Skip to content
Sign in
Artwork for Full Plate
ArtsFoodHealth & FitnessAlternative HealthNutritionLeisureEducationSelf-Improvement

Full Plate

Mamamia

Hosted by former Australian netball captain Liz Ellis, Full Plate is a podcast about life, told through food.

Each episode, Liz sits down with extraordinary women from all walks of life to find our what's on their plate and the meals that power them. They explore the stories, struggles, rituals and realities that shape them, through the meals they make, crave, share, or barely have time to eat. From elite athletes and comedians to chefs, frontline workers and everyday women navigating the juggle, these are honest conversations about ambition, burnout, identity, family, culture and what keeps us going.

For Liz, a “full plate” once meant the pressure of elite sport. These days, it looks more like school runs, work deadlines, family life, and figuring out what’s for dinner. Warm, funny, insightful and deeply human, Full Plate serves up the stories behind the hustle, one conversation at a time.

Play
Open in
  • 7 episodes
  • Avg 35 min
  • English

Episodes 7

NewestOldestLongest
All7Unplayed7In progress0Played0
  • July 10 · 34 min

    Life Changing Potatoes, The Power Of Ice Water, And Life Hacks With Firefighter Karen Moore

    In this episode of Full Plate, Liz Ellis sits down with Karen Moore, a firefighter stationed in one of Western Sydney’s busiest districts. After a decade in a corporate office, Karen made the life-changing leap to firefighting at age 43. Now, her "office" involves extreme heat, heavy gear, and 24-hour shifts where the call to action can come at any second. We dive deep into why Karen traded a stable corporate career for the frontline in her forties and the physical and mental stamina required to maintain that transition. Karen shares what it’s actually like to fuel a team in a high-pressure fire station environment, explaining why "Mexican night" is the secret to team cohesion and why communal eating remains the backbone of station life. She also reveals her specific 3:00 AM "cold water" trick for waking up her brain during a grueling night shift and how she manages the mental "switch" from frontline emergency responder to being a mum at home. To keep her own full plate from overflowing, Karen discusses being a creature of habit and why she prioritizes screen-free family time. Win a $1000 voucher! We want to ask you a few questions about simple, fresh and easy dinner solutions… Complete our 3-minute survey for a chance to win a gift voucher in our quarterly draw! Discover more Mamamia Podcasts here. Feedback: podcast@mamamia.com.au Share your story, feedback, or dilemma! Send us a voice message, and one of our Podcast Producers will get back to you ASAP. Rate or review us on Apple by clicking on the three dots in the top right-hand corner, click Go To Show then scroll down to the bottom of the page, click on the stars at the bottom and write a review. If you want to support independent women's media, become a Mamamia subscriber. Get an all-access pass to everything we make, including exclusive podcasts, articles, videos and our exercise app, MOVE. CREDITS: Host: Liz Ellis Guest: Karen Moore Group Executive Producers: Naima Brown & Courtney Ammenhauser Video Producer: Marlena Cacciotti Social Producer: Keeley Mercieca Audio Producer: Thom Lion Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land on which we have recorded this podcast. Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • Transcript
  • July 3 · 49 min

    Peanut-Butter Toast, Neurodiversity & Changing The World Of Surgery

    In this episode of Full Plate, Liz Ellis speaks with Dr. Rhea Liang, a trailblazing breast surgeon, medical educator, and champion for cultural change within medicine. For nearly thirty years, Dr. Liang has broken barriers—including serving as the first woman in her surgical department—while navigating the profession as an autistic woman. She reveals how her neurodivergence fosters the intense hyper-focus required in the operating room, and shares the realities of navigating motherhood and exhaustion early in her career within a rigid medical system. Because her autism affects how she perceives internal cues like hunger and thirst, Dr. Liang relies on meticulous daily routines and specific physical indicators to stay refuelled. Beyond the clinic, she mentors senior medical students through profound milestones like their first patient death. For Dr. Liang, sharing food or a cup of tea is the primary language of her mentorship, creating a deliberate pause for young doctors while offering a comforting ritual that helps ease the pressure of masking her neurodivergence. Together, they explore the evolution of medical culture and the deeply human reality behind the traditional surgeon's persona. Win a $1000 voucher! We want to ask you a few questions about simple, fresh and easy dinner solutions… Complete our 3-minute survey for a chance to win a gift voucher in our quarterly draw! Discover more Mamamia Podcasts here. Feedback: podcast@mamamia.com.au Share your story, feedback, or dilemma! Send us a voice message, and one of our Podcast Producers will get back to you ASAP. Rate or review us on Apple by clicking on the three dots in the top right-hand corner, click Go To Show then scroll down to the bottom of the page, click on the stars at the bottom and write a review. If you want to support independent women's media, become a Mamamia subscriber. Get an all-access pass to everything we make, including exclusive podcasts, articles, videos and our exercise app, MOVE. CREDITS: Host: Liz Ellis Guest: Dr. Rhea Liang Group Executive Producers: Naima Brown & Courtney Ammenhauser Video Producer: Marlena Cacciotti Social Producer: Keeley Mercieca Audio Producer: Thom Lion Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land on which we have recorded this podcast. Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • Transcript
  • June 26 · 45 min

    Emu Eggs, Connection & Cooking The Best Kangaroo with Sharon Windsor

    In this episode of Full Plate, Liz Ellis sits down with Sharon Windsor, a proud Ngemba woman and the founder of Indigiearth. Sharon shares her journey of turning a lifelong passion for collecting bush fruits and catching yabbies into a successful business that champions native Australian ingredients. She discusses the challenges of being a pioneer in the native food industry, the importance of cultural integrity in sourcing products, and her commitment to creating opportunities for Indigenous communities. Sharon opens up about the resilience required to overcome significant personal and professional hurdles, including the loss of her first business. From the traditional uses of green ants to the modern demand for kakadu plum, this conversation explores how Sharon balances the demands of a growing enterprise with her deep connection to Country and her role as a mother. Find out her trick to cooking kangaroo here. Win a $1000 voucher! We want to ask you a few questions about simple, fresh and easy dinner solutions… Complete our 3-minute survey for a chance to win a gift voucher in our quarterly draw! Discover more Mamamia Podcasts here. Feedback: podcast@mamamia.com.au Share your story, feedback, or dilemma! Send us a voice message, and one of our Podcast Producers will get back to you ASAP. Rate or review us on Apple by clicking on the three dots in the top right-hand corner, click Go To Show then scroll down to the bottom of the page, click on the stars at the bottom and write a review. If you want to support independent women's media, become a Mamamia subscriber. Get an all-access pass to everything we make, including exclusive podcasts, articles, videos and our exercise app, MOVE. CREDITS: Host: Liz Ellis Guest: Sharon Winsor Group Executive Producers: Naima Brown & Courtney Ammenhauser Video Producer: Marlena Cacciotti Social Producer: Keeley Mercieca Audio Producer: Thom Lion Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land on which we have recorded this podcast. Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • Transcript
  • June 19 · 35 min

    The Perfect Bowl Of Cereal, Chilli Honey On Eggs And A 90-Year-Old Housemate With Teigan O’Shannassey

    Professional athlete and nutritionist, Teigan O'Shannassy is a cereal expert and ex-perfectionist with a very full plate - who also has a 90 year old housemate. In this episode, host Liz Ellis, former netball champion turned busy mum, sits down with the NSW Swifts defender to talk about life at "game on" pace. Balancing elite sport with the mental load of her business, Tossed Together, Teigan discusses the reality of living in a multi-generational household where the biggest daily challenge is often negotiating dinner time with her Nanny. They explore how she manages an overflowing plate while refusing to live by a rigid meal plan, moving instead toward a flexible, soul-nourishing approach to food. You’ll hear practical survival strategies from a professional athlete, from Teigan’s "cereal sommelier" midnight snacks to her reliance on frozen vegetables when the mental load of cooking feels too heavy. Reflecting on her journey through eating disorder recovery, Teigan shares how she moved from viewing food as a source of stress to a tool for connection. It’s an honest look at staying nourished under pressure, featuring everything from the glory of chili honey on eggs to the essential art of the sunset mental reset. Win a $1000 voucher! We want to ask you a few questions about simple, fresh and easy dinner solutions… Complete our 3-minute survey for a chance to win a gift voucher in our quarterly draw! Discover more Mamamia Podcasts here. Feedback: podcast@mamamia.com.au Share your story, feedback, or dilemma! Send us a voice message, and one of our Podcast Producers will get back to you ASAP. Rate or review us on Apple by clicking on the three dots in the top right-hand corner, click Go To Show then scroll down to the bottom of the page, click on the stars at the bottom and write a review. If you want to support independent women's media, become a Mamamia subscriber. Get an all-access pass to everything we make, including exclusive podcasts, articles, videos and our exercise app, MOVE. CREDITS: Host: Liz Ellis Guest: Teigan O’Shannassey Group Executive Producers: Naima Brown & Courtney Ammenhauser Video Producer: Marlena Cacciotti Social Producer: Keeley Mercieca Audio Producer: Thom Lion Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land on which we have recorded this podcast. Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • Transcript
  • June 12 · 40 min

    Raw Dogging Chia Seeds, Eating The Frog And Life After Burnout with Turia Pitt

    In this episode, Liz Ellis sits down with author, athlete, coach and entrepreneur Turia Pitt. Known across Australia as a beacon of fierce resilience, Turia reveals a candid, hilariously unfiltered side of herself as she opens up about the chaotic reality of parenting two young boys while running a business. She shares how she had to unlearn her hyper-competitive athlete mindset to survive the daily grind, diving into a period of severe burnout that led her to seek therapy and discover the magic of asking herself, "What's going to make this day a little bit easier?" The conversation also explores her heritage, reflecting on growing up with a Tahitian mother whose home-cooked fish, rice, and lentils were decades ahead of the trend, alongside a raw look back at her Ironman days when toxic societal pressures forced her to under-fuel her body. From raw-dogging chia seeds to her controversial morning "badass coffee" routine, this chat is a funny, reassuring look at learning to let yourself off the hook. Watch Turia & Liz teach you how to make their (very funny) fave coffees here. Discover more Mamamia Podcasts here. Feedback: podcast@mamamia.com.au Share your story, feedback, or dilemma! Send us a voice message, and one of our Podcast Producers will get back to you ASAP. Rate or review us on Apple by clicking on the three dots in the top right-hand corner, click Go To Show then scroll down to the bottom of the page, click on the stars at the bottom and write a review. If you want to support independent women's media, become a Mamamia subscriber. Get an all-access pass to everything we make, including exclusive podcasts, articles, videos and our exercise app, MOVE. CREDITS: Host: Liz Ellis Guest: Turia Pitt Group Executive Producers: Naima Brown & Courtney Ammenhauser Video Producer: Marlena Cacciotti Social Producer: Keeley Mercieca Audio Producer: Thom Lyon Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land on which we have recorded this podcast. Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • Transcript
  • June 5 · 40 min

    Yogurt on a Plate, Car Dates and Sandwich Press Magic with Lizzy Hoo

    Comedian Lizzy Hoo has a very full plate. Host Liz Ellis, former netball champion turned busy mum, sits down with comedy star Lizzy Hoo to talk about life at "game on" pace. Trading a corporate 9-to-5 for the unpredictable chaos of the stage, Lizzy discusses balancing a high-octane career with the everyday messiness of her 40s. They explore how she manages a "full plate" when she's mid-tour, performing late nights and surviving on whatever food she can find on the road. The two dive into the survival strategies of a traveling comic, from Lizzy's "liquid diet" during festival season to her accidental airport yogurt-eating mishaps. Reflecting on her Chinese-Malaysian and Irish heritage, Lizzy shares how her palate has space for both pub food and spicy home cooking. It’s a hilarious look at staying nourished under pressure, featuring everything from gourmet sandwich press hacks to the truth about life on the comedy circuit. Watch Lizzy Hoo teach you how to make her sandwich press potato rostis here. Discover more Mamamia Podcasts here. Feedback: podcast@mamamia.com.au Share your story, feedback, or dilemma! Send us a voice message, and one of our Podcast Producers will get back to you ASAP. Rate or review us on Apple by clicking on the three dots in the top right-hand corner, click Go To Show then scroll down to the bottom of the page, click on the stars at the bottom and write a review. If you want to support independent women's media, become a Mamamia subscriber. Get an all-access pass to everything we make, including exclusive podcasts, articles, videos and our exercise app, MOVE. CREDITS: Host: Liz Ellis Guest: Lizzy Hoo Group Executive Producers: Naima Brown & Courtney Ammenhauser Video Producer: Marlena Cacciotti Social Producer: Keeley Mercieca Audio Producer: Thom Lyon Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land on which we have recorded this podcast. Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • Transcript
  • May 27 · 1 min

    Your New Favourite Podcast: Full Plate with Liz Ellis

    Sporting legend Liz Ellis used to define "full plate" by world cup trophies and championship games. Today? It's the beautiful chaos of everyday life. In this series, Liz talks to incredible women, all at different stages of their lives and careers, and asks them what makes their plates full. Through conversations about food and nourishment, we learn about the ingredients that truly matter: resilience, connection, and the joy found in the chaos. Episode one - a hilariously deep conversation with comedian Lizzy Hoo, drops Saturday, 6th June. Listen, like and follow - wherever you get your podcasts. Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • Transcript
Showing 1–7 of 7 episodes