Together We Pause Episode 19: Midlife Career Pivots, Reinvention & Following Your Gut during Menopause

Have you ever wondered if it’s too late to make a big career change? In this episode of Together We Pause, Faye and Helen open up about their own journeys of reinvention, the pivots they’ve made, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way.

Before diving in, Helen shares the hilarious story of the Jellycat Experience in Paris—complete with sprinting up six escalators in a luxury department store just to secure a spot in the queue. From sweaty chaos to magical teddies, it’s proof of what we’ll do for our kids (and how brilliant branding can be!).

Then the conversation shifts to career transitions:

• Helen’s journey from wellness coach to batch cooking expert, and the bravery it took to “burn it all down” and start fresh.
• Faye’s leap from a corporate job into wedding photography—and the doubts, judgments, and freedom that came with it.
• The value of transferable skills, following your gut, and ignoring the naysayers.
• Why reinvention isn’t failure—it’s growth. From weddings to wellness, batch cooking to business coaching, both share how each chapter has shaped who they are today.

This episode is an honest, funny, and uplifting reminder that you’re never stuck. Whether you’re itching to try something new, scared of leaving stability, or just curious about what else is possible—Faye and Helen show that pivoting isn’t reckless, it’s courageous.

Highlights:
✨ The Jellycat Experience in Paris – branding genius and parental chaos
✨ Helen’s multiple career reinventions (weddings, wellness, batch cooking & beyond)
✨ Faye’s leap from corporate life to entrepreneurship
✨ How to trust your gut when logic says otherwise
✨ Why success can mean lifestyle, freedom, and joy—not just money
✨ Practical ways to explore a pivot (without burning everything to the ground)

In this episode of Together We Pause, Faye and Helen have a wide-ranging conversation over a cuppa, exploring the fascinating worlds of holistic wellness, breath work, hypnotherapy, and the growing impact of AI-generated content.

They kick off by discussing a viral AI-generated Orca video circulating on Instagram, exploring how fake news is evolving in the digital age — from shocking wildlife content to medical misinformation. Faye and Helen reflect on the implications of AI-generated images and videos, and how we navigate truth in a world where even realistic content can be fabricated.

The conversation then takes a turn towards holistic wellness, where Faye shares her personal experiences and practices that support mental, physical, and emotional well-being:

• Rolfing: A bodywork technique that manipulates connective tissue to realign the body and release tension.
• Breath Work & Wim Hof Method: How controlled breathing and cold exposure awaken the parasympathetic nervous system, boost energy, and foster mental clarity.
• Hypnotherapy: Faye discusses how hypnotherapy helped her navigate hospital environments, manage anxiety, and stay present during her daughter’s operation.
• Reiki & Reflexology: Exploring energetic healing and reflexology as tools for relaxation, balance, and stress relief.
• Everyday holistic practices: From journaling, meditative walks, and baths to facials and simple self-care rituals, holistic wellness can be as simple or as immersive as you choose.

Faye also reflects on her background growing up in Glastonbury and how her curiosity for both “woo-woo” and pragmatic approaches has shaped her exploration of holistic health.

Throughout the episode, Faye and Helen emphasise that holistic wellness is highly personal — it’s about discovering what makes you feel balanced, supported, and energised. Whether you’re new to alternative therapies or looking for ways to complement modern medicine, this episode offers inspiration, insight, and practical tips.

Resources & Links:

• Join the waitlist for Faye’s new community launching later this year
• Subscribe to Together We Pause on your favourite podcast platform

Topics Covered:
AI fake news | Holistic wellness | Breath work | Wim Hof Method | Rolfing | Reiki | Hypnotherapy | Reflexology | Journaling | Mind-body balance | Self-care

Together We Pause Episode 17: “Diet Culture, Weight Loss Jabs, and the Rise of Ozempic”

Episode Summary:
In this eye-opening episode, Faye and Helen dive into the complicated world of diet culture and the growing trend of weight loss jabs like Ozempic. From celebrity influence to the everyday impact on women, they unpack the emotional, social, and physical implications of these so-called “miracle” drugs. Alongside personal stories of dieting, fitness, and body image, they explore the broader questions: is using medication for weight loss cheating, or can it be a valid tool in someone’s health journey?

Episode Highlights:

• The Rise of Ozempic and Weight Loss Jabs:
  A look at how drugs originally developed for diabetes are now being used as quick weight-loss solutions, fuelled by celebrity culture and social media.
• The Emotional Impact of Diet Culture:
  Faye and Helen reflect on the pressures of body image, the shame attached to dieting, and the noise surrounding diet culture for women of all ages.
• Is It Cheating?
  The hosts debate whether taking a jab is a shortcut or simply another option in the complex landscape of weight management.
• Personal Diet and Fitness Journeys:
  Stories of Slimming World, keto, and fitness routines highlight the realities of losing weight in slower, more sustainable ways compared to medical interventions.
• The Bigger Picture:
  Why regulation, support, and compassion matter when it comes to body image, eating habits, and making informed choices about health.

Key Takeaways:

• Diet culture remains loud and pervasive, but body positivity is also on the rise.
• Weight loss jabs like Ozempic may work for some, but they raise important questions about safety, sustainability, and emotional impact.
• Sustainable lifestyle changes, habits, and self-compassion remain powerful tools for long-term health.
• Everyone’s journey with weight and body image is unique — there is no single “right” path.

Connect with Us:

• Like, Subscribe, and Share: If this conversation resonated with you, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with a friend.
• Follow us on Instagram: Together We Pause
  
  
• Join the Conversation: Leave a review or comment to share your experiences and thoughts on diet culture and weight loss trends.

Together We Pause Episode 16: "Managing Stress in Midlife: Building Resilience and Setting Boundaries"

Episode Summary:
In this candid episode of Together We Pause, Faye and Helen unpack the topic of stress — what it feels like, how it shows up in daily life, and why resilience plays such an important role in managing it. From dental fears and grief to juggling multiple responsibilities, they explore the many ways stress manifests and how different people experience it. The conversation highlights the blurred lines between stress and anxiety, the role of boundaries, and the importance of finding coping strategies that work for you.

Episode Highlights:

When Stress Hits Close to Home:
Faye opens up about how grief and big life changes have contributed to her stress over the past year, including physical effects like teeth grinding that led to her needing dental treatment.

Defining Stress vs. Anxiety:
Helen reflects on the difference between stress and anxiety in her own life, and the two discuss how symptoms often overlap, making it hard to separate one from the other.

Boundaries and Balance:
They share the role boundaries play in reducing stress, from learning to say “not now” to prioritising what truly matters — and how grief and major life events can shrink those boundaries.

Resilience in Midlife:
Faye and Helen explore how resilience builds over time through difficult decisions, entrepreneurial challenges, and personal struggles — and why resilience can make us better able to cope with stress in the future.

Different Perspectives on Stress:
They discuss how what feels stressful to one person may not affect another in the same way, and why it’s important not to judge others’ experiences.

Key Takeaways:

• Stress Is Individual: Everyone experiences stress differently, and what feels overwhelming to one person may not to another.
• Resilience Builds Over Time: Facing difficult situations and decisions can make us stronger and more capable in the future.
• Boundaries Matter: Learning when to say no — or at least “not right now” — is vital in managing stress levels.
• Self-Care Helps: Simple practices like walking, taking a bath, or stepping out of your usual environment can reduce stress and restore balance.
• Seek Support if Needed: If stress feels unmanageable, reaching out for professional help can make a big difference.

Connect with Us:

• Like, Subscribe, and Share: Enjoyed this episode? Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with a friend.
• Follow us on Instagram: Together We Pause
  
  
• Join the Conversation: Leave a review or comment — how do you manage stress in your life?

Together We Pause Episode 15: "Midlife Fitness: Finding Joy in Movement, Strength & Health | Together We Pause Podcast"

Episode Summary:
In this episode of Together We Pause, Faye and Helen explore their personal journeys with fitness — from the awkward days of PE at school to discovering new ways to enjoy movement in midlife. They reflect on how childhood experiences shaped their attitudes to exercise, how the reasons for working out shift over time, and why finding joy in movement is far more important than chasing calories. With plenty of honesty (and laughs), they talk about walking, paddle, gym workouts, and the importance of doing what feels good for your body.

Episode Highlights:

Early Experiences with Fitness:
Helen shares how being picked last in PE left her feeling disconnected from fitness, while Faye recalls the opposite — captaining school sports teams and thriving in competition.

Evolving Attitudes Toward Exercise:
Both hosts discuss how their relationship with fitness changed as they grew older, moving from exercise as punishment or weight control to exercising for health, joy, and mental wellbeing.

Discovering What Works in Midlife:
Faye talks about the challenge and fun of trying padel, while Helen celebrates walking as her go-to form of movement. They also reflect on why women in midlife should embrace strength training for bone density and long-term health.

Breaking the Rules of Fitness:
From club-style workouts with glow sticks to joining local walking groups, they highlight how fitness doesn’t have to look like traditional sport. The key is finding movement that feels good and works for you.

Key Takeaways:

• Do What You Love: Exercise doesn’t need to be punishment — find movement that genuinely makes you happy.
• Fitness in Midlife Matters: Strength training, walking, and joyful movement all play a role in maintaining health as our bodies change.
• Redefine Success: Forget being “good at sport” — success is moving in ways that work for your lifestyle and body.
• It’s Never Too Late: Whether it’s padel, pilates, or just a brisk walk, midlife is the perfect time to try something new.

Connect with Us:

• Like, Subscribe, and Share: Loved this episode? Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with a friend.
• Follow us on Instagram: Together We Pause
  
  
• Join the Conversation: Leave a review or comment — what’s your favourite way to move your body?

Together We Pause Episode 14: "Endometriosis - Faye’s Story"

Episode Summary:
In this powerful episode, Faye opens up about her experience with endometriosis, a condition that affects many women but is often misunderstood. She shares her journey, from the early struggles with misdiagnosis to finally receiving the right treatment, and the impact it had on her life, fertility, and pregnancy. Faye also reflects on how her body has coped through the ups and downs and offers advice to those who may be experiencing similar challenges.

Episode Highlights:

• Faye’s Experience with Endometriosis:
  Faye shares her journey with endometriosis, a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows outside of it, causing pain and fertility issues. She discusses the frustration of misdiagnosis and how her condition worsened over the years, particularly with her bowel and pain management.
• The Impact on Fertility:
  Faye talks about how endometriosis impacted her ability to conceive, including her emotional response to being told it might be impossible for her to have children. Despite this, she shares how she defied the odds and had her first child, Harry, after being told she would likely need fertility treatments.
• Surgery and Healing:
  Faye explains the surgeries she underwent to manage endometriosis, including the discovery of a large patch of endometriosis on her uterus during a C-section. She reflects on the unexpected news that she would need a hysterectomy, only to later find out that her uterus was saved. This miraculous outcome led to her second pregnancy and a planned C-section with her daughter, Grace.
• The Role of Medical Professionals:
  Faye discusses the importance of finding the right medical professionals who listen and understand your situation. She emphasizes how grateful she is for the doctors and consultants who helped her navigate her journey and provided her with the necessary treatments to manage her endometriosis.
• Perimenopause and Endometriosis:
  Faye reflects on how her endometriosis intersects with perimenopause. After being told to have the coil removed as part of her treatment, she later realized it was not the best advice, leading to further complications. She is grateful for the medical professionals who helped guide her through both issues simultaneously.

Key Takeaways:

• Seek Help and Don’t Settle for Misdiagnosis:
  If you suspect you have endometriosis, don’t settle for being told it’s just “period pain.” Keep advocating for yourself, and seek a second opinion if needed.
• Endometriosis and Fertility:
  Endometriosis can impact fertility, but it doesn’t mean pregnancy is impossible. Everyone’s journey is different, and seeking the right support can lead to positive outcomes.
• Support from Medical Professionals:
  Finding compassionate and knowledgeable doctors can make all the difference. Faye’s journey highlights the importance of having medical professionals who listen and provide the right treatments.
• Healing Is Possible:
  Despite the pain and challenges, healing and managing endometriosis is possible with the right care, and there are options to help improve quality of life.

Connect with Us:

• Like, Subscribe, and Share: Enjoyed this episode? Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with a friend.
• Follow us on Instagram: Together We Pause Instagram
• Join the Conversation: Leave a review or comment—let us know your thoughts on endometriosis and share your experience.

Together We Pause Episode 13: "Can AI Be Trusted to Support You Through Menopause?"

Episode Summary:
In this episode, Faye and Helen dive into the world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and explore how it can support women, particularly during menopause. They discuss their experiences with AI tools, its potential to ease brain fog and dyslexia, and the role it might play in managing health issues like perimenopause. While embracing new technology, they also reflect on its potential risks and the challenges it presents.

Episode Highlights:

• Dyslexia and Brain Fog:
  Helen opens up about how dyslexia has been more challenging for her lately due to brain fog, which she attributes to perimenopause. She explains how AI tools, such as voice-to-text and automated reminders, have become essential for managing these cognitive challenges.
• How AI Can Help During Menopause:
  Faye and Helen discuss how AI tools like ChatGPT are becoming invaluable for productivity, offering support for tasks such as writing captions, answering questions, and organizing ideas. They discuss how AI helps alleviate cognitive overload and aids decision-making, especially when brain fog is present.
• AI in Small Business:
  They explore the benefits of AI for small business owners, from content creation to task automation. Helen talks about how AI has helped streamline her work in social media and content generation.
• AI in Healthcare:
  The hosts discuss the potential of AI in the medical field, from diagnosing conditions like skin cancer to providing health insights for neurodivergent individuals. They also touch on the possibility of AI replacing certain healthcare tasks, like offering insights into menopause symptoms based on data analysis.
• The Future of AI and Menopause:
  Faye and Helen reflect on the future of AI, particularly in supporting those going through perimenopause and menopause. They question whether AI can ever truly replace empathy in healthcare but agree that it can be a useful tool for information and organization.

Key Takeaways:

• AI Can Ease Cognitive Overload: Tools like ChatGPT and voice-to-text apps help manage brain fog and make daily tasks more manageable, especially during menopause.
• Embrace Technology: AI can support small businesses, streamline tasks, and free up time for more important activities.
• AI in Healthcare: AI’s role in diagnosing and providing health insights is growing, but it’s crucial to balance it with human empathy and expert advice.
• AI is Not Perfect: While AI can help with efficiency, it’s important to remain cautious about relying on it too heavily for decisions related to health or personal well-being.
• Adapt and Evolve: As technology evolves, it’s important to stay open to how AI can support us in different aspects of life, from work to health.

Next Week's Episode:
Next week, Faye and Helen will talk about endometriosis and share personal birth stories. They’ll discuss the condition in detail and offer insights that could be enlightening for those who suffer from it or know someone who does. Don’t miss it!

Connect with Us:

• Like, Subscribe, and Share: Enjoyed this episode? Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with a friend.
• Follow us on Instagram: Together We Pause Instagram
• Join the Conversation: Leave a review or comment—let us know your thoughts on AI and menopause.

Thank you for tuning in to Together We Pause! See you next week for more insightful conversations and plenty of laughs. 😊

Together We Pause Episode 12: "Are Friendships Trickier in Midlife Than at Any Other Stage of Life?"

Episode Summary:
In this episode, Faye and Helen explore the complexities of friendships in midlife. They reflect on how relationships evolve, how COVID changed how we connect, and the importance of finding friends who align with our values. The hosts discuss navigating old friendships and cultivating new ones in midlife.

Episode Highlights:

• Celebrity Facelifts and Aging Gracefully:
  Faye and Helen discuss Anne Hathaway and Kris Jenner’s facelifts, reflecting on aging, societal pressures, and how we age gracefully.
• Friendships and the Impact of COVID:
  The hosts talk about how COVID shifted friendships, with some becoming stronger and others fading as interests and life stages changed.
• The Challenge of Maintaining Friendships in Midlife:
  Faye and Helen discuss how midlife brings shifts in priorities and values, which can make friendships feel trickier. They emphasise the importance of common ground.
• New Friendships and Setting Boundaries:
  Helen shares how she’s cultivating new friendships while setting healthy boundaries and finding friends who align with her values.
• Friendships Across Generations:
  The hosts explore friendships with people of different ages, and how those relationships can offer new perspectives and enrich life.
• The Power of Frank Conversations:
  Faye and Helen reflect on their evolving friendship, emphasizing the importance of clear, honest communication for healthy relationships.

Key Takeaways:

• Friendships Evolve: Friendships shift over time, with some fading and others growing. It’s important to nurture those that positively serve your life.
• Making New Friends: Midlife is a great time to make new connections, but it requires effort and aligning with shared values.
• Boundaries Matter: Set boundaries to maintain healthy friendships, especially when life gets busy.
• Embrace Differences: Friendships across generations bring fresh perspectives and growth.
• The Importance of Frankness: Honest, open communication is key to strong friendships.

Resources Mentioned:

• Waitlist for Together We Pause Community: Join the waitlist for an exciting new community launching in the Autumn. Visit togetherwepause.co.uk.

Together We Pause Episode 11: "Is Your Bandwidth Shrinking in Midlife?"

Episode Summary:
In this episode, Faye and Helen explore the concept of "shrinking bandwidth" in midlife. They discuss how emotional and mental capacity feels increasingly squeezed as we juggle family, work, and personal life. The hosts share their experiences navigating midlife pressures and offer tips for managing time, setting boundaries, and finding balance when bandwidth feels stretched thin.

Episode Highlights:

• The Aeroplane Recliner Debate:
  The episode begins with a lighthearted debate about airplane recliners, setting the tone for a discussion on how small frustrations can test our patience and impact our bandwidth.
• The Juggle of Midlife:
  Faye and Helen reflect on midlife’s challenges—balancing family life, career, and personal well-being—and how they often feel their mental and emotional bandwidth stretched thin.
• The Impact of Perimenopause:
  They discuss the impact of perimenopause and how today’s conversations offer more support for women compared to their mothers' experiences, who were often told to "just get on with it."
• Boundaries and Prioritization:
  The hosts talk about setting boundaries, from shrinking social circles to saying no more often. They discuss how they've learned to manage time to create more balance.
• The Pressure to "Do It All":
  Faye and Helen explore the societal pressure on women to "have it all" and "do it all," leading to burnout. They talk about the importance of slowing down and prioritizing what truly matters.
• Practical Tips for Managing Shrinking Bandwidth:
  Faye shares her time-blocking method, while Helen explains how her morning and evening routines help her stay focused and create structure.

Key Takeaways:

• Set Boundaries: Be intentional with your time and energy.
• Simplify Your Life: Reduce stress with simpler routines.
• Power of Routine: A solid routine provides stability and reduces overwhelm.
• Slow Down: It’s okay not to do it all—take breaks and prioritize rest.
• Manage Expectations: Focus on what aligns with your values and well-being.

Next Week's Episode:
Next week, Faye and Helen talk about friendships—how they evolve in midlife, the challenges of maintaining them, and the importance of nurturing meaningful connections.

Connect with Us:

• Like, Subscribe, and Share: Enjoyed this episode? Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with a friend.
• Follow us on Instagram: Together We Pause Instagram
• Join the Conversation: Leave us a review or comment—let us know how you manage your bandwidth.

Thanks for tuning in to Together We Pause! See you next week with more insightful conversations. 😊

Together We Pause Episode 10: "Are We Listening to the Warning Signs from Our Bodies?"

Episode Summary:
In this episode, Faye and Helen reflect on their recent holidays, how they disconnected from the hustle, and the lessons they learned about listening to their bodies. They discuss the importance of recognising physical and emotional signs and the power of taking a pause. They also talk about their personal experiences with stress, burnout, and the steps they've taken to manage their well-being.

Episode Highlights:

• Holiday Reflections:
  Helen shares her amazing trip to Japan, where she experienced deep relaxation and cultural richness, while Faye talks about her time in the Maldives, an island paradise that gave her the chance to disconnect, recharge, and embrace the art of doing nothing. Both hosts explore how travel gave them the space to reflect and reset.

• The Power of the Pause:
  Helen opens up about dealing with an eye issue and the realisation that her body was signaling the need for a break. The conversation turns to the importance of listening to those bodily signals instead of pushing through. The hosts share their stories of moments when they ignored physical signs of burnout and the consequences.

• The Mind-Body Connection:
  They dive into how emotions can manifest physically—such as stress showing up as physical ailments like bloating or fatigue—and discuss how addressing these signs can be key to overall wellness. Faye and Helen also touch on the need for a balance between holistic remedies and medical treatments, sharing their personal approaches to both.

• Experiencing Panic Attacks:
  The hosts talk about their past experiences with panic attacks and the profound impact they had on their mental health. They discuss how anxiety and overwhelm can sometimes take control, but recognizing it early and seeking support is key.

• Practical Tips for Managing Stress:
  Both Faye and Helen emphasize the importance of asking for help, setting boundaries, and experimenting with different approaches to improve mental and physical health. Helen shares a helpful tip for bloating that has worked wonders for her, and Faye discusses how stepping back and rethinking priorities can lead to more balance and peace.

Key Takeaways:

• Listen to Your Body: Your body is constantly giving you signals. Don't ignore those physical and emotional signs; they are messages that shouldn't be brushed off.
• Give Yourself Permission to Pause: Taking breaks and setting boundaries is not just okay, it's necessary for your well-being.
• Ask for Help: Whether it's from family, friends, or professionals, don't hesitate to reach out when you need support.
• Experiment with Self-Care: Try different methods of managing stress, from holistic remedies to more traditional medical approaches, and find what works for you.
• Boundaries Are Essential: Creating boundaries helps protect your energy and prioritize your mental and physical health.

Next Week's Episode:
Next week, Faye and Helen will be discussing the topic of shrinking bandwidth—how our mental and physical energy can deplete over time, and the practical ways they’re navigating that in their own lives. If you're feeling like your bandwidth is shrinking, don’t miss this one!

Connect with Us:

• Like, Subscribe, and Share: If you enjoyed this episode, please don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with a friend.
• Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/togetherwepause
• Join the Conversation: Leave us a review or comment—let us know how you listen to the warning signs from your body!