In today’s episode, we’re joined by the radiant Helen, who is right in the heart of perimenopause — and allowing this transition to reshape her life in the most unexpected and beautiful ways. From sending memes in the family WhatsApp group that capture the chaos and comedy of it all, to tuning in deeply to her body’s needs, Helen shares her raw, real-time reflections on what it means to slow down, re-centre and reconnect.

We talk about the power of rest, the importance of asking “how am I really feeling?”, and the energetic shifts that come with this season of life. Along the way, Helen has rediscovered her creative fire—returning to her art, leaning more deeply into the spiritual and energy practices she’s cultivated over time, and even stepping into modelling and acting.

This is a conversation about the mess and the magic of midlife, the quiet rebirthing of self and the joyful permission to evolve in your own time, on your own terms.

Meet Nicola — a woman who held a high-pressure career while facing the onset of perimenopause and caring for her aging parents as they became ill. Facing these challenges, she made the bold decision to quit her job to look after her parents full-time. During this time, she also cared for her grandchildren. Later, remembering how fitness shaped her younger years, Nicola retrained as a personal trainer and created a life filled with purpose and joy. Initially told she couldn’t have hormone replacement therapy due to family history, she later visited another doctor who offered new possibilities. Join us as she shares her powerful journey of resilience, reinvention and transformation beyond perimenopause.

Show Notes:

Nicola very kindly said that the Eyres Monsell Hub would waiver their usual joining fee of £10 to anyone who signed up in May 2025, having listened to this podcast. You can contact the Hub on 0116 2779190 or email them on Healthhub@eyresmonsellcyp.co.uk and simply quote Wild, Wise & Curious podcast!

This episode was recorded in the breathtaking Snowdonia National Park — surrounded by mountains, sunshine (yes, really) and lots of tea and snacks.

Just the two of us this time, catching up and reflecting on the incredible women we’ve been so lucky to talk to over the past few months. Every guest has brought something different, left us speechless in their own way and reminded us just how powerful shared stories can be.

We chat about our own journeys too — the messy middle of midlife, the things we’ve tried - hello journaling, those hot air balloon moments... the importance of building our batteries for social occasions and how everything is complex... but joy still deserves space.

A big deep breath of an episode — part gratitude, part ramble, all heart.

In this warm and honest episode, a group of longtime friends—now in their 60s and 70s, and well into post-menopause—share their journey through the intense, messy and often misunderstood world of perimenopause. Without using HRT, they faced a tidal wave of symptoms: unbearable breast tenderness, heavy and unpredictable periods, period pain that stopped them in their tracks, brain fog, night sweats, mood swings and more. Wearing white was out of the question and daily life often felt like a guessing game. But what carried them through wasn’t hormone support—it was conversation. Over years of chats, walks, cups of tea and quiet check-ins, they supported each other every step of the way. Now, from the calm on the other side, they reflect with deep gratitude on how friendship got them through.

What happens when PMDD and perimenopause crash into your life before you’ve even hit 40? This week’s guest knows exactly what that’s like — and she’s turning the chaos into art.

She’s a drummer, actor, dancer, film producer and full-blown creative force, navigating hormone hell with humour, heart and a hell of a lot of honesty. From wild mood swings to crushing brain fog, she’s learning to work with her symptoms — not against them — and finding sanity in sisterhood.

She’s raw, radiant and ridiculously real — and she proves that even in the fog, you can still show up, make noise, and own your story.

Tune in and give it up for this bloody marvellous guest. You’re gonna love her.

* Contains some sweary moments!

Show Notes:

Kelly's band are called Pretty Dirty Rats and formed through the awesome Unglamorous Project. For more info on this blooming marvellous project, head to https://www.stayfreemusic.co.uk/unglamorous/#2024

'Perimenopause plummeted me.' That’s how Amy describes the early days of her journey—when brain fog, anxiety and emotional overwhelm left her feeling like a stranger to herself. From crying mid-dog walk to struggling to trust her own mind, Amy’s story will resonate with anyone who's found themselves lost in the chaos of midlife change.

For many women, it’s the hormonal shifts of perimenopause that stir up the baggage we’ve been carrying—old stories, unresolved pain and expectations that no longer fit. Still navigating perimenopause, Amy is also doing the deeper work: facing those heavy bags she’s carried and gently putting down what no longer serves her. The emotional baggage that’s been quietly building up now demands to be unpacked and Amy is courageously answering the call.

Through therapy, self-awareness, and a willingness to release that baggage, Amy’s beginning to feel lighter, freer and more aligned with who she is becoming. This episode is a powerful reminder that perimenopause, while challenging, can be the catalyst for shedding the past and embracing a more authentic future.

Show Notes:

Amy's Thoughts...

Japanese Head Spa (for head psoriasis/irritation - or just as a scrummy treat)

Do the inner work, the passive therapies - to lighten the load (Amy experienced positive results using Reiki & Womb Regression with a professional therapist)

Collagen & Protein - https://www.willpowders.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoqe2-RWFa_hlpp-ZEgLmP9zOcOHkC_5bS3HfkKJpK-eip9kBHQ4

In this episode, we’re talking to Kelly, who’s been navigating the unpredictable world of perimenopause—and let’s just say, it’s been a bit of a ride. Every GP visit means a new brand of HRT, leaving Kelly feeling like she’s stuck in a never-ending cycle of trial and error. But rather than just getting frustrated, she’s using her experiences to raise awareness.

Kelly’s on a mission to get people talking about perimenopause because, frankly, too many people are still clueless about what women go through during this time. With a fire in her belly and a no-holds-barred attitude, she’s not afraid to bang the drum for more recognition and understanding. From fluctuating hormones to the emotional rollercoaster, Kelly is speaking out to anyone who will listen.

This episode is an honest and empowering conversation about why raising awareness is crucial, the misconceptions about perimenopause and how Kelly’s turning her personal journey into a powerful call for change. It’s time we all understood what women go through—and Kelly’s making sure that message gets out.

Show Notes:

Dr Sara Szal on cortisol - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0GQozcTPyO0

Breath, Cycles & Showing Up Anyway

In this episode, we sit down with a woman who’s built a life rooted in presence, practice, and holding space—for herself and others. From guiding breathwork and running retreats to singing in a choir she once felt too nervous to join, her journey is one of quiet strength and deep listening. We talk about living in sync with her body through seed cycling, the grounding power of women’s circles, and how the principles of Nonviolent Communication have helped her connect with more honesty, empathy and self-awareness.

This isn’t a story of overnight transformation—it’s one of real, rhythmic growth, and choosing to show up with compassion, one moment at a time.

Show Notes

Please note this episode contains a few sweary words - so perhaps listen with headphones if you have little people around.

The books we mentioned are:

Non Violent Communication by Marshall Rosenberg

If Women Rose Rooted by Sharon Blackie

Hagitude by Sharon Blackie