This episode is quite the departure for the show and was born out of some Instagram stories around perimenopause, when I realized- hey, we all seem pretty uninformed! And more scary - way too many people are tuning into their fave influencers for peri content, which is becoming increasingly monetized.
While I personally got my puberty education from the legend that is Judy Blume and a few school health classes, nothing like this quite exists for perimenopause. While we're starting to get more comfortable with the topic from a cultural standpoint, there's still so much confusion and disinformation on the internet. And with influencers recently jumping on the bandwagon, it's more difficult than ever to separate the snake oil from the science.
Joining me today is Dr. Carley Akehurst, ND, founder and practitioner at Clementine Natural Health in Vancouver. With a keen interest in women's health and evidence, science based care, I ask her all your burning questions from Instagram. From when perimenopause can start and what it commonly and not so commonly looks like, to Menopause Hormone Therapies (HRT/MHT), and how to talk to your doctor in an informed way. Consider this your crash course; the things you wish you knew to gear up for transitioning into perimenopause. Please be responsible and use this information as a tool in your arsenal to be better informed. Medicine is not one size fits all, and you should speak to your own practitioner for specific health concerns. I learned so much, and hope you do too.
Support the pod! If you like the pod, please consider supporting by sharing with friends and subscribing wherever you get your podcasts. We also love reading reviews, so please rate us 5 stars and write a review on Apple or Spotify. It goes a long way and is much appreciated! For a more dynamic experience, follow us on Instagram @haveyouheardpodcast. So many of our episodes, including this one, are shaped through discussions with listeners.
Helpful references and links:
Follow Dr. Carley Akehurst and her clinic, Clementine Natural Health on Instagram
Visit Clementine Natural Health
Find a Certified Menopause practitioner near you through the Menopause Society
The Centre for Menstrual Cycle and Ovulation Research

So thrilled to interview Sara Petersen, author of 'Momfluenced: Inside the Maddening, Picture-Perfect World of Mommy Influencer Culture' for the podcast. One of the most memorable books I've read in the past year, 'Momfluenced' helps you make sense of your own complicated parasocial relationship with the domestic goddesses we both love, and truthfully, sometimes hate to follow. We cover everything from trad wives, gatekeepers of the 'good mom aesthetic,' the economic and cultural value of momfluencing, those snarky subreddits, and so much more. If you've found yourself second guessing your follow list, this one is for you!
If you like the pod, please consider supporting by sharing with friends and subscribing wherever you get your podcasts. We also love reading reviews, so please rate us 5 stars and write a review on Apple or Spotify. It goes a long way and is much appreciated! For a more dynamic experience, follow us on Instagram @haveyouheardpodcast. So many of our episodes, including this one, are shaped through discussions with listeners.
Helpful references and links / pop culture homework:
Subscribe here to Sara Petersen's amazing substack, 'In Pursuit of Clean Countertops'
Purchase 'Momfluenced: Inside the Maddening, Picture-Perfect World of Mommy Influencer Culture'

Today’s pod was meant to focus strictly on the reality reckoning and the aftermath of Vanderpump Rules explosive Scandoval that took over the pop culture zeitgeist a year ago. But, in light of Princess Catherine’s video announcement yesterday sharing the news of her cancer treatment, this podcast became something bigger. We’re going to be looking at not only how media treats women and how we’re complicit in it, but what that says about our own values and expectations on what it means to be a princess, a mistress, a scorned woman, and everything in between.
While the Royal Family aren’t influencers or Reality stars, a case could be made that they were the origins of this type of entertainment. And if that’s the case, we know the best reality tv gives us a winner and a loser, a villain and a hero, followed by a redemption arc that if you pay close attention, tells us about ourselves. So, let’s talk about it.
If you're only here for Scandoval analysis, skip to the 45 minute mark. Fair warning, we have some hot takes!
For a more dynamic experience, follow us on Instagram @haveyouheardpodcast. So many of our episodes, including this one, are shaped through discussions with listeners.
If you like the pod, consider supporting by sharing and subscribing wherever you get your podcasts, and rating us 5 stars/writing a review. It goes a long way and is much appreciated - xo Mahsa
Helpful references and links / pop culture homework:
Inside the Real Housewives Reckoning that's Rocking Bravo (Vanity Fair, Anna Peele)