Let's Be Real

In this episode, I sit down with 102.9 Hot Tomato radio host, podcaster and mum-of-two, Emily Jade O'Keefe, for a raw and honest chat about parenting in the age of social media. Emily opens up about why she believes devices are the bigger issue (not necessarily social media itself), and the strict rules she has in place around phones, bedrooms and monitoring apps.
We also chat about how she juggled her early morning duties hosting the Gold Coast's #1 breakfast show while raising a family, handling multiple ADHD diagnoses in her family, and how she's instilling a solid work ethic in her daughter as they collaborate on a podcast.
With 30 years' experience as a broadcaster, it was great to hear Emily's insights on women and mums in the media industry, and her pivot into social media and podcasting.
LINKS
Follow Emilee on Instagram (@emileehembrow) and TikTok (@emileehembrowofficial)
Follow Emily Jade (@emilyjadeokeeffe) on Instagram
Listen to Emily Jade & Millie's podcast Move Over Mama
Hear Emily Jade weekdays on the Gold Coast's 102.9 Hot Tomato
Check out the 'Love Like This' audiobook here
Catch Nat live on tour with Rogue Traders
Watch full episodes of Let's Be Real on YouTube
Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind the scenes content – @novapodcastsofficial.
CREDITS
Host: Emilee Hembrow
Guest: Emily Jade O'Keefe
Executive Producer: Damien Haffenden
Recorded at: Pivotal Conversations Gold Coast
Find more great podcasts like this at novapodcasts.com.au
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this raw and refreshingly honest episode of Let's Be Real, I sit down with viral content creator and mum of four Aims Connor, to talk about what motherhood really looks like behind the highlight reel.
From her popular TikToks about fussy eaters and leftover food hacks, to navigating the constant juggle of kids, career, and online criticism, Aims has built a loyal community simply by showing up exactly as she is: unfiltered, relatable, and real.
But with that visibility comes judgment, pressure, and the challenge of knowing where to draw the line. In the chat, we dive into her journey from working as a nurse to finding purpose online, how her daughter’s autism diagnosis reshaped her approach to parenting (especially around food), and the reality of raising kids in a world where everyone has an opinion. Aims also opens up about her past struggles with alcohol, what it took to get sober, and how that decision ultimately gave her the life she once only imagined.
This episode is a powerful reminder that we don’t have to be perfect to be doing a great job. And that sometimes, the most meaningful connection comes from simply being honest.
LINKS
Follow Emilee on Instagram (@emileehembrow) and TikTok (@emileehembrowofficial)
Follow Aims (@aims.lc) on Instagram and TikTok
Watch full episodes of Let's Be Real on YouTube
Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind the scenes content – @novapodcastsofficial.
CREDITS
Host: Emilee Hembrow
Guest: Aims Connor
Executive Producer: Damien Haffenden
Find more great podcasts like this at novapodcasts.com.au
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Most mums are dealing with exhaustion and a lack of sleep these days and feeling like there's no end in sight.
In this episode, I sit down with Australia’s leading sleep expert, Olivia Arezzolo, to unpack why so many of us are exhausted, wired, and waking up at 3am, and what we can actually do about it.
Olivia shares her powerful personal story, from battling severe mental and physical health challenges as a teenager to rebuilding her life and becoming one of the most trusted voices in sleep, stress, and holistic health. This isn’t just a conversation about getting more rest. It’s about understanding your body, your hormones, and the hidden factors that could be quietly sabotaging your wellbeing.
We dive deep into the science of sleep, covering everything from cortisol and melatonin to the real impact of stress, blue light, fasting, and alcohol on your sleep quality. Olivia also breaks down her “Five Fundamentals” for better sleep - simple, actionable strategies you can start implementing tonight, no matter how busy your life is.
Whether you’re a busy mum, a high performer, or just someone who wants to feel better, clearer, and more energised, this episode is packed with insights that could genuinely change your nights (and your days).
Information contained in this episode is general in nature and is not intended as medical advice. If you have concerns about ongoing sleep issues, consult your health professional.
LINKS
Follow Emilee on Instagram (@emileehembrow) and TikTok (@emileehembrowofficial)
Follow Olivia (@oliviaarezzolo) on Instagram
Find out more about Olivia on her website
Watch full episodes of Let's Be Real on YouTube
Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind the scenes content – @novapodcastsofficial.
CREDITS
Host: Emilee Hembrow
Guest: Olivia Arezzolo
Executive Producer: Damien Haffenden
Find more great podcasts like this at novapodcasts.com.au
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Most people think they know Carina Mirabile from the hit TV series Married At First Sight… but what you see on screen is only part of the story.
In this episode, Carina joins me for a raw and unfiltered conversation about what really happens behind the scenes of reality TV — from strict rules and emotional pressures, to the mental toll of being watched (and judged) by millions.
She opens up about spending her own money to keep up her on-screen image, the truth about her relationship with Paul on MAFS, and why the experience changed the way she sees love, identity, and herself.
We also dive into the darker side of fame — online trolling, anxiety, and what dating looks like after reality TV in a world of apps and questionable intentions.
Can't get enough Married At First Sight? Check out the MAFS Funny Podcast.
LINKS
Follow Emilee on Instagram (@emileehembrow) and TikTok (@emileehembrowofficial)
Follow Carina (@carinamirabile) on Instagram
Watch full episodes of Let's Be Real on YouTube
Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind the scenes content – @novapodcastsofficial.
CREDITS
Host: Emilee Hembrow
Guest: Carina Mirabile
Executive Producer: Damien Haffenden
Find more great podcasts like this at novapodcasts.com.au
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode deals with suicide, bullying and sexual abuse. Listener discretion is advised.
Elsana Lower is a nurse, a mindset coach and a mum. In the last episode, she shared the raw reality of losing her teenage daughter Rylee to suicide following abuse and online bullying.
In the deeply moving conclusion to our conversation, Elsana Lower explores the transformative power of forgiveness and the mindset required to survive the unimaginable. This episode dives into the mechanics of 'learning to live and grieve simultaneously', offering a roadmap for anyone sitting in the "depths of hell" and is searching for a reason to choose life.
Elsana discusses how choosing forgiveness was not a gift to those who hurt her daughter, but a necessary disconnection to save her own life and release her attachment to their outcomes. She also talks about the importance of breaking self-isolation by showing up for social connections, even when your "social battery" feels empty, and using gratitude to retrain the brain to look for the "best part of the day," making it harder for the mind to dwell on the negative.
Listen to Part One of this conversation here.
SUPPORT:If this episode raises concerns for yourself or a loved one, help is available:Kids Helpline - 1800 55 1800 or https://kidshelpline.com.au/Lifeline - 13 11 14 or https://www.lifeline.org.au/Beyond Blue - https://www.beyondblue.org.au/

RESOURCES:Online and social media info for parents: https://www.esafety.gov.au/parentsBullying support: https://dollysdream.org.au/help-and-support
LINKS
Follow Emilee on Instagram (@emileehembrow) and TikTok (@emileehembrowofficial)
Follow Eslana (@eslanalower) on Instagram
Listen to Eslana's podcast 'Why Mindset Matters'
Check out Eslana's book 'Resilience After Great Loss'
Watch full episodes of Let's Be Real on YouTube
Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind the scenes content – @novapodcastsofficial.
CREDITS
Host: Emilee Hembrow
Guest: Eslana Lower
Executive Producer: Damien Haffenden
Recorded at: Pivotal Conversations Gold Coast
Find more great podcasts like this at novapodcasts.com.au
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.