In Episode 3 of Unpaused, Sam and Renee continue the conversation around anxiety and explore some of the symptoms that can catch women completely off guard during perimenopause.

From brain fog and overwhelm to the surprising feeling of emotional numbness, Renee shares her personal experience of navigating symptoms she didn't understand, while Sam offers the partner's perspective on how these changes affect relationships, communication and family life.

The conversation explores:

• Why anxiety is often one of the first signs of perimenopause
• How brain fog, overwhelm and hormonal fluctuations can fuel anxious thoughts
• The impact of feeling emotionally "numb" and why it can be so frightening
• Why many women question their relationships, careers and life choices during this stage
• How a lack of education leaves women struggling to understand what's happening
• Why communication matters more than having all the answers
• The role employers, managers and workplaces can play in supporting staff
• Why feeling heard and understood can make all the difference
• The importance of remembering it's not you versus her, it's you both versus the problem

With honest stories, practical insights and a few laughs along the way, Sam and Renee discuss why awareness and education could prevent years of unnecessary worry, confusion and self-doubt.

Unpaused is here to help people feel less alone, better informed and more confident navigating perimenopause together, whether you're experiencing it yourself, supporting a partner or leading a workplace conversation about it.

Episode 2: Stress, Anxiety & Perimenopause - You're Not Going Crazy

In Episode 2 of Unpaused, Sam and Renee tackle one of the most common but least understood aspects of perimenopause: stress and anxiety.

Renee explains what is happening in the brain as fluctuating hormones affect mood, emotional regulation and the body's stress response, while Sam shares the partner's perspective and why understanding these changes can transform relationships.

The conversation explores:

• Why anxiety can suddenly appear or worsen during perimenopause
• How fluctuating oestrogen and progesterone affect the brain
• The impact of nutrition, alcohol and caffeine on stress levels
• Why communication often becomes more difficult during midlife
• How partners can offer support without trying to "fix" everything
• The importance of seeing it as "you both versus the problem", not "you versus her"

With honest stories, practical advice and plenty of relatable moments, this episode is for anyone experiencing perimenopause or supporting someone who is.

Unpaused is here to help people feel less alone, better informed and more confident navigating midlife, relationships and hormonal change together.

In the very first episode of Unpaused, Sam and Renée introduce themselves, share how they unexpectedly found themselves working in the perimenopause space, and explore the experiences that led them here.

Renée discusses being blindsided by perimenopause in her late 30s, the symptoms she never expected, and the challenges of getting answers. Sam shares what it was like watching his partner experience changes he didn't understand, the mistakes he made, and why he ended up becoming a Menopause Champion and accidentally writing a book.

Together, they discuss relationships, communication, why so many partners take symptoms personally, and how shifting from "its not me versus you, its us versus the problem" can change everything.

Expect honest conversation, practical insights, a few laughs, a discussion about scraping cereal bowls with metal spoons, and the beginning of a podcast focused on helping people feel less alone and more understood.

Because it's not you versus them. It's you both versus the problem