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
Can an anti-choking device save your baby's life? Are anti-choking devices Worth It?
Choking is one of those emergencies many parents fear – so is buying an anti-choking device a sensible extra precaution, or could relying on one actually delay the first aid that matters most?In this episode of Worth It?, Kathy puts a generic anti-choking device bought online for around $20 to nurse and first aid instructor Maggie Sinclair from First Aid Tuition.They look at where these devices ma
Electric baby food mixers: Is the TOYOMI NourishMix Baby Food Maker Worth It for starting solids?
Starting solids can turn a simple question - “What do I actually need?” - into a surprisingly long shopping list.In this episode of Worth It?, Kathy puts the TOYOMI NourishMix All-In-One Baby Food Maker BBF 7003 under the spotlight with registered dietitian and nutritionist Karlien Duvenage.It steams, blends and prepares small portions in one appliance - but does that genuinely make starting solid
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
Are noisy, electric, toys good for babies?! 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
How to get your baby to sleep in the pram: 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
