160 Staying strong and healing well with Dr Kristie Ennis

Stella Duffy is an award-winning writer of 17 novels, over 70 short stories and 15 plays who’s also worked in theatre for 35 years as an actor, director and facilitator. She’s a psychotherapist and a yoga teacher. She recently completed her doctorate in existential psychotherapy and her research was in the embodied experience of post-menopause. She’s been post-menopausal since chemotherapy for breast cancer in her mid-30s. Stella has been active in equalities and diversity work in the arts and LGBTQ+ communities for many decades.

We talk about:

- Stella’s experience of menopause coinciding with six months of chemotherapy

- Menopause as a global issue

- Challenging existing narratives

- Societal factors and the impact of money

- Cultural differences in menopause

- The UK’s influence on menopause narratives

- Alternative perspectives on menopause

- The importance of lifestyle factors

- Societal perceptions of post-menopausal women in a patriarchal culture

- Dismantling misogynistic stereotypes

- Being inclusive about societal expectations and challenges related to aging

- The societal pressure on women regarding fertility and how it contributes to defining their value.

And more! This is such a rich and empowering conversation.

 

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share it and leave us a 5* review on iTunes or wherever you’re listening.

Order the ebook or audiobook (narrated by Rachel) versions of Rachel’s book, Magnificent Midlife: Transform Your Middle Years, Menopause And Beyond at magnificentmidlife.com/book

The paperback can be purchased on Amazon or other online retailers:

UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/

US & Canada: https://www.amazon.com/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/

Australia: https://www.amazon.com.au/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/

You can listen to all the other episodes and get the show notes at magnificentmidlife.com/podcast.

Recommended by the Sunday Times.

Feedspot #3 in best midlife podcasts and #14 in best women over 50 podcasts worldwide.

You'll find lots of strategies, support, and resources to help make your midlife magnificent at magnificentmidlife.com.

Check out Rachel's online Revitalize Experience, a 6-week intensive small group mentoring experience or 1-1 Midlife Mentoring.

Dr Kristie Ennis is a physical therapist, nutritionist, and strength and conditioning specialist. She wants to empower people to do more than they think they can and realize they are stronger than they think they are. She has a fantastic YouTube channel, which is where podcast host Rachel found her when she injured her knee.

We talk about:

- The importance of letting the body heal itself

- Fascia and its importance in body movement

- The importance of drinking enough fluid 

- The dangers of sitting too long

- Hormone related aches and pains in women

- The importance of considering the whole body when addressing pain

- How hormonal changes in menopause can contribute to weight gain and fat distribution

- Exercise and injury prevention for older adults

- Common injuries in older adults

- Strengthening the glutes

- Pelvic floor exercises and common mistakes in women’s fitness

- Fitness and nutrition for a healthy lifestyle

- Cardio exercise guidelines and options

And more!

 

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share it and leave us a 5* review on iTunes or wherever you’re listening.

Order the ebook or audiobook (narrated by Rachel) versions of Rachel’s book, Magnificent Midlife: Transform Your Middle Years, Menopause And Beyond at magnificentmidlife.com/book

The paperback can be purchased on Amazon or other online retailers:

UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/

US & Canada: https://www.amazon.com/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/

Australia: https://www.amazon.com.au/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/

You can listen to all the other episodes and get the show notes at magnificentmidlife.com/podcast.

Recommended by the Sunday Times.

Feedspot #3 in best midlife podcasts and #14 in best women over 50 podcasts worldwide.

You'll find lots of strategies, support, and resources to help make your midlife magnificent at magnificentmidlife.com.

Check out Rachel's online Revitalize Experience, a 6-week intensive small group mentoring experience or 1-1 Midlife Mentoring.

Pamela Windle joins the podcast to talk about menopause, at work, for Black women, diversity of experience, the importance of representation and staying curious about big statements about women’s health, especially when those relate to race. Pamela is a women’s health coach and menstruation and menopause consultant for the workplace. She trained with the Integrated Women’s Health Institute and the International Menopause Society. She’s an adviser to the British Standards Institute for the new standard on menstruation, menstrual health and menopause in the workplace.

We talk about:

- Menopause and perimenopause in the workplace

- The new BSI standard on menstruation and menopause in the workplace

- Pamela’s personal experiences with perimenopause, challenging societal shame and embarrassment around menstruation and aging

- Emphasizing the diversity of women’s experiences and the importance of self-care

- Scepticism about research on menopause for Black women 

- The lack of representation of Black women in medical research

- The importance of including diverse perspectives in medical research 

- Still being perimenopausal at 57

- The spread of misinformation about menopause

- Menopause and HRT stigmatization in the UK

- Black women and risk of cancer

- Menopause and hormone imbalance for Black women

And more!

 

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share it and leave us a 5* review on iTunes or wherever you’re listening.

Order the ebook or audiobook (narrated by Rachel) versions of Rachel’s book, Magnificent Midlife: Transform Your Middle Years, Menopause And Beyond at magnificentmidlife.com/book

The paperback can be purchased on Amazon or other online retailers:

UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/

US & Canada: https://www.amazon.com/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/

Australia: https://www.amazon.com.au/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/

You can listen to all the other episodes and get the show notes at magnificentmidlife.com/podcast.

Recommended by the Sunday Times.

Feedspot #3 in best midlife podcasts and #14 in best women over 50 podcasts worldwide.

You'll find lots of strategies, support, and resources to help make your midlife magnificent at magnificentmidlife.com.

Check out Rachel's online Revitalize Experience, a 6-week intensive small group mentoring experience or 1-1 Midlife Mentoring.

Cat Corchado is a US Air Force veteran turned founder of the Small Space Pilates Community. She’s made it her mission to help women veterans transition from the military, and is the host of the Sisters in Service podcast.

We talk about:

- Why Cat is still very active in the military community

- Women veterans’ transition challenges and successes

- The Sisters in Service podcast

- The importance of identifying oneself beyond military service (as the transition to civilian life can be challenging)

- What first took Cat into the military and where she served

- Cat’s transition from the military and feeling a sense of loss and uncertainty after leaving 

- The importance of acknowledging and embracing ones veteran status

- Recognizing and supporting veterans in the UK and US

- Cat’s experience of being a single parent in the military 

- Cat’s journey of leaving the corporate world for fitness full-time

- The importance of weightlifting for women especially as they age

- The negative impact of ageism on women’s fitness and the importance of challenging these stereotypes

- Why women need to do Pilates

- The importance of finding a qualified Pilates instructor who can tailor the workout to your needs and goals

- The danger of burnout and getting stuck in busyness

And more!

 

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share it and leave us a 5* review on iTunes or wherever you’re listening.

Order the ebook or audiobook (narrated by Rachel) versions of Rachel’s book, Magnificent Midlife: Transform Your Middle Years, Menopause And Beyond at magnificentmidlife.com/book

The paperback can be purchased on Amazon or other online retailers:

UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/

US & Canada: https://www.amazon.com/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/

Australia: https://www.amazon.com.au/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/

You can listen to all the other episodes and get the show notes at magnificentmidlife.com/podcast.

Recommended by the Sunday Times.

Feedspot #3 in best midlife podcasts and #14 in best women over 50 podcasts worldwide.

You'll find lots of strategies, support, and resources to help make your midlife magnificent at magnificentmidlife.com.

Check out Rachel's online Revitalize Experience, a 6-week intensive small group mentoring experience or 1-1 Midlife Mentoring.

Mag Mid podcast host Rachel is flying solo this week, talking about what’s been happening in her world. There's a trip to the UK Houses of Parliament and a book recommendation in the New York Times in the mix! Check out what’s been catching her attention lately.

She talks about:

- The success of the MenoClarity live event and how you can still access the recordings

- Going to the heart of Government to talk about menopause

- Menopause narratives and how they seem to keep getting worse

- Her book, Magnificent Midlife, being recommended in the New York Times

- The podcast season to date featuring: avoiding burnout, the crisis of care, staying fit as we age, healing through memoir, getting back on stage, digital publishing and traveling the world

- Gendered ageism

- Digital exclusion

- How the Masters is going

And lots more!

 

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share it and leave us a 5* review on iTunes or wherever you’re listening.

Order the ebook or audiobook (narrated by Rachel) versions of Rachel’s book, Magnificent Midlife: Transform Your Middle Years, Menopause And Beyond at magnificentmidlife.com/book

The paperback can be purchased on Amazon or other online retailers:

UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/

US & Canada: https://www.amazon.com/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/

Australia: https://www.amazon.com.au/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/

You can listen to all the other episodes and get the show notes at magnificentmidlife.com/podcast.

Recommended by the Sunday Times.

Feedspot #3 in best midlife podcasts and #14 in best women over 50 podcasts worldwide.

You'll find lots of strategies, support, and resources to help make your midlife magnificent at magnificentmidlife.com.

Check out Rachel's online Revitalize Experience, a 6-week intensive small group mentoring experience or 1-1 Midlife Mentoring.

Elaine Reynolds is a master personal trainer and yoga teacher. She teaches women over 50 to not give up or give in with the crazy things happening to our bodies. She had an epiphany at 50 and bought a one way ticket to Bali, where she lives now. 

We talk about:

- What’s it like being an expat in Bali and what she loves most about it

- Elaine’s passion of helping older women stay fit

- Issues that older women are grappling with in midlife

- Menopause, aging and fitness

- The importance of strengthening and stabilising muscles around joints to support aging bodies and improve recovery from injuries

- Incorporating dynamic movements like yoga, barre, pilates, functional strength training, and low-impact cardio into workouts to lengthen the body and improve overall fitness

- The importance of changing exercise habits after 50 to prioritize how one feels

- Pain management and exercise for women in their 50s and beyond

- The importance of glute strength

- Knee problems and fascial release

- The importance of holistic healing, including mental well-being, and how it can help alleviate physical ailments

- Incorporating meditation in your daily routine

And more!

 

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share it and leave us a 5* review on iTunes or wherever you’re listening.

Order the ebook or audiobook (narrated by Rachel) versions of Rachel’s book, Magnificent Midlife: Transform Your Middle Years, Menopause And Beyond at magnificentmidlife.com/book

The paperback can be purchased on Amazon or other online retailers:

UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/

US & Canada: https://www.amazon.com/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/

Australia: https://www.amazon.com.au/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/

You can listen to all the other episodes and get the show notes at magnificentmidlife.com/podcast.

Recommended by the Sunday Times.

Feedspot #3 in best midlife podcasts and #14 in best women over 50 podcasts worldwide.

You'll find lots of strategies, support, and resources to help make your midlife magnificent at magnificentmidlife.com.

Check out Rachel's online Revitalize Experience, a 6-week intensive small group mentoring experience or 1-1 Midlife Mentoring.

Sherry Sidoti is an author and a yogi. She recently published her first book, a memoir about her own healing journey, A Smoke and a Song. This is such a powerful and moving story highlighting how we can heal ourselves by exploring and accepting our experiences, and coming to terms with the past.

We talk about:

- What inspired Sherry to write her book

- Sherry’s journey to writing a memoir

- Sherry’s experience as a yoga teacher and how it has helped her learn to use language sparingly and effectively

- Writing a memoir with a focus on self-expression and ethical considerations

- How Sherry was able to write about trauma without triggering trauma

- Motherhood and healing generational trauma

- Using meditation and sensory awareness (five sense awareness)  to access memories

- What it means to be living in the layers

- What it’s like living on Martha’s Vineyard

And more!

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share it and leave us a 5* review on iTunes or wherever you’re listening.

Order the ebook or audiobook (narrated by Rachel) versions of Rachel’s book, Magnificent Midlife: Transform Your Middle Years, Menopause And Beyond at magnificentmidlife.com/book

The paperback can be purchased on Amazon or other online retailers:

UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/

US & Canada: https://www.amazon.com/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/

Australia: https://www.amazon.com.au/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/

You can listen to all the other episodes and get the show notes at magnificentmidlife.com/podcast.

Recommended by the Sunday Times.

Feedspot #3 in best midlife podcasts and #14 in best women over 50 podcasts worldwide.

You'll find lots of strategies, support, and resources to help make your midlife magnificent at magnificentmidlife.com.

Check out Rachel's online Revitalize Experience, a 6-week intensive small group mentoring experience or 1-1 Midlife Mentoring.

Dr Sola Togun-Butler is a psychotherapist and transformative life coach. She’s the founder of Butterfly Counseling Services and speaks regularly on the importance of mental health and wellness, while offering solutions to minimize stress, prevent burnout and achieve balance. 

We talk about:

- The importance of addressing societal expectations that lead to burnout in women, particularly in midlife

- The guilt that arises from cultural and gender expectations that women should prioritize their children and family over their own needs

- How changing thought patterns through cognitive restructuring and reframing can help reduce feelings of guilt

- How Dr Sola’s Nigerian cultural background influenced her upbringing

- Polarization in the menopause discourse

- Finding it easier to listen to different perspectives as you get older

- The importance of curiosity and seeking diverse viewpoints in midlife

- How Dr Sola helps midlife women come to terms with or move on from trauma

- Why women fear embracing their authentic selves due to fear of rejection from others

- How women can make changes despite potential conflict with loved ones

- The power of butterflies as a symbol of transformation

- Some effective strategies for preventing burnout

- How Dr Sola helps women practice self compassion

- Differences between US and Nigerian culture in regards to the status of women as they get older

- Ageism and self-love in UK and Nigerian cultures

And more!

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share it and leave us a 5* review on iTunes or wherever you’re listening.

Order the ebook or audiobook (narrated by Rachel) versions of Rachel’s book, Magnificent Midlife: Transform Your Middle Years, Menopause And Beyond at magnificentmidlife.com/book

The paperback can be purchased on Amazon or other online retailers:

UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/

US & Canada: https://www.amazon.com/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/

Australia: https://www.amazon.com.au/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/

You can listen to all the other episodes and get the show notes at magnificentmidlife.com/podcast.

Recommended by the Sunday Times.

Feedspot #3 in best midlife podcasts and #14 in best women over 50 podcasts worldwide.

You'll find lots of strategies, support, and resources to help make your midlife magnificent at magnificentmidlife.com.

Check out Rachel's online Revitalize Experience, a 6-week intensive small group mentoring experience or 1-1 Midlife Mentoring.

Emily Kenway is the author of the groundbreaking book, “Who Cares: the Hidden Crisis of Caregiving and How We Solve It”, written after the painful experience of caring for her cancer stricken mother. Who Cares is an intimate and deeply researched account of the experiences of unpaid carers, and a call for us all to put care at the center of our lives. Emily researches, writes and speaks about thought-provoking social issues, shedding light on the crucial forces shaping our lives and communities.

We talk about:

- How Emily found the strength to write such a book out of her own deep grief

- Emily’s personal experience with caregiving

- The importance of recognizing care as a continuous condition of life

- The need for more practical support for carers 

- Reducing the stigma surrounding care work

- How older people can refuse outside help due to vulnerability concerns

- How women are often expected to prioritize care work over paid work

- Disparities in labor rights and opportunities between men and women

- Gender roles in caregiving for elderly relatives

- Age, vulnerability, and acceptance of care

- How practising reciprocal support can help create a culture that values vulnerability and mutual aid

- The care commons idea – sharing care responsibilities in a community 

- The need for government action on workplace regulations to enable care

- Reducing working hours to improve productivity and work-life balance

And more!

 

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share it and leave us a 5* review on iTunes or wherever you’re listening.

Order the ebook or audiobook (narrated by Rachel) versions of Rachel’s book, Magnificent Midlife: Transform Your Middle Years, Menopause And Beyond at magnificentmidlife.com/book

The paperback can be purchased on Amazon or other online retailers:

UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/

US & Canada: https://www.amazon.com/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/

Australia: https://www.amazon.com.au/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/

You can listen to all the other episodes and get the show notes at magnificentmidlife.com/podcast.

Recommended by the Sunday Times.

Feedspot #3 in best midlife podcasts and #14 in best women over 50 podcasts worldwide.

You'll find lots of strategies, support, and resources to help make your midlife magnificent at magnificentmidlife.com.

Check out Rachel's online Revitalize Experience, a 6-week intensive small group mentoring experience or 1-1 Midlife Mentoring.

Josephine Pembroke is a performer and founder of Radio Gorgeous. She trained at Drama Studio and has been in many bands, cabaret and theatre productions. She decided to get back on stage in her 60s and is currently starring in her own show, The Working Girls of Soho, which premiered at the Edinburgh Festival. Josephine is a hoot! Prepare to giggle and be inspired that anything is possible!

We talk about:

- Why Josephine is back on the stage after all these years

- What the show, The Working Girls of Soho, is all about

- The history and culture of Soho

- Life in London in the 80s and 90s

- Josephine’s experience in the London’s club scene

- What’s it like for Josephine to actually be doing cabaret on the stage

- The all-girl band, Pussies Galore and their performances in London and abroad

- Josephine’s struggle with needing attention 

- The importance of discipline and creativity in Josephine’s life

- What Josephine has learned about herself by going back on the stage

- How baby steps are all we need to make big change

And more!

 

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share it and leave us a 5* review on iTunes or wherever you’re listening.

Order the ebook or audiobook (narrated by Rachel) versions of Rachel’s book, Magnificent Midlife: Transform Your Middle Years, Menopause And Beyond at magnificentmidlife.com/book

The paperback can be purchased on Amazon or other online retailers:

UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/

US & Canada: https://www.amazon.com/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/

Australia: https://www.amazon.com.au/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/

You can listen to all the other episodes and get the show notes at magnificentmidlife.com/podcast.

Recommended by the Sunday Times.

Feedspot #3 in best midlife podcasts and #14 in best women over 50 podcasts worldwide.

You'll find lots of strategies, support, and resources to help make your midlife magnificent at magnificentmidlife.com.

Check out Rachel's online Revitalize Experience, a 6-week intensive small group mentoring experience or 1-1 Midlife Mentoring.