Slow It Down - podcast cover

Slow It Down

The Hits Podcast Networkwww.thehits.co.nz

Join PJ Harding every Sunday for your weekly dose of wholesome, and a moment of "me time" to help you "Slow It Down".

Life is fast. Information is overwhelming. We seem busier and more anxious than ever. Introducing ‘Slow It Down’. A time to chill, wind down and join a space that inspires people to live authentically and slow it down. A hub for living more consciously and incorporating mindful practices and rituals in an achievable way. The aim is to showcase guests who have chosen to live a more balanced lifestyle mixed in with experts who offer tangible tips and tricks to feel a little more zen.  

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Episodes

*BONUS EP* Sex.Life - The First Quest: The Neighbour, The Pube and The Wardrobe

Hello! While we wait for the next season of Slow It Down, I wanted to share the first episode Sex.Life Season 3. It's hosted by my good friend Morgan Penn, and this season she's looking for love! If you like the podcast, you can follow it here: Sex.Life | iHeart (of wherever you get your podcasts!). Enjoy! Content Warning: R18, Language and Sexual Material May Offend. In this episode, I talk about a relationship I had with an older man when I was young. I acknowledge this might be a sensitive is...

Jun 06, 20251 hr

"There is power in being yourself" - Founder and Influencer Jess Quinn

Jess Quinn is an inspiration. Life changed dramatically for Jess after having her leg amputated as a child due to cancer. Jess has gone on to do such big things, sharing her story and helping people understand what it's like living with a disability. Her latest venture is The Cyclist - an online platform dedicated to women’s health and creating a community. As a new mum, who is also starting a brand-new business, she also spoke about the importance of taking time to do simple activities like mak...

Mar 29, 202541 minSeason 1Ep. 26

"Small Moments Make You Who You Are" with Kita Alexander

I'm a huge Kita Alexander fan and I was so excited to talk with her on the podcast this week. She is not only a pop star who is currently touring with Dua Lipa in Australia (and is about to be here in Aotearoa) but also a mum trying to juggle both a career and being there for her kids. We spoke about how she came to terms with the fact that her career was going to take a hit when she had kids, but also how she feels like she's come back into it with skills that give her a unique edge. She also g...

Mar 22, 202535 minSeason 1Ep. 25

Honouring Your Body with Somatic Sexologist Morgan Penn

I absolutely adore Morgan Penn! She is an old friend, and it has been awesome watching her evolve so much in the time I've known her. Her mission in life is to make people feel empowered in their sexuality and has such a great way of making people feel comfortable. The connection to her body and energy means Morgan has plenty to share about what it takes to slow it down. I really like the idea of having lots of tools in the toolbox to make sure you do check in with yourself and can pick the righ...

Mar 15, 202553 minSeason 1Ep. 24

Stepping Through Burnout with Amantha Imber

Amantha Imber is an organisational psychologist and author, who wants you to know that even psychology professionals are not immune to burnout! After launching her book The Health Habit, she found herself suffering from burnout. Amantha talks me through how it presented and what steps she took to slowly make her way through. She was so generous with her story, and she gave lots of good tips to help. I especially liked the way she spoke about spotting stressors and working out whether you need to...

Mar 08, 202543 minSeason 1Ep. 23

What You See Is What You Get with Two Raw Sisters

Rosa and Margo of Two Raw Sisters are an incredibly ambitious combo but they are beautifully down to Earth. In this episode we speak about the importance of what success means to YOU and making sure that you align it with your intrinsic priorities. We also speak finding peace in the chaos, and the two were a perfect example of how everyone's road to peace is different. Margo, like me, loves a bit of time in a float to stop her brain, while Rosa clears her mind by journalling and dumping out all ...

Mar 01, 202550 minSeason 1Ep. 22

Follow Your Gut with Toni Street

Toni Street is one of the most upbeat and positive people out there so it can be surprising to find out how much tragedy and pain she has endured in her life. Distressingly, Toni lost 3 siblings while growing up and then while in the middle of a successful TV career, she was diagnosed with the autoimmune disease EGPA. We chat about the confronting realities that come with being unwell and the painful process of being diagnosed. This chat made me reflect on my own life, and the season of survival...

Feb 22, 202552 minSeason 1Ep. 21

Challenging Rural Stigma - Philippa Cameron AKA WhatsForSmoko

Today's guest is a rural celebrity, with a following across the world. Philippa Cameron a.k.a @WhatsForSmoko is an online content creator based on a farm in the Waitaki Valley of the South Island who shares simple recipes for busy families everywhere. I felt validated by this conversation, having moved rurally just a few years ago. Pip shares her own perspective in a down to earth and authentic way and brings up a number of things that I recognise in my community. We talk about the misconception...

Feb 15, 202548 minSeason 1Ep. 20

"The only way out, is through" - Angelina Grey

I've worked in the same building as Angelina for a long time, but this is the first time I really sat down and got to have a conversation with her about more than just work so it was epic to connect on another level. We spoke about what's it's like becoming a mum in a career that can be daunting to step out of, how she's gone on a journey to embrace the spiritual side of her existence and how she tries to champion mental health conversations, particularly in a male dominated space. Listen to Ang...

Feb 08, 202546 minSeason 1Ep. 19

"You get what you believe" with Mindset Coach Efia Sulter

Mindset Coach Efia Sulter joins me this week to talk about her work helping others with deep transformation in their lives. Her unique approach teaches you how to release deep seated beliefs around worthiness and shed the layers of shame so you can embody your higher self. I loved the idea of believing you are extraordinary and giving yourself permission to trust in your own superpowers. Efia also has some interesting thoughts on what success looks like for women and how it could symbolise failu...

Feb 01, 202546 minSeason 1Ep. 18

"You are born worthy!" - Talking risks with Carolyn Taylor

I was so nervous for today's chat because I grew up watching Carolyn Taylor on What Now! We talk about how that experience changed her, and how it helped her frame the rest of her working life. We also talk slowing it down, and the tips and tricks she uses to ground herself. She, like me, believes in the seasons of life. We can't have it all! However, we can enjoy what we've got, when we have it. Carolyn also had some good tips of keeping your body moving and how that can quiet the mind. I hope ...

Jan 25, 202543 minSeason 1Ep. 17

"Show me a sign!" - Talking Intuition with Mikki Fisher

Mikki Fisher is a force of nature! As a podcast host, reiki practitioner and psychic medium, she embodies a busy life. She's trying to slow it down just like all of us though. Mikki opens up about how long it took for her to trust that the intuition she was receiving was a psychic ability, and what that looks like living day to day. It also resonated with me when she spoke about trusting your own intuition with what your body might need to be more present and healthier, how the small parts of li...

Jan 18, 202546 minSeason 1Ep. 16

"I basically do meditation wrong" - Habit stacking and starting with Mandy Catalano

Today's guest goes by many names including Amanda and Nonna, but we settled on Mandy for majority of the chat. Mandy and I worked together in radio a few years back and she has gone on to host her own podcast "Setting The Brow Low". I was honestly quite surprised when discovering a different side to Mandy and found it really resonated with the theme of the podcast. I really enjoyed Mandy’s analogy about rewiring your brain, how she's committed to being kind to herself and just starting self-care...

Jan 11, 202549 minSeason 1Ep. 15

"We are nature" - Psychic Science and Intuition with Kim Forrester

Award winning author, educator and consultant Kim Forrester joins me on the first episode for 2025! Her mission is to inspire holistic wellbeing and fulness of living, so if you're looking to set up the new year feeling more connected, this is the episode for you. 94% of people have had some sort of spiritual experience and Kim reminded me to not dismiss the nudges that the universe gives us, and how that impacts our connection with ourselves. Nature and the universe have a rhythm, and we feel o...

Jan 04, 202548 minSeason 1Ep. 13

My 2024 Reflections

Thank you to everyone who has joined me on the Slow It Down journey so far! It's been a big year, and I wanted to reflect on the way that I've tried to live the mantra of the podcast "finding peace in the chaos". I hope you join me in 2025 for more tips, tricks and mantras to Slow It Down. If you've enjoyed the show, please share it with someone else who could find it useful. About the show: Life is fast. Information is overwhelming. We seem busier and more anxious than ever. Introducing ‘Slow I...

Dec 28, 202414 minSeason 1Ep. 12

"I've always been a little bit connected to the universe" - Motherhood and Music with Kaylee Bell

Kaylee Bell is incredibly ambitious but also SO grounded. She's gone from Waimate to Nashville, and it's been a long journey that is starting to really bear fruit for her and her music career. Touring life isn't easy though, and although it's not as rock and roll as it used to be, it's still important to look after yourself. Kaylee spoke about the role manifestation has played in her success, and her connection to the universe. Kaylee has been on a health journey for a while now and found out th...

Dec 21, 202448 minSeason 1Ep. 11

"If everything fell to sh*t tomorrow, I'd still be so proud" Steph Claire Smith on Success and Confidence

I'm so excited to have entrepreneur, influencer, and podcaster Steph Claire Smith join me this week. Steph is such a busy person and things are about to get busier with a second child on the way so we dive into how her second pregnancy has been and what maternity leave will roughly look like for her. Steph speaks about how running a business, being a mum and having so many people rely on her takes its toll. We talk about the role of therapy and what techniques she uses to help with her self-conf...

Dec 14, 202439 min

"My mantra is *this is temporary*" Julia Matthews on juggling motherhood, business, and finding the time to be present

Julia Matthews is in her productivity season - She's a busy mum and a successful business owner and coming to terms with the fact that she's having to make sacrifices to allow herself to thrive. "You can have it all, just not all at once" is one of my favourite quotes, and she is epitomising that right now! Jules has her rituals as well, and although she thrives in the chaos, she does find time to do guided meditation and move her body. She also understands the importance of having the right tea...

Dec 07, 202435 minSeason 1Ep. 10

"It is possible to live and grieve at the same time" Dr Lucy Hone on resilience, grieving and hope.

Dr Lucy Hone is a global leader in the field of resilience psychology, and spends her life helping people build resilience, cope with loss and navigate tough times. In this episode we talked about how to build resilience, how grief looks different for everyone and how it's important to focus on what's still good in your life when going through loss. She also had some amazing tips for coping with the general chaos of life which resonated with me. Ruthless prioritisation and making sure you're wor...

Nov 30, 202452 minSeason 1Ep. 9

Back to Basics with Sam Frost

Sam Frost has been a lot of things in her time. She's been (or still is) a reality television contestant, radio host, actress, author and mental health advocate. What I got from this chat though, is that her most important job to date has been mum to Ted. We chat through the self-work Sam did before having Ted, her anxiety about becoming a mum, what she does when she's feeling a bit overwhelmed by life (tip: put down your phone and go outside) and touch on what it's like to be in the public eye ...

Nov 23, 202445 minSeason 1Ep. 8

Looking at the World Differently with Ethically Kate

Kate Hall aka Ethically Kate joins me this week to discuss how you can live more ethically, but without the stress we put on ourselves to be perfect. Kate and her husband live a unique life filled with quirky traditions and rituals which I love, so we dive into ways you can spice up the week and get out of ruts. My biggest take away was opening yourself up to those moments of joy, wherever and whenever they present themselves to you, with a particular focus on family and nature. Kate gives a fre...

Nov 16, 202446 minSeason 1Ep. 7

Trusting Your Truth with Cassandra Grodd

Cassandra Grodd is an author, an entrepreneur and a wellness advocate. It would be easy to typecast her, but everyone's journeys have twists, and Cassandra is no different. From a battling with an eating disorder as a teenager, and struggling to find confidence in herself, she's embraced the idea of fake it until you make it and designed a life so that she can be her best self. In this episode she talks about dedicating time to set up your day and bringing main character energy. I really appreci...

Nov 09, 202439 minSeason 1Ep. 6

Comfortable in the Chaos with Megan Papas

Today I'm joined by the wonderful Megan Beautiful Papas (all is revealed in the episode!). Megan is not only a wonderful broadcaster, but an amazing Mama Bear to two beautiful children. With the news this week that I'm expecting my second, I wanted to get Megan on to talk about how she juggles career and motherhood, and we end up bonding over our birth experiences and the insecurities that arise with being a mother. About the show: Life is fast. Information is overwhelming. We seem busier and mo...

Nov 02, 202445 minSeason 1Ep. 5

Finding The Light Again with Janelle Brunton-Rennie

*This episode contains content that maybe distressing to some listeners* This episode of Slow It Down is a little heavier than we usually go, but it's an important and inspiring story. Janelle Brunton-Rennie is one of the strongest people I know, and she speaks to me this week about navigating losing a partner and how important resilience is when we hit periods of grief in our life. Grief isn't openly discussed in western culture, and this episode shines a light on what it's like on the inside, ...

Oct 26, 202439 minSeason 1Ep. 4

Dancing in the Kitchen with Matilda Green

Joining me this week to Slow It Down is Matilda Green. Matilda and her husband Art also made the move out of the big smoke and in this ep we talk about how they are still learning to slow life down and enjoy the small moments. I love how Matilda consciously takes time out to have fun with her kids when she's feeling overwhelmed and doesn't take herself too seriously. She also shares how the small acts in community can really make you feel connected, as well as some amazing advice for her younger...

Oct 19, 202432 minSeason 1Ep. 3

From the Big Smoke to Country Folk with Carrie Rad

This week on the show I am joined by Carrie Rad, a YouTuber who made the massive decision to move from the hustle and bustle of LA to rural Wairarapa here in New Zealand. In this episode we talk about what inspired the intentional slow down and how Carrie made the massive transition plus what it’s been like starting a family on the other side of the world. Also, how do NZ neighbours stack up internationally and why do you always need to be within 15 minutes of Mitre 10?! We get an insight into t...

Oct 12, 202437 minSeason 1Ep. 2

Mindfulness and Manifestation with Zoe Marshall

Welcome to the first episode of Slow It Down! Thank you for being here. I want this podcast to be a moment of me time in your busy life , and a toolbox for how you can live a more grounded existence. This week I speak to my good friend Zoe Marshall about her new business ariise, the journey she's been on to embrace living life for herself and no one else and the power of positive thinking. I got so much out of this conversation, and I hope you will too! Stay with me on the journey on Instagram ....

Oct 05, 202441 minSeason 1Ep. 1

Announcing Slow It Down with PJ Harding

*Launching Sunday 6th October* Exciting news! I have a brand-new podcast starting on this feed Sunday 6th October. Join me every Sunday for a moment of me time for busy lives and a weekly dose of wholesome to inspire a grounded existence. Life is fast. Information is overwhelming. We seem busier and more anxious than ever. Introducing ‘Slow It Down’. A time to chill, wind down and join a space that inspires people to live authentically and slow it down. A hub for living more consciously and inco...

Sep 29, 202435 sec

IT'S NOT GOODBYE, IT'S SEE YOU SOON

In this ep I wanted to say a heartfelt thank you for tuning into the podcast over the last 12 months!It's no secret it's been a brand new chapter in my life and I have been navigating some very new waters and to be honest it's time I took a little break. I am so excited to continue this podcast and make it bigger and better but to do that I just am going to recharge the batteries for a bit and hone into the direction of the content more. This has been such an experimental ground for me and I am ...

Jun 27, 20239 min

Changing the World One Little Farm At A Time

This week I catch up with local gal Alex Morrissey who runs the Little Farms organic grocer here in the Wairarapa. In this ep we chat how she got into organic farming and why it is so important. We also discuss the comparisons between supermarket and organic produce, how to grow your own if you're a newbie, fun hacks for nutrient dense veges and how to not waste food! Alex is a busy mama of 2 and I so appreciated her taking the time out of her day to inform us more on a topic that is so importan...

Jun 22, 202332 minEp. 67
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