Real Menopause Talk

Fiona Clark - Menowars - How Menopause's moment went wrong

Fiona Clark is a massively well-respected voice in the Menopause world. She is a journalist and health writer, now with more than 20 years' experience in writing for publications that go to medical practitioners as well as consumers. She is also the founder of Harley Street Emporium, a practice that focuses on evidence-based information for women in menopause and health in general. Her new book, 'Menowars' grabbed me by the title because I discovered it at the exact time where I had had enough of the division in the Menospace. When I started the podcast in October 2021, it was a welcoming, 'come on board and join us all to help one another' kind of a vibe. Over the past 5 years it has split, sometimes quite viciously, into exclusive camps. Just opening Menowars, the subheading of 'Why menopause's moment has gone wrong & how you can navigate your way through it' had me hooked. Today, Fiona and I discuss ( and laugh about) the complexities surrounding menopause, including the need for better education and awareness among healthcare professionals and the public. We explore the emotional and physical challenges women face during this transition, the importance of understanding heart health specific to women, and the necessity of open conversations about women's health issues. Fiona shares her personal experiences (also with some hilarity!) with healthcare and emphasises the need for advocacy and better resources for women navigating menopause. 00:00Introduction to Menopause and Its Challenges 05:22The Need for Education and Awareness 10:51Understanding Menopause Guidelines and Research 16:38Heart Health and Women: A Critical Discussion 22:03Personal Experiences with Healthcare 27:45Mental Health and the Emotional Journey of Menopause 33:12The Importance of Open Conversations 38:58Conclusion and Resources for Women You can find Fiona on IG @fiona_clark_writes and https://mref.uk [https://mref.uk] and you can find Menowars here: MENOWARS [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Menowars-menopauses-horribly-navigate-through/dp/1399827340/ref=sr_1_1?crid=WT1YMZ9Q95XZ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.CfTP5JalmEMERk5rG4s0EcB-bsjY3xzHUFvFBvpnlxmlqhoRDOUGXzQEBeT9byJM.NHeWmv1xiHO-YH-CxA7xyjkFPPQzQx51H2D-5lBU56I&dib_tag=se&keywords=menowars+fiona+clark&qid=1760972365&sprefix=menowar%2Caps%2C95&sr=8-1] Drop me a line to discover more about my coaching - there are only 2 spots available for 2025 in my Strength, Nutrition & Menopause Coaching so get in touch fast. hatty@realmenopausetalk.com [hatty@realmenopausetalk.com] Thank-you for listening, I look forward to seeing you in the next episode.

Lara Briden - You are not broken: The truth about Menopause...

Lara Briden has a refreshingly honest approach to menopause and all that that encompasses. For me, she has always been a person to offer solid, genuine advice based on knowledge and experience so I was delighted when she agreed to join me on the podcast. You are not broken, you are not deficient and it is not your fault. This is a very important and powerful message that I wish all women could hear from even before Perimenopause all the way through to Post Menopause... and probably for life in general. We cover a vast range of highly relevant and current topics in our conversation including insulin resistance, what metabolism really means, the role of cortisol (the real role!), testosterone for women, HRT and what menopause even is now! Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Women's Health and Menstrual Cycle 02:48 Understanding Female Physiology and Hormonal Differences 05:24 The Role of Cortisol in Women's Health 08:10 Navigating Insulin Resistance and Its Implications 11:11 The Impact of Hormones on Weight Gain 13:51 Addressing Insulin Resistance: Symptoms and Solutions 16:41 Metabolism Myths and Realities 19:21 The Importance of Blood Markers in Health Assessment 22:16 Reversing Insulin Resistance and Improving Health 32:11 Understanding Health Markers 32:43 The Progesterone-Cortisol Connection 35:16 Testosterone's Role in Women's Health 36:33 Navigating Hormonal Replacement Therapy 39:14 Clarifying Menopause Terminology 42:36 Experiences with Hormonal Treatments 49:36 Evolutionary Perspectives on Menopause 52:44 Living Well Through Menopause 56:28 Final Thoughts and Advice You can find Lara at https://larabriden.com [https://larabriden.com] and on all platforms as Lara Briden. If you have been feeling flat, low and perhaps a bit lost then drop me a line to rediscover your zest and power. My Life and Performance Coaching appoinments are now open. The Real Menopause Method (strength and nutrition coaching for women) remains alive and well and has 2 slots left for this current season. You can reach me here: https://realmenopausetalk.com [https://realmenopausetalk.com] and at hatty@realmenopausetalk.com [hatty@realmenopausetalk.com] I look forward to hearing from you xoxo.

Sam Fitzgibbons - Unf*ck Menopause - Shadow Work, Therapy & Freeing Yourself

Sam Fitzgibbons and I met over Instagram through the weird and wonderful web of algorithms. For some intangible reason, I was instantly drawn to her and once we started actually talking, it was clear why. Sam is a Spiritual Shadow Coach. I'll let her explain what that means in this episode. What I will tell you is that she is so comfortable to be with, she imparts knowledge in a very down-to-earth manner and what she says simply makes sense. Perimenopause has a way of shining a light on all the aspects of ourselves that we really need to address - past trauma, shame, the stories we have created for ourselves, our sense of self - and some of these can often bring up more questions than we began with. Who am I? What do I do next? How do I find my purpose? All of which are questions very close to my own heart and ones I struggled with for a while too. I am happy to say, there are answers to all of these and when you get clear on them, you feel like a brand new person - actually, that's not quite accurate: you feel like yourself, just gleaming bright and brilliant as you were meant to be. Sam and I discuss HRT, how issues can show up, where to begin, what used to work and what works now and so much more. Look Sam up, @theshadowandtheself Unfu*k Menopause [https://www.instagram.com/theshadowandtheself/] And get in touch with me about Performance & Life Coaching to get unstuck and live life in true technicolour. hatty@realmenopausetalk.com [hatty@realmenopausetalk.com] Thank you for listening! I look forward to seeing you in the next episode. xoxo

Hatty McCafferty - Who Am I & What Do I Do Now?

Today's episode is something I have been thinking about for quite a while. I never had a plan to do a solo episode but now feels like the right time. Stay tuned until the end for a limited-time-only freebie offer! I decided it was time to share a bit of my own self and life through my experience of parenting, divorce, career transitions, competing as a bodybuilder, resilience and health challenges, particularly focusing on recent changes and strategies that have had a profoundly positive impact. I share a little of all of the 'squiggles' I have gone through, the impact of societal expectations coupled with the importance of self-acceptance and how I have finally achieved this and feel genuinely healthy. I share my coaching philosophy, emphasising nutrition, personal growth, and the need for being physically, emotionally and energetically nourished in midlife. The episode concludes with my latest update - tune in for details - as a Life and Performance Coach, and an invitation to engage with my new direction. "I knew I had to make a choice." "I am now at peace with all my messes." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Real Menopause Talk & today's solo episode 02:56 Navigating Life's Challenges: Divorce and Motherhood 06:07 Career Changes 07:48 Bodybuilding: Identity, Health & Purpose 10:31 Understanding Perimenopause: Personal Insights 13:25 The Role of Nutrition and HRT in Wellbeing 16:04 Finding Purpose and Authenticity in Midlife 18:44 Embracing Non-Linear Life Paths 21:00 The Importance of Connection and Community 23:37 Energies, alignment, integrity, authenticity and nourishment 26:09 Conclusion: Values and Future Directions 27:00 Being a Life and Performance Coach For all feedback and questions and application for today's giveaway, please drop me a line: hatty@realmenopausetalk.com [hatty@realmenopausetalk.com] I can't wait to hear from you.

Gabriel Weston - Alive - Post Menopause Parenting, Discovery and Career

Gabriel Weston is an award-winning writer, tv broadcaster, surgeon, mother of four and, I am fortunate to add, great friend. ⁠ ⁠ Her trailblazing medical memoir, 'Direct Red' was released to critical acclaim 15 years ago; she returns now with a profound and provocative journey through the human body: Alive, An Alternative Anatomy.⁠ ⁠ In today's conversation, Gabriel shares her insights life as a whole. We meander through so many topics that apply to our lives as women in our fifties with teenage kids. She shares how she is currently navigating midlife, of course we talk about her experiences of menopause and paint a very honest picture of modern motherhood. The importance of self-care is not something that is lost on Gabriel and hearing her talk about it as a woman and as a surgeon is fascinating. She discusses her journey as a surgeon and author, emphasizing the need for women to embrace their bodies and the changes that come with ageing whilst reflecting on her personal experiences with vulnerability and the lessons learned through her family's challenges. Key Moments * Menopause can profoundly affect emotional stability. * Adventures in midlife are still possible and fulfilling. * Yoga has been a significant tool for self-care. * Motherhood brings both challenges and a sense of independence. * Understanding the body requires a connection to its humanity. * Personal experiences shape our views on vulnerability. * Ageing can be embraced as a beautiful phase of life. * Connection to oneself is crucial for well-being. * Women are encouraged to redefine their narratives around ageing. * Future endeavours can be exciting and full of potential. Chapters 00:00Introduction and Background 02:55Adventures in Midlife 05:44Navigating Menopause 08:42The Role of Yoga and Self-Care 11:38Motherhood and Independence 14:36The Journey of Understanding the Body 17:27The Intersection of Anatomy and Humanity 20:30Personal Experiences with Vulnerability 23:03The Importance of Connection 26:10Reflections on Aging and Self-Acceptance 29:09Looking Ahead: Future Endeavors You can find Gabriel on IG https://www.instagram.com/gabrielwestonalive/ [https://www.instagram.com/gabrielwestonalive/] and get her brilliant book, 'Alive - An Alternative Anatomy' at all good book stores both in person and online. I love hearing your feedback, stories and comments - and yes, rants are welcome! Do drop me a line. And of course, contact me via DM or good old fashioned email hatty@realmenopausetalk.com [hatty@realmenopausetalk.com] to talk about my personal 1:1 coaching so that you can excel at work and in life. I am excited to see what you can do.