The Perimenopause & Midlife Podcast
Dry vagina. Rage. Belly fat.Welcome to The Perimenopause & Midlife Podcast — a space for the conversations women are living, but rarely talking about openly.In this podcast, we talk honestly about symptoms, mental health, identity shifts, confidence, boundaries, and the deep personal changes that often arrive in midlife.I’ll be sitting down with leading health and mental health experts, women navigating perimenopause right now, and organisations working to better support women in the workplace.This isn’t just about hormones — it’s about culture, mindset, self-trust, and how we stop shrinking ourselves in a stage of life where we deserve to...
Perimenopause Hair Loss: From Thinning Hair to Finding Your Confidence Again – Michelle Follington
🎙️ EPISODE DESCRIPTION:
Hair loss can be one of the more confronting changes women experience through perimenopause, yet it’s something we rarely talk about.
In this episode, I’m speaking with Michelle Follington, Wig Consultant and founder of Blossom Wigs, about perimenopause hair loss, thinning hair and the impact these changes can have on confidence and identity.
Michelle explains some of the hair and scalp changes women may notice through midlife and takes us through the options available when hair begins to thin, including toppers, wigs, synthetic and human hair, and integrated hair systems...
Your Blood Test Results Are Normal. So Why Don’t You Feel Normal? – Dr Swaroopini Thangarajah
🎙️ EPISODE DESCRIPTION:
Have you ever been told your blood test results are “normal”, yet you still don’t feel like yourself?
In this episode, I’m speaking with Dr Swaroopini Thangarajah, General Practitioner Obstetrician, about perimenopause, women’s health and patient advocacy.
We discuss when symptoms may need further investigation, including fatigue, weight changes, poor sleep and pain, and how conditions such as iron deficiency, thyroid dysfunction, insulin resistance and PCOM can overlap with perimenopause.
We also explore how to advocate for yourself, prepare for appointments and keep asking questions when something still...
Meno Divorce: Is It Your Hormones or Your Relationship? – Narelle Dickinson
🎙️ EPISODE DESCRIPTION:
Is perimenopause changing your relationship, or making it harder to ignore what was already there?
In this episode, I’m speaking with Narelle Dickinson, Clinical and Health Psychologist, about relationships, meno divorce, perimenopause and intimacy, and why midlife can bring long-standing relationship dynamics into sharper focus.
We explore the impact of hormonal changes alongside poor sleep, stress, mental load, teenagers, ageing parents, career pressures and years of unmet needs. Narelle also shares how women can step back from overwhelm, reflect on what is really happening in their relationship and have mo...
The Midlife Strength Training Guide: What Actually Works – Shawn Maftounian
🎙️ EPISODE DESCRIPTION:
What does strength training actually need to look like in midlife?
In this episode, I’m speaking with Shawn Maftounian, Founder & Director of Prestige Personalised Training, about how women can approach strength training, progressive overload and midlife fitness without getting lost in conflicting advice or complicated workouts.
We talk about why building and protecting muscle becomes increasingly important as we age, how often women need to strength train, how to know whether you’re lifting heavy enough, and why soreness isn’t necessarily a sign of a good workout.
Shawn also...
You’ve Raised the Kids. Built the Career. Now What? – Jules Brooke
🎙️ EPISODE DESCRIPTION:
You’ve raised the kids, built the career and spent years doing what needed to be done. So what happens when midlife arrives and you start asking, “What do I want now?”
In this episode, I’m speaking with Jules Brooke, Business Mentor and founder of She’s The Boss, about why so many women in their 40s, 50s and beyond are rethinking work, purpose and what they want from the second half of life.
We explore midlife reinvention, women in business and menopause, including why women are leaving traditional careers, the impact of a...
She Had Osteopenia at 36: What Every Midlife Woman Needs to Know – Nicole Cassey
🎙️ EPISODE DESCRIPTION:
What if something as important as your bone health was changing long before you knew to look for it?
In this episode, I’m speaking with Nicole Cassey, founder of HeraVita, about her unexpected diagnosis of osteopenia at just 36, her strong family history of osteoporosis, and why women need to think about preventative health much earlier.
We also explore bone health, menopause and women’s health, including the role of strength training, vitamin D, hormone therapy and self-advocacy.
Nicole shares how her own changing body through midlife led to HeraVita...
Why You’re Gaining Belly Fat Even Though Nothing Has Changed – Dr Avi Charlton
🎙️ EPISODE DESCRIPTION:
Why can belly fat suddenly become harder to shift in midlife, even when you feel like you haven’t changed anything?
In this episode, I’m speaking with Dr Avi Charlton, GP, speaker, best-selling author, podcast host and thought leader in lifestyle medicine, about insulin resistance, metabolic health and why our bodies may need a different approach as we move through perimenopause.
We explore how insulin can influence fat storage, the signs of insulin resistance women may overlook, GLP-1 medications, intermittent fasting, protein, strength training and why there is no one-size-fits-all approach...
The Good Girl Is Exhausted: It’s Time to Find Yourself Again – Katherine Sayson
🎙️ EPISODE DESCRIPTION:
Have you spent so much of your life being the capable one, the peacekeeper and the woman everyone can rely on that you’ve lost touch with what you actually want?
In this episode, I’m speaking with Katherine Sayson, Speaker, Author and Founder of the Bold Purpose Collective, about the hidden emotional patterns that can keep high-capacity women living through performance rather than purpose.
We explore the “good girl” identity, people-pleasing, over giving and the pressure women can feel to carry everything while insisting they’re “fine”. Katherine shares how midlife and perimen...
You’re Not Having a Midlife Crisis: You’re Simply Outgrowing Your Old Life – Bianca Caruana
🎙️ EPISODE DESCRIPTION:
What if you’re not having a midlife crisis at all, but simply outgrowing the version of yourself you’ve been?
In this episode, I’m speaking with Bianca Caruana, Ceremonial Guide, Holistic Counsellor and founder of The Goddess Temple in Brisbane, about the emotional and identity shifts that can occur through perimenopause and midlife.
We explore why women can feel disconnected, overwhelmed or lost during this transition, and how years of pushing through, caring for others and trying to fit into expectations can leave us unsure of who we are underneath...
It’s Not Just Your Hormones: The Missing Pieces in Perimenopause – Kristy Hollis
🎙️ EPISODE DESCRIPTION:
What if your perimenopause symptoms are not just about your hormones?
In this episode, I’m speaking with Naturopath, Herbalist, Mentor and Women’s Health Advocate Kristy Hollis about the often-overlooked factors that influence how women feel through perimenopause.
We explore chronic stress, nervous system overload, nutrition, herbal medicine, lifestyle, connection and what can happen after years of pushing through.
Kristy shares her own experience of chronic stress and why slowing down, supporting the nervous system and looking at the whole person matters. We also discuss practical everyday strategies, personali...
Five Losses in Five Years: Grief, Hormones & Healing – Sanja Jovanovic
🎙️ EPISODE DESCRIPTION:
What happens when profound grief collides with the physical and emotional changes of perimenopause?
In this deeply moving episode, I’m speaking with Sanja Jovanovic, who experienced five close losses within five years, including the death of her husband of nearly three decades. This devastating period unfolded alongside her own perimenopause journey, leaving her navigating grief, brain fog, exhaustion, disrupted sleep, identity changes and significant health challenges.
Sanja shares how grief affected her physically as well as emotionally, why she learned to advocate fiercely for her health and how small routines helped...
Fitness After 40: Why Midlife Women Need to Train Differently – Mish Wright
What if the exercise advice you once followed no longer works for your body in midlife?
In this episode, I’m speaking with award-winning women’s health and fitness educator Mish Wright about creating a more flexible, personalised and supportive approach to movement during perimenopause.
Mish shares how traditional fitness methods contributed to her pelvic floor dysfunction and prolapse, leading her to challenge an industry largely built around research on young, fit men.
We explore what strength training really means, why mobility matters more as we age and how pushing harder when your ener...
80% of Women Lose Confidence at Work During Perimenopause - Susan Judd
🎙️ EPISODE DESCRIPTION:
What happens when perimenopause affects your confidence, memory and performance at work?
In this episode, I’m speaking with Susan Judd, Leadership Coach and founder of Hot, Foggy & Fabulous, about perimenopause in the workplace.
Susan shares findings from her research: 80% of women surveyed felt less confident professionally, 70% experienced changes to communication or memory in meetings, and 60% stepped back from leadership opportunities, projects or promotions.
We explore how brain fog, anxiety, poor sleep, fatigue, hot flushes and emotional changes can be mistaken for poor performance or attitude, leaving capable women questio...
Career, Capacity & Burnout in Midlife: Stop Pushing Through - Narelle Vigor
🎙️ EPISODE DESCRIPTION:
What happens when the career and pace you once managed no longer fit your changing capacity?
In this episode, I’m speaking with Narelle Vigor, Registered Professional Career Counsellor and founder of Soul Compass, about burnout, identity shifts and the challenges women face during perimenopause and midlife.
We explore why many capable women feel they can no longer keep up, how hormonal changes, sleep disruption, brain fog and caregiving impact confidence, and why pushing harder isn’t the answer.
Narelle also shares why more women are turning to self-employment, the risks...
Rebirthing Yourself: The Midlife Shift Women Must Embrace - Briony Montgomery
🎙️ EPISODE DESCRIPTION:
In this episode, I am speaking with Briony Montgomery, a psychotherapist and somatic practitioner, about the nervous system, survival mode, emotional overwhelm, rage, grief, people pleasing and the deep identity shift that can happen during perimenopause and midlife.
Briony shares how stress and trauma live in the body, why old coping patterns can stop working in this season of life, and how somatic therapy can help women reconnect with safety, power, pleasure and purpose.
We also explore why midlife can feel like a rebirth, how rage can become a source of clari...
Is Your Body Built for the Plan You’re Following? DNA, Epigenetics & Midlife Weight Gain
🎙️ EPISODE DESCRIPTION:
In this episode, I am speaking with Michele Scherr, a former Defence Nursing Officer turned precision health practitioner, about why so many high-functioning women in midlife feel like their body has stopped responding the way it used to.
We explore the connection between DNA, epigenetics, body type, stress load, hormones and midlife weight gain, and why generic advice around food, exercise and routines may not work for every woman in perimenopause.
Michele shares how your environment, daily rhythms, nervous system, body design and capacity can influence symptoms like fatigue, poor sleep, stubb...
It Might Not Be Your Hormones: A Deeper Look At Perimenopause & Midlife Health - Sonia Savage
🎙️ EPISODE DESCRIPTION:
In this episode, I’m speaking with Sonia Savage, Functional Nutritionist and owner of Balanced Life Nutrition, about why perimenopause symptoms may not always be purely hormonal.
Sonia shares how root cause healing looks at the bigger picture, including gut health, nutrient status, methylation, genetics, stress, environmental factors and a woman’s full health timeline.
We also discuss why many women are told their blood tests are “normal” despite still feeling exhausted, foggy, inflamed, anxious, or unlike themselves.
IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN:
Why symptoms may no...
Habits Of High Performers You Can Implement In Real Life - Dr Jo Lukins
🎙️ EPISODE DESCRIPTION:
What can women in midlife learn from elite athletes, CEOs, and Australia's top defence personnel?
In this episode, I'm joined by high-performance psychologist Dr Jo Lukins to explore the habits, mindset shifts, and simple daily practices that help people perform at their best, regardless of whether they're competing on a sporting field, leading an organisation, or simply navigating the demands of everyday life.
We discuss why success is built on small habits done consistently, how to stop letting perfectionism get in the way of progress, and practical strategies to help you creat...
The Midlife Reset: Creating A Home That Supports You - Jane Langof
🎙️ EPISODE DESCRIPTION:
Could the layout, energy and clutter in your home be influencing your sleep, stress levels, mood and even your libido?
In this fascinating episode, I'm speaking with Feng Shui Master Jane Langof about how our environment can impact the way we feel physically, mentally and emotionally. We explore the principles of Feng Shui in a practical and modern way and discuss simple changes women can make to create more calm, harmony and wellbeing in their homes.
From bedroom layouts and sleep quality to clutter, energy flow and creating a space that suppo...
Under-Fuelling, The Hidden Cause Of Weight Gain - Annie Barry
🎙️ EPISODE DESCRIPTION:
In this episode, I’m speaking with Accredited Practising Dietitian Annie Barry about why so many women in perimenopause struggle with weight, cravings, overeating, and feeling constantly hungry, despite trying so hard to “eat less.”
We unpack the connection between under-fuelling, blood sugar balance, stress, sleep, hormones, meal structure, and the unrealistic dieting advice many women have followed for decades.
This conversation is incredibly practical, reassuring, and refreshing for women who feel frustrated by midlife weight changes and overwhelmed by conflicting nutrition advice.
If you’ve ever found yourself skipping meal...
Midlife Fashion Style, That Has You Feeling & Looking Confident & Amazing Again – Lorna Woodcock
🎙️ EPISODE DESCRIPTION:
In this episode, I’m speaking with Personal Stylist and Colour Analyst Lorna Woodcock about midlife fashion, confidence, body shape changes, and learning how to dress for the woman you are today.
We discuss how perimenopause and aging can impact the way women feel in their clothes, why so many women lose confidence in midlife, and how understanding your body shape, proportions, personal style, and colour palette can completely change the way you shop and dress.
This conversation is about so much more than fashion trends.
It’s about confidenc...
Understanding Your Hormones & Feeling More In Control Again - Terri Batsakis
🎙️ EPISODE DESCRIPTION:
In this solo episode, I unpack 9 key hormones and brain chemicals that can significantly influence women during perimenopause and menopause, including oestrogen, progesterone, testosterone, cortisol, insulin, serotonin, dopamine, oxytocin, and melatonin.
I explain how hormonal shifts may impact mood, energy, sleep, cravings, stress, motivation, confidence, weight changes, and overall wellbeing during midlife.
We also discuss why perimenopause is a natural life transition, much like puberty, and the practical lifestyle strategies that may help women feel more supported, informed, and in control again.
This episode is educational, empowering, and designed to he...
From Gut Health To Stress: Supporting Your Hormones Properly - Adrian Stone
EPISODE DESCRIPTION:
In this episode, I’m speaking with Adrian Stone, holistic nutritionist and naturopath, about a more personalised and root-cause approach to supporting women through perimenopause.
We explore how looking beyond symptoms and understanding the bigger picture can help you better navigate hormonal changes in midlife.
IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN:
Why a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work in perimenopauseHow gut health directly impacts hormone balanceThe role of stress and past experiences on your hormonesWhat functional testing can reveal beyond standard blood testsSimple, practical ways to support your body r...Wellbeing Intelligence: The Missing Piece To Your Health And Happiness In Midlife - Angela Lee Jenkins
🎙️ EPISODE DESCRIPTION:
In this episode, I’m speaking with Angela Lee Jenkins, leadership wellbeing consultant, speaker and coach, about what she calls wellbeing intelligence and why it matters more than ever for women in midlife.
We explore how stress, leadership demands, family life and internal expectations can impact your nervous system, and how small, intentional shifts can help you feel more grounded, in control and connected to yourself again.
This is a powerful conversation that goes beyond surface-level strategies and into what really supports your wellbeing day to day.
IN THIS...
From Clitoral Atrophy to UTIs: The Unspoken Changes No Woman Should Ignore - Tanya Leake
🎙️ EPISODE DESCRIPTION:
In this episode of The Perimenopause & Midlife Podcast, I’m speaking with Tanya Leake about the deeply personal and often overlooked vaginal, urinary, hormonal, and emotional changes women can experience during perimenopause and menopause.
We discuss the topics many women are silently experiencing but rarely talking about openly, including clitoral atrophy, recurrent UTIs, painful intimacy, confidence changes, and the emotional impact menopause can have on identity and relationships.
This conversation is honest, empowering, educational, and packed with practical insights to help women better understand what may be happening in their bodies during...
Why You’re Tired, Hungry & Not Seeing Results And How To Fuel Properly In Perimenopause - Karen Aroney
🎙️ EPISODE DESCRIPTION
In this episode, I’m speaking with Karen Aroney, Nutritionist and Women’s Health Specialist, about how high-achieving women can fuel their bodies to train, perform, and feel better in perimenopause.
We explore why so many women feel like their body has stopped responding, despite doing everything “right”, and how under-fuelling, inconsistent eating, and diet culture may be holding them back.
Karen shares a practical, evidence-based approach to nutrition that supports energy, performance, and long-term results without restriction.
IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN:
Why high-performing women often fee...Why You Feel “Off” In Perimenopause (And How To Fix It) - Dr Blanche Cruz
🎙️ EPISODE DESCRIPTION:
In this episode, I’m speaking with Dr. Blanche Cruz, modern acupuncturist, about how a holistic approach can support women through perimenopause.
We explore the physical and emotional changes many women experience, including the feeling of being “outside yourself,” and how this relates to what Chinese medicine refers to as blood deficiency.
Blanche shares how acupuncture, nutrition, lifestyle, and nervous system regulation work together to support hormone balance, energy, and overall wellbeing.
IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN:
• Why many women feel ungrounded or disconnected in perimenopaus...
Brain Fog, Low Libido & Vaginal Dryness: The Truth About Menopause - Dr Marita Long
🎙️ EPISODE DESCRIPTION:
In this first episode, I'm joined by Dr Marita Long, GP and President Elect of the Australasian Menopause Society, to unpack the medical side of perimenopause.
Together, we break down hormone therapy, vaginal dryness, libido changes, testing, and what is actually worth paying attention to in midlife.
This conversation brings clarity to a space that often feels confusing and overwhelming, with a strong focus on evidence-based guidance.
IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN:
When hormone therapy is appropriate and who it is forWhy vaginal dryness is common...My Perimenopause Journey & The 5 Pillars That Changed Everything - Coach Terri Batsakis
🎙️ EPISODE DESCRIPTION:
In this powerful launch episode of The Perimenopause & Midlife Podcast, host Terri Batsakis shares her deeply personal journey through trauma, health struggles, burnout, perimenopause, and the life-changing lessons that led her to create her 5 Pillars to Harmonise Your Hormones Through Menopause.
Terri opens up about her own battle with anorexia, depression, adrenal fatigue, thyroid dysfunction, hormonal chaos, business burnout, and ultimately closing the doors to the fitness business she had built over 13 years.
This episode is more than a personal story.
It is a mission.
A mission to cr...
The Perimenopause & Midlife Podcast - Trailer
Dry vagina. Rage. Belly fat.
Welcome to The Perimenopause & Midlife Podcast, hosted by Terri Batsakis, Health, Nutrition, and Mindset Coach for women in midlife, and Menopause Coaching Specialist. This is a space for the conversations women are living, but rarely talking about openly.
The podcast will be officially launching on the 11th of May, celebrating Mother's Day.
In this podcast, we talk honestly about symptoms, mental health, identity shifts, confidence, boundaries, and the deep personal changes that often arrive in midlife.
I’ll be sitting down with leading health and mental he...
