I am delighted to welcome ChaNan back again for her second visit to Life An inside Job, her first, season 3 ep 12 Inside the Highly Sensitive Person, is my most downloaded episode ever. Seeing as there is an interest in sensitivity, I thought it would be good to talk about the perils of Christmas.

 ChaNan Bonser is a highly experienced therapist and trainer who is dedicated to helping others find their own unique way. She works with clients  both personally and in an organisational context, fostering resilience and calm.

 She holds regular Dreaming Circles in which participants develop a deeper connection to Earth and their interrelationship with our human selves through embodied imagination and creative prompts. 

We talk about:

• What sensitive folk need in winter
• How to get out of overwhelm
• What keeps us from resting
• The perils of perfectionism 
• How to manage our expectations
• How to recover from the rescuer role
• The effect of alcohol and sugar on sensitive people
• The value of understanding your own particular sensitivities 

ChaNan's website is: https://chananbonser.com/
IG : https://www.instagram.com/chananbonser/
A cracking 40% off ChaNan's online course available here until 24th Dec 2024

These people have books and courses to support your sense of safety:
Kimberly Ann Johnson
Gabor Maté
European Association for Body Psychotherapy

Accessing the Healing Power of the Vagus Nerve by Stanley Rosenbery
Stressed and Overwhelmed  an excellent article by Brenee Brown
Polyvagal theory

You can buy me a cuppa here - https://buymeacoffee.com/katecodrington
The Perimenopause Journal and Second Spring are available from all good retailers
Kate's free resource library is here https://subscribepage.io/kates-resource-library
Instagram @kate_codrington
Perimenopause Starter Kit online course https://www.katecodrington.co.uk/perimenopause-starter-kit-online-course/

Music
Trust Me by RYYZN

Artwork
Kate's portrait by Lori Fitzdoodles

Moya McGinley is a complementary therapist, nurse and a social scientist. She has a deep love of the season of Samhain, and she loves the liminal quality of this time.  Samhain is the season that marks the beginning of winter at the end of October in the Celtic wheel of the year. Moya offers a healing and educational space using complementary therapies for both people and animals. She's is a Complementary Therapist, Nurse and Social Scientist. Moya considers Death to be her greatest teacher and friend. We chat about:

• What Samhain is, its rituals, and its celebrations
• Liminality and how being with not knowing can open us to new pathways
• Moya’s story of how she became friends with death
• Connecting with your ancestors as a means of support
• Samhain food and treats
• Connecting with the Fairy folk
• The importance and practice of listening

Moya has generously shared her Mother's recipe for Tea Brach or Fruit Loaf which you can find here  https://www.katecodrington.co.uk/inside-samhain-with-moya-mcginley/ 

Moya's Links

Website: https://tranquilpaths.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cosanciuin/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cosanciuin/

 Moya’s course, The Soul’s Journey Home, starts on 16th Oct 

I'm taking a pause from creating new episodes while I write my third book, so please do have a look through the 128-ish episodes available. I've had so many brilliant guests that there's an episode for literally every season.

Please do leave a review and/or rate Life An Inside Job where you can; it helps people to find the wisdom and inspiration from these amazing guests.

You can buy me a cuppa here - https://buymeacoffee.com/katecodrington
The Perimenopause Journal and Second Spring are available from all good retailers
Kate's free resource library is here https://subscribepage.io/kates-resource-library
Instagram @kate_codrington
Perimenopause Starter Kit online course https://www.katecodrington.co.uk/perimenopause-starter-kit-online-course/

Music
Trust Me by RYYZN

Artwork
Kate's portrait by Lori Fitzdoodles

Today, we’re talking about the changes that can happen to your vulva in perimenopause and lichen sclerosus, so you may want to listen somewhere away from sensitive ears. You’ll find out what to expect of a perimenopausal vulva, what’s normal, when to get help and what sort of help is available. We also talk about lichen Sclerosus, a common chronic inflammatory skin disorder that most often affects the genital and perianal areas.

Becca Scott has nearly 25 years’ experience working in women’s health. She is passionate about helping women and girls overcome gynaecological, autoimmune and hormone issues, especially when symptoms are chronic and conventional approaches aren’t working. She runs an international online clinic with an amazing team of specialist practitioners. She has a special interest in vulval-vaginal issues and difficult relationships. She is a Homeopath, Reflexologist and accredited Divorce and Breakup coach and has additional training in fertility and pregnancy.

Becca's Links

Website: www.healingspaceonline.com and www.divorcehealingspace.co.uk

Instagram: @healing_spaceforyou and @divorcehealingspace

Facebook: @healingspace and @divorcehealingspace

Resources

NHS advice on LS - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/lichen-sclerosus/

The Eve Appeal - https://eveappeal.org.uk/about-us/ 

IG live with Tessa Venuti Sanderson on correct language - https://www.instagram.com/reel/DLr2OgusdaK/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=eDZyaWcxNDlzNzk4 

Episode on incontinence - https://www.katecodrington.co.uk/inside-stress-and-urgency-incontinence/

Episode on pelvic pain - https://www.katecodrington.co.uk/inside-pelvic-pain-2/

You can buy me a cuppa here - https://buymeacoffee.com/katecodrington
The Perimenopause Journal and Second Spring are available from all good retailers
Kate's free resource library is here https://subscribepage.io/kates-resource-library
Instagram @kate_codrington
Perimenopause Starter Kit online course https://www.katecodrington.co.uk/perimenopause-starter-kit-online-course/

Music
Trust Me by RYYZN

Artwork
Kate's portrait by Lori Fitzdoodles

In this final episode, Leora and Kate share from their personal lives how the seasons create a beautiful container to hold us and:

• Guide our creative process
• Guide Leora's pain management
• Explore PMDD and adenomyosis
• Give wisdom to guide you in perimenopause 
• Interact with the nervous system in perimenopause
• Interplay with neurodivergence
• Offer superpowers and pitfalls
• Support Kate's self-care postmenopause

Perimenopause Unwrapped is available with 50% off until 1st September, it will not be for sale after that. The course will stay online until 1st November here: https://woman-kind.co.uk/perimenopause-unwrapped-online-course/ 

The professional retreat day in Hatfield is on 28th September and you can find details here: https://www.katecodrington.co.uk/working-with-perimenopause-a-day-retreat-for-wellbeing-professionals/

The complete series of Perimenopasue Unwrapped is available on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@Kindness-fd7nr

We recommend

Adele Winsett for info about ADHD, menstruation, and perimenopause

No Bad Parts by Richard C Schwartz for info about IFS and inner critic

Red School for menstruality education

You can buy me a cuppa here - https://buymeacoffee.com/katecodrington
The Perimenopause Journal and Second Spring are available from all good retailers
Kate's free resource library is here https://subscribepage.io/kates-resource-library
Instagram @kate_codrington
Perimenopause Starter Kit online course https://www.katecodrington.co.uk/perimenopause-starter-kit-online-course/

Music
Trust Me by RYYZN

Artwork
Kate's portrait by Lori Fitzdoodles

The late summer season of Lammas is a time of gathering in, gratitude, of slow days, and of starting to prepare for the coming autumn and winter. My guest, Clarissa Kristjansson shares how this season can show us ways to prepare for perimenopause.  Including a Chinese Medicine approach to nutrition, Chi Gong practices, stress management and community.

Clarissa Kristjansson is an internationally respected menopause educator and speaker, celebrated for her expertise in women-centered qigong, mindfulness, and holistic well-being. With a focus on aligning body, mind, and spirit through the natural rhythms of life, she empowers women to navigate perimenopause with clarity, balance, and renewed purpose.

Clarissa is the author of several books on menopause, including The Mindful Menopause, Beyond Hormones, and The Potent Power of Menopause. 

Clarissa's Links

Substack: https://clarissakristjansson.substack.com/  

Website: https://www.clarissakristjansson.com/

Wellbeing Professional Retreat

28th September, Hatfield Herts:  https://www.katecodrington.co.uk/working-with-perimenopause-a-day-retreat-for-wellbeing-professionals/

You can buy me a cuppa here - https://buymeacoffee.com/katecodrington
The Perimenopause Journal and Second Spring are available from all good retailers
Kate's free resource library is here https://subscribepage.io/kates-resource-library
Instagram @kate_codrington
Perimenopause Starter Kit online course https://www.katecodrington.co.uk/perimenopause-starter-kit-online-course/

Music
Trust Me by RYYZN

Artwork
Kate's portrait by Lori Fitzdoodles

This episode features teacher, author and witch Rebecca Beattie talking about midsummer. Summer Solstice is the zenith of the year, and we discover:

·      How we can nourish our sense of sovereignty 

·      How to avoid overwhelm if you’re a sensitive person (HSP)

·      Using solstice as a lens to step into our purpose

·      Rituals for everyone from the witchiest witch to the biggest sceptic

·      Simple spells for support 

·      Connecting with herbs at mid-summer: what to forage and the effects they have

·      What to eat at your solstice celebrations

Rebecca is wonderfully down-to-earth and brilliant at making nature-based spirituality, or witchiness, accessible for contemporary life. 

Rebecca's links

Website https://www.rebeccabeattie.co.uk/ 

Instagram @rebeccabeattie https://www.instagram.com/rebeccambeattie/ 

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/rebecca.m.beattie 

You can buy me a cuppa here - https://buymeacoffee.com/katecodrington
The Perimenopause Journal and Second Spring are available from all good retailers
Kate's free resource library is here https://subscribepage.io/kates-resource-library
Instagram @kate_codrington
Perimenopause Starter Kit online course https://www.katecodrington.co.uk/perimenopause-starter-kit-online-course/

Music
Trust Me by RYYZN

Artwork
Kate's portrait by Lori Fitzdoodles

This episode is all about pelvic pain; caused by things like prolapse, vulvodynia, vaginismus, vaginal atrophy, or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) 

Pain, and painful sex, particularly in perimenopause, can become normalised and not spoken about or treated, but this is a conversation we need to have. It's a frank and open conversation about sex and bodies so you may want to save it until there aren't any little ears around.

Featured guests

Andrea Clarke somatic bodyworker, womb-energy medicine and holistic pelvic care practitioner, and Female Embodiment Coach

IG: https://www.instagram.com/root.medicine/ 

FB: https://www.facebook.com/rootmedicineuk

www.rootmedicine.co.uk 

Fiona Mitchell, Women’s Health physiotherapist 

fionamitchellphysio.com

Sarah Rose Bright - Love, Sex & Intimacy Coach and authorised teacher of The Making Love Retreats®

IG https://www.instagram.com/sarahrosebright/

FB https://www.facebook.com/sarahrose.bright/

https://www.sarahrosebright.co.uk/

Resources

Yes, Yes, Yes and Sutil lubes https://www.jodivine.com/ 

Dr Bri pelvic health https://www.vibrantpelvichealth.com/ 

 Dr Peggy Kleinplatz’s Magnificent Sex  https://www.routledge.com/Magnificent-Sex-Lessons-from-Extraordinary-Lovers/Kleinplatz-Menard/p/book/9780367181376 

Sherry Winston's Women’s Anatomy of Arousal  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7198255-women-s-anatomy-of-arousal 

Women’s health physio https://thepogp.co.uk/

You can buy me a cuppa here - https://buymeacoffee.com/katecodrington
The Perimenopause Journal and Second Spring are available from all good retailers
Kate's free resource library is here https://subscribepage.io/kates-resource-library
Instagram @kate_codrington
Perimenopause Starter Kit online course https://www.katecodrington.co.uk/perimenopause-starter-kit-online-course/

Music
Trust Me by RYYZN

Artwork
Kate's portrait by Lori Fitzdoodles

This episode is about stress and urinary incontinence.  I’ve gathered a panel of experts to share their expertise on the topic. If you wee yourself when you cough, or if you have to wee 50 times an hour, then this episode is for you.

I am joined by:

Andrea Clarke somatic bodyworker, womb-energy medicine and holistic pelvic care practitioner, and Female Embodiment Coach

IG: https://www.instagram.com/root.medicine/ 

FB: https://www.facebook.com/rootmedicineuk

www.rootmedicine.co.uk 

Fiona Mitchell, Women’s Health physiotherapist 

fionamitchellphysio.com

Tessa Sanderson, who uses hypopressive exercises, yoga and functional movement, with visualisation and embodied listening to work with incontinence, prolapse and birth trauma.

www.tessavenutisanderson.co.uk

IG https://www.instagram.com/tessa.venuti.sanderson/

FG @tessavenutisanderson

There will also be another episode coming very soon about pelvic pain, including prolapse, vulvodynia, vaginismus, and painful sex. 

Recommended Resources

The pessaries  - Contrelle Activguard https://contrelle.com/

The pessaries  - Efemia -  https://efemiahealth.com/pages/bladder-support

Places to find a pelvic health physio

POPG https://thepogp.co.uk/

The Pelvic Pain Network https://www.pelvicpainnetwork.co.uk/

Use of Vaginal Oestrogen guidelines 2025 - https://www.auanet.org/guidelines-and-quality/guidelines/genitourinary-syndrome-of-menopause

Info on incontinence and bladder issues - https://www.bladderhealthuk.org/

You can buy me a cuppa here - https://buymeacoffee.com/katecodrington
The Perimenopause Journal and Second Spring are available from all good retailers
Kate's free resource library is here https://subscribepage.io/kates-resource-library
Instagram @kate_codrington
Perimenopause Starter Kit online course https://www.katecodrington.co.uk/perimenopause-starter-kit-online-course/

Music
Trust Me by RYYZN

Artwork
Kate's portrait by Lori Fitzdoodles

I made a commitment to lean more into the annual seasons this year, so as part of that, I’ve invited experts in the field of cyclical living to share the meaning, practices and support that the seasonal festivals can bring.

 Today it’s all about Beltane, the 1st of May, and Sophie Messager is here to tell us all about it. Sophie has a doctorate in reproductive physiology, and she left her microscope behind to explore traditional healing wisdom after discovering the transformative power of an empowered birth. Her journey, enriched by over a decade of experience as a doula, perinatal educator, and facilitator of holistic professional workshops, has led her to a profound understanding of the rhythms that accompany women’s life transitions. We talk about:

• What Beltane is and how we can tap into its lush fertility
• How can this celebration connect us to the earth and ourselves
• Sophie's journey from Catholicism to Earth-based spirituality
• Ideas for simple rituals for Beltane anyone can follow
• Embracing loss of fertility
• The power of the drum to alter consciousness

and much more!

Sophie's website: https://sophiemessager.com/ 

IG: @sophie_messager

Faceache: https://www.facebook.com/TheSophieMessager

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@sophie_messager

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-sophie-messager/

You can buy me a cuppa here - https://buymeacoffee.com/katecodrington
The Perimenopause Journal and Second Spring are available from all good retailers
Kate's free resource library is here https://subscribepage.io/kates-resource-library
Instagram @kate_codrington
Perimenopause Starter Kit online course https://www.katecodrington.co.uk/perimenopause-starter-kit-online-course/

Music
Trust Me by RYYZN

Artwork
Kate's portrait by Lori Fitzdoodles

Welcome to a special Easter edition with the seasonal topic of how our sexuality changes from teens to postmenopause. 

 Spoiler alert, there are no eggs or chocolate to be found here, but the themes of Spring 'becoming' in the maiden years fit beautifully with the epic greenness and becoming of late April growth.

 My guest is Kimberly Ann Johnson, somatic Experiencing Practitioner, Sexological Bodyworker, Birth Doula, author, and single mother who offers a uniquely refreshing view of well-being in the female body.

 We talked about:

• What the erotic seasons are in a woman’s life, their vices and virtues
• How to support your teen’s sexuality
• Grief of many kinds
• Kimberly’s experience of perimenopause and what she learned about herself
• The challenges and joys of being in peri with a teen

Kimberly's course is here and her website can be found here

Kimberly's Instagram @kimberly.ann.johnson

Other resources

Marion Woodman 

Kimberly’s books are The Fourth Trimester and Call of the Wild 

Steven Jenkinson 

Call To Love Weekend Workshop - 5th-6th July London (pay easefully with instalments if you book by May 5th)

You can buy me a cuppa here - https://buymeacoffee.com/katecodrington
The Perimenopause Journal and Second Spring are available from all good retailers
Kate's free resource library is here https://subscribepage.io/kates-resource-library
Instagram @kate_codrington
Perimenopause Starter Kit online course https://www.katecodrington.co.uk/perimenopause-starter-kit-online-course/

Music
Trust Me by RYYZN

Artwork
Kate's portrait by Lori Fitzdoodles