We’re hoping this festive season brings with it a big old dose of joy for you and your family and friends. The holiday period can also (hopefully) bring well deserved time to recharge, rejuvenate and to do all those things you've been wanting to throughout the year, yet told yourself you didn't have time to!
As we begin wrapping up here at Coastrek HQ, we went around the office to hear top 'Listen, Read and Watch' recommendations', to ensure your holiday agenda is sorted!
Listen
Two Broke Chicks: Recommended by Ayla
Sal and Al share their life lessons to help you feel rich in life. From landing your first full time gig, to going through heartbreak and understanding your sexuality, to getting on top of your finances - they coer it all. The chicks and their guests share gems of wisdom, confess their mistakes and pass on lessons learnt - all with a side dish of cheeky banter and inappropriate humour. It's a weekly staple for me! Listen wherever you get your podcasts.
Pop Culture Parenting: Recommended by Sal
My regular 'drive-to-work' listen! This podcast is about finding the sweet spot between the textbooks and reality when it comes to parenting. Dr Billy (a developmental pediatrician) and Nick (a developing parent), a pair of relatable dads, showcase their honest discussions about the day-to-day of parenting, each episode filled with gold nuggets. A top rec for any parents out there! Listen wherever you get your podcasts.
MID: Recommended by Yvette
Ever wondered what to do when your ducks don’t all fit neatly into the row they’re supposed to? Enter, this podcast! Every episode brings handpicked compelling stories discussing relationships and wellness. Fun, frank wisdom from an impressive line up of well loved names, in the second act of life who share it all. MID goes deep on self-care with zero shape and rich experiences. Cherry pick for wisdom to share, changes to make and attitude to borrow. Listen wherever you get your podcasts.
On Purpose with Jay Shetty: Recommended by Charlotte
A must listen! Jay Shetty is a global, best sellign author and purpose-driven entrepreneur. On Purpose stands as the Worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and sees Jay interview celebrities, thought leaders and athletes to gain insights on expanding knowledge, building habits and everything in-between while he uncovers sides of them never seen before. The episodes are designed to make you happier, healthier and more healed - and I can certainly vouch for that! Listen wherever you get your podcasts.
The Everyday Adventure: Recommended by the whole Coastrek Team!
This may be a slightly bias recommendation... but for good reason! Listen to our very own Di Westaway on the episode 'Purpose of Finding Your Why'. The Everyday Adventure Podcast inspires people to live more adventurously in their daily lives, as conversations cover a wide variety of topics and focus on the psychological benefits of adventure, making Di the perfect candidate for an interviewee! Di shares her adventure that changed her lief and set her on the path to providing a platform for others to live more adventurously too. Listen here.
The Diary of a CEO: Recommended by Di and Donna
An incredibly well renowned podcast. Launched by Steven Bartlett, The Diary of a CEO holds the simple mission of providing an unfiltered journey into the remarkable stories and untold dimensions of the world's most influential people, experts and thinkers as he uncovers untold truths, unlearned lessons and important insights. There's guaranteed an episode for everyone! Listen wherever you get your podcasts.
Feel Better, Live More: Recommended by Kath
We like to live by the motto of 'less is more' and that applies to our health, too. Dr Chatterjee states "health has become overcomplicated. I aim to simplify it", exactly what he does in this podcast. Dr Chatterjee is a well renowned medical doctor with over 20 years experience, and is on a mission to empower us to become the architect of our own health. hear storeis from leading experts and exciting personalities who offe easy health life-hacks, expert advice and debunk common health myths. This is such a staple in my podcast rotation and I love gaining insights and tools to revolutionise how we eat, sleep, move and relax. Yes please! Listen wherever you get your podcasts.
The Drive by Peter Attia: Recommended by Kath
On a similar note to my first recommendation, The Drive offers a deep dive into the science and art of the longest and healthiest living people. It investigates everything from exercise and nutritional bio chemistry to cardiovascular health, mental and emotional wellbeing and beyond. Hosted by Dr. Peter Attia - a Stanford, John Hopkins and NIH trained physician renowned for his expertise in longevity and life optimisation - it's one not to be missed! Listen wherever you get your podcasts.
Watch
Inside Out 2: Recommended by Kay
I recommend anyone and everyone to watch this. Inside Out 2 dives deep into the complexities of the human mind and is as thoguht-provoking as it is entertaining. Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear and Disgust have been running a successful operation by all accounts, however when anxiety shows up, they aren't sure how to feel. Allow your mind to soak up new emotional territories in a fresh and enriching way. Watch on Disney.
Bridgerton: Recommended by Donna
Need we say more? Romance, drama, comedy and scandal, this show has it all. Inspired by Julia Quinn's best selling novels, Bridgerton follows eight close-knit siblings as they look for love and happiness in London high society. You'll be hooked. Binge the series over the summer - and for avid fans, a new season drops on Christmas Day! Watch on Netflix.
Hidden Figures: Recommended by Ayla
The epitome of 'Yeah The Girls'. Hidden features tells the incredible and inspiring untold story of three women at NASA who were instrumental in one of history's greatest operations - the launch of the first American astronaut into space. These brilliant African American women overcome bigotry and sexism to become the brains behind one this monumental mission. Based on a true story, you'll leave feeling SO empowered! Watch on Netflix.
How To Make Gravy: Recommended by Yvette
Paul Kelly’s classic Australian anthem, How To Make Gravy, has been adapted into a newly released movie offering up a local take on the usual ‘white Christmas’ narrative with its references to summer heat, messy family dynamics and relatable traditions. Watch as Joe, who’s serving prison time, writes home to his brother about missing the family at Christmas, sharing his cherished recipe for gravy for the Christmas roast, with hopes he can fill his shoes. A flood of nostalgic feels! Watch on Binge.
Hysteria: Recommended by Eri
Transport back to the 1880s London, where a forward-thinking doctor concocts an electrifying solution to the rampant ‘hysteria’ along England’s sexually repressed women. We’ll keep our spiel for this one short and sweet to avoid any spoilers, however – thank us later when you watch it! Watch on Netflix.
1883: Recommended by Sal
A prequel to Yellowstone, 1883 follows the Dutton family as they flee poverty and embark on a journey through the Great Plains, in a bid to seek a better future in Montana. It is there they establish what would eventually become to the Yellowstone Ranch. Watch on Paramount Plus.
The Rookie: Recommended by Eri
I could not stop watching this! After a life-altering incident, forty-year-old John Nolan is forced to start over in his pursuit to join the Los Angeles Police Department. As their oldest rookie, he's met with scepticism from those who see him as just a walking midlife crisis and faces many challenges along the way. Watch on Netflix.
Tell Me Lies: Recommended by Ayla
Two words. Binge-Worthy. Tell Me Lies showcases the story of Lucy and Stephen who quickly fall into an addictive entanglement that permanently alters their lives and the lives of everyone around them. Drama filled, in the best way possible! It might consume your weekend, but you'll thank me later. Watch on Disney.
Read
The Natural Advantage: Recommended by the whole Coastrek Team!
Dr Jenny Brockis is a best selling author, an award winning speaker, a board-certified lifestyle medicine physician AND a Coastrek Ambassador! Her recently published book 'The Natural Advantage' speaks on the myriad of health and wellbeing benefits that come with being out in nature, so it's safe to say this is a must-read for us. Soak up her simple, easy-to-implement nature based activities. Use COASTREK10 here to secure your copy!
Tiny House - A Memoir About Love, Letting Go and A Very Small House: Recommended by Yvette
Award winning travel writer Louise Southerdern provides insight into her quest to create a simpler way of life by building her very own tiny house. In her successful career, Louise has found herself staying in ever-new exotic locations, but while staying in a tiny house in Norway, she had an epiphany about what she truly wanted for her life, ready to put down roots! An intensely personal story about searching for home and true love, two of life’s most fundamental needs. Purchase from any independent book store or local retailer.
Natural Exhilaration: Recommended by the whole Coastrek Team
We may be bias yes, but for good reason! Our very own CEO Di Westaway educates and inspires in her book Natural Exhilaration. She provides insight into her famous Adventure Mindset model, encouraging you to take on your own adventures, jumpstart your head and heart and energise your life. What a perfect dose of inspiration as we close off 2024 and enter 2025! Use COASTREK10 here.
Atomic Habits: Recommended by Ayla
Atomic Habits truly is a must read for everyone, no matter what stage of life you’re in! This stands as the most comprehensive and practical guide on how to create good habits, break bad ones and get 1% better everyday. It’s packed with evidence-based strategies and teaches you how to make small changes that will transform your habits, delivering amazing results. James Clear argues that if you’re having trouble changing your habits, the problem isn’t you, it’s your system! Purchase from any independent book store or local retailer.
The Women: Recommended by Eri
You don’t need to convince us that women can be heroes, however this read really confirms all. The Women is an intimate portrait of coming of age in a dangerous time and an epic tale of a nation divided. It tells the story of one woman gone to war, but it shines a light on all women who put themselves in harms way and whose sacrifice and commitment to their country has too often been forgotten. A powerful and touching journey. Purchase from any independent book store or local retailer.
The Mind-Gut Connection: Recommended by Eri
There really is no denying that the gut is our second brain. It only takes a ‘gut-wrenching’ experience, or butterflies in your stomach to realise the powerful connection between the mind and gut. The more we learn about this relationship, the easier it becomes to understand why we may be feeling the way we are, and how to make sense of signs our body is giving us. This read also provides cutting-edge insight into issues that can arise when this communication is out of balance, including digestive disorders, obesity, depression, anxiety, food sensitives and so much more! Purchase from any independent book store or local retailer.
The Birth Order Book: Recommended by Eri
Have you ever wondered why you are the way you are?! With insight and wit, The Birth Order book provides fascinating and often funny insight into how birth order affects personality, marriage, relationships, parenting styles, careers and children. A thought provoking read, especially great for those who want to learn more about how they react to their world. Who knew the order in which we are born has such a powerful, far-reaching influence on the way we interact! Purchase from any independent book store or local retailer.
Jilya: Recommended by Kay
Memoirs are powerful at the best of times, but this is something else. Jilya explores how one Indigenous woman, from her humble beginnings in the remote Pilbara, transformed psychology and redefined what’s possible at every turn. Despite neither of her parents progressing past primary school, she went on to become the first Aboriginal person in Australia to complete a PhD in Clinical Psychology, rising to become one of the country’s foremost psychologists. A story of drive and determination, of what it takes to create change when the odds are stacked against you. Above all though, it’s a story of one woman’s love for her people. Purchase from any independent book store or local retailer.
Drive -The Truth About What Motivates us: Recommended by Kay
It’s always powerful and productive to question the way we think about things, and holiday reads are a great way to do so! Daniel H. Pink draws on four decades of scientific research on human motivation and exposes the mismatch between what science does and what business does, and how that affects every aspect of life. Think the best way to motivate people is with rewards like money? Think again! Delve into this unique book that challenges and changes how we think. Purchase from any independent book store or local retailer.
The Four Pillar Plan: Recommended by Kath
We often say less is more in life, and the same can apply for our health too. In the Four Pillar Plan, Dr Chatterjee presents us with an incredibly simple framework for taking control of our health, as he divides health into four pillars: diet, rest, sleep and movement. He argues that by taking small, easily achievable changes in each of these key areas, you can find and maintain good health while avoiding illness. Dr Chatterjee claims you don’t need to excel at any one pillar; what matters is the balance across all the things you do! Purchase from any independent book store or local retailer.
We had a blast gathering everyone's top picks from around the office and hope you have just as much fun kicking back, relaxing, and enjoying some well-deserved R&R! Happy holidays!
Love, the Coastrek Team Xx
