington — just as life was beginning to feel settled — we faced another heartbreak. We lost our beloved dog, Chloe, in a way that felt like life was reminding us: grief doesn’t run on a timeline. In this episode, I talk about the deeper layers of loss that come with rebuilding your life — not just losing someone you love, but the quiet grief of the life you imagined, the home you left, the dreams that didn’t unfold the way you hoped. It’s tender, honest, and fu...

One year ago, I packed up my life — my business, my three boys, and our two dogs — and moved to Wellington. It wasn’t just a change in postcode; it was the beginning of rebuilding everything from the ground up after separation. In this episode, I take you behind the scenes of what it’s really like to start over — the chaos, the courage, and the small but powerful moments of finding our feet again. From juggling solo parenting and running a business to creating a new sense of home, this is an ...

In this episode, I dive into the post-school holiday burnout that so many mums know too well — the crash that comes after weeks of juggling, entertaining, and holding it all together. I unpack why this happens, the signs you might be running on empty, and how to start advocating for your own needs again (without guilt). I also include a very brief follow on from advocating for my own health care needs in perimenopause (like a mini part 3 from last week). From small daily resets to learning to...

This week on Dr Julie’s Coffee Chats, I’m back with Part 2 of my raw, real perimenopause story. Following on from last week’s “red flags” episode, I share what it was like to finally reach out for help, start HRT, and navigate all the emotions, doubts, and unexpected moments that came with it. This isn’t a polished “how-to” guide — it’s me, sharing the ups and downs in real time, so you know you’re not alone if you’re walking this path too and that it's ok to advocate for your needs and for h...

I’m taking the gloves off. In this raw, real episode of Dr Julie’s Coffee Chats, I share my personal experience with perimenopause — the moments that shocked me, the red flags I ignored...and the big one I couldn't ignore, and the steps I took after. Honest, unfiltered, and relatable, this is the conversation every woman deserves to hear. Don’t miss Part 2 coming next week!

This week, I’m diving into one of the hardest things we face: saying no when deep down we really want to say yes. I’ll share the lessons I’m learning about boundaries, timing, and trusting that not every opportunity is meant for right now. Plus, a little life update—because you know I always keep it real with you - this is almost a part 1 and next week is part 2....you just have to keep tuned in!

This Father’s Day felt different. For the first time, I can honestly say I’ve found a peace I never believed was possible — the kind that comes only after walking through the fire and slowly learning to heal. In this episode, I want to share a little of that journey with you, in the hope it brings comfort if you’re navigating your own. And tucked into that, because you are my podcast family, a gentle little announcement… my new cookbook is underway (and yes, you’re hearing it here first...

Ah Time. Becoming a mum doesn’t make exercise easier—it makes it harder. In this episode, a follow on from last week, I get real about why finding time to move your body feels so tough in motherhood, and why waiting for life to “calm down” just doesn’t work. This is your gentle (but honest) reminder that prioritising yourself is not selfish, it’s essential. Think of it as a little kick up the bum to help you carve out time for exercise, reclaim your energy, and feel more like you again.

Have you ever walked into the weights section of the gym… taken one look around… and then quietly backed away? You’re not alone. So many women tell me they want to start strength training, but it feels confusing, intimidating, and just plain hard to get going. Today, I’m breaking down the real reasons why strength training feels like such a mountain at the start – and how you can take simple, doable steps to make it work for you.

In this episode I’m talking about when to get help – something I see all the time in new parents, and anyone navigating changes in their body or wellbeing. I share the signs to watch for, why reaching out early is a strength, and simple steps you can take to get the support you need.

In this episode I give a timely reminder about throwing out your scales after an innocent comment from my youngest son Ray recently and the importance of keeping the focus on your daily actions NOT your results.

A caller question on just how we guide our children on what to say when they do not like something! This speaks to the wider topic of food and food behaviour boundaries which only just keep coming (hello nearly teenage years now!)

Sigh. Another media click bait post. More comments that only contribute to the broken system. Recently Radio New Zealand shared a post on a working mum partitioning to the government about the need for longer school holidays. The comments broke my heart. So along with some fire in my belly from reading 'A Different Kind of Power' I use this platform to say all what I would want to about those comments and a system where the math just doesn't math.