The Grown-Up Girls Report Podcast

The Grown-Up Girls Report Podcast

On each episode of The Grown-Up Girls Report, Alex Merton-McCann will focus on issues relevant to mid-life women. From health & well-being to parenting, careers, travel and some books & TV, Alex will ensure listeners are up to date with the latest trends and research. Alex is committed to helping women in their mid life make this chapter the best one yet.

Episodes

July 6, 2026 38 mins

What if the life you've always dreamed about wasn't quitewhat you imagined?

Yesteryear has become one of the most talked-aboutbooks of the year, captivating readers with its thought-provoking premise while sparking passionate conversations about motherhood, marriage, feminism, socialmedia and the growing tradwife movement.

In this episode, I'm joined by a good friend of TheGrown-Up Girls Report, Mandy Newman. Mandy is an author, a te...

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Have you ever felt like you'd lost your spark—but couldn'tquite explain why?

After months of illness, fatigue, and feeling like I'd losta little of myself, I found myself asking a simple question: how do I get my energy back?

In this episode, I share my journey through recovery, tryingto look after a family, getting a new business (Nancy The Label) up and running, and why I decided to try a 30-day cold-water challenge as an exp...

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January 1, 2026 46 mins

In this episode, I’m joined by my fellow (very talented)TV-watching buddy, Mandy Newman, as we reflect on the TV we watched in 2025 — and why it mattered so much to us.

Beyond swapping recommendations, we get a little deep — and very honest — about the role television played during this season of life. We talk about why certain stories landed so powerfully, what they reveal about where we’re at, and how...

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December 15, 2025 18 mins

In this episode, I’m reflecting on midlife reinvention — and sharing my own story. This is a very honest catch-up, where I share where I’ve been, what the past season has held, and why it’s taken me a little while to return to the microphone.

I open up about launching Nancy The Label — a business born from legacy, creativity, and a deep desire to create somethingmeaningful in this second chapter. I shar...

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Episode Description

In this episode, I am joined by Cassandra Kalpaxis, a family lawyer, domestic violence educator, and author – and we talk about financial independence for women and the concept of a ‘Dignified Divorce’.

Now, every woman needs to listen to this episode, even if things in the relationship arena are ‘tickety-boo’ because this episode is all about protecting yourself - just in case. Cassa...

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In this episode, I’m chatting with Aussie journalist andhealth advocate Shelly Horton about her perimenopause journey and her new book ‘I’m Your Peri Godmother’. Shelly’s honest and candid recount of her challenges and struggleswill confirm that you are absolutely not navigating this journey alone. And I guarantee it will make you both laugh and cry!

Shelly details her unexpected heal...

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Episode Description

In this episode, we’re workshopping perimenopause and menopause with one of the best GPs in Sydney (my GP) Dr Nindhi Ahilan. Nindhi’s incredible guidance through my murky menopause journey is the reason why I havegot my life back!

So, with Nindhi’s help, we delve into the science behind perimenopause and menopause, discuss HRT, alternative treatments and supplements that might be worth consideri...

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In this episode of The Grown Up Girls Report podcast, host Alex Merton-McCann is joined by fellow TV lover Mandy Newman in a lively discussion about various TV shows through the eyes of middle-aged women. These include Ransom Canyon, The Empress, Unforgotten, Sullivans Crossing & The Kardashians. They explore themes of female empowerment, character development and the nuances of popular entertainment. The conversation also touc...

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In this conversation, Alex Merton-McCann shares insights and tips for travelling to Bali. She discusses the best times to visit, the best places to stay, highlights popular destinations, and offers advice on avoiding common travel issues like Bali Belly. The conversation emphasizes the importance of creating shared memories during family holidays and showcases the diverse experiences Bali has to offer.

Key Takeaways

  • Bali's dry se...
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In this episode of The Grown Up Girls Report, host Alex Merton-McCann explains where she has been for the last three years! She shares her personal journey through menopause and the challenges she has faced over the past three years. She discusses the gradual onset of menopausal symptoms such as sleep disturbances, brain fog, and low mood, and how these affected her daily life and confidence.

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November 6, 2021 50 mins
'It just has to be Sorrow and Bliss!' When I asked The Grown-Up Girls BookClub OG star Jules (Julie Collard) what book she thought we just had to do for bookclub, she didn't even need a minute to think. Sorrow and Bliss by Aussie author Meg Mason had her vote! So, my friends, in this episode Jules and I take a particularly deep dive into this great book.Sorrow and Bliss is Meg Mason's 3rd book and was released in September 2020. T...
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October 22, 2021 40 mins
The Yield is a long overdue inclusion in our book club. Winner of the 2020 Miles Franklin award, it is a powerful book that at its core highlights the power and healing ability of language. In this episode, I am joined by my great friend and fellow book worm, Kate Walker to discuss this powerful tale. Written by Wiradjuri writer Tara June Winch, the Yield is a powerful read that at its core highlights the power, importance and ...
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October 14, 2021 33 mins
'The Bold Type' has been a favourite binge watch for many this year, so of course it had to be properly workshopped! In this episode, I am joined by Mandy Newman to talk about this show that brought us both joy - Marie Kondo would be proud! An American TV series that is available for binge watching on Stan here in Australia, The Bold Type focuses on the lives of three millennial women, portrayed by Katie_Stevens, Australian Aisha...
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I'm so delighted to br bringing you another book by Curtis Sittenfeld. Published in 2016, Eligible in Sittenfeld's modern retelling of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. In this episode, I am joined by my great friend Maddie Thomson to workshop this terrific book. Check out the website here for more details about this episode.
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In this episode, I chat wth author Dianne O'Brien about her memoir, Daughter of A River Country. It was such a pleasure and honour to speak with Aunty Di. She is a truly inspiring lady who has demonstrated the most extraordinary ability to both love and forgive. You can buy the book here. Visit our website for more information. Thanks for listening Alex x
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It's Women's Health Week so I am joined by Sydney GP Dr Annette Skarschewski to discuss the biggest health challenges facing women and what screening tests and checks are available to use to ensure our health is in th best shape possible. Please check out the website for a list of all the recommendations Dr Annette provided during the episode. Thanks for being part of The Grown-Up Girls Report.
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In this episode of the podcast, I workshop Aussie author and journalist Jacqueline Maley's first book - The Truth About Her - with my great friend Louise Talbot. Both Lou and I loved this book. Jacqueline's commentary on motherhood, parenting and the morality of asking the big questions is very thought provoking, We gave it a 9/10! A score that is not often shared! You can buy the book here. Thanks for being part of The Grown-Up ...
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I don't know about you but 8 weeks into lockdown and I have a few beauty concerns. Most importantly, my roots and my eyebrows. In this episode, I run you through my favourite hacks that have helped me manage thes quite troubling situations - until professional help becomes available!! For all the details about the products discussed, please visit our website here. Thanks for listening! Alex xx
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Audition Template: 1 Mono Host track (with Speech Volume Leveler), 1 Mono Interview track (with Speech Volume Leveler), 1 Stereo Sound FX with effects, 1 Stereo Music Bed track. 44.1k, 16 bit, Stereo Master.
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August 13, 2021 32 mins
Mandy Newman and I are back in your ears to talk TV - one of our favourite hobbies and skills - yes, let's claim it! And in this episode, we talk Virgin River Season 3. Mandy and I had both been counting the days till this season of this idyllic TV show dropped. And while we were both so delighted to have something to watch during lockdown here in Sydney, we dissect this season - warts and all. And amongst the chat, we also talk ab...
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