Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Women of a Certain Stage
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Perimenopause at 38: Why Even Women’s Health Professionals Can Miss the Signs | 27 oct. 2026 | 00:37:20 | |
In this episode, I sit down with Andrea Dorwart Crane, a certified nurse midwife and menopause coach, for an insightful conversation about perimenopause, burnout, and the importance of listening to our bodies. We discuss how even trained healthcare professionals can miss the early signs of perimenopause, often mislabeling them as stress or burnout due to demanding careers and family life. We dive into Andrea’s personal and professional journey—from her deep roots in women's health and reproductive care to her realization at age 38 that her severe symptoms were actually perimenopause. We explore her transition from clinical midwifery to coaching, highlighting the synergy between the two, and why creating "white space" and practicing self-compassion are vital for midlife women. Andrea also shares her inspiring experience training with Women of a Certain Stage and her upcoming collaborative workshops focusing on Ayurveda, internal family systems, and strength training. 00:00 Introduction & Ignoring Body Signals 03:24 Discovering the "Highly Social Introvert" During COVID 05:35 Heart-Based Meditation and Redirecting Focus 07:26 Andrea’s Background: From Sociology to Nurse Midwifery 10:37 The Philosophy of Medical Care and Patient Agency 13:41 Hitting the Wall: Misdiagnosing Perimenopause as Burnout at 38 18:25 Finding "Women of a Certain Stage" and Exploring Coaching 24:11 The Power of Community Learning and Building a Business 34:22 Upcoming Midlife Workshops: Ayurveda, Therapy, and Strength Training Connect with Andrea Dorwart Crane: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-dorwart-crane-cnm-b8b44639/ 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 | |||
| Transforming Identity Through Menopause: Support, Symptoms, and Self-Advocacy After Cancer with Kirstie Walker Poole | 20 oct. 2026 | 00:26:07 | |
In this episode, I sit down with Kirstie Walker Poole for an empowering and deeply moving conversation about navigating menopause after a cancer diagnosis, handling identity shifts in midlife, and learning to advocate for yourself in healthcare and the workplace. Together, we discuss the nuances of hormone therapy, early menopause, and why midlife can be a powerful opportunity for personal transformation. We dive into Kirstie’s personal and professional journey—from her background in corporate operations and change management to her breast cancer diagnosis at age 37, which triggered an sudden menopausal transition due to hormone-blocking treatment (Tamoxifen). We explore the hidden physical and emotional impacts of cancer treatment, the loneliness of facing early menopause ahead of your peer group, and the critical importance of informed consent and self-advocacy when navigating medical choices. Importantly, we address the unique challenges of experiencing menopause in corporate environments and why policy alone is not enough to support women in leadership. Kirstie shares how her journey led her to become a transformational menopause and cancer coach, helping women navigate midlife transitions, rediscover their identity, and find joy in the everyday. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast & Guest 00:37 Kirstie’s Journey: Breast Cancer Diagnosis & Early Menopause 01:34 The Menopause Transition & Identity Shifts in Midlife 03:35 Midlife as an Opportunity for Reflection & Reinvention 05:04 Cancer Treatment, Tamoxifen, and Hormone-Blocking Side Effects 06:29 The Isolation of Early Menopause & Lack of Evidence-Based Resources 08:15 From Corporate Operations to Transformational Coaching 10:52 How Kirstie Supports Clients: 1-to-1, Group Coaching, & Community 12:22 Finding Joy, Solitude, and Balance Post-Diagnosis 14:33 The Impact of the Women of a Certain Stage Coaching Diploma 16:12 The Gap in Medical Training & the Role of Menopause Coaches 17:26 Self-Advocacy & Making the Decision to Stop Tamoxifen 21:00 What to Expect When Working with Kirstie 22:57 Menopause in the Workplace: Beyond Policies & Action Plans 25:07 Retaining Midlife Female Talent & Closing Thoughts Connect with Kirstie Walker Poole:
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
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| How Personal Style Helps Women Thrive Through Menopause’s Challenges with Emma Stronell | 13 oct. 2026 | 00:30:29 | |
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 | |||
| Marketing Made Social | 06 oct. 2026 | 00:35:41 | |
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:
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
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| Ozempic, Mounjaro and Menopause: What Women Need to Know | 29 sept. 2026 | 00:34:25 | |
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 Connect with Helen Bligh:
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 StageWe 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
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| Menopause Action Plans 2027: What UK Employers Need to Know | 22 sept. 2026 | 00:27:01 | |
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
Connect with Rebecca:
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 StageWe 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
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| The Art of Listening With Former NBA Star Cuttino 'Cat' Mobley | 15 sept. 2026 | 00:10:40 | |
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: | |||
| The Business of Menopause Coaching | 08 sept. 2026 | 00:08:11 | |
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 | |||
| Slow Living and Mental Health: Transforming Lives in Midlife and Beyond | 01 sept. 2026 | 00:33:05 | |
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 | |||
| She Had ME/CFS and Perimenopause Hit at the Same Time | 25 août 2026 | 00:48:41 | |
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/ | |||
| Why Asian Women Are Suffering Through Menopause in Silence | 18 août 2026 | 00:28:59 | |
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 | |||
| Menopause for Men: What to Do When Your Partner Changes (Brain Fog, Rage, Sex, Sleep) | 11 août 2026 | 00:42:26 | |
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 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@womenofacertainstage Twitter/X: https://x.com/LaurenChiren | |||
| Why High-Achieving Women Are Secretly Struggling Right Now | 04 août 2026 | 00:47:54 | |
In this episode, Lauren sits down with Jayne, an executive business partner and newly qualified Menopause Coach, for an honest and uplifting conversation about navigating menopause in the workplace — and why the best chapter of your life might still be ahead of you. Jayne shares her deeply personal story of being plunged into surgical menopause just weeks after her 40th birthday, and the years of confusion, isolation, and inadequate medical support that followed. Together, Lauren and Jayne unpack why so many high-achieving women are silently struggling — and what it really takes to feel confident, capable, and supported at this stage of life. They explore the critical importance of workplace awareness, why line managers don't need to be menopause experts (just good listeners), and how coaching can bridge the gap that the medical system so often leaves wide open. Jayne also shares how becoming a Menopause Coach has transformed not just her clients' lives, but her own — and why she's on a mission to support the men around menopausal women too. 00:00 Introduction 01:19 Weather, Mood & Menopause 03:29 Movement, Confidence & Safety 06:43 Becoming a Menopause Coach 07:05 Jayne's Surgical Menopause Journey 09:11 Navigating the NHS & Finding Support 10:18 The Impact of Brain Fog & Memory Loss 11:41 Misinformation in Online Communities 13:00 Women's Health: A History of Being Dismissed 14:17 The Importance of GP Relationships 15:59 Group vs One-to-One Coaching 16:13 Jayne's Practice Clients & Transformations 20:22 Why Women of a Certain Stage? 23:28 Juggling a Corporate Career & Menopause Coaching 24:29 Opening Up Menopause Conversations at Work 25:34 Coaching, ADHD & the Workplace 26:10 Menopause Is Not a Women's Problem 29:09 Supporting Male Colleagues & Partners 32:49 What Makes a Good Menopause Ally 36:17 Balance, Movement & a New Exercise to Try 37:46 Nutrition, Hydration & Ageing Strong 41:28 Combining Nutrition Training with Coaching 44:53 Menopause Is Not the End — It's Your Next Chapter Connect with Jayne: LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayne-hill-6565871/ 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 | |||
| Brain Fog, Anxiety, & Sleepless Nights in Menopause | 28 juil. 2026 | 00:33:33 | |
In this episode, I sit down with Stephanie, a former primary school teacher turned menopause coach, for an honest and deeply moving conversation about living with undiagnosed endometriosis, navigating hormone imbalance for decades, and finally finding relief — and purpose — on the other side. Stephanie shares her journey from being put on the pill at 14 for "bad periods," to receiving her endometriosis diagnosis at 40, to discovering that HRT was the first time in her life her hormones had ever truly been balanced. Together, we explore how years of dismissal by medical professionals shaped her drive to educate and empower other women — and why she chose to train as a menopause coach. We discuss the overlap between endometriosis, perimenopause, and menopause symptoms, the power of cycle tracking, and why women so often need permission to put themselves first. Stephanie also shines a light on the very real challenges faced by teachers navigating menopause in the classroom — and what workplaces, including schools, must do better. 00:00 Introduction 01:03 Stephanie's Journey into Menopause Coaching 02:29 Living with Undiagnosed Endometriosis 04:32 Years of Dismissal by Medical Professionals 06:10 Finally Getting a Diagnosis at 40 08:05 Why Menopause Coaching — Making the Leap 09:00 Finding Relief Through HRT 11:18 What is Endometriosis? A Clear Explanation 12:27 The Role of Oestrogen and Progesterone 13:15 Identifying Symptoms Without a Period 16:30 Researching the Market — What Support Exists? 17:45 What Women Really Want from a Coach 18:02 Giving Women Permission to Put Themselves First 20:26 Discovering Women of a Certain Stage 21:37 The Training Experience and Cohort Community 23:41 Cycle Tracking as a Game-Changer 24:34 Takeaways from the Menopause Coach Diploma 26:03 Ongoing Support After Qualifying 26:57 Five-Year Vision: Coaching, Community & a Café 28:43 Working with Schools and Educational Settings 31:19 The Reality of Teaching Through Menopause 34:40 Closing Thoughts and Encouragement Connect with Stephanie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-page-64366223a/ 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 | |||
| Rage, Migraines, Hair Loss... Then This Happened | 21 juil. 2026 | 00:35:55 | |
In this episode, I sit down with Claire Stewart of Better Beyond — a graduate of the Women of a Certain Stage Menopause Coach Diploma — for an honest, heartfelt, and deeply inspiring conversation about what happens when a woman finally stops accepting that feeling broken is just "part of life." Claire shares her personal perimenopause journey — the migraines, the exhaustion, the overwhelm — and how it led her to completely pivot her career, leave a job she loved, and build a business dedicated to supporting women through one of the most misunderstood transitions of their lives. We talk about the power of community, the courage it takes to show up every day as a new business owner, and why finding your niche matters more than chasing a crowded market. Claire also opens up about the unexpected gift of the coaching program — not just professional training, but a profound personal transformation that gave her her life back. And if you're sitting on the fence about whether menopause coaching could be for you — Claire has something important to say to you directly. 00:00 Introduction 01:19 How Claire and Lauren Connected 02:01 Who Is Claire Stewart and What Is Better Beyond? 02:24 Supporting a Client Through a Breast Cancer Diagnosis 03:25 The Value of Live Training and Community 04:15 Claire's Career Before Menopause Coaching 05:33 The Moment Everything Changed 06:12 Making the Leap: Going All In on Menopause 06:43 Building a Business From Scratch — The Reality 07:04 Getting Visible: Social Media, Networking, and Showing Up 09:16 Reaching Out to Macmillan Cancer Centre 10:30 Collaborating With Wellness Centres 11:22 Structuring Your Week as a New Business Owner 13:12 Setting Boundaries — With Yourself 14:14 Upcoming Events and Exciting Collaborations 15:26 Working With Companies to Support Their Staff 17:19 Why Smaller Organisations Are Leading the Way 18:26 Why Claire Chose the Women of a Certain Stage Diploma 20:27 Key Takeaways From the Programme 22:09 How Life Has Changed Since Graduating 25:14 Being a Coachee vs. Being a Student 26:58 Adapting the Menopause Plan for Clients 27:26 The Power of Coaching — Putting Control Back in the Client's Hands 29:26 What Makes the Difference Between Success and Stalling 30:45 Claire's Advice: Keep Showing Up 33:03 What Would You Say to Someone Sitting on the Fence? Connect with Claire: Website |https://www.linkedin.com/in/clairestewart5uk/ 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 | |||
| Can Crystals and Reiki Actually Help With Menopause? | 14 juil. 2026 | 00:36:33 | |
In this episode, I sit down with Karen Tucker — author, menopause coach, keto enthusiast, jewellery maker, knitter, photographer, and proud self-described multipotentialite — for a wonderfully wide-ranging conversation that proves menopause support can come from the most unexpected places. We explore Karen's fascinating journey from holistic wellness student to newly qualified menopause coach, and how she has woven her love of mindset work, nutrition, and alternative therapies into a coaching programme that is entirely, authentically her own. Karen shares how a ketogenic lifestyle transformed her energy, focus, and creativity — and why she now champions it as part of her approach to midlife health. We talk about the power of community, the importance of niching, and why even an astrologer who initially dismissed menopause completely ended up pivoting her entire business after working with Karen. We also discuss the very real challenges women face in workplaces that are yet to take menopause seriously — and what's coming down the line legislatively that will change that. And if you've ever wondered whether crystals, chakras, or tarot cards have any place in a menopause coaching conversation… Karen makes a pretty compelling case. 00:00 Introduction 00:37 Karen's background as a writer — and childhood dreams that have quietly come true 01:50 Crystal Companions: the book that teaches you how to use crystals, not just collect them 06:12 What it means to be a multipotentialite — and why Karen wears it proudly 09:13 The day job: eight years in hospital social care, and an early retirement on the horizon 10:15 The road into menopause coaching — and how Lauren's story played a part 13:03 What it means when your mum's entire description of her menopause is "terrible" 15:20 Karen's experience on the Menopause Coach Diploma 17:11 Key takeaways from the programme — and the joy of mutual coaching sessions 18:06 How Karen adapted the Menopause Plan to make it her own 19:17 Going keto in 2021: losing a stone and a half, running uphill voluntarily, and getting herself back 21:00 The next learning adventures (chakra and tarot coaching, anyone?) 22:42 Fast-forward to June 2027: what an ideal retirement day looks like 23:55 Practice clients — including the astrologer who completely changed her business 26:14 What the ILM Level 5 coaching qualification taught Karen about herself (and her family) 29:30 What Karen loved most about the diploma experience 31:50 The big dream: a country house, eco-homes, a farmstead, and a charitable foundation 35:23 Closing thoughts and where to find Karen Connect with Karen: Website | www.embrace-coaching.org BOOK: Crystal Companions by Karen Tucker Available on Amazon 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 | |||
| Her Doctor Shrugged and Left the Room | 07 juil. 2026 | 00:22:04 | |
In this episode, Lauren sits down with Cherie, a biologist-turned-culvert inspector-turned-menopause coach, for a candid and deeply inspiring conversation about what happens when the medical system fails you — and what you do next. Cherie spent six years visiting specialist after specialist, only to be dismissed because her tests came back normal. She knew something was wrong, but no one could name it. That experience of being unheard, undiagnosed, and left to figure it out alone became the fuel for a complete career pivot — and a mission to make sure other women never feel that way. We explore how Cherie went from inspecting bridges under New York State's roads to building a business dedicated to menopause education and coaching. We talk about the gap between having personal knowledge and having the professional tools to truly help others, why certification matters in a space flooded with misinformation, and how the right coaching program can create life changes you never thought possible — including giving up the coffee and wine that bookended her days. We also dig into why cultural change around menopause can't happen by only talking to women who are experiencing it. Families, partners, and employers all have a role to play — and Cherie is already planning how to reach them. And if you've ever wondered what "whine nights" have to do with menopause coaching… listen in. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 01:25 Cherie's Unusual Career: Culverts, Biology & Life on the Road 04:11 Six Years, Six Specialists & Being Dismissed by the Medical System 05:23 Finding the Right Coaching Certification — and Why Others Fell Short 06:47 What Drew Cherie to Women of a Certain Stage 08:10 Reflecting on the Diploma: Key Takeaways 09:17 The Power of Community and Classmate Camaraderie 10:19 Trusting the Coaching Process 11:12 Life Changes She Never Expected — Coffee, Wine & Baby Steps 13:12 Expert Access and the Value of Asking Deeper Questions 14:25 What's Next: Website, YMCA Talks & Whine Nights 17:34 Who Cherie Wants to Help Most 18:54 Group Coaching, One-on-One & Working with Corporations and Families 19:39 Why Menopause Is Everyone's Business — Partners, Families & Employers 20:33 Closing Reflections & Words of Gratitude Connect with Cherie https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherie-fetterman-86514541/ 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. Find out more: 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 | |||
| She Left 18 Years in Luxury Business to Become a Menopause Coach. | 30 juin 2026 | 00:38:51 | |
In this episode, Lauren sits down with Letizia, a multilingual sales and marketing executive who spent 18 years at the top of the luxury goods industry — before menopause, burnout, and a moment of radical honesty changed everything. Letizia shares her deeply personal journey from a high-pressure corporate career to becoming a certified Menopause Coach, unpacking how years of unrecognised perimenopause symptoms — from brain fog and sleep disruption to anxiety she never even identified as anxiety — quietly eroded her performance, her confidence, and ultimately her career. Together, Lauren and Letizia explore the dangerous silence that surrounds menopause in the workplace, even in large, progressive multinationals with strong wellbeing and diversity policies. They discuss why Southern Europe is lagging behind in the menopause conversation, how women can be empowered to advocate for themselves with their doctors, and why the beauty and cosmetics industry represents a massive untapped opportunity for menopause awareness. Letizia also reflects candidly on her experience going through the Women of a Certain Stage Menopause Coach Diploma — what surprised her, what transformed her, and why she'd do it all again. And in a moment of real-life resilience, she shares how she's been recovering from a broken ankle and kneecap — and still showing up. Timestamps
Connect with Letizia https://www.linkedin.com/in/letiziamontani/ 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: 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 | |||
| Brain Fog, Panic Attacks, and Losing Herself at Work. It Was Perimenopause. | 23 juin 2026 | 00:33:52 | |
In this episode, I sit down with Brenda from Omagh, County Tyrone in Ireland for a deeply honest and moving conversation about her personal journey through perimenopause — and how it nearly cost her her identity, her confidence, and her career. Brenda shares how years of experience in banking and mental health and wellbeing coaching couldn't prepare her for the silent unraveling that came with perimenopause. From brain fog so severe she couldn't remember how to order a checkbook, to panic attacks, self-doubt, and a devastating mistake at work, Brenda opens up about hitting rock bottom — and how she found her way back. We explore the powerful role of coaching, community, and self-reflection in navigating menopause, and how Brenda turned her lived experience into a mission to support other women who feel lost. We also talk about the importance of consistency in building community spaces, the value of grassroots connection, and why it's never too late to reinvent yourself. And yes — there's a classic brain fog moment mid-episode that will make you smile, laugh, and nod along in recognition. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 01:19 Brenda's Background and What Lights Her Up 04:03 A Journey Into Coaching — From Freddie Mercury to Postnatal Support 08:11 When Perimenopause Hit — and Nobody Had Answers 10:05 Brain Fog, Self-Doubt, and Fearing the Worst 12:08 Going on HRT, Antidepressants, and Leaving the Bank 13:17 Founding It's A Duck — Helping Women Recognise Their Symptoms 13:37 Joining the Menopause Coach Diploma 15:10 The Aha Moment — Turning the Lens on Herself 19:54 Working With Practice Clients and Seeing Real Transformation 23:01 What's Next — One-to-Ones, Group Coaching, and Corporate Talks 25:17 Who Brenda Works With — The Woman Who Feels Lost 28:34 Advice for Anyone Considering the Menopause Coach Diploma 30:55 The Power of Looking in the Mirror — and Truly Seeing Yourself Connect with Brenda: It's A Duck | (add link) Instagram | (add link) Facebook | (add link) 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 | |||
| Perimenopause Misdiagnosed: 2 Years to Get Help (Menopause Coaching Perspective) | 16 juin 2026 | 00:44:35 | |
In this episode, Lauren sits down with Ali Smith — a former HR professional turned menopause coach — for a raw and deeply honest conversation about what happens when the healthcare system fails women at their most vulnerable. Ali shares her two-year journey through misdiagnosis, dismissal, and dead ends before finally getting the support she deserved. Together, Lauren and Ali unpack the gaps in medical training and awareness that leave so many women without answers, and explore how proper education, coaching, and community can make all the difference. They dig into the realities of perimenopause symptoms beyond hot flushes, the emotional toll of feeling lost in your own body, and why workplaces so often get it wrong when it comes to supporting women through this transition. Ali also shares the powerful moment she realised she knew more about menopause than the specialist she had waited two years to see — and how that became the turning point in her own journey and the catalyst for her coaching career. 00:00 Introduction 01:19 Ali's background and personal history 07:22 The road to menopause coaching 09:41 First steps seeking help — and what was missing 12:05 Blood tests, coming off contraception, and the crash that followed 20:25 Debilitating symptoms, brain scans, and a two-year wait 25:21 The menopause specialist clinic experience 31:11 Finally finding the right GP — and what that felt like 35:03 Key takeaways from the Menopause Coach Diploma 39:00 Why workplace conversations need to go beyond awareness 41:19 Ali's coaching vision: one-to-one, group, and workplace support 43:16 Closing thoughts and what's next 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: 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 | |||
| Women in Midlife at Work: Menopause Support Strategies That Deliver ROI | 09 juin 2026 | 00:43:03 | |
In this episode, Lauren sits down with Ellie — HR professional, menopause coach graduate, and founder of Herself — for an honest and inspiring conversation about navigating midlife, menopause, and the courage it takes to build something new while still showing up fully in your day job. Ellie shares her personal journey through perimenopause, how it collided with a pivotal career crossroads, and how discovering the Women of a Certain Stage Menopause Coaching Diploma gave her a framework to bring together her passions for people, health, and workplace wellbeing. Together, Lauren and Ellie explore why menopause is not just a personal health issue — it's a workplace issue with a compelling business case behind it. They talk about the real cost of unsupported women in the workplace, upcoming legislative changes, and why experienced women in senior roles deserve better. This episode is also a masterclass in stepping out of your comfort zone — from doing a global talk with barely any notice, to recording a podcast without a script. If you've ever talked yourself out of doing something because you didn't feel ready, this one's for you. In This Episode We Cover: 00:00 Introduction 01:19 Ellie's background in HR and marketing — and the pivot that changed everything 03:27 The manifestation book that kickstarted Ellie's goal-setting (and why it wasn't too woo woo) 06:13 Launching Herself — a female coaching space built around the Art of Self 10:19 What is a biohacking studio and why Ellie is obsessed with one 15:50 How the Menopause Coaching Diploma aligned with Ellie's passions 19:09 Taking two weeks unpaid leave to fully immerse in the diploma — and why it was the best decision she made 25:08 Cohort magic — what made this group of learners so special 29:02 Where Ellie wants to be in 12 months 36:03 The nervous system, cortisol, and why calming your adrenal health matters in menopause 38:18 The workplace menopause conversation — legislation, data, and the business case 41:01 Ellie's advice for anyone sitting on the fence about the diploma Key Takeaways: One in ten women leave their jobs due to unmanaged menopausal symptoms — and around 70% report feeling unsupported at work. The cost to business is significant. Upcoming changes to the Employee Rights Bill (expected 2027) will require businesses to report on their menopause support. The nervous system is central to menopause health — when cortisol and adrenaline are chronically elevated, inflammation rises and symptoms worsen. You don't have to feel ready to start. Doing the thing — the talk, the podcast, the diploma — is how confidence is built. The Menopause Coaching Diploma isn't just for menopausal women. As Ellie puts it, it's a whole self audit — relevant to everyone. Connect with Ellie: Herself — coming soon Resources Mentioned: Women of a Certain Stage Menopause Coaching Diploma — womenofacertainstage.com Oura Ring — ouraring.com 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 Founder and CEO of Women of a Certain Stage, she works with organisations worldwide to create menopause-savvy and supportive environments. Find out more: womenofacertainstage.com Connect with Lauren: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter/X | |||
| HRT, Burnout, Brain Fog: Menopause Support Strategies That Actually Help | 02 juin 2026 | 00:21:56 | |
In this episode, Lauren sits down with Sarah — a former gardener turned academic turned menopause coach — for an honest and inspiring conversation about burnout, brain fog, and finding your way through menopause while doing a PhD. Together, they explore how nature and the outdoors can be a powerful tool for managing menopause symptoms, and why giving women agency — through workplace menopause plans and access to outdoor spaces — can be truly transformative. Sarah shares her deeply personal journey through perimenopause, loss, and exhaustion, and how all of it ultimately led her to train as a menopause coach with Women of a Certain Stage. They also dig into the real difference between academic study and coach training, why authenticity matters when building your coaching practice, and how small, considered steps — not big dramatic leaps — are often the most powerful way forward. And yes — there's a moment early on involving an ironing board and some kitchen utensils that perfectly captures the spirit of getting the work done, whatever it takes. 00:00 Introduction & Behind-the-Scenes Chaos 01:12 Sarah's Background: From Gardener to PhD 02:17 Experiencing Menopause During Academic Study 03:25 The Woman Who Worked Outside — and Why It Stuck 04:30 Discovering Menopause Coaching as a Career 05:16 Why Sarah Chose Women of a Certain Stage 06:38 Taking Time to Be Ready: No Pressure, No Rush 07:57 The Decision-Making Journey 08:52 Burnout, Grief & Mental Bandwidth 10:00 Comparing PhD Study with the Menopause Coach Diploma 13:08 Advice for Anyone Sitting on the Fence 15:04 Flexibility, Autonomy & Reaching More People 15:28 What's Next: Website, LinkedIn & Getting Out There 16:19 Showing Up Authentically in Your Practice 17:28 Johari's Window & Self-Awareness in Coaching 18:27 Brain Fog, the Woods & Talking to Yourself Like a Coach 19:49 Working with Businesses: Outdoor Menopause Plans & Legislation 20:41 The Science Behind Nature & Menopause 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 | |||
| 3 Menopause Times: Chemical, Surgical & Recovery. HRT & Becoming a Coach | 26 mai 2026 | 00:53:26 | |
In this episode, Lauren sits down with Lucy, a newly graduated Women of a Certain Stage Menopause Coach, for an honest and deeply personal conversation about living with endometriosis, adenomyosis, and PCOS — and navigating menopause not once, but three times. Twice chemically, and once surgically following a full hysterectomy and oophorectomy at just 33. Lucy shares the raw reality of years of misdiagnosis, debilitating pain, and a medical system that too often left her without answers or adequate support. Together, Lauren and Lucy unpack what chemical and surgical menopause actually feel like, what recovery really looks like beyond the four-to-six week advice, and why the conversation around different types of menopause is so critically missing from mainstream awareness. They explore the psychological impact of surgical menopause, the importance of asking better questions before going into theatre, and why workplace menopause policies need to go beyond awareness sessions to create real, meaningful change. And through it all — with warmth, humour, and hard-won wisdom — Lucy explains why she chose to turn her experience into a career supporting other women through their own menopause journeys. 00:00 Introduction 00:37 Lucy's background — from financial services to menopause coaching 05:46 The beginning of Lucy's journey — periods, pain, and being told to crack on 07:15 Early diagnosis of precancerous cervical cells and PCOS 08:44 Understanding PCOS — what it is and why it's so often missed 09:06 Diagnosis of endometriosis and adenomyosis 10:21 Explaining the difference between endometriosis and adenomyosis 13:01 The fertility miracle — having children against the odds 13:22 The decision to have a full hysterectomy at 33 18:51 Life after hysterectomy — the good, the challenging, and the things nobody tells you 20:10 Vaginal cuffs, cervical removal, and recovery beyond six weeks 22:27 What Lucy wishes she had known before surgery 25:21 Chemical menopause — what it is and why Lucy went through it twice 27:09 HRT during chemical menopause — and a severe reaction to the Mirena coil 29:27 Why Lucy chose menopause coaching over endometriosis advocacy 31:23 Being turned away from counselling and local support groups for being "too young" 33:28 Why different types of menopause need to be part of the conversation 35:25 Choosing Women of a Certain Stage — and what made it stand out 38:03 Why Lauren trains others to do the same work 38:58 What's next for Lucy — podcasts, corporate sessions, and the Employment Rights Bill 40:19 The importance of context in workplace menopause conversations 44:32 Lucy's biggest takeaway from the Menopause Coach Diploma 47:04 What Lucy would say to someone sitting on the fence about training 50:54 Lucy's message to anyone facing perimenopause, chemical menopause, or hysterectomy Connect with Lucy: TikTok | Instagram | Facebook: @themenopausemom Business: Black Mirror Advisory 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. Find out more: 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 | |||
| Menopause Coach Training For Educators: Supporting Teachers Through Perimenopause | 19 mai 2026 | 00:35:51 | |
In this episode, Lauren sits down with Susan, a former secondary school teacher of nearly 30 years turned menopause coach, for an honest and eye-opening conversation about what it's really like to navigate perimenopause and menopause in the classroom. Together, they explore the unique and often overlooked challenges that teachers face — from hot flushes mid-lesson and brain fog affecting lesson prep, to joint pain from standing for hours and the impossible reality of skipping toilet breaks. Susan shares her deeply personal experience of being one of the first teachers in her school to openly name menopause as the reason for her struggles — and the dismissive, damaging response she received from her head teacher. They discuss why the education sector has a long way to go in creating truly supportive environments for menopausal staff, why generic workplace menopause policies often fail teachers, and why experienced menopausal educators are leaving the profession in numbers that go uncounted. They also explore how menopause coaching — offered proactively from the late thirties and early forties — could transform retention, reduce absences, and help teachers maintain their identity, dignity, and confidence through this life stage. Susan shares what drew her to train as a menopause coach with Women of a Certain Stage, how she is making the transition from teacher to coach, and why her lived experience gives her a unique and powerful connection with the women she now supports. 00:00 Introduction 01:20 Susan's background — nearly 30 years as a languages teacher in Glasgow 02:16 The unique challenges of managing menopause symptoms in the classroom 02:56 Hot flushes, holding onto the filing cabinet, and carrying on 03:38 Going on HRT — and what it did and didn't help with 04:03 Joint pain and the reality of standing for seven hours straight 04:53 Noise sensitivity, constant interruptions, and the impact on anxiety and brain fog 06:26 Brain fog and the loss of identity — when your sharpness disappears 07:10 The hidden workload of teaching that people don't see 09:08 Why Susan decided to train as a menopause coach 09:45 The wellbeing meeting that went badly wrong 11:10 How far workplaces have come — and how far they still have to go 12:12 What Susan looked for in a menopause coach training programme 13:11 Why Women of a Certain Stage felt like a proper educational setting 14:05 Making the transition from teacher to coach — holding silence and asking better questions 15:46 Working with three teachers and finding her coaching voice 17:01 What Susan would add to nutrition education for menopausal women 20:22 Susan's plans — reaching the women themselves, not just writing policies 23:24 The culture in schools — pushing through and not showing weakness 24:40 How experienced teachers are being pushed out of the profession 27:25 The missing statistics — how many teachers are leaving because of menopause? 29:03 Naming the menopause — why calling it what it is matters 30:06 Preparing women for perimenopause the way they were prepared for periods 30:43 Susan's poster campaign for school staff rooms 31:44 Menopause in the education curriculum — progress and what's still needed 33:19 What Susan would say to teachers sitting on the fence about coach training 34:50 The power of support — and why talking lightens the burden Connect with Susan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-bremner-099018326/ 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 | |||
| Perimenopause Strength Training: How a Menopause Coach helps active women rebuild muscle, confidence, and identity | 12 mai 2026 | 00:43:46 | |
In this episode, Lauren sits down with Nicole, a personal trainer based in the Peak District with over 11 years of experience, who has recently completed her Menopause Coach certification with Women of a Certain Stage. Together, they explore how perimenopause can shake an active woman's identity, training motivation, and mental wellbeing — and how the right support can help her find her way back to strength, confidence, and herself. They dive into the shift from telling clients what to do to truly coaching them, why strength training is non-negotiable during the menopausal transition, and how building real connection with clients unlocks results that go far beyond the gym floor. Nicole also shares her own perimenopause journey, her transition from a corporate career to personal training, and her exciting plans to build an online community for active women navigating this life stage — plus a wonderfully candid moment about farming, six-packs, and dating advice between bench press sets. 00:00 Introduction 01:04 Nicole's Background and Journey into Personal Training 06:37 Life in the Peak District and the Power of the Outdoors 07:02 How Perimenopause Affects Motivation and Training 09:06 The Shift from Telling to Coaching 12:09 Creating Space for Clients to Open Up 13:24 Who Nicole Works With and What They're Really Looking For 17:36 What Drew Nicole to Menopause Coaching 19:21 Why She Chose Women of a Certain Stage 21:52 Key Takeaways from the Diploma Programme 24:20 The Impact on Practice Clients — Mindset Breakthroughs 28:20 From Corporate to Personal Trainer — Nicole's Story 34:26 The Many Skills Nicole Brings to Her Clients 36:11 How Nicole Structures Her Week and Business 37:37 Nicole's Vision for the Year Ahead 39:15 Why Strength Training Matters During Perimenopause 41:53 Closing Thoughts and Where to Find Nicole Connect with Nicole: (Add Nicole's website, Instagram, and any other relevant links here) 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 | |||
| Menopause at Work: One Woman’s Perimenopause Wake-Up Call and the Path to Menopause Coaching | 05 mai 2026 | 00:30:07 | |
In this episode, Lauren sits down with Catherine — communications professional, newly accredited Menopause Coach, and passionate advocate — for an honest and inspiring conversation about what happens when perimenopause hits fast, hard, and without warning. Catherine shares how a deeply personal health crisis became the catalyst for a powerful new direction, and how she's already making waves in her workplace and beyond — before she's even officially launched her coaching business. Together, Lauren and Catherine explore the importance of proper training and certification in an unregulated industry, the courage it takes to share your story publicly, and how one intranet article led to BBC Radio, national press, and a 400-person webinar. They also dig into the real value of community learning, the power of visibility, and why workplaces have a critical role to play in supporting women through menopause. Whether you're considering menopause coaching as a career, navigating perimenopause yourself, or looking to create a more menopause-aware workplace, this conversation is packed with practical insights, warmth, and a few laughs along the way. In This Episode We Cover: 00:00 Introduction 01:19 How Catherine discovered perimenopause — and why it changed everything 03:07 Why lived experience alone isn't enough: the case for proper training 04:27 The appointment that sparked a career pivot 05:01 Choosing the right menopause coaching certification 06:10 The power of cohort learning and global community 08:01 Bringing menopause awareness into a 4,000-person organisation 09:47 Writing your story publicly — and the ripple effects that follow 12:16 BBC Radio, Metro Online, and a 400-person webinar: visibility in action 13:19 How to build your presence before you're ready to launch 16:41 Menopause Action Plans, workplace legislation, and what's coming next 17:57 Visioning the future: what does success look like in 18 months? 23:33 The unexpected richness of a career in menopause coaching 27:12 Making the coaching scripts your own 28:28 Why coaching practice matters — even when it's hard Connect with Lauren Chiren 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 Women of a Certain Stage is committed to transforming the menopause experience — both for individuals and the organisations that support them. Their 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/ Interested in becoming a Menopause Coach? Lauren is on a mission to train 20,000 Menopause Coaches and Champions. If this episode has sparked something in you, find out more about the Menopause Coach Diploma at https://www.womenofacertainstage.com/ | |||
| How She Beat Endometriosis, Early Menopause & FND | 28 avr. 2026 | 00:38:51 | |
In this episode, Lauren sits down with Deidre — health coach, radio host, community builder, and chronic pain warrior — for a warm, honest, and deeply inspiring conversation about navigating endometriosis, surgical menopause, and a Functional Neurological Disorder diagnosis, all while building a life and career she loves in the Scottish Highlands. Deidre shares the raw reality of spending nearly seven years fighting to be believed by the medical system, despite arriving in Scotland with an existing endometriosis diagnosis. She opens up about the hysterectomy that pushed her into early menopause, the devastating mental health impact that followed, and the moment she realised she needed to find a new way forward. Together, Lauren and Deidre explore how lived experience can become a powerful coaching superpower, why women's health continues to be dismissed and underfunded, and how pacing, joy, and community can be genuinely life-changing tools for people living with chronic pain and invisible illness. We also hear about Deidre's brilliant creations — the Wellon (a wellness triathlon she pioneered in Scotland), her Friday Dance lives, and her Keep Well radio slot — proof that even on the hardest days, it's possible to bring light to others. And if you've ever talked yourself out of starting something because someone else is already doing it — this episode is for you. 00:00 Introduction 01:15 How Lauren and Deidre first connected 02:22 Moving from Michigan to Scotland — a tacky romance novel 04:46 Deidre's background: theatre, special needs teaching & coaching 05:45 Living with endometriosis — fighting to be believed 06:57 Hysterectomy, early menopause & the mental health impact 08:20 The state of endometriosis care in Scotland today 10:23 Why women's health research has been left behind 11:00 The Wellon — a wellness triathlon like no other 14:17 The Friday Dance & Keep Well on local radio 17:35 Retiring from teaching & diving into coaching 19:27 What coaching really means — and how it overlaps with teaching 20:15 Deidre's chronic pain coaching program & the four pillars 22:40 Shifting towards wellbeing — joy, events & community 23:02 Why there is always room for more menopause coaches 27:09 Year three of the Wellon — what's coming 29:44 What's next: website refresh, 14-day cleanse & retreats 32:03 Top tip for anyone living with chronic pain 35:42 The invisibility of chronic illness — and how to talk about it 35:51 Deidre's favourite thing about living in Scotland Connect with Deidre: Website | www.freedomcoaching.live Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/deidre.christensonmain LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/deidre-christenson-main-ab4365207 Instagram | https://instagram.com/deidrechristensonmain Email | deidre@freedomcoaching.live 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/ | |||
| Fitness Specialist: These Common Exercises Make Menopause Symptoms Worse | 21 avr. 2026 | 00:34:06 | |
In this episode, Lauren sits down with Melanie — menopause coach, personal trainer, and former corporate sales manager — for an honest, energising conversation about movement, menopause, and reclaiming your confidence. Melanie shares her deeply personal journey: seven years of being dismissed by doctors, hitting rock bottom at 46, and finally finding the support and focus she needed — including rediscovering her love of running after debilitating joint pain she didn't realise was a menopause symptom. Together, Lauren and Melanie unpack why common exercise approaches can actually work against women during perimenopause and menopause, and why shifting your mindset from exercise to movement can be the game-changer you didn't know you needed. They explore the real barriers women face — time, energy, bladder weakness, injury, and lost confidence — and offer practical, accessible strategies for every fitness level, whether you're a lifelong athlete who needs to adapt, or someone who hasn't moved in years and doesn't know where to start. Melanie also shares what's behind her newly developed fitness app and 12-week progressive strength program, designed specifically for menopausal women — no gym required. In this episode, we cover:
Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 00:37 Melanie's Journey After Qualifying as a Menopause Coach 02:09 Finding Focus: The Corporate Side of Menopause Support 03:53 Melanie's Background in Male-Dominated Industries 05:17 Rebuilding Confidence and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome 07:40 How Lauren and Melanie First Connected 08:22 Seven Years of Being Dismissed by Doctors 09:51 Discovering Lauren's Course and Saying Yes 11:27 Key Takeaways from the Menopause Coach Programme 15:11 Melanie's Running Story: Joint Pain, HRT, and Getting Back Outside 17:58 Introduction to Melanie's Fitness App and Online Programmes 19:08 Why Movement (Not Exercise) Matters in Menopause 20:57 HIIT Explained: What It Is and Why It Helps 22:51 Bladder Weakness and Impact Exercise — The Honest Truth 24:07 Pelvic Floor Health: Seeking the Right Support 25:04 Lauren's Marathon Mistake During Perimenopause 25:48 Low-Intensity Training and Listening to Your Body 26:13 The Power of 10 Squats an Hour 27:34 Yoga, Flexibility, and Long-Term Health 28:19 Adapting Your Training as Your Body Changes 29:05 Starting From Scratch: Simple Movements for Every Woman 30:14 Dance in Your Kitchen — Movement Can Be Joyful 30:41 What Melanie Is Working On Now 31:00 Making Menopause Support Accessible to All Women 31:48 A Word for the Partners Standing Beside Menopausal Women Connect with Lauren Chiren 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 — 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/ | |||
| Stop Drinking Alcohol For 30 Days | Here's What Happens In Menopause | 14 avr. 2026 | 00:37:06 | |
When Alcohol Meets Menopause: One Woman's 30-Day Experiment That Changed Everything In this episode, I sit down with Claire for a raw and refreshingly honest conversation about the powerful — and often overlooked — connection between alcohol and menopause. Together, we unpack how so many women mistake perimenopause symptoms for the effects of drinking, and how that confusion can keep us stuck, unwell, and searching for answers in all the wrong places. We explore how giving up alcohol for just 30 days can unlock a chain reaction of clarity, healing, and self-discovery — and why the wine o'clock habit is rarely about the wine at all. We also dive into the booming alcohol-free market, the role of gut health, and why there is not a single menopausal symptom that isn't impacted by alcohol. Importantly, we shine a light on the courage it takes to change — whether that means setting new boundaries with friends, having honest conversations with partners and children, or simply trusting yourself when the doctors keep telling you everything is fine. And for anyone who has ever felt judged for ordering sparkling water at a girls' night out… this one is for you. 00:00 Introduction 01:31 Claire's Story: When 30 Days Became Seven Years 03:02 The Decision to Take a Break from Alcohol 07:14 What Those Emails Revealed About Alcohol and the Body 09:03 Noticing the Changes: Clarity, Energy, and Brighter Eyes 10:14 Shifting Friendships and Social Pressure 13:33 Boundaries, Menopause, and the People Around Us 15:02 Making the Connection Between Alcohol and Perimenopause 17:08 The Birth of Mindful Sips — and Menopause Dawn 21:19 What to Say to Someone Just Joining the Dots 23:10 Talking to Our Children About Menopause 25:54 The Alcohol-Free Market: How Far It's Come 29:13 Stepping Stones or a New Way of Living? 32:05 Five Years From Now: Claire's Vision 34:29 What the Menopause Coach Diploma Really Gave Her Connect with Claire: Menopause Dawn | (coming soon) Mindful Sips | (coming soon) FREEBIE: Grab my 12 Week Core Program, ABS ON FIRE https://www.amandathebe.com/abs-on-fire/ Menopause Resources https://amandathebe.com/meno-resource/ 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 | |||
| The Simple Menopause Conversation That Changed My Workplace | 07 avr. 2026 | 00:27:30 | |
In this episode, I sit down with Emma Trueman for a candid and deeply personal conversation about navigating perimenopause while maintaining a senior career in the technology and professional services sector. Together, we unpack the confusion and frustration that often accompany symptoms like extreme sleep deprivation and debilitating brain fog—and why Emma decided to move from being a mental health advocate to a certified menopause coach. We explore how Emma integrated menopause awareness into her corporate role, including a successful workplace panel that reached over 400 people. We discuss the importance of formal education and "chemistry checks" in coaching, and how lifestyle choices like movement and nutrition remain key pillars of her wellbeing. Importantly, we shine a light on the power of community—how connecting with others, even at 1:00 AM from Australia, can empower women to navigate this stage with confidence. We also talk about the cultural and lifestyle differences between the UK and Australia and how they impact the menopause experience. Episode Timestamps
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 StageWe 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.
Connect with Lauren
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| Do This Now to Avoid Dementia After Menopause | 31 mars 2026 | 00:34:49 | |
In this episode, Lauren sits down with Alice, a nutritional therapist and newly qualified menopause coach based near Brighton, whose life changed dramatically when her mother was diagnosed with dementia in 2020. That experience — combined with her own perimenopause journey — ignited a deep commitment to longevity, brain health, and helping women age well. Alice brings a unique dual perspective to her work: blending evidence-based nutrition with menopause coaching to offer a whole-body approach to this life stage. She's also a six-time marathon runner training for her first ultra, and a passionate Park Run ambassador — and she's proof that you can completely reinvent your career at 50. What We Discuss Alice's path to menopause coaching Alice's route to this work was anything but linear. When her mother was diagnosed with dementia in 2020, she became a carer almost overnight — and her priorities shifted completely. She left a demanding corporate job at 50, retrained in nutrition, and then discovered the Menopause Coach Diploma. She describes it as everything clicking into place. The dementia diagnosis that changed everything Watching her mother's quality of life at 83 — sharp wit intact, but no longer knowing who Alice is — gave Alice a visceral motivation to help people age well. She's not talking about skin; she's talking about brain health, physical function, and being able to tie your own shoelaces. Running became her lifeline through the grief of caring, and she's since completed six marathons and signed up for her first ultra. Why nutrition and menopause go hand in hand Alice merges her nutritional therapy practice with her menopause coaching, seeing them as one whole package. She's cautious about the noise online — supplementation trends, influencer-backed products — and emphasises the importance of evidence-based advice. Her approach is collaborative and client-led: food diaries, macronutrient analysis, and even supermarket trips and cooking together at home. The supplement question Alice's view has evolved: with a genuinely balanced diet, most people can get what they need from food. The one exception she backs wholeheartedly is Vitamin D, particularly in the UK. Her word for good nutrition? Curiosity — being willing to try new things and add to your plate, rather than overhaul it. Budget-friendly nutrition tips Alice's top three tips for eating well on a tight budget: embrace frozen food (often more nutritious than fresh, especially out of season), prioritise fibre by swapping beige processed food for whole grains, and make the most of tinned food — always choose water over syrup. She also champions using vegetable peelings for stock and making batch soups from leftover veg at the end of the week. The reset cleanse in the Menopause Plan as someone with a nutrition background, Alice appreciated the logic of the reset — cutting back on dairy, alcohol, processed food, and red meat as a blank canvas to work from. It also introduced her to rice milk, which she now has on her porridge every morning. What drew her to the diploma Alice first spotted Lauren on LinkedIn and attended a free workplace-focused webinar. What set this programme apart was how personal it felt — Lauren's clear investment in every cohort member succeeding, the ongoing community after graduation, and the sense of having colleagues again after going it alone. The group chat has become her go-to for questions, ideas, and support. Key takeaways from being coached Boundaries came up as a major personal theme — moving from a structured office environment to working from home with family interruptions made this live and relevant. Alice also took away the power of silence in coaching: allowing pauses rather than rushing to fill them opened people up in ways she hadn't expected. The power of saying things out loud In a spontaneous moment mid-episode, Alice discovers Lauren is running the Brighton Marathon — and Lauren admits she'd been on the verge of pulling out. Just having that conversation out loud shifts the decision. It becomes a live example of what coaching actually does. Her plans going forward Alice is working with practice clients, plans to expand into workplace menopause education, and is developing a couples-focused strand of her work. She'll soft-launch her full coaching offering once she's ready, growing largely through word of mouth. Key Takeaways What we eat in midlife directly affects brain health and how we age — starting now matters Frozen and tinned food are underrated, affordable, and genuinely nutritious — don't overlook them Moving away from beige, ultra-processed food and towards whole grains and colour is the single most accessible shift most people can make Most nutritional needs can be met through a balanced diet — but Vitamin D supplementation is backed by the evidence, particularly in the UK The power of a coach isn't just in the advice — it's in creating the space for someone to say something out loud, hear themselves, and move forward Community — whether through a cohort, Park Run, or a workplace — is not a nice-to-have; it's essential for wellbeing Guest: Alice Alice is a nutritional therapist and certified menopause coach based near Brighton on the UK's south coast. After leaving a high-pressured corporate career to care for her mother, she retrained in nutrition and went on to complete the Menopause Coach Diploma. She works face-to-face and online, is planning to take menopause education into workplaces, and has a special focus on couples and longevity. She's also a core member of her local Park Run community — you'll find her cheering at Mile 20 of the Brighton Marathon. Concerned about your brain health in midlife? A great first step is tracking your symptoms and speaking to a healthcare professional. For support with nutrition or menopause coaching, visit womenscoachingschool.com. | |||
| The #1 Reason People Feel Alone During Menopause (And How To Fix It) | 24 mars 2026 | 00:26:56 | |
In this episode, Lauren Chiren sits down with Sharon Watson for an high-energy and heart-centered conversation about finding one’s calling during the menopause transition. Together, they explore the profound impact of community and why shared experiences are the antidote to the isolation many women feel when "falling apart" during perimenopause. We delve into Sharon’s personal journey—from navigating "Menopause Mandy" alter egos to transforming her frustration with lackluster training into a mission for genuine advocacy. We discuss how lifestyle resets, structured coaching, and finding the right mentors can turn a small spark of passion into a "burning phoenix" of purpose. Importantly, we highlight Sharon’s incredible community fundraising efforts for Alzheimer's, illustrating the power of connection and the ripple effect of taking action. We also look ahead to the launch of Sharon’s new movement, MenoM8s, which aims to provide the education and support network that millions of women are currently lacking. Timestamped Breakdown
Connect with Sharon Watson:
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.
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| I Didn't Know It Was Perimenopause — Brain Fog, Anxiety, HRT in Switzerland and Why I Chose a Menopause Coach Diploma | 17 mars 2026 | 00:27:01 | |
In this episode, Lauren is joined by Christelle, a French-born, Switzerland-based graduate of the Menopause Coach Diploma, whose perimenopause journey sparked a passion for educating women around her. Christelle shares how she pieced together her own experience in hindsight, what drew her to menopause coaching, and the niche she's carving out — including working with couples navigating perimenopause together. Christelle grew up in France and has spent over 20 years living abroad — in Germany, the United States (Colorado), and now Switzerland, where she's been based for a decade. With a background in marketing and experience in the medical industry, she's now training as a menopause coach, planning a soft launch of her coaching business in May, and bringing a unique focus on couples and communication to her work. What We DiscussChristelle's international background Christelle has lived in France, Germany, Colorado, and Switzerland — speaking French, German, and English fluently. She moved to Switzerland in 2015 to give her children the opportunity to grow up bilingual in French and English, and has been there ever since. How she found the Menopause Coach Diploma After attending a menopause webinar in the Zurich area, Christelle noticed a presenter who described herself as a certified menopause coach. She tracked down the contact via LinkedIn and eventually discovered Lauren's work — attending all eight of Lauren's webinars before deciding to join the diploma programme. Her own perimenopause experience Christelle's perimenopause experience was something she only fully understood in hindsight. She'd been reading widely, listening to podcasts, following US-based doctors advocating for women, and became passionate about making sure the women around her knew they weren't going crazy — that there's a clear explanation for what they're experiencing. What stood out about the programme Christelle had experienced plenty of pre-recorded, self-paced learning in her career and found it ineffective. What attracted her to the diploma was its practical, live structure — particularly being taken through the Menopause Plan as a coachee as well as learning to coach. She found the experience of being coached through the programme herself gave her a deeper understanding of what she'd be offering her own clients. Changes she made through the Menopause Plan Being coached through the plan prompted real, practical changes: more awareness around hydration, reducing coffee intake (with the help of a mushroom-based adaptogen drink she discovered), and actively cultivating a more positive mindset. Lauren's opening question — "What's going well for you since we last met?" — stuck with her and shifted her default lens. Finding practice clients Christelle's first practice client came organically — a friend who said "you've helped me so much, I want to do this for you." Others took more time, as people were interested but hesitant when coaching was mentioned directly. By the time of recording, she had three practice clients and was in conversations with a potential fourth. Her niche: working with couples One of the most distinctive aspects of Christelle's vision is her focus on couples. Having noticed the impact of perimenopause on communication within relationships — and the fact that the 45–60 age bracket has the highest divorce rates, most often initiated by women — she wants to create a space for couples to open up dialogue about what's happening. Not couples therapy, but an opening of communication around a normal phase of life. Her plans going forward Christelle is planning a soft launch of her coaching business in May, after completing a social media training course in April. She's building a bank of content ideas, posting gradually on Instagram and LinkedIn, and hopes to grow through word of mouth from her practice clients. Longer term, she's interested in expanding into couples workshops. Key Takeaways
[00:00] Introduction — Lauren welcomes Christelle [00:01] Christelle's background: growing up in France, living in Germany, Colorado, and Switzerland [00:02] Meeting her husband, starting a family, and building a career in Colorado [00:03] Moving to Switzerland in 2015 — raising bilingual children and feeling at home [00:04] Skiing in Colorado — Lauren and Christelle find common ground [00:05] How Christelle discovered the Menopause Coach Diploma via a webinar in Zurich [00:06] Lauren on why she runs free webinars before people commit to the programme [00:07] What drew Christelle to menopause coaching — her own perimenopause experience in hindsight [00:08] The importance of talking openly so menopause stops being a taboo [00:09] What Christelle learned in the programme that went beyond books [00:10] The value of the live, practical format — being both coachee and coach [00:11] Finding practice clients — what worked and what slowed down [00:12] What clients really want: to be heard about something they've never talked about [00:13] Learning from coaches from other disciplines within the cohort [00:14] Being taken through the Menopause Plan — embracing the process even when you think you know the content [00:15] Real changes: hydration, reducing coffee, adaptogen drinks, and positive mindset shifts [00:16] Lauren on starting sessions with "what's going well?" — and why she baked caramel shortbread [00:17] Childhood joy revisited: baking with mum, and cycling in Colorado [00:18] A cycling accident and the anxiety that followed — losing something you loved [00:19] Building confidence back up — and the joy of wind in your face, cycling or skiing [00:20] Plans for launch: part-time job search, social media training, and a soft launch in May [00:21] Building a content bank before going public on Instagram and LinkedIn [00:22] Lauren on visibility — why telling people what you do matters [00:23] Christelle's niche: working with couples, and the link between menopause and divorce rates [00:24] How couples coaching might look in practice — workshops and validation with early clients [00:25] What Christelle would say to someone on the fence about the diploma [00:26] Final advice: attend the free webinars and treat the diploma as an investment in yourself [00:27] Wrap-up and farewell Interested in working with Christelle, or finding a menopause coach near you? Visit womenscoachingschool.com to find out more about the Menopause Coach Diploma and our graduate community. | |||
| Why Your Brain Processes Menopause Better Through Art | 10 mars 2026 | 00:33:54 | |
In this episode, Lauren sits down with Sara Beattie, a former primary school teacher turned menopause coach, whose powerful personal journey through perimenopause led her from forgetting her own lessons mid-class to becoming a qualified coach, master's researcher, and fierce advocate for women navigating the menopause transition. Sara shares the raw reality of living with unrecognised perimenopause symptoms while teaching in Hong Kong — from debilitating driving anxiety and extreme dizziness to standing in front of a classroom with a pen in her hand, unable to remember what she was teaching. Her story is one of confusion, isolation, and ultimately, transformation. Guest: Sara Beattie Sara is a former educator with over two decades of international teaching experience across Asia and the Middle East. After completing a Master's in Applied Positive Psychology and Coaching Psychology, she pivoted to menopause coaching — a path sparked by her own difficult perimenopause journey and a desire to give other women the support she never had. 📸 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-beattie/ 🌐 Website: sarabeattiecoaching.com 📧 Email: hello@sarabeattiecoaching.com What We Discuss Sara's perimenopause story Sara experienced a range of confusing and frightening symptoms while living overseas — extreme dizziness that meant she could only turn right when getting out of bed, sudden and severe driving anxiety, brain fog so intense she'd forget she was teaching mid-lesson, disrupted sleep, hot flushes, sweats, and anxiety. For years, she didn't connect these experiences to perimenopause. The impact of brain fog on her career One of the most striking moments Sara describes is standing at the whiteboard teaching maths to eight and nine-year-olds and simply forgetting what she was doing — mid-sentence, pen in hand. She also recalls forgetting children's names, addressing the wrong parents, and losing her thread in staff meetings. The experience shook her confidence deeply: "Have I still got this? Can I still do this?" Dark thoughts and the turning point Sara opens up about experiencing dark thoughts during this period — including a particular stretch of her walk to school she privately renamed "Permission Street." It wasn't until hearing a radio segment that she recognised how serious things had become. She found Dr. Louise Newson's first book, took it to her GP, and credits an open-minded young male doctor who read it cover to cover and restarted the conversation — leading to Sarah choosing HRT, which made a significant difference for her. The role of positive psychology Alongside HRT, Sara began her master's programme in applied positive psychology. Simple practices — gratitude, reflective writing, her "best self" letter — helped her feel more level and more like herself again. Her master's research on perimenopause and brain fog Prompted by a supervisor who asked what she was truly passionate about, Sara redirected her dissertation to focus on perimenopausal women experiencing brain fog. She interviewed women across five time zones, hearing how much they valued having a space to talk about the real, lived experience of menopause — not just the medical facts. What drew her to the Menopause Coach Diploma Sara was drawn to Lauren's programme because of its depth and rigour — a live, diploma-level course rather than a self-paced quiz. She valued the structure of being coached as well as learning to coach, and initially wondered if she really needed the personal coaching element (she did). She found the process of experiencing the programme as a client gave her profound insight into what she would be offering her own clients. Finding practice clients Sara reached out to former workplaces, friends, and family — not to ask directly, but to ask if they knew anyone who might benefit. She also used Instagram and LinkedIn. Her advice: just tell people. If you don't, nobody knows. What's next for Sara Launching a group version of her coaching programme Running a creative research project called "Age of Renewal" — inviting women of any age to share their experience or perception of menopause through whatever medium speaks to them: poetry, photography, collage, ceramics, nail art, doodles. The project was presented at the World Congress for Positive Psychology in Brisbane to a standing ovation, and is being launched again for a conference in Dublin. Exploring workplace menopause education in the Middle East, including a potential move to Saudi Arabia Key Takeaways Perimenopause symptoms can be wide-ranging, unexpected, and frightening — especially when you don't know what's causing them Cognitive symptoms like brain fog can have a serious impact on professional confidence and identity Dark thoughts and low mood are real symptoms of perimenopause, driven in part by the role of oestrogen in psychological wellbeing Finding the right GP makes all the difference — as does advocating for yourself and bringing information to appointments Positive psychology tools (gratitude, reflective writing, future-self exercises) can complement medical treatment Being coached — not just learning to coach — is a valuable part of professional training
Timestamps [01:00] Sara's career in education and how menopause changed everything [02:00] Unexpected symptoms: extreme dizziness and driving anxiety in Hong Kong [04:00] Moving back to London, starting her master's, and the world changing in 2020 [05:00] Brain fog in the classroom — forgetting how to teach mid-lesson [06:00] Loss of sleep and the knock-on effect on everything [07:00] What we were taught about menopause at school (and how little it was) [08:00] Dark thoughts and "Permission Street" — recognising how serious things had become [09:00] Finding Dr. Louise Newson's book and a GP who actually listened [10:00] Choosing HRT and the difference it made; starting positive psychology practices [11:00] Lauren reflects on oestrogen's role in emotional and cognitive wellbeing [12:00] Lauren opens up about her own experience with mental health during menopause [13:00] Sara starts speaking openly at school — running a menopause café and writing policy [14:00] A pivotal supervisor question leads to Sara's master's research on brain fog in perimenopause [15:00] Searching for a menopause coaching course and finding the Menopause Coach Diploma [16:00] What stood out about the diploma: live, rigorous, diploma-level training [17:00] The value of being coached as well as learning to coach [1800] Learning from fellow cohort members across different experience levels [19:] Client outcomes: agency, empowerment, and trusting the process [20:00] How Sara found her practice clients — and why you have to tell people [21:00] Favourite parts of the programme: the cohort, Lauren's expertise, expert guest sessions [22:00] The importance of up-to-date knowledge and weekly reflective practice [23:00] The value of reflective practice for coaches working with clients over time [24:00] Launching a group programme and the "Age of Renewal" research project [25:00] Presenting at the World Congress for Positive Psychology in Brisbane — standing ovation [26:00] Re-launching the research project for a Dublin conference; how to get involved [27:] Coaching workplaces in the Middle East and plans to move to Saudi Arabia [28:00] The disparity in HRT access for expats and people moving between countries [29:00] Why the project is called "Age of Renewal" — reframing menopause in the Middle East [30:00] Rediscovering joy and getting back to who you truly are [31:00] Sara's love of cross-cultural learning and life as an expat [32:00] Sara's message to anyone considering the Menopause Coach Diploma Resources Mentioned The Haynes Manual to Menopause by Dr. Louise Newson Applied Positive Psychology and Coaching Psychology (MSc) World Congress for Positive Psychology, Brisbane The Menopause Coach Diploma — womenscoachingschool.com If anything in this episode resonated with you and you're experiencing dark thoughts or low mood, please reach out to a healthcare professional or a trusted person in your life. | |||
| Sleepless in Seattle: Perimenopause, Night Sweats & Losing Your Joy with Megan Bird | 03 mars 2026 | 00:34:13 | |
In this episode, Lauren welcomes Megan Bird from Seattle, Washington—event planner turned perimenopause podcaster and newly minted menopause coach. Megan's story is one many will recognize: the perfect storm of kids, COVID, and perimenopause that drained all the joy from what used to be her dream job, leaving her confused, stuck, and searching for answers. For nearly 15 years, Megan ran a successful event planning company (70% weddings, 30% corporate—though financially the inverse), fueled by her love language of words of affirmation from grateful clients. But when her "give a shit was just tapped out," she knew something was profoundly wrong—she just didn't know what. This conversation dives into the snake oil saturating the menopause industry (from useless supplements to sketchy "qualifications"), why Megan waded through the noise to find real, evidence-based education, and how sleepless nights with sleep scores between 20-50 finally pushed her toward exploring hormone therapy. She also shares why she initially didn't plan to coach but changed her mind halfway through the diploma, and how she's now launching "Coming of Rage"—a perimenopause-focused podcast co-hosted with her best friend since age eight. If you've ever felt your joy bleeding away without understanding why, if you're waking up soaked through and changing clothes at 5:30 AM, or if you're desperately seeking real information in a sea of misinformation, Megan's story will resonate deeply. Key Points Covered: • From Dream Job to "I Don't Give a Shit": For 15 years, Megan owned an event planning company that was her pride and joy—weddings and corporate events (Xbox PR team included). She loved ushering stressed clients through high-stakes, high-budget events and basking in their gratitude: "We couldn't do this without you." That affirmation fueled her—until it didn't. • The Trifecta: Kids, COVID, Perimenopause: When kids came along, COVID hit, and perimenopause started, the things that used to feed Megan "started to really fall flat." She struggled to understand why things that made her happy no longer worked. "All my joy is bleeding away," she said. "On paper it looks like you have everything, but it felt not that." • The Confusing Soul-Searching: Megan felt "really stuck and really confused as to why I was stuck. It felt really sad." She couldn't put a finger on what was wrong—a common experience for perimenopausal women who don't yet realize what's happening. • Early Onset Dementia Fear: Lauren shares her own experience of thinking she had early-onset dementia, highlighting how common it is for women to have no idea menopause is the culprit—even healthcare professionals like Lauren with a background in performance don't always connect the dots. • The Snake Oil Industry: Megan describes the supplement industry (especially in the US) as "overwhelming"—particularly hair loss products claiming to fix perimenopausal hair loss. Her OB/GYN best friend confirmed: "That is just absolute garbage. Half of this stuff doesn't even get absorbed by your body." • The Chocolate Bar Con: Lauren shares seeing a chocolate bar with a new label and tiny new ingredient (that does nothing in that quantity) repackaged as "menopause chocolate" at twice the price. Same product, new marketing gimmick. • Sketchy "Menopause Coach" Programs: Before finding Women of a Certain Stage, Megan investigated programs that felt "very oily"—downloadable bundles of papers with no human interaction. "If you just regurgitate this 500-page printout, you can be a menopause coach. I wouldn't trust somebody with that accreditation. That feels really sketchy." • The Instagram DM Reality Check: Lauren shares a recent message from someone who took a downloadable course (no coaching assessment, no human interaction) and now doesn't know how to actually coach, get clients, or build a business. "Can you just tell me what to do?" The person was referred to a business coach because information ≠ implementation skills. • Why She Chose Women of a Certain Stage (The Big 3):
• Asynchronous vs. Synchronous Explained: Asynchronous means no real-time interaction—just workbooks, tests, and due dates done alone. Synchronous means face-to-face (or screen-to-screen) learning with mentors and cohort members. Megan didn't want to be "floating out there in the menopause space alone trying to grab at stuff." • AI's Role—But Humans Are Essential: Lauren discusses how AI is coming thick and fast (she attended Oracle conferences on AI back in the early 2000s), but believes deeply: "We still need that human-to-human contact. By seeing each other's eyeballs, watching body language, being in the same vicinity—that's what gives us fuel to be the best version of ourselves." Timestamps: [00:01:00] From dream job event planner to "give a shit tapped out" [00:02:00] Words of affirmation love language and client gratitude [00:04:00] Kids, COVID, perimenopause trifecta [00:06:00] Desperate for real information in the noise [00:07:00] Snake oil salesmen everywhere [00:09:00] Sketchy menopause coach programs [00:11:00] Why Women of a Certain Stage (the big 3) [00:13:00] Asynchronous vs. synchronous learning explained [00:14:00] AI is coming but humans are essential [00:16:00] Waking up at 5:30 AM in Seattle [00:17:00] Coming of Rage podcast launch [00:19:00] Coaching mind-change halfway through [00:22:00] The birthing industry comparison [00:24:00] Not everyone can deep dive for 90 hours [00:27:00] American healthcare's preventative care failure [00:29:00] Sleep: The #1 cross to bear [00:32:00] Hockey stick sleep decline and considering HRT Connect with Megan: • Instagram: @comingofrage • LinkedIn: Under construction (coming soon!) • Podcast: "Coming of Rage" launching end of February 2026 Resources: • Women of a Certain Stage Menopause Coach Diploma: https://womenofacertainstage.lpages.co/menopause_coach/ • Free guide: "Top 5 evidence-based menopause resources" → womenofacertainstage.com/menopause-resources • Oura Ring: Sleep and body temperature tracking • Women's Health Initiative (WHI): Original 2002 study and subsequent updates Content Warning: This episode contains frank discussion of sleep deprivation, night sweats, loss of joy, and includes swearing. Megan's podcast "Coming of Rage" will feature "lots of swears"—listeners, you've been warned! Let us know if you're liking the show! https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/tex... Support the show https://www.buzzsprout.com/2261882/su... Meet your Host: Lauren is the founder of Women of a Certain Stage and creator of the Become a Menopause Coach diploma program. Having experienced early menopause at 37 (diagnosed in her early 40s after initially fearing early-onset dementia), Lauren is passionate about providing real, evidence-based education in a market saturated with snake oil and misinformation. Lauren's program features live synchronous learning with top-tier experts, human-to-human connection across global time zones, and ongoing community support for 12 months post-graduation. Ready to cut through the noise and get real menopause education? Book a free discovery call: https://bookme.name/womenofacertainstage/lite/tmsh Join a live cohort where you'll learn from medical experts, practice coaching skills in real-time, and build a community that will support you for years to come—not just hand you a 500-page printout and wish you luck. Disclaimer: Information shared is for educational and entertainment purposes only and doesn't replace medical advice. Always consult with healthcare professionals for your specific situation. Sleep scores mentioned are from consumer wearable devices and should not be used for medical diagnosis. | |||
| From Diversity & Inclusion to Menopause Coaching: Sarah Cooper's Journey to Building Belonging at Work | 24 févr. 2026 | 00:32:03 | |
In this episode, Lauren welcomes Sarah Cooper, founder of Flamingo Menopause Coaching and a graduate of the Women of a Certain Stage Menopause Coach diploma program. Sarah brings over 10 years of HR experience, specializing in diversity and inclusion strategy, employee experience, and most notably, building workplace belonging—particularly for women navigating menopause. Sarah's journey from contact center customer service to leading diversity and inclusion initiatives for an entire organization is a masterclass in identifying gaps and creating solutions. When she joined her last corporate role, they were just beginning to explore menopause support. Sarah volunteered to set up the menopause support group from scratch—and what she learned became the framework for seven other employee network groups across the organization. This conversation explores what diversity and inclusion really means beyond checkbox exercises, why belonging (not just fitting in) is the foundation of workplace culture, how one painting of a flamingo became a business metaphor for creating safe spaces, and why Sarah's "menopause geek" tendencies finally found their perfect outlet after redundancy gave her the push she needed to go all-in on her passion. If you've ever wondered how to make menopause support feel like genuine cultural change rather than a lunch-and-learn tick-box, or how to transition from corporate security to entrepreneurial freedom, Sarah's story will inspire you. Key Points Covered: • From Customer Service to Employee Experience: Sarah started her career in contact centers on the phones, then transitioned into HR about 10 years ago—swapping customer experience for employee experience, which became the foundation for her people-first approach. • The Menopause Support Group That Changed Everything: When Sarah joined her last company, they were just beginning their menopause journey. She volunteered to set up the menopause support group from scratch, and her learnings from that became the framework for seven other employee network groups across the organization. • What D&I Actually Means: Diversity and inclusion isn't just about reporting gender pay gaps or diversity in hiring (the "hard elements"). Sarah's strategy was heavily focused on belonging—making sure everyone in the organization felt they had a place, were accepted, understood, and valued for their unique contributions. • Belonging vs. Fitting In: You can have diversity and inclusion policies without having a diverse workforce. True belonging means diversity of thought, acceptance, finding your place in the organization, and feeling like you truly belong—not just fitting into someone else's mold. • The Family Analogy (With Caveats): Sarah is resistant to calling workplaces "families" because you're being paid to be there and many families are dysfunctional anyway. But the sense of belonging she aimed for was similar—ensuring women of a certain age don't feel pushed out, misunderstood, or like they no longer belong. • Culture Starts with Line Managers: Senior leadership matters, but most employees (especially in large contact centers) never interact with the CEO. What makes the real difference is your immediate team and line manager. Do they understand you as a person, not just your role? Do they show kindness, flexibility, and genuine care? • Common Sense Isn't Common: Sarah's HR mantra: "If we just had managers that use their common sense and were nice people, we wouldn't have HR problems." But somehow that common sense seems to "leave them at the door" when they become managers. • Lunch-and-Learns Don't Change Culture: One soft lunch-and-learn on menopause (or any topic) doesn't make culture change. Real transformation requires line managers and team leaders developing life skills—listening, communicating, understanding—that go beyond any specific diversity topic. • The Flamingo Story: Sarah originally planned to start her business in 2020, but COVID derailed it. After getting made redundant again, she thought: "If I'm ever going to do it, I need to do it now." The name came from a painting she created at a leadership offsite—despite her art teacher once telling her she had "good ideas but couldn't put them into practice." • Creating Safe Spaces to Thrive: The painting instructor broke the task into manageable chunks, created an environment where everyone felt safe, and didn't judge anyone's work. Sarah came away with something that "vaguely resembled" the example and thought: "I quite like this." That experience of creating safe spaces for people to thrive became her business philosophy. • Flamingo Fun Fact Friday: Sarah is implementing "Flamingo Fun Fact Friday" on social media—sharing fun facts about menopause to educate and engage her audience with personality and playfulness. • The Menopause Geek Revelation: Sarah has "always been one of these people that researches the hell out of something" and became "a bit of a menopause geek." When she got made redundant, she'd been thinking about training anyway—and realized this was her moment. • The Conference That Changed Everything: Before being made redundant, Sarah saw Lauren speaking at a conference (where Vicki Ramsden also spoke, who later became a faculty member in the diploma). That planted the seed for choosing Women of a Certain Stage. • Why This Program: Sarah knew she didn't want a self-paced online course with no interaction ("I just don't do it"). She wanted live sessions with accountability. She also didn't want to just train people to deliver material—she wanted coaching skills because coaching was already part of her leadership style. • The Comprehensive Factor: Sarah was impressed by the comprehensiveness—not just menopause and coaching content, but also business mechanics for setting up your own practice. The quality of teaching and variety of expert speakers exceeded her expectations. • The Personal Growth Surprise: Sarah expected to learn information but "hadn't expected to grow so much as a person and increase my confidence." She realized she needed to take more care of her own health and wellbeing—practicing what she was learning to teach. • The Decluttering Turning Point: For the first 3-4 sessions, Sarah was "just learning it"—studying how coaching was delivered. Then they hit the decluttering module and "something switched in my brain." She finally let herself be coached rather than studying the process, and "that was the turning point." • Allow Yourself to Be Coached: Lauren always says during the menopause plan delivery: "Allow yourself to be coached. Don't study how I'm delivering this." The magic happens when you stop analyzing the technique and actually experience being coached—that's when transformation occurs. • The Freedom of Entrepreneurship: Sarah loves the freedom to do what she wants without someone telling her what to do. Her brain constantly fires with ideas while walking, shopping, watching TV, or at the gym—"Oh, that would be a really good post!" • Risk-Taking When Passionate: Sarah isn't naturally a big risk-taker or daredevil, but she's realized: "I don't mind taking risks when it's something I'm really passionate about because it feels like the right thing to do." • The Corporate Safety Net vs. Solo Reality: In corporate, you have admin people, comms people, technical people—everyone doing their specialized thing. When you work for yourself, everything is down to you. Even if you outsource, knowing how your own business works and setting up systems is crucial. • Finding Your New Rhythm: One of the biggest challenges is creating a new routine when you no longer have meetings, deadlines, and projects dictated by others. You need discipline and self-imposed deadlines or "you can easily find yourself wasting the day" and it becomes "an expensive hobby." • Project Management Still Applies: Sarah used to manage projects with tools and techniques in corporate. She's had to remind herself: "All those things will help me. If I do a project plan, it will help me." The skills transfer—you just need to apply them to yourself. • Outsource Your Weaknesses: Sarah tried to create her own logo—it was "rubbish." She outsourced it for a reasonable price, and someone turned Fabian (her flamingo) into a professional brand with a full toolkit, colors, and social media-ready assets. Play to your strengths; outsource the rest. • Pay in Time or Money: You're paying either way—either with your time or with money. When something clearly isn't your strength and you'll waste loads of time on it, outsource if you can. • Learn Before You Outsource: Even if you plan to outsource eventually (like social media), learn the basics first. You need to understand messaging, calls to action, information types, sources, and brand fit before handing it to someone else—especially when accuracy matters. • Your Brand Will Evolve: Logos change, messaging changes, how you talk about your work changes. Sarah's seen people get stuck in "I need the website, I need the logo, I need everything perfect" when the first thing they should do is reach out to their existing network—that's where initial business comes from. • The Gym Talk Success: Sarah did a talk at her local gym. One woman almost didn't come because she thought | |||
| Scaling Your Coaching Business with Carey Peters | 17 févr. 2026 | 01:05:05 | |
In this episode, Lauren welcomes back Carey Peters—actor-turned-entrepreneur, co-founder of Health Coach Institute (HCI), and the coach who taught her how to coach. This is a raw, unfiltered conversation that veers beautifully off-script, touching on everything from voice training and stage presence to psychic downloads, the brutal realities of scaling to eight figures, and why menopause might be the greatest gift of midlife. Carey brings over 20 years of business-building wisdom, having co-founded Holistic MBA and HCI, which graduated over 40,000 coaches and achieved one of the biggest exits in EdTech history before she stepped away in 2025. Now working privately with founders in the $1-5 million revenue range, Carey shares what she wishes she'd known before building her empire, why most coach training schools are failing their students, and how one to three strategic adjustments can completely transform a business. This conversation is part masterclass in business strategy, part spiritual journey, and entirely Carey—bold, honest, hilarious, and deeply human. If you've ever wondered whether you should scale or stay small, whether that seven-figure dream is worth the 80-hour weeks, or how to coach with your whole heart while maintaining boundaries, this episode is for you. Key Points Covered: • Voice as a Tool: Carey discusses the importance of vocal training for speakers and coaches, drawing from her theater conservatory background. She emphasizes that voice, like clothing and physical embodiment, is an emotional communication tool that requires technique to appear natural. • Unconscious Competence vs. Conscious Teaching: Carey reveals she's terrible at teaching stage presence because she has "unconscious competence"—she knows how to do it naturally but can't break it down. However, she's an excellent business teacher because she had to learn it step-by-step without natural skill. • Psychic Coaching & Soul Connections: Before client sessions, Carey receives "full downloads" of what's happening—sometimes relatives come through to chat. She's unsure what's actually happening ("Am I the avatar of a 12-year-old girl in the year 2312?") but trusts what she hears and follows it. • The Terror Barrier: New coaches hit what Carey calls "the terror barrier"—full-on terror when entering sessions. The scripts in her programs weren't meant to be permanent crutches but "training wheels" to ferry coaches through that initial fear until they gain 1% more confidence. • The Massive Gap in Coach Training Schools: The biggest players in coach training (especially private equity-owned ones) fail catastrophically at one thing: sharing student success stories. With 40,000 graduates between Holistic MBA and HCI, there should be 20,000 stories showcasing return on investment—but PE-backed schools don't understand information marketing. • Students Are the Stars, Not the Founders: When PE investors pushed to make HCI an "institution" rather than "the Carey and Stacy show," they missed that the answer was making students the stars. The #1 objection to enrolling is "Will I make my money back?"—and only student stories prove that convincingly. • The Woman Problem in Coaching: 95%+ of coach training students are women, yet most major schools have no female faces representing the brand. Women need to see other women who've done it, who understand the unique layer of self-doubt, need for permission, and patriarchal limitations wired into female nervous systems. • It's Only Been 50 Years: In 1974—when Carey was born—women in the US were finally allowed to get their own credit cards without a man. That's only 50 years ago. Women are still emerging from under "the crust of patriarchy" and need female role models who understand that journey. • The Simplest Possible Strategy: Founders in the $1-5M range need to answer "Why do I want a $10M business? Do I even want that?" before diving into strategy. Often they need just 1-3 adjustments to scale—not a million things—plus the simplest possible structure to support creative minds. • You Need CEO Eyes: Between $1-5M revenue, you can't afford a CEO but desperately need one. You need external perspective on operations, hiring, structure, and risk management because when you're in it, you can't see clearly. Mistakes get exponentially more expensive. • The $3.5M Ceiling: Carey and Stacy hit $3.5M two years in a row and realized the choice: learn to become operators, scale back to an exclusive high-ticket model, or "shoot for the moon." They chose the latter, selling to partners who'd achieved a $750M EdTech exit—Carey's "MBA she never got." • Top Line vs. Profit: "Seven-figure coach" typically means $1M+ revenue but only $200-300K profit. Turnover looks glamorous; profit margin is what matters. Carey emphasizes founders often bring on team too quickly, destroying profit margins unnecessarily. • The 90% Profit Margin Secret: One-on-one private coaching with the right clients (working 1-3 years at premium rates) offers 90% profit margins. Carey coaches six days per month—far less work than building an empire but potentially comparable income without the stress. • Lifestyle vs. Empire Building: Empire building is 70-80 hour weeks for years with enormous risk and pressure. Lifestyle businesses offer work-life balance while still requiring real work. The question isn't which is "better" but which aligns with your actual goals and values. • The Hustle Culture Lie: Anyone teaching "get to seven figures without hustle and grind" is selling bullshit. Building to millions requires enormous work, mistakes, pivots, and grinding—there are no shortcuts. The person teaching the system worked their ass off to create it. • Would They Have Made More Coaching Privately?: Looking back, Carey wonders if she and Stacy would have actually made more money over the years doing high-ticket private coaching instead of building HCI. It's a legitimate question founders should ask themselves. • The CEO Struggle Is Universal: Watching accomplished CEOs with impressive backgrounds still struggle with operations, org charts, managing people, and daily business decisions was eye-opening for Carey. Even "experts" don't have all the answers—everyone is figuring it out. • The "New Level, New Devil" Reality: Whatever level you're at in business—starting, scaling, exiting—there's always a new challenge. It doesn't stop. Everyone has the same beating heart and needs connection regardless of their revenue numbers. • Brian Franklin's One-to-One Model: Carey credits executive coach Brian Franklin for teaching her the simple but powerful model she now uses for private coaching—focusing on lifestyle business principles rather than empire-building complexity. • The Menopause Superpower: As estrogen drops, the biological imperative to please disappears. Carey describes no longer tolerating family dysfunction, relationship drama, or anything that doesn't serve her. The "veil lifts" and you genuinely stop caring what others think—it's freedom. • Built on Big Wounds: Great businesses are often built from big wounds. For Carey, part of her drive to build HCI came from "I don't matter, so if I achieve a lot, I'll be seen as important and valuable." Letting go of HCI allowed her to realize: "I matter no matter what. I don't have to do anything." • The 2025 Energy: Having left HCI in early 2025, Carey describes it as a "nine year" (endings, completions, letting go) leading into a "one year" (new beginnings). Her intuition shows something new is coming, though she doesn't know what yet. • Surrender & Motherhood: When Carey suspected she was pregnant at 40+, terrified and spiraling while driving to LAX, she heard a clear voice: "Surrender." She knew immediately she was pregnant and had to have the baby. Her daughter became "the best thing I've ever done" and the catalyst for becoming the person she needed to be. • Soul Destiny in Coaching: Carey believes deeply (whether right or wrong) that there's a soul-level reason she meets each client or student. It feels sacred and special. Even recording videos for 40,000 HCI students, she felt she loved the person watching and wanted them to "mostly feel loved." • The 1.2 Billion Woman Market: With 1.2 billion women currently going through menopause globally, it's a massive underserved market. Lauren's tight specialization in menopause coaching is precisely why it works—it's specific, there's enormous demand, and it's what women in that age group are constantly discussing. • The Male Menopause Coach Success: One of Lauren's graduates is a male VP in financial services who trained as a menopause coach after nearly divorcing over his wife's menopause experience. He now charges $20-30K for relationship coaching—far cheaper than the six-figure divorces his colleagues would face. • Fall in Love With Your Clients: A phrase Carey and Stacy taught that initially confused Lauren like "a brick." Now Lauren tells her students the same thing: "Fall in love. Make your heart meet their heart. Connect with them where they are." By week 17-18 of each cohort, Lauren keeps tissues nearby because she doesn't want it to end. • The Prize of Not Caring: At 51, Carey has reached the point where she doesn't care about proving anything, needing recognition, or... | |||
| Endometriosis, IVF, Hysterectomy and the Quiet Grief No One Talks About – Kate's Menopause Awakening | 10 févr. 2026 | 00:26:30 | |
In this episode, Lauren Chiren welcomes Kate Atha, a graduate of the Women of a Certain Stage Menopause Coach diploma program who brings a deeply personal and profoundly important perspective to the conversation about surgical menopause, fertility loss, and finding your identity in midlife. Kate's journey is one that too many women experience in silence—years of battling stage 4 endometriosis, multiple surgeries, a difficult IVF journey, and then waking up from what she hoped would be a partial hysterectomy to discover it was total, effectively ending her fertility dreams in an instant. With minimal psychological preparation, no grief support, and just a prescription for HRT handed to her before discharge, Kate was left to navigate surgical menopause, identity crisis, and profound loss largely on her own. This conversation explores the devastating gap in support for women who enter menopause through medical intervention, the quiet grief of childlessness that society often dismisses with unhelpful "advice" about adoption, the triggering nature of celebrations like Mother's Day, and how Kate has transformed her pain into purpose by becoming a menopause coach and advocate—both within her corporate HR role and beyond. Kate also opens up about the changing relationship with alcohol in menopause, the "sober curious" movement, and why she believes menopause is far from a "saturated market"—there's still so much work to do. Key Points Covered: • The Endometriosis Journey: Kate suffered with stage 4 endometriosis for years before diagnosis—stuck bowel, removed fallopian tubes, recurring cysts the size of grapefruits. Unlike many endo sufferers with debilitating daily pain, Kate's pain was primarily during menstruation, which delayed proper diagnosis for approximately 8 years (the current average). • The Doctor's Dismissive Response: When Kate first went to her GP with stomach pain, she was met with "Have you been Googling? You're obviously thinking the worst"—a dismissive response that's all too common for women with endometriosis and other reproductive health conditions. • The Hysterectomy Shock: Kate consented to various surgical options including total hysterectomy, but conversations with her consultant had been hopeful it wouldn't be that severe. Waking up in recovery still groggy and sick to learn it was indeed a total hysterectomy—with no working ovaries—was devastating. • Zero Psychological Preparation: The consultant returned hours later to say "You're entering menopause, you'll need HRT" and simply left the room. No grief counseling, no psychological support, no explanation of what surgical menopause would mean—just a prescription to be filled within two weeks. • The Double Loss: While being told about menopause, Kate's brain wasn't even there yet—she was grieving the end of her fertility journey. Years of IVF (which was "not a really good experience"), countless surgeries, and the dream of biological motherhood had just ended without warning in a recovery room. • The Fertility Dreams We're Conditioned To Have: Kate speaks honestly about being conditioned that "this is what we do—we're females, we produce babies, we get married, we have kids, we're homemakers"—and the profound grief of that life path being suddenly, permanently closed. • Time as the Only Healer: Kate describes how "just gradually, bit by bit, it didn't hurt as much"—the rawness of "you are not going to be a biological mum" faded over time. But there are still triggers, particularly around Mother's Day, even though she has a wonderful relationship with her own mother. • The Unhelpful "Adoption" Suggestions: Well-meaning people asking "Haven't you looked into adoption?" don't understand that for many women, the desire is specifically to have a baby that "comes from me and is part of me and my husband." Kate and her husband did explore adoption but decided it wasn't for them—a deeply personal choice that deserves respect. • The Bond Over Shared Pain: Kate found solace in a best friend who also went through unsuccessful IVF, creating a shared understanding of the pain of "not getting to be the mums we wanted to be." Having friends at different stages—some with children, some without—meant she had support depending on what she needed. • The Bitter-Sweet Joy for Others: The complex emotions of being genuinely happy for friends who fall pregnant easily while simultaneously feeling internal pain—"Oh, why wasn't that me?"—is a reality many women with fertility struggles know intimately. • The Support Gap for Surgical Menopause: Lauren highlights that Kate's situation—being thrown into menopause at the peak of trying to start a family—happens "sadly too regularly" with insufficient support. Women in surgical menopause need specialized care that acknowledges both the hormonal transition AND the grief, trauma, and identity crisis. • Why Kate Trained as a Menopause Coach: Despite knowing very little about menopause after her hysterectomy, Kate saw the coaching program on LinkedIn and thought "that sounds like a piece of me." She wanted to educate herself while potentially adding another skill to her corporate HR toolkit—and learned massively about her own menopause journey in the process. • The Work-Life Balance Struggle: Kate admits to constantly having to check herself on work-life boundaries—checking Teams on her phone after logging off, quickly replying to "just one more email." It's an ongoing challenge requiring daily awareness. • Exercise as Escape and Empowerment: Kate loves the gym, sport, squash with her husband, learning golf, and used to play cricket until a back injury. She particularly enjoys sports that "historically women weren't meant to do"—if someone says she can't play it, she'll have a go. • The Corporate Alcohol Culture: Kate describes how alcohol is "heavily interwoven with corporate life"—client meetings, socializing, celebrating success, breakfast meetings followed by evening drinks, work away days centered around alcohol. It's so normalized that opting out still carries stigma. • The Menopausal Alcohol Intolerance: Since entering menopause, Kate has become "a complete lightweight" who feels "horrendous even if I've just sniffed a glass of wine." She's reached the point of questioning "Why am I doing this to myself? I'm ruining a whole weekend and not even enjoying it." • Sober Curious Defined: For Kate, being "sober curious" means "I am interested in a potentially life without alcohol" and exploring "what's my relationship with alcohol?" She acknowledges her past relationship with it wasn't healthy—too much reliance on binge drinking and consuming all weekly units in one evening—but emphasizes "each to their own" without judgment. • Leading Menopause Work in Corporate: In her HR role at a large global insurance company heading up an employee forum, Kate already ran a monthly menopause support group before training as a coach—working with senior stakeholders and executives on awareness initiatives. • The "I Thought I Knew" Revelation: Despite running workplace menopause groups and rating herself "7 out of 10" on menopause knowledge, Kate was shocked by how much she didn't know when she started the diploma. "There is still so much that I completely don't know." • Menopause Is NOT a Saturated Market: Kate pushes back against claims that "menopause is everywhere, it's a trillion-dollar industry, it's saturated"—emphasizing "No, it is really not. There's still so much to do." The narrative that menopause awareness has "gone too far" is false when women still wake up from surgery with zero support. • Future Plans: Kate wants to work with private clients one-to-one (she currently does group work), explore local community-based groups, potentially run retreats, and continue her corporate awareness work. As she says: "Watch this space." • Life Skills Beyond Menopause: The menopause plan teaches fundamental life skills—decluttering, boundary setting, self-care—that help everyone "whether you are going through menopause and having all of that fun, or not." • The Age Stigma: Kate realized she wasn't wanting to talk about being menopausal because "I felt that people would think that meant I was old, I was a certain age." She questioned this embarrassment—why the discomfort with being associated with a particular age? It's societal pressure: "You're this age, you do this, you look like this." • Identity Crisis in Menopause: The question "Who am I now?" becomes profound—comparing yourself to your 20s and 30s, noticing wrinkles, grieving past abilities. But as Lauren frames it in the coaching scripts: it's an opportunity to explore, stop, think, reset, and decide "What do I want my future to look like?" • Transforming Pain Into Purpose: Kate has taken her lived experience of surgical menopause, fertility loss, and navigating corporate life through hormonal chaos and turned it into a mission to support others—particularly those who've experienced similar trauma and loss that society often minimizes or ignores. Timestamps: [00:01:00] Why train as a menopause coach? [00:02:00] The endometriosis journey and misdiagnosis [00:05:00] Waking up to unexpected total hysterectomy [00:06:00] The double grief: Fertility and menopause news [00:08:00] Coming to terms with childlessness ... | |||
| From Executive Search to Inner Search: Sally's Midlife Reinvention | 03 févr. 2026 | 00:34:44 | |
In this episode, Lauren welcomes Sally, a graduate of the Women of a Certain Stage Menopause Coach diploma program who spent decades in executive search, specializing in C-Suite placements and working with some of the most senior women in corporate leadership. Sally's story is one of intentional transformation—leaving behind a high-powered career not because she had to, but because she wanted to explore what came next. Despite sailing through menopause relatively symptom-free herself, Sally was drawn to the program as a lifelong learner who recognized the profound connection between women's midlife transitions and the executive exits she witnessed throughout her career. This conversation explores the "mahogany veneer" of wisdom Sally accumulated through thousands of executive interviews, the patterns she observed in senior women's confidence (or lack thereof), the guilt that high-achieving women carry across all aspects of life, and why she believes at least 50% of women leaving C-Suite roles are doing so because of menopause—even though it's rarely discussed. Sally shares her insights on what it takes to help senior executives break free from their "chrysalis," the power of truth-telling wrapped in compassion, and why she's committed to using her accumulated wisdom to support women through their next chapter. Key Points Covered: • The Mahogany Veneer of Wisdom: After decades in executive search conducting thousands of interviews across multiple cultures, industries, and geographies, Sally describes herself as having accumulated a "mahogany veneer"—not mica, but genuine depth—touching on so many aspects of leadership and humanity that it creates profound wisdom. • The Hidden Menopause-Executive Exit Connection: Sally estimates that at least 50% of women leaving C-Suite roles are doing so because of menopause, yet this connection is rarely (if ever) discussed in conjunction with executive transitions. She's exploring research from CIPD, ACAS, Bank of America, and other financial institutions to investigate this further. • Why She Trained Despite Not Suffering: Sally was fortunate to sail through menopause with minimal symptoms, but was drawn to the program as a lifelong learner (having completed a master's degree in her 40s and Montessori teacher training in her 30s) who wanted to keep developing skills and expanding knowledge—even if she wasn't initially sure how she'd use it professionally. • Scratching the Surface of C-Suite Women: Despite impressive accomplishments and senior positions, Sally consistently found that C-Suite women have remarkably little confidence when you scratch the surface. She wonders how much of this is influenced by perimenopause and menopause symptoms that go unrecognized or unaddressed. • The Transition Crisis: Senior executives—both men and women—struggle profoundly when moving from executive to non-executive careers. Women in particular often feel lost, despite decades of achievement, when making this transition. • The Sacrifice Required for C-Suite Success: Women who reach C-Suite positions often sacrifice family life, social connections, spiritual development, health, and other life domains in pursuit of excellence. The constant guilt of "never doing anything as well as you should be" at work, with family, or with friends becomes an exhausting burden. • Double Standards in Leadership: Behaviors that are acceptable and even celebrated in men are deemed "unacceptable" or "aggressive" in women. Sally describes being called an "agitator" or "up for yourself" simply for having opinions and speaking out against unfairness—behaviors that would be called "leadership" in male colleagues. • Higher Standards for Women: Women are measured differently and held to higher standards, particularly women of color who face even greater barriers. Women have to try harder to achieve things and prove themselves more than their male counterparts. • The Practice Client Revelations: Sally discovered that beneath the presenting issue of menopause, her coaching clients all shared fundamental life issues—partner challenges, control issues, not sitting down for meals together, rushing through everything, and particularly struggles with decluttering and asking for help. • Partners as Obstacles: A common pattern emerged where partners (male, female, or otherwise) were often significant obstacles to women's wellbeing, but this only surfaced around weeks 3-4 of the coaching relationship. Sally learned to sense this bubbling beneath the surface and gently create space for clients to talk about it without feeling they were "betraying" anyone. • The Decluttering Week Breakthrough: Of all the menopause plan modules, decluttering and asking for help created the most transformation. Sally was shocked to discover that even her successful, accomplished clients weren't sitting at tables for meals, were rushing through everything, and lacked basic healthy habits around water intake and self-care. • The Nutrition Week Challenge: Sally admitted she struggled most with the nutrition week, finding parts of it "very American" and "unrealistic" for her time-strapped clients with multiple children. This became a teaching moment about recognizing her own judgments and learning to plant seeds rather than prescribe solutions. • The 1% Improvement Philosophy: Rather than expecting clients to go from 2/10 to 10/10, Sally celebrates helping them reach 5-6/10 in just seven hours of coaching—recognizing that wherever someone is in life, there's always a next level and always another step to take. • The Chrysalis Metaphor: Sally describes her coaching approach as helping people realize they've built a chrysalis around themselves—they have beautiful wings but are trapped. Her role is helping them break out of that chrysalis and realize they can fly. • Kick and a Cuddle Coaching Style: Sally believes "the truth is a gift" but must be appropriately wrapped. Too many people avoid telling the truth to spare feelings, but real help comes from honest feedback—whether about body language, voice, presence, or imposter syndrome—delivered with compassion. • Loneliness at the Top: Senior positions are profoundly lonely. Sally shares a story of leaving a note under a new CEO's hotel room door during his "three-month wobble" with affirmations, which he kept in his office—highlighting the desperate need for trusted support at senior levels. • The Safe Space of Coaching: The menopause plan gives women permission to talk about things they haven't even allowed themselves to think about. As layers get unpicked, clients experience "aha moments" where their jigsaw puzzle starts coming together—not completed by the end, but with a clear picture emerging. • NDAs and Settlement Agreements: While Sally hasn't had direct visibility into how many women are exited via non-disclosure agreements potentially linked to menopause, she suspects it's significant. NDAs are often used when someone is in a moment of weakness or vulnerability, lacking the mental fortitude or finances to fight properly. • The Gift of Time: After leaving executive search, Sally appreciates having the luxury of time to let her thoughts naturally evolve, reflect on her journey, and decide how to share her next chapter without arbitrary deadlines or pressure. • What Lights Her Up: Sally loves giggling with like-minded people, fighting unfairness, being a listening friend who gives people "airspace to talk," and engaging with fascinating people—even (especially) the difficult ones that everyone else avoids. Timestamps: [00:02:00] Saying thank you: Reframing the LinkedIn farewell [00:04:00] The C-Suite exodus and menopause connection [00:06:00] Struggling with the nutrition week [00:08:00] What really comes out in coaching sessions [00:11:00] Why Sally trained without having symptoms [00:13:00] Working predominantly with C-Suite women [00:14:00] The confidence deficit at the top [00:16:00] Sacrifices and double standards [00:19:00] The VA revelation: Cards and guilt [00:21:00] NDAs and settlement agreements [00:23:00] The chrysalis and beautiful wings [00:25:00] Creating safe spaces for conversation [00:27:00] What makes Sally smile [00:30:00] The wisdom worth translating [00:31:00] Why trust the process works Resources: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sally-a-f-springbett-she-her-b8b3224/ • Women of a Certain Stage Menopause Coach Diploma: https://womenofacertainstage.lpages.co/menopause_coach/ • Research on menopause and workplace exits:
• Free guide: "Top 5 evidence-based menopause resources" → womenofacertainstage.com/menopause-resources Let us know if you're liking the show! https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/tex... Support the show https://www.buzzsprout.com/2261882/su... Meet your Host: Lauren is the founder of Women of a Certain Stage and creator of the Become a Menopause Coach diploma program. | |||
| Perimenopause, Cognition & Comedy: Dr Peter Greenhouse On The Truths No One’s Talking About | 27 janv. 2026 | 00:46:00 | |
In this episode, Lauren welcomes Dr. Peter Greenhouse, a pioneering sexual health physician and menopause specialist who brings decades of clinical experience, a background in comedy, and an unflinching approach to the conversations no one else is having about perimenopause. Dr. Greenhouse's unique journey, from performing comedy at Cambridge with future greats like Andy Hamilton and Guy Jenkin, to revolutionizing integrated sexual health services, to becoming a sought-after menopause lecturer, gives him a perspective unlike any other doctor. Previously married to a world expert in menopause and having spent years listening to women's stories, he's learned that the most important symptoms of perimenopause are often the most overlooked. This conversation challenges conventional thinking about when perimenopause starts, what the first symptoms really are, and why cognitive decline - not hot flushes - is often the earliest and most career-damaging sign. Dr. Greenhouse also tackles the uncomfortable truths about midlife divorce rates, sexual health in older adults, the devastating impact of misdiagnosis, and why estrogen affects literally every system in your body, from your vocal cords to your ACL rupture risk. With humor, humanity, and hard science, this episode will change how you think about the menopausal transition. Key Points Covered: • Cognition Comes First: The first symptom of perimenopause isn't hot flushes, it's cognitive decline. Brain fog, forgetfulness, and reduced mental sharpness often appear years before temperature regulation issues, directly impacting work performance and leading many women to believe they're "just depressed." • Perimenopause Starts Earlier Than You Think: While textbooks say perimenopause begins 5 years before menopause (mid-40s), Dr. Greenhouse regularly sees women in their late 30s with clear perimenopausal symptoms, especially if their mothers had early menopause. Some women experience a 15-year menopausal transition. • The Misdiagnosis Cascade: Women go to their GP with joint pain, get MRIs showing nothing wrong. Then palpitations lead to ECGs. Then migraines lead to scans. Years pass with multiple specialists investigating separate symptoms while no one connects the dots to perimenopause - causing reactive depression from feeling like everything is falling apart. • Estrogen's Jaw-Dropping Effects Throughout the Body:
• The Mid-40s Perfect Storm: Age 44 marks the peak age for divorce, highest rates of certain STIs in women, and highest female suicide rates—all correlating with the cognitive dip of early perimenopause when women are most likely to be misdiagnosed and given antidepressants instead of HRT. • Blood Tests Are Useless for Perimenopause: Unlike premature menopause (which shows up in blood work), perimenopause blood tests are completely normal. The only blood test needed is thyroid function, as hypothyroidism can mimic perimenopause symptoms. • Antidepressants Are the Wrong Answer: When women present with cognitive decline and resulting reactive depression, antidepressants flatten mood, joy, and creativity without addressing any of the underlying hormonal issues. They might marginally help with premenstrual suicidal ideation but won't fix cognition, joints, energy, or any other perimenopausal symptoms. • The Dating App Effect on Sexual Health: Uber-like convenience in dating apps (geolocating potential partners, removing initial embarrassment through text) has led to faster partner change and rising STI rates, particularly in the 40s-50s age group coinciding with higher divorce rates during perimenopause. • HRT Dosage Myths Debunked: The post-2002 "lowest dose for shortest time, stop at 60" advice is completely wrong. Dr. Greenhouse's mantra: "As much as you need for as long as you live." Even minuscule doses (14mcg patches) used in American studies significantly improved bone density, even without needing progesterone ptoitection. • The 10-Year Difference: At age 70, you can immediately spot the women who've been on HRT, they look 60, walk taller, think faster, live more independently, and have rock-solid bones. • The Food Supplement Industry Trap: Most nutritional supplements are scientifically unproven money-wasters. For the average person with a normal Western diet, only one supplement is needed: Vitamin D. Unless you're a strict vegan, everything else is unnecessary. • Not Everyone Needs HRT: 10-15% of women sail through perimenopause with minimal symptoms. Some women thrive without HRT through nutrition, exercise, mindfulness, and lifestyle modifications. The key is finding what works for your individual body and symptoms. • The GP Is Your Best Asset (If trained): A properly menopause-trained GP who can spend adequate time is ideal for managing perimenopause; but most GPs haven't received this training. Dr. Greenhouse notes he's seeing fewer private patients recently, suggesting more GPs are getting proper training (the first good news in a long time). Timestamps: [00:01:00] Peter Brueghel, cod pieces, and ADHD hyperfocus [00:03:00] The YouTube lectures no one else is making [00:06:00] When blood tests miss perimenopause [00:08:00] Cognition decline: The first and most damaging symptom [00:12:00] If you're in your 40s and feel "off," think perimenopause first [00:13:00] Perimenopause can start at 35 [00:14:00] The physiotherapist who changed everything: Women athletes and ACL ruptures [00:16:00] Asthma, opera singers, and the estrogen effect [00:18:00] Why female athletes need different training protocols [00:20:00] Learning from women's stories, not textbooks [00:22:00] From sexual health pioneer to menopause specialist [00:24:00] The Uber effect: Dating apps and rising STI rates [00:26:00] The mid-40s cognitive dip: Divorce, STIs, and suicide [00:30:00] Why properly trained GPs are the gold standard [00:32:00] The 70-year-old test: Spotting HRT users at reunions [00:34:00] Making sense of conflicting information [00:36:00] Different women, different needs [00:40:00] Comedy training meets medical consultations [00:43:00] What's next: More conferences, more art galleries Resources: Dr Peter Greenhouse: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petergreenhouse/ Dr. Greenhouse's Best Insights: • "If any woman in her 40s starts to feel a bit off in any sort of way, the first thing you need to think about is perimenopause." • "It is normal to be depressed when faced with the early signs of perimenopause, particularly if nobody's diagnosed it. It's not psychiatric depression—it's reactive depression." • "The GP says 'well, you're not having night sweats, so it's not perimenopause.' That's completely wrong because temperature control is just about the last thing to kick in." • "If you think about it, to get depressed when you don't have a reason for it is quite normal—so the GP says 'maybe you're depressed and need antidepressants.' Which is the worst possible thing that could happen." • "Any amount of estrogen you can take, even the tiniest amount, would be enough over several years to prevent osteoporosis." • "As much as you need for as long as you live." • "At 70, you can always tell who's on HRT because she looks 60." Let us know if you're liking the show! https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/tex... Support the show https://www.buzzsprout.com/2261882/su... Meet your Host: Lauren is the founder of Women of a Certain Stage and creator of the Become a Menopause Coach diploma program. With a focus on evidence-based education and lived experience, Lauren supports women through the menopausal transition while training coaches worldwide to do the same through live, interactive learning with expert faculty. Lauren also works with female athletes (rugby, football, cricket players) using diagnostic tools like body temperature tracking and heart rate variability to map menstrual cycles and optimize training protocols. Ready to become a menopause coach or deepen your understanding? Learn about the Become a Menopause Coach diploma → https://womenofacertainstage.lpages.co/menopause_coach/ Free guide: "Top 5 evidence-based menopause resources" → womenofacertainstage.com/menopause-resources Book a free discovery call:... | |||
| Finding Light After Menopause Darkness: Tracey Robertson's Honest Story of HRT, Healing and Purpose | 20 janv. 2026 | 00:34:17 | |
In this episode, Lauren is joined by Tracey Robertson, a menopause coach and corporate legal PA who transformed her darkest moments into a mission to support other women through perimenopause and menopause. Tracey shares her raw and powerful story of hitting rock bottom at age 45—leaving a successful corporate career in London, experiencing crippling anxiety and depression, and sitting in a park in the rain because she couldn't bear to go home. Despite having access to private healthcare at Harley Street, blood tests, and multiple doctors, no one identified that she was in perimenopause. It wasn't until her personal trainer suggested HRT that Tracey's life began to change—feeling better within 15 hours of her first patch. This conversation explores Tracey's journey from that breaking point to becoming a certified menopause coach through Women of a Certain Stage, building workplace support programs, and helping other women avoid the isolation and confusion she experienced. Her story is a testament to resilience, the power of lived experience, and the importance of creating communities where women can be heard and supported. Key Points Covered: • The Breaking Point: How perimenopause manifested as severe anxiety, depression, inability to perform basic work tasks, and suicidal thoughts—all while doctors missed the diagnosis despite regular blood tests and private healthcare access. • HRT as a Lifeline: Tracey's experience of feeling improvement within 15 hours of starting HRT, emphasizing how life-changing appropriate treatment can be when hormonal imbalance is the root cause—not just anxiety or mental health issues. • Misdiagnosis & Inappropriate Treatment: Being prescribed anti-anxiety medications that made symptoms worse, undergoing CBT, and the dangers of treating perimenopause symptoms as purely psychological without addressing hormonal changes. • Finding Purpose Through Pain: How watching Davina McCall's menopause documentary and recognizing herself in other women's stories inspired Tracey to become a coach—determined that no one else should go through this alone and searching for support groups that didn't exist in London. • The Power of Listening: Learning through menopause coaching training that simply being heard and having space to process emotions can be transformative—practice clients experienced significant changes just from having someone listen without judgment, including a 36-year-old client who felt angry and let down by her body. • Building Workplace Support: Creating menopause support groups in her law firm, bringing in medical experts like doctors from Menopause Care (Dr. Andrews) and nutritionists, organizing coffee mornings and Q&A sessions, and working to establish group coaching programs in corporate environments. • From Quiet Introvert to Confident Coach: Tracey's journey from being too anxious to speak in large groups to now delivering presentations and running support sessions—proving that you don't need to be loud or extroverted to be an effective coach. Starting with breakout room confidence and building to full presentations. • The ADHD Connection: Exploring the intersection between ADHD, perimenopause, and how hormonal changes can unmask or exacerbate neurodivergent traits—a growing area of interest for future support work, particularly relevant as both her sons are being assessed for ADHD. • Practical Menopause Plan Tools: Implementing simple but effective strategies from coaching training like drinking more water, using sensory anchoring (lavender rollers for stress management), decluttering for mental clarity, and creating personalized menopause plans that address individual needs. • Live Learning Matters: Why Tracey chose Women of a Certain Stage for its live, interactive format with expert speakers rather than pre-recorded AI-generated programs—valuing the human connection, diverse expertise (breast cancer nurses, prolapse specialists, business mentors, confidence coaches), and ongoing 12-month support. • Community Connection: The power of meeting fellow graduates in person at events like The Pause gathering, building lasting relationships with women from different cohorts, and creating a global network of support. Timestamps: [00:01:00] Corporate breakdown and missing the diagnosis [00:03:00] The personal trainer who changed everything [00:06:00] Dark days: anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and finding hope [00:08:00] Discovering menopause through social media and podcasts [00:10:00] Returning to work with new purpose [00:13:00] Finding Women of a Certain Stage through AI search [00:15:00] The transformation of practice clients [00:17:00] Building confidence as an introvert coach [00:19:00] Workplace menopause initiatives and events [00:22:00] Meeting fellow graduates in real life [00:25:00] Future plans: ADHD and menopause specialization [00:28:00] Key takeaways from the Menopause Plan [00:31:00] Message to quiet women: you can do this too Resources: • Women of a Certain Stage Menopause Coaching Diploma: https://womenofacertainstage.lpages.co/menopause_coach/ • Free guide: "Top 5 evidence-based menopause resources" → womenofacertainstage.com/menopause-resources • Davina McCall's menopause documentary (mentioned as a catalyst for awareness) • Dr. Louise Newson and Menopause Care resources • Dr. Naomi Potter's Menopause Care practice • Experts mentioned: Avril Bloom, Dr. Shahzadi Harper (Dr. Moco) Let us know if you're liking the show! https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/tex... Support the show https://www.buzzsprout.com/2261882/su... Meet your Lauren: Lauren is the founder of Women of a Certain Stage and creator of the Become a Menopause Coach diploma program. With multiple coaching qualifications and a passion for supporting women through midlife transition, Lauren has created a live, interactive coaching program that combines expert knowledge with practical coaching skills and ongoing community support. Lauren's program is recognized internationally, with graduates supporting women in over 50 countries. She is dedicated to providing evidence-based menopause education, hands-on coaching practice, live expert Q&As, and 12 months of peer support to empower coaches worldwide. Meet Tracey Robertson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracey-robertson-142209/ Ready to transform your menopause journey or support others through theirs? Book a free discovery call today and find out how tailored menopause coaching can transform your organization and your life: https://bookme.name/womenofacertainstage/lite/tmsh Join the next cohort for hands-on coaching practice, live expert Q&As and peer support. Disclaimer: Information shared is for educational and entertainment purposes only and doesn't replace medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional. | |||
| Coaching, Copy & Courage: Carey Peters on Rapid Growth, Operations and Exit Strategy | 13 janv. 2026 | 00:48:58 | |
In this dynamic conversation, host Lauren is joined by Carey Peters, who shares her incredible 20-year entrepreneurial journey from being a professional actress to co-founding a multi-million dollar coaching business. Carey opens up about her initial, unsteady start as a coach, realizing her first training didn't teach her how to coach effectively. She discusses the turning point where she committed to learning both coaching and online marketing (including direct response copywriting), which led to her first six-figure year. She details the explosive growth of Holistic MBA (HMBA), which she co-founded with Stacy, with the mission of providing business training for people who don't naturally identify as business-minded. The episode provides a rare look at the operational challenges of scaling a business past the $3 million mark. Carey emphasizes the vital need for a defined business operating system for founders who are talented marketers but lack operational expertise. Finally, she shares candid details about preparing a personal-brand business for sale and the importance of a strategic buyer in an eventual exit. Key Timestamps [00:04:00] Carey's 20-year entrepreneurial journey, beginning with a voice asking, "Are you ready for a ride?". [00:05:00] Her background as a working actor for 15 years and never having seen herself as a business person. [00:07:00] Starting coaching as a "side gig" and the realization that her initial training was great for personal growth but not for coaching skills. [00:10:00] The shock of hitting her first six-figure year as an entrepreneur, breaking her perception of what she was capable of. [00:11:00] The pivot: learning direct response copywriting and online marketing to build her coaching business. [00:13:00] How a "failed" money program launch led her to business partner Stacy and the idea for Holistic MBA (HMBA). [00:15:00] The foundational concept of HMBA: business training for people who don't particularly like or identify with business. [00:16:00] HMBA's rapid growth: hitting $500,000 in the first year (2010), then scaling to over $3 million before hitting a plateau. [00:18:00] The necessity of a business operating system (and the reference to the book Traction) to scale past the founder's capacity. [00:19:00] The "crossroads" for charismatic founders between $1 million and $5 million: becoming an operator or stagnating. [00:24:00] The process of selling HMBA to a strategic buyer and the surprising fact that their near-$10 million business was built almost entirely through organic marketing. [00:46:00] Final words of encouragement: you can build a business without a traditional background; it just takes tenacity, resilience, and heart. Key Takeaways
Take Action! Connect with Carey Peters:
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| From Menopause Coach Diploma to Market-Ready: Copy & Socials with Laura Mzhickteno | 06 janv. 2026 | 00:40:00 | |
In this game-changing episode of Women of a Certain Stage, host Lauren sits down with Laura Mzhickteno, a copywriting expert with a decade of experience helping coaches, authors, and speakers translate their expertise into clear, compelling messages. If you've ever stared at a blank Instagram post wondering "how do I say this?" or felt paralyzed by your own messaging, this conversation is your permission slip to start imperfectly. Laura shares her journey from attending random webinars on fish-catching (seriously) to building a thriving copywriting business. She reveals why messaging clarity comes from working with clients—not from hiding in your hole trying to make it perfect first. With refreshing honesty about her own six-figure student loan debt and the ROI crisis in traditional education, Laura explains why coaching certifications are becoming the new degree alternative. This conversation tackles the fear of "being too salesy," the chicken-and-egg of getting client feedback to create messaging, and why marketing at its best is simply spreading important messages to people who need them most. Lauren and Laura explore how coaching expands our vision from "just making it through the workday" to building second acts that matter. Plus: Laura shares the three things you must communicate clearly, why your Instagram bio matters more than you think, and the perfect gift-under-the-tree analogy that will change how you think about sharing your work with the world. Key Timestamps[00:01:00] Meeting years ago: learning storytelling secrets as a "fledgling menopause trainer" [00:02:00] The unglamorous answer: a decade of training, practice, research, certifications [00:03:00] Common hurdle: everyone knows what to say but not how to say it [00:04:00] Three things to communicate: problem, result, different approach [00:05:00] Message refinement happens with clients, not in isolation [00:06:00] Patterns in client feedback reveal your real messaging [00:07:00] Why avatars with names/ages miss the point—it's about attributes [00:08:00] Laura's decade in coaching/author/speaker marketing [00:09:00] When Laura's parents were shocked: "You could get a car for that!" [00:10:00] Coaching becoming mainstream: "Yeah, my team needs coaching" [00:11:00] UK university fees vs. US six-figure student loan debt reality [00:12:00] Six years of time + six figures of debt = terrible ROI [00:13:00] Degrees don't make you workplace ready—just entry level [00:14:00] Certification programs: fraction of cost, ready to do meaningful work [00:15:00] Retraining as personal trainer: made same money as corporate career [00:16:00] Four grads gathered in Boston to support each other's event [00:17:00] Don't wait for perfect—feedback loop only happens by doing [00:18:00] But also: don't try to tackle too much too fast [00:19:00] The chicken-and-egg: getting feedback to create messaging [00:20:00] Start with the platform you're most comfortable with [00:21:00] Practice clients inform what to say on social media [00:22:00] Monthly scheduling stress lifted: planning 3-6 months ahead [00:23:00] Getting in early: 10-15 minutes can propel business forward [00:24:00] Coming into Menopause Coach Diploma to help each person individually [00:25:00] Not everyone wants to be a six or seven-figure coach [00:26:00] Understand how things work before you outsource them [00:27:00] Attending webinars on fish-catching (no interest in fish!) [00:28:00] "I want to do what you're doing"—finding first mentor [00:29:00] From "$4,000/month would be amazing" to so much more [00:30:00] Coaching makes you dream again—acknowledged but not enough [00:31:00] Doing work for previous self who wanted fractionally better life [00:32:00] Age 38: "I'm miserable but too far down this road to start over" [00:33:00] Taking decades of experience and adding menopause coaching on top [00:34:00] Workshop coming: structured approach, no overwhelm [00:35:00] Fear of being "too salesy" or promoting to friends/family [00:36:00] YouTube coach hunt: actively searching, can't find right person [00:37:00] "Help me get your help"—to the right person, you can't be too salesy [00:38:00] Gift under Christmas tree with no name tag analogy [00:39:00] Marketing at its best: spreading important messages to those who need them Key Takeaways
Take Action! Connect with Laura Mzhickteno:
Three Core Messages to Nail Down:
Can you say each in one short, simple, clear sentence without elaborating? If not, more editing needed. Getting Started with Social Media:
The Feedback Loop Formula:
Before You Outsource: Understand how things work in your business first. Get the basics down, get consistent, then bring in support for what's not your wheelhouse. Reframe "Being Too Salesy":
If You're Stuck: Remember Laura attended webinars on fish-catching (zero interest in fish) just to understand the pattern of how people make money helping others. Sometimes the path to clarity is wonky. Start imperfectly. Refine as you go. ROI Reality Check: Traditional degree: 4-6 years + six figures debt = entry... | |||
| Fiona Clark on Menopause Research, MREF & Meno Wars: Evidence-Based Care & What Needs to Change | 30 déc. 2025 | 00:36:31 | |
In this crucial episode of Women of a Certain Stage, host Lauren speaks with Fiona Clark, Australian journalist, medical publisher, and founder of the Menopause Research & Education Fund (MREF). Fiona pulls back the curtain on the menopause landscape, revealing why doctors are openly arguing on social media, how a £15 trillion market is driving commercialization, and why the UK's National Institute for Health Research has allocated just 0.3% of funding to menopause—despite it affecting 100% of women. With a degree in anatomy and physiology and 20 years in medical publishing, Fiona experienced firsthand how fragmented and under-researched women's health truly is. After spending COVID evenings interviewing menopause experts and repeatedly hearing "the studies haven't been done," she founded MREF with Dr Vikram Talaulikar and Diane Danzebrink to fund the research that no one else will. This conversation tackles uncomfortable truths: discrimination in emergency rooms, the 2,004 women who must take HRT to prevent one case of dementia, why toothpaste doesn't belong in the "menopause aisle," and how peak brain function occurs at 55-60—precisely when we're losing women from the workforce. Key Timestamps[00:01:00] Fiona's background: anatomy, physiology, mainstream publishing, then medical journalism [00:02:00] COVID interviews with experts: "The studies haven't been done" [00:02:30] Founding MREF with Vikram and Diane 18 months ago [00:03:00] Meno Wars: Why doctors are arguing publicly on social media [00:04:00] Women live 25% longer in chronic illness than men [00:05:00] Misinformation, disinformation, and conflicting "truths" from medical professionals [00:06:00] Everyone has an opinion about women's bodies—from birth to death [00:07:00] Two polarized views: "snowflake" vs "you'll be demented in a wheelchair" [00:08:00] Going to the GP prepared: symptom trackers and knowing your options [00:09:00] When your GP says "I don't believe in HRT" [00:10:00] Fiona's A&E experience: 185/120 blood pressure dismissed as alcoholism [00:11:00] Rosacea mistaken for drinking—prescribed thiamine, no BP advice [00:12:00] Two years arguing with GP to increase blood pressure medication [00:13:00] Medication reviews: contradictions from the same prescribing doctor [00:14:00] Two women in their 80s/90s: one on HRT, one not—both living well [00:15:00] Pauline Mackey on dementia: realistically, HRT is neutral [00:15:30] 100% go through menopause, 20% get dementia (19% of men too) [00:16:00] What makes that 20% vulnerable: vasomotor symptoms, sleep disruption, BP, cholesterol [00:16:30] 2,004 women must take HRT to prevent one case of dementia [00:17:00] Mike McClung on osteoporosis: identifying women at risk pre-menopause [00:18:00] Lauren's background: psychology, personal training, sports therapy, nutrition [00:19:00] The intersectionality between lifestyle and genetics/DNA [00:20:00] International Menopause Society 2025 theme: lifestyle [00:21:00] Bone mineral density peaks in late teens/early twenties [00:22:00] The commercialization of menopause: only just beginning [00:23:00] US 50+ market: $15 trillion; menopause market: $600 billion [00:24:00] Menopause toothpaste: no different from the one next to it [00:25:00] America as research powerhouse—and current threats to funding [00:25:30] Women barely make up 40% of research cohorts—even in conditions we suffer more [00:26:00] NIHR funding scandal: 8,000+ studies since 1993, only 33 mention menopause [00:27:00] Six-figure sums for initial research projects—just to get ideas scoped [00:28:00] MREF's peer review system (once funding allows) [00:29:00] The governance and paperwork required for charity status [00:30:00] Economic argument: menopause costs businesses in presenteeism and retention [00:31:00] Peak brain function at 55-60: emotional intelligence and moral reasoning [00:32:00] Organizations doing culture change work see women asking for help earlier [00:33:00] The "will you reach your KPIs?" conversation that makes women quit [00:34:00] What line managers should say instead: specific support options [00:35:00] Employers shooting themselves in the foot without proper support Key Takeaways
Fiona Clark's Powerful Insights "Every night I'd be interviewing menopause experts and we'd get to a point where I'd say, 'What do we know about the evidence for this?' And they'd say, 'Well, we don't really, because the studies haven't been done.'" "What started as a very collegiate group has really fractured... What does this menopause landscape say about women's health in general?" "Everyone has an opinion about what we should do with our bodies from the moment we are born to the moment we die." "There are 1,000,001 ways to go through menopause. So there are 1,000,001 ways that you can choose for yourself." "Your health and your decisions are yours and yours alone. It doesn't matter what anybody else thinks. This is between you and your doctor and your individual health risk." "100% of us go through menopause, 20% or so will end up with dementia. The question is: what makes that 20% vulnerable?" "If you want to prevent one case of dementia, you have to treat 2,004 women." "There's no amount of HRT that's gonna make up for a bad lifestyle." "When a toothpaste appears in the menopause aisle, there's absolutely no difference between that Colgate and the Oral-B next door." "We are lucky if we make up 40% of a cohort in research studies—in conditions that we are more likely to suffer from. And if you're Black or Asian, you don't even really get a look in." "Since 1993 to January this year, the NIHR has done over 8,000 studies. Just 33 mention the word menopause. The funding is 0.3%." "I hate that we have to phrase everything in economic cost all the time, but it costs the economy an awful lot to have us in ill health." "The 55 to 60 year olds—their brain is at its peak for emotional intelligence, for moral and ethical reasoning. You don't want to get rid of them just because they're having difficulty remembering where they put their glasses." Take Action!Support Menopause Research:
Corporate Organizations: Consider MREF for your annual charity contributions:
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| From PMS to Perimenopause: How to Work With Your Cycle, with Dr Kelly Dixon | 23 déc. 2025 | 00:36:08 | |
In this insightful episode of Women of a Certain Stage, host Lauren Chiren reconnects with Dr Kelly Dixon, Associate Professor in Global Health and Wellbeing at UCL and integrative psychotherapist in private practice. Kelly shares her personal journey of discovering the profound impact of cycle awareness—beginning with a pivotal moment at age 24 when a friend noticed her monthly pattern of overwhelm. With 20 years at UCL conducting systematic reviews and teaching intersectionality, Kelly brings both academic rigor and lived experience to understanding how menstrual cycles shape our emotional landscapes. She reveals how tracking her cycle transformed her understanding of herself, her work as a therapist, and her approach to perimenopause—where many symptoms mirror an extended luteal phase. This conversation offers a compassionate, evidence-based perspective on working with your body rather than against it, from the monthly cycles of reproductive years through the transition to menopause. Key Timestamps[00:01:00] Recording the UCL Disrupted Voices podcast on menopause [00:02:00] Grand challenges at UCL: seed funding for menopause research [00:03:00] Bio-psychosocial approach: three essential strands of menopause care [00:04:00] The power of storytelling and lived experiences in research [00:05:00] Balancing university work and private practice: the weekly split [00:06:00] 20 years at UCL: from education to reproductive health research [00:07:00] The moment cycle awareness clicked into focus [00:08:00] Age 24: "I felt really small and the world was really big" [00:09:00] The friend who noticed: "Is your period due soon?" [00:10:00] Discovering it's not just the week before—it's the whole month [00:11:00] Building compassion-focused responses to cycle changes [00:12:00] From paper diaries to iPeriod: 23-33 day cycle variation [00:13:00] Why she switched apps after US abortion law changes [00:14:00] B vitamins, alcohol, and managing PMS symptoms [00:15:00] The pattern: going full blast, then hitting the crash [00:16:00] How cycle awareness changed her work as a therapist [00:17:00] Recognizing when both therapist and client are in luteal phase [00:18:00] Person-centered approach: only working with client cycles when they bring it in [00:19:00] "It's not just PMS—maybe you're feeling it more" [00:20:00] The clarity and boundary-setting that comes with luteal energy [00:21:00] Perimenopause as an extended luteal phase [00:22:00] Brain fog, irritation, and existential questions in perimenopause [00:23:00] Why alcohol becomes less our friend during menopause [00:24:00] What lights Kelly up: Betsy and Winnie the Cockapoos [00:25:00] Borrow My Doggy: "doggy Tinder" [00:26:00] Future research: PMDD and premenstrual syndrome systematic reviews [00:27:00] Contraception decision-making research: currently under wraps [00:28:00] Taking a life course approach to hormonal decisions [00:29:00] Three top tips for GP appointments [00:30:00] Having someone to talk to before and after appointments [00:31:00] Being open to other possibilities: thyroid, vitamin D [00:32:00] Using NICE guidelines language with your doctor [00:33:00] AI for summarizing medical guidelines [00:34:00] Ethical uses of AI in menopause care [00:35:00] How to connect with Kelly's work Key Takeaways
Dr Kelly Dixon's Powerful Insights "I felt like a really small person and the world was really big and I couldn't go." "It was really from having difficult PMS that I used to work with my cycle... to build a bit more compassion." "I started to realize—this is the whole month. It's not just that week." "Maybe you're feeling it more, it's coming more to the surface now. But it's not saying that those feelings don't exist. Maybe they're more heightened." "That swear word energy—it's like often the boundary comes in that irritation." "If you look at the psychological side of perimenopause, there's a lot of crossover with that luteal phase, with that PMS phase." "I need to ground myself more when that energy's higher." "Know your body and what you are communicating and stick to that. I know myself, I know my body, I know what's happening." "You're gonna have to have confidence and know your body... don't go in thinking you're gonna have to have a battle." "Be open to the possibility that there's something else—maybe my thyroid is an issue or maybe my vitamin D is low." Take Action!Connect with Dr Kelly Dixon:
Start Cycle Tracking:
Preparing for GP Appointments:
Use AI Wisely:
For Those in Perimenopause:
Transform Your Career in Women's Health:
Research to Watch: Kelly's upcoming work on women's experiences with contraception decision-making and systematic reviews on PMDD—watch this space! | |||
| Coaching, Confidence & Connection: Shannan Hanson’s Toolkit for Midlife | 16 déc. 2025 | 00:32:09 | |
n this inspiring episode of Women of a Certain Stage, host Lauren connects with Shannan Hanson, who transformed her 25-year corporate career in customer success into a thriving menopause coaching practice. Just months after completing her certification, Shannan organized a groundbreaking community summit that brought together 75+ women, 15 exhibitors, and 7 speakers—proving that passion, determination, and community can create powerful change. Shannan shares her deeply personal story of navigating perimenopause while climbing the corporate ladder, the moment she realized her symptoms weren't COVID or stress, and how HRT combined with lifestyle changes became truly transformative. Her journey from corporate executive to menopause coach, mountain biker, and marathon runner demonstrates that midlife isn't about slowing down—it's about redirecting your energy toward what matters most. Key Timestamps[00:03:00] The moment of doubt: "Are you sure you want to do this?" [00:06:00] From monthly meetups to annual events: building sustainable community [00:07:00] Sharing personal stories unlocks connection for others [00:10:00] The 2020 turning point: discovering "Hit Play Not Pause" podcast [00:11:00] "I'm never working for a man again" and choosing passion over paychecks [00:14:00] Small 1% changes create massive transformation over time [00:15:00] Translating customer success skills into client-first coaching [00:18:00] How ideas evolve through the coaching program [00:19:00] Education builds the confidence that perimenopause stole [00:20:00] When you can't drive on the motorway: confidence lost in unexpected ways [00:23:00] The doctor who prescribed Prozac instead of listening about menopause [00:23:30] May 2024: Starting HRT after a marathon and everything changes [00:25:30] The power of decluttering: "The Stress of the Mess" [00:29:00] A quarter mile from the woods: nature as sanctuary and sanity [00:30:00] Advice for aspiring menopause coaches: follow your heart Key Takeaways
Shannan's Powerful Insights "Community. Honestly, having all of these women in one place to share their stories, to not feel alone and to just be a part of something." "You don't have to do these huge sweeping things, just minor changes continued over time make a huge difference." "I'm an executive and I feel like I have zero executive functioning left." "I went to my doctor and put in the subject menopause... She said 'so you're depressed and here's some Prozac.' I went, absolutely not." "When something comes up three different times in my world, I act on it." "I need community. I need to be held accountable." "Nature for me is my sanctuary and that's my sanity." Take Action!Connect with Shannan:
For Aspiring Menopause Coaches:
Transform Your Career in Women's Health:
Local Leaders: Start monthly meetup groups, bring in experts, build toward annual community events—this is how movements begin. | |||
| From Burnout to Breakthrough: Why I Retrained to Become a Menopause Coach | 09 déc. 2025 | 00:26:40 | |
In this powerful episode of Women of a Certain Stage, host Lauren speaks with Julie about her journey from running a successful recruitment business for 13 years to retraining as a menopause coach. Julie shares the raw reality of perimenopause hitting at 49, the burnout that followed, and the moment everything changed when she finally started HRT at 51. With 23 years in recruitment—a fast-paced, service-driven industry requiring constant multitasking—Julie found herself losing the drive, confidence, and decision-making abilities that had defined her career. Her story illuminates how menopause can derail even the most capable professionals, and why supporting women through this transition isn't just compassionate—it's smart business. Key Timestamps[00:01:00] 23 years in recruitment: the fast-paced reality of running your own business [00:02:00] Age 49: when fatigue and hot sweats started impacting energy [00:03:00] The overnight crash: burnout, stress, and loss of confidence [00:04:00] Core skills of recruitment: multitasking, tenacity, and service excellence [00:06:00] AI's impact on recruitment and the value of human consultancy [00:08:00] Why Women of a Certain Stage: authenticity, credibility, and community [00:09:00] "Why should I choose you?" The answer that sealed the decision [00:11:00] Meeting up at Pauselive: the power of cohort connections [00:12:00] Expert speakers that stood out: coaching vs mentoring, diversity, and sexuality [00:14:00] The transformation opportunity: reimagining life at menopause [00:15:00] Running menopause support groups at local leisure centers [00:16:00] Jane's story: from antidepressants to HRT advocacy [00:17:00] Bringing a BMS GP specialist to the community [00:19:00] Passion for supporting female entrepreneurs and business leaders [00:20:00] The real cost of replacement: 18-20% minimum of salary [00:22:00] Women leaving STEM: the knowledge drain we can't afford [00:23:00] Game-changing modules: hydration, nutrition, and asking for help [00:24:00] The hunger scale revelation and always being prepared [00:25:00] "I thought I was good at asking for help—but I'm actually not" Key Takeaways
Julie's Powerful Insights "I thought I was really good at asking for help and receiving help. But I'm actually not." "HRT is great. It's not a silver bullet, it's just one small thing. The lifestyle changes—that's what's really important." "People are scared to talk to the GP, so just being able to guide them... those things are so rewarding." Take Action!Connect with Julie: Follow Julie's menopause coaching journey on LinkedIn Learn about menopause support groups in your area For Business Leaders & Entrepreneurs: Consider the true cost of losing experienced women:
Invest in menopause awareness and support instead. Transform your career in women's health:
Schedule your free strategy call at https://bookme.name/womenofacertainstage/pod | |||
| Why I Walked Away from Corporate Life to Become a Menopause Coach | 02 déc. 2025 | 00:28:26 | |
In this inspiring episode of Women of a Certain Stage, host Lauren speaks with Liz Lay about her journey from over three decades in payroll management to becoming a menopause coach. Liz shares her experience of managing payroll for 47,000 employees while navigating undiagnosed perimenopause, the imposter syndrome that crept in, and the pivotal moment she decided to take a sabbatical that changed everything. From discovering the Menopause Coach Diploma during her time off to setting up a community menopause café in her village, Liz's story demonstrates how personal experience combined with professional expertise can create meaningful change—both for yourself and your community. Key Timestamps[00:01:00] Three decades in payroll: education, team management, and organizational development [00:02:00] Early menopause signs and the hysterectomy conversation [00:03:00] "Powering through" during COVID—and the crash that followed [00:04:00] Imposter syndrome, memory issues, and requesting flexible working [00:05:00] The myriad of life changes: grief, new grandmotherhood, and burnout [00:06:00] Manager offers sabbatical instead of accepting resignation [00:07:00] Finding the Menopause Coach Diploma and the conversation that changed everything [00:08:00] Starting the program for personal learning, not career change [00:09:00] The 18-week journey: expert speakers, global cohort, and discovering perimenopause [00:10:00] Being both student and observer during coaching practice [00:11:00] Finding practice clients through friends of friends [00:12:00] The common thread: creating safe space to talk openly [00:13:00] Setting up a menopause café in the village [00:14:00] Five GP visits—and finally meeting the practice menopause specialist [00:15:00] The advanced nurse's encouragement: "Do it!" [00:16:00] Launching in November with library support and community engagement [00:17:00] Decision not to return from sabbatical [00:18:00] Plans for wellness retreats and yoga collaborations [00:20:00] The gift of reduced pressure while maintaining structure [00:22:00] A cohort of 36 from 14 countries—and the power of WhatsApp [00:23:00] Meeting face-to-face at Pauselive [00:25:00] Raising awareness: men need menopause education too [00:26:00] The man who didn't divorce—twice—because of menopause awareness [00:27:00] "Trust the process. You are where you're meant to be." Key Takeaways
Liz's Powerful Reminders "Trust the process. You are where you're meant to be." Take Action!Connect with Liz Lay: Follow Liz's menopause coaching journey on LinkedIn Learn about her village menopause café initiative Menopause Café Resources: Find or start a menopause café in your community Visit the Menopause Café Network for guidance and support Transform your career in women's health:
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| From Cancer to Confidence: How Tara Ferguson is Reshaping Workplace Wellbeing with Lived Experience and Leadership | 25 nov. 2025 | 00:59:01 | |
In this profound episode of Women of a Certain Stage, host Lauren speaks with Tara Ferguson about her journey from a breast cancer diagnosis at 41 to founding her own consultancy focused on supporting businesses managing cancer in the workplace. Tara shares the raw reality of her diagnosis, treatment, and the medical menopause that followed, while highlighting the critical gaps in workplace support and the intersection between cancer treatment and menopause. With 20 years of HR and employee wellbeing experience, Tara brings a unique perspective—combining corporate strategic expertise with deeply personal lived experience to help organizations better support employees impacted by cancer, whether as patients or carers. Key Timestamps[00:01:00] Meeting Lauren at a conference and the impact of menopause awareness [00:02:00] Breast cancer diagnosis at 41 despite clear mammogram [00:03:00] Recognizing unusual symptoms: pain and texture changes [00:05:00] The one-stop breast clinic experience and three-hour diagnostic process [00:08:00] Trusting your body and gut instinct during uncertainty [00:11:00] Understanding hormone receptor positive breast cancer [00:14:00] Telling her 12-year-old daughter about the diagnosis [00:16:00] "Cadmin"—cancer admin and seeking counseling support [00:17:00] Exceptional line management: halving workload overnight [00:20:00] When menopause wasn't mentioned during cancer treatment planning [00:23:00] Oncotype scores and determining chemotherapy treatment plans [00:26:00] The impact on partners, carers, and children [00:28:00] The power of being open about diagnosis and feeling loved [00:31:00] Working during chemo: letting employees lead the way [00:33:00] Transitioning from corporate role to founding Onward With You [00:38:00] The business case: cancer impacts more people than maternity leave [00:42:00] Thinking of cancer as chronic illness, not acute event [00:45:00] First steps: ask questions before deciding what to do [00:49:00] Medical menopause: ovarian suppression and estrogen elimination [00:51:00] The reality over a year beyond active treatment [00:53:00] Gaps in specialized care for cancer-induced menopause [00:57:00] "Make the most of it"—finding joy and appreciation Key Takeaways
Take Action! Connect with Tara Ferguson: Learn more about supporting cancer in the workplace at Onward With You LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tara-ferguson-onward/ Website: http://onwardwithyou.com/ Explore the Working with Cancer Pledge for your organization Resources mentioned:
Transform your career in women's health:
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| From Pain to Purpose: Valeria Sardenberg on Menopause, Healing, and Reclaiming Womanhood | 18 nov. 2025 | 00:38:27 | |
In this deeply moving episode of Women of a Certain Stage, host Lauren speaks with Valeria Sardenberg, a Brazilian psychologist and supervisor now living in Greece. Valeria shares her powerful journey from a difficult childhood through devastating loss to finding purpose in supporting women through perimenopause and menopause. After losing her first son to cancer and navigating her own divorce during perimenopause, Valeria discovered that many of her physical symptoms—joint pain, brain fog, and fatigue—were being misdiagnosed as dementia or work-related stress. Her story illuminates the critical gap in medical knowledge around menopause and the transformative power of proper education and support. Key Timestamps[00:02:00] Valeria's journey from Brazil to Greece through modeling and immigration [00:04:00] Turning personal tragedy into healing work as a psychologist [00:05:00] Experiencing perimenopause symptoms and medical misdiagnosis [00:07:00] The deficit in menopause awareness and education [00:09:00] Finding the Women of a Certain Stage training program [00:12:00] Discovering coaching versus traditional therapy approaches [00:15:00] Making lifestyle changes: hydration, nutrition, and movement [00:18:00] The power of decluttering during life transitions [00:20:00] Integrating menopause support into therapeutic practice [00:23:00] Women losing connection and the burden of multitasking [00:26:00] Embracing womanhood and educating men about menopause [00:29:00] Setting boundaries and learning to say no [00:32:00] Pioneering menopause work in Greece [00:36:00] Creating community and authentic connection Key Takeaways
Take Action! Connect with Valeria Sardenberg: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valeria-sardenberg-mafra-19b3a221/ Transform your career in women's health:
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