Natural Super Kids Podcast
Ideas and inspiration to boost the health and nutrition of your kids with Naturopath Jessica Donovan
Episode 266: Why Kids Getting Sick Is Actually Normal (And What You Can Do to Make It Happen Less)
Why Kids Get Sick So Often and How to Support Their Immune System Naturally
This week on the Natural Super Kids Podcast, we’re talking about why kids getting sick is actually normal, especially during winter. We also talk about what you can do to help it happen less often.
If you’re in week three of another cold, your child has missed school again and everyone is exhausted, it’s easy to wonder if something is wrong with their immune system. In many cases, nothing is “wrong”, but there are reasons so...
Episode 265: From The Darkest Place To The Surf Lifesaving Nationals - Ashton's Story
How One Family Supported Their Son Through Severe Emotional Struggles, Developmental Challenges, and a Powerful Recovery Journey
This week on the Natural Super Kids Podcast, we’re sharing an incredibly raw and emotional conversation with mum Casey about her son Ashton’s journey through severe behavioural challenges, mental health struggles, sleep issues, ADHD, anxiety and overwhelming family stress, and how things slowly began to change.
We speak with Casey about the years where Ashton’s aggression, emotional dysregulation, self-harm and physical health issues left the whole family in survival mode and how a...
Episode 264: From Developmental Delays To The Best Reader In His Class - Matthew's Story
From Developmental Delays to Thriving: Matthew’s Gut Health and Learning Journey
This week on the Natural Super Kids Podcast, we’re sharing an incredibly honest and hopeful conversation with parents Ann and Ben about their son Matthew’s health journey. From developmental delays, emotional outbursts, digestive issues, sleep struggles and sensory challenges, through to becoming a calm, connected, thriving child who is now one of the best readers in his class.
We chat with Ann and Ben about the many pieces that helped support Matthew’s progress, including gut he...
Episode 263: Most Microbiome Tests for Kids Are Being Misinterpreted — Here’s What Parents Need To Know
How to Interpret Paediatric Microbiome Testing Correctly (and What Most Parents Aren’t Told)
This week on the Natural Super Kids Podcast, we’re talking about one of the biggest issues we are seeing in children’s health right now, the misinterpretation of paediatric microbiome testing.
With more families turning to gut microbiome testing to understand eczema, allergies, digestive symptoms, immune issues, and overall health, it’s becoming increasingly important for parents to understand that children’s microbiome results cannot be interpreted the same way as adults’.
We shar...
Episode 262: Why Most Kids with Eczema and Allergies Don’t Get Better (And The 3 Things We Do Differently)
Why Some Kids With Eczema and Allergies Stay Stuck in a Cycle of Flare-Ups
This week on the Natural Super Kids Podcast, we’re talking about why so many children with eczema and allergies stay stuck in a cycle of flare-ups, food reactions, congestion, poor sleep, and constant symptom management, even after trying creams, elimination diets, supplements, and allergy testing.
We share the 3 biggest differences in the Natural Super Kids approach to eczema and allergies, and why looking at the bigger ...
Episode 261: 4 Kids, 4 Completely Different Eczema Root Causes - What This Tells Us About Treating Your Child’s Skin
4 Eczema Root Causes in Children: Why Your Child’s Skin Needs a Personalised Approach
This week on the Natural Super Kids Podcast, we’re talking about why eczema is never “just a skin condition” and how four real-life cases reveal completely different root causes behind similar symptoms.
If you’ve tried creams, removed foods, and still feel like you’re guessing what’s driving your child’s eczema, this episode will help you see the bigger picture.
In this episode, we explore:
Why eczema can look...Episode 260: Your child is vomiting hours after eating - could it be FPIES, not gastro or reflux?
FPIES Symptoms in Babies: Why Vomiting Hours After Eating Isn’t Just Gastro or Reflux
This week on the Natural Super Kids Podcast, we’re talking about FPIES (Food Protein-Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome) a lesser-known type of food allergy that doesn’t look like a typical allergic reaction.
Instead of immediate symptoms like hives or swelling, FPIES often shows up as delayed, intense vomiting hours after eating, which is why it’s so commonly mistaken for gastro, reflux, or a random illness. For many parents, this leads to a long an...
Episode 259: Your Child Reacts to Everything — Could It Be MCAS or Histamine Intolerance, Not Just Allergies?
Why Your Child Reacts to Everything: Histamine Intolerance vs MCAS in Kids
This week on the Natural Super Kids Podcast, we’re unpacking one of the more confusing and complex allergy-related pictures we see in kids — when symptoms don’t follow a clear pattern, allergy testing comes back normal, but your child is still clearly reacting to something.
If your child seems to react to multiple foods, heat, stress, exercise, strong smells, or seemingly random environmental triggers, this episode will help you better understand what may be going on beneat...
Episode 258: Before you say yes to tonsil surgery: the allergy connection your child’s specialist probably hasn’t mentioned
Enlarged Tonsils in Children: The Overlooked Allergy Connection Before Surgery
This week on the Natural Super Kids Podcast, we’re talking about one of the most common reasons families seek support in our clinic: enlarged tonsils and adenoids.
For many parents, the conversation around tonsils and adenoids feels frustratingly limited. If your child is snoring, mouth breathing, getting frequent ear infections, or constantly congested, surgery is often presented as the main option. And while surgery can absolutely be the right path for some children, it doesn’t always answer the...
Episode 257: What's the link? Oral function, sleep quality and ADHD with Tash Duffin from Whole Child Co
The Link Between Oral Function, Sleep Quality and ADHD in Children
This week on the podcast, we’re exploring a fascinating and important connection that more families need to know about: the link between oral function, sleep quality, and ADHD-like behaviours in children.
We are joined by Tash Duffin from Whole Child Co, an occupational therapist, orofacial myofunctional therapist, and practitioner working in infant and early childhood sleep quality, feeding, and reflux. Tash also brings her own lived experience as a mum, which makes this conversation feel bo...
Episode 256: Supporting Neurological Development and Sensory Integration with Dino Mennillo
How Sensory Integration in Children Supports Neurological Development
This week on the podcast, we’re diving into an important conversation about neurological development, sensory integration, and how children learn, regulate, and engage with the world around them.
We are joined by Dino Mennillo, founder and National Director of Occupational Therapy for Children, mental health-endorsed occupational therapist, and sensory integration specialist with nearly 30 years of experience supporting children with developmental, sensory, and neurodivergent challenges.
Together, they unpack what sensory integration actually is, how it affects da...
Episode 255: Are Your Kids Getting Enough Nature Play with Nicki Farell from Wildlings Forest School
Why Nature Play for Kids Matters More Than Ever
This week on the Natural Super Kids Podcast, we’re having a really important conversation about nature play, free play, and what today’s children may be missing when so much of life happens indoors or on screens.
We are joined by Nikki Farrell, co-owner of Wildlings Forest School and Little Wildlings, co-host of the Raising Wildlings Podcast, teacher, unschooling mum, and passionate advocate for children’s rights and free play. Together, they e...
Episode 254: The Lost Art of Letting Your Brain Breathe
Why Mental Breathing Space Is Essential for Parents in a Busy World
This week on the podcast we’re exploring something many parents rarely give themselves permission to experience: mental breathing space.
Modern life fills nearly every moment with stimulation. Whether it’s scrolling on our phones, listening to podcasts, checking messages, or constantly researching solutions for our children’s health and wellbeing, our brains are rarely given the opportunity to slow down and process.
In this episode we discuss:
The concept of “soft fas...Episode 253: A Brain That Breathes: How to Create Real Rest in a Busy Family Life with Jodi Wilson
How Busy Parents Can Create Real Rest in Everyday Family Life
This week on the Natural Super Kids Podcast, we’re talking about how to create real rest in a busy family life and why so many parents feel mentally “full” even when they finally get a moment to themselves.
We are joined by bestselling author, health journalist, postpartum doula, and mum of four - Jodi Wilson to explore the idea of “breathing space” and the small, practical ways we can help our nervous system feel calmer...
Episode 252: The Guard Dog Immune System: Why Some Children React to Things Others Don’t
Why Some Children React to Things Others Don’t: Understanding the Guard Dog Immune System
This week on the podcast we’re exploring a question many parents ask when their child develops eczema, allergies, or food sensitivities: Why does one child react to things that other children seem completely fine with?
You might notice that one child can eat a wide range of foods, roll around in grass, or spend time around pets without any issues, while another child develops itchy skin, congestion, digestive symptoms, or allergic reactions.
Here...
Episode 251: Histamine, “Reacting to Everything,” and the Overprotective Immune System
Histamine Reactions in Children: Why Some Kids Seem to React to Everything
This week on the Natural Super Kids Podcast, we’re talking about histamine and why some kids seem to be “reacting to everything,” even when you’ve already cleaned up their diet, removed the usual suspects, and tried all the common strategies.
If your child’s symptoms feel unpredictable (or like they’re piling up across skin, digestion, and respiratory health), this episode will help you step back and understand what an overprotective immune system can look like and why...
Episode 250: When “Healthy” Foods Trigger Symptoms: FODMAPs, Fructose & The Overloaded Gut
FODMAPs and Fructose in Kids: Why Healthy Foods Can Cause Gut Symptoms
This week on the Natural Super Kids Podcast, we’re exploring a confusing but incredibly common experience for families: when “healthy” foods seem to trigger bloating, tummy pain, irregular bowels, or fatigue in kids.
If your child reacts to foods like apples, garlic, lentils, smoothies, or even large amounts of fruit and you’ve already tried removing gluten or dairy without clear answers - this episode will help you understand what might really be going on inside their gut.
We un...
Episode 249: Could Dust Mites Be Triggering Your Child’s Eczema or Allergy Symptoms?
Dust Mites, Eczema and Allergies: An Overlooked Trigger in Kids
This week on the Natural Super Kids Podcast, we’re diving into one of the most commonly overlooked triggers when it comes to eczema and allergies in children: dust mites.
Many families focus heavily on food triggers like dairy or gluten, and while those can absolutely play a role, environmental allergens are often quietly contributing in the background. Because dust mites are present all year round not just seasonally like pollens, they can be harder to identify as...
Episode 248: 7 Foods I always have in my pantry
Pantry Staples That Make Healthy Family Meals Easy
This week on the Natural Super Kids Podcast, we’re taking a peek inside Founder Jessica Donovan’s pantry in audio form — sharing the key foods Jessica always keeps on hand, the ones she rarely runs out of because they form the backbone of so many everyday meals, baking recipes, and quick lunches.
Having a well-stocked pantry makes it so much easier to put together nourishing meals and snacks without stress, last-minute supermarket runs, or relying on proces...
Episode 247: 3 Simple Ways I Add Nutrition to My Family’s Diet (Without Adding Veggies)
Simple Ways to Boost Kids’ Nutrition (Even If Veggies Are a Struggle)
This week on the Natural Super Kids Podcast, we’re diving into a refreshingly practical conversation about nutrition especially for families who feel stuck when it comes to vegetables.
Inspired by a moment in the kitchen, this episode explores simple, realistic ways to add more nourishment to your family’s meals without battles, pressure, or forcing extra greens onto the plate. Whether you have toddlers, school-aged kids, or teenagers who are increasingly eating outside the home...
Episode 246: Why Some Kids React: Real Stories of Eczema, Allergies & What Helped
Eczema and Allergies in Kids: Why Reactions Keep Happening
This week on the Natural Super Kids Podcast, we’re continuing our eczema and allergies series with a deeply grounding episode that brings everything we’ve been discussing into real life.
Instead of theory or quick fixes, this conversation walks through three real stories of children with eczema and allergies — each with a very different picture, but a shared theme: symptoms weren’t the full story. These families had tried creams, antihistamines, food elimination, and constant management, yet still fe...
Episode 245: Could Food Elimination Be Making Your Child’s Eczema or Allergies Worse?
Food Elimination Diets for Kids: When They Help and When They Make Eczema Worse
When your child’s eczema or allergies flare, it’s natural to start scanning the plate. Dairy goes first. Then gluten. Then eggs. Then anything that feels even remotely suspicious. And yet… the flare-ups keep coming.
This week on the Natural Super Kids Podcast, we’re continuing our Eczema and Allergies Series by taking a closer look at food elimination — not from a place of blame, but from a place of understanding. We explore wh...
Episode 244: What the Medical Approach Is Missing When It Comes to Eczema & Allergies
Why Managing Symptoms Isn’t Enough for Kids With Eczema and Allergies
This week on the podcast, we’re continuing our eczema and allergies series with topic two and it’s a juicy one! This time, we’re talking about something so many parents feel in their bones but don’t always have the words for: when it comes to eczema and allergies, why does it feel like we’re constantly managing symptoms… but rarely getting real answers? 💛
If you’ve ever felt stuck in the loop of creams, antihistamines, foo...
Episode 243: Why So Many Kids Have Eczema & Allergies Today — And What Parents Can (Actually) Do About It
Welcome to our very first Natural Super Kids Podcast episode of 2026! We hope you’ve had a beautiful festive season with your family, wherever you are in the world. ❄️☀️
This week on the podcast, we’re kicking off a new series with a topic so many parents are quietly struggling with: why eczema and allergies are becoming more common in kids (affecting almost 30% of children) and what actually helps beyond creams and avoidance.
If your child has eczema, food sensitivities, hay fever, asthma, or “reacts to everything,” this episode will help you zo...
Episode 242: Keeping Family Health Simple (and Joyful) Over the Holidays
Holiday Parenting Tips for Kids: (Less Stress, More Connection)
This week on the podcast, we’re wrapping up the year with a short, gentle episode designed to meet you exactly where you are right now — tired, busy, and likely juggling a lot.
As the final episode of the year, we share a heartfelt reminder that the holiday season isn’t about getting everything “right” with your kids’ health. It’s about connection, presence, and doing the best you can with the capacity you have. This episode is intentionally light, supportive, and realistic for f...
Episode 241: Reflections as my son turns 18!
How Parenting Teenagers Changes When Your Child Becomes an Adult at 18
This week on the podcast, we invite you into a more personal episode with Jessica Donovan, Founder of Natural Super Kids & Naturopath — one filled with reflection, honesty and those “no one warned me about this part” moments that arrive as your child steps into adulthood. 💛
With her eldest son officially turning 18, Jess shares what the transition into the later teenage years has really been like; the joys, the grief, the unexpected emotional challenges, and the deep sense of pride tha...
Episode 240: 3 common nutrient deficiencies in children and how to spot them with Nutritionist Adelle Rutch
How to Recognise Nutrient Deficiencies in Children (Through Practical & Manageable Steps)
This week on the podcast, we’re diving into a topic that comes up constantly inside our clinic: the three most common nutrient deficiencies we see in children and the subtle signs parents often miss.
We are joined by our nutritionist Adelle Rutch, who supports families all over Australia and beyond through our online clinic. From rural communities to busy city families, Adelle brings a practical approach to helping parents understand what might really be...
Episode 239: BEST OF: Addressing Iron Deficiency in Kids
Why iron matters more than most parents realise and how to spot (and support) low iron in your child.
Iron deficiency is one of the most common nutrient issues we see in kids, and it often goes unnoticed for far too long. Many little ones struggle with low iron stores, unexplained fatigue, behavioural changes, or slow recovery from illness and parents are left wondering what’s really going on.
In this Best Of episode, we revisit one of our most-requested topics: understanding iron deficiency in children and how to su...
Episode 238: BEST OF: A Natural Approach to Managing Anxiety in Children
Our kids are living in an anxiety-promoting world. There is so much stimulation out there thanks to modern technology, which gives their brains a lot to process. Some even say that anxiety is a normal and rational reaction to the modern world.
Anxiety is the second most common mental health disorder among children in Australia. It is more common in girls than boys, but boys can still have a hard time with anxiety. As a Mum of a child who experiences anxiety, I know firsthand how tricky it can be to manage, which is why I love h...
Episode 237: BEST OF: The 2 Most Common Parasites We See in Kids (and What to Do About Them)
Welcome back to our ⭐ Best Of series — where we’re sharing some of the most loved and listened-to episodes from the Natural Super Kids Podcast.
In this Best Of episode, we’re revisiting one of our most popular topics — parasites in children — specifically the two we see most often: Blastocystis hominis and Dientamoeba fragilis.
These microscopic critters can cause a surprising range of symptoms in kids — from tummy aches to mood swings an,d are more common than most parents realise.
Jess shares the signs to look out for, how kids can p...
Episode 236: BEST OF: A Natural Approach to Enlarged Tonsils and Adenoids in Children
Welcome to our ⭐ Best Of series — where we’re sharing some of the most loved and listened-to episodes from the Natural Super Kids Podcast. These episodes continue to spark conversations, offer clarity, and provide support to parents navigating common health challenges in their kids.
In this Best Of episode of the Natural Super Kids Podcast, we're revisiting one of our most popular topics: how to understand and naturally support enlarged tonsils and adenoids without jumping straight to surgery.
If your child struggles with mouth breathing, snoring, recurring ear in...
Episode 235: Exposing Greenwashing & Nutrition Washing in Packaged Foods: What the Labels Aren’t Telling You with Dr Hayley Dickinson
This week on the Natural Super Kids Podcast, we’re diving into one of the most eye-opening food conversations we’ve had yet with scientist, food integrity expert, and founder of Eat For You, Dr. Hayley Dickinson.
From misleading labels to outdated nutrition data, Dr. Hayley pulls back the curtain on how food marketing plays on our values especially when it comes to feeding our families. If you’ve ever wondered whether you can really trust what’s written on food packaging, this episode is a must-listen.
In this epi...
Episode 234: Behind the Scenes: How We Support Families Inside the KLUB
What It’s Really Like Inside the Natural Super Kids KLUB
This week on the podcast, we’re giving you a behind-the-scenes look at how we support families inside the Natural Super Kids KLUB — our signature membership that’s helped thousands of parents feel more confident, clear, and connected on their children’s health journey.
In this episode, we are joined by Adele Rutch, our Community Care & Growth Manager (and mum of two!), for her first-ever podcast appearance. As a qualified nutritionist with a pharmacy background...
Episode 233: The Hidden Signs of Gut Imbalance in Kids You Might Be Missing
What Parents Need to Know about Gut Imbalance in Kids.
When you think of gut issues in kids, it’s easy to assume you’ll see obvious digestive symptoms like constipation or tummy aches. But what if your child’s mood swings, eczema, or constant colds were actually gut-related?
This week on the podcast, we’re exploring the less obvious signs of gut imbalance in children — the ones that often get missed or mistaken for unrelated problems. We'll tackle how skin, immunity, behaviour, and even food prefe...
Episode 232: The Gut-Brain Connection: How Gut Health Impacts Your Child’s Anxiety & Mood
Could Your Child’s Gut Be Fueling Their Anxiety? Here’s What Every Parent Should Know
This week on the Natural Super Kids Podcast, we're diving into one of the most overlooked root causes of emotional and behavioral challenges in kids — gut health.
Many parents notice rising levels of anxiety, worry, irritability, or sleep struggles in their children. And while counseling or medication can play a role in supporting mental health, there’s often a hidden link that’s too easily missed: the gut-brain connection.
🧠 Did you know...
Episode 231: Is Your Child Eating Well But Still Nutrient Deficient?
Understanding the Link Between Gut Health and Nutrient Absorption in Kids
This week on the Natural Super Kids Podcast, we’re digging into a topic that’s left many parents scratching their heads:
“My child eats well… so why do they still have low iron or nutrient deficiencies?”
It’s a frustrating reality for many families — you’re doing all the “right” things with food and maybe even supplements, but those blood tests or ongoing symptoms just aren’t shifting. The truth is: it’s not always about what kids eat; it’s abou...
Episode 230: Parasite Cleanses For Kids – Do They Really Need One?
Are parasite cleanses for kids actually necessary?
This week on the Natural Super Kids Podcast, we’re addressing one of the most commonly asked (and most misunderstood) questions we get from parents that pops up often in our DMs, emails, and live masterclasses:
“Should I be doing a parasite cleanse for my child?”
If you’ve ever come across an Instagram ad or wellness reel pushing the idea that every child needs regular parasite cleanses, this episode is for you. We’re unpacking the fear-based marketing, bustin...
Episode 229: My Child Isn’t Hungry on Their ADHD Meds… What Now?
Supporting Your Child’s Nutrition While on ADHD Medication
If your child is on ADHD medication and you’ve noticed their appetite has disappeared, this episode is for you. One of the most common concerns we hear from families is: “They’re finally more focused, but they barely touch their lunchbox.”
This week on the podcast, we’re unpacking why ADHD medication can impact appetite and what you can do to make sure your child is still getting the nourishment they need to grow and thrive.
💡 While these ADHD<...
Episode 228: ADHD, Medication & Natural Support: What Every Parent Should Know
ADHD Support isn’t One-Size-Fits-All — Here’s how to find what works for your child.
This week on the podcast, we’re joined by our Naturopath Sarah Worboys to explore a topic that’s becoming increasingly important (and confusing) for families: how to best support children with ADHD.
Rates of diagnosis and medication use are rising rapidly, particularly among adolescents and many parents are left wondering if their child will benefit from medication and if there are natural and complementary options worth exploring. In this episode, we have an honest and...
Episode 227: Values, priorities and what matters most - Personal insights from my trip to Fiji
🌴 What a Family Trip to Fiji Taught Me About Health, Happiness & Slowing Down
This week on the Natural Super Kids Podcast, I’m shifting gears from the usual health-focused topics to share something a little more personal; an honest reflection on a recent family trip to Fiji and the unexpected lessons it brought.
As my kids grow older, travel continues to be a powerful teacher; not just for them, but for me too. From embracing “Fiji time” and letting go of the rush, to soaking in moments of conten...
