Can the right foods really ease your menopause journey?

In this episode of Owning Your Menopause, I’m joined by Emma Bardwell – registered nutritionist, bestselling author, and one of the UK’s leading voices in women’s health. Emma shares a refreshingly practical, evidence-based approach to eating well during perimenopause and menopause.

From gut health to weight management, Emma explains how small, sustainable dietary changes can make a big difference to energy, mood, and long-term wellbeing. With her trademark clarity and no-nonsense style, she offers tools you can start using right away to feel more in control of your health.

What You’ll Learn:

- Gut Health Matters – Why upping your protein, fibre and plant-based foods can ease symptoms and boost resilience.

- Keep It Simple – The power of sustainable, personalised habits over restrictive diets.

- Test and Tweak – How Emma’s 8–12 week experiment approach helps you discover what really works for your body.

Emma Bardwell is a registered nutritionist, health writer and author of The Perimenopause Solution and The 30g Plan.

As well as her one-to-one clinic, Emma runs Menopause In The Workplace sessions that are open to all. Marrying the latest research with a decade of expertise and experience, she help organisations break down barriers to build a culture of understanding and inclusiveness.

Owning Your Menopause is produced by Urban Podcasts.

What if transforming your relationship with food could lead to a healthier, more confident you during menopause?

In this episode of Owning Your Menopause, I sit down with Sarah Wrigglesworth, a psychotherapist with over two decades of experience helping women navigate weight management. Sarah shares her compassionate, evidence-based approach to overcoming emotional eating, improving body image, and fostering sustainable change, offering practical strategies for lasting wellness during menopause.

What You’ll Learn

- Master Emotional Triggers: Learn to identify and reframe emotional patterns that drive overeating, building healthier habits for life.

- Embrace Self-Compassion: Discover why nurturing a kinder relationship with your body is key to boosting confidence and resilience.

- Harness the Power of Therapy: Understand how professional support can uncover root causes of challenges and support long-term weight management goals.

Sarah’s empathetic and insightful guidance empowers you to embrace your body with kindness, paving the way for a vibrant, confident menopause journey.

Sarah Wrigglesworth, MBACP
Sarah is a qualified and experienced psychotherapist who has supported thousands of women through the complex challenges of weight, wellness, and life transitions such as menopause. A popular public speaker, she also leads a wide range of courses and support groups. With a calm, insightful presence, Sarah helps clients uncover their own answers, empowering them to create a more sustainable, compassionate relationship with their bodies.

Passionate about helping women find peace with their past, shift unhelpful patterns, and reconnect with their inner strength, Sarah offers a space for healing that goes beyond quick fixes. Her work supports clients in moving forward with clarity, confidence, and self-trust.

You can follow Sarah on Instagram here

Sarah is a guest speaker at Kate’s upcoming weight management focused day retreat The Shift.

Owning Your Menopause is produced by Urban Podcasts.

What if menopause could spark a new wave of strength and confidence?

In this episode of Owning Your Menopause, I sit down with Gemma Atkinson, a beloved TV and radio presenter turned fitness inspiration. Now in her early 40s, Gemma shares her vibrant journey through menopause, discussing how she balances motherhood, fitness, and her exciting new venture, Gem & Tonic.

Key Moments

- Fitness for Balance: Gemma shares how workouts keep energy high and menopause symptoms at bay.

- Mindset Shift: We explore how by reframing menopause as a fresh chapter boosts confidence and joy.

- Community Support: We share the importance of connecting with others and how ithelps navigate this life stage with ease.

Gemma’s infectious energy inspires us to tackle menopause with strength, laughter, and a sense of adventure.

Host of weekdays on Hits Radio Drive Time, Gemma's a firm favourite on the airwaves and now hosts her own podcast 'The Overshare with Gemma Atkinson', the first series reaching number 1 in the Apple Podcast charts with over 500k downloads and over 11 million impressions on the podcast's social accounts. Series 2 is already out!  In 2023/24 Gemma and her partner Gorka Marquez filmed two hugely popular Docuseries for W Channel UKTV with their family,  'Life Behind the Lens' packed with honest, relatable, unfiltered family moments.

With over 2 million followers online she regularly works with brands that align with her ethos and passions including Symprove, All Plants, Holland & Barrett as well as household names such as eBay, Vodafone, Purina, Hamleys, SKY, Reebok to name but a few.  Gemma's also written 4 books, 'The Ultimate Body Plan', 'The Ultimate Body Plan for New Mums' and children's books 'Dogs Don't Dance' & 'Let's Get Ready'.

Owning Your Menopause is produced by Urban Podcasts.

What if menopause could ignite your joy and purpose? In this episode of Owning Your Menopause, Claire Kaye, a former GP turned career and confidence coach, shares her journey from burnout to reinvention. She offers practical tools to help women navigate menopause with clarity, reclaim confidence, and thrive through journaling, career shifts, and self-compassion.

What You’ll Learn
- Confidence Boosters: Practical tools to overcome midlife self-doubt.
- Career Reinvention: Navigating menopause-driven career shifts with purpose.
- Community Power: Building support networks for a vibrant menopause journey.

With practical advice rooted in her coaching framework, Claire offers tools to rethink workplace dynamics and find calm through exercise and self-compassion.

Claire’s story is a beacon for embracing midlife with courage and authenticity.

About Claire

Dr Claire Kaye helps women cut through the noise, rediscover confidence, define career clarity, and take back control.

A former award-winning GP turned Career & Confidence Coach, Claire knows firsthand how powerful the right support can be.

She offers everything from self-coaching tools through to one-to-one personalised support, including one-to-one coaching, group coaching, seminars and workshops, all designed to create real, lasting change. Claire’s practical insights are the catalyst for transformation, helping women overcome obstacles, redefine success and build fulfilling careers and lives that truly work for them.
This autumn, Claire is launching her brand new RISE Approach course for women who feel stuck, overwhelmed or unsure of what’s next. This two week online self-coaching programme, based on her proven RISE framework — Recognise, Investigate, Strengthen, Empower — helps women figure out what they really want, rebuild confidence, and get clear on their next steps without the stress and noise getting in the way. Sign up to her newsletter here to join the early course access list. She is also working on her upcoming book.

Alongside this, Claire shares her popular #careerinspiration live series on Instagram and her free newsletter, packed with VIP discounts, freebies, motivation and practical tips.

Follow Claire on Instagram and LinkedIn for motivation, inspiration and FREE self-coaching tools.
You can also visit her website at drclairekaye.com to find out more

Owning Your Menopause is produced by Urban Podcasts.

Imagine swapping a big career for marathons and comedy in midlife. I’m with Gaby Huddart, former Good Housekeeping editor-in-chief and a voice for women over 40. In this episode, we dive into her shift from journalism to chasing passions—running, facing fears, and redefining midlife. Gaby’s stories of interviewing stars like Judi Dench and Michelle Obama show how storytelling fuels purpose.

We chat about the shift from print to digital media and how women are living bolder, for longer. Gaby’s opens up about her confidence, finding joy in exercise and music, and why journaling and self-kindness spark clarity.

Gaby Huddart is an award-winning journalist, speaker, event host and celebrity interviewer. Previously Editor-in-Chief of Good Housekeeping, the nation's biggest selling women's magazine, and Editorial Director of the entire Hearst UK lifestyle portfolio, also including Red and Prima magazines, she is one of the UK's leading experts on women over 40.  She writes regular articles on pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in midlife, including for The Times and Daily Telegraph. Gaby is current holder of the British Society of Magazine Editors prestigious Mark Boxer Award, which recognises an outstanding contribution to magazine journalism.

You can follow Gaby on Instagram

Owning Your Menopause is produced by Urban Podcasts.

What if menopause could be a time of awakening, not isolation? In this episode of Owning Your Menopause, Emma Neville, founder of This is Me, shares her journey with premature ovarian insufficiency at 40. She talks brain fog, low moods, and the emotional hit of early menopause during lockdown as a mom, finding strength through hormone replacement therapy and a community that shows no woman should face this alone.

Emma gets real about perimenopause’s guilt and loneliness but inspires by embracing her “wise woman years.” She’s turned her experience into a mission with her PAUSE framework, workplace tips, and lifestyle tweaks like Pilates and magnesium, encouraging women to learn, connect, and rediscover their strength at this life stage.

Emma Neville is a mum to two teenage girls, a person-centred counsellor, a philanthropist who volunteers for numerous charities and a qualified menopause coach.

Emma experienced an early menopause aged 40 after being diagnosed with premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). The average age of menopause in the UK is 51.

Receiving this diagnosis encouraged Emma to research the topic to gain an understanding of the phases of menopause. Emma then studied to become a menopause coach.

Emma started an online community 'This is Me’ to share her story and to encourage everyone to talk about menopause to change the rhetoric!

Let’s be the generation to make menopause matter.

Emma's Instagram.

Emma's LinkedIn.

Owning Your Menopause is produced by Urban Podcasts.

Debbie Wosskow OBE is a multi-exit entrepreneur, investor, and leading advocate for women in business. Best known as the founder of Love Home Swap, inspired by the film The Holiday, she scaled the platform to over 100,000 properties worldwide before selling it for $53 million in 2017.

A passionate supporter of female entrepreneurship, she co-founded AllBright, a global career network for women, and now co-chairs the Invest in Women Taskforce, a government-backed initiative unlocking £250m in funding for female-led businesses.

After a burn-out related health scare revealed she was in perimenopause, she launched The Better Menopause, a science-led supplements brand developed with doctors, to support and empower women through hormonal transition. Its gut-health focused approach and award-winning probiotic has won high-profile fans and a growing following.

She hosts the Grit & Grace podcast, sits on the board of Channel 4, advises McKinsey & Company, and chairs the Development Board of The Women’s Prize for Fiction.

Owning Your Menopause is produced by Urban Podcasts.

In this deeply personal episode, I sit down with my mother, Anna, and my daughter, Sophie, to trace the evolving landscape of women’s health through three generations. Anna opens up about her perimenopause journey in an era when such topics were shrouded in silence. Sophie, in contrast, shares her generation’s open dialogue about periods, mental health, and body image, free from the stigma that once weighed heavily.

From Anna’s 1970s fitness craze, driven by the pursuit of thinness, to Sophie’s advocacy for menopause awareness and holistic well-being, we uncover how perspectives on health have transformed. Through honest stories and heartfelt reflections, this conversation is a tribute to the women who’ve shaped me, bridging past and present to pave the way for a healthier, more empowered future.

Owning Your Menopause is produced by Urban Podcasts.

Feeling drained, mistaking burnout for menopause, or trapped in relentless stress? In this episode of the Owning Your Menopause podcast, I am joined by Kelly Swingler, burnout expert and founder of The Chrysalis Crew. Kelly shares her raw, powerful story: collapsing in agony from a toxic job, ignoring her body’s cries until her sons pleaded, “Mum, your job’s killing you.” Once an HR leader, she’s now a fierce advocate for human-first workplaces, speaking directly to midlife women balancing work, family, and hormonal shifts.

We dive into how burnout and menopause symptoms blur, fuelled by societal expectations and outdated work cultures. Kelly makes it clear: burnout isn’t your fault, it’s systemic, often rooted in misaligned values. She shares practical steps to set boundaries, release impossible standards, and advocate for change.

Find out more about Kelly’s work here and connect with her on LinkedIn.

Owning Your Menopause is produced by Urban Podcasts.

Can colourful, whole foods transform your menopause experience? In this episode, Dr. Linia Patel, a dietitian and author of Food for Menopause, shares clear, science-backed advice with her PhD expertise and no-fluff approach.

Together, we explore how menopause shifts your body’s needs; gut health, blood sugar, and inflammation, and how to eat well without restrictive diets.

Ditching fads, Linia promotes a vibrant diet rich in fibre, offering practical tips on fasting, protein, pre-workout nutrition and breaking free from yo-yo dieting’s emotional strain.

Learn more with Dr Linia Patel (PhD), RD, MBDA

Linia is a leading Dietitian, Sports Nutritionist and public health researcher with extensive experience in several nutrition settings including women’s health, performance nutrition, corporate wellness and public health. She also has a PhD in Public Health. Her passion is translating nutritional science into easy-to-digest and practical advice. She is the author of the bestselling book Food for Menopause. Outside of work Linia is a big foodie and loves to socialise over good (and nutritious!) food.

Buy Linia's book.

Join Midlife Mastery.

Owning Your Menopause is produced by Urban Podcasts.

How can we reframe aging and menopause as a vibrant, bold chapter instead of a decline? In this episode, I sit down with Georgia Zaris, a former actress turned speaker and content creator who’s smashing midlife myths. Georgia’s journey—from battling self-doubt in a cutthroat industry to embracing midlife with authenticity—hits hard. Having faced cancer, a hysterectomy, and menopause, she’s living with humour, grit, and a fierce rejection of society’s “fading worth” narrative.

We explore the messy beauty of midlife: gender health gaps, the backhanded “you look good for your age,” and why blaming menopause for everything might hold us back. Georgia shares practical tools—drawn from her own struggles and wins. She cuts through the noise, urging us to trust our bodies and the wisdom we’ve earned. This isn’t about surviving midlife; it’s about owning it, unapologetically.

Follow Georgia on Instagram.

Owning Your Menopause is produced by Urban Podcasts.

In this episode of Owning Your Menopause, I sit down with Shakira Akabusi—pre and postnatal fitness guru, Mum of four, and founder of Strong Like Mum—who, after twins via caesarean and battling anxiety, is on a mission to empower women through movement, with strength training as her go-to for tougher bones, calmer minds, and owning pregnancy, postpartum, and perimenopause.

We unpack Move the Gap, our collab with Jenny Stout and Shakira’s pull-up-master Mum, smashing the gender health gap with real strength at any age.

Shakira keeps it raw: listen to your body, embrace the chaos, and thrive. No fluff—just honest, inspiring talk for anyone juggling life’s wild ride.

Learn more about Shakira here.

Owning Your Menopause is produced by Urban Podcasts.

How does a cancer diagnosis at 39, with triplets in tow and medically induced menopause, redefine resilience? I sit down with Emma Campbell, speaker, author, podcast host and long-term cancer survivor, for her raw, unfiltered story. From necrotising fasciitis after her first child to recurrent miscarriages, then breast cancer just six months after triplets, she’snavigated a 15-year journey of survival, recurrence, and hope.

Emma reveals how she faces the fear and mental toll of being a ‘patient for life,’ the unspoken struggles of menopause after treatment, like intimacy challenges and a body she barely knows, and how running marathons became her lifeline.

Emma Campbell is a speaker, author, podcast host, and content creator with a passion for inspiring others to rise above life’s toughest challenges. As a long-term cancer survivor, she illuminates what’s possible—even in the face of adversity—offering hope and guidance to those navigating their own difficult journeys, whatever form they may take.

With honesty, vulnerability, and an unshakable belief in the limitless potential within us all, Emma encourages people to rise, thrive, and live bold, beautiful, and joyful lives—no matter the challenges that come their way.

Follow Emma on Instagram, and listen to her podcast.

Contribute to Emma’s Just Giving marathon efforts in aid of the BowelBabe Fund.

Owning Your Menopause is produced by Urban Podcasts.

Why is menopause still so misunderstood? In this episode of Owning Your Menopause, I sit down with Dr. Aziza Sesay, a GP with over 10 years of experience and a passionate advocate for women’s health. She’s a doctor, storyteller, and educator who’s worked from Sierra Leone to her own practice, breaking taboos with every chat. 

We dig into the messy truth of menopause-why it blindsides so many, how cultural stigmas hush women up and what we can do about it. Dr. Sesay shares real talk, from teaching her daughter to say ‘vulva’ loud and proud to tackling the gender health gap that leaves us in the dark. With raw honesty and practical tips, she fuels a push for better education. More than just symptoms, this is a call to embrace menopause with grit and clarity.

Dr. Aziza Sesay is a multi-award winning GP, Educator, Honorary Senior Clinical Lecturer and medical broadcaster celebrated for her contributions to health education, awareness, and advocacy. As the founder of "Talks with Dr. Sesay," she empowers audiences with evidence-based health information, focusing on women’s health, cancer awareness, mental health, and health inequity. Dr. Sesay serves as Vice Chair and Creative Director of Black Female Doctors UK and is an Ambassador for leading health charities, including The Eve Appeal and Wellbeing of Women. Featured in major media outlets, she is a regular GP on BBC Breakfast. She has also collaborated with numerous organisations including NHS England, the Department of Health, YouTube Health, and WHO, contributing to national and global public health campaigns. Recognised with the prestigious Point of Light Award and others, Dr. Sesay is a trusted voice in healthcare, committed to improving outcomes and addressing health inequities.

Owning Your Menopause is produced by Urban Podcasts.

Why’s menopause still a whispered secret? I’m joined by Tamsen Fadal, Emmy-winning journalist turned advocate, behind The M Factor documentary and her book How to Menopause (out March 2025). She exposes the raw truth: her brain fog struggles, dismissive doctors, and the staggering fact that a billion women navigate this, yet we’re left in the dark.

We dig into the taboo, how menopause shakes up work and relationships, and those unexplainable heavy, sweaty moments. Tamsen flips it with real fixes—morning walks, strength training, and rejecting ageism. It’s a gritty, joyful call to own this wild chapter of mid-life.

Get your copy of Tamsen’s much anticipated book here.

Follow Tamsen on Instagram.

Owning Your Menopause is produced by Urban Podcasts.

How does poor sleep affect your mental and physical health during menopause, and what can you do about it? In this episode, I chat with sleep expert Kathryn Pinkham, founder of the Insomnia Clinic, to uncover the real connection between menopause and sleep.

Kathryn explains how hormonal shifts—particularly the drop in progesterone and oestrogen—can seriously mess with your sleep. Many women get stuck in a frustrating loop of stress, anxiety, and fatigue, making restful nights even more elusive.

She shares practical, research-backed tips to improve your sleep, like resetting your body clock and changing your sleep mindset. Plus, we talk through common challenges like hot flashes and anxiety, and how they can keep you awake.

If menopause has been stealing your sleep, Kathryn’s advice—on everything from bedtime routines to managing stress, diet, and exercise—can help you finally get the rest you deserve.

Kathryn Pinkham is the founder of The Insomnia Clinic, the UK’s leading service for insomnia. She has been featured on ITV, partners with David Lloyd Clubs and worked with major organisations including Lloyd Bank, JP Morgan, Deloitte and the NHS, to help individuals and employees improve their sleep and overall well-being.

You can follow Kathryn on Instagram.

Owning Your Menopause listeners will benefit from Kathryn’s Sleep Well Live Better coursefor £99 at this link.

Owning Your Menopause is produced by Urban Podcasts.

What if we could break the silence and change the conversation about menopause and perimenopause? In this episode, I sit down with Davinia Taylor, a former actress turned wellness advocate, who’s making waves in biohacking and hormone health. Davinia sharesher journey from struggling with fatigue and hormonal imbalances to creating Will Powders, a line of clean wellness products designed to help women take charge of their health.

We explore the often-overlooked aspects of perimenopause, like insulin resistance and the effects of poor food choices on hormone balance. Davinia explains how biohacking—using innovative gadgets and lifestyle changes—can help women navigate this stage of life with energy and confidence. Along the way, we discuss her approach to food, fitness, and the importance of hormone regulation in living a vibrant life, free from the outdated menopause myths.

Born in Lancashire in the late 1970s, Davinia Taylor, founder of WillPowders, is a globally renowned biohacking pioneer, champion of women’s health and longevity, and a double Sunday Times Number One best-selling author of It’s Not a Diet and Hack Your Hormones. A proud recovering alcoholic, and in her words, an Accidental CEO, Davinia Taylor is a determined force to be reckoned with.

Learn more and follow Davinia on Instagram.

Owning Your Menopause is produced by Urban Podcasts.

How can exercise and strength training transform the recovery process after breast cancer and menopause? In this episode, I sit down with Sarah Newman, the founder of Get Me Back, a fitness programme designed to help women rebuild strength and confidence after breast cancer. Sarah, having gone through her own cancer journey, now uses her experience to empower women to regain their physical and mental health through tailored exercise routines.

Sarah shares how cancer treatment impacts the body—losing muscle mass, joint pain, and the fatigue that often follows—and how strength training can make all the difference. She explains how her programme has been designed to cater to those at different stages of recovery, from those just starting to reclaim their strength to those who are a few years post-treatment.

We explore the importance of rebuilding trust in your body after cancer, the role of strength training in supporting bone health, and how exercise can help manage the challenging symptoms of menopause. Sarah also sheds light on the often-overlooked impact of chemotherapy on mental health and cognitive function, revealing how exercise can significantly improve cognition and mood.

Owning Your Menopause are delighted to have collaborated with Sarah and Get Me Back to offer members and non-members alike her Breast Cancer Fitness Recovery Program: Listeners can learn more here.

If you or someone you know is navigating recovery after breast cancer or menopause, Sarah’s insights will give you practical advice on how to approach fitness, boost confidence, and regain control over your health: Follow Sarah on Instagram at @getmeback.

Owning Your Menopause is produced by Urban Podcasts.

How does pelvic health impact your overall well-being, particularly during menopause? In this episode, I speak with Clare Bourne, a highly respected physiotherapist who specialises in pelvic health. She shares invaluable insights into the often-overlooked connection between pelvic floor health, menopause, and overall physical and emotional well-being.

Clare breaks down the myths surrounding pelvic health and how hormonal changes during menopause, especially the decline in estrogen, affect the pelvic floor, and the broader implications this has on bladder, bowel, and sexual health.

Clare highlights the importance of early intervention and the benefits of strengthening the pelvic floor before issues arise. With a focus on educating women about the significance of pelvic health, she shares how a holistic approach to well-being—incorporating gut health, bone density, and mental health—can support long-term health. She offers actionable tips for improving pelvic health through lifestyle changes, including hydration, fibre intake, and exercise, while emphasising the critical link between pelvic floor strength and maintaining an active, independent life.

Clare Bourne is a specialist pelvic health physiotherapist and author of Strong Foundations, based in London, with a passion to support women and men throughout their lives. She believes in talking openly about taboo topics and ensuring everyone feels comfortable to get support even for problems that may feel embarrassing to talk about. She worked extensively in the NHS before starting up her own private practice. She is a Mum of 2 and has learnt first hand the importance of care and support during the perinatal period. She is also co-founder of the Pelvic Health Practice, a specialist team of pelvic health physios providing home visits across London. To learn more, you can follow Clare on Instagram.

Owning Your Menopause is produced by Urban Podcasts.

In this episode, Rebekah Brown, the founder of Liminal, shares her inspiring journey from corporate life to creating a wellness brand dedicated to supporting women through the challenges of menopause. Discover how her own messy, unspoken journey with perimenopause ignited a passion to help other women find balance and agency in this transformative stage of life.

Rebekah shares the importance of blending personal experience with scientific research to create supportive products and a community where women can feel heard and empowered. She reflects on the societal norms around aging and the unique challenges women face when navigating midlife, and how, despite the struggles, there is a huge opportunity for personal growth, health, and well-being.

Through Liminal, Rebekah is shifting the narrative around menopause, encouraging women to embrace their changing bodies and rewrite their stories. Learn about the power of self-care, listening to your body, and creating a supportive community as part of a wellness journey that is not just about surviving menopause but thriving through it.

To learn more about Liminal visit their website  or follow them on Instagram

You can also use the code OYM15 for 15% off across the site!

Owning Your Menopause is produced Urban Podcasts.

What happens when we finally start to embrace the uncomfortable truths in life? In this episode of Owning Your Menopause, I’m joined by the inspiring Anna Martha, bestselling author, speaker, and podcaster. We delve into her own personal journey of vulnerability, burnout, and self-acceptance, and explore how embracing life’s challenges can lead to a more authentic, fulfilling life.

Anna shares her experiences of navigating motherhood, mental health, and career changes, drawing from her latest book, The Uncomfortable Truth. We also discuss the vital importance of setting boundaries, prioritising self-care, and overcoming the pressures that many women face as they enter midlife. From battling the guilt of not always being ‘present’ for our families to acknowledging our own emotional needs, this conversation reveals powerful insights on how to better care for ourselves—physically and mentally—during life’s most demanding seasons.

Anna’s vulnerability and candidness open up a much-needed discussion about the harsh truths women encounter, from the challenges of motherhood to recognising when it’s time to take care of ourselves before others.

Anna Mathur is a psychotherapist, bestselling author, and speaker dedicated to making mental health support accessible to everyone. With a passion for taking therapy beyond the consulting room, Anna shares her personal and professional insights through books, her popular podcast The Therapy Edit, online courses, and a vibrant presence on social media. Her podcast has surpassed 3 million downloads, featuring conversations with prominent guests such as Fearne Cotton and Liz Earle.

Her latest book, The Uncomfortable Truth, explores how embracing life's uncertainties can transform fear into empowerment, offering practical tools to navigate worry and anxiety. This joins her previous works, including Mind Over Mother and Know Your Worth, which address themes of self-worth, motherhood, and mental well-being.

Follow Anna on Instagram @annamathur for daily insights, or explore her work further on her website. You can purchase The Uncomfortable Truth on Amazon.

Owning Your Menopause is produced by Urban Podcasts.

Join us for an eye-opening conversation with Dr. Megan Rossi, internationally recognized as The Gut Health Doctor and one of the UK’s leading experts in gut health. In this episode, Dr. Rossi unveils the powerful connection between your gut and menopause, sharing how gut health can influence everything from weight gain and digestion to mood and mental clarity during this transformative time.

Discover how changes in the gut microbiome—the trillions of bacteria in your gut—can worsen menopausal symptoms and what you can do to restore balance. Dr. Rossi explains why a plant-rich diet is key to supporting your gut, improving hormone regulation, and enhancing overall well-being.

You’ll also learn practical tips for managing bloating, stress, and low mood with simple dietary tweaks. From the role of fiber and prebiotics to the surprising benefits of fermented foods, Dr. Rossi shares science-backed strategies to help you reclaim control of your health and feel your best.

💡 Don’t miss this empowering episode—it’s packed with actionable advice and fresh insights into how your gut can be a game-changer during menopause.

➡️ Learn more about Dr. Megan Rossi and her work: The Gut Health Doctor.

➡️ Follow her on Instagram: @TheGutHealthDoctor.

We discuss how reframing menopause as a time for growth and reinvention can empower women to navigate the challenges with grace. Suzy shares her unique blend of relaxation techniques, mindful movement, and psychological strategies, offering listeners practical tools to enhance their emotional and physical well-being. We also explore the guilt many women feel around self-care and how societal pressures can make rest seem indulgent, when in fact, it’s essential healthcare.

From developing a daily rhythm to embracing gentle movement and adapting to winter’s introspective qualities, Suzy offers actionable advice to help women honour their bodies and minds. Her latest book, Self-Care for Winter, provides further guidance on nurturing our environment and embracing the need for rest during the colder months.

Our conversation is a refreshing reminder that menopause is not just a challenging phase but also an opportunity for reinvention, self-exploration, and deeper connection to oneself.

Suzy is a mother of two, an author, Chartered Psychologist and yoga teacher. She specialises in self-care, helping people manage their stress, emotions, and energetic bank balance. It was her life experience of motherhood colliding with the terminal illness of her father that sparked her passion for self-care which she now teaches to her clients, young and old, to cope during periods of stress, loss and change and to boost their resilience in the face of future challenges. 

Her first book ‘The Self-Care Revolution’ published by Aster came out in 2017 and she’s had the opportunity to write extensively on how to nourish yourself, with titles including 'Stand Tall Like a Mountain: Mindfulness & Self-Care for Children and Parents', 'The Little Book of Self-Care’, ‘Self-Care for Tough Times’, her first children’s book ‘How can self-care be a catalyst for growth during menopause rather than a source of guilt or shame? In this episode of the Owning Your Menopause podcast, I sit down with Suzy Reading, a chartered psychologist, yoga teacher, and author, to explore the vital role of self-care during this significant life transition. With her wealth of professional knowledge and personal experiences, Suzy provides invaluable insight into how women can embrace this stage of life with resilience and mindfulness.

We discuss how reframing menopause as a time for growth and reinvention can empower women to navigate the challenges with grace. Suzy shares her unique blend of relaxation techniques, mindful movement, and psychological strategies, offering listeners practical tools to enhance their emotional and physical well-being. We also explore the guilt many women feel around self-care and how societal pressures can make rest seem indulgent, when in fact, it’s essential healthcare.

From developing a daily rhythm to embracing gentle movement and adapting to winter’s introspective qualities, Suzy offers actionable advice to help women honour their bodies and minds. Her latest book, Self-Care for Winter, provides further guidance on nurturing our environment and embracing the need for rest during the colder months.

Our conversation is a refreshing reminder that menopause is not just a challenging phase but also an opportunity for reinvention, self-exploration, and deeper connection to oneself.

Suzy is a mother of two, an author, Chartered Psychologist and yoga teacher. She specialises in self-care, helping people manage their stress, emotions, and energetic bank balance. It was her life experience of motherhood colliding with the terminal illness of her father that sparked her passion for self-care which she now teaches to her clients, young and old, to cope during periods of stress, loss and change and to boost their resilience in the face of future challenges. 

Her first book ‘The Self-Care Revolution’ published by Aster came out in 2017 and she’s had the opportunity to write extensively on how to nourish yourself, with titles including 'Stand Tall Like a Mountain: Mindfulness & Self-Care for Children and Parents', 'The Little Book of Self-Care’, ‘Self-Care for Tough Times’, her first children’s book ‘This Book Will (Help) Make You Happy’, her first journal And Breathe,  her first deck of cards, “The Little Box of Self-Care’, followed by Sit to Get Fit and Rest to Reset. Her latest book Self-care for Winter was published earlier this year.

Join Suzy’s Wellbeing Community on Instagram or suzyreading.co.uk.

Owning Your Menopause is produced by Urban Podcasts.

Together, we uncover how perimenopause can disrupt gut health, triggering symptoms from anxiety to insomnia, and we share practical lifestyle tips to help ease the journey. Cat opens up about her own struggles, from navigating sobriety and sugar addiction to balancing the demands of motherhood with ADHD, breaking down the societal pressures women face in midlife.

We also tackle the importance of mental health, sharing candid stories and insights on how support, self-care, and lifestyle adjustments can make all the difference.

Follow Cat on Instagram , TikTok and Substack.

With Thanks to the sponsors of the episode, The Better Menopause.

Owning Your Menopause is produced by Urban Podcasts.

Rhiannon shares the critical nutrients that every menopausal woman needs and busts the myths surrounding weight loss and dieting. We also explore the importance of unsaturated fats, plant-based proteins, and redefining our relationship with food, amidst societal messages and modern dietary fads.

Learn how to take charge of your menopause adventure with wisdom, compassion, and a plate full of vibrant, nutrient-rich foods, redefining what it means to truly thrive.

You can join the Owning Your Menopause online community, which will help you navigate your way positively and confidently through menopause to thrive in midlife.

If you’re inspired by Rhi and her words, you’ll find plenty more of them in her most recent book, The Science of Plant Based Nutrition.

The Owning Your Menopause podcast is produced and managed by Urban Podcasts.

Pauline shares her personal journey through hormonal fluctuations, revealing the fears many women face and how education can empower them to reclaim control over their health. With her wealth of knowledge, she offers practical strategies that women can easily implement to navigate this critical stage.

Curious about supplements? Pauline provides insights into essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, and vitamin D, explaining how they can support hormonal health.

Pauline Cox is a highly respected nutritionist, author, and speaker dedicated to empowering people through functional medicine and optimal health practices. With a deep focus on hormonal health, nutrition, and lifestyle medicine, Pauline’s work emphasizes evidence-based strategies for vibrant health and longevity.

She co-founded Sow & Arrow, a health-focused company that provides nourishing, whole-food products, and educational resources. Pauline is also the author of Primal Living in a Modern World, where she explores ancestral health practices and their role in achieving optimal well-being. Her engaging, science-backed approach to nutrition and wellness has made her a sought-after speaker and educator across various platforms.

You can learn more about Pauline’s work and health philosophies on her website or connect with her on Instagram for tips on nutrition, lifestyle, and wellness.

With Thanks to the sponsors of the episode, The Better Menopause.

Owning Your Menopause is produced and managed by Urban Podcasts.

Lavinia opens up about her own journey, from battling eating disorders to finding healing through inner child work. We explore the idea of "small t trauma"—the subtle yet significant emotional wounds we carry from childhood—and how these unresolved issues can resurface during menopause, leading to feelings of anger, anxiety, or confusion.

Lavinia shares insights on tracking your cycle, recognising emotional patterns, and understanding how our children can mirror unresolved emotions. We also discuss how modern parenting dynamics have evolved, with children today being more vocal and emotionally aware than previous generations.

Connect with Lavinia

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Signature Holistic Healing

Cycle awareness/tracking

You can join the Owning Your Menopause online community, which will help you navigate your way positively and confidently through menopause to thrive in midlife.

The Owning Your Menopause podcast is produced and managed by Urban Podcasts.

We explore how her career has evolved and how the landscape of women’s roles in acting is changing, particularly as they age and navigate the transformative phase of menopause. 

Tamzin opens up about the pressures female actors face around appearance and age, and how the industry is slowly but surely changing. She shares her own experiences with perimenopause, how the pandemic sparked a journey of self-discovery, and why community and support are essential during this phase.

Tamzin's perspective is a powerful reminder that self-care, shedding societal expectations and finding strength in solidarity allows us to uplift one another and transform menopause into a time of rediscovery and renewed purpose.

You can join the Owning Your Menopause online community, which will help you navigate your way positively and confidently through menopause to thrive in midlife.

This episode is sponsored by liveliminal.com, use code OYM15 to get 15% off.

The Owning Your Menopause podcast is produced and managed by Urban Podcasts.

Jools shares her personal journey through motherhood, mental health challenges, and the often-overlooked experience of perimenopause. We talk about her 24-year marriage celebration that took her from the Maldives to an Elvis-themed vow renewal in Las Vegas, and how the evolving needs of her children add new layers to her role as a mother.

We dive deep into mental health, discussing the heightened anxiety many women face during menopause and how Jools has managed her own fears, especially after battling long COVID. Jools shares her mother’s inspiring commitment to fitness at 83, proving the lifelong benefits of staying active.

You can join the Owning Your Menopause online community, which will help you navigate your way positively and confidently through menopause to thrive in midlife.

This episode is sponsored by liveliminal.com, use code OYM15 to get 15% off.

The Owning Your Menopause podcast is produced and managed by Urban Podcasts.

We explore the multifaceted realities of menopause, breaking down societal stigmas and misconceptions, especially when it comes to dating and ageing. Alice shares personal anecdotes about the mental health impacts and misdiagnoses often associated with perimenopause.

Alice opens up about navigating the complex decisions surrounding hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and breast cancer. Sharing her own and others' experiences with HRT, chemotherapy, and the emotional hurdles faced, she emphasises the importance of understanding the minimal risk of HRT for breast cancer.

You can join the Owning Your Menopause online community, which will help you navigate your way positively and confidently through menopause to thrive in midlife.

This episode is sponsored by liveliminal.com, use code OYM15 to get 15% off.

The Owning Your Menopause podcast is produced and managed by Urban Podcasts.

In this episode, I sit down with the incredibly funny and honest British comedian Zoe Lyons. From battling early career nerves to how important movement and exercise are as we age,Zoe shares her personal journey into a new life stage.

Zoe shares stories about her beloved "mum's bums and tums" class, the joy and challenges of lifting weights, and the societal shift towards exercising for overall well-being rather than just aesthetics. Zoe also emphasises the benefits of various exercise routines such as CrossFit and strength training, and how pushing ourselves out of our comfort zones—like through cold water swims—can be incredibly rewarding.

You can join the Owning Your Menopause online community, which will help you navigate your way positively and confidently through menopause to thrive in midlife.

The Owning Your Menopause podcast is produced and managed by Urban Podcasts.

In this episode, we are joined by Katie, the in-house nutritionist for the Owning Your Menopause app, who shares her personal story and professional insights into managing menopause symptoms. From balancing blood sugar levels to prioritising self-care, Katie offers a holistic approach to navigating this life phase. Together, we confront the common weight gain issue and discuss how balanced nutrition and lifestyle changes can make a significant difference.

We also address women's emotional ties with food and how mindless eating can sabotage well-being. Katie provides practical tips on planning meals and incorporating essential nutrients like proteins, diverse plants, and good fats to maintain energy and stabilise blood sugar.

You can join the Owning Your Menopause online community, which will help you navigate your way positively and confidently through menopause to thrive in midlife.

Use code OYMPODCAST50 to get 50% off the first 3 months of app membership for all new subscribers.

The Owning Your Menopause podcast is produced and managed by Urban Podcasts.

In this episode, we explore the often-overlooked gaps in menopause awareness, the societal attitudes that impact women's care and the critical importance of inclusive healthcare policies and community-led solutions. We also discuss the transformative impact of prioritising physical health for mental well-being and the small, consistent steps you can take towards a healthier future.

You can join the Owning Your Menopause online community, which will help you navigate your way positively and confidently through menopause to thrive in midlife.

The Owning Your Menopause podcast is produced and managed by Urban Podcasts.

In this heartfelt episode, Dani shares her deeply personal story, highlighting the importance of open family conversations about menopause and the critical need for better education. Together, we explore how genetic factors influenced her journey and the significant lifestyle changes she embraced to manage symptoms and prevent recurrence, offering insights for those in similar situations.

Dani shares how movement and yoga transformed her recovery, helping her manage anxiety and build physical strength. From walking during chemotherapy to becoming a yoga instructor, she found joy and resilience through exercise.

You can join the Owning Your Menopause online community, which will help you navigate your way positively and confidently through menopause to thrive in midlife.

The Owning Your Menopause podcast is produced and managed by Urban Podcasts.

Rosie shares her fascinating journey in women's magazines, from her early passion for writing to her esteemed positions at Hello, Grazia, Glamour, and Red. From HRT to alternative therapies like weight training and nature therapy, our conversation emphasises the multifaceted approach needed to support women during this critical phase.

You can join the Owning Your Menopause online community, which will help you navigate your way positively and confidently through menopause to thrive in midlife.

The Owning Your Menopause podcast is produced and managed by Urban Podcasts.

Dr. Sims shares her groundbreaking insights on women's unique physiological needs and how adopting women-specific training programs can significantly enhance health, prevent injuries, and boost performance.

We debunk the myth that lifting heavy weights leads to unwanted bulk and highlight the profound benefits of resistance training, from improved muscle strength and bone density to cognitive enhancements that reduce the risks of dementia and Alzheimer's.

We also explore the importance of balanced, fibre-rich meals, eating with proper intervals, and the benefits of incorporating essential supplements like creatine, vitamin D, and magnesium.

You can join the Owning Your Menopause online community, which will help you navigate your way positively and confidently through menopause to thrive in midlife.

The Owning Your Menopause podcast is produced and managed by Urban Podcasts.

In this episode, we explore common symptoms, treatment options, and the once-taboo subject of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), tearing down the misinformation that has clouded women's choices for years.

We also look at how the pandemic amplified challenges and the silent battles many face during Menopause and explore how we can each take an open, holistic approach to managing menopause.

You can join the Owning Your Menopause online community, which will help you navigate your way positively and confidently through menopause to thrive in midlife.

The Owning Your Menopause podcast is produced and managed by Urban Podcasts.

Anna shares the profound link between hormonal health and emotional well-being, shedding light on how stress and trauma can influence this pivotal life stage. She emphasises the practicality of self-care, not as a passing trend but as a vital tool to maintain balance during hormonal fluctuations.

Darren emphasises the importance of communication and shares his tips on how to support a partner going through menopause. He highlights how he has seen first-hand how the world of sports is finally shifting towards better wellness practices for women. 

Anna and Darren not only offer valuable insights into navigating menopause but also how profound impact of holistic self-care practices on our overall quality of life.

You can join the Owning Your Menopause online community, which will help you navigate your way positively and confidently through menopause to thrive in midlife.

The Owning Your Menopause podcast is produced and managed by Urban Podcasts.

Navigating this life stage can seem daunting and almost impossible for many women, but I want to help you reframe how you see this chapter.

In each episode of Owning Your Menopause, my guests share one thing you can implement to start thriving through menopause and beyond.

I will talk to women like you and me who will share their experiences, good and bad, alongside expert guests who will help you start Owning Your Menopause.

Owning Your Menopause is sponsored by Ancient + Brave: Ancient + Brave offers an award-winning range of collagen, MCT oil, and nootropic blends. Whether you’re seeking mental focus, stress resilience, more energy, or joint support, their pure, potent, and easy-to-use supplements will help you achieve your health goals naturally.

You can join the Owning Your Menopause online community, which will help you navigate your way positively and confidently through menopause to thrive in midlife.

The Owning Your Menopause podcast is produced and managed by Urban Podcasts.