Women of a Certain Stage

In this episode, Lauren sits down with Lucy, a newly graduated Women of a Certain Stage Menopause Coach, for an honest and deeply personal conversation about living with endometriosis, adenomyosis, and PCOS — and navigating menopause not once, but three times. Twice chemically, and once surgically following a full hysterectomy and oophorectomy at just 33.Lucy shares the raw reality of years of misdiagnosis, debilitating pain, and a medical system that too often left her without answers or adequate support. Together, Lauren and Lucy unpack what chemical and surgical menopause actually feel like, what recovery really looks like beyond the four-to-six week advice, and why the conversation around different types of menopause is so critically missing from mainstream awareness.They explore the psychological impact of surgical menopause, the importance of asking better questions before going into theatre, and why workplace menopause policies need to go beyond awareness sessions to create real, meaningful change.And through it all — with warmth, humour, and hard-won wisdom — Lucy explains why she chose to turn her experience into a career supporting other women through their own menopause journeys.00:00 Introduction00:37 Lucy's background — from financial services to menopause coaching05:46 The beginning of Lucy's journey — periods, pain, and being told to crack on07:15 Early diagnosis of precancerous cervical cells and PCOS08:44 Understanding PCOS — what it is and why it's so often missed09:06 Diagnosis of endometriosis and adenomyosis10:21 Explaining the difference between endometriosis and adenomyosis13:01 The fertility miracle — having children against the odds13:22 The decision to have a full hysterectomy at 3318:51 Life after hysterectomy — the good, the challenging, and the things nobody tells you20:10 Vaginal cuffs, cervical removal, and recovery beyond six weeks22:27 What Lucy wishes she had known before surgery25:21 Chemical menopause — what it is and why Lucy went through it twice27:09 HRT during chemical menopause — and a severe reaction to the Mirena coil29:27 Why Lucy chose menopause coaching over endometriosis advocacy31:23 Being turned away from counselling and local support groups for being "too young"33:28 Why different types of menopause need to be part of the conversation35:25 Choosing Women of a Certain Stage — and what made it stand out38:03 Why Lauren trains others to do the same work38:58 What's next for Lucy — podcasts, corporate sessions, and the Employment Rights Bill40:19 The importance of context in workplace menopause conversations44:32 Lucy's biggest takeaway from the Menopause Coach Diploma47:04 What Lucy would say to someone sitting on the fence about training50:54 Lucy's message to anyone facing perimenopause, chemical menopause, or hysterectomyConnect with Lucy:TikTok | Instagram | Facebook: @themenopausemomBusiness: Black Mirror AdvisoryMeet your host Lauren ChirenLauren Chiren is a leading voice in menopause awareness and workplace inclusion, dedicated to ensuring no one navigates menopause alone.As the Founder and CEO of Women of a Certain Stage, she works with organisations worldwide to create menopause-savvy and supportive environments.With a background in psychology, sports therapy, and nutrition, and an extensive suite of coaching certifications, Lauren is on a mission to train 20,000 Menopause Coaches and Champions, equipping them with the tools to support individuals and workplaces through this transformative life stage.Join her as she breaks the silence, challenges the stigma, and empowers people to thrive at midlife and beyond.About Women of a Certain StageWe are committed to transforming the menopause experience — both for individuals and the organisations that support them. Our mission is to empower people through education, advocacy, and expert-led training, ensuring menopause is no longer a barrier to confidence, health, or career success.Find out more: https://www.womenofacertainstage.comConnect with LaurenLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenchiren/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themenopausecoach/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WomenOfACertainStageYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@womenofacertainstageTwitter/X: https://x.com/LaurenChiren

In this episode, Lauren sits down with Nicole, a personal trainer based in the Peak District with over 11 years of experience, who has recently completed her Menopause Coach certification with Women of a Certain Stage. Together, they explore how perimenopause can shake an active woman's identity, training motivation, and mental wellbeing — and how the right support can help her find her way back to strength, confidence, and herself.They dive into the shift from telling clients what to do to truly coaching them, why strength training is non-negotiable during the menopausal transition, and how building real connection with clients unlocks results that go far beyond the gym floor.Nicole also shares her own perimenopause journey, her transition from a corporate career to personal training, and her exciting plans to build an online community for active women navigating this life stage — plus a wonderfully candid moment about farming, six-packs, and dating advice between bench press sets.00:00 Introduction 01:04 Nicole's Background and Journey into Personal Training 06:37 Life in the Peak District and the Power of the Outdoors 07:02 How Perimenopause Affects Motivation and Training09:06 The Shift from Telling to Coaching 12:09 Creating Space for Clients to Open Up 13:24 Who Nicole Works With and What They're Really Looking For 17:36 What Drew Nicole to Menopause Coaching 19:21 Why She Chose Women of a Certain Stage 21:52 Key Takeaways from the Diploma Programme 24:20 The Impact on Practice Clients — Mindset Breakthroughs 28:20 From Corporate to Personal Trainer — Nicole's Story 34:26 The Many Skills Nicole Brings to Her Clients 36:11 How Nicole Structures Her Week and Business 37:37 Nicole's Vision for the Year Ahead 39:15 Why Strength Training Matters During Perimenopause 41:53 Closing Thoughts and Where to Find NicoleConnect with Nicole: (Add Nicole's website, Instagram, and any other relevant links here)Meet your host Lauren ChirenLauren Chiren is a leading voice in menopause awareness and workplace inclusion, dedicated to ensuring no one navigates menopause alone.As the Founder and CEO of Women of a Certain Stage, she works with organisations worldwide to create menopause-savvy and supportive environments.With a background in psychology, sports therapy, and nutrition, and an extensive suite of coaching certifications, Lauren is on a mission to train 20,000 Menopause Coaches and Champions, equipping them with the tools to support individuals and workplaces through this transformative life stage.Join her as she breaks the silence, challenges the stigma, and empowers people to thrive at midlife and beyond.About Women of a Certain StageWe are committed to transforming the menopause experience — both for individuals and the organisations that support them.Our mission is to empower people through education, advocacy, and expert-led training, ensuring menopause is no longer a barrier to confidence, health, or career success.Join us and our global network of professionals dedicated to breaking the stigma, improving workplace culture, and ensuring no one navigates menopause alone.Find out more here: https://www.womenofacertainstage.com/Connect with LaurenLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenchiren/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themenopausecoach/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WomenOfACertainStage YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@womenofacertainstage Twitter/X: https://x.com/LaurenChiren

In this episode, Lauren sits down with Deidre — health coach, radio host, community builder, and chronic pain warrior — for a warm, honest, and deeply inspiring conversation about navigating endometriosis, surgical menopause, and a Functional Neurological Disorder diagnosis, all while building a life and career she loves in the Scottish Highlands.Deidre shares the raw reality of spending nearly seven years fighting to be believed by the medical system, despite arriving in Scotland with an existing endometriosis diagnosis. She opens up about the hysterectomy that pushed her into early menopause, the devastating mental health impact that followed, and the moment she realised she needed to find a new way forward.Together, Lauren and Deidre explore how lived experience can become a powerful coaching superpower, why women's health continues to be dismissed and underfunded, and how pacing, joy, and community can be genuinely life-changing tools for people living with chronic pain and invisible illness.We also hear about Deidre's brilliant creations — the Wellon (a wellness triathlon she pioneered in Scotland), her Friday Dance lives, and her Keep Well radio slot — proof that even on the hardest days, it's possible to bring light to others.And if you've ever talked yourself out of starting something because someone else is already doing it — this episode is for you.00:00 Introduction 01:15 How Lauren and Deidre first connected 02:22 Moving from Michigan to Scotland — a tacky romance novel 04:46 Deidre's background: theatre, special needs teaching & coaching 05:45 Living with endometriosis — fighting to be believed 06:57 Hysterectomy, early menopause & the mental health impact 08:20 The state of endometriosis care in Scotland today 10:23 Why women's health research has been left behind 11:00 The Wellon — a wellness triathlon like no other 14:17 The Friday Dance & Keep Well on local radio 17:35 Retiring from teaching & diving into coaching 19:27 What coaching really means — and how it overlaps with teaching 20:15 Deidre's chronic pain coaching program & the four pillars 22:40 Shifting towards wellbeing — joy, events & community 23:02 Why there is always room for more menopause coaches27:09 Year three of the Wellon — what's coming 29:44 What's next: website refresh, 14-day cleanse & retreats 32:03 Top tip for anyone living with chronic pain 35:42 The invisibility of chronic illness — and how to talk about it 35:51 Deidre's favourite thing about living in ScotlandConnect with Deidre: Website | www.freedomcoaching.live Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/deidre.christensonmain LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/deidre-christenson-main-ab4365207 Instagram | https://instagram.com/deidrechristensonmain Email | deidre@freedomcoaching.liveConnect with Lauren:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenchiren/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themenopausecoach/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WomenOfACertainStage YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@womenofacertainstage Twitter/X: https://x.com/LaurenChirenAbout Women of a Certain StageWe are committed to transforming the menopause experience — both for individuals and the organisations that support them. Our mission is to empower people through education, advocacy, and expert-led training, ensuring menopause is no longer a barrier to confidence, health, or career success.Find out more: https://www.womenofacertainstage.com/

When Alcohol Meets Menopause: One Woman's 30-Day Experiment That Changed EverythingIn this episode, I sit down with Claire for a raw and refreshingly honest conversation about the powerful — and often overlooked — connection between alcohol and menopause. Together, we unpack how so many women mistake perimenopause symptoms for the effects of drinking, and how that confusion can keep us stuck, unwell, and searching for answers in all the wrong places.We explore how giving up alcohol for just 30 days can unlock a chain reaction of clarity, healing, and self-discovery — and why the wine o'clock habit is rarely about the wine at all. We also dive into the booming alcohol-free market, the role of gut health, and why there is not a single menopausal symptom that isn't impacted by alcohol.Importantly, we shine a light on the courage it takes to change — whether that means setting new boundaries with friends, having honest conversations with partners and children, or simply trusting yourself when the doctors keep telling you everything is fine.And for anyone who has ever felt judged for ordering sparkling water at a girls' night out… this one is for you.00:00 Introduction 01:31 Claire's Story: When 30 Days Became Seven Years 03:02 The Decision to Take a Break from Alcohol 07:14 What Those Emails Revealed About Alcohol and the Body 09:03 Noticing the Changes: Clarity, Energy, and Brighter Eyes 10:14 Shifting Friendships and Social Pressure 13:33 Boundaries, Menopause, and the People Around Us 15:02 Making the Connection Between Alcohol and Perimenopause 17:08 The Birth of Mindful Sips — and Menopause Dawn 21:19 What to Say to Someone Just Joining the Dots 23:10 Talking to Our Children About Menopause 25:54 The Alcohol-Free Market: How Far It's Come 29:13 Stepping Stones or a New Way of Living? 32:05 Five Years From Now: Claire's Vision 34:29 What the Menopause Coach Diploma Really Gave HerConnect with Claire: Menopause Dawn | (coming soon) Mindful Sips | (coming soon)FREEBIE: Grab my 12 Week Core Program, ABS ON FIRE https://www.amandathebe.com/abs-on-fire/Menopause Resources https://amandathebe.com/meno-resource/Meet your host Lauren ChirenLauren Chiren is a leading voice in menopause awareness and workplace inclusion, dedicated to ensuring no one navigates menopause alone.As the Founder and CEO of Women of a Certain Stage, she works with organisations worldwide to create menopause-savvy and supportive environments.With a background in psychology, sports therapy, and nutrition, and an extensive suite of coaching certifications, Lauren is on a mission to train 20,000 Menopause Coaches and Champions, equipping them with the tools to support individuals and workplaces through this transformative life stage.Join her as she breaks the silence, challenges the stigma, and empowers people to thrive at midlife and beyond.About Women of a Certain StageWe are committed to transforming the menopause experience — both for individuals and the organisations that support them.Our mission is to empower people through education, advocacy, and expert-led training, ensuring menopause is no longer a barrier to confidence, health, or career success.Join us and our global network of professionals dedicated to breaking the stigma, improving workplace culture, and ensuring no one navigates menopause alone.Find out more here: https://www.womenofacertainstage.com/Connect with LaurenLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenchiren/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themenopausecoach/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WomenOfACertainStage YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@womenofacertainstage Twitter/X: https://x.com/LaurenChiren

In this episode, Lauren sits down with Alice, a nutritional therapist and newly qualified menopause coach based near Brighton, whose life changed dramatically when her mother was diagnosed with dementia in 2020. That experience — combined with her own perimenopause journey — ignited a deep commitment to longevity, brain health, and helping women age well.Alice brings a unique dual perspective to her work: blending evidence-based nutrition with menopause coaching to offer a whole-body approach to this life stage. She's also a six-time marathon runner training for her first ultra, and a passionate Park Run ambassador — and she's proof that you can completely reinvent your career at 50.What We DiscussAlice's path to menopause coaching Alice's route to this work was anything but linear. When her mother was diagnosed with dementia in 2020, she became a carer almost overnight — and her priorities shifted completely. She left a demanding corporate job at 50, retrained in nutrition, and then discovered the Menopause Coach Diploma. She describes it as everything clicking into place.The dementia diagnosis that changed everything Watching her mother's quality of life at 83 — sharp wit intact, but no longer knowing who Alice is — gave Alice a visceral motivation to help people age well. She's not talking about skin; she's talking about brain health, physical function, and being able to tie your own shoelaces. Running became her lifeline through the grief of caring, and she's since completed six marathons and signed up for her first ultra.Why nutrition and menopause go hand in hand Alice merges her nutritional therapy practice with her menopause coaching, seeing them as one whole package. She's cautious about the noise online — supplementation trends, influencer-backed products — and emphasises the importance of evidence-based advice. Her approach is collaborative and client-led: food diaries, macronutrient analysis, and even supermarket trips and cooking together at home.The supplement question Alice's view has evolved: with a genuinely balanced diet, most people can get what they need from food. The one exception she backs wholeheartedly is Vitamin D, particularly in the UK. Her word for good nutrition? Curiosity — being willing to try new things and add to your plate, rather than overhaul it.Budget-friendly nutrition tips Alice's top three tips for eating well on a tight budget: embrace frozen food (often more nutritious than fresh, especially out of season), prioritise fibre by swapping beige processed food for whole grains, and make the most of tinned food — always choose water over syrup. She also champions using vegetable peelings for stock and making batch soups from leftover veg at the end of the week.The reset cleanse in the Menopause Plan as someone with a nutrition background, Alice appreciated the logic of the reset — cutting back on dairy, alcohol, processed food, and red meat as a blank canvas to work from. It also introduced her to rice milk, which she now has on her porridge every morning.What drew her to the diploma Alice first spotted Lauren on LinkedIn and attended a free workplace-focused webinar. What set this programme apart was how personal it felt — Lauren's clear investment in every cohort member succeeding, the ongoing community after graduation, and the sense of having colleagues again after going it alone. The group chat has become her go-to for questions, ideas, and support.Key takeaways from being coached Boundaries came up as a major personal theme — moving from a structured office environment to working from home with family interruptions made this live and relevant. Alice also took away the power of silence in coaching: allowing pauses rather than rushing to fill them opened people up in ways she hadn't expected.The power of saying things out loud In a spontaneous moment mid-episode, Alice discovers Lauren is running the Brighton Marathon — and Lauren admits she'd been on the verge of pulling out. Just having that conversation out loud shifts the decision. It becomes a live example of what coaching actually does.Her plans going forward Alice is working with practice clients, plans to expand into workplace menopause education, and is developing a couples-focused strand of her work. She'll soft-launch her full coaching offering once she's ready, growing largely through word of mouth.Key TakeawaysWhat we eat in midlife directly affects brain health and how we age — starting now mattersFrozen and tinned food are underrated, affordable, and genuinely nutritious — don't overlook themMoving away from beige, ultra-processed food and towards whole grains and colour is the single most accessible shift most people can makeMost nutritional needs can be met through a balanced diet — but Vitamin D supplementation is backed by the evidence, particularly in the UKThe power of a coach isn't just in the advice — it's in creating the space for someone to say something out loud, hear themselves, and move forwardCommunity — whether through a cohort, Park Run, or a workplace — is not a nice-to-have; it's essential for wellbeingGuest: AliceAlice is a nutritional therapist and certified menopause coach based near Brighton on the UK's south coast. After leaving a high-pressured corporate career to care for her mother, she retrained in nutrition and went on to complete the Menopause Coach Diploma. She works face-to-face and online, is planning to take menopause education into workplaces, and has a special focus on couples and longevity. She's also a core member of her local Park Run community — you'll find her cheering at Mile 20 of the Brighton Marathon.Concerned about your brain health in midlife? A great first step is tracking your symptoms and speaking to a healthcare professional. For support with nutrition or menopause coaching, visit womenscoachingschool.com.

In this episode, Lauren is joined by Christelle, a French-born, Switzerland-based graduate of the Menopause Coach Diploma, whose perimenopause journey sparked a passion for educating women around her. Christelle shares how she pieced together her own experience in hindsight, what drew her to menopause coaching, and the niche she's carving out — including working with couples navigating perimenopause together.Christelle grew up in France and has spent over 20 years living abroad — in Germany, the United States (Colorado), and now Switzerland, where she's been based for a decade. With a background in marketing and experience in the medical industry, she's now training as a menopause coach, planning a soft launch of her coaching business in May, and bringing a unique focus on couples and communication to her work.What We DiscussChristelle's international background Christelle has lived in France, Germany, Colorado, and Switzerland — speaking French, German, and English fluently. She moved to Switzerland in 2015 to give her children the opportunity to grow up bilingual in French and English, and has been there ever since.How she found the Menopause Coach Diploma After attending a menopause webinar in the Zurich area, Christelle noticed a presenter who described herself as a certified menopause coach. She tracked down the contact via LinkedIn and eventually discovered Lauren's work — attending all eight of Lauren's webinars before deciding to join the diploma programme.Her own perimenopause experience Christelle's perimenopause experience was something she only fully understood in hindsight. She'd been reading widely, listening to podcasts, following US-based doctors advocating for women, and became passionate about making sure the women around her knew they weren't going crazy — that there's a clear explanation for what they're experiencing.What stood out about the programme Christelle had experienced plenty of pre-recorded, self-paced learning in her career and found it ineffective. What attracted her to the diploma was its practical, live structure — particularly being taken through the Menopause Plan as a coachee as well as learning to coach. She found the experience of being coached through the programme herself gave her a deeper understanding of what she'd be offering her own clients.Changes she made through the Menopause Plan Being coached through the plan prompted real, practical changes: more awareness around hydration, reducing coffee intake (with the help of a mushroom-based adaptogen drink she discovered), and actively cultivating a more positive mindset. Lauren's opening question — "What's going well for you since we last met?" — stuck with her and shifted her default lens.Finding practice clients Christelle's first practice client came organically — a friend who said "you've helped me so much, I want to do this for you." Others took more time, as people were interested but hesitant when coaching was mentioned directly. By the time of recording, she had three practice clients and was in conversations with a potential fourth.Her niche: working with couples One of the most distinctive aspects of Christelle's vision is her focus on couples. Having noticed the impact of perimenopause on communication within relationships — and the fact that the 45–60 age bracket has the highest divorce rates, most often initiated by women — she wants to create a space for couples to open up dialogue about what's happening. Not couples therapy, but an opening of communication around a normal phase of life.Her plans going forward Christelle is planning a soft launch of her coaching business in May, after completing a social media training course in April. She's building a bank of content ideas, posting gradually on Instagram and LinkedIn, and hopes to grow through word of mouth from her practice clients. Longer term, she's interested in expanding into couples workshops.Key TakeawaysPerimenopause often only makes sense in hindsight — many women piece it together after the factPractical, live learning is far more effective than watching pre-recorded videos aloneBeing coached through the programme yourself is one of the most powerful parts of the diploma — it builds genuine empathy for future clientsTelling people what you're doing is essential — clients won't come if they don't know you existThe 45–60 age bracket has the highest divorce rates, and menopause may be an under-recognised factor — creating a real need for couples-focused coachingStarting small, with practice clients, is a natural and effective way to build confidence as a new coachTimestamps[00:00] Introduction — Lauren welcomes Christelle [00:01] Christelle's background: growing up in France, living in Germany, Colorado, and Switzerland [00:02] Meeting her husband, starting a family, and building a career in Colorado[00:03] Moving to Switzerland in 2015 — raising bilingual children and feeling at home [00:04] Skiing in Colorado — Lauren and Christelle find common ground [00:05] How Christelle discovered the Menopause Coach Diploma via a webinar in Zurich [00:06] Lauren on why she runs free webinars before people commit to the programme [00:07] What drew Christelle to menopause coaching — her own perimenopause experience in hindsight [00:08] The importance of talking openly so menopause stops being a taboo [00:09] What Christelle learned in the programme that went beyond books [00:10] The value of the live, practical format — being both coachee and coach [00:11] Finding practice clients — what worked and what slowed down[00:12] What clients really want: to be heard about something they've never talked about [00:13] Learning from coaches from other disciplines within the cohort [00:14] Being taken through the Menopause Plan — embracing the process even when you think you know the content [00:15] Real changes: hydration, reducing coffee, adaptogen drinks, and positive mindset shifts [00:16] Lauren on starting sessions with "what's going well?" — and why she baked caramel shortbread [00:17] Childhood joy revisited: baking with mum, and cycling in Colorado [00:18] A cycling accident and the anxiety that followed — losing something you loved [00:19] Building confidence back up — and the joy of wind in your face, cycling or skiing [00:20] Plans for launch: part-time job search, social media training, and a soft launch in May [00:21] Building a content bank before going public on Instagram and LinkedIn [00:22] Lauren on visibility — why telling people what you do matters [00:23] Christelle's niche: working with couples, and the link between menopause and divorce rates [00:24] How couples coaching might look in practice — workshops and validation with early clients [00:25] What Christelle would say to someone on the fence about the diploma [00:26] Final advice: attend the free webinars and treat the diploma as an investment in yourself [00:27] Wrap-up and farewellInterested in working with Christelle, or finding a menopause coach near you? Visit womenscoachingschool.com to find out more about the Menopause Coach Diploma and our graduate community.

In this episode, Lauren welcomes Megan Bird from Seattle, Washington—event planner turned perimenopause podcaster and newly minted menopause coach. Megan's story is one many will recognize: the perfect storm of kids, COVID, and perimenopause that drained all the joy from what used to be her dream job, leaving her confused, stuck, and searching for answers.For nearly 15 years, Megan ran a successful event planning company (70% weddings, 30% corporate—though financially the inverse), fueled by her love language of words of affirmation from grateful clients. But when her "give a shit was just tapped out," she knew something was profoundly wrong—she just didn't know what.This conversation dives into the snake oil saturating the menopause industry (from useless supplements to sketchy "qualifications"), why Megan waded through the noise to find real, evidence-based education, and how sleepless nights with sleep scores between 20-50 finally pushed her toward exploring hormone therapy. She also shares why she initially didn't plan to coach but changed her mind halfway through the diploma, and how she's now launching "Coming of Rage"—a perimenopause-focused podcast co-hosted with her best friend since age eight.If you've ever felt your joy bleeding away without understanding why, if you're waking up soaked through and changing clothes at 5:30 AM, or if you're desperately seeking real information in a sea of misinformation, Megan's story will resonate deeply.Key Points Covered:• From Dream Job to "I Don't Give a Shit": For 15 years, Megan owned an event planning company that was her pride and joy—weddings and corporate events (Xbox PR team included). She loved ushering stressed clients through high-stakes, high-budget events and basking in their gratitude: "We couldn't do this without you." That affirmation fueled her—until it didn't.• The Trifecta: Kids, COVID, Perimenopause: When kids came along, COVID hit, and perimenopause started, the things that used to feed Megan "started to really fall flat." She struggled to understand why things that made her happy no longer worked. "All my joy is bleeding away," she said. "On paper it looks like you have everything, but it felt not that."• The Confusing Soul-Searching: Megan felt "really stuck and really confused as to why I was stuck. It felt really sad." She couldn't put a finger on what was wrong—a common experience for perimenopausal women who don't yet realize what's happening.• Early Onset Dementia Fear: Lauren shares her own experience of thinking she had early-onset dementia, highlighting how common it is for women to have no idea menopause is the culprit—even healthcare professionals like Lauren with a background in performance don't always connect the dots.• The Snake Oil Industry: Megan describes the supplement industry (especially in the US) as "overwhelming"—particularly hair loss products claiming to fix perimenopausal hair loss. Her OB/GYN best friend confirmed: "That is just absolute garbage. Half of this stuff doesn't even get absorbed by your body."• The Chocolate Bar Con: Lauren shares seeing a chocolate bar with a new label and tiny new ingredient (that does nothing in that quantity) repackaged as "menopause chocolate" at twice the price. Same product, new marketing gimmick.• Sketchy "Menopause Coach" Programs: Before finding Women of a Certain Stage, Megan investigated programs that felt "very oily"—downloadable bundles of papers with no human interaction. "If you just regurgitate this 500-page printout, you can be a menopause coach. I wouldn't trust somebody with that accreditation. That feels really sketchy."• The Instagram DM Reality Check: Lauren shares a recent message from someone who took a downloadable course (no coaching assessment, no human interaction) and now doesn't know how to actually coach, get clients, or build a business. "Can you just tell me what to do?" The person was referred to a business coach because information ≠ implementation skills.• Why She Chose Women of a Certain Stage (The Big 3):Personal connection: Listening to Lauren's story resonated deeply—"I felt like I connect with this person"Top-tier experts: Meeting and learning from "movers and shakers in the industry" gave phenomenal confidenceLive, synchronous learning: "I wanted dialogue. I wanted to meet other people in the cohort. I wanted community."• Asynchronous vs. Synchronous Explained: Asynchronous means no real-time interaction—just workbooks, tests, and due dates done alone. Synchronous means face-to-face (or screen-to-screen) learning with mentors and cohort members. Megan didn't want to be "floating out there in the menopause space alone trying to grab at stuff."• AI's Role—But Humans Are Essential: Lauren discusses how AI is coming thick and fast (she attended Oracle conferences on AI back in the early 2000s), but believes deeply: "We still need that human-to-human contact. By seeing each other's eyeballs, watching body language, being in the same vicinity—that's what gives us fuel to be the best version of ourselves."Timestamps:[00:01:00] From dream job event planner to "give a shit tapped out" [00:02:00] Words of affirmation love language and client gratitude [00:04:00] Kids, COVID, perimenopause trifecta [00:06:00] Desperate for real information in the noise [00:07:00] Snake oil salesmen everywhere [00:09:00] Sketchy menopause coach programs [00:11:00] Why Women of a Certain Stage (the big 3) [00:13:00] Asynchronous vs. synchronous learning explained [00:14:00] AI is coming but humans are essential [00:16:00] Waking up at 5:30 AM in Seattle [00:17:00] Coming of Rage podcast launch [00:19:00] Coaching mind-change halfway through [00:22:00] The birthing industry comparison [00:24:00] Not everyone can deep dive for 90 hours [00:27:00] American healthcare's preventative care failure [00:29:00] Sleep: The #1 cross to bear [00:32:00] Hockey stick sleep decline and considering HRTConnect with Megan:• Instagram: @comingofrage • LinkedIn: Under construction (coming soon!) • Podcast: "Coming of Rage" launching end of February 2026Resources:• Women of a Certain Stage Menopause Coach Diploma: https://womenofacertainstage.lpages.co/menopause_coach/• Free guide: "Top 5 evidence-based menopause resources" → womenofacertainstage.com/menopause-resources• Oura Ring: Sleep and body temperature tracking• Women's Health Initiative (WHI): Original 2002 study and subsequent updatesContent Warning: This episode contains frank discussion of sleep deprivation, night sweats, loss of joy, and includes swearing. Megan's podcast "Coming of Rage" will feature "lots of swears"—listeners, you've been warned!Let us know if you're liking the show! https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/tex...Support the show https://www.buzzsprout.com/2261882/su...Meet your Host:Lauren is the founder of Women of a Certain Stage and creator of the Become a Menopause Coach diploma program. Having experienced early menopause at 37 (diagnosed in her early 40s after initially fearing early-onset dementia), Lauren is passionate about providing real, evidence-based education in a market saturated with snake oil and misinformation.Lauren's program features live synchronous learning with top-tier experts, human-to-human connection across global time zones, and ongoing community support for 12 months post-graduation.Ready to cut through the noise and get real menopause education?Book a free discovery call: https://bookme.name/womenofacertainstage/lite/tmshJoin a live cohort where you'll learn from medical experts, practice coaching skills in real-time, and build a community that will support you for years to come—not just hand you a 500-page printout and wish you luck.Disclaimer: Information shared is for educational and entertainment purposes only and doesn't replace medical advice. Always consult with healthcare professionals for your specific situation. Sleep scores mentioned are from consumer wearable devices and should not be used for medical diagnosis.

In this episode, Lauren welcomes back Carey Peters—actor-turned-entrepreneur, co-founder of Health Coach Institute (HCI), and the coach who taught her how to coach. This is a raw, unfiltered conversation that veers beautifully off-script, touching on everything from voice training and stage presence to psychic downloads, the brutal realities of scaling to eight figures, and why menopause might be the greatest gift of midlife.Carey brings over 20 years of business-building wisdom, having co-founded Holistic MBA and HCI, which graduated over 40,000 coaches and achieved one of the biggest exits in EdTech history before she stepped away in 2025. Now working privately with founders in the $1-5 million revenue range, Carey shares what she wishes she'd known before building her empire, why most coach training schools are failing their students, and how one to three strategic adjustments can completely transform a business.This conversation is part masterclass in business strategy, part spiritual journey, and entirely Carey—bold, honest, hilarious, and deeply human. If you've ever wondered whether you should scale or stay small, whether that seven-figure dream is worth the 80-hour weeks, or how to coach with your whole heart while maintaining boundaries, this episode is for you.Key Points Covered:• Voice as a Tool: Carey discusses the importance of vocal training for speakers and coaches, drawing from her theater conservatory background. She emphasizes that voice, like clothing and physical embodiment, is an emotional communication tool that requires technique to appear natural.• Unconscious Competence vs. Conscious Teaching: Carey reveals she's terrible at teaching stage presence because she has "unconscious competence"—she knows how to do it naturally but can't break it down. However, she's an excellent business teacher because she had to learn it step-by-step without natural skill.• Psychic Coaching & Soul Connections: Before client sessions, Carey receives "full downloads" of what's happening—sometimes relatives come through to chat. She's unsure what's actually happening ("Am I the avatar of a 12-year-old girl in the year 2312?") but trusts what she hears and follows it.• The Terror Barrier: New coaches hit what Carey calls "the terror barrier"—full-on terror when entering sessions. The scripts in her programs weren't meant to be permanent crutches but "training wheels" to ferry coaches through that initial fear until they gain 1% more confidence.• The Massive Gap in Coach Training Schools: The biggest players in coach training (especially private equity-owned ones) fail catastrophically at one thing: sharing student success stories. With 40,000 graduates between Holistic MBA and HCI, there should be 20,000 stories showcasing return on investment—but PE-backed schools don't understand information marketing.• Students Are the Stars, Not the Founders: When PE investors pushed to make HCI an "institution" rather than "the Carey and Stacy show," they missed that the answer was making students the stars. The #1 objection to enrolling is "Will I make my money back?"—and only student stories prove that convincingly.• The Woman Problem in Coaching: 95%+ of coach training students are women, yet most major schools have no female faces representing the brand. Women need to see other women who've done it, who understand the unique layer of self-doubt, need for permission, and patriarchal limitations wired into female nervous systems.• It's Only Been 50 Years: In 1974—when Carey was born—women in the US were finally allowed to get their own credit cards without a man. That's only 50 years ago. Women are still emerging from under "the crust of patriarchy" and need female role models who understand that journey.• The Simplest Possible Strategy: Founders in the $1-5M range need to answer "Why do I want a $10M business? Do I even want that?" before diving into strategy. Often they need just 1-3 adjustments to scale—not a million things—plus the simplest possible structure to support creative minds.• You Need CEO Eyes: Between $1-5M revenue, you can't afford a CEO but desperately need one. You need external perspective on operations, hiring, structure, and risk management because when you're in it, you can't see clearly. Mistakes get exponentially more expensive.• The $3.5M Ceiling: Carey and Stacy hit $3.5M two years in a row and realized the choice: learn to become operators, scale back to an exclusive high-ticket model, or "shoot for the moon." They chose the latter, selling to partners who'd achieved a $750M EdTech exit—Carey's "MBA she never got."• Top Line vs. Profit: "Seven-figure coach" typically means $1M+ revenue but only $200-300K profit. Turnover looks glamorous; profit margin is what matters. Carey emphasizes founders often bring on team too quickly, destroying profit margins unnecessarily.• The 90% Profit Margin Secret: One-on-one private coaching with the right clients (working 1-3 years at premium rates) offers 90% profit margins. Carey coaches six days per month—far less work than building an empire but potentially comparable income without the stress.• Lifestyle vs. Empire Building: Empire building is 70-80 hour weeks for years with enormous risk and pressure. Lifestyle businesses offer work-life balance while still requiring real work. The question isn't which is "better" but which aligns with your actual goals and values.• The Hustle Culture Lie: Anyone teaching "get to seven figures without hustle and grind" is selling bullshit. Building to millions requires enormous work, mistakes, pivots, and grinding—there are no shortcuts. The person teaching the system worked their ass off to create it.• Would They Have Made More Coaching Privately?: Looking back, Carey wonders if she and Stacy would have actually made more money over the years doing high-ticket private coaching instead of building HCI. It's a legitimate question founders should ask themselves.• The CEO Struggle Is Universal: Watching accomplished CEOs with impressive backgrounds still struggle with operations, org charts, managing people, and daily business decisions was eye-opening for Carey. Even "experts" don't have all the answers—everyone is figuring it out.• The "New Level, New Devil" Reality: Whatever level you're at in business—starting, scaling, exiting—there's always a new challenge. It doesn't stop. Everyone has the same beating heart and needs connection regardless of their revenue numbers.• Brian Franklin's One-to-One Model: Carey credits executive coach Brian Franklin for teaching her the simple but powerful model she now uses for private coaching—focusing on lifestyle business principles rather than empire-building complexity.• The Menopause Superpower: As estrogen drops, the biological imperative to please disappears. Carey describes no longer tolerating family dysfunction, relationship drama, or anything that doesn't serve her. The "veil lifts" and you genuinely stop caring what others think—it's freedom.• Built on Big Wounds: Great businesses are often built from big wounds. For Carey, part of her drive to build HCI came from "I don't matter, so if I achieve a lot, I'll be seen as important and valuable." Letting go of HCI allowed her to realize: "I matter no matter what. I don't have to do anything."• The 2025 Energy: Having left HCI in early 2025, Carey describes it as a "nine year" (endings, completions, letting go) leading into a "one year" (new beginnings). Her intuition shows something new is coming, though she doesn't know what yet.• Surrender & Motherhood: When Carey suspected she was pregnant at 40+, terrified and spiraling while driving to LAX, she heard a clear voice: "Surrender." She knew immediately she was pregnant and had to have the baby. Her daughter became "the best thing I've ever done" and the catalyst for becoming the person she needed to be.• Soul Destiny in Coaching: Carey believes deeply (whether right or wrong) that there's a soul-level reason she meets each client or student. It feels sacred and special. Even recording videos for 40,000 HCI students, she felt she loved the person watching and wanted them to "mostly feel loved."• The 1.2 Billion Woman Market: With 1.2 billion women currently going through menopause globally, it's a massive underserved market. Lauren's tight specialization in menopause coaching is precisely why it works—it's specific, there's enormous demand, and it's what women in that age group are constantly discussing.• The Male Menopause Coach Success: One of Lauren's graduates is a male VP in financial services who trained as a menopause coach after nearly divorcing over his wife's menopause experience. He now charges $20-30K for relationship coaching—far cheaper than the six-figure divorces his colleagues would face.• Fall in Love With Your Clients: A phrase Carey and Stacy taught that initially confused Lauren like "a brick." Now Lauren tells her students the same thing: "Fall in love. Make your heart meet their heart. Connect with them where they are." By week 17-18 of each cohort, Lauren keeps tissues nearby because she doesn't want it to end.• The Prize of Not Caring: At 51, Carey has reached the point where she doesn't care about proving anything, needing recognition, or...

In this episode, Lauren welcomes Sally, a graduate of the Women of a Certain Stage Menopause Coach diploma program who spent decades in executive search, specializing in C-Suite placements and working with some of the most senior women in corporate leadership.Sally's story is one of intentional transformation—leaving behind a high-powered career not because she had to, but because she wanted to explore what came next. Despite sailing through menopause relatively symptom-free herself, Sally was drawn to the program as a lifelong learner who recognized the profound connection between women's midlife transitions and the executive exits she witnessed throughout her career.This conversation explores the "mahogany veneer" of wisdom Sally accumulated through thousands of executive interviews, the patterns she observed in senior women's confidence (or lack thereof), the guilt that high-achieving women carry across all aspects of life, and why she believes at least 50% of women leaving C-Suite roles are doing so because of menopause—even though it's rarely discussed.Sally shares her insights on what it takes to help senior executives break free from their "chrysalis," the power of truth-telling wrapped in compassion, and why she's committed to using her accumulated wisdom to support women through their next chapter.Key Points Covered:• The Mahogany Veneer of Wisdom: After decades in executive search conducting thousands of interviews across multiple cultures, industries, and geographies, Sally describes herself as having accumulated a "mahogany veneer"—not mica, but genuine depth—touching on so many aspects of leadership and humanity that it creates profound wisdom.• The Hidden Menopause-Executive Exit Connection: Sally estimates that at least 50% of women leaving C-Suite roles are doing so because of menopause, yet this connection is rarely (if ever) discussed in conjunction with executive transitions. She's exploring research from CIPD, ACAS, Bank of America, and other financial institutions to investigate this further.• Why She Trained Despite Not Suffering: Sally was fortunate to sail through menopause with minimal symptoms, but was drawn to the program as a lifelong learner (having completed a master's degree in her 40s and Montessori teacher training in her 30s) who wanted to keep developing skills and expanding knowledge—even if she wasn't initially sure how she'd use it professionally.• Scratching the Surface of C-Suite Women: Despite impressive accomplishments and senior positions, Sally consistently found that C-Suite women have remarkably little confidence when you scratch the surface. She wonders how much of this is influenced by perimenopause and menopause symptoms that go unrecognized or unaddressed.• The Transition Crisis: Senior executives—both men and women—struggle profoundly when moving from executive to non-executive careers. Women in particular often feel lost, despite decades of achievement, when making this transition.• The Sacrifice Required for C-Suite Success: Women who reach C-Suite positions often sacrifice family life, social connections, spiritual development, health, and other life domains in pursuit of excellence. The constant guilt of "never doing anything as well as you should be" at work, with family, or with friends becomes an exhausting burden.• Double Standards in Leadership: Behaviors that are acceptable and even celebrated in men are deemed "unacceptable" or "aggressive" in women. Sally describes being called an "agitator" or "up for yourself" simply for having opinions and speaking out against unfairness—behaviors that would be called "leadership" in male colleagues.• Higher Standards for Women: Women are measured differently and held to higher standards, particularly women of color who face even greater barriers. Women have to try harder to achieve things and prove themselves more than their male counterparts.• The Practice Client Revelations: Sally discovered that beneath the presenting issue of menopause, her coaching clients all shared fundamental life issues—partner challenges, control issues, not sitting down for meals together, rushing through everything, and particularly struggles with decluttering and asking for help.• Partners as Obstacles: A common pattern emerged where partners (male, female, or otherwise) were often significant obstacles to women's wellbeing, but this only surfaced around weeks 3-4 of the coaching relationship. Sally learned to sense this bubbling beneath the surface and gently create space for clients to talk about it without feeling they were "betraying" anyone.• The Decluttering Week Breakthrough: Of all the menopause plan modules, decluttering and asking for help created the most transformation. Sally was shocked to discover that even her successful, accomplished clients weren't sitting at tables for meals, were rushing through everything, and lacked basic healthy habits around water intake and self-care.• The Nutrition Week Challenge: Sally admitted she struggled most with the nutrition week, finding parts of it "very American" and "unrealistic" for her time-strapped clients with multiple children. This became a teaching moment about recognizing her own judgments and learning to plant seeds rather than prescribe solutions.• The 1% Improvement Philosophy: Rather than expecting clients to go from 2/10 to 10/10, Sally celebrates helping them reach 5-6/10 in just seven hours of coaching—recognizing that wherever someone is in life, there's always a next level and always another step to take.• The Chrysalis Metaphor: Sally describes her coaching approach as helping people realize they've built a chrysalis around themselves—they have beautiful wings but are trapped. Her role is helping them break out of that chrysalis and realize they can fly.• Kick and a Cuddle Coaching Style: Sally believes "the truth is a gift" but must be appropriately wrapped. Too many people avoid telling the truth to spare feelings, but real help comes from honest feedback—whether about body language, voice, presence, or imposter syndrome—delivered with compassion.• Loneliness at the Top: Senior positions are profoundly lonely. Sally shares a story of leaving a note under a new CEO's hotel room door during his "three-month wobble" with affirmations, which he kept in his office—highlighting the desperate need for trusted support at senior levels.• The Safe Space of Coaching: The menopause plan gives women permission to talk about things they haven't even allowed themselves to think about. As layers get unpicked, clients experience "aha moments" where their jigsaw puzzle starts coming together—not completed by the end, but with a clear picture emerging.• NDAs and Settlement Agreements: While Sally hasn't had direct visibility into how many women are exited via non-disclosure agreements potentially linked to menopause, she suspects it's significant. NDAs are often used when someone is in a moment of weakness or vulnerability, lacking the mental fortitude or finances to fight properly.• The Gift of Time: After leaving executive search, Sally appreciates having the luxury of time to let her thoughts naturally evolve, reflect on her journey, and decide how to share her next chapter without arbitrary deadlines or pressure.• What Lights Her Up: Sally loves giggling with like-minded people, fighting unfairness, being a listening friend who gives people "airspace to talk," and engaging with fascinating people—even (especially) the difficult ones that everyone else avoids.Timestamps:[00:02:00] Saying thank you: Reframing the LinkedIn farewell [00:04:00] The C-Suite exodus and menopause connection [00:06:00] Struggling with the nutrition week [00:08:00] What really comes out in coaching sessions [00:11:00] Why Sally trained without having symptoms [00:13:00] Working predominantly with C-Suite women [00:14:00] The confidence deficit at the top [00:16:00] Sacrifices and double standards [00:19:00] The VA revelation: Cards and guilt [00:21:00] NDAs and settlement agreements [00:23:00] The chrysalis and beautiful wings [00:25:00] Creating safe spaces for conversation [00:27:00] What makes Sally smile [00:30:00] The wisdom worth translating [00:31:00] Why trust the process worksResources:https://www.linkedin.com/in/sally-a-f-springbett-she-her-b8b3224/• Women of a Certain Stage Menopause Coach Diploma: https://womenofacertainstage.lpages.co/menopause_coach/• Research on menopause and workplace exits:CIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development)ACAS (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service)Bank of America studiesWomen in Banking and Finance researchPortal library section: Work and Menopause resources• Free guide: "Top 5 evidence-based menopause resources" → womenofacertainstage.com/menopause-resourcesLet us know if you're liking the show! https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/tex...Support the show https://www.buzzsprout.com/2261882/su...Meet your Host:Lauren is the founder of Women of a Certain Stage and creator of the Become a Menopause Coach diploma program.

In this episode, Lauren is joined by Tracey Robertson, a menopause coach and corporate legal PA who transformed her darkest moments into a mission to support other women through perimenopause and menopause.Tracey shares her raw and powerful story of hitting rock bottom at age 45—leaving a successful corporate career in London, experiencing crippling anxiety and depression, and sitting in a park in the rain because she couldn't bear to go home. Despite having access to private healthcare at Harley Street, blood tests, and multiple doctors, no one identified that she was in perimenopause. It wasn't until her personal trainer suggested HRT that Tracey's life began to change—feeling better within 15 hours of her first patch.This conversation explores Tracey's journey from that breaking point to becoming a certified menopause coach through Women of a Certain Stage, building workplace support programs, and helping other women avoid the isolation and confusion she experienced. Her story is a testament to resilience, the power of lived experience, and the importance of creating communities where women can be heard and supported.Key Points Covered:• The Breaking Point: How perimenopause manifested as severe anxiety, depression, inability to perform basic work tasks, and suicidal thoughts—all while doctors missed the diagnosis despite regular blood tests and private healthcare access.• HRT as a Lifeline: Tracey's experience of feeling improvement within 15 hours of starting HRT, emphasizing how life-changing appropriate treatment can be when hormonal imbalance is the root cause—not just anxiety or mental health issues.• Misdiagnosis & Inappropriate Treatment: Being prescribed anti-anxiety medications that made symptoms worse, undergoing CBT, and the dangers of treating perimenopause symptoms as purely psychological without addressing hormonal changes.• Finding Purpose Through Pain: How watching Davina McCall's menopause documentary and recognizing herself in other women's stories inspired Tracey to become a coach—determined that no one else should go through this alone and searching for support groups that didn't exist in London.• The Power of Listening: Learning through menopause coaching training that simply being heard and having space to process emotions can be transformative—practice clients experienced significant changes just from having someone listen without judgment, including a 36-year-old client who felt angry and let down by her body.• Building Workplace Support: Creating menopause support groups in her law firm, bringing in medical experts like doctors from Menopause Care (Dr. Andrews) and nutritionists, organizing coffee mornings and Q&A sessions, and working to establish group coaching programs in corporate environments.• From Quiet Introvert to Confident Coach: Tracey's journey from being too anxious to speak in large groups to now delivering presentations and running support sessions—proving that you don't need to be loud or extroverted to be an effective coach. Starting with breakout room confidence and building to full presentations.• The ADHD Connection: Exploring the intersection between ADHD, perimenopause, and how hormonal changes can unmask or exacerbate neurodivergent traits—a growing area of interest for future support work, particularly relevant as both her sons are being assessed for ADHD.• Practical Menopause Plan Tools: Implementing simple but effective strategies from coaching training like drinking more water, using sensory anchoring (lavender rollers for stress management), decluttering for mental clarity, and creating personalized menopause plans that address individual needs.• Live Learning Matters: Why Tracey chose Women of a Certain Stage for its live, interactive format with expert speakers rather than pre-recorded AI-generated programs—valuing the human connection, diverse expertise (breast cancer nurses, prolapse specialists, business mentors, confidence coaches), and ongoing 12-month support.• Community Connection: The power of meeting fellow graduates in person at events like The Pause gathering, building lasting relationships with women from different cohorts, and creating a global network of support.Timestamps:[00:01:00] Corporate breakdown and missing the diagnosis [00:03:00] The personal trainer who changed everything [00:06:00] Dark days: anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and finding hope [00:08:00] Discovering menopause through social media and podcasts [00:10:00] Returning to work with new purpose [00:13:00] Finding Women of a Certain Stage through AI search [00:15:00] The transformation of practice clients [00:17:00] Building confidence as an introvert coach [00:19:00] Workplace menopause initiatives and events [00:22:00] Meeting fellow graduates in real life [00:25:00] Future plans: ADHD and menopause specialization [00:28:00] Key takeaways from the Menopause Plan [00:31:00] Message to quiet women: you can do this tooResources:• Women of a Certain Stage Menopause Coaching Diploma: https://womenofacertainstage.lpages.co/menopause_coach/• Free guide: "Top 5 evidence-based menopause resources" → womenofacertainstage.com/menopause-resources• Davina McCall's menopause documentary (mentioned as a catalyst for awareness)• Dr. Louise Newson and Menopause Care resources• Dr. Naomi Potter's Menopause Care practice• Experts mentioned: Avril Bloom, Dr. Shahzadi Harper (Dr. Moco)Let us know if you're liking the show! https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/tex...Support the show https://www.buzzsprout.com/2261882/su...Meet your Lauren:Lauren is the founder of Women of a Certain Stage and creator of the Become a Menopause Coach diploma program. With multiple coaching qualifications and a passion for supporting women through midlife transition, Lauren has created a live, interactive coaching program that combines expert knowledge with practical coaching skills and ongoing community support.Lauren's program is recognized internationally, with graduates supporting women in over 50 countries. She is dedicated to providing evidence-based menopause education, hands-on coaching practice, live expert Q&As, and 12 months of peer support to empower coaches worldwide.Meet Tracey Robertson:https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracey-robertson-142209/Ready to transform your menopause journey or support others through theirs?Book a free discovery call today and find out how tailored menopause coaching can transform your organization and your life: https://bookme.name/womenofacertainstage/lite/tmshJoin the next cohort for hands-on coaching practice, live expert Q&As and peer support.Disclaimer: Information shared is for educational and entertainment purposes only and doesn't replace medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional.

In this game-changing episode of Women of a Certain Stage, host Lauren sits down with Laura Mzhickteno, a copywriting expert with a decade of experience helping coaches, authors, and speakers translate their expertise into clear, compelling messages. If you've ever stared at a blank Instagram post wondering "how do I say this?" or felt paralyzed by your own messaging, this conversation is your permission slip to start imperfectly.Laura shares her journey from attending random webinars on fish-catching (seriously) to building a thriving copywriting business. She reveals why messaging clarity comes from working with clients—not from hiding in your hole trying to make it perfect first. With refreshing honesty about her own six-figure student loan debt and the ROI crisis in traditional education, Laura explains why coaching certifications are becoming the new degree alternative.This conversation tackles the fear of "being too salesy," the chicken-and-egg of getting client feedback to create messaging, and why marketing at its best is simply spreading important messages to people who need them most. Lauren and Laura explore how coaching expands our vision from "just making it through the workday" to building second acts that matter.Plus: Laura shares the three things you must communicate clearly, why your Instagram bio matters more than you think, and the perfect gift-under-the-tree analogy that will change how you think about sharing your work with the world.Key Timestamps[00:01:00] Meeting years ago: learning storytelling secrets as a "fledgling menopause trainer" [00:02:00] The unglamorous answer: a decade of training, practice, research, certifications [00:03:00] Common hurdle: everyone knows what to say but not how to say it [00:04:00] Three things to communicate: problem, result, different approach [00:05:00] Message refinement happens with clients, not in isolation [00:06:00] Patterns in client feedback reveal your real messaging [00:07:00] Why avatars with names/ages miss the point—it's about attributes [00:08:00] Laura's decade in coaching/author/speaker marketing [00:09:00] When Laura's parents were shocked: "You could get a car for that!" [00:10:00] Coaching becoming mainstream: "Yeah, my team needs coaching" [00:11:00] UK university fees vs. US six-figure student loan debt reality [00:12:00] Six years of time + six figures of debt = terrible ROI [00:13:00] Degrees don't make you workplace ready—just entry level [00:14:00] Certification programs: fraction of cost, ready to do meaningful work [00:15:00] Retraining as personal trainer: made same money as corporate career [00:16:00] Four grads gathered in Boston to support each other's event [00:17:00] Don't wait for perfect—feedback loop only happens by doing [00:18:00] But also: don't try to tackle too much too fast [00:19:00] The chicken-and-egg: getting feedback to create messaging [00:20:00] Start with the platform you're most comfortable with [00:21:00] Practice clients inform what to say on social media [00:22:00] Monthly scheduling stress lifted: planning 3-6 months ahead [00:23:00] Getting in early: 10-15 minutes can propel business forward [00:24:00] Coming into Menopause Coach Diploma to help each person individually [00:25:00] Not everyone wants to be a six or seven-figure coach [00:26:00] Understand how things work before you outsource them [00:27:00] Attending webinars on fish-catching (no interest in fish!) [00:28:00] "I want to do what you're doing"—finding first mentor [00:29:00] From "$4,000/month would be amazing" to so much more [00:30:00] Coaching makes you dream again—acknowledged but not enough [00:31:00] Doing work for previous self who wanted fractionally better life [00:32:00] Age 38: "I'm miserable but too far down this road to start over" [00:33:00] Taking decades of experience and adding menopause coaching on top [00:34:00] Workshop coming: structured approach, no overwhelm [00:35:00] Fear of being "too salesy" or promoting to friends/family [00:36:00] YouTube coach hunt: actively searching, can't find right person [00:37:00] "Help me get your help"—to the right person, you can't be too salesy [00:38:00] Gift under Christmas tree with no name tag analogy [00:39:00] Marketing at its best: spreading important messages to those who need themKey TakeawaysDecade of unsexy work creates "magical" messaging ability: training, practice, research, certificationsThree core message elements: problem you solve, result you create, how you do it differentlyIf you need a full paragraph to explain, keep editingMessage refinement requires working with clients—can't happen in isolationIt's about attributes, not demographics: personality and life experience over age/locationCoaching demand growing: from "what even is that?" to C-suite executives requesting itStudent loan crisis: six years + six figures = terrible ROI, not workplace readyCertification alternative: fraction of cost, meaningful work, marketable skills in one yearDon't wait for perfect to start sharing your message publiclyBut also don't try to tackle all platforms at oncePractice clients through diploma provide initial feedback loopStart with platform you're most comfortable with (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, video, text)Comfortable with writing? Text posts. Rather say it? Video.10-15 minutes of messaging clarity can propel business forwardNot everyone wants six/seven-figure business—evolution over business planUnderstand how things work before outsourcing themCoaching expands vision: from "make it through workday" to dreaming againWe don't just solve problems—we give bigger visions for livesMany people at 38+ miserable in careers, feel too far in to start overMenopause coaching = adding to existing skillset, not starting overFear of being "too salesy" stops people from sharing their workTo the right person, you literally can't be too salesy—they're hunting you downMarketing at its best = spreading important messages to those who need them mostTake Action!Connect with Laura Mzhickteno:Work with Laura for messaging clarity and copywriting supportJoin upcoming workshop in Women of a Certain Stage Menopause Coach DiplomaGet 10-15 minutes of messaging clarity to propel your business forwardThree Core Messages to Nail Down:What problem do you solve?What result do you create?How do you do it differently?Can you say each in one short, simple, clear sentence without elaborating? If not, more editing needed.Getting Started with Social Media:Don't wait for perfect—start sharing imperfectly nowPick ONE platform you're most comfortable with (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok)Pick ONE format you prefer: text posts or videoComfortable writing? Start with text. Rather say it? Make videos.Don't try all platforms at once—you can always add more laterThe Feedback Loop Formula:Work with practice clients (get this in Menopause Coach Diploma)Notice patterns in how they talk about their problemsHear what questions they ask, what they're curious aboutUse this to inform what you post on social mediaRefine messaging based on ongoing client conversationsBefore You Outsource: Understand how things work in your business first. Get the basics down, get consistent, then bring in support for what's not your wheelhouse.Reframe "Being Too Salesy":To the right person, your marketing doesn't feel like marketingThey're actively searching for your solutionThey want to know what you offer—help them find itThe gift under the tree needs a name tagIf you don't tell people you have this gift, they'll never unwrap itIf You're Stuck: Remember Laura attended webinars on fish-catching (zero interest in fish) just to understand the pattern of how people make money helping others. Sometimes the path to clarity is wonky. Start imperfectly. Refine as you go.ROI Reality Check: Traditional degree: 4-6 years + six figures debt = entry...

In this insightful episode of Women of a Certain Stage, host Lauren Chiren reconnects with Dr Kelly Dixon, Associate Professor in Global Health and Wellbeing at UCL and integrative psychotherapist in private practice. Kelly shares her personal journey of discovering the profound impact of cycle awareness—beginning with a pivotal moment at age 24 when a friend noticed her monthly pattern of overwhelm.With 20 years at UCL conducting systematic reviews and teaching intersectionality, Kelly brings both academic rigor and lived experience to understanding how menstrual cycles shape our emotional landscapes. She reveals how tracking her cycle transformed her understanding of herself, her work as a therapist, and her approach to perimenopause—where many symptoms mirror an extended luteal phase.This conversation offers a compassionate, evidence-based perspective on working with your body rather than against it, from the monthly cycles of reproductive years through the transition to menopause.Key Timestamps[00:01:00] Recording the UCL Disrupted Voices podcast on menopause [00:02:00] Grand challenges at UCL: seed funding for menopause research [00:03:00] Bio-psychosocial approach: three essential strands of menopause care [00:04:00] The power of storytelling and lived experiences in research [00:05:00] Balancing university work and private practice: the weekly split [00:06:00] 20 years at UCL: from education to reproductive health research [00:07:00] The moment cycle awareness clicked into focus [00:08:00] Age 24: "I felt really small and the world was really big" [00:09:00] The friend who noticed: "Is your period due soon?" [00:10:00] Discovering it's not just the week before—it's the whole month [00:11:00] Building compassion-focused responses to cycle changes [00:12:00] From paper diaries to iPeriod: 23-33 day cycle variation [00:13:00] Why she switched apps after US abortion law changes [00:14:00] B vitamins, alcohol, and managing PMS symptoms [00:15:00] The pattern: going full blast, then hitting the crash [00:16:00] How cycle awareness changed her work as a therapist [00:17:00] Recognizing when both therapist and client are in luteal phase [00:18:00] Person-centered approach: only working with client cycles when they bring it in [00:19:00] "It's not just PMS—maybe you're feeling it more" [00:20:00] The clarity and boundary-setting that comes with luteal energy [00:21:00] Perimenopause as an extended luteal phase [00:22:00] Brain fog, irritation, and existential questions in perimenopause [00:23:00] Why alcohol becomes less our friend during menopause [00:24:00] What lights Kelly up: Betsy and Winnie the Cockapoos [00:25:00] Borrow My Doggy: "doggy Tinder" [00:26:00] Future research: PMDD and premenstrual syndrome systematic reviews [00:27:00] Contraception decision-making research: currently under wraps [00:28:00] Taking a life course approach to hormonal decisions [00:29:00] Three top tips for GP appointments [00:30:00] Having someone to talk to before and after appointments [00:31:00] Being open to other possibilities: thyroid, vitamin D [00:32:00] Using NICE guidelines language with your doctor [00:33:00] AI for summarizing medical guidelines [00:34:00] Ethical uses of AI in menopause care [00:35:00] How to connect with Kelly's workKey TakeawaysThe friend who noticed first: Pattern recognition often comes from others observing us monthlyCycle tracking evolution: From paper diaries in 2001 to privacy-conscious apps post-2022Highly variable cycles are normal: 23-33 day variation requires body-based tracking, not just numbersLuteal phase mirror: Perimenopause symptoms overlap significantly with PMS experiences"I felt really small": How PMS manifests as overwhelm and decision fatigueThe whole month matters: Energy shifts throughout all phases, not just premenstruallyTherapist awareness: Recognizing your own cycle helps maintain grounding with clientsIt's not "just" hormones: Feelings are real even when heightened by cycle phaseLuteal clarity: Irritation and "I've had enough" energy reveals important boundariesCompassion over hacking: Building self-compassion rather than optimizing productivityB6, B12, and alcohol: Nutritional support becomes more important during luteal phaseGrounding is essential: High energy phases need intentional grounding practicesData privacy matters: Consider which apps sell your cycle dataSelf-care lessons transfer: What works for PMS often helps in perimenopauseNICE guidelines language: Speaking the doctor's language improves appointmentsAI can summarize guidelines: Use it to make medical documents more accessibleHave your person: Don't go to appointments without someone to debrief with afterwardDr Kelly Dixon's Powerful Insights"I felt like a really small person and the world was really big and I couldn't go.""It was really from having difficult PMS that I used to work with my cycle... to build a bit more compassion.""I started to realize—this is the whole month. It's not just that week.""Maybe you're feeling it more, it's coming more to the surface now. But it's not saying that those feelings don't exist. Maybe they're more heightened.""That swear word energy—it's like often the boundary comes in that irritation.""If you look at the psychological side of perimenopause, there's a lot of crossover with that luteal phase, with that PMS phase.""I need to ground myself more when that energy's higher.""Know your body and what you are communicating and stick to that. I know myself, I know my body, I know what's happening.""You're gonna have to have confidence and know your body... don't go in thinking you're gonna have to have a battle.""Be open to the possibility that there's something else—maybe my thyroid is an issue or maybe my vitamin D is low."Take Action!Connect with Dr Kelly Dixon:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-kelly-dickson-135a316/Private practice: https://www.kellydickson.net/Simply Google: Dr Kelly DixonStart Cycle Tracking:Choose a privacy-conscious app (Kelly uses Stardust)Track body-based signals, not just numbersNotice patterns in energy, mood, hunger, and decision-makingBuild compassion-focused responses to your cyclePreparing for GP Appointments:Write down your key points - symptoms, questions, concernsReview NICE guidelines (or your country's menopause society guidelines)Use medical language - speak the way doctors are trained to thinkHave your person - someone to talk to before and afterBe open - consider thyroid, vitamin D, other possibilitiesStay confident - know your body and communicate clearlyUse AI Wisely:Ask AI to summarize NICE guidelines in plain languageUse it for specific questions about medical documentsAlways double-check outputs (AI can hallucinate)Consider ethical implications of health dataFor Those in Perimenopause:Recognize the luteal phase overlap in symptomsApply PMS self-care strategies more broadlyNotice the clarity and boundaries that emerge in irritationRemember: feelings are real even when hormonally heightenedTransform Your Career in Women's Health:Visit https://www.womenofacertainstage.com/ to enroll in the CPD Certified Menopause Coach DiplomaLearn to work with cycles, not against themBook workplace strategy workshops & keynote talksDownload menopause toolkitsBuild your Menopause Champion networkSchedule your free strategy call at https://bookme.name/womenofacertainstage/podResearch to Watch: Kelly's upcoming work on women's experiences with contraception decision-making and systematic reviews on PMDD—watch this space!