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

In today’s episode, we’re joined by the radiant Helen, who is right in the heart of perimenopause — and allowing this transition to reshape her life in the most unexpected and beautiful ways. From sending memes in the family WhatsApp group that capture the chaos and comedy of it all, to tuning in deeply to her body’s needs, Helen shares her raw, real-time reflections on what it means to slow down, re-centre and reconnect.

We talk about the power of rest, the importance of asking “how am I really feeling?”, and the energetic shifts that come with this season of life. Along the way, Helen has rediscovered her creative fire—returning to her art, leaning more deeply into the spiritual and energy practices she’s cultivated over time, and even stepping into modelling and acting.

This is a conversation about the mess and the magic of midlife, the quiet rebirthing of self and the joyful permission to evolve in your own time, on your own terms.

Meet Nicola — a woman who held a high-pressure career while facing the onset of perimenopause and caring for her aging parents as they became ill. Facing these challenges, she made the bold decision to quit her job to look after her parents full-time. During this time, she also cared for her grandchildren. Later, remembering how fitness shaped her younger years, Nicola retrained as a personal trainer and created a life filled with purpose and joy. Initially told she couldn’t have hormone replacement therapy due to family history, she later visited another doctor who offered new possibilities. Join us as she shares her powerful journey of resilience, reinvention and transformation beyond perimenopause.

Show Notes:

Nicola very kindly said that the Eyres Monsell Hub would waiver their usual joining fee of £10 to anyone who signed up in May 2025, having listened to this podcast. You can contact the Hub on 0116 2779190 or email them on Healthhub@eyresmonsellcyp.co.uk and simply quote Wild, Wise & Curious podcast!

This episode was recorded in the breathtaking Snowdonia National Park — surrounded by mountains, sunshine (yes, really) and lots of tea and snacks.

Just the two of us this time, catching up and reflecting on the incredible women we’ve been so lucky to talk to over the past few months. Every guest has brought something different, left us speechless in their own way and reminded us just how powerful shared stories can be.

We chat about our own journeys too — the messy middle of midlife, the things we’ve tried - hello journaling, those hot air balloon moments... the importance of building our batteries for social occasions and how everything is complex... but joy still deserves space.

A big deep breath of an episode — part gratitude, part ramble, all heart.

In this warm and honest episode, a group of longtime friends—now in their 60s and 70s, and well into post-menopause—share their journey through the intense, messy and often misunderstood world of perimenopause. Without using HRT, they faced a tidal wave of symptoms: unbearable breast tenderness, heavy and unpredictable periods, period pain that stopped them in their tracks, brain fog, night sweats, mood swings and more. Wearing white was out of the question and daily life often felt like a guessing game. But what carried them through wasn’t hormone support—it was conversation. Over years of chats, walks, cups of tea and quiet check-ins, they supported each other every step of the way. Now, from the calm on the other side, they reflect with deep gratitude on how friendship got them through.

What happens when PMDD and perimenopause crash into your life before you’ve even hit 40? This week’s guest knows exactly what that’s like — and she’s turning the chaos into art.

She’s a drummer, actor, dancer, film producer and full-blown creative force, navigating hormone hell with humour, heart and a hell of a lot of honesty. From wild mood swings to crushing brain fog, she’s learning to work with her symptoms — not against them — and finding sanity in sisterhood.

She’s raw, radiant and ridiculously real — and she proves that even in the fog, you can still show up, make noise, and own your story.

Tune in and give it up for this bloody marvellous guest. You’re gonna love her.

* Contains some sweary moments!

Show Notes:

Kelly's band are called Pretty Dirty Rats and formed through the awesome Unglamorous Project. For more info on this blooming marvellous project, head to https://www.stayfreemusic.co.uk/unglamorous/#2024