Zoe Marshall, Radio Presenter

“‘WAG’ is such a stupid term…

I feel like such a broken record on this topic. I think it’s a stupid word made up by tabloids. It means nothing and actually makes women look valueless and objectifies us. I have no idea why any woman would strive to be a famous sport star’s partner. It completely dumbfounds me.

I always wanted to be an actor

but I seemed to get more work as a TV host than as an actor – I took that as a hint. I grew up with my mum being a model and my dad was a drummer. I knew I didn’t want a normal 9-5. I didn’t know what media was. All I knew was that I wanted to connect with people. Acting was the most basic way for me to start. When my husband Benji moved to New Zealand for footy I moved over with him and was lucky enough to land on my feet hosting a TV show called “The Great Food Race”.

I have definitely found my calling!

I was approached by Dean Buchanan (The man behind Nova) who had just moved from Australia to New Zealand to work in radio too. He wanted me to sit in and trial on the afternoon show, ZM. I was there for two weeks when he offered me a full time contract. Eight months after that Benj decided that NZ wasn’t for him and we moved back to Sydney mid-2014. I took a lot of meetings with radio networks and did some demos and then was offered the 3pm pick up on KIIS. I was stoked!

Women are sick of all the bullshit society and social media are feeding them

[My blog] started as an open diary. I knew there were women out there – just like me – who were sick of all the BS society was feeding them. They wanted an honest opinion. I am happy to share it all. I’m definitely an over-sharer on radio and the blog (poor Benj being married to an open book like me! He is fiercely private). This has been both a blessing and a problem. Most of the time people love it and sometimes I put my foot in it and get in trouble. I’m learning what is and isn’t appropriate. So many apps these days let us show a perfect version of our lives, but it’s all deception. I want to share the unfiltered normal elements of my life – they’re the ones that get the most traction. My Snapchat gets so many views and has a lot of positive feedback. It’s actually making me think I want to start vlogging.

I am so grateful for my life

If I didn’t go through those really traumatic years I wouldn’t be where I am today. I did so much seeking to heal myself – as many people do when they go through trauma. I saw psychologists, healers, went on retreats. I knew I was responsible for my healing and my life. I was the only person that was going to learn how to be joyful again.  As much as I want my mum back every day, I know this all happened for a reason.

The most important thing in my day is…

meditation – I meditate every morning. I wouldn’t say it’s my relaxation but it’s a way of life. It sets up my whole day and allows me to see the world differently. I exercise everyday and eat well 75 per cent of the time. My idea of relaxation is Netflix!

Benji and I have separate rooms…

[due to snoring] No need for remedies we both love having our own rooms. It is our idea of heaven. I love waking up in the morning and finding him to give him a big snuggle. It makes intimacy exciting too!

I’m a minimalist

when it comes to beauty. I really believe in investing time and money into your skincare so you don’t need as much make up. I have tried a lot of skin care. In this biz you’re lucky as people send you things to try. I have finally found what works for me. I start with my DMK routine, it is somewhat lengthy but I am used to it now. I cleanse with Deep pore pure cleanser, then I pop on Fiberblast C onto my sun spot (bane of my existence!) it fades spots gently. Then I use two serums – Beta gel and Direct delivery vitamin C. They are incredibly potent together and make my skin glow! I then use Transgenesis moisturiser with lots of Herbal mineral mist which infuses the products to go deep into the epidermis (fancy word for skin!). And then I am ready for my make up! To remove make up I use coconut oil and damp cotton pads. I make sure I cleanse really well and love using face washers to make sure all the remaining make up is off my face.

I love to have things that represent my accomplishments

every time I wear them I feel proud. This [Chanel bag] is my go-to purse for a night out. I love to add a little more drama to my make up at night. I love a great base and the Prep and Prime by M.A.C is a must to keep your make up in place, especially if you are dancing the night away! I am still into contouring and I use M.A.C for my strobing and contouring palette. I love lashes on a night out but sometimes they don’t like to work with you putting them on. This is the next best thing – my mascara by ModelCo – plus it has a liquid liner (cat flick anyone?) in it – it’s perfect for travelling when you have cut down on your products.

Hair washing is no longer a nightmare

thanks to Aveda. I used to just use supermarket stuff, but I really see the value in using Aveda – it feels really indulgent using it at home. My hairdresser, Juliana Marcs, has taken over creative control of my hair. We have been through it all together – long, short, blonde, dark. She takes a really holistic approach and it’s all Aveda in her salon. She even has a holistic ritual when you sit down in her chair for a cut or colour, you smell essential oils and get a shoulder massage to get you in the mood.

Mum was a model

so I was taught a lot. Stick to neutral tones in make up. Always wash your make up off, no matter how tired you are. Use great skincare and eye cream early. Always have tidy, manicured nails and eyebrows. SPF your hands and décolletage.  Don’t touch your eyebrow shape, SO GLAD I LISTENED TO THAT ONE! Mum was my biggest beauty influence growing up. She was so effortless and natural. She always smelt good too.

Fake eye lashes are the answer to everything!

As is a good spray tan. I go to the Parlour Room in Clovelly – they’re the best. I love getting my Shellac mani and pedi there too. They are incredible at both. I travel sometimes 40 minutes to get there, they’re that good. I get enzyme facials from DMK. Enzyme therapy works to revise the skin’s functioning to bring it back to its absolute peak. Unique to DMK, this treatment creates a pulsating feeling and you can actually feel the fresh blood pumping through the cellular network (enzyme therapy doesn’t just work on top of the skin, it creates changes within!). I love getting full body exfoliations in the steam room at Trumps Spa in Double Bay. It is hands down the best day spa in Sydney! They do killer massages too.

I’m getting better at listening to my body

I know it doesn’t like gluten and sugar, though I don’t cut it out altogether. I eat incredibly well most of the week and don’t binge drink or eat like I used to. I meditate. I do reformer pilates three times a week with this gorgeous pocket rocket called Jacqueline at Evolve Pilates. There are only four people in a class. It can be expensive but it’s the best investment in my fitness. I also train at the local gym on the cross trainer three times a week. I get seven to eight hours of sleep and know when I need down time to re-energise. I only take supplements if I’m sick and try to get nutrition from food. I wear sunscreen everyday and moisturise daily too. Jeepers it takes a lot of work!

I use the help of a food genius!

Moodi Denoui keeps me in check. He. Is. Phenomenal. A real food genius. He knows what foods bring out the right nutrients in food combinations and what food combinations store unnecessary fat. I eat protein bread almost daily. It has low carbs and is packed full of wholefoods. I will have it with avocado and salmon for brekky. I love blueberries and Chobani yoghurt as a snack. For lunch I will make sure I have some carbs like brown rice sushi. Arvo snacks usually consist of citrus fruits (Moodi says they’re fat burners). For dinner, as I cook for Benj and I, I make spaghetti bolognaise for him with regular pasta and will cook myself some bean pasta as a healthy substitute. If I make pizza I will make mine with a Mountain Bread base and he [hubby] will have a regular base. Tacos are lettuce leafs for me and corn shells for him.

We have just started decorating

and it can be very expensive! We were lucky when we moved in the house was fully renovated. My best bud bought me a consult with an interior decorator as a gift. It was really helpful but at the same time you want the house to feel like your own. I love light fabrics and neutral tones, I am starting to look at artwork. I am obsessed with Nick Leary. I want it to look clean and chic but comfortable. We have dogs so it has to be durable too.”