Straitalking
Straitalking is a podcast by Kathy Rougier, founder of Empowa, that presents honest conversations and practical insights on various themes. Each season focuses on a distinct subject, starting with Season One titled "Worth It? with Pregnant and Popped," which covers pregnancy, postpartum, and parenting. The show looks beyond marketing claims and trends to evaluate whether products, services, and advice are genuinely worth the listener's time and energy. Episodes feature interviews with professionals, founders, and experts who bring evidence and different perspectives, helping audiences make informed decisions. Future seasons will tackle topics like business, community, and identity.
Episodes
Birth Tool or Gimmick? Is the Peanut Ball Worth It?
In your hospital bag you’ve packed clothes for the baby, nappies and something to wear home - but what have you packed to actually help you through labour?In this episode of Worth It?, Kathy puts the Peanut Gym Ball under the spotlight with birth doula and lactation counsellor Tania Stephan, Founder of Gentle Beginnings.We look at whether a peanut ball can be used during labour, why positioning an
Wait... 3+ Years?! Is the Music Twisted Worm Worth It?
You buy a toy because it looks like it might encourage your baby to crawl… then it arrives with “3+” on the box. So what are parents supposed to make of that?In this episode of Worth It?, Kathy tests the Music Twisted Worm with Christine Lee, Early Learning and Play Expert and founder of Sunshine Pumpkin.They explore what actually makes a toy useful for a baby, why back-and-forth interaction matte
Pram Sleep Hack? Is the ZAZU Baby Rocker Worth It?
Ever sat in a café rocking the pram with one hand while trying to drink a coffee with the other?In this episode of Worth It?, Kathy puts the ZAZU Robby Baby Rocker to the test with paediatric sleep consultant Evelyn Bonney.Could a pram rocker genuinely make on-the-go naps easier, or is it another baby product you can live without?Evie shares where it could be genuinely useful - and when it might n
WORTH IT? Trailer
(Launching 25 August 2026)
How much of the stuff we buy for pregnancy, babies and parenting is actually worth it?The gadgets. The clever inventions. The products everyone seems to own. The things Instagram makes look essential - and the things you had absolutely no idea existed until someone convinced you that you needed one.In Season 1 of Straitalking, Kathy Rougier teams up with professionals at Pregnant and Popped for Wo
