Wild, Wise & Curious...

Unpacking the Baggage: The Emotional Work of Letting Go Through Perimenopause

'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 

The HRT Carousel, the Hormone Blame Game and Banging the Drum for All Women!

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

Holding Space; One woman’s journey through cycles, healing and showing up!

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

Unexpected Transitions: Navigating Cancer, Early Menopause and the Lack of Support with Reproductive Health

In this episode, we dive into the powerful journey of Rhonda, who, in her 30s, was thrust into early menopause following cancer treatment - before she had the chance to start a family. Despite facing this unexpected transition, Rhonda was never given the support she needed to process the profound emotional and physical changes, particularly surrounding her reproductive health.
 
This conversation sheds light on the lack of resources and understanding for women going through similar experiences, as well as the need for more compassionate care during such a life altering time. Rhonda's story is a testament to resilience, strength, and the ability to rebuild and thrive, even in the face of profound challenges. We explore the complexities of navigating life after cancer and early menopause, and the importance of support, not just for physical recovery, but for emotional well-being and the personal choices women are often forced to make without adequate guidance.

'It was the best of times, it was the worst of times...' Did Dickens write this about perimenopause?

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.'

A Proper Midlife Rollercoaster... Buckle Up for Itchy Palms and Other Jolly, Little Surprises!

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! 

Sixty-Odd Symptoms? I Count Myself Lucky I've Only Had 59!

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. 
 

A Conversation with Phenomenal Women

Welcome to this special episode,  where today, in celebration of International Women's Day, we’re diving into a powerful and thought-provoking question: What does it mean to be a woman?
We’re chatting with a few incredible women from Norton Housing and Support as they reflect on their personal experiences and what it truly means to be a woman in today’s world. From cleaning to leadership, the phrase 'If not you, then who?' echoes through their stories, embodying the spirit of resilience and empowerment. We’ll also explore what it means to be a ‘phenomenal woman’ in all its unique and diverse forms.
So, grab a cuppa, sit back and relax, and join us for this inspiring conversation and the laughs. Let’s get into it!

Embracing Change: A Journey with Perimenopause, The Coil, Weight Loss, and Wellness

In this episode, we chat with Philippa about her journey with perimenopause. She opens up about how struggling with her weight made her feel low, and how finding ways to address it has been a turning point. Philippa also shares the positive experiences she’s had with the coil, along with hypnotherapy that helped her quit smoking and regain balance. Along the way, she navigated the many symptoms of perimenopause. One exciting highlight? After losing weight with the help of a weight loss medication, she’s planning to revisit Go Ape and climb the treetops with her son. Tune in to hear how Philippa is embracing this new chapter of wellness and feeling empowered along the way.
*Philippa has also asked us to reiterate that using the weight loss medication should only be done by prescription through an authorised provider.
** We also want to remind our listeners that the weight loss medication mentioned in our guest's story is part of their personal experience, and we do not endorse or recommend any specific treatments. The information shared in this episode is for general entertainment purposes only. Please consult with a healthcare professional, like Philippa did, before making any changes to your health regime.
Show notes:
Lou mentioned Jessie Inschauspe's (The Glucose Goddess) YouTube short  - https://m.youtube.com/shorts/NVsfN50J6pQ

Anxiety, a hairy thigh in the sunlight, listening to our own bodies and chasing the stuff that makes us happy!

In this episode we talk to Maria about her experiences of perimenopause. Maria talks to us about her journey from anxiety, rashes on her feet and not tolerating magnesium, to the benefits (to her) of collagen, HRT, exercise and laser hair removal. And as always, there are lots of laughs along the way.
 
Show Notes:
Sindy Bond - https://www.sindybond.com/
Ancient & Brave Collagen -  https://ancientandbrave.earth/
Newson Menopause Clinic - https://www.newsonhealth.co.uk/
Shakti mats discussed available from multiple sellers