In this episode of Wild, Wise & Curious, we meet Dawn, whose early reproductive years were smooth—regular periods, minimal discomfort and no issues while on the pill. But in her 40s, things began to shift: mood changes, ovulation pain, joint aches, itchy skin, UTIs, tummy pain and brain fog.

While caring for her unwell mother, Dawn began to feel increasingly disconnected from her own body. Unaware she was entering perimenopause, she was told she was “depressed”, but she knew it was something more. Starting HRT offered some relief, but even that brought its own challenges.

Through it all, Dawn found strength in the things that brought her back to herself—gardening, being in nature, reflexology, monthly massages and singing with her beloved community choir, Groby Sings. A breathwork retreat, aromatherapy oils and reconnecting with her senses all became part of her healing toolkit.

This is an honest, empowering conversation about self-trust, resilience and finding joy and grounding in the middle of life’s biggest transition.

After years of heavy periods, endometriosis and passing clots, our guest, Jill, underwent a hysterectomy at just 44—only to be thrust into surgical menopause with no information, no guidance and no idea what to expect. In this honest and eye-opening episode, Jill shares the reality no one warned her about: the hormonal chaos, the mental health crash, the physical changes—including having to learn how to go to the toilet again—and the emotional toll of being completely unprepared.

Jill opens up about slathering on too much HRT, going cold turkey and the grief of losing not only her job, but friendships too. Yet in the aftermath, she’s become a fierce advocate—dropping leaflets at her GP’s office and speaking out so that others don’t have to face surgical menopause alone.

Now, she’s finding her footing through movement, sound baths, supplements and the right HRT balance. Jill's story is raw, real and a powerful reminder that while every menopause journey is different, none of them should be faced in silence.

Show Notes:

Maisie Hill's book - Powerful

In this episode, we sit down with Luanne to talk about the powerful shift many women experience during perimenopause and beyond—a time marked by deeper reflection, rising creativity and a stronger sense of purpose.

Luanne introduces us to Konenki, a Japanese word that beautifully captures this stage of life as a meaningful rite of passage. With children growing older for those who have them, and more mental space available, many women find their creative energy not just returning, but expanding. Time begins to feel more precious and we start choosing more intentionally—how we spend it and who we spend it with.

This isn’t the end of something—it’s the beginning of a richer, more intentional chapter.

Show Notes:

Hagitude; Reimagining the Second Half of Life