Women of a Certain Stage

In this episode, I sit down with Emma Stronell for an inspiring and deeply candid conversation on how personal style, color, and wardrobe confidence can help women navigate the challenges of perimenopause and menopause. Together, we explore how sudden health shifts—such as medical menopause and severe endometriosis—can impact self-esteem, and how clothing can be used as a powerful tool to regain control and identity.

We dive into Emma’s professional journey, from her early passion for design and two-decade career in high-end retail management to facing severe health struggles that altered her life path. Emma shares her personal experience going through medical menopause and seven laparoscopies, the workplace stigma she hid for years, and how training as a menopause coach empowered her to rebuild her confidence. We discuss practical ways to dress for changing bodies, the role of color and fabrics during hot flushes, and how small style shifts can transform how women feel inside and out.

00:00 Episode Introduction

00:37 Early Career in Fashion Retail

03:42 Store Management & Visual Styling

05:27 Endometriosis & Medical Menopause

07:31 Workplace Stigma & Erosion of Confidence

09:16 Career Burnout & Health Challenges

11:34 Self-Advocacy in Healthcare

12:41 Transition to Menopause & Style Coaching

16:34 "Small Hinges Swing Big Doors"

18:10 Personal Styling & Color Analysis

21:43 Underwear, Foundations & Shapewear

23:59 Managing Symptoms with Fabrics & Layering

25:12 Surgical Menopause & Peer Support

28:30 Connecting with Emma Stronell

Connect with Emma Stronell:

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

Meet your host Lauren Chiren

Lauren Chiren is a leading voice in menopause awareness and workplace inclusion, dedicated to ensuring no one navigates menopause alone.

As the Founder and CEO of Women of a Certain Stage, she works with organisations worldwide to create menopause-savvy and supportive environments.

With a background in psychology, sports therapy, and nutrition, and an extensive suite of coaching certifications, Lauren is on a mission to train 20,000 Menopause Coaches and Champions, equipping them with the tools to support individuals and workplaces through this transformative life stage.

Join her as she breaks the silence, challenges the stigma, and empowers people to thrive at midlife and beyond.

About Women of a Certain Stage

We are committed to transforming the menopause experience—both for individuals and the organisations that support them.

Our mission is to empower people through education, advocacy, and expert-led training, ensuring menopause is no longer a barrier to confidence, health, or career success.

Join us and our global network of professionals dedicated to breaking the stigma, improving workplace culture, and ensuring no one navigates menopause alone.

Find out more here: https://www.womenofacertainstage.com/

Connect with Lauren

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

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

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

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

Twitter/X: https://x.com/LaurenChiren

In this episode, I sit down with Vicki Jakes for an insightful conversation about digital marketing, social media, and how they intersect with building a business in the health and wellness space. Together, we break down Vicki's transition from corporate marketing to running her own business, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and the importance of prioritizing sales and visibility.

We dive into Vicki’s professional journey—from working on London-based magazines and big corporate websites to becoming a social media consultant and ad specialist. We explore the balance between organic content and paid advertising, the necessity of appearing on camera to build trust, and the specific challenges of marketing in the menopause space in 2026, where platforms often deprioritize women's health content. Importantly, we discuss practical tips for new business owners to get their name out there and the value of testing different "hooks" and niches on social media.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast & Guest

01:32 Vicki’s Journey: From Publishing and Corporate Websites to Social Media Consultant

03:54 The Challenges of Leaving Corporate for Entrepreneurship

08:07 Fusing Healthcare with Marketing and Understanding Client Needs

13:58 Top Tips for New Business Owners: Prioritizing Sales and Marketing

17:58 Introducing the "Ad Room" and Entry-Level Marketing Strategies

19:51 Organic Content vs. Paid Ads: Finding Your Niche and Hooks

24:06 The Importance of Being on Camera to Showcase Expertise

27:26 Navigating Social Media Censorship in Women's Health and Menopause

30:26 Using Instagram "Trial Reels" for Practice and Testing

31:57 The Best (and Worst) Times of Year to Run Healthcare Ads

34:02 Closing Thoughts: Have Fun with Marketing

Connect with Vicki Jakes:

• LinkedIn: Search for Vicki Jakes
• Instagram: Search for Vicki Jakes (Vicki with an I)
• Membership: The Ad Room

Meet your host Lauren Chiren Lauren Chiren is a leading voice in menopause awareness and workplace inclusion, dedicated to ensuring no one navigates menopause alone. As the Founder and CEO of Women of a Certain Stage, she works with organisations worldwide to create menopause-savvy and supportive environments. With a background in psychology, sports therapy, and nutrition, and an extensive suite of coaching certifications, Lauren is on a mission to train 20,000 Menopause Coaches and Champions, equipping them with the tools to support individuals and workplaces through this transformative life stage. Join her as she breaks the silence, challenges the stigma, and empowers people to thrive at midlife and beyond.

About Women of a Certain Stage We are committed to transforming the menopause experience—both for individuals and the organizations that support them. Our mission is to empower people through education, advocacy, and expert-led training, ensuring menopause is no longer a barrier to confidence, health, or career success. Join us and our global network of professionals dedicated to breaking the stigma, improving workplace culture, and ensuring no one navigates menopause alone. Find out more here: https://www.womenofacertainstage.com/

Connect with Lauren

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenchiren/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themenopausecoach/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WomenOfACertainStage
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@womenofacertainstage
• Twitter/X: https://x.com/LaurenChiren

In this episode, I sit down with Helen Bligh for an eye-opening and deeply insightful conversation about GLP-1 medications (like Ozempic and Mounjaro), weight loss, and how they intersect with menopause. Together, we break down the science, dissect the stigma, and unpack why sustainable health goes so much deeper than simply "calories in, calories out" or relying on willpower alone.

We dive into Helen’s personal and professional journey—from working as a dietician in the NHS and training healthcare professionals in life sciences to her own lived experiences with perimenopause and weight management. We explore how GLP-1s actually work in the body, why they have surged in popularity, and the hidden risks of buying these medications through unverified online providers or gray markets.

Importantly, we address the critical missing link in weight management: behavior change, psychological awareness, and holistic health. Helen shares why GLP-1s should be viewed as a tool for broader health and anti-inflammatory benefits—not just a quick fix—and introduces her book, It Was Never About Willpower. We also touch on shifting trends like microdosing, off-label usage, and what the future of weight management holds for women entering midlife and beyond.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast & Guest

01:03 Helen’s Journey: From NHS Dietician to Life Sciences & Coaching

02:12 Early History and Science of GLP-1 Medications

03:50 The Myth of Willpower and the Stigma Around Weight Loss

04:53 Perimenopause, Mirena Coil, and Misdiagnosed Symptoms

06:59 What Exactly is a GLP-1? How Gut Signaling Hormones Work

08:10 Why GLP-1s Are Surging in Popularity Among Midlife Women

10:00 Food Beliefs, Social Media Myths, and the Joy of Mindful Eating

12:32 The Internalized Stigma and Secrecy Surrounding Weight Loss Drugs

13:40 Online Pharmacies, Unethical Prescribing, and the "Gray Market"

18:06 Beyond Weight Loss: Blood Pressure, Inflammation, and Health Markers

19:57 The Danger of Rapid Weight Loss & Metabolic Slowdown

21:28 Understanding Visceral Fat, Body Composition, and Muscle Retention

24:40 The Future of Weight Management and Women’s Health Research

27:32 Helen’s Mission: Her Book, Group Coaching, and Health Literacy

30:20 "Microdosing" GLP-1s, Fitness Influencers, and Safety Concerns

33:21 Where to Connect with Helen Bligh and Closing Thoughts

• Book: It Was Never About Willpower
• LinkedIn: Helen Bligh on LinkedIn
• Instagram: Helen Bligh on Instagram
• Facebook: Helen Bligh on Facebook

Lauren Chiren is a leading voice in menopause awareness and workplace inclusion, dedicated to ensuring no one navigates menopause alone.

As the Founder and CEO of Women of a Certain Stage, she works with organisations worldwide to create menopause-savvy and supportive environments.

With a background in psychology, sports therapy, and nutrition, and an extensive suite of coaching certifications, Lauren is on a mission to train 20,000 Menopause Coaches and Champions, equipping them with the tools to support individuals and workplaces through this transformative life stage.

Join her as she breaks the silence, challenges the stigma, and empowers people to thrive at midlife and beyond.

We are committed to transforming the menopause experience—both for individuals and the organisations that support them.

Our mission is to empower people through education, advocacy, and expert-led training, ensuring menopause is no longer a barrier to confidence, health, or career success.

Join us and our global network of professionals dedicated to breaking the stigma, improving workplace culture, and ensuring no one navigates menopause alone.

Find out more here: https://www.womenofacertainstage.com/

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenchiren/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themenopausecoach/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WomenOfACertainStage
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@womenofacertainstage
• Twitter/X: https://x.com/LaurenChiren

In this episode, I sit down with Rebecca Cooper—the very first dual certified menopause coach and menopause trainer with Women of a Certain Stage. Together, we discuss her personal journey navigating early menopause and hysterectomy in her late 30s, as well as how her 20 years of HR experience inspired her to advocate for better support in the workplace.

We explore the urgent need to retain female talent, particularly within STEM and male-dominated industries, where women often leave around age 44. Rebecca breaks down why addressing menopause support isn't just about compliance or policy—it's a critical commercial differentiator that impacts culture, talent retention, and the bottom line.

We dive deep into the UK government's upcoming requirement for Menopause Action Plans for larger employers, shifting the conversation from simple tick-box exercises like handing out desk fans to implementing meaningful internal infrastructure, line management training, and continuous measurement.

And… for a fun peek behind the curtain, you’ll hear about Rebecca's "many paws" at home, how shifting her daily working schedule restored her energy, and why saying "yes" to a spontaneous 10-minute talk sparked a brand-new path in community workshops.

Timestamps

• 00:00 Introduction & Welcome to the First Dual Certified Coach and Trainer
• 01:22 Rebecca’s Personal Journey: Early Menopause & Workplace Challenges
• 03:45 Supporting Women in STEM and Male-Dominated Industries
• 05:23 Engaging Employers and Focusing on Female Retention
• 08:30 The Average Age Women Leave Engineering Roles
• 09:44 Why Formal Qualifications & Credibility Matter
• 11:08 What UK Employers Need to Know About Menopause Action Plans 2027
• 14:13 The Importance of Employee Surveys and Open Conversations
• 15:15 Stepping Out of the Comfort Zone: Community Talks & Local Workshops
• 18:33 Building Confidence, Energy, and Community Connection
• 20:38 Small Lifestyle Wins: Hydration and Restructuring the Work Day
• 22:09 Preview of the Upcoming Authority Maker Programme
• 22:53 Life Outside Work: Dogs, Books, and Managing Energy
• 25:18 Closing Thoughts and How to Connect

Connect with Rebecca:

• LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccacooperhr/

Lauren Chiren is a leading voice in menopause awareness and workplace inclusion, dedicated to ensuring no one navigates menopause alone.

As the Founder and CEO of Women of a Certain Stage, she works with organisations worldwide to create menopause-savvy and supportive environments.

With a background in psychology, sports therapy, and nutrition, and an extensive suite of coaching certifications, Lauren is on a mission to train 20,000 Menopause Coaches and Champions, equipping them with the tools to support individuals and workplaces through this transformative life stage.

Join her as she breaks the silence, challenges the stigma, and empowers people to thrive at midlife and beyond.

We are committed to transforming the menopause experience—both for individuals and the organisations that support them.

Our mission is to empower people through education, advocacy, and expert-led training, ensuring menopause is no longer a barrier to confidence, health, or career success.

Join us and our global network of professionals dedicated to breaking the stigma, improving workplace culture, and ensuring no one navigates menopause alone.

Find out more here: https://www.womenofacertainstage.com/

Connect with Lauren

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenchiren/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themenopausecoach/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WomenOfACertainStage
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@womenofacertainstage
• Twitter/X: https://x.com/LaurenChiren

In this episode, I sit down with former NBA star Cuttino "Cat" Mobley for a candid conversation about fatherhood, discipline, and what it really means to listen. Cuttino opens up about the "tough love" upbringing that shaped him — two father figures who taught him that easy choices now lead to hard consequences later, and vice versa.

We dig into how becoming a father shifted his sense of purpose, why he believes children need boundaries as much as love, and how the lessons from his own childhood — "you can make all the mistakes you want, but you don't get to choose the consequences" — now guide how he parents his own four children across very different life stages.

We also explore the tension between ego and purpose, why he believes the goal is to put purpose before ego as you mature, and his philosophy on facing life's storms head-on rather than running from them — the cow versus the buffalo.

It's a warm, reflective conversation about presence, patience, and the quiet discipline of learning to really listen — to your kids, and to yourself.

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction

00:37 Welcome and Opening Reflections

01:01 How Fatherhood Changed His Perspective

01:29 Growing Up with Two Fathers and Tough Love

02:03 Structure, Discipline, and Life in the NBA

02:28 "There's Hard and There's Easy" — Choosing Your Path

02:53 Learning to Listen as a Parent

03:20 Parenting Kids at Different Ages and Stages

03:47 Living with Purpose vs. Living Without Responsibility

04:06 Shadow Work and Self-Awareness as a Parent

04:26 Balancing Coaching Others with Parenting at Home

05:07 Setting Boundaries with Your Own Children

05:23 Owning Your Mistakes and Their Consequences

06:04 Balancing a Full Life Across Different Roles

06:16 The Pavlov's Bell Analogy — Breaking Cycles of Catering

06:55 Making Boundaries Like a "Hot Pot"

07:16 Teaching Kids to Manage Boundaries Early

08:06 Empathy, Ego, and Perspective in Children

08:21 Defining Success Today

08:39 Ego Before Purpose, Then Purpose Before Ego

09:03 The Meryl Streep Analogy on Self-Assurance

09:29 The Cow and the Buffalo — Facing the Storm

09:57 Closing Thoughts

Connect with Cuttino Mobley:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/cuttino-mobley-94a8b0b0/

In this episode, I sit down with JT Foxx — the world's #1 wealth and business coach — for a refreshingly honest conversation about what it actually takes to build a coaching business from the ground up. JT has never taken menopause coach training himself, but as someone who has shared stages with me at the Sydney Opera House and events around the world, he's seen firsthand how big an issue menopause has become in workplaces globally.

We dig into the real fundamentals of building a personal brand, why "brutal honesty" beats chasing approval every time, and why so many new coaches get stuck trying to convince clients of what they think the problem is instead of listening to what the client actually wants solved. JT also breaks down his "three-three rule" for pricing and building a client base from scratch, and shares his take on where AI fits into starting a business today.

Whether you're a newly certified Menopause Coach or Champion stepping into business for the first time, or an established entrepreneur looking to sharpen your branding, this conversation is packed with straight-talking, practical advice.

In this episode we cover:

00:00 Introduction

00:37 JT's relationship to menopause coaching — and why he's never taken the training

01:31 Branding as the first step to being taken seriously in business

03:31 Why "all press is good press" isn't always true

03:49 Doing the work yourself before trying to teach it

04:12 Giving clients what they want vs. what you think the problem is

05:42 "Brutal honesty" and why people want the truth — as long as they agree with it

05:47 Documenting the journey and using YouTube to build trust

06:00 Where AI fits in for new entrepreneurs

06:17 The "three-three rule" for pricing your services

07:00 Why track record and proof matter more than confidence alone

Meet JT Foxx

JT Foxx is a global entrepreneur, investor, and business coach who has built and partnered with businesses across more than 50 countries, and worked alongside billionaires, world leaders, and public figures. Long known as the "World's #1 Wealth & Business Coach," JT has more recently turned his focus toward AI-driven business transformation, helping companies integrate AI infrastructure to scale faster. YouTubeYouTube

Connect with JT Foxx:

Website | jtfoxx.com

Instagram | @jtfoxxofficial

Facebook | JT Foxx Official

YouTube | JT Foxx

Meet your host Lauren Chiren

Lauren Chiren is a leading voice in menopause awareness and workplace inclusion, dedicated to ensuring no one navigates menopause alone. As the Founder and CEO of Women of a Certain Stage, she works with organisations worldwide to create menopause-savvy and supportive environments. With a background in psychology, sports therapy, and nutrition, and an extensive suite of coaching certifications, Lauren is on a mission to train 20,000 Menopause Coaches and Champions.

About Women of a Certain Stage

We are committed to transforming the menopause experience — for individuals and the organisations that support them. Our mission is to empower people through education, advocacy, and expert-led training, ensuring menopause is no longer a barrier to confidence, health, or career success.

Find out more: https://www.womenofacertainstage.com/

Connect with Lauren:

LinkedIn | linkedin.com/in/laurenchiren

Instagram | @themenopausecoach

Facebook | Women of a Certain Stage

YouTube | @womenofacertainstage

Twitter/X | @LaurenChiren

In this episode, I sit down with licensed therapist and private practice owner Jennifer for a warm, wide-ranging conversation about menopause, mental health, and the power of slowing down. We talk about her path from solo counselor to running a practice with eight clinicians, and how the skills she built through the Menopause Coach Diploma helped shape that growth.

Jennifer opens up about her own early menopause at 41, the isolation she felt before finding community, and how a COVID infection years later unexpectedly intensified her menopause symptoms. We dig into the mental health side of menopause that often gets overlooked — anxiety, identity shifts, and the pressure so many high-achieving women put on themselves — and why Jennifer now centers her work, and her own life, around slowing down.

We also get into the practical side of running a private practice: referral sources, hiring her first VA, navigating US insurance and state licensure, and the ongoing challenge of keeping therapy chairs filled. And we talk about why a community — having a tribe that simply understands — can be just as healing as any clinical intervention.

00:00 Introduction and Catching Up

01:08 From Solo Practice to Eight Clinicians

02:45 A Holistic, Broad-Based Practice

05:08 Blending Coaching Skills with Counseling

07:36 Finding the Confidence to Bring People In

09:13 How Women Use Menopause Coach Training

09:36 Building Referral Relationships

10:55 Splitting the Week as a Business Owner

12:27 Designing a Business Around Your Own Life

14:15 A UK Heatwave Tangent

16:19 The Power of Slowing Down

16:52 Rediscovering Community in Midlife

18:24 The Next Five to Ten Years

19:36 Becoming a Continuing Education Provider

20:16 Navigating US Insurance and State Licensure

22:11 Biggest Business Challenge: Filling Therapy Chairs

23:49 Going Broad vs. Going Deep

26:47 Key Takeaways from the Menopause Coach Diploma

26:59 Early Menopause at 41

28:23 How COVID Worsened Menopause Symptoms

30:25 Closing Thoughts: The Message of Slowing Down

In this episode, I sit down with Bridgette — known to everyone as Bee — for an honest, heartfelt, and deeply inspiring conversation about what happens when multiple sclerosis and perimenopause collide. Bee shares her remarkable journey from being completely bedbound to completing the Great North Run, and how lifestyle changes, community, and a refusal to give up transformed her life.

We unpack the frustration of being told "you're too young" for perimenopause while already managing an MS diagnosis, and why the medical system so often fails women when two complex conditions overlap. We explore how nutrition, movement, hydration, and self-compassion became Bee's most powerful tools — and why consistency beat intensity every single time.

We also talk about Bee's transition from dog groomer to menopause coach, the creation of her group coaching programme The Hive, and why she believes no woman should have to navigate menopause — or MS — without a community around her.

And if you've ever struggled to say no, invest in yourself, or ask for help… this episode is for you.

00:00 Introduction

00:37 When MS and Perimenopause Hit at the Same Time

03:00 Getting the MS Diagnosis First — and Perimenopause Being Overlooked

04:25 What Support from the MS Team Actually Looked Like

05:08 Disease-Modifying Treatments and the Quality of Life Cost

07:26 Going Medication-Free and What Made the Difference

09:11 The Psychological Impact of Chronic Illness

10:00 Duvet Days, Fatigue, and Learning to Rest Without Guilt

12:07 MRI Results and Where Bee Is Today

13:15 The Decision to Train as a Menopause Coach

15:34 From Fence-Sitting to Full Commitment

16:30 Finding Fulfillment Beyond the Dog Grooming Salon

20:36 Lifestyle Changes Before and During the Diploma

22:16 Small, Consistent Changes That Moved the Needle

23:43 From Bedbound to the Great North Run

26:19 Running for MS and Menopause — Raising Money and Awareness

28:00 The Power of Atmosphere, Community, and a Good Partner

29:15 Building The Hive — A Group Coaching Programme

31:00 Why Community at Midlife Is So Powerful

32:44 What Makes the Women of a Certain Stage Diploma Stand Out

36:57 What's Next — Events, Radio, and Marketing the Hell Out of It

40:42 It's Okay Not to Be Okay — Invest in Yourself

43:05 The NHS Mindset and Why We Struggle to Pay for Our Own Health

44:28 Why the Menopause Plan Matters Whether You Take HRT or Not

45:03 Hydration, Energy Protection, and Learning to Say No

47:44 Closing Thoughts

Connect with Bee:

LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/bridgette-lowe-a9912869/

Connect with Lauren:

LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenchiren/

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/themenopausecoach/

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/WomenOfACertainStage

YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@womenofacertainstage

Twitter/X | https://x.com/LaurenChiren

About Women of a Certain Stage

We are committed to transforming the menopause experience — both for individuals and the organisations that support them. Our mission is to empower people through education, advocacy, and expert-led training, ensuring menopause is no longer a barrier to confidence, health, or career success.

Find out more: https://www.womenofacertainstage.com/

In this episode, Lauren sits down with Viola, a Singapore-based menopause coach and IT sales professional, for a fascinating and eye-opening conversation about what menopause looks like in Asia — and why so many women there are suffering in silence.

Together, they explore how cultural attitudes, diet, lifestyle, and limited access to menopause-specific healthcare are shaping the experience of women going through perimenopause and menopause in Singapore and across Southeast Asia. Viola shares her personal journey — from discovering perimenopause through her research into anti-inflammatory nutrition, to completing the Menopause Coach Diploma and now supporting women in her community through education, coaching, and workplace advocacy.

We dive into the fascinating differences in symptom profiles between Asian and Western women, the role of a high-carb diet in menopause experiences, and why joint pain — not hot flashes — tends to top the list for women in Singapore. We also explore the healthcare landscape in Singapore, from the role of GPs and specialists to the Women's Hospital Wellness Centre, and why MHT remains largely out of reach for many women without specialist referral.

Viola also opens up about the generational silence around menopause, the dual pressures of work and family life, and why she believes it takes courage and wisdom to age well. And she shares some brilliant advice for men — both partners and line managers — on how they can show up and truly support the women in their lives.

00:00 Introduction

01:03 Viola's journey into menopause awareness and coaching

02:13 How perimenopause sparked a passion for nutrition and lifestyle

03:25 Working in IT sales and connecting with HR professionals

04:28 Bringing menopause into the workplace — and the men who dial out

05:13 Menopause symptoms in Singapore vs. the West — joint pain, sleep, and anxiety

06:39 Diet differences — high-carb Asian diets and the impact on menopause

08:07 How Viola is using her Menopause Coach Diploma in practice

09:00 Offering 15-minute clarity calls and pro bono coaching

10:11 Collaborating with nutritionists and doctors for International Women's Day talks

12:20 Healthcare in Singapore — GPs, specialists, and the Women's Wellness Centre

13:39 Standard health checks, DEXA scans, and the cholesterol conversation

15:52 MHT in Singapore — how it's accessed and viewed

16:31 Testosterone — available for men only (for now)

17:08 Key takeaways from the Menopause Coach Diploma

18:24 Average age of menopause in Singapore — and the juggle of work, family, and symptoms

19:01 Viola's dream for menopause advocacy in her own workplace

20:09 What men need to know about menopause — and Viola's husband's response

22:19 Advice for male line managers and the case for flexible work arrangements

23:53 Comparing lifestyles across generations — Viola's mum cycling 80km a day

25:12 Genital urinary symptoms and the silence of older generations

26:12 Viola's big dream — and why she coaches pro bono for now

27:38 Closing wisdom: it takes courage and wisdom to age well

Connect with Viola:

LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/viola-yau-v0500y/

(Please update with Viola's actual social media links)

Meet your host Lauren Chiren

Lauren Chiren is a leading voice in menopause awareness and workplace inclusion, dedicated to ensuring no one navigates menopause alone.

As the Founder and CEO of Women of a Certain Stage, she works with organisations worldwide to create menopause-savvy and supportive environments.

With a background in psychology, sports therapy, and nutrition, and an extensive suite of coaching certifications, Lauren is on a mission to train 20,000 Menopause Coaches and Champions, equipping them with the tools to support individuals and workplaces through this transformative life stage.

Join her as she breaks the silence, challenges the stigma, and empowers people to thrive at midlife and beyond.

About Women of a Certain Stage

We are committed to transforming the menopause experience — both for individuals and the organisations that support them.

Our mission is to empower people through education, advocacy, and expert-led training, ensuring menopause is no longer a barrier to confidence, health, or career success.

Join us and our global network of professionals dedicated to breaking the stigma, improving workplace culture, and ensuring no one navigates menopause alone.

Find out more here: https://www.womenofacertainstage.com/

Connect with Lauren

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

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

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

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

Twitter/X: https://x.com/LaurenChiren

In this episode, I sit down with Sam Anderson for an honest, warm, and often laugh-out-loud conversation about what it's really like to support a partner through perimenopause — from the male perspective. Sam, a lecturer, menopause champion, and author of The A to Z Guide for Us Idiots, shares how his partner's experience with brain fog sent him on a journey of training, learning, and ultimately writing one of the first books on perimenopause written by a man, for men.

Together, we unpack why communication is the single most powerful tool a man can have, why so many men make it about themselves when it really isn't, and how showing up without trying to fix everything can completely transform a relationship during this stage of life.

We explore the dynamics of male menopause support groups, where intimacy and sex dominate the conversation, and why the men who communicate openly with their partners fare so much better than those who don't. We also talk about the importance of early education, the growing menopause market, and the very real problem of misinformation — from Instagram influencers to menopause-branded chocolate bars.

And yes — there's a blooper moment tucked in there too, because even the most important conversations come with a little real life thrown in.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

01:16 Sam's Personal Journey into Perimenopause Awareness

02:22 Becoming One of Scotland's First Male Menopause Champions

06:59 Writing The A to Z Guide for Us Idiots

09:01 Self-Publishing and Finding the Right Title

12:03 Sex, Intimacy, and Staying Close When Everything Feels Different

13:50 Support: Showing Up Without Acting Like a Hero

17:38 Inside Male Menopause Support Groups

20:13 Communication as the Key to Getting Through It Together

25:15 Hormonal Decline in Men — and Why Nobody Wants to Talk About It

27:17 What Should Have Been Taught Earlier — Education and Awareness

29:49 Menopause in the Classroom and the Workplace

31:22 The Menopause Market, Misinformation, and Menowashing

36:13 The 10 Do's and Don'ts Every Partner Needs to Read

41:19 Sam's Next Projects — Including a Children's Book Series

45:08 Final Thoughts and Where to Find Sam's Book

Connect with Sam:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-anderson-822480a9/

Meet your host Lauren Chiren

Lauren Chiren is a leading voice in menopause awareness and workplace inclusion, dedicated to ensuring no one navigates menopause alone.

As the Founder and CEO of Women of a Certain Stage, she works with organisations worldwide to create menopause-savvy and supportive environments.

With a background in psychology, sports therapy, and nutrition, and an extensive suite of coaching certifications, Lauren is on a mission to train 20,000 Menopause Coaches and Champions, equipping them with the tools to support individuals and workplaces through this transformative life stage.

Join her as she breaks the silence, challenges the stigma, and empowers people to thrive at midlife and beyond.

About Women of a Certain Stage

We are committed to transforming the menopause experience — both for individuals and the organisations that support them.

Our mission is to empower people through education, advocacy, and expert-led training, ensuring menopause is no longer a barrier to confidence, health, or career success.

Join us and our global network of professionals dedicated to breaking the stigma, improving workplace culture, and ensuring no one navigates menopause alone.

Find out more here: https://www.womenofacertainstage.com/

Connect with Lauren

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

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

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

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