In this cosy autumn episode of Wild, Wise & Curious, we chat with Charlotte - a narrowboater joining us from her twinkly canal home as fireworks crackle in the Diwali night sky. Though we’re not there in person (sadly!), the warmth of the conversation travels across the water.

Charlotte had never even heard the word perimenopause until a friend mentioned it, and like so many women, she’s now full of questions. Together, we talk through some of them - from brain fog and breast tenderness to periods, coils, HRT and yes, even dry vaginas (and how do we even know what a normal vagina is, when many of us only have our own as reference?).

It’s a funny, open and honest conversation about what it means to stand on the threshold of perimenopause at 39 - with no roadmap, little education and a whole lot of curiosity. As we remind Charlotte (and our listeners), we’re not experts - we’re just women figuring it out together, learning from the stories we share on and off the podcast.

So, grab a blanket, imagine the gentle rock of the canal and settle in for a chat that’s as real as it is reassuring.

Show Notes:

* There are some areas of feedback and as mentioned above, fireworks popping off during this episode.

In Celebration of World Menopause Day… Embracing Every Change, Challenge & Charmed Chapter

It’s World Menopause Day and we’re pausing to celebrate - every change, every challenge and every charmed chapter of this wild midlife ride.

Since January, Wild, Wise & Curious has been a space for women to share their stories of perimenopause, menopause and beyond - the laughter, the tears, the surprises and the strength. Today, we’re reflecting on all we’ve learned, the wisdom our guests have offered and the incredible community that’s grown around these conversations.

This year’s theme from the International Menopause Society focuses on how evidence-based lifestyle changes - from nourishing food and movement to rest, relationships, and joy - (pretty much what we talk about here on the show) can support women’s wellbeing during and after menopause.

So come join us - a cuppa (or glass of something sparkly) in hand - as we chat, laugh and breathe a little gratitude for the journey so far. Here’s to being wild, wise and wonderfully curious through every change, challenge and charmed chapter.

Show Notes:

International Menopause Day 2025 website - https://www.imsociety.org/education/world-menopause-day-2025/

In this episode of Wild, Wise & Curious, we hear from Tash, who was just 34 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Chemotherapy brought on a chemical menopause, and soon after, genetic testing revealed the BRCA gene — leading to surgery and a surgical menopause in quick succession.

With little guidance from medical professionals, Tash turned to her sister-in-law — who had undergone a total hysterectomy after her own early diagnosis — for support and practical guidance. Today, they run a support group for women navigating early and surgical menopause, providing the community and conversation they once needed themselves.

Tash shares how she is trying to embrace a holistic life while navigating the ongoing changes: simplifying daily demands as much as possible while raising four children, staying positive when energy is low, making mindful choices about what goes in and onto her body, and finding strength in movement — including training for a half marathon.

This episode is a grounded, honest conversation about navigating chemical and surgical menopause after cancer, highlighting how self-awareness, community, and holistic practices can help women move forward with clarity and resilience.

If you're interested in finding out more, please see Tash's support group details below - including a link to donate to her marathon run!