Episode 229 - I Asked. You Answered. The Next Chapter Begins

Episode 230 - The Next Chapter. A New Name. The Same Mission.

After four years, hundreds of conversations and countless stories, it's time to share what the next chapter of this podcast is going to look like... In this special solo episode, I reveal the new name and look of the podcast and, more importantly, the reason behind it. Your feedback made it very clear that the conversations, the experts, the survivor stories and the honesty are exactly what make this community so special. You asked me NOT to make any changes! But, after reading an amazing book and a visit to the British Museum that followed, I knew I wanted to make a change regardless. I have goosebumps writing this: I was standing in front of one of the oldest surviving stories ever written!! I mean - how cool is that! And so of course, I found myself reflecting on the power of stories to help us make sense of uncertainty. It reminded me that none of us simply "gets through" menopause after cancer. We navigate it. Together. That's why this podcast has a new name, one that reflects the journey so many of us are on every single day. And of course it also reflects my book title ‘Navigating Menopause After Cancer’. Thank you for being part of this next chapter. In this episode we discuss: * Why I decided to rename the podcast after four years. * What I learnt at the British Museum!! And I love it! * Why stories have helped humans navigate uncertainty for thousands of years. * Why "Navigating Menopause After Cancer" better reflects the journey so many of us experience. * The inspiration behind the new artwork and how it connects with my book. * What isn't changing (don't worry... the experts, survivor stories and honest conversations are all staying!). * How your feedback shaped every decision. Links to today’s episode: Substack: If you'd like to stay connected beyond the podcast, you can also find me writing personal reflections over on Still Becoming, where I share the behind-the-scenes of building Menopause and Cancer, life after cancer, motherhood, identity, and everything I'm still learning. Subscribe to my Substack: https://substack.com/@danibinnington [https://substack.com/@danibinnington] Book: As a thank you for being such an incredible community, I'm also celebrating the first anniversary of my book, Navigating Menopause After Cancer. For a limited time, I've reduced the Amazon price so that more people can access it, or perhaps gift a copy to someone they love. You can buy the book here: https://amzn.eu/d/0dqOczqf [https://amzn.eu/d/0dqOczqf] Thank you for listening, for sharing this journey with me, and for helping shape what comes next. Mentioned in this episode: Fundraiser Walk: And walk: https://fundraiseformenopauseandcancer.raiselysite.com/thamesbridgestrekultrachallenge Substack: https://danibinnington.substack.com/

Episode 229 - I Asked. You Answered. The Next Chapter Begins

After four years of hosting this podcast, I kept thinking about the show's future. I wondered if I should make changes to the format, the episodes, my guests, and I worried if the podcast was still what you guys needed and wanted. Initially, I did a lot of overthinking - but then I knew I just needed to ask YOU. So over the past few weeks, I invited you to share your thoughts about the podcast: what you love, what you'd like more of, and whether you thought anything should change. Your responses made me laugh, made me cry, and reminded me why I pressed record on that very first episode four years ago. In this special solo episode, I'm sharing what you told me, the feedback that surprised me the most, and why your words have shaped the next chapter of this podcast. This isn't about reinventing something that isn't broken. It's about listening, reflecting, and making sure the next person navigating menopause after cancer can find the support they need. In this episode, we talk about: * Why I decided to ask for your honest feedback after four years. * The survey responses that genuinely surprised me. * The conversations you want us to have more of. * Why expert interviews and survivor stories aren't going anywhere. * The importance of asking the questions that others often avoid. * What your feedback taught me about this community. * A hint about an exciting announcement coming next week… Episode Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 05:42 Considering podcast changes 12:21 Listener feedback and appreciation 15:57 Planning podcast future direction 19:47 Book price reduction announcement 21:22 Upcoming podcast announcement Links for today’s episode: Substack: If you'd like to stay connected beyond the podcast, you can also find me writing personal reflections over on Still Becoming, where I share the behind-the-scenes of building Menopause and Cancer, life after cancer, motherhood, identity, and everything I'm still learning. Subscribe to my Substack: https://substack.com/@danibinnington [https://substack.com/@danibinnington] Book: As a thank you for being such an incredible community, I'm also celebrating the first anniversary of my book, Navigating Menopause After Cancer. For a limited time, I've reduced the Amazon price so that more people can access it, or perhaps gift a copy to someone they love. You can buy the book here: https://amzn.eu/d/0dqOczqf Thank you for listening, for sharing this journey with me, and for helping shape what comes next. The next chapter begins… next Wednesday. Connect with us: For more information and resources, visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org [https://www.menopauseandcancer.org] Follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancer [https://www.instagram.com/menopause_and_cancer/] Find us on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@NavigatingMenopauseAfterCancer [http://www.youtube.com/@NavigatingMenopauseAfterCancer] Join my NEW blog ‘Still Becoming’ on Substack: https://substack.com/@danibinnington?... [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUM4Zm9rUmhDSXQ0YmhWWGFDcGEyWElFZ3NWanxBR3JiS2FuTW8yTjNobE1Xa0wxaXZJcjJyaTZxQkNpbjBrandzWGtNMGcwbEVVYlNUV0ZvM2ItOTlBZy1JNnVmVm9XTlczd2x6aEh3YkJWajdTZ1pEN3ItdVY2ckZhQURYeUtt&q=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack.com%2F%40danibinnington%3Fr%3D1osz6a%26utm_campaign%3Dprofile%26utm_medium%3Dprofile-page&v=mSR4mDFItWo] Buy my book ‘Navigating Menopause After Cancer’: https://amzn.eu/d/07dUoYBb [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUM4Zm9rVFNuZERtVXZEcTFBc3FOT1VzdlQwU3xBR3JiS2FscVVoN2VMeUdBUDA0anYxYmVfTnBDdHZmc2hMaTFnaWt2QVliOEI0TnZHSTYxZFItUDRqU2hwT0hPMnFfTEVzSEF2MnpMcm1DMS10aVRxR0UzbDQ1dmpTd3FhWjVU&q=https%3A%2F%2Famzn.eu%2Fd%2F07dUoYBb&v=mSR4mDFItWo] Join our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub [https://www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub/] Mentioned in this episode: Fundraiser Walk: https://fundraiseformenopauseandcancer.raiselysite.com/thamesbridgestrekultrachallenge Substack: https://danibinnington.substack.com/

Episode 228 - 53 Kilometres, A Sex Toy & Lots of Laughter

This week's episode is a little different. A few weeks ago, a group of us took on a 53km challenge across the Peak District to raise money for Menopause and Cancer. Somewhere between the hills, the aching feet, the snack stops and plenty of laughter, I had this feeling that I wanted to ‘bottle up’ some of the conversations and the energy we had - to bring it to you. So, instead of an expert interview, I thought I'd invite you to come along for the post-walk chat with us. You'll hear honest conversations, a few giggles, reflections on why community matters so much after cancer...and yes, the story of why I ended up feeling rather guilty about keeping hold of one of the prizes that had been donated for our walkers. Let's just say...it involved a rather unexpected gift from our lovely Dr Angela Wright! This episode is a reminder that healing doesn't only happen in clinic rooms. Sometimes it happens when you're walking alongside people who simply understand. Whether you've been listening for four weeks or four years, thank you for being part of this community. And if today's episode leaves you wishing you were there with us, why not join our London Bridges Challenge on 12 September? We'd absolutely love to welcome you. Or perhaps you'll even be tempted by the whispers of an even bigger challenge next year…? You can also take on a challenge anywhere in the world too! Who's in? 😉 And one more thing... This is the final episode before a special two-part series where I'll be sharing the next chapter of the podcast. Don't worry: the conversations you know and love aren't going anywhere, but I can't wait to share what's been quietly unfolding behind the scenes. Episode Highlights: 00:00 Intro 06:37 Reflecting on the race challenge 07:34 Struggling during the race 14:29 Walking challenge with friends 18:52 Completing a charity walkathon 22:30 Discussing resilience and support 27:35 Discussing the “Lemon” 32:22 Building a supportive community 34:10 Community and charity challenges 43:50 Fundraising and community involvement Links & Resources Navigating Menopause After Cancer: my bestselling book bringing together expert advice, lived experience and practical guidance to help you navigate menopause after cancer. https://amzn.eu/d/0fuL8JSs [https://amzn.eu/d/0fuL8JSs] Join the Thames Bridges Trek with the Menopause and Cancer Community – 12th September in London https://menopauseandcancer.org/thames-bridges-trek/ [https://menopauseandcancer.org/thames-bridges-trek/] Take on any other fundraising challenge anywhere in the world https://fundraiseformenopauseandcancer.raiselysite.com/fundraisingideas [https://fundraiseformenopauseandcancer.raiselysite.com/fundraisingideas] If you’re keen to explore another long-distance hike next year, please email phoebe@menopauseandcancer.org [phoebe@menopauseandcancer.org] Connect with us: For more information and resources, visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org [https://www.menopauseandcancer.org] Follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancer [https://www.instagram.com/menopause_and_cancer/] Find us on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@NavigatingMenopauseAfterCancer [http://www.youtube.com/@NavigatingMenopauseAfterCancer] Join my NEW blog ‘Still Becoming’ on Substack: https://substack.com/@danibinnington?... [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUM4Zm9rUmhDSXQ0YmhWWGFDcGEyWElFZ3NWanxBR3JiS2FuTW8yTjNobE1Xa0wxaXZJcjJyaTZxQkNpbjBrandzWGtNMGcwbEVVYlNUV0ZvM2ItOTlBZy1JNnVmVm9XTlczd2x6aEh3YkJWajdTZ1pEN3ItdVY2ckZhQURYeUtt&q=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack.com%2F%40danibinnington%3Fr%3D1osz6a%26utm_campaign%3Dprofile%26utm_medium%3Dprofile-page&v=mSR4mDFItWo] Buy my book ‘Navigating Menopause After Cancer’: https://amzn.eu/d/07dUoYBb [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUM4Zm9rVFNuZERtVXZEcTFBc3FOT1VzdlQwU3xBR3JiS2FscVVoN2VMeUdBUDA0anYxYmVfTnBDdHZmc2hMaTFnaWt2QVliOEI0TnZHSTYxZFItUDRqU2hwT0hPMnFfTEVzSEF2MnpMcm1DMS10aVRxR0UzbDQ1dmpTd3FhWjVU&q=https%3A%2F%2Famzn.eu%2Fd%2F07dUoYBb&v=mSR4mDFItWo] Join our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub [https://www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub/] Mentioned in this episode: Fundraiser Walk: And walk: https://fundraiseformenopauseandcancer.raiselysite.com/thamesbridgestrekultrachallenge Substack: https://danibinnington.substack.com/

Episode 227 - The Messy Middle: Restarting HRT and Feeling Invisible

Within just a year of being diagnosed with breast cancer, lawyer mum and so-called ‘midlife-hipster’ George made the deeply personal decision to restart HRT. This episode isn't about advocating for or against HRT after breast cancer, and it certainly isn't about telling anyone what they should or shouldn't do. Instead, it's about understanding one woman's journey and exploring the thoughts, emotions and experiences that shaped her decision. This conversation also goes far beyond HRT. George speaks beautifully about something I know many women will recognise: feeling invisible in midlife. Long before she made the decision to restart HRT, she had already begun finding ways to reconnect with herself. We talk about "Sparkly Fridays", bright lipstick, embracing colour, finding moments of joy and slowly rediscovering her confidence. It's a wonderful reminder that getting your mojo back isn't always about one big decision; sometimes it's the many little things that help you feel like yourself again. When I first spoke to George, she was right in the messy middle. She had restarted HRT but, for the first time, found herself feeling anxious about that decision. I know so many people in our community are asking similar questions, often without straightforward answers. My hope is that today's conversation helps us take some of the emotion out of these discussions and instead become a little more curious about one another. We don't all have to make the same decisions, but we can learn so much by listening without judgement. In this episode, we discuss: * George's decision to restart HRT after breast cancer * Living with uncertainty and navigating deeply personal decisions * Anxiety, confidence and trusting yourself * Feeling invisible in midlife * "Sparkly Fridays" and finding joy in the everyday * Why there is no one-size-fits-all approach to menopause after cancer * The importance of listening to one another's stories without judgement Episode Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 04:53 Building an online community 10:58 Early breast cancer diagnosis story 14:10 Discussing HRT decision after cancer 19:19 Anxiety about cancer recurrence 20:34 Discussing menopause and shared decisions 26:10 Discussing hormones and health choices 29:38 Reflecting on past struggles 34:41 Considering future HRT plans 37:40 Heart and bone health after cancer 42:14 Coping with difficult decisions Next week, you'll hear from another breast cancer survivor whose story is completely different. HRT isn't something she would personally consider, and that's exactly why I wanted to share these conversations side by side. Every experience is unique, and by hearing a range of perspectives, my hope is that we can all feel a little more informed, a little more understood, and a little less alone. Enjoy! Follow George here: https://www.instagram.com/awomancalledgeorge/ [https://www.instagram.com/awomancalledgeorge/] Dani’s links: Join my NEW blog ‘Still Becoming’ on Substack: https://substack.com/@danibinnington?r=1osz6a&utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page [https://substack.com/@danibinnington?r=1osz6a&utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page] Buy my book ‘Navigating Menopause After Cancer’: https://amzn.eu/d/07dUoYBb [https://amzn.eu/d/07dUoYBb] Join the 12th September Thames Bridges Trek: https://fundraiseformenopauseandcancer.raiselysite.com/thamesbridgestrekultrachallenge [https://fundraiseformenopauseandcancer.raiselysite.com/thamesbridgestrekultrachallenge] Set up your own fundraiser: https://fundraiseformenopauseandcancer.raiselysite.com/fundraisingideas [https://fundraiseformenopauseandcancer.raiselysite.com/fundraisingideas] Connect with us: For more information and resources, visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org [https://www.menopauseandcancer.org] Follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancer [https://www.instagram.com/menopause_and_cancer/] Find us on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@NavigatingMenopauseAfterCancer [http://www.youtube.com/@NavigatingMenopauseAfterCancer] Join my NEW blog ‘Still Becoming’ on Substack: https://substack.com/@danibinnington?... [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUM4Zm9rUmhDSXQ0YmhWWGFDcGEyWElFZ3NWanxBR3JiS2FuTW8yTjNobE1Xa0wxaXZJcjJyaTZxQkNpbjBrandzWGtNMGcwbEVVYlNUV0ZvM2ItOTlBZy1JNnVmVm9XTlczd2x6aEh3YkJWajdTZ1pEN3ItdVY2ckZhQURYeUtt&q=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack.com%2F%40danibinnington%3Fr%3D1osz6a%26utm_campaign%3Dprofile%26utm_medium%3Dprofile-page&v=mSR4mDFItWo] Buy my book ‘Navigating Menopause After Cancer’: https://amzn.eu/d/07dUoYBb [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUM4Zm9rVFNuZERtVXZEcTFBc3FOT1VzdlQwU3xBR3JiS2FscVVoN2VMeUdBUDA0anYxYmVfTnBDdHZmc2hMaTFnaWt2QVliOEI0TnZHSTYxZFItUDRqU2hwT0hPMnFfTEVzSEF2MnpMcm1DMS10aVRxR0UzbDQ1dmpTd3FhWjVU&q=https%3A%2F%2Famzn.eu%2Fd%2F07dUoYBb&v=mSR4mDFItWo] Join our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub [https://www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub/] Mentioned in this episode: Fundraiser Walk: https://fundraiseformenopauseandcancer.raiselysite.com/thamesbridgestrekultrachallenge Substack: https://danibinnington.substack.com/

Episode 226 - Heart Health After Menopause and Cancer: Don't Panic, But Don't Ignore This Either

Heart disease is one of the biggest long-term health concerns facing cancer survivors after menopause. But before you panic, there is a lot more within your control than you might think. Just recently, I’ve seen several social media posts talking about how our risk of heart disease increases during menopause, especially if you’re not taking HRT. I totally understand how, for many cancer survivors, that can feel so frightening. After all, what do you do if HRT isn’t an option, or if the decision is far more complicated because of your cancer history? Or because you’re super young, maybe? That’s exactly why I wanted to bring in Dr Jordan Emont. Dr Emont is a board-certified OB-GYN with advanced training in menopause medicine, integrative hormonal care and sexual health. In this episode, we talk about what menopause really means for our heart and metabolic health, why cholesterol and insulin resistance matter, and most importantly, the practical steps we can take to reduce risk and feel more in control of our future health. This is a reassuring, empowering conversation that moves beyond fear and focuses on what we can actually do. Whether you’re on endocrine therapy, navigating treatment-induced menopause, or simply wondering how to protect your long-term health after cancer, I think you’ll find this episode incredibly helpful. Resources: Find Dr Emont here https://www.drjordanemont.com/ [https://www.drjordanemont.com/] I have also recorded an in-depth episode on ‘How to take control of your cholesterol’. Go check it out! It’s Episode 125: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-125-take-control-of-your-cholesterol/id1631842514?i=1000669090421 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-125-take-control-of-your-cholesterol/id1631842514?i=1000669090421] Episode Highlights: 00:00 Intro 07:50 Empowering women in healthcare decisions 10:20 Managing menopause and surgery decisions 15:36 Managing health post-ovary removal 19:22 Managing Risk and Health Choices 22:06 Lifestyle and heart health tips 24:58 Menopause specialists and holistic care 29:49 Understanding insulin resistance tests 34:20 Exploring cholesterol medication options Dani’s links: Join my NEW blog ‘Still Becoming’ on Substack: https://substack.com/@danibinnington?r=1osz6a&utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page [https://substack.com/@danibinnington?r=1osz6a&utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page] Buy my book ‘Navigating Menopause After Cancer’: https://amzn.eu/d/07dUoYBb [https://amzn.eu/d/07dUoYBb] Join the 12th September Thames Bridges Trek: https://fundraiseformenopauseandcancer.raiselysite.com/thamesbridgestrekultrachallenge [https://fundraiseformenopauseandcancer.raiselysite.com/thamesbridgestrekultrachallenge] Set up your own fundraiser: https://fundraiseformenopauseandcancer.raiselysite.com/fundraisingideas [https://fundraiseformenopauseandcancer.raiselysite.com/fundraisingideas] Connect with us: For more information and resources, visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org [https://www.menopauseandcancer.org] Follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancer [https://www.instagram.com/menopause_and_cancer/] Find us on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@NavigatingMenopauseAfterCancer [http://www.youtube.com/@NavigatingMenopauseAfterCancer] Join my NEW blog ‘Still Becoming’ on Substack: https://substack.com/@danibinnington?... [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUM4Zm9rUmhDSXQ0YmhWWGFDcGEyWElFZ3NWanxBR3JiS2FuTW8yTjNobE1Xa0wxaXZJcjJyaTZxQkNpbjBrandzWGtNMGcwbEVVYlNUV0ZvM2ItOTlBZy1JNnVmVm9XTlczd2x6aEh3YkJWajdTZ1pEN3ItdVY2ckZhQURYeUtt&q=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack.com%2F%40danibinnington%3Fr%3D1osz6a%26utm_campaign%3Dprofile%26utm_medium%3Dprofile-page&v=mSR4mDFItWo] Buy my book ‘Navigating Menopause After Cancer’: https://amzn.eu/d/07dUoYBb [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUM4Zm9rVFNuZERtVXZEcTFBc3FOT1VzdlQwU3xBR3JiS2FscVVoN2VMeUdBUDA0anYxYmVfTnBDdHZmc2hMaTFnaWt2QVliOEI0TnZHSTYxZFItUDRqU2hwT0hPMnFfTEVzSEF2MnpMcm1DMS10aVRxR0UzbDQ1dmpTd3FhWjVU&q=https%3A%2F%2Famzn.eu%2Fd%2F07dUoYBb&v=mSR4mDFItWo] Join our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub [https://www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub/] Mentioned in this episode: Fundraiser Walk: https://fundraiseformenopauseandcancer.raiselysite.com/thamesbridgestrekultrachallenge Substack: https://danibinnington.substack.com/