On this episode of Let's Be Real, I'm sitting down with one of Australia's OG fitness queens - the one and only Kayla Itsines.

Kayla talks about her journey from training women in a small gym to building one of the world’s biggest fitness communities, creating the iconic BBG program and navigating the highs and lows of building a global business. She also shares the lessons she learned from selling her company, how success is more than just money, and realising that 'having it all' looks different for everyone.

Kayla also opens up about her experience with endometriosis, pregnancy loss, anxiety during pregnancy, and the emotional journey of becoming a mum. She also speaks openly about the pressure women feel around pregnancy, their bodies and to 'bounce back' after giving birth. In a truly emotional moment, Kayla also reveals why she blocked me online - and I have to say, I can't blame her.

This episode is a rollercoaster, but I hope you enjoy it.

LINKS

• Follow Emilee on Instagram (@emileehembrow) and TikTok (@emileehembrowofficial)
• Follow Kayla (@kayla_itsines) on Instagram
• More on Sweat with Kayla Itsines
• 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: Kayla Itsines
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 episode, I'm chatting with model, TV presenter, mum and entrepreneur Rachael Finch. You might remember Rachael as Miss Universe Australia in 2009, or from her appearances on Dancing With The Stars, Celebrity MasterChef or Sunrise. Now she runs a wellness business and cafe with husband Michael.

This is an an honest conversation about motherhood, wellness, body image, business, and what it really means to create a balanced life. Rachael opens up about her journey from the pressures of the modelling industry to finding a healthier relationship with food, fitness, and herself. She shares the lessons she’s learned around feeling healthy versus simply looking healthy, the importance of longevity, and why consistency will always matter more than quick fixes.

We also delve into the realities of modern motherhood — from mum guilt and raising confident kids, to navigating social media judgement and staying grounded in your own values. Rachael also shares how meditation and mindfulness have transformed the way she manages the demands of parenting, running businesses, and showing up for herself.

From her move from Sydney to the Gold Coast, to redefining success beyond external validation, Rachael shares the mindset shifts that have helped her create a life centred around health, connection, purpose, and presence.

LINKS

• Follow Emilee on Instagram (@emileehembrow) and TikTok (@emileehembrowofficial)
• Follow Rachael (@rachael_finch) on Instagram
• Check out Rachael's Kissed Earth range
• 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: Rachael Finch
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.

What does real confidence actually look like?

In this honest and refreshing conversation, I sit down with content creator and Moana founder Karina Irby to talk about body image, business challenges, social media pressure and choosing a life that feels right for you, even when it doesn't fit society's expectations.

Karina opens up about one of the toughest periods in her business journey, including the backlash surrounding her recent rebrand and the lessons she's learned about people-pleasing, staying true to yourself and trusting your instincts. She also shares how a vulnerable post about her eczema unexpectedly changed her life, sparked a movement of body acceptance and helped thousands of women feel less alone.

Karina also speaks candidly about her decision not to have children, the criticism that often comes with that choice, and what happiness looks like when you stop living by other people's expectations.

It's an episode packed with powerful reminders about self-acceptance, learning from your mistakes and living unapologetically

LINKS

• Follow Emilee on Instagram (@emileehembrow) and TikTok (@emileehembrowofficial)
• Follow Karina (@karinairby) 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: Karina Irby
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.