Wild, Wise & Curious...

This episode was recorded in the breathtaking Snowdonia National Park — surrounded by mountains, sunshine (yes, really) and lots of tea and snacks.

Just the two of us this time, catching up and reflecting on the incredible women we’ve been so lucky to talk to over the past few months. Every guest has brought something different, left us speechless in their own way and reminded us just how powerful shared stories can be.

We chat about our own journeys too — the messy middle of midlife, the things we’ve tried - hello journaling, those hot air balloon moments... the importance of building our batteries for social occasions and how everything is complex... but joy still deserves space.

A big deep breath of an episode — part gratitude, part ramble, all heart.

Show Notes:

If you fancy a scrummy break in Snowdonia - check out the absolute gem Lou and I stayed in here - https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/22712282?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR7DhtTz5tv2tftFOoSySLoysPO2X4MRdCTQztL1GphxXWfy_p9flujsAPIKCg_aem_MUHGTx3zzm9liJtJHCq8Sw&unique_share_id=afdf3a29-ef9e-4f16-ab87-300345f12d86&slcid=7fe52ad9f87b4598bab22565c7f91403&s=42&feature=sharing&channel=com.google.android.apps.docs&slug=2Sgv0diJ&source_impression_id=p3_1746299662_P3ZYofpoeQlVwitT

In this warm and honest episode, a group of longtime friends—now in their 60s and 70s, and well into post-menopause—share their journey through the intense, messy and often misunderstood world of perimenopause. Without using HRT, they faced a tidal wave of symptoms: unbearable breast tenderness, heavy and unpredictable periods, period pain that stopped them in their tracks, brain fog, night sweats, mood swings and more. Wearing white was out of the question and daily life often felt like a guessing game. But what carried them through wasn’t hormone support—it was conversation. Over years of chats, walks, cups of tea and quiet check-ins, they supported each other every step of the way. Now, from the calm on the other side, they reflect with deep gratitude on how friendship got them through.

What happens when PMDD and perimenopause crash into your life before you’ve even hit 40? This week’s guest knows exactly what that’s like — and she’s turning the chaos into art.

She’s a drummer, actor, dancer, film producer and full-blown creative force, navigating hormone hell with humour, heart and a hell of a lot of honesty. From wild mood swings to crushing brain fog, she’s learning to work with her symptoms — not against them — and finding sanity in sisterhood.

She’s raw, radiant and ridiculously real — and she proves that even in the fog, you can still show up, make noise, and own your story.

Tune in and give it up for this bloody marvellous guest. You’re gonna love her.

* Contains some sweary moments! 

Show Notes:

Kelly's band are called Pretty Dirty Rats and formed through the awesome Unglamorous Project. For more info on this blooming marvellous project, head to https://www.stayfreemusic.co.uk/unglamorous/#2024 

'Perimenopause plummeted me.' That’s how Amy describes the early days of her journey—when brain fog, anxiety and emotional overwhelm left her feeling like a stranger to herself. From crying mid-dog walk to struggling to trust her own mind, Amy’s story will resonate with anyone who's found themselves lost in the chaos of midlife change.

For many women, it’s the hormonal shifts of perimenopause that stir up the baggage we’ve been carrying—old stories, unresolved pain and expectations that no longer fit. Still navigating perimenopause, Amy is also doing the deeper work: facing those heavy bags she’s carried and gently putting down what no longer serves her. The emotional baggage that’s been quietly building up now demands to be unpacked and Amy is courageously answering the call.

Through therapy, self-awareness, and a willingness to release that baggage, Amy’s beginning to feel lighter, freer and more aligned with who she is becoming. This episode is a powerful reminder that perimenopause, while challenging, can be the catalyst for shedding the past and embracing a more authentic future.

Show Notes:

Amy's Thoughts...

Japanese Head Spa (for head psoriasis/irritation - or just as a scrummy treat)

Do the inner work, the passive therapies - to lighten the load (Amy experienced positive results using Reiki & Womb Regression with a professional therapist)

Collagen & Protein - https://www.willpowders.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoqe2-RWFa_hlpp-ZEgLmP9zOcOHkC_5bS3HfkKJpK-eip9kBHQ4 

In this episode, we’re talking to Kelly, who’s been navigating the unpredictable world of perimenopause—and let’s just say, it’s been a bit of a ride. Every GP visit means a new brand of HRT, leaving Kelly feeling like she’s stuck in a never-ending cycle of trial and error. But rather than just getting frustrated, she’s using her experiences to raise awareness.

Kelly’s on a mission to get people talking about perimenopause because, frankly, too many people are still clueless about what women go through during this time. With a fire in her belly and a no-holds-barred attitude, she’s not afraid to bang the drum for more recognition and understanding. From fluctuating hormones to the emotional rollercoaster, Kelly is speaking out to anyone who will listen.

This episode is an honest and empowering conversation about why raising awareness is crucial, the misconceptions about perimenopause and how Kelly’s turning her personal journey into a powerful call for change. It’s time we all understood what women go through—and Kelly’s making sure that message gets out.

Show Notes:

Dr Sara Szal on cortisol - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0GQozcTPyO0

Breath, Cycles & Showing Up Anyway

In this episode, we sit down with a woman who’s built a life rooted in presence, practice, and holding space—for herself and others. From guiding breathwork and running retreats to singing in a choir she once felt too nervous to join, her journey is one of quiet strength and deep listening. We talk about living in sync with her body through seed cycling, the grounding power of women’s circles, and how the principles of Nonviolent Communication have helped her connect with more honesty, empathy and self-awareness.

This isn’t a story of overnight transformation—it’s one of real, rhythmic growth, and choosing to show up with compassion, one moment at a time.

Show Notes

Please note this episode contains a few sweary words - so perhaps listen with headphones if you have little people around.

The books we mentioned are:

Non Violent Communication by Marshall Rosenberg 

If Women Rose Rooted by Sharon Blackie

Hagitude by Sharon Blackie

In this episode, we hear the inspiring story of Holly and her journey so far with perimenopause. While there have been challenges along the way, Holly shares how she's navigating the ups and downs and learning to embrace the changes, rediscover herself and stepping into this new chapter with confidence and empowerment. Along the way, Holly delves into Sharon Blackie's Hagitude (a fabulous, empowering read), reflecting on how this philosophy of 'reimagining this second half of life', has deeply resonated with her. Holly's story is a powerful reminder that even in the toughest times, there’s room for growth, transformation, and the opportunity to become the best version of yourself. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation about embracing life’s transitions, finding strength in the process, and discovering the beauty of Hagitude.

Holly also brought along with her, the famous opening from Charles Dickens' novel, A Tale of Two Cities. We challenge you to read it and not think it's about perimenopause!

‘It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of light, it was the season of darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair.”

Show notes:

Hagitude... Reimagining the second half of life by Sharon Blackie. 'There can be a perverse pleasure, as well as a sense of rightness and beauty, in insisting on flowering just when the world expects you to become quiet and diminish.'

In this episode, we’re celebrating our first remote podcast—and we’re pretty happy with how it turned out! Join us as we chat with our guest Lou (not to be confused with host Lou!) about the chaos of perimenopause and beyond. Lou shares her experiences of itchy palms and the unpredictability of this time and how she’s handling that all too common feeling of overwhelm —plus, we talk about the fun of peeing standing up... if only! If you’re navigating the wild ride of midlife, you're not alone. Tune in for plenty of laughs, real talk, and a bit of relief!

Show Notes:

As this was a remote episode, our first one at that - we did lose connection a couple of times. Therefore, where the conversation is a little squiff or possibly a little disjointed, this may be a delay - or just a moment of pure squiffiness! 

In this heartfelt podcast, Carrie shares her personal journey through the challenges of perimenopause and menopause, from battling palpitations that felt like a heart attack, and extreme anxiety, to coping with hot flushes. As she navigated these struggles, Carrie discovered a sense of balance and well-being, ultimately finding that her 50s have been the happiest decade of her life. Through honest storytelling, Carrie explores how embracing the changes, and having the right tools in your toolkit, can lead to newfound strength and peace. Tune in for a raw, relatable look at the realities of perimenopause and menopause, and how one woman learned to thrive through it all!

Show Notes:

Carrie talks about palpitations which felt like she was having a heart attack and for which she had several ECGs to have her heart checked out. As we always state, we are not medical professionals, we are just women sharing their stories. If you're unsure whether you're having a heart attack or palpitations or panic attacks, it's always a good idea to get checked out by your medical professional for your own peace of mind.