Wise Women Conversations

Energy in Menopause: What’s Draining It — and How to Get It BackIn this episode, Angela breaks down why energy can decrease during the menopause transition and what you can do about it. From hormonal shifts that affect your energy systems to everyday habits and hidden drains most women miss, she shares simple steps to rebuild steady energy without relying on things like caffeine.She covers:What “energy” really means (and how your body produces it)Why energy drops in menopause: hormones, stress load, sleep disruption, nutrition gaps, alcohol, iron deficiency, toxin exposure, overcommitting your timeWhat to check if you’re always tired: iron levels, sleep routine, daily stressors, diet quality, hydration, environmental chemicalsBoundaries = energy: how saying no protects your reservesMove to make energy: why any movement helps (especially when you don’t feel like it)Build more energy (no coffee required): where you can startEye-opening statistic: though we may be living long now, 70% of people over 60 are in po

Struggling with memory lapses, brain fog, or feeling like you’re losing your edge during menopause? In this empowering episode of the Menopause Conversations podcast, host Angela Counsel explains why these symptoms are common—and what you can do about them. Drawing from cutting-edge neuroscience and her own experiences, Angela reveals that your brain isn’t breaking down—it’s upgrading.Discover the real reason behind menopausal brain fog as Angela compares the brain’s hormonal rewiring to a chaotic home renovation. She unpacks how the communication between your brain, ovaries, and adrenal glands shifts during this transition, and what that means for your focus, decision-making, and emotional clarity.Angela also explores practical, science-based strategies to support your brain:

In this insightful episode, Angela unpacks a powerful truth: not every symptom you’re experiencing is automatically “just menopause.” From brain fog and weight gain to low energy and hair loss, many of the signs we blame on hormones might have deeper underlying causes.Is the shift in your hormones the cause of your symptoms or triggering some of the symptoms that your hormones were previously masking from other underlying issues?Angela explores:How thyroid dysfunction (including subclinical issues) may be flying under the radar.The role of nutrient deficiencies like iron, zinc, magnesium, and calcium.Why insulin resistance and that stubborn “meno belly” are often overlooked.The impact of chronic stress and high cortisol on digestion, hormones, and weight.Practical lifestyle shifts for reducing internal stress and supporting your body naturally.This is a must-listen if you’ve ever been dismissed, told “it’s just your age” or just intuitively know something is not quite right. You’ll walk away with a clearer pi

Do You Have a Health Plan for Midlife and Beyond?You have a business plan. You have a financial plan. But what about a health plan?In this episode of the Menopause Conversations podcast, Angela poses one of the most important — and overlooked — questions midlife women need to ask themselves:Do I have a plan for my health as I age?With honesty and insight, Angela dives into the concept of health span vs. lifespan, and there’s a difference you probably haven't considered. Most women begin to experience a noticeable health decline around the age of 63 BUT that doesn't have to be your reality.She explores the everyday symptoms so many women brush off or tolerate — brain fog, fatigue, sleep disturbances, weight gain, aches and pains, hot flushes, rising blood pressure or cholesterol — and explains how these are signals your body is out of balance, not just inevitable signs of aging.You’ll also hear:The real reason symptoms only show up once the body is already under stress.What movement does to your brain and horm

Welcome to Series 5 of Menopause Conversations with your host Angela Counsel! After a short break, we're back—and this season, we're diving deep into a topic that is not talked about enough: the impact of menopause on women running businesses, leading teams, and holding corporate roles.In this powerful opening episode, Angela shares personal stories and expert insights on how hormonal shifts affect your brain, energy, confidence, and ability to show up in your work. She explains why symptoms like brain fog, disrupted sleep, and burnout aren't just "part of the deal"—and what you can do to take back control.Angela introduces the idea of becoming the CEO of your health, with real, actionable strategies to help you thrive both personally and professionally during menopause. Learn why your schedule, energy cycles, and even the way you eat and move might need a reset—and how aligning your lifestyle with your biology can change everything.✨ Whether you're a business owner, leader, or career-driven woman navigating

This year has marked a significant shift in how menopause is perceived and discussed, both globally and in our region. We've witnessed a great move towards openness and support.In Australia we have seen a Senate inquiry into perimenopause and menopause, resulting in 25 recommendations aimed at better supporting women. In New Zealand, we’ve seen organisations like Gender at Work being instrumental in promoting menopause awareness and celebrating World Menopause Day on October 18, 2024, with resources designed to smash stigma and highlight support options.Globally, high-profile women like Michelle Obama, Naomi Watts, Halle Berry & more, have been candid about their menopause journeys, further normalising the conversation and advocating for increased research and education on menopause. In addition to this, we talk through some other key highlights including:Menopause-inclusive workplace initiatives in New Zealand and beyond.Breakthrough research on hormone therapy and its impact on health.Lifestyle Implica

Were you aware of Australia's Senate inquiry into Menopause over the past few months?If not, you're not alone. In today’s episode of Menopause Conversations, I’m joined by Sonya Lovell, an advocate for challenging societal stigmas and taboos, and for promoting better education and resources for all people as they transition through menopause.Sonya’s journey began at 47 when she experienced induced menopause due to breast cancer treatment. Feeling overwhelmed, unsupported, and under-educated about menopause, Sonya struggled to understand what was happening to her rapidly changing health. Experiencing anxiety, mild depression, and a host of other physical symptoms, Sonya set off on a mission to understand everything she could about peri-menopause and menopause. This has led her to recently presenting at the Senate inquiry into Peri-Menopause and Menopause, and she’s here to discuss:What a Senate inquiry is and why it was necessaryWhat unfolded during the inquiryWho participated, including people with lived expe

Have you found yourself wondering why your body feels off-kilter during the menopause transition? It might be time to look deeper into your gut health. Imagine your body as a symphony orchestra. Each hormone plays an essential role, but the one conducting the gig is your gut. There is more to your gut than just digestion, it's central to hormone balance. In this episode of Menopause Conversations we explore how different hormones are influenced by your gut such as:Serotonin - Your Feel Good MaestroMelatonin - Your Sleep RegulatorThyroid Hormones - Your Metabolic PacesettersOestrogen - Your Feminine EssenceWe'll also look at the signs your gut is giving you when it needs help and when it may be time to seek professional help. If you think your gut is fine, sometimes the signs are more subtle than you expect so I'll share how you can bring your gut and hormones back into harmony. To top it off, I share some tips to build a sustainable routine. Consistency is key when it comes to your gut health and when you tak

Menopause changes more than your hormones—it transforms your skin, also.In this episode of Menopause Conversations, we highlight the surprising ways menopause impacts your skin and how you can take charge of your skin’s health with natural, effective strategies.Many women will experience dryness, wrinkles, dullness, or sensitivity during perimenopause and beyond, but it’s not just because you're “getting older.” Hormonal shifts, particularly declining oestrogen levels, play a big role in hydration, elasticity, and collagen production. Beyond hormones, factors like gut health, hydration, and stress management all influence how our skin looks and feels.In this episode, we uncover:What’s Behind the Changes? Explore how declining oestrogen impacts hydration, elasticity, and collagen production, leading to dryness, wrinkles, and thinning skin.Gut Health and Skin: Learn why your gut microbiome (especially the estrobolome) is key to clear, glowing skin and how to naturally support gut health with prebiotic foods and

If you are noticing thinning hair or unexpected facial hair growth during menopause this episode is for you. Today in the Menopause Conversations Podcast, we dive into the causes of hair loss during menopause, from hormonal imbalances to thyroid issues, stress, and nutrient deficiencies. I'll walk you through practical steps to manage hair loss and support regrowth, including tips on managing stress, checking androgen levels, and supplementing with essential nutrients like zinc. Plus, I explain the hair growth cycle and why patience is key. Tune in to take control of your hair health and find ways to support a full, vibrant look and if you haven't already, join the Menopause Conversations Facebook Group for more support, discussions and encouragement on all things Menopause!Want to learn more about the menopause transition? Join my upcoming FREE workshop on the Secret to Thriving in Menopause without HRT. Register at bit.ly/thrivemenopauseFollow me on social media - Facebook or https://www.instagram.com/ange

Have you noticed strange, new allergy symptoms creeping in during perimenopause?Whether it’s recurring headaches, itchy skin, sinus congestion, brain fog, heightened anxiety or even eczema, these symptoms could be a result of fluctuating hormones that spike your body’s histamine levels. In this episode of Menopause Conversations, we dive into the surprising reason behind why allergies often worsen in menopause and, more importantly, how you can find natural relief.I uncover how estrogen and histamine interact in the body, often creating an “allergy storm” as estrogen fluctuates during perimenopause. From sinus issues to hives and everything in between, many symptoms are a result of the interplay between histamine and hormonal shifts.What We’ll Explore:The Role of Hormones in Allergy Flare-ups – Understand why perimenopause triggers histamine intolerance and mast cell activation, making you more sensitive to allergens than before.Natural Dietary Adjustments – Discover foods to avoid (like aged cheese, wine, an

If migraines are showing up in your life for the first time, seem to be increasing or have become debilitating, put the Panadol aside and take a listen to this episode of Menopause Conversations. We explore why migraines become more severe during perimenopause, the cause and what you can do to help alleviate them. As you may have suspected, HORMONES are the key contributors as we ride the rollercoaster of fluctuating hormones during the menopause transition, and I will walk you through what exactly is happening with your hormones and look at some natural strategies you can use to manage and reduce migraine frequency and severity. I cover:Supplements, like MagnesiumFoods to avoid & overall dietary changesHow to manage exerciseSleepMind-body practicesEssential oilsAnd much moreThere is a lot within your control once you understand what is going on in your body and what you can be doing to help reduce debilitating migraines. Remember, you don’t have to do it alone!  If sleep is one of the key areas you

Join us as we take a trip down memory lane and my conversation with Angela Raspass. Angela is a coach and mentor who specialises in helping women create "next chapter" businesses. Whether it’s the second, third, or even fourth chapter of life, Angela guides women as they explore new ventures. Together, we discuss the importance of face-to-face connections and the longing many women feel for something different, especially as their children become more independent. Angela highlights the power of following your heart and overcoming the common challenge of self-doubt. Her advice? Act with confidence, and the feeling of confidence will follow. There’s so much wisdom in this episode, and I’m excited for you to hear it. Learn more about Angela here. Follow her on Facebook and/or Instagram. Enjoy the conversation!Want to learn more about the menopause transition? Join my upcoming FREE workshop on the Secret to Thriving in Menopause without HRT. Register at bit.ly/thrivemenopauseFollow me on social media - Facebook

In this inspiring episode of Menopause Conversations I sat down with Carren Smith, a recognised Australian number 1 International Speaker, who's talks often focus on overcoming adversity, personal transformation and finding purpose. As a survivor of the Bali bombings, Carren faced immense tragedy, losing her two best friends in the attack and endured years of depression. She draws on her own experience of trauma and recovery to inspire audiences worldwide making her a prominent figure in resilience, self-discovery and spiritual growth. What happened in Bali transformed Carren's life and led her to discover the power of universal connection.Carren shares her journey from a high-achieving, Type-A businesswoman to someone who now lives with "effortless ease." Together, we dive into meaningful topics such as letting go, acceptance, ego versus essence, and discovering your true self, especially in midlife when so many women begin to question their purpose and identity.This episode offers deep insight into:The diff

Is Fear keeping you small, creating self-doubt and affecting your ability to make decisions in your life and live the life you want?In this week's Menopause Conversations episode I revisit a conversation I had with Tegan Marshall, author of several books, including Facing Fears and Courage to be Brave.Tegan’s passion is to make a difference in someone else’ life, making their journey a little easier by providing inspirational role models she never had and help to ignite courage in others so they can live a truly magnificent life of freedom. In whatever form freedom means to them. Tegan and I talk about some of my fears and how I can overcome them and while this was a bit of a personal coaching session for me, the information that Tegan shares is valuable for everyone. She helps us understand and gives us tools to identify fear:What we are really afraid of.  What is in our control.Tips to help anyone that may notice a continual fear that keeps coming up, to manage this - including, breaking your fear

In this week's episode of Menopause Conversations, I sit down with Lynda Dyer, an accomplished coach, speaker, and author of 11 best-selling books, as well as an NLP Master Trainer, to explore the mindset around aging. We live in a society that often glorifies youth, leaving many older women feeling invisible or unworthy. But is it solely society’s influence, or do our personal and family beliefs about aging play a role too?Lynda, the author of Age is an Attitude, shares insights on how we can reshape our experience of growing older by changing our perspective on aging. She also dives into fascinating research by Dr. Mario Martinez, a clinical neuropsychologist, who examines how cultural beliefs impact our health and longevity.Lynda's key takeaway? Let go of anything that no longer serves you as you embrace the journey of aging. For Lynda, 70 is the new 50. To learn more about Lynda’s work or explore her books, visit https://lynda-dyer.comShare your biggest takeaway from this conversation on Instagram or Face

In this episode of the Menopause Conversations Podcast, I chat with Tantra Intimacy Coach Taryn Harvey about important and often shied away from topics surrounding intimacy, especially post children. Taryn shares her unique journey from pharmaceutical rep to being a Tantra Coach who teaches men and women how to re-connect to their sensuality. We covered a range of topics including:The difference between sex and intimacy.The role of self-love in relationships.Reclaiming your sexuality and sensuality.The shame of talking about intimacy and sex.The definition of Tantra and the misconceptions about it. Healing our wounds as women.Reconnecting with pleasure, especially after having children.Empowering yourself again as a woman.Taryn also offers three simple tips for re-connecting to our sensual energy. To learn more about the work that Taryn does, visit her website tantricmedicinewoman.com or follow her on Facebook and Instagram. Want to learn more about the menopause transition? Join my upcoming FREE workshop on

This week's podcast topic is such an important one as we focus on Menopause in the Workplace. For many years the topic of menopause was not discussed in public and certainly was not spoken about in the workplace. In fact, a study showed that when asked, women felt a sense of secrecy, isolation, being too scared to speak up because of the stigma around the topic and being discriminated against. One in four women consider leaving their job when in menopause, yet, more and more menopausal women are in the workplace, so it is so important that we start talking about what is happening to them and find ways to assist them to fulfil their job roles. Women report that their greatest concern at work is their brain fog and inability to retain information, this leaves them fearing that they will lose their jobs and impacts their confidence. This is where my guest Thea O'Connor comes in. Thea's program 'menopause at work' focusses on helping organisation's become menopause-friendly through awareness, education and small

On this week's episode of Menopause Conversations we revisit a previous episode (previously the Wise Women Conversations Podcast), and look at what happens to relationships as you move through your menopause years.For some women it is a time of new beginnings, for others it is a time of endings, and some may find relationships challenging so in this episode I chat with Couples Counsellor Iman Iskander to talk through all of this.Iman shares the different stages a relationship goes through and what happens if we happen to get stuck at a particular stage of relationship development. We also talk about women who “stay for the kids” and what happens once their kids are older and no longer dependent on them.Relationships with one person for a lifetime can be hard, but are we really supposed to be with the same person for our entire adult life? This is the question that I ask Iman and she shares different research studies that show whether this is a good thing or not. This leads to a conversation about different cu