Changing the menopause narrative with Women of a Certain Stage - the global authority in menopause advocacy, workplace, education, and empowerment.
Hosted by Lauren Chiren, internationally multi award winning menopause expert, speaker. This podcast is dedicated to shattering outdated narratives, amplifying real voices, and driving meaningful change in how menopause is understood and supported, at work and beyond.
We believe that by normalising the conversation and equipping individuals, businesses, and policymakers with the right knowledge and tools, we can transform the menopause experience into one of empowerment, strength, and success.
🌍 Join the Movement
Whether you’re experiencing menopause, supporting a loved one, leading a business, or advocating for change, this podcast is your go-to resource for breaking the silence, shifting perspectives, and creating a future where menopause is met with understanding - not stigma.
Together, we are redefining menopause, one conversation at a time.
🎧 Subscribe now and be part of the change.
Find out more here: https://www.womenofacertainstage.com/
Connect with Lauren:
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenchiren/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themenopausecoach/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@womenofacertainstage
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WomenOfACertainStage
Twitter/X: https://x.com/LaurenChiren
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Perimenopause at 38: Why Even Women’s Health Professionals Can Miss the Signs
Episode 86
Tuesday, October 27, 2026 • Duration 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
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.
Transforming Identity Through Menopause: Support, Symptoms, and Self-Advocacy After Cancer with Kirstie Walker Poole
Episode 85
Tuesday, October 20, 2026 • Duration 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
How Personal Style Helps Women Thrive Through Menopause’s Challenges with Emma Stronell
Episode 84
Tuesday, October 13, 2026 • Duration 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
Marketing Made Social
Episode 83
Tuesday, October 6, 2026 • Duration 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
Ozempic, Mounjaro and Menopause: What Women Need to Know
Episode 82
Tuesday, September 29, 2026 • Duration 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"
Connect with Helen Bligh:Meet your host Lauren ChirenAbout Women of a Certain StageConnect with Lauren
Menopause Action Plans 2027: What UK Employers Need to Know
Episode 81
Tuesday, September 22, 2026 • Duration 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
00:00 Introduction & Welcome to the First Dual Certified Coach and Trainer
01:22 Rebecca’s Personal Journey: Early Menopause & Workplace Challenges
03:45 Supporting Women in STEM and Male-Dominated Industries
05:23 Engaging Employers and Focusing on Female Retention
08:30 The Average Age Women Leave Engineering Roles
11:08 What UK Employers Need to Know About Menopause Action Plans 2027
14:13 The Importance of Employee Surveys and Open Conversations
15:15 Stepping Out of the Comfort Zone: Community Talks & Local Workshops
18:33 Building Confidence, Energy, and Community Connection
20:38 Small Lifestyle Wins: Hydration and Restructuring the Work Day
22:09 Preview of the Upcoming Authority Maker Programme
22:53 Life Outside Work: Dogs, Books, and Managing Energy
Meet your host Lauren ChirenAbout Women of a Certain Stage
The Art of Listening With Former NBA Star Cuttino 'Cat' Mobley
Episode 80
Tuesday, September 15, 2026 • Duration 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
The Business of Menopause Coaching
Episode 79
Tuesday, September 8, 2026 • Duration 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
Slow Living and Mental Health: Transforming Lives in Midlife and Beyond
Episode 78
Tuesday, September 1, 2026 • Duration 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
She Had ME/CFS and Perimenopause Hit at the Same Time
Episode 77
Tuesday, August 25, 2026 • Duration 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
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
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.
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.
Instagram: Search for Vicki Jakes (Vicki with an I)
Membership: The Ad Room
Meet your host Lauren Chiren Lauren Chiren is a leading voice in menopause awareness and workplace inclusion, dedicated to ensuring no one navigates menopause alone. As the Founder and CEO of Women of a Certain Stage, she works with organisations worldwide to create menopause-savvy and supportive environments. With a background in psychology, sports therapy, and nutrition, and an extensive suite of coaching certifications, Lauren is on a mission to train 20,000 Menopause Coaches and Champions, equipping them with the tools to support individuals and workplaces through this transformative life stage. Join her as she breaks the silence, challenges the stigma, and empowers people to thrive at midlife and beyond.
About Women of a Certain Stage We are committed to transforming the menopause experience—both for individuals and the organizations that support them. Our mission is to empower people through education, advocacy, and expert-led training, ensuring menopause is no longer a barrier to confidence, health, or career success. Join us and our global network of professionals dedicated to breaking the stigma, improving workplace culture, and ensuring no one navigates menopause alone. Find out more here: https://www.womenofacertainstage.com/
Lauren Chiren is a leading voice in menopause awareness and workplace inclusion, dedicated to ensuring no one navigates menopause alone.
As the Founder and CEO of Women of a Certain Stage, she works with organisations worldwide to create menopause-savvy and supportive environments.
With a background in psychology, sports therapy, and nutrition, and an extensive suite of coaching certifications, Lauren is on a mission to train 20,000 Menopause Coaches and Champions, equipping them with the tools to support individuals and workplaces through this transformative life stage.
Join her as she breaks the silence, challenges the stigma, and empowers people to thrive at midlife and beyond.
We are committed to transforming the menopause experience—both for individuals and the organisations that support them.
Our mission is to empower people through education, advocacy, and expert-led training, ensuring menopause is no longer a barrier to confidence, health, or career success.
Join us and our global network of professionals dedicated to breaking the stigma, improving workplace culture, and ensuring no one navigates menopause alone.
Lauren Chiren is a leading voice in menopause awareness and workplace inclusion, dedicated to ensuring no one navigates menopause alone.
As the Founder and CEO of Women of a Certain Stage, she works with organisations worldwide to create menopause-savvy and supportive environments.
With a background in psychology, sports therapy, and nutrition, and an extensive suite of coaching certifications, Lauren is on a mission to train 20,000 Menopause Coaches and Champions, equipping them with the tools to support individuals and workplaces through this transformative life stage.
Join her as she breaks the silence, challenges the stigma, and empowers people to thrive at midlife and beyond.
We are committed to transforming the menopause experience—both for individuals and the organisations that support them.
Our mission is to empower people through education, advocacy, and expert-led training, ensuring menopause is no longer a barrier to confidence, health, or career success.
Join us and our global network of professionals dedicated to breaking the stigma, improving workplace culture, and ensuring no one navigates menopause alone.
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
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.
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.
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