Period Story: Recent Episodes
Le'Nise Brothers
Period Story is a podcast that features Le'Nise Brothers, a nutritionist @eatlovemove, having conversations about periods, breaking taboos and getting behind the menstrual health myths that hold us back.
Each episode features a notable and interesting woman talking about her first period, the way she learned about periods and menstrual health, what she knows now that she wishes she knew back then and everything in between.
For many entrepreneurs, a personal experience provides to inspiration to start a business. This is certainly true for Jo Barry, the inventor of Rae, an award winning wireless portable heating pad and the founder and CEO of Scarlet, a period care company, who I speak to on today’s episode of Period Story.
In this episode, Jo shares:
- How difficult her periods were from the very beginning
- How at age 10, she had to deal with flooding and very heavy periods and how this affected her confidence
- Her endometriosis diagnosis at age 19
- Why she invented Rae, a wearable rechargeable heating device
- The hurdles she faced when building Rae, including people wincing at the word blood
- What it’s like running a bootstrapped business
- And of course, the story of her first period
Jo says that women need to stop playing down their pain, especially if it’s something that is interrupting your day or life in any way. She says we don’t have to dismiss our pain.
Thank you, Jo!
Get in touch with Jo:
Scarlet Website
Scarlet Instagram
A transcript is available on www.periodstorypod.com
Get in touch:
IG @periodstorypod
periodstorypod@gmail.com
Book a 30 minute hormone health review with me: http://eatlovemove.as.me/hormonehealth
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
On this episode of Period Story, I speak to Dr Sula Windgassen, the health psychologist and author of the book It’s All In Your Body.
In this episode, Dr Sula shares:
- Why getting told the issues you’re experiencing are ‘all in your head’ inhibits healing and fosters a message of distrust, isolation and disconnection
- Why categorising psychology as woo woo can preclude so many people that could directly benefit from working with themselves in a slightly different way
- How our psychology and biology can impact each other though psychobiological loops and change multiple systems in our body
- Why it’s important to accept our feelings and experience them in our window of tolerance
- The impact suppressing emotions has on the physical body
- What symptom spirals are and how to interrupt them
- And of course, the story of her first period
Dr Sula says that she wrote her book for people who feel unseen and dismissed in their suffering to know there are options and it’s not all in your head.
Thank you, Dr Sula!
Get in touch with Dr Sula:
Her book: It’s All In Your Body
Her website
Her Instagram
Her community
Her podcast: https://www.howwereallyfeel.com
Her YouTube
A transcript is available on www.periodstorypod.com
Get in touch:
IG @periodstorypod
periodstorypod@gmail.com
Book a 30 minute hormone health review with me: http://eatlovemove.as.me/hormonehealth
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Did you know that 90% of venture capitalist investors are men? On this episode of Period Story, I talk to Marina Gerner, the journalist and author of The Vagina Business about innovation in femtech and the vagina-centric space.
In this episode, Marina shares:
- How a viral article in Wired magazine led to her writing her book The Vagina Business
- The pushback she received about the title of the book
- How investor squeamishness and embarrassment is holding femtech and vagina-centric businesses back from being able to effectively raise money
- Why a data-centric approach is helpful when raising money
- The questions you need to ask when choosing a period tracking app to ensure your data is being protected
- And of course, the story of her first period
Marina says we need to have more conversations about women’s health and that we’re in a collective learning experience as a society.
Thank you, Marina!
Get in touch with Marina:
Her book: The Vagina Business
Her Wired article: We need to talk about investors’ problem with vaginas
Her website
Her Instagram
Her Substack
A transcript is available on www.periodstorypod.com
Get in touch:
IG @periodstorypod
periodstorypod@gmail.com
Book a 30 minute hormone health review with me: http://eatlovemove.as.me/hormonehealth
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What would you do if your period was so painful that you would faint when you were on the toilet? This was the dilemma Lexi Elven, my guest on today’s episode of Period Story faced for 8 years.
In this episode, Lexi shares:
- Why she turned to Reddit to help her understand why she was in so much pain that she would faint during the first two days of her period
- The phrase two GPs on an endometriosis Reddit forum told her to say to her doctor, which helped put her on a diagnosis pathway
- How a second opinion led to her receiving a bowel endometriosis diagnosis after 8 years
- How yoga has been a helpful tool to manage endometriosis symptoms
- And of course, the story of her first period
Lexi says that if you’re in a similar situation, it’s important to try and persevere if you feel lost and not to let embarrassment stop you from seeking help.
Thank you, Lexi!
Get in touch with Lexi:
A transcript is available on www.periodstorypod.com
Get in touch:
IG @periodstorypod
periodstorypod@gmail.com
Book a 30 minute hormone health review with me: http://eatlovemove.as.me/hormonehealth
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Would it surprise you to hear that menstruation can be a great time for detail oriented work, and for making great decisions? On this week’s episode of Period Story, I speak to Maggie McDaris, the CEO and co-founder of Phase, a company that helps women align their work with their menstrual cycle.
In this episode, Maggie shares:
- The story of her postpartum adenomyosis diagnosis and what she does to manage the condition
- The four phases of the menstrual cycle and how less than 40% of women know when they ovulate
- The post-ovulation cliff and why she believes the luteal phase gets a bad rap
- The generational divide on what productivity means
- Why our periods can be a great time to reflect, make decisions and take action on those decisions
- Why the follicular phase is a great time for strategic planning and creativity
- The influence of testosterone on communication skills
- And of course, the story of her first period
Maggie says that it’s very empowering to know how changes in our physiology and hormones impact how we show up every day and understanding this can help us show up as a better version of ourselves.
Thank you, Maggie!
Get in touch with Maggie:
Website
TikTok
A transcript is available on www.periodstorypod.com
Get in touch:
IG @periodstorypod
periodstorypod@gmail.com
Book a 30 minute hormone health review with me: http://eatlovemove.as.me/hormonehealth
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Menopause is big news right now and rightfully so. But with all the noise, how do you know what’s right for you? On this week’s episode of Period Story, I’m joined by Dr Claire Phipps, the Menopause GP, who talks me through common perimenopause and menopause myths and misconceptions.
In this episode, Dr Claire shares:
- Why she’s only just understanding her menstrual cycle at 48
- Why empathy is vital as a doctor
- Why moving away from a paternalist model towards patient empowerment is an important part of her work as a GP and menopause trainer
- Why the 10 minutes you have with an NHS GP should be the start of the conversation
- The difference between perimenopause, menopause and post-menopause
- How a holistic approach to menopause may or may not include HRT
- Why it’s important to meet patients where they’re at
- Why perimenopause can be a time of unmasking for neurodivergent women and the rise of AuADHD diagnoses
- And of course, the story of her first period
Dr Claire says the we should try not to be fearful of menopause or pathologise it, but instead, embrace it and move towards a positive natural transition.
Thank you, Dr Claire!
Get in touch with Dr Claire:
Website
Women’s Health Concern
British Menopause Society
A transcript is available on www.periodstorypod.com
Get in touch:
IG @periodstorypod
periodstorypod@gmail.com
Book a 30 minute hormone health review with me: http://eatlovemove.as.me/hormonehealth
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Did you know that 700,000 panty liners, 2.5 million tampons and 1.4 million pads are flushed down the toilet everyday in the UK? Martha Silcott is the inventor of two products that aim to reduce the impact of disposable personal care waste: FabLittleBag and HyGeeni. This was a perfect week to release this episode of Period Story with a fellow Arsenal fan (#coyg!)
In this episode, Martha shares:
- The lightbulb moment that led to her inventing a brand new product
- The process of patenting and bringing FabLittleBag to life
- Why we need to stop flushing tampons and pads and the impact this waste has on our sewage system
- What terms the loo roll wrap, flushers, binners, and the handbag smuggle mean
- The Period Supportive movement in sport she started, in order to help periods be less of a barrier to girls’ participation in sport
- How a customer inspired the invention of HyGeeni, a larger disposable bag to help dispose of used stoma bags and diapers
- And of course, the story of her first period
Martha says that if you want to invent something or create something new, there is plenty of help out there to talk to and to give you guidance!
Thank you, Martha!
Listen in Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2Kia855
Listen in Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/339AF1QyodImw44v141Emv
Get in touch with Martha:
Website
A transcript is available on www.periodstorypod.com
Get in touch:
IG @periodstorypod
periodstorypod@gmail.com
Book a 30 minute hormone health review with me: http://eatlovemove.as.me/hormonehealth
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Did you know that your nervous system can have an impact on your experience of menstruation? I get into all of this and more on today’s episode of Period Story with Amy Gaston, the president of OhmBody, a drug-free wearable device designed to work with the body’s nervous system to naturally support lighter, shorter, more comfortable periods.
In this episode, Amy shares:
- The impact of growing up in a conservative Christian household and being a late bloomer on her understanding of her body
- Why perimenopause has led her to ask better questions about her health
- Her thoughts on innovation in women’s health
- The issues that disproportionately affect women and why we have to talk about women’s health, not just health
- Why menstruation is a whole body experience
- What OhmBody is and why it’s a helpful drug-free way of managing period pain, premenstrual pain, and ovulation pain
- How stimulating the vagus and trigeminal nerves can increase the body’s clotting process, and help reduce heavy menstrual bleeding
- And of course, the story of her first period
Amy says that painful periods are not normal and that if your period disrupts your everyday life in any way, there is a better solution than normalising this narrative.
Thank you, Amy!
A transcript is available on www.periodstorypod.com
Get in touch:
IG @periodstorypod
periodstorypod@gmail.com
Book a 30 minute hormone health review with me: http://eatlovemove.as.me/hormonehealth
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
We’ve got a corker for you today! I’m so pleased to share my conversation with Dr Sarah Hill, the author of the books How The Pill Changes Everything: Your Brain on Birth Control and The Period Brain: The New Science of the Luteal Phase and How To Thrive Through It on today’s episode of Period Story.
In this episode, Dr Sarah shares:
- Why her experience as a psychologist led her to write two books on the effects of women’s cycling hormones and the brain
- Her thoughts on biological essentialism and how our biology, including our hormones, influences what we do
- Why progesterone is underrated, including the amazing fact that our peak progesterone levels are up to 250 times higher than our peak oestrogen levels
- Why we need to eat more in the second half of our menstrual cycle
- Why PMS is not a pathological condition, but an inevitable consequence of experiencing hormonal changes in a world that wasn’t created with female bodies in mind
- What the vagus nerve is and how vagal nerve stimulation can be a helpful treatment in decreasing the symptomology of PMDD, perimenopause, and heavy menstrual bleeding
- And of course, the story of her first period
Dr Sarah says that it’s important to learn to listen to your body and trust what it’s telling you, so you believe your body.
Thank you, Dr Sarah!
Get in touch with Dr Sarah:
Website
A transcript is available on www.periodstorypod.com
Get in touch:
IG @periodstorypod
periodstorypod@gmail.com
Book a 30 minute hormone health review with me: http://eatlovemove.as.me/hormonehealth
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
I’m so happy to kick off season 12 of the Period Story podcast with Neelam Heera-Shergill, the CEO of Cysters, an award winning charity working at the intersection of reproductive justice, racial justice and health equity.
In this episode, Neelam shares:
- The three biggest signs that her mum spotted that told her that Neelam might have PCOS
- The flippant comment her university GP made left her feeling uncomfortable and upset
- Why she wishes she was told much earlier on about the connection between increased risk of fatty liver disease and heart disease, PCOS and being of South Asian heritage
- How she navigated dating, PCOS, PMDD, endometriosis and conversations about potential fertility issues
- Why it was important for Cysters and Endometriosis UK to report on the longer endometriosis diagnosis times for people of colour
- The racist messages she received because of this report
- Her thoughts on white privilege in the women’s health space
- Why food sits at the heart of the work Cysters does
- And of course, the story of her first period
Neelam says not all work needs to be done in silos and we are much more powerful when we come together.
Thank you, Neelam!
Get in touch with Neelam:
Website
A transcript is available on www.periodstorypod.com
Get in touch:
IG @periodstorypod
periodstorypod@gmail.com
Book a 30 minute hormone health review with me: http://eatlovemove.as.me/hormonehealth
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Our skin is our biggest organ and what we put on it can have ramifications for different aspects of our health. If you’re thinking more about the impact of the makeup, skincare and personal care products you use, my guest on today’s episode of Period Story shares a lot of great information. Sjaniël Turrell is a holistic makeup artist, nutritional therapist and conscious consultant who focuses on a natural and sustainable approach to beauty.
In this episode, Sjaniël shares:
- How the intensity of lockdown exacerbated the perimenopause symptoms she was experiencing
- How perimenopause made her get clear on what she does and doesn’t have capacity for
- The direction her nutritional therapy qualification took her work as a makeup artist
- Why we need to think differently about the makeup, skincare and personal care products we use
- Why fragranced products, including cleaning products and menstrual products are the number thing in your home you should consider switching
- The natural and organic brands she recommends, including RMS Beauty, Ilia Beauty, Madara, Kosas and Ere Perez
- Natural and organic makeup brands (and tips!) for dark-skinned and mixed race women
- And of course, the story of her first period
Sjaniël says that if you’re looking at switching to natural, organic and sustainable versions of the products you use, do the best you can afford in that moment and do the best you can with what you have.
Thank you, Sjaniël!
Get in touch with Sjaniël:
Website
A transcript is available on www.periodstorypod.com
Get in touch:
IG @periodstorypod
periodstorypod@gmail.com
A transcript is available on www.periodstorypod.com
Get in touch:
IG @periodstorypod
periodstorypod@gmail.com
Book a 30 minute hormone health review with me: http://eatlovemove.as.me/hormonehealth
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
How do you navigate a career as a corporate lawyer while also coping with severe insomnia, severe brain fog, feeling disconnected from your body and dealing with medical gaslighting? I get into this and more on this week’s episode of Period Story, Sonja Rincón, the founder and CEO of Menotracker, an AI-powered menopause app that transforms symptoms into personalised insights and support.
In this episode, Sonja shares:
- What happened when she was dismissed by her gynaecologist after seeking treatment for brain fog and a frozen shoulder
- When she stumbled upon the term medical gaslighting and how it made her understand that she wasn’t alone in her experience
- What to do if you feel like you’re not being taken seriously by your doctor
- How 1 in 10 women have left their jobs due to the impact of perimenopause and menopause symptoms, and a quarter of women have considered quitting due to the impact of these symptoms at work
- How her experience led her to found Menotracker
- Cultural differences in conversations around menstruation and perimenopause across Europe
- How tracking symptoms in perimenopause and menopause can help you have a better understanding of your health
- The importance of understanding what any health app you use does with your data
- And of course, the story of her first period
Sonja says that when you use an app, it’s really important that you really check what they are going to do with your data, especially any health related data. If you’re not comfortable, don’t use the app.
Thank you, Sonja!
Get in touch with Sonja:
Website
A transcript is available on www.periodstorypod.com
Get in touch:
IG @periodstorypod
periodstorypod@gmail.com
A transcript is available on www.periodstorypod.com
Get in touch:
IG @periodstorypod
periodstorypod@gmail.com
Book a 30 minute hormone health review with me: http://eatlovemove.as.me/hormonehealth
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
On this week’s episode of Period Story, I had the pleasure of speaking to Ruby Raut, a Nepali-born environmentalist and the co-founder and CEO of WUKA, the UK’s first reusable period underwear brand.
In this episode, Ruby shares:
- How she ended up using reusable period products from her very first period
- The impact of the Nepalese practice of chhaupadi and how she felt treated almost like an untouchable
- How menstrual taboos impacted her education and how she was able to go on to gain a degree in environmental sciences
- Why having access to clean toilets and water can impact your experience of menstruation
- The impact of single use menstrual products in the UK - over 200,000 tons of disposable tampons and pads are sent to UK landfills each year
- How using one pair of period underwear replaces 196 pads or tampons going to the landfill
- Why Wuka supports grassroots sports and how they got 6,000 girls into sports in 2025
- And of course, the story of her first period
Ruby says that when we talk to young people about periods in a way that is accessible to them, we take the embarrassment out of these conversations.
Thank you, Ruby!
Get in touch with Ruby:
Website
TikTok
A transcript is available on www.periodstorypod.com
Get in touch:
IG @periodstorypod
periodstorypod@gmail.com
A transcript is available on www.periodstorypod.com
Get in touch:
IG @periodstorypod
periodstorypod@gmail.com
Book a 30 minute hormone health review with me: http://eatlovemove.as.me/hormonehealth
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What happens when you’ve been gaslit by the medical system for 10 years? This is what I explore in my conversation with Eshani Kaushal, ex corporate and tech lawyer turned entrepreneur, and the founder of Moodee — the GCC’s first period care and hormone health platform.
In this episode, Eshani shares:
- Why it took her over 10 years after being diagnosed with fibroids to have them properly dealt with
- What happened after she had emergency surgery to remove a 12 centimetre fibroid
- How a PCOS diagnosis increased her health anxiety
- How the idea for Moodee emerged and the leap of faith it took her to leave her corporate career
- What it’s like to run a femtech business in the UAE
- Why she thinks women’s health isn’t a luxury, but rather infrastructure that helps economies thrive
- How Moodee will bring access to clean, non-toxic science backed health and menstrual products for women across all ages and stages in the Middle East
- And of course, the story of her first period
Eshani says that women’s health isn’t a niche when we’re 50% of the world’s population. She says that when you fund women’s health, you enable women to do business
Thank you, Eshani!
Get in touch with Eshani:
Website
TikTok
A transcript is available on www.periodstorypod.com
Get in touch:
IG @periodstorypod
periodstorypod@gmail.com
A transcript is available on www.periodstorypod.com
Get in touch:
IG @periodstorypod
periodstorypod@gmail.com
Book a 30 minute hormone health review with me: http://eatlovemove.as.me/hormonehealth
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
I really admire the tenacity of my guest on today’s episode of Period Story. I speak with Nora Cavani, a molecular biologist with a background in pharmaceutical engineering, an award winning gut health expert and founder and CEO of Alba Health, a company on a mission to prevent chronic diseases through gut health science.
In this episode, Nora shares:
- What happened to destroy the credibility of the PCOS diagnosis she received when she was a teenager
- How coming off the pill led to the biggest transformation of her life
- How getting told that she would need to use cortisone for the rest off her life to manage severe eczema led her to the extensive research that resulted in her becoming an expert in the gut microbiome
- How an anti-inflammatory diet and a focus on removing any gut microbiome disrupters transformed her gut health, virtually eliminated her eczema and led to regular periods
- The terrifying moment that led to an endometriosis diagnosis and what she thought when a doctor told her that nutrition had no impact on endometriosis
- What inflammation actually is and the three types
- Why our gut microbiome is so important, even as babies
- What led her to start Alba Health, a gut microbiome testing company for children from 0 - 18 years old
- And of course, the story of her first period
Nora says our gut microbiome is very important at any age, but even more important when you’re a child because this is when microbes seed the gut and form the gut microbiome. She says that what happens in these first years is critical because these microbes help train the immune system, form and educate our metabolism and they affect our brain and brain development.
Thank you, Nora!
Get in touch with Nora:
Website
A transcript is available on www.periodstorypod.com
Get in touch:
IG @periodstorypod
periodstorypod@gmail.com
A transcript is available on www.periodstorypod.com
Get in touch:
IG @periodstorypod
periodstorypod@gmail.com
Book a 30 minute hormone health review with me: http://eatlovemove.as.me/hormonehealth
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
I had such a fangirl moment on today’s episode of Period Story! I speak with Alanna Collen, a science writer, biologist and author of 10% Human: How Your Body’s Microbes Hold the Key to Health and Happiness. Her book inspired much of my interest in gut health, so it was a thrill to speak to her for the podcast.
In this episode, Alanna shares:
- The vasovagal events that made her periods extremely painful and unpleasant
- How the Depo Provera injection changed the trajectory of her career
- Her background in evolutionary biology and how she ended up doing a PhD on bats
- How an encounter with ticks in a rainforest led to her research on the gut microbiome
- Why she thinks going to basics with nutrition is better than any gut health tricks or hacks to feed your gut bacteria
- Her views on fibremaxxing and why we would all benefit from eating more fibre
- How the trillions of microbes in our bodies support our immune system
- The connection between our gut microbiome and obesity
- A sneak peek into her next book, which has been 10 years in the making
- Why the weight set point matters and how we can influence it
- And of course, the story of her first period
Alanna says that we can look after our microbes by eating as many plant foods as we can and building up the amount of fibre our body is used to tolerating.
Thank you, Alanna!
Get in touch with Alanna:
Website
Her book: 10% Human: How Your Body’s Microbes Hold the Key to Health and Happiness
A transcript is available on www.periodstorypod.com
Get in touch:
IG @periodstorypod
periodstorypod@gmail.com
A transcript is available on www.periodstorypod.com
Get in touch:
IG @periodstorypod
periodstorypod@gmail.com
Book a 30 minute hormone health review with me: http://eatlovemove.as.me/hormonehealth
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
On today’s episode of Period Story, I speak with Kate Smith, the CEO and co-founder of Hey Girls CIC, a multi-award-winning social enterprise dedicated to ending period poverty in the UK.
In this episode, Kate shares:
- How she went from looking forward to her first period to feeling overwhelmed by shame once it arrived
- How her experience of teaching menstrual education has helped her feel more in control of her period
- Why the luxury of menstrual product choice is so important and empowering
- What the term period dignity means and why it’s connected to period equality
- The importance of non-stigmatising and inclusive language when it comes to menstruation
- The work Hey Girls are doing to help reduce period poverty, including the 42 million products they’ve donated into the community since 2018!
- Why you should buy from social enterprises and why Hey Girls was set up this way
- The work Hey Girls have done with This Girl Can to share low cost ways to move during each phase of the menstrual cycle
- And of course, the story of her first period
Kate says Hey Girls doesn’t want anyone to be held back by their period, whether that’s speaking up in a meeting or participating in sports. She says that menstruation shouldn’t be a barrier to being equal in society or feeling dignified.
Thank you, Kate!
Get in touch with Kate:
Hey Girls… Website
Pads for Dads Kit
A transcript is available on www.periodstorypod.com
Get in touch:
IG @periodstorypod
periodstorypod@gmail.com
A transcript is available on www.periodstorypod.com
Get in touch:
IG @periodstorypod
periodstorypod@gmail.com
Book a 30 minute hormone health review with me: http://eatlovemove.as.me/hormonehealth
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Season 11 of the podcast is here! I’m excited to share that my guest for episode 100 (!!!) of the podcast is Dija Ayodele, the acclaimed skin care expert, entrepreneur, founder of the award winning Black Skin Directory, author of the global bestselling Black Skin - The Definitive Skincare Guide and co-founder of CLICKED!, a confidence boosting AI powered skin health tool built to make skincare less confusing.
In this episode, Dija shares:
- How having a drama-free period proved to be helpful after her family moved to London from Sierra Leone in 1994
- The Julia Roberts Pretty Woman moment she had when she was trying to get her first book, Black Skin published
- What she would add into the book, four years on
- Why she’s begun coaching other skincare professionals who are the start of their journey
- How her new business, CLICKED! will help you understand your skin, your skincare concerns and give you back control over your skin
- And of course, the story of her first period
Dija says that every time you do things your way and in a way that’s authentic to you, you will never fail. She says that even if you don't get the results that you were expecting or wanted, you're still going to get the results that you need. Dija says that with core self-belief, you will still be able to succeed.
Thank you, Dija!
Get in touch with Dija:
Dija Ayodele
Black Skin Directory
Black Skin - The Definite Skincare Guide
CLICKED!
Substack
A transcript is available on www.periodstorypod.com
Get in touch:
IG @periodstorypod
periodstorypod@gmail.com
A transcript is available on www.periodstorypod.com
Get in touch:
IG @periodstorypod
periodstorypod@gmail.com
Book a 30 minute hormone health review with me: http://eatlovemove.as.me/hormonehealth
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
For the final episode of season 10 of Period Story podcast, I’m so happy to share my conversation with Dr Juliet McGrattan, an international speaker, award winning author, educator and running expert.
In this episode, Dr Juliet shares:
- Her experience of perimenopause and why she’s happy not to know when she goes through the day of menopause
- Why imposter syndrome and anxiety were the main symptoms that told her she was perimenopausal
- Why stopping caffeine was helpful for her
- Why comparison is a trap when it comes to exercise
- How exercise can be very powerful in menopause
- Her tips for getting into running in midlife
- A sneak peek into her new book about running and menopause
- And of course, the story of her first period
Dr Juliet says it’s very easy to become resentful or fall out of love with your body at different times of life and that you can find yourself battling against it. She says that to feel more accepting of our bodies and to learn to work with them, we need to ask ourselves, “what can I do that will make things a little bit better?”.
Thank you, Dr Juliet!
Get in touch with Dr Juliet:
Website
A transcript is available on www.periodstorypod.com
Get in touch:
IG @periodstorypod
periodstorypod@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
I’m really happy to share my conversation with Lily Silverton, the writer, columnist, speaker, coach and founder of The Priorities Method Journal on today’s episode of Period Story podcast.
In this episode, Lily shares:
- The joy of getting her period back after losing it for two years as a teenager
- Her struggle with disordered eating and depression and how a trip to an ashram helped her begin to reset her mental health
- How she realised the power for her thoughts and that some thoughts aren’t true
- Her experience of painful periods and severe premenstrual depression after having her two children
- The transition she made from fashion and culture journalism to retraining to become a stress management and positive psychology coach
- Why stress isn’t inherently bad for you
- The reframe of ‘I get to’ and ‘I choose to’
- One of her coaching principles: live your life, don’t fix your life
- And of course, the story of her first period
Lily says there's nothing wrong with wanting to improve or change, whether that's your internal self or your external self but she says we should consider how we can approach this with real compassion, so that you can work from a positive point, rather than berating yourself.
Thank you, Lily!
Get in touch with Lily:
The Priorities Method Instagram
Website
A transcript is available on www.periodstorypod.com
Get in touch:
IG @periodstorypod
periodstorypod@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
I’m really happy to speak to Seetal Savla, a fertility patient advocate, writer and speaker on today’s episode of Period Story podcast.
In this episode, Seetal shares:
- Why she still struggles when her period arrives each menstrual month
- Her work around challenging fertility, menstrual and menopause stigma in the South Asian community
- A few sentences to relay when dealing with overly inquisitive family and friends
- What it feels like to be on the other side of her fertility journey and why she dislikes the term ‘success story’
- How a South Asian therapist helped unpack the cultural challenges she was facing around her fertility journey
- Why her and her husband decided to give away their embryos after six years of TTC
- And of course, the story of her first period
Seetal says this is her purpose and she is in a privileged position where she can share her experiences of infertility, pregnancy loss and pregnancy after loss to help other people and hopefully be a part of the change we need to see going forward.
Thank you, Seetal!
Get in touch with Seetal:
Additional resources to explore:
HFEA: 'Fear is what holds many South Asians back from being honest about their fertility journeys'
Women's Health UK: 'I'm pregnant after multiple losses - and it's a mental and emotional battle'
Metro UK: Where are all the South Asian egg donors?
HuffPost UK: When you're a woman of colour, infertility comes with extra stigma
Stylist: '6 lessons I've learned about surviving - and thriving - after pregnancy loss'
Tommy's: Intergenerational experiences of miscarriage
So We've Been Told podcast
Netflix documentary: Period. End of Sentence (explores the stigma around periods in rural India).
A transcript is available on www.periodstorypod.com
Get in touch:
Tweet and IG @periodstorypod
periodstorypod@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
’m so pleased to speak to Dr Joyce Omatseye, a UK-based medical doctor, health advocate and digital health innovator on today’s episode of Period Story podcast.
In this episode, Dr Joyce shares:
- Why it’s important that both girls and boys are educated about periods
- Cultural differences around talking about menstrual health between the UK and Nigeria
- What led to her launching her health events organisation Ara Nini Health
- How creating safe spaces for discussions on fertility, reproductive health and fertility has opened conversations across multiple generations of women
- What it means to be a Black female doctor in the UK
- How she advocates for her patients
- Her work with WHO Fides to combat misinformation in global health and why we need to be aware of what we’re consuming online
- How to be prepared for conversations with your doctor
- And of course, the story of her first period
Dr Joyce says that we should never be afraid to ask the questions we need to in a doctor’s appointment and if you feel you’re not being listened to, ask for a second opinion. She says that there’s no doctor that should feel offended by you asking for a second opinion.
Thank you, Dr Joyce!
Get in touch with Dr Joyce:
Ara Nini Health
A transcript is available on www.periodstorypod.com
Get in touch:
Tweet and IG @periodstorypod
periodstorypod@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
I’m so pleased to speak to Nahid de Belgeonne, the nervous system whisperer, one of the OGs in London wellness and author of the book Soothe: the book your nervous system has been longing foron today’s episode of Period Story podcast.
In this episode, Nahid shares:
- Why she hated her periods and found them a complete inconvenience
- How finding a healthier relationship with her body and emotional state changed her relationship with her period
- What wellness looks like for her in her 50s and why it’s important not to lose the potential for new things as we get older
- How your brain keeps the score, but your body is a scorecard
- How her new book Soothe is a accessible way to learn how to tend to your nervous system in the morning, at lunchtime and in the evening
- A simple technique to start your day with
- And of course, the story of her first period
Nahid says we need to gatekeep our nervous systems because if you don’t, nobody else will. She says our world is getting faster, so we really have to be mindful of what we open our nervous system up to.
Thank you, Nahid!
Get in touch with Nahid:
Her book, Soothe
Website
Substack
A transcript is available on www.periodstorypod.com
Get in touch:
Tweet and IG @periodstorypod
periodstorypod@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
I’m so pleased to speak to Donna Dia, the founder of the Beauty Beat, the UK’s only luxury beauty event for women of colour on today's episode of Period Story podcast.
In this episode, Donna shares:
- Why having a very light period and being able to wear white jeans isn’t always a good thing
- How a thin uterine lining led to fertility complications
- How a routine D&C after a missed miscarriage led to Asherman’s syndrome
- The research she did to understand Asherman’s
- The long and traumatic journey, including multiple surgeries, to help her uterine lining grow
- How her fertility journey lead to the Beauty Beat
- Why the Beauty Beat is a dedicated event for women of colour and Black beauty
- The why behind THEE Beauty Beat goody bag
- And of course, the story of her first period
Donna says that it’s valuable to learn about your gynaecological health, whether you have a light or heavy period, so that you can advocate for yourself and be the champion of your health.
Thank you, Donna!
Get in touch with Donna:
TikTok
The Beauty Beat
A transcript is available on www.periodstorypod.com
Get in touch:
Tweet and IG @periodstorypod
periodstorypod@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
I’m so pleased to speak to Jen Moore, a medical campaigner and author of the new book, Endometriosis: Understand your symptoms, Get the right treatment, Reclaim your life on today's episode of Period Story podcast.
In this episode, Jen shares:
- Why it took 22 years to finally get an endometriosis diagnosis
- How a failed surgery led to her groundbreaking medical gaslighting campaign They Said What?
- How therapy helped her with the emotional healing required after having a hysterectomy
- How she almost needed a new endometriosis diagnosis after her hysterectomy due to the spread of the condition on her ovaries, bowels, kidneys and bladder
- How a casual conversation with a friend led to her writing a book on endometriosis
- Her advice for those struggling to get a diagnosis
- And of course, the story of her first period
Jen says that endometriosis is such an individual condition and it’s so important that we don’t compare journeys - the only comparison is with yourself.
Thank you, Jen!
Get in touch with Jen:
Her book
A transcript is available on www.periodstorypod.com
Get in touch:
Tweet and IG @periodstorypod
periodstorypod@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
My next guest on season 10 of Period Story podcast is Kat Pither. Kat is the founder of Yogi Bare, the global yoga brand and movement community and co-founder of Healthy Metal, a magnesium supplement.
In this episode, Kat shares:
- The story of her pregnancy loss through ectopic pregnancy
- Her initial feeling of relief after losing her period due to disordered eating and substance abuse
- Her journey in nourishment to get her period back, including stepping away from the rules, styles and labels prevalent in the yoga and wellness worlds
- How a wall chart with colourful fun stickers has helped her get back in touch with her menstrual cycle
- How a yoga practice with a lot of self-touch, softness and playfulness helps her slow down and reconnect
- The authenticity behind her yoga brand Yogi Bare
- And of course, the story of her first period
Kat says that instead of looking outwards, it’s important that we look inwards and find the celebration and joy in our bodies.
Thank you, Kat!
Get in touch with Kat:
Whats Good Kat - IG
Yogi Bare - IG
Healthy Metal - IG
A transcript is available on www.periodstorypod.com
Get in touch:
Tweet and IG @periodstorypod
periodstorypod@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Season 10 of the podcast is here! I'm excited to share that my guest on the first episode of season 10 is Melissa Hemsley, a former private chef turned best-selling author, including her most recent book Real Healthy - Unprocess Your Diet With Easy Everyday Recipes.
In this episode, Melissa shares:
- Her fertility journey
- What she’s doing to prepare for her next embryo transfer, including how she’s nourishing herself
- The wise words her dear friend Emma Cannon, the renowned fertility acupuncturist, shared with her
- Why she’s gone back to school to study nutritional therapy and what she wants to do afterwards
- And of course, the story of her first period
Melissa says that it’s so important to find lovely people in your life that you can speak to, not be afraid to lean on and ask for help when you need it.
Thank you, Melissa!
Get in touch with Melissa:
Substack
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
My guest on today’s episode is Tamara Driessen. Tamara is a tarot reader, intuitive guide, author of Luna and The Crystal Code and host of the podcast Another Phase.
In this episode, Tamara shares:
- What it meant to be diagnosed with PCOS and anovulatory infertility
- Her experience coming off the pill and reconnecting with her menstrual cycle
- Some of the habits she incorporated to kickstart ovulation and regular menstrual cycles
- How to reconnect with your intuition
- Why it’s important to slow down to be able to speed up
- The real deal on manifestation and why it’s so important to find peace in your here and now
- And of course, the story of her first period
Tamara says that comparison is such a trickster because it really disconnects us from ourselves. But when we accept ourselves exactly as we are or accept what we need in the moment, there's just so much power in that. Then the next breadcrumb appears, the next dot connects rather than us trying to chase something else that actually isn't meant for us in this moment.
Thank you, Tamara!
A transcript is available on www.periodstorypod.com
Get in touch:
Tweet and IG @periodstorypod
periodstorypod@gmail.com
Get in touch with Tamara:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tamaradriessen_/
Website: https://www.tamaradriessen.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
My guest on today’s episode is Rebecca Moore, a breathwork and yoga teacher, spiritual guide and author of the new book Radical Self-Care: Rituals for Inner Resilience.
In this episode, Rebecca shares:
- Healthy ways to get your daily D.O.S.E (dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, endorphins)
- The importance of rituals
- The sacred morning ritual that she always starts her day with
- Why self-soothing isn’t just for children
- How to do one of the self-soothing rituals, bhramari breath
- Why we all need radical self-care
- The importance of knowing your limits and setting clear boundaries
- And of course, the story of her first period
Rebecca says that it’s so important that create space for ourselves, where we can just give ourselves permission to be as we are, without feeling the need to better ourselves or fix ourselves in some way.
A transcript is available on www.periodstorypod.com
Get in touch:
Tweet and IG @periodstorypod
periodstorypod@gmail.com
Get in touch with Rebecca:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/__rebecca__moore/
Website: https://www.rebecca-moore.com
Her book: Radical Self-Care: Rituals for Inner Resilience
Thank you, Rebecca!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
My guest on today’s episode is Latoya Busumbru, a fibroids and women’s health campaigner and advocate.
In this episode, Latoya shares:
- How fainting and vomiting during her period led her to realise that her menstrual experience was very different to that of her friends
- Why it took her over 4 years to receive a fibroid diagnosis
- The symptoms that led her doctor to take her concerns seriously
- Her negative experience of the copper coil
- The changes she made to reduce the painful periods and manage the growth of the remaining fibroids
- What inspired her to start Womb Bae
- The campaigning work she’s doing in Ghana to help reduce period poverty
- And of course, the story of her first period
Latoya says you shouldn’t shy away from advocating for yourself. She says it’s so important to do your research so that you get the support you need.
Thank you, Latoya!
A transcript is available on www.periodstorypod.com
Get in touch:
Tweet and IG @periodstorypod
periodstorypod@gmail.com
Get in touch with Latoya:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wombbae/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wombbae
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/latoya-busumbru-1a0912249/
Flow Wellness Ghana: https://www.instagram.com/flowwellnessgh/?locale=GB
Sponsor a girl in Ghana: https://paystack.com/pay/theflowproject
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
My guest on today’s episode is Ceri Jones, a food educator, chef and author of the new book It Starts With Veg: 100 Seasonal Suppers and Sides.
In this episode, Ceri shares:
- Why she feels so open and free about talking about her period
- The career transition she made from managing orchestras to becoming a chef and food writer
- The joy she finds in cooking and helping others learn to cook
- How an in person class can help anyone feel less intimidated by cooking
- How her new book can help you get to grips with seasonal eating
- A few tips and tricks for choosing the best quality veg when you’re out grocery shopping
- The process of writing a cookbook (including the costs!)
- And of course, the story of her first period
Ceri says that food doesn’t need to be complicated to taste good and starting with simple things is a great way to feel less intimidated in the kitchen. She says that a lot can be done with garlic and salt and one or two spices, the squeeze of lemon juice at the end, and adding lots of fresh herbs into your cooking.
Thank you, Ceri!
A transcript is available on www.periodstorypod.com
Get in touch:
Tweet and IG @periodstorypod
periodstorypod@gmail.com
Get in touch with Ceri:
Her book: It Starts With Veg: 100 Seasonal Suppers and Sides
Website: http://cerijoneschef.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cerijoneschef/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cerijoneschef
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
My guest on today’s episode is Dearbhail Ormond, the founder and CEO of frendo, a digital health solution to support endometriosis sufferers and those awaiting diagnosis.
In this episode, Dearbhail shares:
- The traumatic event that happened at the beginning of her menstruating years
- How having very heavy and excruciating periods affected her school and university years
- What it took for her to finally receive a stage 4 endometriosis diagnosis
- The joyful validation that getting a diagnosis provided her with
- The inspiration for starting frendo
- How you can improve your experience at work if you have endometriosis
- What happened after she had her miracle baby and the drastic step she need to take to manage her symptoms
Dearbhail says that you need to be the owner and CEO of your own health and that the more you empower yourself with your own knowledge about your own health and your own body and the stronger it makes your position to advocate for yourself.
Thank you, Dearbhail!
A transcript is available on www.periodstorypod.com
Get in touch:
Tweet and IG @periodstorypod
periodstorypod@gmail.com
Get in touch with Dearbhail:
Frendo
Frendo Instagram
Dearbhail’s Instagram
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
TRUST YOURSELF// My guest on today’s episode is Hayley McFadyen, an actor and writer, who is currently working on her first film, Bled Through, about her personal experience of menstruation.
In this episode, Hayley shares:
- What it was like to start her period at 14 years old, well after all of her friends
- How being given a tampon to use was a confronting experience
- How TikTok helped her realise that her shoulder pain was linked to her period
- How experiencing stitches during her period led her to a self-diagnosis of diaphragmatic endometriosis
- What she did to eventually receive a clinical diagnosis
- How she was able to advocate for herself, even when doctors didn’t believe she had endometriosis
- The inspiration for her film Bled Through (go to this link to support the crowdfunder to make this film!)
- And of course, the story of her first period
Hayley says that it’s so important to trust yourself and not to allow anyone to tell you that you aren’t feeling something. She says that if you know there’s something wrong with your body, just push for that and ignore everyone else’s thoughts.
Thank you, Hayley!
A transcript is available on www.periodstorypod.com
Get in touch:
Tweet and IG @periodstorypod
periodstorypod@gmail.com
Get in touch with Hayley:
Crowdfunder to raise money to produce the film
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My guest on today’s episode of Period Story is Vicky Shilling, a Self-Belief business coach and author of the book Just Start Now. Vicky helps wellness professionals overcome self-doubt and take action to make an income from their passion for health.
In this episode, Vicky shares:
- Her experience of re-learning about her menstrual cycle, period, moods and libido after coming off the pill after 20 years
- How understanding cycles, seasons and life stages can help you better run your business
- How she shifted from a 10 year career in music management to the work she does now
- How she identified the gap in the market for a need to help wellness professionals better market themselves
- How compassionate self-belief can help people can get out of their own way in business and in life
- Her upcoming Business Backed By Belief summit
- And of course, the story of her first period
Vicky says that if there's something that you want to do in any realm of your life, be it business or personal, one thing to do is take one step to do something small to just start now, because the power is amazing in reinforcing and creating evidence for yourself of what is possible for you. So move out of that paralysis or thinking about it or dreaming about it or leaving it in your head, take one tangible small step towards what it is you want to do and just sit and feel what that brings for you.
Thank you, Vicky!
A transcript is available on www.periodstorypod.com
Get in touch:
Tweet and IG @periodstorypod
periodstorypod@gmail.com
Get in touch with Vicky:
Business Backed By Belief Summit
Website
Her book - Just Start Now
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
My guest on today’s episode of Period Story is Maya Oppenheim, the Women’s Correspondent at the Independent, which is the only role like this at a UK news outlet.
In this episode, Maya shares:
- How she pitched and landed her role as the first Women’s Correspondent at a UK news outlet, where she writes stories from a women’s and gender angle
- The range of topics she covers in this role, including domestic abuse, abortion rights, childcare, poverty, periods, the criminal justice system
- The story she’s most proud of - ‘The Murky Online World of Andrew T*te and Pick Up Artists’ and the troubling, misogynistic content she uncovered in her investigation
- The trolling she receives online and the topics that tend to result in the most angry responses
- The inspiration for her first book, The Pocket Guide To The Patriarchy
- And of course, the story of her first period
Maya says that the way that each person chooses to shine a light on injustice will be different, but it’s important, whatever it is that you want to do, to do something to try to make the world a better place.
Thank you, Maya!
A transcript is available on www.periodstorypod.com
Get in touch:
Tweet and IG @periodstorypod
periodstorypod@gmail.com
Get in touch with Maya:
Her book - The Pocket Guide To The Patriarchy
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
My guest on today’s episode of Period Story is Ellamae Fullalove, the poet, founder of the shame shaking community, storytelling and events platform, Va Va Womb and MRKH advocate.
In this episode, Ellamae shares:
- How not getting her first period led to a diagnosis of MRKH, a condition that affects 1 in 5,000, in which the uterus and cervix is underdeveloped or absent and the vagina is shortened
- How she was diagnosed by the specialist team at Queen Charlotte’s Hospital in London
- The emotional side of the diagnosis and how she went from hiding it to helping others with MRKH advocate for themselves
- How to get an MRKH diagnosis
- How she’ll tackle the fertility side of MRKH, including the surrogacy campaigning work she does
- How she and a friend set up Vagina Fest
- How poetry and being creative is cathartic for her
Ellamae says that it’s so important to find your people and support network so there’s someone you can confide in. Telling your story is important and empowering.
Thank you, Ellamae!
A transcript is available on www.periodstorypod.com
Get in touch:
Tweet and IG @periodstorypod
periodstorypod@gmail.com
Get in touch with Ellamae:
Website
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
My guest on today’s episode of Period Story is Jess Bolton, the opposable thumbs behind Worried Whippet, a social media platform that is a celebration of everyday bravery through the eyes of a small dog.
In this episode, Jess shares:
- The symptoms and experience that led to her seeking out an ADHD diagnosis
- What the ADHD tax is and how it has affected her
- How she’s been able to use her diagnosis to positively benefit her business and the way she works
- Why she made an Instagram account for her dog and the amazing opportunities that have come from this
- How talking about her dog’s anxiety has led others to have conversations about their own mental health
- Why she focused on bravery in her first book Worried Whippet: Inspiration to be Brave
- Her new podcast Brave Little Podcast
- And of course, the story of her first period
Jess says whatever's weighing on you, whatever feelings you're contending with, they're probably a completely appropriate response to whatever's happening around you. And the best thing you can do is find somebody you trust or somebody with authority and talk to them about it.
Thank you, Jess!
A transcript is available on www.periodstorypod.com
Get in touch:
Tweet and IG @periodstorypod
periodstorypod@gmail.com
Get in touch with Jess:
Book - Worried Whippet: Inspiration To Be Brave
Human Jess - Instagram
Worried Whippet - Instagram
Brave Little Podcast
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
My guest on today’s episode of Period Story is Kelly Newton. Kelly is the founder and CEO of NIXI Body, a reusable leakproof underwear company.
In this episode, Kelly shares:
- The embarrassment she felt when she first got her period
- How playing sports helped her deal with having endometriosis
- Her menopause story
- The importance of a holistic approach to keeping your pelvic floor healthy
- How she was able to move from being embarrassed to talking about her period to talking so openly about pelvic floors and vaginal health on TV
- The impact sport and exercise has on her mental health
- How she started a business in her 40s and how she supports other women who are setting up businesses
- And of course, the story of her first period
A transcript is available on www.periodstorypod.com
Get in touch:
Tweet and IG @periodstorypod
periodstorypod@gmail.com
Get in touch with Kelly:
Website
Kelly says that if she can start a business, anyone can do it. Just ask questions, Google everything and go on courses!
Thank you, Kelly!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
My guest on today’s episode of Period Story is Amaia Arranz. Amaia is the CEO of Ruby Cup, an award-winning social business that works to combat period poverty around the world.
In this episode, Amaia shares:
- What it was like getting her period as a teenage girl in Spain in the 90s
- How getting her period was a combination of being a part of a VIP cool girl club with a big dose of shame attached
- Some of the myths she learned growing up around tampons, virginity and sex
- How menstrual cups work and exactly how to use one
- The social mission at the heart of Ruby Cup, including their buy one, give one model
- How they work with their NGO partners to provide menstrual education and to ensure there are the right conditions, including clean water, to use a menstrual cup safely
- And of course, the story of her first period
Amaia says that if you are swimming and a wave comes, you don't argue with the wave. You have to go with the wave. So if your period is coming, get angry, get pissed off, but it's coming, why not go with it and see, maybe it's not the worst thing to have a couple of quiet days once a month with your blanket and your movies and a huge bar of chocolate.
Thank you, Amaia!
A transcript is available on www.periodstorypod.com
Get in touch:
Tweet and IG @periodstorypod
periodstorypod@gmail.com
Get in touch with Amaia:
Website
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
My guest on today’s episode of Period Story is Emilie Lavinia. Emilie is Cosmopolitan UK’s Sex and Relationships Editor, LGBQT+ sexologist and sex educator and a UK Delegate for UN Women.
In this episode, Emilie shares:
- The endocrine condition that means that she doesn’t really have periods that often
- The difference between good and bad sex education
- What the orgasm gap is and how women can have better orgasms (and sex!) with their partners
- How to instigate a conversation with your partner about how to have better sex and more pleasure
- How social media censorship and ‘algo speak’ is impacting the way we speak and learn about gender and sexuality
- Her advocacy work with UN Women
- And of course, the story of her first period
Emilie says that why we need to teach people how to connect and how to speak to each other about sex so that we can have conversations with our partners about what we like, not fake orgasms, talk candidly about how we like to pleasure ourselves and then transfer that to a partnered experience.
Thank you, Emilie!
A transcript is available on www.periodstorypod.com
Get in touch:
Tweet and IG @periodstorypod
periodstorypod@gmail.com
Get in touch with Emilie:
Website
Substack
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
My guest on today’s episode of Period Story is Natalie Meagan-Blake. Natalie so generously shares her story and if you think you may have endometriosis, adenomyosis or fibroids, I encourage you to listen to this episode.
In this episode, Natalie shares:
- Why she decided to be so open about having endometriosis, adenomyosis, PCOS and fibroids
- How opening up created a community and safe space for people to talk about their experiences and learn how to advocate for themselves
- How long it took her to finally be diagnosed and the impact of race in this
- The impact these conditions have on her fertility and how she’s tackling this
- And of course, the story of her first period
Natalie says that advocating and speaking up for yourself is never a bad thing and that you should never be scared to ask for a second opinion.
Thank you, Natalie!
A transcript is available on www.periodstorypod.com
Get in touch:
Tweet and IG @periodstorypod
periodstorypod@gmail.com
Get in touch with Natalie:
Sunday Sip Live Events
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
My guest on today’s episode of Period Story is Annie Ridout, author, journalist, ghostwriter, poet and life coach.
In this episode, Annie shares:
- Her sober curious journey and how she’s able to find a balance
- Her writing career, Substack and the diverse ways she’s able to earn an income
- Her fascinating new ghostwriting career
- Her new podcast, Home, which explores the idea of whether home is where we were raised, or where we are now and the part this plays in our identity
- How she has open conversations with her children about periods
- And of course, the story of her first period
Annie says there’s value in vulnerability and it’s important to be really honest about how you’re feeling, even if the conversation you’re starting is difficult for other people to hear. She says you don’t have to pretend that you’re feeling fine when you’re not for fear that you’ll destabilise other people.
Thank you, Annie!
A transcript is available on www.periodstorypod.com
Get in touch:
Tweet and IG @periodstorypod
periodstorypod@gmail.com
Get in touch with Annie:
Website
Substack
Home Podcast
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
My guest on today’s episode of Period Story is Shakira Akabusi, the author of The StrongLikeMum Method, women’s health expert and pre and postnatal exercise specialist.
In this episode, Shakira shares:
- How a few careless words from a doctor led to post-natal anxiety and OCD
- What her therapist told her that changed her perspective on the anxiety
- How she tailors the way she exercises depending on where she is in her menstrual cycle
- How she’s able to do everything she does as well as be a mum of 4 children
- And of course, the story of her first period
Shakira says it takes an incredible amount of strength to manage depression, anxiety or any kind of mental health issue on a daily basis and this recognition can help build resilience.
Thank you, Shakira!
Get in touch with Shakira:
Website
Book - The Strong Like Mum Method
A transcript is available on www.periodstorypod.com
Get in touch:
Tweet and IG @periodstorypod
periodstorypod@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
My guest on today’s episode of Period Story is Matilda Egere-Cooper, an award-winning journalist, podcast host and founder of Fly Girl Collective – a platform and community launched in 2018 to help black women and women of colour level up their wellness and lifestyle.
In this episode, Matilda shares:
- How eating less sugar reduced her period pain
- The fitness and wellness journey that led to her getting into running
- The value of community in helping her stick with running
- How to start running
- How runcations help her explore new cities
- How she finds running marathons character building
- The experience of running an ultramarathon
- And of course, the story of her first period
Matilda says that running has taught her that it’s important for us to be courageous and tackle whatever life may bring.
Thank you, Matilda!
Get in touch with Matilda:
Website
A transcript is available on www.periodstorypod.com
Get in touch:
Tweet and IG @periodstorypod
periodstorypod@gmail.com
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My guest on today’s episode of Period Story is Dr Golnoush Golshirazi, a scientist and entrepreneur who advocates for women’s health and equality in the healthcare system. She is the co-founder of ScreenMe, a patient-centric at-home testing company that looks to empower all women with scientific insight and support around their sexual and reproductive health.
In this episode, Golnoush shares:
- How it took her £6,000 to find out she had endometriosis
- The fluke that led to her diagnosis
- What she did when her doctor that her that she had to do her own research to figure out a non-hormonal treatment strategy
- How recurring UTIs led to her starting an at-home testing company
- The importance of the vaginal microbiome and how it’s very different to the gut microbiome
- What you can do to improve your vaginal microbiome
- And of course, the story of her first period
Golnoush says that learning about how your body works and getting insights into your unique needs will help you make changes that have a powerful impact on your health
Thank you, Golnoush!
Get in touch with Golnoush:
Website
A transcript is available on www.periodstorypod.com
Get in touch:
Tweet and IG @periodstorypod
periodstorypod@gmail.com
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My guest on today’s episode of Period Story is Hana Walker-Brown, a multi-award winning, internationally acclaimed audio documentary and podcast maker, creative director and author of the book, A Delicate Game, which tells the story of the degenerative brain disease Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) through first-hand intimate interviews with sufferers and their families.
In this episode, Hana shares:
- How lockdown led to her realising she might have ADHD
- The value of Right to Choose in helping her get an ADHD diagnosis
- That there’s no blueprint for ADHD but there are commonalities
- How having a diagnosis gave her an explanation for certain feelings and behaviours
- How she’s had to move forward with more grace and kindness
- Her new podcast Late to the Party, which is about navigating neurodiversity as an adult
- And of course, the story of her first period
Hana says that the big things for her in getting through everything have been to trust and forgive herself.
Thank you, Hana!
Get in touch with Hana:
Website
A transcript is available on www.periodstorypod.com
Get in touch:
Tweet and IG @periodstorypod
periodstorypod@gmail.com
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My guest on today’s episode of Period Story is Sharn Khaira, the founder of Asian Female Entrepreneur Collective who shares a powerful story of transformation across many aspects of her life - her health, her business and her personal life.
In this episode, Sharn shares:
- What happened when she thought she might have ovarian cancer
- What she did to manage her symptoms once she was diagnosed with PCOS
- How she challenged the Asian cultural norms she grew up to build two successful businesses
- How she helps other Asian women overcome cultural mindset blocks that get in their way of becoming entrepreneurs
- What she did when she was faced with bullying
- And of course, the story of her first period
Sharn says that on an entrepreneurial journey, it’s so important to let go of judgement and stop caring about what other people think. This will help you claim your true voice and power.
Thank you, Sharn!
Get in touch with Sharn:
Website
A transcript is available on www.periodstorypod.com
Get in touch:
Tweet and IG @periodstorypod
periodstorypod@gmail.com
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My guest on today’s episode of Period Story podcast is Lorraine Candy, an award-winning journalist, editor and best-selling author. Her new book, What's Wrong With Me? 101 Things Midlife Women Need to Know" is out on May 25th and available for pre-order now!
In this episode, Lorraine shares:
- How she realised the extreme anxiety, panic attacks, heavy periods and night sweats she was experiencing in her late 40s were actually symptoms of perimenopause
- The differences between Gen X, millennial and Gen Z women in how they approach menstrual and hormone health
- How she dealt with perimenopausal rage
- The identity changes that can happen in our 40s that enable us to choose how we want to be
- What she wants women in their 20s and 30s to know about perimenopause
- The importance of friendships
- And of course, the story of her first period!
Lorraine says that whatever age you are, it’s so important to check in on yourself everyday and ask yourself: ‘Do I want to do this?’, ’Is it serving me well?’, ‘How am I really feeling?’.
Thank you, Lorraine!
Get in touch with Lorraine:
Podcast
A transcript is available on www.periodstorypod.com
Get in touch:
Tweet and IG @periodstorypod
periodstorypod@gmail.com
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My guest on today’s episode of Period Story podcast is Clio Wood, a maternal health advocate and journalist. Her first book, Get Your Mojo Back: Sex, Pleasure & Intimacy After Birth tells her own story and experiences, the experiences of other relatable, real life women and includes lots of information about sex and intimacy after birth from experts and further resources.
In this episode, Clio shares:
- The negative impact teen magazines and television had on her feelings about her body
- How she learned about the value of self-compassion
- The importance of female pleasure
- How better communication can lead to better sex and more intimacy
- And of course, the story of her first period!
Clio says that post-natal sex is important and that just because you’ve had a baby, you shouldn’t have to put up with whatever issue that’s stopping you from finding sexual pleasure.
Thank you, Clio!
Get in touch with Clio:
And Breathe Wellbeing Website
And Breathe Wellbeing Instagram
A transcript is available on www.periodstorypod.com
Get in touch:
Tweet and IG @periodstorypod
periodstorypod@gmail.com
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You’re in for a real treat - on this week’s episode of Period Story, I’m so pleased to share my conversation with Katy Ewen, a reflexologist and fertility awareness educator. Katy so honestly shares her story of the effects her menstrual cycle has had on her mental health, navigating OCD and PMDD and what this means for her in the luteal phase.
In this episode, Katy shares:
- How she first became aware of anxiety and OCD symptoms at five years old
- The effect hormonal changes have on her OCD and PMDD symptoms
- The impact eating more and making positive nutrition changes has had on her mental health and experience of the luteal phase
- How exposure response prevention therapy has been a game changer for her
- Her work as a reflexologist and the benefit of this therapy for menstrual health
- And of course, the story of her first period!
Katy says that understanding her menstrual cycle has given her so much insight into how to look after herself!
Thank you, Katy!
Get in touch with Katy:
Reflex East Website
Reflect East Instagram
A transcript is available on www.periodstorypod.com
Get in touch:
Tweet and IG @periodstorypod
periodstorypod@gmail.com
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On this week’s episode of Period Story, I’m so happy to share my conversation with Nina Cassells, the founder and managing director of the charity Project Period. Nina started the charity when she was 17 (!!!), with the aim of empowering young women in Kibera, the largest slum in Kenya by providing reusable and sustainable menstrual products.
In this episode, Nina shares:
- The epiphany she had that led to her starting Project Period
- How not having the right period products can affect a girl’s ability to go to school when they have their period
- Why a menstrual cup can help support five years of education
- The process of distributing 200 menstrual cups on her first trip to Kibera
- The lessons her and the team learned that led to the installation of a water generator that turns condensation into water so that the girls have clean water to wash their cups
- How Project Period is fundraising for their next trip to Kenya in July (every donation makes a difference!)
- And of course, the story of her first period!
Nina says that one menstrual cup can support five years of a girl’s education - how amazing is that!
Thank you, Nina!
Get in touch with Nina:
Project Period Website
Donate to Project Period
Project Period Instagram
A transcript is available on www.periodstorypod.com
Get in touch:
Tweet and IG @periodstorypod
periodstorypod@gmail.com
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We’re back! It’s Endometriosis Awareness Month and I’m so pleased to share my conversation with Carla Cressy, the founder and CEO of the Endometriosis Foundation. Carla is a true force in the endometriosis community, helping others gain access to care and support and providing insight into the development of national health guidelines.
In this episode, Carla shares:
- How difficult it was to get doctors to take her symptoms seriously
- How the focus on her bowel issues finally led to an endometriosis diagnosis
- Her experience of medical and surgical menopause
- How she managed her mental health when the pain was at its worst
- What she wants doctors to know about endometriosis
Carla that there’s so much misinformation around endometriosis and that doctors need a better understanding of the patient’s perspective of living with this condition.
Thank you, Carla!
Get in touch with Carla:
The Endometriosis Foundation Website
The Endometriosis Foundation Instagram
The Endometriosis Foundation Facebook
A transcript is available on www.periodstorypod.com
Get in touch:
Tweet and IG @periodstorypod
periodstorypod@gmail.com
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For the last episode of season 6 of Period Story podcast, I’m so thrilled to share my conversation with Claire Baker, the period coach, speaker and author of the book 50 Things You Need To Know About Periods. Claire is a force in the menstrual health community, spreading the message that having a menstrual cycle can be a beautiful thing that can help you know get to know yourself better.
In this episode, Claire shares:
- Why she didn’t tell anyone when her period started
- Her second menarche
- What #adoreyourcycle really means
- How she became a menstrual cycle coach
- How menstrual cycle awareness can help you show up to your life as the full spectrum version of yourself in every phase
- Her recommendations for understanding and charting your menstrual cycle
Claire says that having a menstrual cycle is a gift and that your menstrual cycle can be your ally.
Thank you, Claire!
Get in touch with Claire:
Website
A transcript is available on www.periodstorypod.com
Get in touch with us:
Tweet and IG @periodstorypod
periodstorypod@gmail.com
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January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month in the US and the UK and I’m so pleased to share my conversation with Molly Broache, a women’s health nurse practitioner and associate director at BD, the medical technology and diagnostic solutions company.
In the episode, Molly shares:
- The number one cause of cervical cancer
- The symptoms and risk factors for cervical cancer
- The importance of cervical screening as a cervical cancer prevention tool
- What happens if abnormal cells are found in the cervix
- How to empower yourself if you’re nervous about having a cervical screening
- And of course, the story of her first period!
Molly says that cervical cancer is preventable and that if you’ve put off your cervical screening, get it booked ASAP!
Thank you, Molly!
A transcript is available on www.periodstorypod.com
Get in touch:
Tweet and IG @periodstorypod
periodstorypod@gmail.com
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I’m thrilled to share my conversation with Tinuke Awe, the co-founder of Five X More - an organisation campaigning for better Black maternal health outcomes in the UK. Tinuke is an absolute powerhouse and was named a ‘Force for Change’ by British Vogue, a ‘Woman changing the World’ by the Evening Standard, and a ‘Future Shaper’ by Marie Claire.
In this episode, Tinuke shares:
- What prompted her to start Five X More
- Her campaigning work with the government to help improve Black maternal health outcomes
- Her advice for Black women who are nervous about becoming pregnant in light of the statistics around Black maternal deaths
- The work she does with health professionals to re-educate on myths and stereotypes around Black women, pain and gynaecology
- And of course, the story of her first period!
Tinuke says that when in a healthcare setting, it’s so important to trust your gut and speak up - do what you need to do to get the help you need.
Thank you, Tinuke!
Get in touch with Tinuke:
Website
A transcript is available on www.periodstorypod.com
Get in touch:
Tweet and IG @periodstorypod
periodstorypod@gmail.com
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I’m so pleased to share my conversation with Katie Taylor, the founder of the Latte Lounge, an online platform to help women over 40 thrive, at home and in the workplace. This is the perfect bookend to last week’s episode, with Katie sharing a very raw and honest account of her experience of perimenopause and menopause.
In this episode, Katie shares:
- How she was misdiagnosed with depression
- The shocking moment that coincided with the start of her perimenopause journey
- How she was finally told that she was experiencing perimenopausal symptoms after being dismissed and made to feel like a hypochondriac
- How she used her experiences to help other perimenopausal and menopausal women feel less alone
- And of course, the story of her first period!
Katie says that it’s important not to be scared or afraid of perimenopause and menopause!
Thank you, Katie!
Get in touch with Katie:
Website
Perimenopause Symptom Checker
A transcript is available on www.periodstorypod.com
Get in touch:
Tweet and IG @periodstorypod
periodstorypod@gmail.com
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We’ve got a brilliant episode in store for you today with Fay Reid, the founder of 9to5 menopause. Fay delivers some home truths about the reality of menopause and how companies and organisations can proactively help anyone in their team experiencing menopausal symptoms at work.
In this episode, Fay shares:
- The key symptom that signalled the start of perimenopause for her
- What she did to help herself
- The trial and error process of finding the right HRT for her
- How she began helping individuals navigate menopause at work
- Simple things that can really make a difference for anyone experiencing menopausal symptoms at work
Fay says that you can’t treat women differently because they’re going though the menopause!
Thank you, Fay!
Get in touch with Fay:
Website
A transcript is available on www.periodstorypod.com
Get in touch:
Tweet and IG @periodstorypod
periodstorypod@gmail.com
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I’m so pleased to share today’s episode with Lucy Lettice, the co-founder of &SISTERS, the femcare brand. In this episode, Lucy shares more about her mission to provide a menstrual health ecosystem offering products and services for all stages of the menstrual lifecycle, including better plastic-free period care.
In this episode, Lucy shares:
- What happened when she started her period at 17
- How tracking her menstrual cycle has helped her understand herself more and make better decisions
- The inspiration behind starting her company &SISTERS
- How switching to a period cup can save up to 2,000 disposable period products per person over 5-6 years
- And the story of her first period
Lucy says that empowering yourself with knowledge of your menstrual health is so empowering and important and can help you make better decisions about your overall health.
Thank you, Lucy!
Get in touch with Lucy:
Website
A transcript is available on www.periodstorypod.com
Get in touch:
Tweet and IG @periodstorypod
periodstorypod@gmail.com
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Today’s conversation with Elle Linton, the creative entrepreneur and athlete is a very nice bookend to last week’s episode. In this episode, Elle talks about how menstrual cycle awareness has been a powerful tool for her as an athlete.
In this episode, Elle shares:
- Her experience of being on the pill from aged 13
- What she did to learn about her body and menstrual cycle after coming off the pill
- The effects of anti-inflammatories on her stomach
- How menstrual cycle awareness and being in tune with her body helped her complete a half-marathon right before her period started
- And the story of her first period
Elle says that tracking and understanding her menstrual cycle has helped develop a flexible and adaptable training plan that means that she can train less and make more progress.
Thank you, Elle!
Get in touch with Elle:
Website
A transcript is available on www.periodstorypod.com
Get in touch:
Tweet and IG @periodstorypod
periodstorypod@gmail.com
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I am so thrilled to share my conversation with Abby Epstein, the director of the fascinating and evocative documentary The Business of Birth Control. Abby shares her own powerful and very personal story of self-discovery and change after taking hormonal contraceptives.
In this episode, Abby shares:
- Why she was first put on the pill
- The physical and mental health issues she experienced while on the pill
- What she learned about herself when she came off hormonal contraception
- The inspiration behind the documentary The Business of Birth Control
- And the story of her first period
Abby says that it’s so important to do your own research and find a health solution that works for you.
Thank you, Abby!
Get in touch with Abby:
Website
Business Instagram
Personal Instagram
Photo credit: John Curry
A transcript is available on www.periodstorypod.com
Get in touch:
Tweet and IG @periodstorypod
periodstorypod@gmail.com
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You have to listen to today’s episode of Period Story with Sateria Venable, the founder and CEO of the Fibroid Foundation. Sateria shares her story of navigating life with very heavy periods, haemorrhaging, altitude associated bleeding and fibroids. Sateria’s story is very powerful and she has grown the Fibroid Foundation out of her own very painful experiences, something she describes as very cathartic.
In this episode, Sateria shares:
- How she was diagnosed with fibroids
- How to navigate fibroid diagnosis and treatment
- The power of advocacy
- And the story of her first period
Sateria says that you don’t have to suffer and power through. There are many resources and information out there to help, including on the Fibroid Foundation website, Instagram page and YouTube channel.
Thank you, Sateria!
Get in touch with Sateria:
Website
Questions to ask your provider
Fibroids Health Portal
YouTube
A transcript is available on www.periodstorypod.com
Get in touch:
Tweet and IG @periodstorypod
periodstorypod@gmail.com
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If you have skin issues, you definitely need to check today’s episode of Period Story with Cheryl Woodman. Cheryl is a scientist, award-winning skincare formulator and acne expert.
In this episode, Cheryl shares:
- How you should actually be washing your face
- Common triggers for acne
- Her own acne healing journey
- And the story of her first period
Cheryl says that if you understand the underlying biology changes of what’s causing your skin to become acne-prone, you can be empowered to take back control of your skin health and to get clear without the need for acne meds. If you want to work with Cheryl, use the code GETCLEAR20 to get 20% off her course Acne Warrior.
Thank you, Cheryl!
Get in touch with Cheryl:
Website
A transcript is available on www.periodstorypod.com
Get in touch:
Tweet and IG @periodstorypod
periodstorypod@gmail.com
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We’re back! For the first episode of season 6 (!) of the Period Story podcast, I’m so pleased to share my conversation with Coni Longden-Jefferson. Coni is a reproductive health polymath - she’s the co-founder of the period and leak-proof underwear brand Nixi Body, a writer and content creator (check out her hilarious reels on Instagram @conilj) and a host and moderator of reproductive health events.
Coni and I had a fantastic conversation about menstrual shame, her journey with different forms of hormonal contraception and how she came off of them, her passion for helping others feel comfortable enough to share their reproductive health stories and experiences, and of course, the story of her very first period!
Thank you, Coni!
A transcript is available on www.periodstorypod.com
Get in touch:
Tweet and IG @periodstorypod
periodstorypod@gmail.com
Get in touch with Coni:
Website
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On today’s episode of Period Story, I’m so pleased to share my conversation with Kerrie-Anne Bradley, a Pilates teacher, founder of Pilates At Your Desk, and author of Move More At Your Desk. A self-confessed ex-sloucher, her mission is to get us all moving more during the working day, in simple ways, so that we feel better in our bodies and minds. She’s so passionate about movement and splits her time working with individuals, groups and businesses globally.
Kerrie-Anne and I had a great conversation about exercise and movement around the menstrual cycle, the process of writing a book and of course, the story of her very first period!
Thank you, Kerrie-Anne!
P.S. Kerrie-Anne has kindly offered listeners the first month of Move At Your Desk free with the code MAYDHAPPY!
A transcript is available on www.periodstorypod.com
Get in touch:
Tweet and IG @periodstorypod
periodstorypod@gmail.com
Get in touch with Kerrie-Anne:
Website
Move at Your Desk membership
The Move More at Your Desk book
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On today’s episode of Period Story, I’m so pleased to share my conversation with Rachel Burgess, the owner of the Rachel Burgess Bridal Boutique, which she opened 10 years ago to celebrate handmade Welsh bridal wear and accessories.
Rachel is truly inspiring and I'm so grateful that she opened up and shared her story. After a routine scan to follow up from a hip operation when she was 22, the results found that there was a cyst making a home on Rachel's right ovary, which was surgically removed. In 2018, after another routine check up on the remaining left ovary it was clear that another cyst was forming so that too was removed, leaving Rachel with 30% of a working ovary. Rachel just had her first period in five years and we talk about this and her evolving view of womanhood, post-surgery. And of course, Rachel shared the story of her first period.
Thank you, Rachel!
A transcript is available on www.periodstorypod.com
Get in touch:
Tweet and IG @periodstorypod
periodstorypod@gmail.com
Get in touch with Rachel:
Website
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On today’s episode of Period Story, I’m so pleased to share my conversation with Julie McClure, a clean and clear living expert and the founder and CEO of Hello Me, a wellness & beauty brand empowering women to take back control of their hormones and return to being the best version of themselves.
Julie and I had a great conversation about what inspired her to start her company, her healing journey through breast cancer and medical menopause and of course, the story of her very first period!
Thank you, Julie!
P.S. Julie has kindly offered listeners 20% off Hello Me products with the code PERIODSTORY20!
A transcript is available on www.periodstorypod.com
Get in touch:
Tweet and IG @periodstorypod
periodstorypod@gmail.com
Get in touch with Julie:
Website
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
On today’s episode of Period Story, I had a very interesting and eye-opening conversation with MaryEllen Reider, the co-director of Yarlap, a wellness device to treat urinary incontinence and improve pelvic floor health.
We talked about the prevalence of urinary incontinence (did you know this affects 1 in 4 women!?!), the need for better pelvic health education and of course, MaryEllen’s first period story. Listen to hear how MaryEllen’s dad helped her understand what was happening and how he bought her first menstrual products.
Thank you, MaryEllen!
A transcript is available on www.periodstorypod.com
Get in touch:
Tweet and IG @periodstorypod
periodstorypod@gmail.com
Get in touch with MaryEllen:
Website
I wanted to bring back this episode of Period Story with Amy Peake, the founder of the charity Loving Humanity. Amy founded the charity in 2014 with the aim of helping women in war zones by alleviating the health problems associated with a lack of good quality and affordable menstrual pads. Since then, her work has helped to restore dignity and create social uplift for thousands of women in some of the most war-ravaged parts of the world. And crucially, it has allowed thousands of menstruating girls who would not normally have access to school to receive an education.
Amy and I had a wonderful conversation about the cultural impact of menstruation, disposable vs reusable menstrual pads, how Amy has been educating herself about her menstrual cycle and hormones and of course, Amy also shared the story of her first period.
We talked about Amy’s charity Loving Humanity and the powerful work it is doing in Iraq, Jordan, Kenya, Uganda and Zimbabwe to make and distribute menstrual pads and nappies to women and girls. Amy shares the story of what inspired her to start this charity and shares some of ways the charity has been able to empower women through employment, menstrual health education and support.
We had a very candid discussion about the impact access to menstrual pads can have on girls and their ability to stay in education. Amy also talked about disposable vs reusable menstrual pads and how access to water and lack of privacy makes reusables mostly a non-starter.
Today’s show was recorded in 2020, so please visit the Loving Humanity website for the most up to date information about the brilliant work Amy and the charity are currently doing.
Amy says that she feels passionate about what she does because she wants women and girls to rise up and realise their power 💪🏽
Tweet and IG @periodstorypod
periodstorypod@gmail.com
Get in touch with Amy:
Website
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I had a fantastic conversation with Natasha Richardson, the medical herbalist and women’s health expert on today’s show.
After having struggled with debilitating period pain for years, Natasha discovered how natural remedies could help but was disappointed by how difficult they were to acquire. As a result, she launched her own line of products called Forage Botanicals.
Natasha is an advocate for embodiment and normalising menstruation, birth and menopause. Inspired by her feminist proclivities she has researched the history of how products surrounding women’s health have affected how we relate to our bodies and the inner sexist beliefs we hold against ourselves and each other.
Natasha and I talked about PMS and how a perfectly natural phase of our menstrual cycle has been hypermedicalised, PMDD, how to manage and reduce period pain and of course, the story of her first period.
Thank you, Natasha!
A transcript is available on www.periodstorypod.com
Get in touch:
Tweet and IG @periodstorypod
periodstorypod@gmail.com
Get in touch with Natasha:
Website
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I’m so pleased to share my conversation with Cherie Hoeger. Cherie is the co-founder and CEO of Saalt, a women-owned period care company aiming to modernize reusable period care. In 2018, Saalt launched its flagship product—the Saalt period cup—with the vision of making cleaner, more sustainable period care accessible to everyone.
Leading Saalt's social impact efforts, Cherie began networking with impact partners to provide their period cups to underprivileged girls and women so they could confidently manage their periods, stay in school, and lift themselves out of poverty. Now in their fourth year in business, Saalt has donated over 20,000 cups in 34 countries to create a wave of informed cup users who then act as mentors for other donation recipients.
Cherie and I had a fantastic conversation about her inspiration for starting a menstrual product brand, her journey as an entrepreneur, how to try a menstrual cup and of course, the story of her first period. I can’t wait for you to hear this episode!
A quick note on today’s show – we recorded this early last year, so please check the Saalt website for the most up to date information about the products. Unfortunately, there are also a few issues with the audio, so please check periodstorypod.com for a manuscript of my conversation with Cherie.
Thank you, Cherie!
A transcript is available on www.periodstorypod.com
Get in touch:
Tweet and IG @periodstorypod
periodstorypod@gmail.com
Get in touch with Cherie:
Website
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
I'm so pleased to share my conversation with Dr. Tosin Ajayi-Sotubo.
Dr. Tosin is a medical doctor working in London as a NHS & Private General Practitioner with a passion for spreading health awareness. She founded Mind Body Doctor as a friendly and accessible space to educate and inspire as many people as possible to look after their health. She has a huge focus on diversity and representation in health and wellness to reflect people from all backgrounds and walks of life.
A quick note on today’s show – we recorded this early last year, so please check Dr. Tosin's website for the most up to date information about what she's up to!
Dr. Tosin and I had a fantastic conversation about her work as a GP, how to best prepare for an appointment, especially when you only have 10 minutes, the importance of asking questions, diversity and inclusion in health and wellness and of course, the story of her first period. I can’t wait for you to hear this episode - Dr. Tosin is an inspiration!
Thank you, Dr. Tosin!
A transcript is available on www.periodstorypod.com
Get in touch:
Tweet and IG @periodstorypod
periodstorypod@gmail.com
Get in touch with Dr. Tosin:
Website
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The podcast is back! Welcome to season 5! We went on an unexpected hiatus last year when I realised that I was running myself ragged trying to do too many things - see clients, write a book, homeschool and sell a house. I have more breathing space again so Period Story podcast is back!
Today’s podcast is such a good one. I’m so pleased to share my conversation with Erin Holt. Erin is a board-certified integrative and functional nutritionist with a feisty attitude and over a decade of clinical experience. She blends evidence-based practices, functional lab testing, energy medicine, boundary setting & humor for a unique and customized approach to women’s health. She dives deep with women to get to the root cause of their health issues and finally get answers to their mystery symptoms.
A quick note on today’s show – we recorded this early last year, so please check Erin’s website for her most up to date programmes and courses!
Erin and I had a fantastic conversation about boundaries, diet dogma, how to recognise intuition and of course the story of her first period. I can’t wait for you to hear this episode - Erin is a fountain of knowledge and a great person to follow on Instagram!
Thank you, Erin!
A transcript is available on www.periodstorypod.com
Get in touch:
Tweet and IG @periodstorypod
periodstorypod@gmail.com
Get in touch with Erin:
Website
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For the last episode in season 4 of Period Story podcast, I’m so excited for you to hear my conversation with Lola Ross, a fellow nutritionist and the co-founder of the amazing menstrual cycle and mood tracking app, Moody Month. If you haven’t downloaded the app already, I definitely suggest that you check it out!
Lola and I talked about her work as a nutritionist, female entrepreneurship, starting the app and of course, she shared the story of her first period.
Lola comes from a really big family of women, so she says the conversations around periods and bodily changes were always free and open. She says that after having her son at 23, she started to notice changes in her period, which she managed through eating in a different way.
It was this journey that led her to go on to study for a degree in nutritional therapy and health sciences. She says that working with patients in student clinic brought home the the impact of diet and lifestyle in helping to modify and improve menstrual and reproductive health symptoms.
We talked about the emotional shifts that can occur across the menstrual cycle, which led us nicely into a conversation about Moody Month, the menstrual cycle and mood tracking app that Lola co-founded. Lola says they wanted to reclaim the word moody.
Lola says that moods are what make us human. Moods can be reflective and positive and they can equally be negative. Lola says that we need to delve deeper into our moods and why we experience them and move away from negative associations around being moody. Thank you, Lola!
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I’m so excited for you to hear my conversation with Melissa Ramos, the founder of Sexy Food Therapy. Melissa and I had a fantastic conversation about her healing journey through ovarian cysts, very heavy periods, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, thyroid nodules and fibroids. And of course, we talked about her first period. She is a very inspiring woman!
Melissa talked about her first period and reflected on how she felt not knowing what was happening to her. She says that from the beginning, her periods were so heavy that she would need to plan her schedule based on proximity to a washroom in order to avoid accidents.
Melissa shares the journey she took to understand what was happening to her - going from practitioner to practitioner to try to address her symptoms. She says that thinking back, none of the practitioners ran any testing on her - a lot of guessing and protocols and no testing.
We talked about the impact of unresolved emotional trauma on healing. Melissa says that we need make sure we value the trauma work as much as we value supplements, self-parenting, sleep and eating good food.
Melissa says small things such as going to bed earlier can really make a difference. She says that when we’re sleep deprived, we’re not always going to want to eat well or think positively. She says to never trust your thoughts on a tired brain. Thank you, Melissa!
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On this week’s episode of Period Story, I had a fantastic conversation with Nicola Rae-Wickham, the founder of A Life More Inspired. Nicola talks about the importance of being authentic, the power of imperfection and shares her fertility story. And of course, Nicola shares the story of her first period!
Listen to hear Nicola share the story of the very unusual pre-class protocol her PE teacher used that led to her realising she had her first period. She says that she took it all on the chin.
We talked about Nicola’s journey on and off the pill and how a suspected PCOS diagnosis led to a discovery that changed the way Nicola approached her health, wellbeing and mindset.
This changed the way she approached her next pregnancy. Nicola says she went into trying to conceive the second time with a mindset of trusting, surrounding and feeling really full and whole. She says that she had to trust that her life was enough, whatever the outcome was.
Nicola says that we are enough and that moving away from the trap of perfection helps us understand where we can strive to be imperfect. She says it’s so freeing to be able to rock up and trust what you know and who you are. Thank you, Nicola!
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I know I say this every week, but I am so excited for you to hear this episode of Period Story! I spoke with Jenn Pike, a functional nutritionist and medical exercise specialist and we had a wonderful conversation about the power of our menstrual cycles, our period as a report card and the information it gives us and how to exercise in a way that is synched to your menstrual cycle. And of course, Jenn shared the story of her first period! Be prepared to take notes because Jenn shares amazing information and tips!
Listen to hear the story of Jenn’s first period, which arrived when she was at Canada’s Wonderland, a Canadian amusement park (for my British listeners, think Alton Towers!). She says that when she thinks back on it, she wonders why she didn’t learn more about it at school and home.
Jenn says that she now has really open conversations with her son and daughter about periods and menstrual health. It’s important for her son to understand that this isn’t something to shame girls about and he can try to take care of them instead.
Jenn started tracking her menstrual cycle when she was 17 (!!!). Listen to hear why she started tracking at such a young age and what she learned about her body and how to take care of it.
Jenn says that our period every month is a report card, telling us what’s happening with our bodies and giving us the opportunity to heal ourselves. She says that when you understand what your body is telling you, it will change how you show up for yourself in your life, your career, the way you move your body and so much more.
Jenn wants all of us to know that our bodies are our friends and they’re not against us. Our bodies want us to feel the most vital, the most energised, the most loved and the most balanced possible! Thank you, Jenn!
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On today’s episode of Period Story, I am so happy to share my candid conversation with Arianna Radji-Lee, the founder of Pachamama London.
We had a fantastic conversation about birth control, how Arianna transitioned off the pill, the importance of being open and honest about what you’re going through, Arianna’s fertility journey and of course, the story of Arianna’s first period. I can’t wait for you to hear this episode!
Arianna said that from the beginning she felt as though her period was negative and something that wasn’t to be spoken about. She says that she feels completely differently about it now and is very outspoken about her menstrual health.
We talked about Arianna’s contraception journey and she shared that she didn’t have a period for 10 years. Once she decided to come off the pill, in preparation for starting a family, she had to relearn what having a period was like for her.
Arianna also shared her fertility journey. She says that in the beginning, she became a ‘trying to conceive monster’ trying to do all the things and trying to get it right. She says that it’s challenging because she’s been so public about her fertility story.
Arianna says that we need to talk about the stuff that is scary, uncomfortable and embarrassing because other people are likely going through the same thing. Thank you, Arianna!
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On today’s episode of Period Story, I am so pleased to share my conversation with Emma Mainoo, the founder of Surviving Sundays.
We had a fantastic conversation about mental health, how to get help and how to help anyone around you you think may be in need. And of course, Emma shared the story of her first period! I can’t wait for you to hear this episode!
Emma shared the story of her first period, which coincided with her time at an all girls Catholic convent school. She said that she really wanted to get her period because for her, it meant that she wasn’t a little girl anymore.
When her period arrived, her feelings towards it changed. She says she finds her periods very limiting, heavy and painful. She says that pain has always been a part of the conversation between her and her friends about periods, so she internalised the message that this was normal.
Emma shared the story of starting Surviving Sundays. She says Sundays used to be the worst day of the week for her. Listen to hear why Emma decided to make Sundays sacred, her best day of the week.
Emma talks about her story of mental health and shares her advice for others who feel as through they’re at their breaking point. She says that we all have mental health, so we can all have mental health challenges.
If you know someone going through a mental health challenge, Emma says the most important thing you can do is to go into any conversation with a lack of judgement and a willingness to listen. Emma says that it’s a strong and courageous thing to reach out and get the help you need. Thank you, Emma!
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On today’s episode of Period Story, I was so pleased to speak to Professor Joyce Harper. Joyce is the Professor of Reproductive Science at University College London in the Institute for Women’s Health where she is also Head of the Reproductive Science and Society Group and Director of Education. She has just written a book called Your Fertile Years, which will be released in April 2021.
Joyce and I had a great conversation about breaking taboos around what we call our genitalia, the importance of body literacy and not over relying on menstrual cycle apps. And of course, Joyce shared the story of her first period!
Joyce was 9 years old when she got her first period and she says it made her feel different and a bit abnormal because she was the only one in her year who had it. She says didn’t really feel mentally prepared for what was going to happen.
We talked about the importance of parents talking about their bodies, fertility, sex and menstrual health at an age-appropriate level with their children as early as possible. Joyce says that this needs to be a continuous dialogue and include calling genitalia by their proper names so that everyone becomes more comfortable talking about these things.
Joyce discussed a study she did last year with Natural Cycles, looking at over 600,000 menstrual cycles. She says that the majority of the women in this study didn’t have a 28 day menstrual cycle and that actually, a menstrual cycle between 21 and 35 days is normal.
Joyce says that you shouldn’t rely on menstrual cycle apps to tell you when you’re ovulating and that you also shouldn’t get stressed if your period doesn’t arrive when the app says it will.
Joyce says that it’s so important for women to learn about their bodies, learn about what happens when they’re ovulating and their cervical fluid. Thank you, Joyce!
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On today’s episode of Period Story, we have Jen Wright, who is a cyclical living mentor. She supports creatives working with their natural rhythms - menstrual, lunar, seasonal - as they build their small business. I really loved this conversation - we talked about the importance of rest, the power of working with your menstrual cycle and Jen shared her own story. Jen has just launched Life, Aligned, a 3 month productivity and wellness journal. I can’t wait to get my copy!
Jen shared the story of her first period and how she felt shame and embarrassment about it. She says she always felt that it had to be a secret, hidden thing.
Jen says that she’s lost any shame and embarrassment and thinks she’s perhaps a bit too open about her period (I love it!). Listen to hear about how Jen’s fertility journey forced her to learn more about her menstrual health and how she fought for what was right for her personally.
Jen uses everything she’s learned in her work as a mentor and she talks about she helps her clients connect with the highs and lows of energy across their menstrual cycle. She says that if your body is saying that it’s time to rest, then listen to your body, rest and you will be so much more productive.
Jen also talked about how to use the lunar phases as a way for people who don’t have periods to connect for the ebbs and flows of their energy. Jen says that it’s so important to listen to our bodies and that rest isn’t selfish. Thank you, Jen!
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Life, Aligned
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On today’s episode of Period Story, I had the pleasure of speaking to Dr Dani Gordon, an expert in CBD and cannabis medicine and the author of the book, the CBD Bible. Dani is a double board certified medical doctor and integrative medicine physician. She has advised the UN, governments and physician bodies on the use of medical cannabis and also co-founded the UK Medical Cannabis Clinicians Society, trained the UK's first cannabis medicine specialists and helped set up the UK's first cannabis medicine clinics.For anyone that’s interested in CBD, especially its use for period pain, this episode is a must-listen!
We talked about Dani’s first period and how she learned to manage her menstrual health as a competitive swimmer. She says she felt really empowered by her first period and really supported by her mom during this time.
We talked about the link between stress and changes in periods and menstrual cycles (something I’m seeing a lot right now!). Dani shared how as she got older, she started to link the heavy periods she was experiencing with stress and what she did to manage this stress. Her doctor told her that her only option was to suppress the hormone imbalances and bad periods with the pill 🥴 Listen to hear how Dani gradually realised there were other things she could do to manage and improve her menstrual health.
Dani talks about how she started out as a conventionally trained medical doctor and told me what inspired her to shift to integrative medicine and to ultimately focus on CBD and cannabis medicine. She shares how her patients opened her eyes to the benefits of cannabis for chronic pain relief and this inspired her to learn more.
Listen to learn the difference between CBD and THC, what the endocannabinoid system is and the wide range of conditions CBD can help with (including period pain!). The world of CBD is rapidly growing in the UK and Dani shares her top tips on how to choose the right type for you, including ways to access medicinal cannabis for severe conditions.
Dani says that CBD and botanical medicine is about empowering yourself about your health and wellness and taking control back. Thank you, Dani!
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Book
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I can’t wait for you all to hear my powerful conversation with Lee Nguni, a yoga teacher and medical herbalist in training. I’m so grateful to Lee for sharing her 10 year journey to getting an endometriosis diagnosis, how she was forced to learn how to advocate for herself with healthcare professionals, the medical gaslighting she had to deal with and of course, the story of her first period.
Lee says that she was very excited to get her period because she felt that it would be one of the defining moments of adolescence and ultimately, becoming a grown up. Lee shared that because the women in her family had had difficult periods, she expected that that would be her experience too.
In her 20s, Lee’s periods started to become much more painful and began to affect her quality of life. She said that each time she went to the doctor, they were very dismissive, tell her that what she was experiencing was just part of being a woman and telling her to go onto hormonal contraception.
Lee started to investigate alternative forms of healing and began to educate herself on what could be happening to her as a way of advocating for herself with healthcare professionals. Listen to hear the approach Lee finally had to take in order for her doctors to take what she was telling them seriously.
After 10 years (!!!), Lee finally had a laparoscopy that diagnosed her with stage 4 endometriosis. Lee shares the medical gaslighting she experienced and what she happened after her most recent surgery.
Lee spoke really frankly about her experiences and says that doctors need work more collaboratively with patients in order to bring about the ideal result. Lee says that we really have to trust and believe what our body, heart and mind are telling us and that textbook medical knowledge can never undercut personal experience. Thank you so much, Lee!
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I’m so excited that season 4 of Period Story podcast is here! For the first episode of the season, I’m so excited to have Alice Rose on the show, just in time for Fertility Awareness Week here in the UK. Alice is a fertility advocate, speaker and consultant and shared her own experience of fertility treatment. We had a wonderful, open discussion about her fertility journey, including a PCOS and fibroid diagnosis, the support she needed during this time, having a baby during lockdown and of course, the story of her first period.
Alice says she was really excited to get her first period and when it arrived, she was confused and a bit embarrassed but her mum was very supportive. She says that the embarrassment around her period continued because her menstrual cycles were very erratic and she felt different to her friends.
Her fertility journey started when she came off the pill and her irregular cycles returned. This made Alice take a really proactive approach to try figure out what was happening to her. Listen to hear what Alice did next, including how she managed her PCOS and fibroid diagnosis.
We had a really frank conversation about the physical and emotional toll fertility assistance can take on both women and men. Alice shares the different tools she used to support herself, as well as advice for anyone going through something similar.
Alice says that it’s so important to find the support you need and take things day by day, so that you move away from living in the future. Thank you so much, Alice!
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October is World Menopause Month and we're bringing back an amazing episode from season 1 with Karen Arthur, the fashion designer, sewing tutor, stylist, speaker and model.
Karen has launched Menopause Whilst Black, a wonderful initiative that is committed to centering the menopause journey of black UK women through research stories. She is also launching a podcast, 'Menopause whilst Black’ this month. Tired of the lack of diversity amongst the growing menopause community and frustrated by research targeting black women that is either decades old (and scant) or focuses solely on black women in the US, this new podcast is committed to centering the menopause journey of black UK women through research and sharing our stories.
In this episode of Period Story, we talked about a first period that felt really frightening at the time, but in retrospect, was quite funny. Karen talked about learning about periods and sex through conversations with friends, feeling squeamish and embarrassed and learning that having a period didn’t mean she was pregnant.
Karen says that having a preacher for a father meant that conversations about most things to do with women, and anything to do with bodily fluids were taboo. She had been brought to believe that bleeding was bad and the Problem page in Jackie magazine was how she mostly learned about sex, relationships and periods.
We talked about what Karen felt she should have known about her body and how becoming a teacher and head of year made her determined to learn as much as she could, in order to teach her students and her daughters. Karen shares how her daughters have educated her the most on periods and sex through their openness and willingness to have frank conversations.
She says it’s taken her time to unlearn her feelings of shame and recognise that the more people talk about these things, the better it is. This has helped her talk about menopause as well. Karen talks about the events she’s run to help open up conversations around menopause and how they’ve help women feel less alone.
Karen says that menopause is a transition to another life and we need to think about how we can thrive, rather than how we can just get through it.
Karen says that no one should suffer this alone and I completely agree!
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Menopause Whilst Black
Craft Moves
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To round out season 3 of Period Story, I’m really excited to share today’s episode with twin sisters Lauren Lee-Crane and Catherine Lee. They are the founders of Semaine, a health and wellness supplement for people with painful periods. I loved our conversation and am really grateful they shared their story of living with endometriosis, going through various surgeries, being Asian in the ballet world and of course, the story of their first periods.
Catherine said that her first period was very memorable because her mom made homemade Frappuccinos to toast the occasion! Within a few months, she said that she was already asking for a hysterectomy. Lauren says she got her period after Catherine and really didn’t want it.
We talked about being bunheads, which is the term for girls who do ballet at a relatively high level and how they navigated this very structured, hierarchical and rigid world. They were often told that they were too exotic for the ballet world and that they didn’t have the right ‘look’.
Lauren talks about how as ballerinas, they learned to suppress and numb themselves to any pain they experienced and this translated to the endometriosis pain as well. Lauren says they thought of it as just another pain they had to deal with.
Both Lauren and Catherine shared their endometriosis journeys, with Lauren getting diagnosed with stage 4 endometriosis and Catherine getting diagnosed with stage 2 endometriosis. Lauren described the pain she experienced as ‘a bouquet of knives sort of sitting up in her pelvis’. Catherine describes her pain as ‘feeling like she had a bowling ball in her uterus’.
Catherine and Lauren shared stories of their pain being dismissed by doctors and health professional in quite critical moments and how they’ve learned to advocate for themselves in health situations. Catherine says that it’s important to become an expert in your body and Lauren says to trust yourself and advocate for yourself. Thank you so much, Lauren and Catherine!
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On today’s episode, I’m happy to share my conversation with Camilla Hansson, the founder of the CBD brand, Camilla Organics. Camilla shared the story of her diagnosis with endometriosis, her healing journey and what led her to launch her CBD business. And of course, we talked about her first period!
Camilla says that she looked forward to her first period because she felt that it would mean that she was nearly a woman. She said when it finally happened, she was quite excited about it!
All the way through her teens and into her mid 20s, Camilla had what she called perfect periods: no pain, no mood swings. In her mid 20s, she says she started to get excruciating, painful periods that sent her to A&E on several occasions.
Camilla says that she started to become afraid of each of her periods and she felt she couldn’t live her life fully because of the pain. Listen to hear how Camilla found a path to healing.
Camilla says her experience led her to an exploration of CBD and then to eventually found her own company so that she could help other women in the same way that CBD helped her.
Camilla says that it’s important for anyone suffering from period pain and endometriosis to not give up hope and to keep educating yourself and trying new things. Thank you for coming on the show, Camilla!
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On today’s episode of Period Story podcast, I’m so happy to share my conversation with Kaysha Thomas, the nutritionist and Pilates teacher. Kaysha has a special focus on eating disorder recovery, body image and diversity, all of which we talked about in this episode.
Kaysha says she got her first period at around 9 or 10 and she took it all in her stride as she had already learned so much about it in school. She said that going to an all girls secondary school made conversations around periods and body changes easier and normalised.
We talked about Kaysha’s work with eating disorder recovery clients. She says there’s a whole group of men, women and children out who need to hear a different narrative about eating and body image, where the focus is on health, not weight loss.
Kaysha says that feeding ourselves is the ultimate form of self-care. I love that! We also talked about diet culture, the anti-diet movement and how the messages from both camps can be very inflammatory. We also dove into emotional eating and some of the cultural messages we receive about this.
We talked about the rise in people not wanting to talk about weight loss for fear of being attacked for not loving their bodies. Kaysha says that there’s a culture of toxic positivity, especially on social media and that we need to remember that there are people with individual experiences behind each post.
Kaysha says that you don’t have to love your body all the time, it’s okay to feel neutral and indifferent or not even focus on your body at all! Thank you for coming on the show, Kaysha!
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On today’s episode of Period Story podcast, I’m so happy to share my conversation with Mika Simmons, the award winning filmmaker, actress and founder of the Lady Garden Foundations and the Happy Vagina. Listen to hear a really tender conversation about navigating trauma and loss, and of course, the story of Mika’s first period.
Mika says that her mum was so excited when she first got her period and threw her a little party to celebrate. This lovely start was unfortunately not mirrored at school, where she was teased and bullied for getting her period. Listen to hear Mika talk about how this led to a time of confusion and pain.
In time for Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month, Mika shares the story of losing her beloved mother to ovarian cancer. Mika very poignantly talks about how she was able to heal after this seismic experience and how starting the Lady Garden Foundation was a part of this healing. Listen to hear about the incredible work the foundation is doing to raise awareness about gynaecological cancers.
We talked about body image, self-pleasure, orgasms and the importance of female desire. Mika says that it’s important to get past the discomfort of having these conversations and that by starting small or what feels comfortable for you, we can start to find a vocabulary that feels right for us. Thank you so much for coming on the show, Mika!
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Lady Garden Foundation
The Happy Vagina
Photo credit: Ruth Crafer
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On today’s episode of Period Story podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Maria Purcell, the co-founder of the Hood, who recently launched their teen wellness journal (a period and mood tracker!), Girlhood: The Story. Listen to hear our conversation about Maria’s experience navigating her period as an athlete, her decision to come off the pill, how she used tracking to help her better understand her body as she was trying to get pregnant and of course, the story of her first period!
Maria says she hid her period from her mum for a few months, because she felt that she could deal with it all herself and thought it was no big deal. Listen to hear how often Maria first thought she was going to have a period!
Maria’s experience as a student athlete shaped the way she thought about her body and her belief that periods were something that needed to be ‘dealt with’. She says that when she stopped taking the pill, she finally began to tune into her body and said that it was challenging because as an athlete, she was so used to being in control of her body.
We talked about how Maria started tracking what was happening to her body and how this helped during her fertility journey. She says that all the planning and tracking came naturally to her and helped her feel more confident and better about herself.
Maria shares how she lost her period at one point and what she did to get it back. She says that all the tracking and learning she did around her menstrual cycle and fertility eventually led to the idea to launch a journal for teens to help them understand their moods and eventually their periods, when they arrive. Listen to hear how she was inspired by her niece and how the journal helped them connect.
Maria says we need to learn about our menstrual health from a young age, so that we feel empowered and we understand our bodies. She says this will change the narrative and reduce the stigma around female health issues. Thank you for coming on the show, Maria!
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Show notes and transcripts can be found at www.periodstorypod.com
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On today’s episode of Period Story podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Trisha Barker, a life coach who helps people manage and overcome imposter syndrome. Listen to hear our conversation about Trisha’s endometriosis journey, how she fought for a diagnosis, how she manages the endometriosis pain, how she’s incorporated menstrual cycle awareness into her day to day work life and of course, her first period.
Trisha says that when she was shocked when she first got her period. She had a stomachache and thought to herself: “Am I dying?”. Her mum was there to reassure her and explain to her what happened. Trisha says that she felt really embarrassed and ashamed about what was happening to her and it took her until her forties to get past the shame.
Trisha went on a long journey of trying to deal with her heavy and painful periods, for years using the pill to do this. She eventually decided that she didn’t want to be on the pill because she didn’t believe it was good for her health. After she came off the pill, her period pain boomeranged back.
Listen to hear what happened when Trisha tried to get the bottom of what was behind her excruciating period pain and the moment where she refused to leave her GP’s office until he gave her a solution that didn’t involve more pills.
Trisha explains that coming off the pill helped her connect with her menstrual cycle. She says she wanted to be back in tune with her own body. Trisha shares how she was able to spot patterns through her menstrual cycles and adapt her work accordingly.
Trisha shares some advice for people struggling with imposter syndrome and the key questions they need to ask themselves to move past it. She says that we can ask ourselves better questions and start to find evidence to prove that our imposter doesn’t know everything. Trisha says that when you change what you believe about yourself, you change how you show up in the world. Thank you, Trisha!
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Email: periodstorypod@gmail.com
Show notes and transcripts can be found at www.periodstorypod.com
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Website
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On today’s episode of Period Story podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Sabi Kerr, a self-love coach and yoga teach. We had a beautiful conversation that got me a bit emotional at one point! We talked about Sabi’s journey on and off the contraceptive pill, the importance of accepting and sitting with ALL the emotions you feel, toxic positivity and moving away from positive vibes only and of course, Sabi’s first period!
Sabi shared the pride she felt when she got her period and how grown up she felt. She says that the conversations she had with her mum and her friends about periods were really open and accepting. How great is that!
We spent time talking about Sabi’s journey with the pill. She went on the pill when she was around 17, 18 years old and only came off it in January this year. She says she was sure that there was a bit of disconnect between her and her period and coming off the pill was her way of changing that
Sabi had never had any issues or side effects from taking the pill. When she deciding whether to come off the pill, Sabi says she asked herself if she still wanted to be putting it in her body. She was moving back to London from Bali and felt it was the right time to make this transition.
Listen to hear about Sabi’s transition off the pill and what she learned about her menstrual cycle, including how she was able to make space for her emotions and find the permission to accept herself as she is. I confess that I got a bit emotional when we talked about this!
Sabi shared some beautiful affirmations and a mini practice to help name the emotions you feel. Sabi says that to truly love ourselves, we need to start where we’re at. Thank you, Sabi!
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Email: periodstorypod@gmail.com
Show notes and transcripts can be found at www.periodstorypod.com
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Website
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On today’s episode, I am so pleased to share my conversation with Natalie Costa. We talked about the importance of identifying which thoughts you choose to believe, managing pre-menstrual anxiety, and of course Natalie’s first period!
Natalie shared that her first period was a shock and something she wasn’t ready for. She says that slowly she started to become more accepting of it, but it wasn’t something she looked forward to (I’m sure a lot of you can relate to this!).
Natalie talks about growing in South Africa and how the conservative culture affected how she learnt about her period. She says it’s taken her time to become more open about talking about menstruation and that her former job as a teacher helped with this.
We talked about how Natalie learned to tune into her menstrual cycle more and how she connected this with work and the way she exercises. She says that she really has to listen to her body and resist doing high impact exercise when her body is craving something slow and steady.
Natalie says she asks herself: what can I do to be gentle with myself. She says she’s more aware of negative chatter that happens before her period and is able to manage it and work with it. Listen to hear the morning rituals Natalie uses to quieten down and centre her mind.
We talk about Natalie’s brilliant work supporting children by helping them tap into the power of their thoughts and recognise they don’t have to believe everything they think or respond to every feeling. Natalie shares some brilliant tips and I’ve been using them with my son!
Natalie says that as adults, we need to remember that we don’t need to believe every thought we think and that it’s so important to be gentle with ourselves and I completely agree!
Get in touch:
Tweet and IG: @periodstorypod
Email: periodstorypod@gmail.com
Show notes and transcripts can be found at www.periodstorypod.com
Get in touch with Natalie:
Website
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
On today’s episode, I am so pleased to share my conversation with Leeanne Young, who bravely shares her health journey from fibroids to hyperthyroidism and a thyroidectomy to an ice crunching obsession. Leeanne’s story is really powerful and I really encourage you all to have a listen.
Leanne shares her matter of fact approach to her first period and how she learned about what was happening to her body. We talked about the classic Judy Blume book, Are You There God, It’s Me, Margaret and Leeanne talked about the impact it had on her.
We talked about Leeanne’s very early endometriosis diagnosis and after a laparoscopy and medication didn’t work for her, she was given the choice of having a hysterectomy at 25 years old. She opted against this and said this taught her how to really listen to her body and tune into the signals it was giving her.
Leeanne bravely shared how she first discovered she had a 10cm fibroid after a miscarriage and how she was led to believe that it would be difficult for her to have more children. Leeanne went on to have a daughter, who is now 12.
Leeanne become unwell again and was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism and eventually went on to have a thyroidectomy. Listen to hear the symptoms that made Leeanne realise that something was wrong.
Fast forward a few years, Leeanne felt that everything was going fine. She had started a new job and life was good. Her periods starting getting so heavy that she became scared to leave the house. Listen to hear how Leeanne was able to persevere and get a diagnosis of more fibroids after everyone kept telling her everything was fine.
Leeanne says that we know our bodies best. Our bodies are whispering to us, giving us signs that we need to listen to and I completely agree!
Get in touch:
Tweet and IG: @periodstorypod
Email: periodstorypod@gmail.com
Show notes and transcripts can be found at www.periodstorypod.com
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
On today’s episode of Period Story podcast, I’m pleased to share the wonderful and very expansive conversation I had with Allysa Rochelle, the Vulnerability Queen and founder of TING. We talked about trauma and its effect on menstrual health, the vulnerability spectrum, why Black women need to embrace softness and of course, Rochelle shared the story of her first period.
Rochelle says that after she got her first period, she kept it secret for 4 months. Eventually, pain become a big part of her period life and she learnt to just get on with it, which she says was part of the negative programming she had around her period quite early on.
Listen to hear about the pivotal moment where Rochelle changed her perspective on the pain she was experiencing and the role trauma played in this.
Rochelle talks about a light bulb moment when she realised that she had been ignoring her needs because she had always been in service to other people. She says that she had to get really still and ask herself: ‘what do you need? what are your needs?’
We had a fascinating discussion about the stereotype of the strong Black woman and how important it is for Black women to embrace softness too and let themselves be vulnerable.
Finally, we talked about Rochelle’s self-styled title, ‘The Vulnerability Queen’ and how important it is to lean into vulnerability in a very intentional way.
Rochelle says that we need to hold space for ourselves and never ignore what we’re feeling. I completely agree!
Get in touch
Tweet and IG: @periodstorypod
Email periodstorypod@gmail.com
Show notes and transcripts can be found at http://www.periodstorypod.com
Get in touch with Rochelle:
Website: https://tingonline.uk and https://www.allysarochelle.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allysarochelle
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/AllysaRochelle/
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
On today’s episode of Period Story podcast, I’m so happy to share my conversation with Jasmin Thomas, the founder of Ohana CBD.
Jasmin and I had a wide ranging conversation, including discussing her multiple sclerosis diagnosis, Rastafarianism, medicinal cannabis, Jasmin’s decision to start Ohana CBD, being Black and female in the cannabis industry and of course, the story of her first period.
Jasmin says she felt quite isolated and uncomfortable when she got her first period. She says that as she was growing up her period was okay and that as she got older, she started to tune into her body more, understand her menstrual cycles, track her menstrual cycles.
Jasmin shares her story of coming off the pill. She says she didn’t feel as though she felt real emotions whilst on it and when she came off the pill, she started to feel everything a lot more.
Listen to hear about Jasmin talk about multiple sclerosis and the symptoms that led her to seek out a diagnosis, the support networks she leant on and how she explored natural medicinal options to manage the condition.
We talk about Jasmin’s family links to Rastafarianism and medical cannabis and how this led to the birth of her company, Ohana CBD. She said that she had a desire to live her most authentic life and starting her own company was a part of this.
We talk about Jasmin being a Black female in the cannabis industry and what Jasmin has done to hold others in the industry accountable.
Jasmin says that we should have confidence in our voices and live as our most authentic selves and I completely agree!
Get in touch:
Tweet and IG: @periodstorypod
Email: periodstorypod@gmail.com
Show notes and transcripts can be found at www.periodstorypod.com
Get in touch with Jasmin:
Website
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Welcome to season 3 of the Period Story podcast. I'm so pleased to start the new season with Sarah Greenidge, the founder of WellSpoken.
We had a wide ranging conversation about tracking menstrual cycles and symptoms, the important of credible content in the health and wellbeing sector, the value of anecdotal evidence and the importance of diversity and inclusion in the wellbeing sector. Sarah discussed the launch of the WellSpoken diversity charter. And of course, Sarah shared the story of her first period!
Sarah shares the very vivid memory of her first period, her shock, overwhelm and shame. She talks about how these feelings changed as she went into high school and having a period became an empowering thing.
Listen to hear what triggered Sarah to learn more about her period and start tracking her menstrual cycle. She says that become knowledgeable about her body has made her more cognisant of how others could be feeling.
Sarah talks about her periods in lockdown and how she saw a shift from what’s normal for her. In the episode, Sarah goes into detail into the symptoms she tracks (with a massive Excel spreadsheet!) and the cues she pays attention to that tell her period is about to start. Listen to hear her top tips on how to start tracking your menstrual cycle.
We talk about why Sarah founded her company, WellSpoken and the importance of health literacy. Sarah says that in the UK, consumer ability to understand health information and then make an informed decision is quite low.
We talk about the importance of diversity in wellness and the health implications of lack of diversity in wellness. Sarah says that race and discrimination play a part in the way people can receive health information and how and if they seek help. Go to the link below to find out more about the diversity charter, which asks brands to commit to improving diversity in the wellness industry.
Sarah says that we need to think of health literacy as a core skill so that we can more informed decisions about our health. I completely agree!
Get in touch
Tweet and IG: @periodstorypod
Email periodstorypod@gmail.com
Show notes and transcripts can be found at www.periodstorypod.com
Get in touch with Sarah:
Website: www.wearewellspoken.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/wellspokenmark
Diversity in Wellness Charter: https://www.wellnessdiversitycharter.com/signup
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
On today's episode, I was so pleased to speak with Valentina Milanova, the founder of Daye, the women's healthcare brand. We had a wide ranging discussion talking about period pain, the role of CBD and the endocannabinoid system, female entrepreneurship and of course, Valentina shared her own period story.
Valentina shared the story of getting her period at just 9 years old. Listen to hear why she hid her period for a year and what happened when she told her father.
The gender pain gap is a very real issue and Valentina talked about the debilitating cramps she used to experience, which caused her to miss school and have difficulty concentrating.
Valentina talks about what inspired her to start her company, Daye. She says that the idea that menstruation could be made easier was always in the back of her mind. She came up with resistance but persevered, making the first tampons herself on a 3D printer and injecting the CBD extract with a syringe.
Valentina talks about the benefits of CBD and the effects it’s had on her period pain. She says it’s made a massive impact on her productivity and her happiness levels and says that she no longer dreads her period.
Finally, we had an interesting discussion about female entrepreneurship. Valentina says that you need to be comfortable making a fool of yourself and making mistakes. She says that imposter syndrome keeps you humble. I agree!
et in touch
Tweet and IG: @periodstorypod
periodstorypod@gmail.com
Show notes and transcripts can be found at
http://www.periodstorypod.com
Get in touch with Valentina:
Website:
https://www.yourdaye.com
Instagram:
http://www.instagram.com/meetdaye
Twitter:
http://www.twitter.com/meetdaye
Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/meetdaye
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
On today’s episode of Period Story podcast, I spoke with Elaine dela Cruz, the co-founder of Project 23, a culture and performance consultancy. Elaine and I had a great conversation about teaching her daughters about periods, how culture affected how she learnt about periods and sex and of course, her first period.
Elaine shares the memory of getting her period during a much anticipated family vacation and how she cringed at the way her mum and aunties were discussing it.
Elaine talks about how culture likely affected the way she learned about sex and period, saying that her family was not one to talk about these things. She says that she learned from this experience and it made her want to be more informed for the conversation with her daughters.
We talk about being laissez-faire about periods in your 20s, the change that can happen after childbirth and what happens when you ovulate.
Listen to hear what happens when Elaine decides to have the first conversation about periods with her daughters and why she had to have a re-do! She says these conversations made her more open about her period.
Elaine says it’s so important for us to have uncomfortable conversations and if we push the conversation and push through the discomfort, we’ll get to the other side and learn and connect in a different way. I completely agree!
Get in touch
Tweet and IG: @periodstorypod
periodstorypod@gmail.com
Show notes and transcripts can be found at
http://www.periodstorypod.com
Get in touch with Elaine:
Website:
https://www.project23works.com
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
On today’s episode of Period Story podcast, I’m very happy to share a very candid conversation with Katy Lindemann, the founder of Uber Barrens Club. Katy is a writer and patient advocate in addition to her day job as a digital strategist.
Katy shared her journey through infertility and pregnancy loss, what she learned about her body, her inspiration for Uber Barrens Club and of course, the story of her first period.
Katy talks about reading the fabulous Judy Bloom book, Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret? as a period rite of passage. She also shares the moment at the school gate that prompted her mum to make sure she understood the birds and bees 😄
Katy says that she went on the pill because she wanted to control her period and talks about what prompted her to eventually come off the pill and get diagnosed with lean PCOS.
We had a very candid discussion about what this diagnosis meant for her fertility journey at the time, what happened next and why Katy wishes she had paid more attention to her menstrual cycles when she was younger.
Katy says that she started Uber Barrens Club because she only ever saw one narrative of infertility, after people have been successful. She says that she wanted to write a different story and take back the word barren, reclaim it and make this silent sisterhood more visible.
Katy says that you don’t have to do this alone. She believes we should reach out, read up, learn about our bodies and not be afraid to ask questions. I love that!
Get in touch
Tweet and IG: @periodstorypod
periodstorypod@gmail.com
Show notes and transcripts can be found at
http://www.periodstorypod.com
Get in touch with Katy:
Website:
https://uberbarrens.club/
Share Your Story:
https://uberbarrens.club/share
Twitter:
http://www.twitter.com/uberbarrensclub
Instagram:
http://www.instagram.com/uberbarrensclub
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
On today's episode of Period Story podcast, I had the pleasure of sharing a wonderful conversation I had with Estelle Bingham last week. Estelle is a healer and psychic, as well as a former travel presenter for Lonely Planet.
Estelle and I had a wonderful conversation (her words gave me chills at one point!) about intuition, the importance of boundaries, what manifestation actually is, connecting with the cycles of the moon and of course, the story of Estelle’s first period.
Estelle says that she was very excited for her first period. She talks about the two truths that many of us continue to hold about menstruation: the internal excitement of being part of something bigger and general negativity that society gives menstruation, calling it ‘the curse’.
Estelle says it’s so important that we understand our menstrual cycle so that we can recognise and listen to the internal workings of who we are. She says this part of us gets really demonised and that we need to be kind and find a way to come back to ourselves.
Estelle talked about her experience as a travel presenter and how she felt her period never got into the way or held her back when she was doing things like trekking up K2, climbing down the Karijini Gorges in Australia or speaking to Kenyan tribes. She says it was really empowering not to feel like she had to worry about her period.
Listen to hear Estelle talk about how to notice the connection between our menstrual cycle and the moon cycle. She says that we start to notice how we can feel during full moons and where we’re at in our menstrual cycle. She talks about the effects last Thursday’s super moon in Scorpio may have had on some of us.
I asked Estelle about manifestation, this word I see thrown around a lot and she broke it down in a practical way, saying that you can put things out there, but you also have to show up to those things everyday and do the work.
Estelle says that we should choose to listen to ourselves, gently and lovingly so that we are able to love ourselves more and come home to ourselves. I love that!
Get in touch
Tweet and IG: @periodstorypod
periodstorypod@gmail.com
Show notes and transcripts can be found at
http://www.periodstorypod.com
Get in touch with Estelle:
Website:
http://www.estellebingham.com
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/estelle.bingham
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
On today's episode of Period Story podcast, I’m so pleased to share my conversation with Amy Peake, the founder of the charity Loving Humanity, which she founded in 2014 with the aim of helping women in war zones by alleviating the health problems associated with a lack of good quality and affordable menstrual pads. Since then, her work has helped to restore dignity and create social uplift for thousands of women in some of the most war-ravaged parts of the world. And crucially, allowed thousands of menstruating girls who would not normally have access to school to receive an education.
Amy and I had a wonderful conversation about the cultural impact of menstruation, disposable vs reusable menstrual pads, how Amy has been educating herself about her menstrual cycle and hormones and of course, Amy also shared the story of her first period.
Amy shares what made her decide to come off the pill and the changes she’s seen in her body. She says having a period without any pain was a revelation!
Amy talks about the importance of menstrual health education and awareness and the impact this is having on her 3 daughters and also how this extends to Loving Humanity.
We talked about Amy’s charity Loving Humanity and the powerful work it is doing in Iraq, Jordan, Kenya, Uganda and Zimbabwe to make and distribute menstrual pads and nappies to women and girls. Amy shares the story of what inspired her to start this charity and shares some of ways the charity has been able to empower women through employment, menstrual health education and support.
We had a very candid discussion about the impact access to menstrual pads can have on girls and their ability to stay in education. Amy also talked about disposable vs reusable menstrual pads and how access to water and lack of privacy makes reusables mostly a non-starter.
Amy says that she feels passionate about what she does because she wants women and girls to rise up and realise their power 💪🏽
Get in touch
Tweet and IG: @periodstorypod
periodstorypod@gmail.com
Show notes and transcripts can be found at
http://www.periodstorypod.com
Get in touch with Amy:
Website:
http://lovinghumanity.org.uk/
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/loving_humanity
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/Loving_Humanity
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/LovingHumanityUK
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
On today's episode of Period Story podcast, I was so pleased to speak with Mandy Manners. Mandy is a mindset and recovery coach who coaches women to harness their decision to go sober, to pivot from surviving to thriving in all areas of their lives. She's also a co-founder of Love Sober, a hub for one to one coaching, workshops and community, and hosts The Love Sober podcast with Kate Baily.
Mandy and I had a wonderful conversation about the impact of alcohol on women, the role the menstrual cycle plays in alcohol addiction, and of course, Mandy also shared the story of her first period.
Mandy shared the moment in her thirties when she felt she really learned about her period and the effect this change had on her.
Mandy talked candidly about the impact going sober had on her period and menstrual cycle. She also shared fascinating research around the points in our menstrual cycle where we will potentially be more triggered to drink alcohol. Have a listen to hear Mandy talk through an insightful example of a woman who planned her alcohol recovery treatment around her menstrual cycle.
Mandy talks about the steps women who are struggling with their alcohol consumption can take to get a better sense of control. She says that support and community is so important, as well as having an open mind about changing their habits and I completely agree!
Get in touch
Tweet and IG: @periodstorypod
periodstorypod@gmail.com
Show notes and transcripts can be found at
http://www.periodstorypod.com
Get in touch with Mandy:
Website:
https://www.lovesober.com/
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/mandy.lovesober.coach/
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/lovesoberpodcast
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/lovesoberpod
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
On this week's episode of Period Story Podcast, I was so pleased to speak with Zachi Brewster. Zachi is a sex & pleasure educator, abortion & miscarriage doula and a freelance community manager for reproductive wellbeing organisations.
We had a wonderful conversation about Zachi’s work, her first period story and how she learned about what is normal for her when it comes to her period.
She says that tracking and sharing about her period and menstrual cycle on Instagram has opened up her understanding. She says that IG’s the first app she’s used to diligently track her period, which she found very surprising.
Zachi says that she’s reduced her resistance to herself and the friction she felt towards her period. She says her doula training helped her drop this resistance and change her mindset around her period.
Zachi talks about her work as an abortion and miscarriage doula, which is so fascinating. She says these experiences can impact us years down the line and it’s so important to talk and get support so you can move forwards.
Finally, Zachi talks about her work as a sex and pleasure educator. She says that pleasure is a huge part of sex and that we need to talk about this more. She believes we’re doing young people a disservice by not talking about pleasure during sex education lessons.
Zachi says that it’s so important to take the time to understand yourself and how you can apply this understanding into different areas of your life: your menstrual cycle, your diet, your mood, your energy and I completely agree!
Get in touch
Tweet and IG: @periodstorypod
periodstorypod@gmail.com
Show notes and transcripts can be found at
http://www.periodstorypod.com
Get in touch with Zachi:
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/zaz.brw
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
On today's episode of Period Story podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Lina Chan, the founder and CEO of Adia, a digital health platform empowering women through their fertility journey.
Lina shared her fertility journey which led to three children and two angel babies and said this is what inspired her to start her company.
We discussed the story of Lina’s first period, with Lina explaining that because she comes from a conservative Asian family, nobody had talked to her about what to expect. She said found her period embarrassing and shocking, especially growing up in Brazil, where swim classes were held year round in school.
Lina describes the life changing moment when she discovered how she could hide her period. She says now this is one of the taboos she aims to break down with her company, Adia.
We had a very honest discussion about breaking down the taboo of discussing miscarriage. Lina says that women shouldn’t underestimate the impact that miscarriage can have emotionally and that it’s very important to talk about it and seek the support you think you need.
Lina says that we should celebrate our bodies and I completely agree!
Get in touch
Tweet and IG: @periodstorypod
periodstorypod@gmail.com
Show notes and transcripts can be found at
http://www.periodstorypod.com
Get in touch with Lina:
Website:
https://adiahealth.com/
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/adia_health/
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/adiahealth/
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/adia_health
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
On today's episode of Period Story podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Shiona Redmond, the founder and CEO of Graces London, a CBD cannabinoid skin care and wellness brand. April is Adenomyosis awareness month, and I'm so happy that Shiona was able to share her journey to getting diagnosed and what she does to manage this condition, alongside running a business and raising two daughters.
Shiona shares the story of her first period at 12 years old. She talks about how disappointing it was and how it didn’t compare to what her friends were experiencing. She says that she was really lucky that her mum and school were really good about talking to her about the changes that were happening to her body.
Shiona talks about her journey to getting diagnosed with adenomyosis, after years of heavy, painful periods and digestive issues. She said that she spent years thinking that her period was supposed to be like that and she just needed to cope.
It was only after a trip to A&E with breakthrough pain that Shiona realised that her periods weren’t supposed to be so painful. Listen to hear the moment where she decided she wasn’t going to be fobbed off by doctors any longer and how she advocated for herself to get a proper diagnosis.
Shiona talks about her passion for CBD and the power of the endocannabinoid system in promoting internal balance and how she’s used this as a tool, alongside healthy eating and lifestyle to manage adenomyosis.
Shiona is very kindly offering listeners a free sample of the CBD oil to try for yourselves. Go to
http://www.graceslondon.com to get your sample.
Get in touch
Tweet and IG: @periodstorypod
periodstorypod@gmail.com
Show notes and transcripts can be found at
http://www.periodstorypod.com
Get in touch with Shiona:
Website:
http://www.graceslondon.com
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/graceslondon
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
On the latest episode of Period Story podcast, I was so pleased to speak to Molly Fenton, the 17 year old Welsh campaigner who started a movement to help people love periods, called aptly, the Love Your Period campaign.
Molly shares the story of her first period at just 8 years old in year 4. She said because she was so young, she didn’t really understand what was happening and wasn’t prepared.
Molly says that starting the Love Your Period campaign motivated her to better educate herself about periods and menstrual health. Listen to hear what Molly was surprised to learn is and isn’t normal.
Molly talks about the work she’s been in doing in schools in Cardiff to educate different year groups on menstrual health. Molly also shares how she been campaigning the Welsh government to improve menstrual health education in schools across Wales.
Inspired by the work of Amika George campaigning for free periods in England, we talked about how Molly started a campaign asking menstrual product companies to remove the plastic in their products.
Molly talks about the change in her periods after she switched to plastic free products from brands like Time of The Month and Hey Girls. She says that her allergic reactions stopped and her period pain drastically reduced.
Molly says everyone should know that periods are normal and that no matter how much we try to ignore them, they are always going to be there, so the best thing that we can do is accept them and learn to love them. I completely agree!
Get in touch
Tweet and IG: @periodstorypod
periodstorypod@gmail.com
Show notes and transcripts can be found at
http://www.periodstorypod.com
Get in touch with Molly:
Petition:
https://www.change.org/p/uk-parliament-make-period-product-manufacturers-put-ingredients-on-product-packaging-when-being-sold-in-the-uk
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/loveyourperiod/
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/loveyourperiod/
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/loveyourperiod1
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
It’s Endometriosis Awareness Month and for the 13th episode of Period Story, I was so pleased to speak to Jasmin Harsono, a reiki master and teacher, sonic artist, intuitive wellbeing guide and founder of Emerald and Tiger. Jasmin shares her 20 year journey to getting an endometriosis diagnosis.
Jasmin talked about feeling like her first period was very strange and unnatural. She said that she was able to piece together what was happening to her from conversations with friends and then just got on with it.
Jasmin shares the journey she’s been on with her period, menstrual health and wellbeing. She says that she now feels very empowered by her period and feels the wisdom and power in it.
Jasmin says that it took her over 20 years of tests, back and forth with her doctors and a trip to A&E to get a formal endometriosis diagnosis. She says this has empowered her to share her period story so that others don’t have to go through what she did.
She says that sharing her story has helped others, when they’ve discovered their symptoms are similar to hers, to reach out to their GP and get help. Jasmin says that anyone with period problems needs to keep going back to their GPs until they get referred or the support they deserve.
Finally, Jasmin talks about her work as a reiki master and how this has affected her relationship with her period. She says that having awareness of universal energy within has helped her get unstuck emotionally, physically, spiritually and mentally. Listen to hear the beautiful reiki treatments Jasmin gives herself everyday.
Jasmin says that we should share our period stories to help empower others and help break taboos around menstrual health and I completely agree!
periodstory #periodstorypodcast
Get in touch
Tweet and IG: @periodstorypod
periodstorypod@gmail.com
Show notes and transcripts can be found at
http://www.periodstorypod.com
Get in touch with Jasmin:
Website:
https://www.emeraldandtiger.com
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/emeraldandtiger
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/emeraldandtiger
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
For the 12th episode of Period Story Podcast, I was honoured to speak with Toral Shah. Toral is a nutritional scientist, functional medicine practitioner, food & health writer & consultant and the founder of The Urban Kitchen.
Toral shared how a family holiday to Egypt ended in a surprise from her first period and how supportive her mum was. She says her mum had made sure to educate her about menstruation beforehand, so when it arrived, it wasn’t a complete shock.
She said her mum’s openness helped her see her period and menstrual health in a matter of fact way, which was quite different to her friends.
Toral shared her experience of medical menopause after her breast cancer treatment. She shared the side effects she experienced and how she believes more needs to be done to help women with the side effects of breast cancer drugs.
Toral says that more women need proper education on what menopause and perimenopause actually is and how it can affect them. She says that many doctors aren’t educated in menopause, unless they have specialist menopause certification and believes this needs to change.
We also had a great discussion about the lack of diversity in healthcare, health and wellbeing. Toral talked through research by Dr. Adrienne Milner that shows that BAME community isn’t being represented effectively at consultant levels, which means that they aren’t necessarily being reflected in policies and structures.
Toral says that we need to listen to ourselves, our bodies and give ourselves what we need and I completely agree!
Get in touch
Tweet and IG: @periodstorypod
periodstorypod@gmail.com
Show notes and transcripts can be found at
http://www.periodstorypod.com
Get in touch with Toral:
Website:
https://www.theurbankitchen.co.uk
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/theurbankitchen
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/urbankitchenlondon
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/urbankitchen
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Welcome to season 2 of Period Story podcast!
For the 11th episode of Period Story Podcast, I had a wonderful conversation with Angelica Malin, the editor in chief of About Time magazine and the founder of About Time Academy.
Angelica talks about why she was so shocked and appalled by her first period and how poorly prepared she felt for it. She says for her, getting her period signalled the start of a horrible time of discomfort.
We discussed the shame Angelica attached to her period and how talking about periods at school almost felt like a curse word. She says that in her mixed sixth-form college, women’s hormones were used against them as a way to call them out as crazy and this created a lot of stigma and shame around periods. Angelica says that the real turning point in her being comfortable talking about her period and menstrual cycle was in her last long term relationship. Have a listen to hear the very funny term her ex gave her period and how having a laugh about it made her feel much more at ease.
We also talked about creating safe spaces in the workplace and the need to have more senior women to help make decisions that are made with women in mind. Angelica says that she’s created a culture in her business and team where they can talk openly about periods and how they’re feeling. Angelica says that big companies could do a lot more to make women feel comfortable at work and to encourage a happier workplace culture, like providing free tampons and pads at work and menstrual leave.
We chatted about all the innovation in femtech, including brands like Moody, Ohne, Daye, Freda and Elvie that are creating high quality female focused products. Angelica talked about her experience speaking to female founders who are trying to raise investment and the trouble they have when speaking to male VCs. She says we need more women to be starting businesses and more female VC. Angelica says that it’s so important for us to define our own version of what success looks like.
Angelica says that it’s important for us to be a friend to ourselves and speak to yourself as you would a friend and I completely agree!
If you want to hear more from Angelica, check out her event, She Started It Live, the 13th and 14th March in London.
Get in touch
Tweet and IG: @periodstorypod
periodstorypod@gmail.com
Show notes and transcripts can be found at
http://www.periodstorypod.com
Get in touch with Angelica:
Website:
https://www.abouttimemagazine.co.uk
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/abouttimemag/
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/abouttimemag
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/abouttimemag
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
For the tenth episode of Period Story Podcast, I had a wonderful conversation with Lauren Derrett, the founder of Wear ‘Em Out reusable period pads.
Lauren shared the shame she felt about her first period and why she kept it a secret. She shares a funny song her friends used to sing and says that her friends used to joke about periods, but that she couldn’t remember any proper menstrual health education.
Lauren credits her 15 year old daughter for giving her the impetus to learn more about menstrual health. She says that she knew that her daughter needed to be better educated than her in this area and more equipped to deal with her period when it arrived.
We talked about periods as a feminist issue and Lauren says that we are duty bound to educate and support each other in order to make this a normal conversation and share our knowledge.
Lauren talks about how she tracks her menstrual cycle, notices the shifts in her energy and how she’s got her husband to pay attention to where she is in her cycle. Wonderful!
Lauren uses a powerful mantra, that she’s passed on to her daughter, that helps her reconnect with her body and feel more grounded. She says that she maximises her self-care right before her period and allows herself a timeout.
We discuss Lauren’s new reusable menstrual pad company, @wearemout and she shares some powerful statistics about disposable menstrual waste and the chemicals in them.
She says that each year, over 200,000 tonnes of menstrual waste is sitting in landfills, each disposable pad has the equivalent plastic of 4 carrier bags and 4.8 pieces of menstrual waste is being found in every 100 metres of beaches. Don’t flush your pads and tampons!
Lauren says it’s so important for us to educate ourselves on the menstrual health products we’re using and I completely agree!
Get in touch
Tweet and IG: @periodstorypod
periodstorypod@gmail.com
Show notes and transcript can be found at
http://www.periodstorypod.com
Get in touch with Lauren:
Website:
https://www.wearemout.co.uk/
Instagram:
http://www.instagram.com/wearemout
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/wearemoutpads
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/Wearemoutpads
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
For the ninth episode of Period Story Podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Susan Sheehan, the founder and CEO of Back Yourself Mentoring, a women's circle and network of women backing themselves and each other.
Susan shared the story of the tough first few years of her period and what she did to cope with the pain and migraines she used to have. She says that this was her normal and considered this her normal until it changed.
Susan says she had to work around her menstrual flow, under it, over it and it was something she had to tolerate. At the time, she accepted that this was part of being a woman, but definitely didn’t embrace the pain she was experiencing.
It took a pivotal moment for her to realise things needed to change. Susan talks about waking up in the middle of the night and being in such agony that she spent hours on the bathroom floor. It was there and then, Susan decided she never wanted to go through that again.
Susan embarked upon a journey of educating herself about her period and using journalling as a tool to understand what she was experiencing in each phase of her menstrual cycle. She says she started to see patterns in the foods she was craving, the emotions she was experiencing and how certain things such as stress affected her period.
Susan says that journalling has helped her find a deeper understanding of her body, her period and her menstrual cycle. She says the biggest learning is how to let go, especially during her period and how this is critical for avoiding burnout. The patterns she was able to spot through journallling helped her change her nutrition and lifestyle and she no longer has migraines, cramps or PMS.
Susan shares the journalling techniques that worked for her to change her period for the better. She says that this is such an important way for us to find our own rhythm and I completely agree!
Get in touch
Tweet and IG: @periodstorypod
periodstorypod@gmail.com
Show notes and transcript can be found at
http://www.periodstorypod.com
Get in touch with Susan:
Website:
http://www.backyourselfmentoring.com/
Instagram:
http://www.instagram.com/_susansheehan_
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
For the eighth episode of Period Story podcast, I spoke with Kat Horrocks, a women’s life coach and fellow podcast host.
Kat shared the impact of getting her first period at 10 years old and how by default, she became the one that all her classmates went to for advice and with their questions. Kat says that even now she’s the person in her friend group that gets asked all the period questions.
Kat talked about her journey with hormonal contraception and why she decided to come off of it after 7 years. She says that a conversation with her partner about the impact the pill was having on her emotions and their relationship was the wake up call she needed to make changes.
Kat says she wanted to have a period and now that it has returned, she knows her body is healthy and operating in a natural way. Kat uses her period as a marker of where she’s at, physically and mentally and says it keeps her in check to make sure she’s looking after herself.
Kat discusses the research she did when she decided to come off hormonal contraception and how she geeked out on all the new information.
Kat says that we shouldn’t underestimate our bodies; they’re amazing and they work. She says that listening to our bodies and learning what our bodies are saying is really powerful and I completely agree!
Get in touch
Tweet and IG: @periodstorypod
periodstorypod@gmail.com
Get in touch with Kat:
Website:
http://www.kathorrocks.com
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/kat_horrocks/
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
For the seventh episode of the Period Story Podcast, I spoke with Karen Arthur, the fashion designer, sewing tutor, stylist, speaker and model.
We talked about a first period that felt really frightening at the time, but in retrospect, was quite funny. Karen talked about learning about periods and sex through conversations with friends, feeling squeamish and embarrassed and learning that having a period didn’t mean she was pregnant.
Karen says that having a preacher for a father meant that conversations about most things to do with women, and anything to do with bodily fluids were taboo. She had been brought to believe that bleeding was bad and the Problem page in Jackie magazine was how she mostly learned about sex, relationships and periods.
We talked about what Karen felt she should have known about her body and how becoming a teacher and head of year made her determined to learn as much as she could, in order to teach her students and her daughters. Karen shares how her daughters have educated her the most on periods and sex through their openness and willingness to have frank conversations.
She says it’s taken her time to unlearn her feelings of shame and recognise that the more people talk about these things, the better it is. This has helped her talk about menopause as well. Karen talks about the events she’s run to help open up conversations around menopause and how they’ve help women feel less alone.
Karen says that menopause is a transition to another life and we need to think about how we can thrive, rather than how we can just get through it.
Karen says that no one should suffer this alone and I completely agree!
Tweet @periodstorypod
periodstorypod@gmail.com
Find out more about Karen:
Her website:
https://www.reddskin.co.uk/
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/thekarenarthur/
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/reddskinuk
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/ReddskinUK/
Craft Moves:
https://www.instagram.com/craftmoves/
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
For the sixth episode of Period Story Podcast, I had a wonderful conversation with Esther Zimmer, a writer and strategist.
We talked about how the impact of a culture of shame and secrecy around menstruation and sex and she’s learned to move beyond this. Esther talked about the exploration she’s been doing over the few years around her body and understanding its natural rhythms.
Esther shared how being child-free by choice has changed the way she thinks about her period and menstrual cycle. She says that understanding her menstrual cycle has helped her understand how to manage her energy in the best way. She plans her project work, writing and running around her menstrual cycle and says it’s an amazing way to work.
Esther Zimmer is an Australian communications strategist, online course creator and writer living in London. She writes a regular essay series called ‘Truth & Clues’ where she shares the truth about her life as a woman in her 40s who’s still figuring out her place in the world. She’s currently writing her first book, a travel memoir, having recently completed a 12-month cross-continental cycling expedition with her husband.
Esther has an unhealthy obsession with words: Writing them, reading them and exchanging them via deep conversations. She created her own self-directed recovery from disordered eating, but still considers herself to be very much a work-in-progress. A part-time adventurer and full-time dreamer, Esther loves all animals, most humans and the infinite possibilities that a blank page holds.
Find Esther:
Website:
www.estherzimmer.com
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/esther_zimmer
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
On the fifth episode of the Period Story podcast, I had a wonderful conversation with Tamu Thomas, the founder of Three Sixty. We talked about Tamu's first period and how this rite of passage was celebrated by her family and how she tracks her energy levels along with her menstrual cycle and uses this to plan how much work she'll take on.
Tamu and I also talked about how she's talking to her daughter about periods and menstrual health and how she's moved past the secrecy around menstruation she grew up with to now having a very open and free attitude.
E-mail periodstorypod@gmail.com
Tweet @periodstorypod
Tamu Thomas is founder of Three Sixty; a brand she created for women in their late 30s and 40s that want to simplify life and create space for everyday joy. Tamu created the brand as a response to her own emotional and physical situation. At the age of 40, and after years of compromising her health, joy and pleasure to meet the demands of her career as a social worker and her role as a mother, she realised that feeling emotionally and physically depleted was not a necessity, or a given.
Find Tamu
Instagram:
http://www.instagram.com/livethreesixty
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/LIVE-THREE-SIXTY-1839145456379400/
Twitter:
http://www.twitter.com/livethreesixty_
Live Three Sixty Website:
https://www.livethreesixty.com
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
On the fourth episode of the Period Story podcast, I had a wonderful wide-ranging conversation with Deborah Campbell, the founder of Future Fe+Male and the Deborah Campbell Atelier.
We talked about Deborah's feelings about her first period and not being quite emotionally ready to cope with it, being forced to grow up quite quickly, fibroids, educating boys about periods and navigating her way through early menopause.
E-mail periodstorypod@gmail.com
Tweet @periodstorypod
Links
Find Deborah on:
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/wearefuturefemale/
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/wearefuturefemale/
The Future Fe+Male website:
https://futurefemale.org.uk
The Menopause Doctor:
https://www.instagram.com/menopause_doctor/
The Born Equal Podcast:
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-born-equal-podcast/id1469626675
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
For the third episode of the Period Story Podcast, I was honoured to speak with Sharon Walters, the London Artist. We spoke about shame and cleanliness, learning about periods and menstrual health in a family where children were seen and not heard, hiding her sanitary towels from her father, the effects of feeling disconnected from yourself and how Sharon learned that she didn't need to live with a heavy period. Sharon also shared how her collage series, Seeing Ourselves, has allowed her to feel strong, confident and connected with herself and her body.
Sharon says that understanding her body has helped improve her confidence and self-esteem and how believing in herself has opened up so many opportunities for her.
Find Sharon on Instagram @london_artist1 and at her website
www.londonartist1.com
For the second episode of the Period Story podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Fiona Grayson, the founder of She can. She Did.
She can. She did. is a platform that puts the spotlight on women in their teens, twenties and thirties who've dared to go solo and launch their own businesses throughout the UK. Praised for its honest, raw and often amusing account of what it takes to launch a business as a female founder in the UK today, She can. She did. champions female business owners and encourages aspiring female entrepreneurs through a combination of down to earth interviews, the candid She can. She did. podcast and its informal event series, She can. She did. - The Midweek Mingle! which takes place in cities around the UK.
We talked about periods as a sign of good health, the way Fiona looks at her health holistically, stress and how it can affect female entrepreneurs. Fiona says periods don't have to be painful and that's definitely a message I agree with!
Ateh Jewel, the multi award winning beauty journalist, blogger, director and producer. She’s been in the industry for 18 years writing for titles such as Vogue, Tatler, Sunday Times Style, The Telegraph, Allure, Guardian Weekend Magazine, Glamour, Grazia, Red Magazine Stylist and Get The Gloss.
Ateh is a huge believer in diversity and launched her own award- winning blog for women with darker skin tones called
http://www.jeweltonesbeauty.com, which has featured “Black Panther” Academy Award and Emmy Nominated actress Angela Bassett.
Ateh sits down with our host, Le'Nise Brothers and talks about her dramatic first period, having very open minded conversations with her mother about her period, women as superheroes and periods being part of the divine.
Other things mentioned on the show:
Beauty Banks by Sali Hughes
For more on Ateh Jewel, be sure to follow her on Instagram @atehjewel and @atehjewelbeauty and on Facebook @jeweltonesbeauty