Slow It Down - podcast cover

Slow It Down

The Hits Podcast Networkwww.thehits.co.nz

Life moves fast. The noise is constant. And finding a moment of peace can feel impossible. That’s where Slow It Down comes in.

Join PJ Harding every Sunday for your weekly dose of wholesome, a moment of 'me time,' and a gentle reminder to slow it all down. Back for a second season, this podcast continues to be your sanctuary from the chaos - a space to unwind, reflect, and reconnect.

Season 2 brings fresh conversations with inspiring guests who’ve embraced a more intentional way of living, alongside experts sharing practical tools to help you feel a little more zen. Whether it’s mindfulness, rituals, or simply learning to breathe again, Slow It Down is your hub for conscious living made achievable.

Tune in, take a breath, and slow it down.

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Episodes

"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

Self Love V Self Care

Today on the pod I am joined by the host of The Self-Love Club podcast Bel Crawford. Bel and I used to work together at the radio station ZM and this was the first time catching up in a long time! In this chat we discover a bunch of topics and differentiate self love versus self care. Bel kindly opens up about an eating disorder she experienced when she was in her late teens and discusses how she navigated that in a time when people weren’t so open about mental health (trigger warning: disordere...

Jun 13, 202348 minEp. 66

Come Back To Your Breath Baby

This week on the show I am joined by a friend I met in Melbourne, Emma Maidment. Emma is an international yoga & meditation teacher, writer & speaker. She is committed to sharing ways to live an authentic & connected life. Emma believes that meditation is the most powerful tool and was the one who got me hooked on it! Can confirm... She is amazing. Emma is the co-founder of Flow States Studios, an online yoga, meditation and fitness studio which you can check out HERE In this chat we...

Jun 06, 202346 minEp. 65

In Good Company For Money Chats!

I’m joined by the lovely Maddy and Sophie from the You’re In Good Company podcast this week. We chat all things moola from investing to money hacks and fun ways to save. I just felt it was super relevant and top of mind to have a little finance debrief in these current challenging times. You will hear all my current concerns with money so come along for the journey and not feel so bad about your bad habits! Also check out the girls HERE xx Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more informat...

May 30, 202330 minEp. 64

9 Bits of Advice To 9 Months In From 9 Months Out

As I record this little ep, Charlie is 9 months old today! So to celebrate I thought quite simply I would give myself 9 bits of advice that I wish I had 9 months pregnant, from 9 months out the other side! Let me know what you would add xoxo Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 24, 202313 minEp. 63

Flashback Episode: Jay Reeve

In this ep I catch up with old mate Jay Reeve. Jay and I have been friends since I started working at ZM in Auckland. Often touted as the 'cool MTV guy' I believe there is so much more to Jay than meets the eye and his motorbike riding persona. He is involved in a number of successful business ventures including the unofficial drink of summer in NZ, Pals. We talk about the crazy success story of Pals and other exciting prospects he has on the horizon. As the chat progresses things get a little m...

May 16, 20231 hr 5 minEp. 62

Mama, I Love You!

As Mother’s Day descends on us this weekend I thought what an opportunity for you to meet my mum Ang! Mum is my best friend, soul sister, inspiration and all round life saviour. Not a day goes by I don’t feel like the luckiest girl in the world to have the support and love of my mum and I wanted to take the time for you all to get to know her a bit better. In this chat we really dive into ‘Mumming’ and her reluctant advice for new mums, regrets over the years and the judgement she got for having...

May 09, 202319 minEp. 61

Flashback Episode: Zoe Marshall

Zoe Marshall is the host of the hugely successful podcast The Deep. Zoe takes on some incredibly complex topics with a range of diverse guests and has a very loyal audience. Zo and I met when she moved to NZ briefly years back and I have been wanting to get her on the podcast since I started it. We talk a lot about becoming a mama. From Zoe’s birth story, the importance of slowing down in postpartum, getting back into work, manifestation and psychics. I bloody love Zoe and I hope you enjoy this ...

May 02, 20231 hr 3 minEp. 60

Real MotherHood Chat and Truly Honouring Our Cycles

This week I have a good belly laugh with founder of online platform The Fold, Alice Browning. Alice and I discuss the importance of honouring our cycles and the lack of information/transparency there has been with contraception throughout the years. We also get very real about being new mums and the reality of creating a zen routine to stay sane. Plus why I gasm over a shower. Check out Alice’s amazing creation and learn A HEAP/CHILL OUT with The Fold here . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privac...

Apr 25, 202345 minEp. 59

The Wild Ride of Sarah Wilson

Sarah Wilson is a multi-New York Times and Amazon best-selling author, podcaster , international keynote speaker, philanthropist and climate change advisor. Sarah is known globally for founding the I Quit Sugar movement – a digital wellness program and 13 award-winning books that sell in 52 countries – which saw millions around the world transform their health. In 2022 Sarah sold the business and gave everything to charity. She was previously the editor of Cosmopolitan Australia at age 29; host ...

Apr 18, 202343 minEp. 58

Trying An Open Relationship For The First Time

This week on the show I am joined by Kristie Saunders who is the host of the podcast Opened . In this episode we chat about why Kristie recently decided to have an open relationship with her partner and the trials and tribulations that have come with it. This chat certainly opened my mind and made me realise how much societal constructs have shaped the way we perceive ourselves and our relationships. You can listen to her brand new show which goes into more detail HERE and I hope you enjoy this ...

Apr 11, 202355 minEp. 57

IN HOUSE: Our Tips For Travelling With Babies

This week my partner BJ is back in the hot seat to talk about all things travelling with babies. We are the furthest people from experts you will find but thought it could be fun to detail our experience and learnings on the matter. Also who was admitted to hospital on our holiday and who accidentally smuggled something back into NZ? Find out all the juicy goss from our fun little trip xoxo Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy infor...

Apr 04, 202317 minEp. 56

5 Books To Read For A Better You In 2023

Apologies in advance for my slightly echoey voice in this one - an unplugged mic will do that to ya, oops! As a new mum I have not read a book in quite some time so this week Adam Ashton is doing the hard yards for me. Adam is one of the hosts of the podcast What You Will Learn which essentially brings to life the best bits from the best books so you don’t have to read them. In this episode Adam runs through 5 books you should read in 2023 and its important to note the ones we dive into have a r...

Mar 28, 202332 minEp. 55

March Breakdown and When Is Your Saturn Return?

Jordanna Levin is the host of a bunch of successful podcasts including Lunar Lover which is a warm, witty and practical way of connecting with astrology. Jordanna has also written a number of books on the topic of manifestation and attracting more love into your life. In this ep we chat about the significance of March astrologically and dive into Saturn Return more (yes I have touched on this before but it’s so meaty and bang on!) We also chat about Jordanna’s rule for manifestation which is a l...

Mar 21, 202348 minEp. 54

To Be Human Is To Feel It All

Today it’s the Molly and Polly Show! My guest is Molly Jane, the co-founder of meditation and sleep app Bloom and wellness platform Wellweb. Originally from Australia, Molly is now living her best life in LA where she does a bunch of speaking events, oracle sessions and seminars. We talk about the series of events that led to Molly seeking more in this life and getting ruthless with her wellbeing plus we break down intuition vs loud thoughts in your head and how is she communicating with inter d...

Mar 14, 202345 minEp. 53

Figuring Out Thirty

To celebrate International Women’s Day, this week I am going to share an episode of a podcast I featured in earlier this year. The podcast is Figuring Out 30 hosted by former Triple J presenter Bridget Hustwaite. The podcast is a deep dive into navigating your 30s and all the wonderful slash terrifying things that present around this time of life. I’d had a work crush on Bridget since moving to Melbourne as she hosted the night show when we started breakfast on KIIS and would find myself thinkin...

Mar 07, 202352 minEp. 52

Shit You Should Listen To

This week I chat to one third of the brains behind SHIT YOU SHOULD CARE ABOUT. If you don’t already follow them on Instagram , there’s a good chance you have seen their posts shared by friends. Today I am joined by Lucy who is from small town Blenheim of New Zealand and started the page a few years back. What started as a way of communicating the news in a more relatable fashion has eventuated into the account gaining massive engagement and follows from the likes of Ariana Grande to Dan Levy and...

Feb 28, 202331 minEp. 51

Declutter Your Life

There is a word I have never really associated with that strongly and that word is ‘organised’. But as I have got older (and less wiser) I have found I have craved a greater sense of order in my life. Perhaps it’s the busy-ness that comes with constantly juggling keeping a little one alive, cleaning the house and finding enough creativity to help pay the mortgage and bills. My old ways of she’ll be right just don’t feel quite ‘enough’ anymore. I need more structure, discipline and hacks! So to d...

Feb 21, 202335 minEp. 50
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