Fernwood Unfiltered

In this episode of Fernwood Unfiltered, leading women’s mental health researcher Professor Jayashri Kulkarni breaks down the science behind women’s mood, why women often feel dismissed or told “it’s just stress or hormones,” and what signs to really pay attention to. From menstrual cycles and birth control to perimenopause and postpartum changes, she offers expert-backed insights to help women understand how their body and mind are connected - and what practical steps they can take to feel more in control.
Packed with science, empathy, and actionable advice, this episode is for any woman juggling career, life, and health who wants clarity, confidence, and tools to manage her mental wellbeing.
What You’ll Learn:
- How to recognise when mood changes are normal versus when they’re a signal to take action.
- How hormones, cycles, and life stages influence mood, cognition, and resilience.
- Practical strategies to regulate mood with exercise, routine, and lifestyle adjustments.
- How to advocate for yourself and seek expert support that truly understands women’s mental health.
- How to support friends and loved ones without feeling like you have to “fix” them.

About Professor Jayashri Kulkarni:
Professor Jayashri Kulkarni is a world-leading researcher in women’s mental health and founder of the Women’s Mental Health Research Program at Monash University. With decades of experience studying hormonal, social, and life-stage influences on mental wellbeing, she combines rigorous science with deep empathy to help women understand and manage their mental health.

Links & Resources:
HER Centre Australia - https://www.monash.edu/medicine/her-centre/home
Professor Kulkarni on ABC Conversations – Female Hormones & Mental Health - https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/conversations/jayashri-kulkarni-female-hormones-mental-health-rpt/105362644

We’re Fernwood Fitness; a women’s only gym ready to support you on your health and fitness journey. Get in touch to discuss your goals today.

Find out more about Fernwood Fitness:
https://fernwoodfitness.com.au/

Find your local Fernwood club:
https://www.fernwoodfitness.com.au/clubs

Join us on social media:
https://www.instagram.com/fernwoodfitness
https://facebook.com/fernwoodfitness
https://tiktok.com/@fernwoodfitness

In this episode of Fernwood Unfiltered, osteopath and strength and injury rehab specialist Dr Dani Antonellos busts the biggest myths holding women back from exercise and shows how injuries can actually be a signal, not a barrier. Pain doesn’t have to be a stop sign! Movement is medicine.
Dani shares real-life stories, including a client who was told she couldn’t lift heavy weights, yet went on to place 3rd in the world bodybuilding championships, proving that with the right plan, support, and progression, women can safely train, rehab, and thrive.

You’ll learn how to distinguish safe pain from harmful strain, simple posture and strength exercises to prevent injury, and why rehab doesn’t have to be slow, boring, or fear-based. Whether you’re returning from injury, managing niggles, or just want to train smarter, this episode is packed with expert-backed advice that empowers you to move confidently.

What You’ll Learn:
Why common advice like “stop training” or “lift light” can do more harm than good.
How to reframe pain as information and use it to strengthen your body safely.
Simple, effective exercises to counteract modern posture issues and prevent common injuries.
How to rebuild confidence, regain control, and continue training while injured or recovering.
Why consistent, intentional movement is one of the most powerful tools for long-term health.

About Dr Dani Antonellos:
Dr Dani Antonellos is an osteopath, strength and injury rehabilitation specialist, and founder of United Health Education and Paddo Performance Gym. With over a decade of experience, she helps women feel educated, empowered, and capable of moving safely and effectively through every stage of life. Dani also hosts the podcast Level Up: with Sharelle and Dani.

Links & Resources:
https://www.instagram.com/daniantonellos/
www.unitedhealthed.com

Share This Episode:
Know a woman who’s been told to “stop training” or who struggles with injury? Share this episode and help her discover that movement is medicine and that she’s capable of more than she thinks.

Feeling drained, overwhelmed, or stuck in “busy mode”? In this episode of Fernwood Unfiltered, leading Australian women’s trauma therapist Jessica Ella dives into how women can move from surviving to truly thriving.
Jessica breaks down what survival mode really is - beyond stress or a busy schedule - and shares practical ways to recognise it in your body and mind. She guides listeners through simple techniques to regulate your nervous system, reconnect with your body, and process emotions safely.
You’ll discover how to shift subconscious beliefs that may be holding you back, reclaim your energy, and step into 2026 with confidence, intention, and presence. Packed with expert insight, real-life stories, and actionable tips, this episode is for any woman ready to feel strong, capable, and in control of her life.
What You’ll Learn:
- How to recognise survival mode and the physical and emotional signs you might be missing.
- Practical exercises to reconnect with your body and calm an overactive nervous system.
- Ways to process emotions safely and reclaim your power after trauma or long-held self-limiting beliefs.
- How to set the tone for 2026 with intention, energy, and presence.
About Jessica Ella:
Jessica is a leading women’s trauma therapist in Australia and founder of Aaruka Healing, an internationally recognised practitioner training. She has worked with thousands of women, helping them transform trauma, regulate their nervous systems, and reclaim confidence in their bodies and lives.

Links & Resources:
Jessica Ella's Website: https://www.jessicaella.com.au/
Read about Jessica's story: https://www.jessicaella.com.au/about
1:1 Aaruka Therapy Online Clinic: https://www.jessicaella.com.au/1-1-work
Follow Jessica on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamjessicaella/
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We’re Fernwood Fitness; a women’s only gym ready to support you on your health and fitness journey. Get in touch to discuss your goals today.
Find out more about Fernwood Fitness: https://fernwoodfitness.com.au/
Find your local Fernwood club: https://www.fernwoodfitness.com.au/clubs
Join us on social media:
https://www.instagram.com/fernwoodfitness
https://facebook.com/fernwoodfitness
https://tiktok.com/@fernwoodfitness

In this episode of Fernwood Unfiltered, Dr. Pav Nanayakkara, advanced gynecological surgeon breaks down the menstrual cycle like you’ve never heard before.
From understanding the four phases to busting myths about the pill, PCOS, and endometriosis, this is the conversation every woman needs.
Learn how to sync your workouts, spot red flags, and finally stop hating your period. It’s time to work with your body, not against it.

Want to watch this episode? Find it on our YouTube here:
https://www.youtube.com/@FernwoodFitnessHQ/

Fernwood Unfiltered is created by Fernwood Fitness and hosted by Georgie Tunny.

Got a question about women's health and fitness?
Check out our Health Hub for expert advice and practical tips across fitness, nutrition, mental wellbeing, hormonal health and more. You can also submit a question for consideration in future articles and episodes.
https://www.fernwoodfitness.com.au/health-hub

Want to support our show?
Clicking 'follow' on Apple and Spotify is one of the best ways to do this. We're very grateful if you leave a five-star review while you're there! Don't forget to share our podcast with a friend and mention it when your friends ask what you've been listening to. Word of mouth will help us grow the most and allow us to keep getting incredible guests in our studio for you.

Join the Fernwood Unfiltered movement on social media!
Follow us on Instagram:
http://instagram.com/fernwoodunfiltered
Find us on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/fernwoodunfiltered/
Find us on TikTok
https://www.tiktok.com/@fernwoodunfiltered

Want to take a step towards your health and fitness goals? Find out more about Fernwood Fitness here:
https://www.fernwoodfitness.com.au/

Thank you so much for listening. Catch you in the next episode!
Mentioned in this episode:
Thanks to Jean Hailes for their support of Fernwood Unfiltered
Check out their website for expert women’s health resources.
https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/

In this empowering episode of Fernwood Unfiltered, Georgie chats with pre and postnatal educator and fitness coach Jen Dugard about the myths, truths, and must-knows of exercising during and after pregnancy.

From pelvic floor health to postpartum recovery, Jen shares practical advice, surprising stats, and why rebuilding from the inside out is the key to long-term strength and confidence.

Whether you're pregnant, postpartum, or planning for the future, this episode is a must-listen for every woman.

Want to watch this episode? Find it on our YouTube here:
https://www.youtube.com/@FernwoodFitnessHQ/

Fernwood Unfiltered is created by Fernwood Fitness and hosted by Georgie Tunny.

Got a question about women's health and fitness?
Check out our Health Hub for expert advice and practical tips across fitness, nutrition, mental wellbeing, hormonal health and more. You can also submit a question for consideration in future articles and episodes.
https://www.fernwoodfitness.com.au/health-hub

Want to support our show?
Clicking 'follow' on Apple and Spotify is one of the best ways to do this. We're very grateful if you leave a five-star review while you're there! Don't forget to share our podcast with a friend and mention it when your friends ask what you've been listening to. Word of mouth will help us grow the most and allow us to keep getting incredible guests in our studio for you.

Join the Fernwood Unfiltered movement on social media!
Follow us on Instagram:
http://instagram.com/fernwoodunfiltered
Find us on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/fernwoodunfiltered/
Find us on TikTok
https://www.tiktok.com/@fernwoodunfiltered

Want to take a step towards your health and fitness goals? Find out more about Fernwood Fitness here:
https://www.fernwoodfitness.com.au/

Thank you so much for listening. Catch you in the next episode!