Today I chat to Karen Arthur, a multifaceted artist, broadcaster, and menopause diversity advocate.

Karen discusses her journey from teaching to becoming an 'accidental activist' and a voice for diverse British menopausal experiences through her podcast 'Menopause Whilst Black'.

She shares how her personal struggles with mental health led to her speaking out about her own experience of menopause, and becoming her most honest and liberated self.

We delve into the importance of normalising menopause conversations beyond the stereotypical images and we talk about the positive shifts that are happening within the current generation of midlife and older women.

It's a really joyful and empowering episode. You'll love Karen and you'll love this conversation.

Episode highlights:

04:25 The Birth of the Menopause Whilst Black Podcast

15:21 Embracing Authenticity and Setting Boundaries

22:08 Affirmations and Self-Belief

23:02 Intentional Dressing and Mood

26:22 Empowerment Through Clothing

30:54 Menopause and Personal Liberation

Referenced in the episode:

• 'How Depression & Menopause Freed Karen Arthur' YouTube Video
• Karen's Book: Grandma's Locks

Thanks for listening, please come and say hello over on Instagram and do check out my work online.

In today's episode (which is the last one of the season before the podcast goes on its summer break) I chat with the wonderful Siobhan Strode.

Siobhan is a word witch and mentor and she helps her clients raise their voices and create change in the world. She's an ex-teacher, nearly 40, lives in Devon with three sons, her dog Strike, and her childhood sweetheart husband.

She's also an intersectional feminist and you'll either find her at social justice rallies or down the beach paddling with her kids.

Siobhan and I have known each other online for years and years and it was such a treat to have a proper deep and meaningful with her.

In this episode we talk about finding our voices in midlife, connecting with our values, and caring less. And we ponder over exactly when you can call yourself 'midlife'.

Episode highlights:

01:41 Defining Midlife

03:59 Life Changes and Reinvention

07:25 Finding and Using Your Voice

11:07 Embracing Authenticity Online

16:27 Balancing Personal and Professional Life

26:47 Rediscovering Playfulness and Creativity

Referenced in the episode:

• Sas Petherick
• Lucy Lucraft
• Keri Jarvis
• The Happy Middle Episode One

About Siobhan:

Instagram: @thissisterscribes

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/siobhan-strode84/

Find out more: https://www.thissisterscribes.com/

Thanks for listening, please come and say hello over on Instagram and do check out my work online.

Today’s guest is the wonderful Sas Petherick, a coach, coaching supervisor, and founder of the Self Belief Coaching Academy.

We talk about her understanding of self doubt, how it acts as a self-protective mechanism, and about why self doubt can feel especially prominent during midlife.

Sas provides valuable insights on managing self doubt, listening to our healthy adult self, and embracing change.

A big takeaway from this episode is the vital importance of truthful self-expression, and how it can lead to both more meaningful connections and societal change.

Episode highlights:

06:11 Navigating Midlife Changes

10:45 Embracing Self-Compassion

17:56 Connecting with Your Healthy Adult Self

23:19 Embracing Rejection and Detachment

25:38 The Power of Collective Healing

32:16 Disruptive Women and Societal Change

39:58 The Importance of Truth and Imagination

Referenced in the episode:

• Self Belief School

About Sas Petherick:

Instagram:

Find out more: https://selfbelief.school/

Listen to Courage & Spice: https://selfbelief.school/podcast/

Thanks for listening, please come and say hello over on Instagram and do check out my work online.