TLC: The Life Chat

Scents & Making Sense of Menopause


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Recording outdoors in Glenelg (with a few distractions, dogs, babies and all), we dive into a topic we keep coming back to, fragrance.

From that moment when perfume hits the back of your throat, to public toilets that feel like a full chemical assault, we’re talking about how scent isn’t just a preference, it’s something we’re often exposed to without a choice. A bit like secondhand smoke.

We unpack what’s actually hiding behind the word “fragrance” or “parfum”, and why it can be hundreds of undisclosed chemicals, including hormone-disrupting compounds. It’s not just perfume either, it’s in cleaning products, candles, skincare, tissues, air fresheners, basically everywhere.

We also talk about how sensitivity can shift over time, especially during perimenopause and menopause, and why that might not be a bad thing.

This leads into a bigger conversation around menopause itself. What if it’s not something to fix, but a natural transition into a new phase of life? One where women step into more clarity, stronger boundaries, and the role of the “wise woman”.

We chat about the pressure to mask symptoms, the rise of HRT (and why it works for some but isn’t the only option), and the importance of actually supporting the body instead of overriding it.

There are also plenty of practical ideas, from simple natural cleaning swaps to creating your own home scents without the chemical load, and how small changes can make a big difference over time.

As always, we’re not about perfection. Just awareness, options, and having real conversations.

What we cover:

00:00 Outdoor setup in Glenelg
 00:49 Why fragrance hits so hard
 01:31 Sensitivity, tolerance and exposure
 05:03 What’s really in “fragrance”
 05:59 Public toilets and air fresheners
 06:49 How scent is everywhere
 07:19 Candles, diffusers and alternatives
 08:12 Greenwashing and making better choices
 09:56 DIY natural home scents
 14:11 Incense and car fresheners
 16:30 Natural perfume options
 17:01 Essential oils and simple swaps
 17:26 Natural cleaning ideas
 19:06 Fragrance and hormones
 19:32 Rethinking menopause
 23:04 HRT, nuance and personal choice
 25:19 Supporting your body naturally
 29:14 Where did the village go?
 31:39 Mentorship and wise women
 32:45 Herbal support and tea blends
 33:55 Final thoughts

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TLC: The Life ChatBy Tina, Lauren & Cassie