🎙️ EPISODE DESCRIPTION:

In this episode, I’m speaking with Sonia Savage, Functional Nutritionist and owner of Balanced Life Nutrition, about why perimenopause symptoms may not always be purely hormonal.

Sonia shares how root cause healing looks at the bigger picture, including gut health, nutrient status, methylation, genetics, stress, environmental factors and a woman’s full health timeline.

We also discuss why many women are told their blood tests are “normal” despite still feeling exhausted, foggy, inflamed, anxious, or unlike themselves.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN:

Why symptoms may not be “just hormones”

What root cause healing means

Why “normal” blood tests may not be optimal

How methylation, gut health and nutrients impact wellbeing

What functional testing may reveal

Why fasting and keto may not suit every woman

How whole foods support long-term health

How to advocate for yourself and trust your instincts

ABOUT SONIA SAVAGE:

Sonia is a degree qualified Nutritionist and owner of Balanced Life Nutrition in Sydney. She has extensive clinical experience, with a specialist interest in hormones, fertility, gut health and autoimmune conditions. She is particularly passionate about supporting women through perimenopause and menopause. Her mission is to help her clients remain mentally sharp, physically strong and waking up ready to take on the day. As a functional practitioner, Sonia takes a whole-body, evidence-based approach to health. She believes in true “root cause” healing, often working to carefully unravel chronic conditions. Sonia also has specialist knowledge in methylation, longevity and epigenetics, allowing her to personalise care at a deeper biochemical level.

CONNECT WITH SONIA SAVAGE:

Sonia Savage | 0407 546 032 | [email protected]

Website: https://www.balancedlifenutrition.com.au/

Instagram: @balanced_life_nutrition

Facebook: @findyourbalancedlife

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonia-savage-0942731/

RESOURCES:

Book a free 15min health chat with Sonia: https://www.balancedlifenutrition.com.au/bookings

Journal article: https://www.balancedlifenutrition.com.au/single-post/how-a-functionalnutritionist-can-help-with-perimenopause-and-hormonal-changes

Free Low Carb Anti-Inflammatory Diet: https://www.balancedlifenutrition.com.au/contact

CONNECT WITH HOST TERRI BATSAKIS:

Web: https://terribatsakis.com.au/

Instagram: @terri.batsakis

Facebook: @terribatsakis

YouTube: @terribatsakis

🎙️ EPISODE DESCRIPTION:

What can women in midlife learn from elite athletes, CEOs, and Australia's top defence personnel?

In this episode, I'm joined by high-performance psychologist Dr Jo Lukins to explore the habits, mindset shifts, and simple daily practices that help people perform at their best, regardless of whether they're competing on a sporting field, leading an organisation, or simply navigating the demands of everyday life.

We discuss why success is built on small habits done consistently, how to stop letting perfectionism get in the way of progress, and practical strategies to help you create lasting change without overwhelm.

If you've ever struggled to stay consistent, felt stuck in the cycle of starting over, or wondered why some people seem to achieve their goals while others fall off track, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom you can apply immediately.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN:

• Why high performance isn't just for elite athletes
• The five foundations of success and wellbeing
• How fuel, sleep and movement impact mindset and performance
• Why success leaves clues and setbacks contain lessons
• The power of curiosity over self-judgement
• How to build habits that actually stick
• Why small habits create massive results over time
• The difference between goals and habits
• How to navigate life's unpredictability without losing momentum
• Why you look like your habits, not your goals

ABOUT DR JO LUKINS:

Dr Jo Lukins spends her day inside the heads of individuals, teams, and organisations, seeking to understand what makes them tick and assisting them in reaching their potential. A psychological Indiana Jones, she describes it as a truly fascinating career that she is grateful for every day.

She holds a PhD in Psychology, has over 30 years of experience, and a breadth of knowledge in the sport, organizational and educational domains. Dr Lukins is an Associate Professor at James Cook University (Awarded Outstanding Alumni, 2015). She delivers programs in high-performance psychology for the Australian Defence Force.

Dr Lukins has worked with elite athletes and outstanding professionals throughout her career, giving her a unique insight into the world of success. Some of her clients include:

Queensland Women's State of Origin Team (2020, 2025)

Dolphins (NRL 2024-present)

Tonga Women’s Rugby League (2025-present)

Australian Defence Force (2014-present)

CONNECT WITH DR JO LUKINS:

Website: www.drjolukins.com

Download your free Elite Habits Guide and discover how small daily habits can create lasting change: https://dr-jo-lukins.kit.com/pmp

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

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjolukins/

CONNECT WITH HOST TERRI BATSAKIS:

Web: https://terribatsakis.com.au/

Instagram: @terri.batsakis

Facebook: @terribatsakis

YouTube: @terribatsakis

🎙️ EPISODE DESCRIPTION:

Could the layout, energy and clutter in your home be influencing your sleep, stress levels, mood and even your libido?

In this fascinating episode, I'm speaking with Feng Shui Master Jane Langof about how our environment can impact the way we feel physically, mentally and emotionally. We explore the principles of Feng Shui in a practical and modern way and discuss simple changes women can make to create more calm, harmony and wellbeing in their homes.

From bedroom layouts and sleep quality to clutter, energy flow and creating a space that supports the woman you're becoming, this conversation is packed with practical tips that can be implemented immediately.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN:

• What Feng Shui really is and how it differs from common misconceptions
• How the energy of your home can influence mood, mindset and wellbeing
• Why clutter may be affecting stress, sleep and even libido
• The importance of your home's entrance and energy flow
• Bedroom Feng Shui tips to support better sleep and relaxation
• How mirrors, colours and furniture placement impact energy
• Simple and affordable Feng Shui changes anyone can make
• Why your environment should reflect the future you're creating, not the past you're holding onto
• The connection between your home, your habits and your overall wellbeing

ABOUT JANE LANGOF:

Jane Langof is an award-winning Feng Shui Master, author and speaker, and the founder of Feng Shui Concepts. Internationally accredited and working in the field since 2008, Jane brings a modern, practical approach to Feng Shui, integrating traditional principles with contemporary design.

She works across residential, commercial and community spaces, specialising in beautiful homes, new builds and renovations. Her work focuses on how the energy of our surroundings influences mood, mindset and the way we show up each day — and how small, intentional shifts can lead to greater harmony, wellbeing and abundance.

Jane shares her insights through the media and as a speaker at property, design and wellness events. She is the author of Feng Shui: A Homeowner’s Guide to Abundance, which brings traditional Feng Shui into the modern world in an accessible and inspiring way.

CONNECT WITH JANE LANGOF:

Website: https://www.fengshuiconcepts.com.au

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janelangof/

Email: [email protected]

Book: Feng Shui: A Homeowner’s Guide to Abundance

CONNECT WITH HOST TERRI BATSAKIS:

Web: https://terribatsakis.com.au/

Instagram: @terri.batsakis

Facebook: @terribatsakis

YouTube: @terribatsakis

🎙️ EPISODE DESCRIPTION:

In this episode, I’m speaking with Accredited Practising Dietitian Annie Barry about why so many women in perimenopause struggle with weight, cravings, overeating, and feeling constantly hungry, despite trying so hard to “eat less.”

We unpack the connection between under-fuelling, blood sugar balance, stress, sleep, hormones, meal structure, and the unrealistic dieting advice many women have followed for decades.

This conversation is incredibly practical, reassuring, and refreshing for women who feel frustrated by midlife weight changes and overwhelmed by conflicting nutrition advice.

If you’ve ever found yourself skipping meals, surviving on coffee, raiding the kids’ lunchboxes at 3pm, or feeling like your willpower is the problem, this episode will resonate deeply.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN:

• Why under-fuelling often leads to overeating later in the day
• The connection between blood sugar balance, cravings, and energy crashes
• Why many women struggle with afternoon and evening snacking
• How decades of dieting impact women’s relationship with food
• Why protein and fibre matter during perimenopause
• Simple meal structure strategies that support hormones and energy
• Practical snack ideas for busy women
• How to nourish your body without restrictive dieting
• Why sustainable nutrition is about systems, not perfection
• How to create healthier meals without cooking separate meals for the family

ABOUT ANNIE BARRY:

Annie Barry is an Accredited Practising Dietitian with over 20 years of experience, a food and wine lover, and someone who genuinely believes that willpower is not the reason most women over 40 struggle with their weight. Annie runs All Round Wellness, where she helps women in perimenopause lose weight, manage symptoms and feel like themselves again, without giving up their favourite foods or cooking separate meals for the family. Her approach is built on practical systems rather than restriction, because she knows the strategies that worked in your 20s or 30s simply don't cut it anymore. Annie is passionate about giving women the tools and confidence to take back control of their health for good.

CONNECT WITH ANNIE BARRY:

Website: https://www.allroundwellness.com.au/

Instagram: @healthy.habits.dietitian

CONNECT WITH HOST TERRI BATSAKIS:

Web: https://terribatsakis.com.au/

Instagram: @terri.batsakis

Facebook: @terribatsakis

YouTube: @terribatsakis

🎙️ EPISODE DESCRIPTION:

In this solo episode, I unpack 9 key hormones and brain chemicals that can significantly influence women during perimenopause and menopause, including oestrogen, progesterone, testosterone, cortisol, insulin, serotonin, dopamine, oxytocin, and melatonin.

I explain how hormonal shifts may impact mood, energy, sleep, cravings, stress, motivation, confidence, weight changes, and overall wellbeing during midlife.

We also discuss why perimenopause is a natural life transition, much like puberty, and the practical lifestyle strategies that may help women feel more supported, informed, and in control again.

This episode is educational, empowering, and designed to help women better understand what may be happening inside their bodies during this stage of life.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN:

• The role oestrogen plays in metabolism, mood, and body composition
• Why progesterone changes can increase anxiety and poor sleep
• How testosterone impacts motivation, confidence, and muscle mass
• The connection between cortisol, stress, and belly fat
• How insulin resistance may contribute to cravings and fatigue
• Why serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin influence mood and emotional wellbeing
• How melatonin disruptions impact sleep during midlife
• Why hormones work together rather than in isolation
• Practical ways to support your hormones naturally through lifestyle habits
• The importance of nutrition, movement, hydration, sleep, and stress management during perimenopause and menopause

CONNECT WITH HOST TERRI BATSAKIS:

Web: https://terribatsakis.com.au/

Instagram: @terri.batsakis

Facebook: @terribatsakis

YouTube: @terribatsakis

🎙️ EPISODE DESCRIPTION:

In this episode, I’m speaking with Personal Stylist and Colour Analyst Lorna Woodcock about midlife fashion, confidence, body shape changes, and learning how to dress for the woman you are today.

We discuss how perimenopause and aging can impact the way women feel in their clothes, why so many women lose confidence in midlife, and how understanding your body shape, proportions, personal style, and colour palette can completely change the way you shop and dress.

This conversation is about so much more than fashion trends.

It’s about confidence, self-expression, reducing overwhelm, and creating a wardrobe that actually works for your changing body and lifestyle.

If you’ve ever looked in your wardrobe and felt frustrated, uncomfortable, outdated, or unsure what suits you anymore, this episode is packed with practical insights and empowering advice.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN:

• How perimenopause and midlife can impact body confidence
• Why clothing proportions matter more than women realise
• How to dress for your changing body shape
• The importance of understanding your colour palette
• Why personal style evolves during midlife
• How to reduce shopping overwhelm
• Tips for creating a wardrobe that actually works together
• Why midlife is the perfect time for a style reset
• The emotional connection between confidence and clothing

ABOUT LORNA WOODCOCK:

Lorna is a 52-year-old, married, working mum of 2 girls. A few years ago, while enduring both Covid lockdowns and peri-menopause, she made the decision to change both her own personal style, and her entire career path in midlife!

Now, after extensive training and several years of practical styling experience she is a Personal Stylist and Colour Analyst specialising in supporting women in midlife. She is passionate about helping women 40+ find confidence and joy in getting dressed every day.

With a previous background in psychology, and a long career in teaching, Lorna combine's colour science, body-shape expertise and practical wardrobe strategies to help clients feel confident and effortless. She creates wardrobes that flatter changing midlife body shapes, fit busy lifestyles and support evolving careers, using clear, teachable methods so every piece works harder and getting dressed becomes simple, and aligned with each client's own personal style.

CONNECT WITH LORNA:

Website: https://www.styledforlife.com.au/

Email: [email protected]

Instagram/Facebook: @styledforlife

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/lorna-woodcock-a0ab13323

🎁 FREE RESOURCE: Lorna’s Perimenopause Shopping Bible is available via her website and social platforms.

CONNECT WITH HOST TERRI BATSAKIS:

Web: https://terribatsakis.com.au/

Instagram: @terri.batsakis

Facebook: @terribatsakis

YouTube: @terribatsakis

EPISODE DESCRIPTION:

In this episode, I’m speaking with Adrian Stone, holistic nutritionist and naturopath, about a more personalised and root-cause approach to supporting women through perimenopause.

We explore how looking beyond symptoms and understanding the bigger picture can help you better navigate hormonal changes in midlife.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN:

• Why a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work in perimenopause
• How gut health directly impacts hormone balance
• The role of stress and past experiences on your hormones
• What functional testing can reveal beyond standard blood tests
• Simple, practical ways to support your body right now
• Why simplifying your health approach can create better results

This conversation brings a different perspective to women’s health, focusing on understanding your body as a whole, rather than treating isolated symptoms.

ABOUT ADRIAN STONE

Adrian Stone is a holistic nutritionist and certified naturopath with over 13 years of clinical experience. He is the co-founder of Living Holistic Health, a naturopathy and nutritional medicine clinic based in Geelong, supporting clients both locally and via Telehealth across Australia.

Adrian specialises in uncovering the root causes of health issues, using a personalised and integrative approach that includes nutrition, lifestyle interventions, and advanced functional testing.

He is also a member of the Human Research Ethics Committee at the National Institute for Integrative Medicine in Melbourne, and a member of the Australian Natural Therapists Association.

CONNECT WITH ADRIAN

Website: www.livingholistichealth.com.au

Instagram: @livingholistichealth

Facebook: Living Holistic Health

YouTube: Living Holistic Health

CONNECT WITH HOST TERRI BATSAKIS:

Web: https://terribatsakis.com.au/

IG: @terri.batsakis

FB: @terribatsakis

YouTube: @terribatsakis

🎙️ EPISODE DESCRIPTION:

In this episode, I’m speaking with Angela Lee Jenkins, leadership wellbeing consultant, speaker and coach, about what she calls wellbeing intelligence and why it matters more than ever for women in midlife.

We explore how stress, leadership demands, family life and internal expectations can impact your nervous system, and how small, intentional shifts can help you feel more grounded, in control and connected to yourself again.

This is a powerful conversation that goes beyond surface-level strategies and into what really supports your wellbeing day to day.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN:

• What “wellbeing intelligence” is and why it’s foundational
• How chronic stress and invisible load impact women in midlife
• Simple ways to set boundaries without guilt
• The power of micro breaks to reset your nervous system
• How to reconnect with yourself when life feels overwhelming
• Why aligning with your values changes everything
• How small daily actions can create meaningful change

Angela also shares her deeply personal story behind the Will to Liv message, and how purpose, connection and small moments can shift the way we experience life.

ABOUT ANGELA LEE JENKINS

Angela Lee Jenkins is a leadership wellbeing consultant, speaker, author and coach specialising in what she calls Wellbeing Intelligence.

With a background in exercise physiology, coaching, and postgraduate studies in mental health and wellbeing, Angela takes a whole-person approach to supporting women, particularly those in their 40s and 50s, navigating stress, life transitions, and the demands of both career and personal life.

Her work focuses on helping women regulate their nervous system, reconnect with themselves, and build simple, sustainable ways to support their wellbeing.

Angela is also the creator of the Will to Liv message and framework, inspired by her own lived experience and grounded in the belief that the will to live starts now, even in the middle of challenge.

CONNECT WITH ANGELA

Website: https://angelaleejenkins.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angelajenkins104will

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-lee-jenkins

CONNECT WITH HOST TERRI BATSAKIS:

Web: https://terribatsakis.com.au/

IG: @terri.batsakis

FB: @terribatsakis

YouTube: @terribatsakis

🎙️ EPISODE DESCRIPTION:

In this episode of The Perimenopause & Midlife Podcast, I’m speaking with Tanya Leake about the deeply personal and often overlooked vaginal, urinary, hormonal, and emotional changes women can experience during perimenopause and menopause.

We discuss the topics many women are silently experiencing but rarely talking about openly, including clitoral atrophy, recurrent UTIs, painful intimacy, confidence changes, and the emotional impact menopause can have on identity and relationships.

This conversation is honest, empowering, educational, and packed with practical insights to help women better understand what may be happening in their bodies during midlife.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN:

💜 What clitoral atrophy is and why more women need to know about it

💜 Why UTIs become more common during menopause

💜 How hormonal changes can impact intimacy, confidence, and identity

💜 Why women often feel blindsided during perimenopause and menopause

💜 How to better advocate for yourself with healthcare professionals

💜 The importance of education, support, and open conversations around menopause

💜 Why women should stop suffering in silence

ABOUT GUEST:

Tanya Leake, NBC-HWC (National Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach), BCPA (Board Certified Patient Advocate), is a mindset and lifestyle coach focused on transforming wellbeing during menopause by empowering personalized, lifestyle-based, evidence-informed solutions. She is publisher of HOT FLASH! The Newsletter, a weekly, Substack-based newsletter translating menopause lifestyle research into practical evidence-based insights to support a thriving menopause journey.

CONNECT WITH GUEST:

Website: https://embodywell.com

Instagram: @embodywell

Twitter/X: @embodywell

Facebook: @embodywell

Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/tanya-leake

CONNECT WITH HOST TERRI BATSAKIS:

Web: https://terribatsakis.com.au/

IG: @terri.batsakis

FB: @terribatsakis

YouTube: @terribatsakis

🌍 GLOBAL MENOPAUSE & MIDLIFE SPECIALTY CENTERS

🇺🇸 United States

• NYU Langone Center for Midlife Health & Menopause

• Johns Hopkins Women’s Wellness and Healthy Aging Program

• Maimonides Menopause Center

• Baylor College of Medicine Menopause Center

• Texas Children’s Menopause Center

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

• NHS menopause clinics

• British Menopause Society

🇪🇺 Europe

• REA Maternity Hospital Menopause & Osteoporosis Clinic

• Clinics across Spain, Germany, Turkey, and the UK

🇦🇺 🇳🇿 Australia & New Zealand

• Australasian Menopause Society

🇨🇦 Canada

• Menopause Society Certified Practitioner Directory

🌐 Global Organisations

• International Menopause Society

• The Menopause Society

🎙️ EPISODE DESCRIPTION

In this episode, I’m speaking with Karen Aroney, Nutritionist and Women’s Health Specialist, about how high-achieving women can fuel their bodies to train, perform, and feel better in perimenopause.

We explore why so many women feel like their body has stopped responding, despite doing everything “right”, and how under-fuelling, inconsistent eating, and diet culture may be holding them back.

Karen shares a practical, evidence-based approach to nutrition that supports energy, performance, and long-term results without restriction.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN:

• Why high-performing women often feel like they’re “losing their edge”
• How under-fuelling impacts energy, muscle, hormones, and results
• Why eating more strategically can improve performance and body composition
• The importance of protein, carbohydrates, and fats in midlife
• Why fasted training may not support your goals in perimenopause
• How to build sustainable nutrition habits without restriction

This conversation will help you shift from restriction to nourishment, so you can support your body, your training, and your life in a way that actually works.

ABOUT KAREN ARONEY

Karen Aroney is a Nutritionist with a background in psychology and a Women’s Health Specialist, supporting women to improve their energy, confidence, and wellbeing through simple, science-based nutrition strategies.

With qualifications in both psychology and nutrition, she blends evidence‑based guidance with practical tools that fit real life - work, family, hormones, and everything in between.

As the founder of ExecFuel™ and EMPWRHER™, Karen works with high performers, busy professionals, and women navigating hormonal changes to feel stronger, clearer, and more in control of their health.

CONNECT WITH KAREN

Website: https://www.execfuel.com.au/

Instagram: @execfuel

Facebook: @execfuel

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenaroney/

Email: [email protected]

Women’s Program (EMPWRHER): https://www.execfuel.com.au/empwrher-program

CONNECT WITH HOST TERRI BATSAKIS:

Web: https://terribatsakis.com.au/

IG: @terri.batsakis

FB: @terribatsakis

YouTube: @terribatsakis