To kick off the NEW season of The Merry Menopause Bookclub Podcast, I am delighted to have as my guest Anya Bergman author of best selling novel The Witches of Vardø. In this episode, Anya shares her fascination with the real-life story of three women - Ana, Ingeborg, and Maren - who fought for survival during the brutal Witch trials of 1662 on the remote Norwegian island of Vardø.Anya's novel is a powerful and poignant blend of historical fact, folktales, and mythology that aims to reclaim the lost voices of the women of Vardø with sensitivity and inspire readers with a fierce sense of "F*** the patriarchy!" She discusses her research process, which involved living in Norway and studying the records of the Finmark Witch trials of 1662/1663 to gain a deeper understanding of what happened on Vardø at that time.Anya sheds light on the tensions in Norway and Denmark with much of the blame falling on the devil and his Witches for the economic situation and an explanation for violent and misogynistic behaviour. And we discuss how the cruelty towards 'Witches' came from the genuine belief and fear of the masses in the devil and Witches. How they were seen as agents of terror that needed to be eradicated.Anya also explains the link between Scotland and Norway - King James VI of Scotland and Christian IV of Denmark were brothers-in-law - which resulted in Scotland ‘exporting’ Witch hunts to Denmark. Such was the brutality of the torture of women it led them to denounce each other to escape incarceration, unbearable pain and if they survived, being burnt alive. Anya challenges the Menopausal stereotype in her depiction of the fascinating Ana Rhodius. A complex and multifaceted character, Love her or hate her, you as the reader get to decide. Finally, Anya tells us about the remarkable memorial to the Witches built and funded by the Norwegian state on the execution site in Vardø. This episode is thought-provoking, offering insight into a dark chapter of history and the importance of reclaiming the voices of innocent women. Anya’s book choiceDevotion by Hannah Kent You can find out more about Anya Bergman hereSupport the showLearn more about me and my work at www.themerrymenopause.comFollow me on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedINJoin my private Facebook group

My guest today is Fran Littlewood author of the best-selling novel Amazing Grace Adams. A story of the rollercoaster ride of Perimenopause which explores love, loss, motherhood, female rage, shame, self-blame, and the societal pressure of perfection.Join myself and Fran, a former Times Journalist and mother of three teenage daughters as we discuss: The plot of Amazing Grace Adams and how it relates to the experiences of women who feel overwhelmed by their many roles and responsibilities. Fran shares her personal experience with perimenopause, including the "terrible itch" and the importance of advocating for oneself in medical settings.The clash of teenage and midlife hormones and the impossible standards women are expected to uphold. Fran talks about the almost "comedic clash" of these two hormonal stages and the societal pressure to be perfect.The grief and past trauma that can surface during perimenopause.The struggles of parenting a teenager caught between childhood and adulthood. Fran talks about the challenges of navigating this no man's land when your child suddenly becomes a stranger.Losing control or taking control? The differences in expectations for men and women and the legacy of our mothers.Fran’s book choice is Wandering Souls by Cecil Pin which has been shortlisted for the Women's Prize for Fiction 2023.Want more Fran? You can follow her on TwitterIf you enjoy this episode please like and subscribe to the podcast and leave a review, it really does make a difference and helps other listeners to find me. Thank you, Jo.Support the showLearn more about me and my work at www.themerrymenopause.comFollow me on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedINJoin my private Facebook group

My guests for this episode are the authors of You Me and The Space Between Us, married couple Matt and Sarah Davies .Matt is a marriage counsellor and psychosexual and relationship therapist, and Sarah is a movement and somatic coach.  Combing both their areas of expertise, You, Me and The Space Between Us is a blend of personal narrative and expert advice, written with empathy and warmth. It is a book for anyone who is struggling with their relationship. I LOVED IT and would highly recommend whatever your relationship status, I guarantee you will learn something to make your relationships better. Join us as we discuss:What is 'the space between us' and how working with it can improve our relationshipsHow the space between us, is about the ‘us’ not the ‘you or me’Why relationships are difficultVulnerability in relationshipsWhen to ask ‘what does the relationship need” rather than what do I need?How we can lose sight of ‘we’How to stop an argument - play the game of ’switching sides’How to avoid your relationship becoming boring and sexlessWhy people have affairs and the role of the patriarchyHow to sustain a relationship after the honeymoon periodHow it’s possible to have both freedom and longevity in a relationshipSimplifying attachment styles - The Octopus and The TurtleWhy good conflict is vital for a long-lasting relationshipStop looking for perfection - embrace the 80/20 rule Desire and sex in midlifeAre you a couple who has sex or a sexy couple?Matt and Sarah’s book choice - Come as You Are by Emily NagoskiIf you enjoy this episode please like and subscribe to the podcast and leave a review, it really does make a difference and helps other listeners to find me. Thank you, Jo.Support the showLearn more about me and my work at www.themerrymenopause.comFollow me on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedINJoin my private Facebook group

My guest for the final episode of S7 of the podcast is Kim Vopni aka @thevaginacoach. Kim is a speaker, women’s health educator, coach and Menopause support practitioner. She is also the author of the bestselling book Your Pelvic Floor which was The Merry Menopause Bookclub pick in February. Menopause can bring several changes to the body, including pelvic health issues. Join us as we discuss:-The Importance of Pelvic Floor Health: Kim emphasises the importance of pelvic floor health and how it's often overlooked until something goes wrong. She encourages women to take a proactive approach to their pelvic health by seeking education and treatment early on.Signs of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: Kim explains common signs of pelvic floor dysfunction, including incontinence, prolapse, and pain. She stresses that these issues are treatable and encourages women to seek help from a pelvic floor physiotherapist.The Link between Pelvic Health and Back Pain: Kim shares that 95% of women with lower back pain have a pelvic floor issue. She also shares her mother's journey with pelvic floor issues and how working with a physiotherapist at age 77 avoided surgery.Strategies for Proactive Pelvic Health: Kim suggests three strategies for proactive pelvic health during menopause: seeking treatment from a pelvic floor physiotherapist, doing pelvic floor exercises, and training the pelvic floor to respond to movement rather than static positions.Understanding Overactive Pelvic Floor: Kim explains that pelvic floor dysfunction can also result from an overactive pelvic floor, which can cause tightness rather than weakness. She notes that seeing a pelvic floor physiotherapist can help women understand the status of their pelvic floor and develop appropriate treatment plans.Living a Pelvic-Centric Lifestyle: Kim provides practical tips for living a pelvic-centric lifestyle, including staying hydrated, avoiding bladder irritants, and understanding the importance of vaginal PH and its relationship to UTIs.Kim’s Book Recommendation - Next Level   by Stacy Sims. You can find out more about Kim hereWishing you a Merry MenopauseJoSupport the showLearn more about me and my work at www.themerrymenopause.comFollow me on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedINJoin my private Facebook group

I am joined for this episode by the fabulous Mel Schilling. Human behaviour and performance specialist and Married at First Sight relationship expert Mel Schilling talks to me about her new book The C* Word.Mel draws on her 20-year background in psychology, with this empowering and practical guide to making friends with our fear, tackling imposter syndrome and building the skills of confidence to enhance every aspect of our lives. Join us as we delve into:-How can we rebuild our confidence in midlife. Brain fog and hot flushes - two of the biggest reasons that so many of us lose our confidence. Mel openly shares her experience of both of these whilst filming live TV. How humour can be a great asset in re-building confidence Mel opens up about her own journey with brain fog and her decision to start hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to manage it.We discuss coaching techniques that can help overcome brain fog, anxiety, and hot flushes, particularly when dealing with presentations or public speaking.We explore self-worth in midlife and the feeling of invisibility that many of us experience during this phase of life. Addressing negative self-talk and techniques to re-wire our brains and be kinder to ourselves. Mel reveals how our body has an identical response to "I am scared" to "I am excited" and how to recognise these feelings and make them work to our advantage. Midlife dating advice from the expert! Mel gives me her expert advice on navigating midlife dating - which apps to use, getting clear on dating goals, recognising 'red flags', and the difference between 'deal breakers' for a relationship vs personal preferences. Are you dating un-cooked men too?!Mel shares her own experience of online dating, where she met her husband. Mel’s Book recommendation - Great Sex Starts at 50 by Tracey Cox. Follow Mel on InstagramSupport the showLearn more about me and my work at www.themerrymenopause.comFollow me on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedINJoin my private Facebook group

For this episode I am joined by Kate Baily co-founder of the Love Sober platform and author of 'Love Your Sober Year.' Kate coaches women to feel empowered by their choice to stop drinking alcohol, harnessing their decision to go sober and pivot from surviving to thriving in all areas of their lives using a holistic approach to growth, mindset and wellbeing.Join Kate and me as we talk about both of our sober journeys during Perimenopause including:-Perimenopause and alcohol.The important distinction between 'what looks normal' socially vs 'what feels normal' to us. Alcohol and motherhood.Alcohol as a coping tool.The mental impact of alcohol.How we build better lives and get rid of alcohol if it’s costing us more than money.Why  we need to be asking ourselves better questions so we can meet our own needs. The comparison between alcohol today and valium in the 60s.The stigmatism around women and alcohol, but not so much men and alcohol.JudgementThe marketing behind alcohol, it’s not a coincidence, that next to the back-to-school promotion there will be a wine promotion. Calling out social BS -  to access our personal power, we need to call out the cultural narratives around us.Calling out brain fog! If you are struggling with alcohol you are not alone 25 billion people are also struggling with alcohol. What is sober curious?How the language around alcohol and addiction has changedGetting in touch with our values is the groundwork for a different relationship with alcohol.Kate’s book choice  - If Women Rose Rooted, by Sharon BlackieYou can find out more about Kate hereSupport the showLearn more about me and my work at www.themerrymenopause.comFollow me on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedINJoin my private Facebook group

To kick off Season 6 of The Merry Menopause Bookclub Podcast my wonderful  guest today is Naturopathic Doctor Lara Briden. A graduate of the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, Lara practices in  Christchurch, New Zealand, treating women with symptoms of PCOS, PMS, endometriosis, Perimenopause, and many other hormone- and period-related health problems.Lara joins me to talk about the second of her two brilliant books Hormone Repair Manual which is about navigating and relieving the symptoms of Perimenopause and Menopause, but I urge you to also check out her first book Period Repair Manual.Join us as we discuss:-How our Periods play an integral part of our Perimenopause.Want to know if you are in Perimenopause?Perimenopuase and The PillThe 9 common symptoms of Perimenopause.Perimenopause and drivingLara defines MenopauseMenopause is part of our evolution, it’s not an accident of living too long! It’s important that we change the narrative and understand that we are meant to go through this!Early human groups wouldn’t have survived without the survival tactics of it’s Menopausal members. Why Perimenopause is a tipping point for our long term health. Insulin intolerance and sensitivityMetabolic healthThe importance of ovulationUsing your period as a barometer as to what is happening to your bodyWhy your 65 year old self will seriously thank you for the positive changes you make in your 40s.I ask Lara about the period I had after 450 days of being period free!Annovulatory Menstrual Cycles - why we all need to know about them . Why Lara calls Perimenopause Secondary PubertyAnd the 9th symptom is….. Onset of night sweats, in particular premenstruallyLara’s book choice is the wonderful Circe by Madeline MillerFind out more about Lara here Support the showLearn more about me and my work at www.themerrymenopause.comFollow me on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedINJoin my private Facebook group

My guest for this episode to discuss her first adult book The Change is  feminist author in the Young Adult and children’s space, Kirsten Miller.The Change is the story of three women in their Perimenopause who discover that the changes of reaching this age are also their Superpowers.Life has become so quiet for Nessa since her husband died and her daughters left home that she starts to hear the dead. Jo channels her rage and the heat of her hot flashes and makes them her strength and Harriet is undergoing a very spiritual metamorphosis. It’s Menopausal Super Hero’s to the rescue!I loved the The Change and the re-framing of the symptoms of Perimenopause. It show-cases this transition as a time when we truly step into our power.Join Kirsten and I as we discuss not only The Change but also:-Kirsten's Perimenopause and the Superpower she discovered, running.The Superpower of not giving a damn.The stories we have been told about Menopause, to keep us in our place!Kirsten's advertising background and the misogyny within the industry. The gender bias prompted by Kirsten's book choice Invisible Women by Caroline Criado Perez. Kirsten and her periods and an indicator of her PerimenopauseHow 'not giving a damn' is a real Superpower we should learn to harness. Kirsten's Book Choice - Invisible Women by Caroline Criado PerezFind out more about Kirsten and her work here Support the showLearn more about me and my work at www.themerrymenopause.comFollow me on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedINJoin my private Facebook group

My guest for this episode is Dr Sharon Blackie award-winning writer, Psychologist and Mythologist. Her highly acclaimed books, courses, lectures and workshops are focused on the development of the mythic imagination, and on the relevance of myth, fairy tales and folk traditions to the personal, cultural and environmental problems we face today.She joins me to discuss her new book Hagitude which explores how nine very different female archetypes chosen from myths and fairytales can help us to gain a better understanding of our Menopause transition and also create a map of how we want to be as we age.The key question at the heart of this book is how an exploration of the vividly wonderful and diverse archetypal characters in our fairytales and myths might help us to create a map of what it is to become a good elderJoin us as we discuss:How myths and folklore portray the older woman, compared to the modern perception of older women. The struggle to find positive examples of ageing women in literature that are seeing the second half of their life as an adventure rather than a decline. Women are looking for inspiration and different ways to envision why they might want to go on living for decades!Jung’s perspective on ageing as a spiritual process, different from the action-orientated first half of our lives. As women we naturally turn inwards and start to ask the bigger questions as we age. Menopause as the time between stories Menopause as an alchemy, burning away the stuff that we are attached to in the first half of our life that won’t serve us as we move forward, we need to make room for our new story. Sharon’s Menopause journey - an accumulation of the rage which started in childhood as a child who had never been allowed to express her anger.Wrath vs anger, if we don’t get rid of trapped anger it manifests itself within the body.The role of the Fates and the Furies in Greek mythology - two trios of Older women perceived to have the knowledge and stability strength to keep order and hold it together. One big lesson of Menopause is learning how not to hold on desperately to youth and staying young.When HRT is presented as a way to stay young and beautiful, that’s wrong. Acceptance of ageing and cultural stereotypes.An increasing number of younger women are relating to the Hag or the Crone in fairytales rather than the beautiful princess character. Creating the archetype of our Elder selvesOur gift - every one of us is a unique expression of what it is to be human, that’s our gift.How we find clues in our childhood as to our inner hag that we become in later life. Reclaiming the definition of “Hag”Sharon’s dreams and her dream theory.The alchemy of Menopause. Sharon’s book choice - DH Lawrence The RainbowSupport the showLearn more about me and my work at www.themerrymenopause.comFollow me on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedINJoin my private Facebook group

Alexandra Pope and Sjanie Hugo Wurlitzer are the co-founders of Red School. Together they have spent over 10,000 hours researching and refining their radical new approach to health, creativity, leadership and spiritual life. And the best bit? It's rooted in the bloody, wild, radical power of the menstrual cycle and Menopause.They are the authors of two Hay House books Wild Power - which completely changed my life - and the book we are discussing in this epsiode the newly released Wise Power, which is all about discovering the liberating power of Menopause They say never meet your heroes but I have now met two of mine. It was a privilege to have Alexandra and Sjanie as my guests. Join as for this beautiful and empowering conversation, that will change the way you look at and experience your Menopuase forever. Alexandra explains the power of the Menstrual cycle and how Menopause is the final stage of the journey and shares her experience. Power! The difference in conscious and unconscious use of our power, how it shows up and how to navigate it. Alexandra talks about her early 50s and her personal experience of the impact of the Menopause process.It should be our birthright that we come into Menopause with some degree of connection with ourselves and knowing ourselves because we have been in touch with our body through cycle awareness. Rage and Tiredness - When we feel these without context or reason we can feel there is something wrong with us.The dignity of reclaiming our power - This is happening for a reason, this is what you are meant to be feeling.Why the preparatory phase of Menopause is so importantMenopause doesn't just happen in a vacuum its the culmination of our journeySo much that happens in our 40s is teaching us to care for ourselves and showing us what needs to be healed.The five phases of our Menopause initiationBetrayal - at Menopauise we are changing and at the beginning of any time of change there is phase of chaos. Repair - Rest is EVERYTHING.Revelation - Recognising yourself and the changes you’ve experienced.Visioning - Getting clarity about your vision and what lights you upEmergence - What happens next?!How Alexandra and Sjanie metHow Sjanie is preparing for her Menopause journey. Alexandra’s book choice -  Becoming Supernatural  by Dr Joe Dispenza Sjanie’s book choice - Mary Magdalene Revealed  by Meggan WattersonSupport the showLearn more about me and my work at www.themerrymenopause.comFollow me on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedINJoin my private Facebook group

Anniki Sommerville’s specialist subjects include Perimenopause, parenting and work/life juggling. She has written for The Telegraph, The Guardian and Grazia and is the author of 5 books. In this episode, we talk about her latest book - The Big Quit  which is all about how to navigate work and find the right balance for you. My personal experience and that of friends, clients and The Merry Menopause community drew me to this book.  Perimenopause and Menopause can put a spotlight on our relationship with work and our careers. Join us as we discuss:-Anniki's experience of Perimenopause.'The reckoning’ that comes up in our early 50s.Work ephiphanies.How did our ancestors feel about work? A brief history of female working life. The pressure we put on ourselves which leads to overachieving. Recognising that at times you may not have the stamina to keep pushing yourself to achieve - when you have young children and/or reach Perimenopause.The concept of ‘quiet quitting’ - in your job doing the bare minimum Asking yourself the important questions - is work serving me? What are my options? Am I regularly feeling overwhelmed, frustrated angry? Get clear on what you don’t want, the not-so-shit job!What would the ideal job look like?Comparison - comparing ourselves with others who we perceive to have ‘the dream job’ without realising that everyone compromises. Toss away the idea that there is a perfect job - there is no such thingWe reminisce on the careers advice given, or not, to us in the late 80sAnniki’s career aspirations as a 14 year old. Anniki’s career path. The pressure of being the chief earner in a family. Have an open mind and a clear idea of what you want and you will spot the opportunities available to you. If you are in a negative spiral and you can’t see any escape remember all situations are TEMPORARY.Mental health and Perimenopause Tools for re-assurance and self-confidence Boundaries and taking a break - work will take over if you allow it toActively manage your phone - think of it as a person. What kind of person would it be?Mis-interpreting Zoom calls and texts messagesOur life skills are valid and valuable in the workplace. Older women are being undervalued by themselves and their employers. You can’t have it all - what are your priorities? How to move on - If you are not enjoying your job, know that it doesn’t have to be foreverLIFE IS TOO SHORT - Anniki talks about losing her father and the shift in her perspectiveStop focusing on what you can’t do and start focusing on what you can do.Alcohol and Perimenopause. Anniki’s book choice - Love Your Sober Year by Kate Baily and Mandy Manners Support the showLearn more about me and my work at www.themerrymenopause.comFollow me on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedINJoin my private Facebook group

What better way to finish off season six of The Merry Menopause Bookclub Podcast than with Bonnie Garmus author of The Sunday Times No 1 Bestseller “Lessons in Chemistry”Bonnie and I connected on Instagram where I was raving about Lessons in Chemistry, It is one of my favourite  reads this year so far and I was delighted Bonnie said yes to being my guest.Lessons In Chemistry is about a woman named Elizabeth Zott, a fictional chemist in late 50s early 60s America. She gets fired from her research job for the crime of being unwed and pregnant and as things get a little tight money wise she accepts a job as a TV cooking show host. Most of us would consider it a job to kill for, but Elizabeth Zott doesn't want the job at all. So instead of teaching straight-up cooking, she ends up teaching the nation chemistry - because cooking is chemistry. And as she does so she ends up teaching women what they are made of at a molecular level and she ends up changing a nation because of it.Join us as we discuss:- Sexual assault in the workplace - 1:6 American women experience it.How the character of Elizabeth Zott came into being.How a bad day at work inspired Bonnie to write the first chapter of Lessons in Chemistry.Bonnie dedicates the book to her incredible mum and I find out why.How the ‘The Average Housewives” of the 50s raised a generation of feminists.Why Elizabeth Zott is a role model for Bonnie and the joy of creating and writing her. Elizabeth Zott’s rich backstory - depression and loneliness.How so many men are totally unaware of the misogyny and sexual assault that happens in the workplace.How can we make sure we have allies in men at work and at home.The awareness of women’s rights issues that Lessons in Chemistry has raised amongst its male readers.A sneak preview of Bonnie’s next book!Bonnie’s Book Choices:-The Anthropocene - John GreenThe Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry - Rachel JoyceFind out more about Bonnie and her work hereSupport the showLearn more about me and my work at www.themerrymenopause.comFollow me on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedINJoin my private Facebook group

Since she was little, Awen Clement has been fascinated by the magic of the moon and this led her to write and publish her book, Moon Wise.Awen is a healer and intuitive who works deeply with the land, the moon and the elements. She teaches on spiritual connection, healing and sacred leadership, and is the founder of The Earth House, a fledgling community for folk who walk an Earth-centred spiritual path. When she isn’t working or teaching Awen is raising four awesome young humans and can often be found drinking tea in her sacred shed at the bottom of her garden in Birmingham. Join us as we discuss:-How we become Moon Wise and what living a Moon Wise life meansOur Natal moon phase and how this affects usWhat it means if you are born near a New Moon or Full Moon?That we are cyclical beings connected to nature and the impact on our wellbeing of not tuning into the seasonsOvulating on the Full Moon and bleeding on the New Moon - is this a thing?The traditional Pagan model of the three stages of a women’s life and the modern addition of a fourth stage to honour our modern Menopausal phase. What happens to the energy we use to bleed when we stop our cycle and enter into Post Menopause?What if we don’t fit into the typical archetype of child-bearer because we choose not to or can’t have children?Menopause as a positive deep inner transformation, we are not broken. How can we use the moon Post Menopause to bring out the cyclical nature in us. Why we can have such different feelings from each other around a Full Moon. Awen’s book choice - Burning Women by Lucy H PearceFind out more about Awen and get your copy of Moon Wise at https://awenclement.com@awen_healerSupport the showLearn more about me and my work at www.themerrymenopause.comFollow me on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedINJoin my private Facebook group

My guest for this episode is Dr Jenna Macciochi an expert immunologist who has spent over 20 years as a scientist researching the impact that lifestyle has on the immune system in health and disease. Her latest book “Your Blueprint for Strong Immunity”, is a guide to cultivating strong immune health from a voice of reason in a rising tide of pseudoscience and promises of quick fixes. The book encourages us to audit our lifestyle and identify key areas that might not be serving our health well, and as Dr Jenna said when we spoke, ‘I wrote the book that I needed to read.” Join us as we discuss:-The myth behind the term “Immune Boosting.”Why we need to ‘balance’ rather than ‘boost’ our immune system.How well were you before you got sick? How you go into an illness reflects how you will cope with it. The cyclical nature of our immune systems.Why our ‘immune age’ doesn’t necessarily match our chronological ageImmunity, the sex hormones and our Menstrual cycle. How our blood sugar response is so individualThe power of protein and fibre, the unsung hero of longterm healthWhy we shouldn’t necessarily avoid the foods that make us bloated but work to increase our tolerance of them. Immunity and Menopause the impact of declining oestrogenMan Flu - the science to support it!The long game - how do you want to feel in your 70s and 80sThe importance of good liver function and how we support the processThe myths surrounding benefits of detoxes and sweatingAir pollution in our homes, household toxins and the stress of living in with clutter.The importance of spending time in nature and why we should limit the use of artificial fragrances. Dr Jenna’s book choice - Oliver Burkeman Four Thousand Weeks You can find out more about Dr Jenna and her work here Support the showLearn more about me and my work at www.themerrymenopause.comFollow me on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedINJoin my private Facebook group

For the first time on The Merry Menopause Bookclub podcast, I’ve chosen a fiction book, Bonny and Read is the historical reimagining of two female pirates Anne Bonny and Mary Read. Author Julie Walker first came across this swashbuckling duo as a teenager when she was listening to the Adam Ant song Five Guns West.  She was instantly fascinated by their story and has meticulously researched them ever since. Bonny and Read has been longlisted for both the Mslexia First Novel Prize and the Bath Novel Award. Join Julie and I as we discuss what led her to write the story of Ann Bonny and Mary Read and the circumstances that led these two legendary women to meet, live and adapt to a life on board a pirate ship in the Caribbean in 1700’s. How they became immortalised in a ballard, a book and achieved celebrity and mythical status.This is the story of two strong and resourceful women from very different backgrounds and parts of the world, who lived, loved and created history onboard a pirate ship named The Revenge.Bonny and Read is out on the 4th of August and is a perfect summer read.Julie’s book choices Life and Loves of a She Devil Fay WeldonLessons in Chemistry by Bonnie GarmusYou can follow Julie on Twitter @NicerMarmotSupport the showLearn more about me and my work at www.themerrymenopause.comFollow me on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedINJoin my private Facebook group

I knew that Kate Codrington and I were destined to meet. Her name has been mentioned many times by past guests of the podcast so I was delighted when our friends at Harper Collins sent me a copy of her book Second Spring and Kate agreed to be my guest.Kate is a mentor, speaker, artist, writer and therapist, and host of the “Life - an inside job” podcast. And when she’s not doing all these things you’ll find her playing in her compost heaps at her home in Hertfordshire.Join us in conversation as we discuss:What is our Second Spring? How Perimenopause can be akin to being thrown around in the washing machine, the disorientation, but once the cycle has finished we get to see ourselves and the world with fresh eyes - that’s the gift.The Four seasons of our life and the pain and the gifts that each one brings. The Menopausal adventure of finding out “Who Am I?”The conspiracy of “busyness” - why it’s necessary for us to slow down and rest so we can be in a better relationship with ourselves.The whole new cycle of life that starts Post Menopause.The three phases of our Menopause transition - Separation, Surrender and Emergence.Why we must learn to be kind to ourselves.The exhausting effort of “holding it all together.”The importance of vulnerability and surrender during Perimenopause and Menopause.Kate's book choice - Angela Carter - Nights at the CircusFind out more about Kate at https://www.katecodrington.co.ukhttps://www.themerrymenopause.com/Support the showLearn more about me and my work at www.themerrymenopause.comFollow me on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedINJoin my private Facebook group

Christie Watson's first novel, Tiny Sunbirds Far Away, won the Costa First Novel Award; her second, Where Women Are Kings, achieved international critical acclaim; and her nursing memoir, The Language of Kindness, was a number one bestseller. In 2020, during the first peak of the pandemic, she published The Courage to Care and briefly returned to clinical work. During this time Christie was shocked not only by the changing world, but her changing body, as her Perimenopause took hold. My book choice for this episode is her fifth book Quilt on Fire, the funny, honest and liberating account of her midlife journey.Christie writes about the joy of letting go and the pain of the morning after, of the unstoppable power of female friendship and the struggle to raise teenagers as a single parent. It lays bare the exhilaration, agony , wonder and fears of being a middle-aged woman with a wild heart, a changing body and a new set of challenges, and as her world takes on a different shape, there’s something else she starts to feel.. the hot flush of possibility….If you have had, or are having a messy time with your Perimenopause this episode is for you. Not only a brilliant writer, Christie is also very, very funny and very, very honest! Join us for some deep truths and lots of LOL’s as we discuss:-Christie’s search for meaning. Who am I? What do I want from life?Why the book is called Quilt On Fire, its not what you think!The love story that is female friendships.How Christie coped with her “catastrophic breakdown” which resulted in her climbing into a supermarket freezer. How HRT sent Christie’s libido through the roof.Midlife sexual awakening and midlife dating.How we are all connected by our vulnerabilities.Comparison - the perceived perception that every women has her s**t together and appears to be sailing through Perimenopause.Vulnerability- what happens when we share our mess. We are all struggling with something.Perfection isn’t something we should be striving for.The messy turbulent side of Menopause. Falling apart so we can put ourselves back together. The Culture wars of HRT and how women are pitted against each other by the media. The cultural and anthropological side of Menopause.The funny side of internet dating.The chance to Re-evaluate our identity. Who am I? Am I happy with myself? Who do I want to become?The Pandemic and Perimenopause, two times of forced reckoning and how they spoke to each other. The benefits of collecting older women friends.Having a Hollywood! Christie finding a much needed sense of gratitude around Perimenopause.Christie's Book Choices Douglas Stuart - Young Mungo Nora Ephron - I Feel Bad About My NeckSupport the showLearn more about me and my work at www.themerrymenopause.comFollow me on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedINJoin my private Facebook group

I kick off Season 4 with journalist, editor, co-host of "Postcards from Midlife" podcast and mum of four Lorraine Candy. Formerly the editor in chief of the Sunday Times Style magazine, Elle and Cosmopolitan, Lorraine has been writing about parenting in national newspapers and magazines for more than a decade. In this episode, we talk about her family memoir “Mum What’s wrong with you” 101 things only mothers of girls know. In the pages of her book  Lorraine is lighting the way for other mums facing life with teenage girls, just as they going through their own midlife unravelling.Join as we talk about:-The many parallels between the Teenage years and the Menopause and the negative narrative that surrounds both. The Perfect storm of parenting teens in your mid-40s.The reasons why Teenagers behave as they do, and the reasons we behave as we do.The importance of role modelling so our Teenagers can see us caring for ourselves and also dealing and coping with a range of emotions. How our issues and childhood experiences can affect our parentingThe pressure of parenting perfectionismHow to recognise and recover from those dreadful moments in parenting life and the importance of being able to say sorry and move forward. The immense brain changes that occur during the Teenage years.The loneliness and shame that can come with parenting Teens. You are not the only person getting it wrong. How to deal with messy bedrooms!The rise of adolescent mental healthReforming our identity in MidlifeThe importance of eye contact and putting down our phones.Why you mustn’t be your child’s best friend. Teenagers and phones - the power of The Digital SunsetMental health policies, sex education and female financial power in our schools How and why we experiencing “Living loss”“Meanagers” and “Moron Mum” Lorraine’s book Choice Terra Incognita, Travels in Antarctica by Sara Wheeler also mentioned in the epsisode The Orchid and the Dandelion by W. Thomas BoyceShout85258 - free, confidential, 24/7 text-messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope. Find out more about my Coaching and Education, how you can work with me and get your free Menopause Symptom tracker at www.themerrymenopause.comSupport the showLearn more about me and my work at www.themerrymenopause.comFollow me on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedINJoin my private Facebook group

My guest for this episode is Cara Wheatley-McGrain Hay House author, Mindset coach, and Educational Consultant. Cara founded The Mindful Gut project on a mission to inspire 1 million people to become the custodians of their gut microbiome and she joins me to talk about her book “Calm your gut, a mindful and compassionate guide to healing IBD and IBS.In this episode:Cara shares her story of living with Ulcerated Colitis, from her teenage years to almost losing her colon in her early 20s. How the shock of being so seriously ill led her to be curious about her colon and discover the changes she needed to make to prevent it from being cut out. Getting to know her gut, the science and the spirituality. Intuitive and mindful eatingHow our diet impacts our gut healthHow our gut bacteria are critical to our health and wellbeingThe many problems of a long-term Western diet The global impact of the Western diet1 in 5 women will have an issue with IBSThe symptoms of IBS and IBDThe increasing spread of IBS in TeensThe powerful political statements we make every time we go shoppingThe dark side of the food industry How we used to cook and eat vs how we cook and eat todayUnderstanding the importance of how we choose to prepare and cook food on our health and wellbeing The benefits of a kitchen disco.Honouring and becoming the caretakers and custodians of our inner and outer world. Cara’s book choice Woman and Nature by Susan GriffinFind out more about my Coaching and Education, how you can work with me and get your free Menopause Symptom tracker at www.themerrymenopause.comSupport the showLearn more about me and my work at www.themerrymenopause.comFollow me on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedINJoin my private Facebook group

In this episode, I am joined by Period preacher and author of “My Greatest Period Ever” Lucy Peach.Lucy has performed at TEDX and toured around the globe with multiple sell-out seasons of her hilarious and heartfelt show ‘My Greatest Period Ever.’ In her own words, Lucy is changing the world “One Period at a time.”Join us as we discuss Why it’s never too late to learn about your cycleDream, Do, Give and Take - the 4 phases of our cycle. Why other women are your alliesHow to support each other by playing to the strengths in our cycleStop banging on about the blood! Let’s get into the real gifts of our cycleEducating young women and boys are in tune with Educating Men about menopause My experience of Perimenopause The Key to a Merry MenopauseHow my work is evolving as my Menopause is evolvingHow managing your cycle will help you understand your stress and stop you from burning out. Cyclical reading!Lucys’ book  choice - Midnight’s Children by Salman Rushdie Find out more about my Coaching and Education, how you can work with me and get your free Menopause Symptom tracker at www.themerrymenopause.comSupport the showLearn more about me and my work at www.themerrymenopause.comFollow me on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedINJoin my private Facebook group