Period Story

For the final episode of season 10 of Period Story podcast, I’m so happy to share my conversation with Dr Juliet McGrattan, an international speaker, award winning author, educator and running expert. In this episode, Dr Juliet shares: Her experience of perimenopause and why she’s happy not to know when she goes through the day of menopause Why imposter syndrome and anxiety were the main symptoms that told her she was perimenopausal Why stopping caffeine was helpful for her Why comparison is a trap when it comes to exerciseHow exercise can be very powerful in menopause Her tips for getting into running in midlifeA sneak peek into her new book about running and menopauseAnd of course, the story of her first periodDr Juliet says it’s very easy to become resentful or fall out of love with your body at different times of life and that you can find yourself battling against it. She says that to feel more accepting of our bodies and to learn to work with them, we need to ask ourselves, “what can I do that will make things a little bit better?”. Thank you, Dr Juliet!Get in touch with Dr Juliet:InstagramWebsiteA transcript is available on www.periodstorypod.comGet in touch:IG @periodstorypodEmail periodstorypod@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I’m really happy to share my conversation with Lily Silverton, the writer, columnist, speaker, coach and founder of The Priorities Method Journal on today’s episode of Period Story podcast. In this episode, Lily shares: The joy of getting her period back after losing it for two years as a teenagerHer struggle with disordered eating and depression and how a trip to an ashram helped her begin to reset her mental healthHow she realised the power for her thoughts and that some thoughts aren’t true Her experience of painful periods and severe premenstrual depression after having her two children The transition she made from fashion and culture journalism to retraining to become a stress management and positive psychology coach Why stress isn’t inherently bad for youThe reframe of ‘I get to’ and ‘I choose to’ One of her coaching principles: live your life, don’t fix your lifeAnd of course, the story of her first periodLily says there's nothing wrong with wanting to improve or change, whether that's your internal self or your external self but she says we should consider how we can approach this with real compassion, so that you can work from a positive point, rather than berating yourself. Thank you, Lily!Get in touch with Lily:InstagramThe Priorities Method InstagramWebsiteA transcript is available on www.periodstorypod.comGet in touch:IG @periodstorypodEmail periodstorypod@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I’m really happy to speak to Seetal Savla, a fertility patient advocate, writer and speaker on today’s episode of Period Story podcast. In this episode, Seetal shares: Why she still struggles when her period arrives each menstrual monthHer work around challenging fertility, menstrual and menopause stigma in the South Asian community A few sentences to relay when dealing with overly inquisitive family and friends What it feels like to be on the other side of her fertility journey and why she dislikes the term ‘success story’ How a South Asian therapist helped unpack the cultural challenges she was facing around her fertility journeyWhy her and her husband decided to give away their embryos after six years of TTCAnd of course, the story of her first period Seetal says this is her purpose and she is in a privileged position where she can share her experiences of infertility, pregnancy loss and pregnancy after loss to help other people and hopefully be a part of the change we need to see going forward. Thank you, Seetal!Get in touch with Seetal:InstagramLinkedInAdditional resources to explore:HFEA: 'Fear is what holds many South Asians back from being honest about their fertility journeys'Women's Health UK: 'I'm pregnant after multiple losses - and it's a mental and emotional battle'Metro UK: Where are all the South Asian egg donors?HuffPost UK: When you're a woman of colour, infertility comes with extra stigmaStylist: '6 lessons I've learned about surviving - and thriving - after pregnancy loss'Tommy's: Intergenerational experiences of miscarriageSo We've Been Told podcastNetflix documentary: Period. End of Sentence (explores the stigma around periods in rural India).A transcript is available on www.periodstorypod.comGet in touch:Tweet and IG @periodstorypodEmail periodstorypod@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

’m so pleased to speak to Dr Joyce Omatseye, a UK-based medical doctor, health advocate and digital health innovator on today’s episode of Period Story podcast. In this episode, Dr Joyce shares: Why it’s important that both girls and boys are educated about periodsCultural differences around talking about menstrual health between the UK and NigeriaWhat led to her launching her health events organisation Ara Nini Health How creating safe spaces for discussions on fertility, reproductive health and fertility has opened conversations across multiple generations of womenWhat it means to be a Black female doctor in the UKHow she advocates for her patients Her work with WHO Fides to combat misinformation in global health and why we need to be aware of what we’re consuming online How to be prepared for conversations with your doctorAnd of course, the story of her first period Dr Joyce says that we should never be afraid to ask the questions we need to in a doctor’s appointment and if you feel you’re not being listened to, ask for a second opinion. She says that there’s no doctor that should feel offended by you asking for a second opinion. Thank you, Dr Joyce!Get in touch with Dr Joyce:InstagramAra Nini HealthA transcript is available on www.periodstorypod.comGet in touch:Tweet and IG @periodstorypodEmail periodstorypod@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I’m so pleased to speak to Nahid de Belgeonne, the nervous system whisperer, one of the OGs in London wellness and author of the book Soothe: the book your nervous system has been longing for on today’s episode of Period Story podcast. In this episode, Nahid shares: Why she hated her periods and found them a complete inconvenience How finding a healthier relationship with her body and emotional state changed her relationship with her period What wellness looks like for her in her 50s and why it’s important not to lose the potential for new things as we get olderHow your brain keeps the score, but your body is a scorecardHow her new book Soothe is a accessible way to learn how to tend to your nervous system in the morning, at lunchtime and in the evening A simple technique to start your day with And of course, the story of her first period Nahid says we need to gatekeep our nervous systems because if you don’t, nobody else will. She says our world is getting faster, so we really have to be mindful of what we open our nervous system up to. Thank you, Nahid!Get in touch with Nahid:Her book, SootheInstagramWebsiteSubstackA transcript is available on www.periodstorypod.comGet in touch:Tweet and IG @periodstorypodEmail periodstorypod@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I’m so pleased to speak to Donna Dia, the founder of the Beauty Beat, the UK’s only luxury beauty event for women of colour on today's episode of Period Story podcast. In this episode, Donna shares: Why having a very light period and being able to wear white jeans isn’t always a good thing How a thin uterine lining led to fertility complications How a routine D&C after a missed miscarriage led to Asherman’s syndrome The research she did to understand Asherman’s The long and traumatic journey, including multiple surgeries, to help her uterine lining grow How her fertility journey lead to the Beauty BeatWhy the Beauty Beat is a dedicated event for women of colour and Black beauty The why behind THEE Beauty Beat goody bagAnd of course, the story of her first period Donna says that it’s valuable to learn about your gynaecological health, whether you have a light or heavy period, so that you can advocate for yourself and be the champion of your health. Thank you, Donna!Get in touch with Donna:TikTokInstagram The Beauty BeatA transcript is available on www.periodstorypod.comGet in touch:Tweet and IG @periodstorypodEmail periodstorypod@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I’m so pleased to speak to Jen Moore, a medical campaigner and author of the new book, Endometriosis: Understand your symptoms, Get the right treatment, Reclaim your life on today's episode of Period Story podcast.In this episode, Jen shares: Why it took 22 years to finally get an endometriosis diagnosis How a failed surgery led to her groundbreaking medical gaslighting campaign They Said What?How therapy helped her with the emotional healing required after having a hysterectomy How she almost needed a new endometriosis diagnosis after her hysterectomy due to the spread of the condition on her ovaries, bowels, kidneys and bladderHow a casual conversation with a friend led to her writing a book on endometriosis Her advice for those struggling to get a diagnosisAnd of course, the story of her first period Jen says that endometriosis is such an individual condition and it’s so important that we don’t compare journeys - the only comparison is with yourself. Thank you, Jen!Get in touch with Jen:Her bookInstagram A transcript is available on www.periodstorypod.comGet in touch:Tweet and IG @periodstorypodEmail periodstorypod@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

My next guest on season 10 of Period Story podcast is Kat Pither. Kat is the founder of Yogi Bare, the global yoga brand and movement community and co-founder of Healthy Metal, a magnesium supplement. In this episode, Kat shares: The story of her pregnancy loss through ectopic pregnancyHer initial feeling of relief after losing her period due to disordered eating and substance abuseHer journey in nourishment to get her period back, including stepping away from the rules, styles and labels prevalent in the yoga and wellness worlds How a wall chart with colourful fun stickers has helped her get back in touch with her menstrual cycle How a yoga practice with a lot of self-touch, softness and playfulness helps her slow down and reconnectThe authenticity behind her yoga brand Yogi BareAnd of course, the story of her first period Kat says that instead of looking outwards, it’s important that we look inwards and find the celebration and joy in our bodies.Thank you, Kat!Get in touch with Kat:Whats Good Kat - IGYogi Bare - IGHealthy Metal - IGA transcript is available on www.periodstorypod.comGet in touch:Tweet and IG @periodstorypodEmail periodstorypod@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Season 10 of the podcast is here! I'm excited to share that my guest on the first episode of season 10 is Melissa Hemsley, a former private chef turned best-selling author, including her most recent book Real Healthy - Unprocess Your Diet With Easy Everyday Recipes. In this episode, Melissa shares: Her fertility journeyWhat she’s doing to prepare for her next embryo transfer, including how she’s nourishing herselfThe wise words her dear friend Emma Cannon, the renowned fertility acupuncturist, shared with her Why she’s gone back to school to study nutritional therapy and what she wants to do afterwardsAnd of course, the story of her first period Melissa says that it’s so important to find lovely people in your life that you can speak to, not be afraid to lean on and ask for help when you need it. Thank you, Melissa!Get in touch with Melissa:InstagramSubstackA transcript is available on www.periodstorypod.comGet in touch:Tweet and IG @periodstorypodEmail periodstorypod@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

My guest on today’s episode is Tamara Driessen. Tamara is a tarot reader, intuitive guide, author of Luna and The Crystal Code and host of the podcast Another Phase. In this episode, Tamara shares: What it meant to be diagnosed with PCOS and anovulatory infertility Her experience coming off the pill and reconnecting with her menstrual cycle Some of the habits she incorporated to kickstart ovulation and regular menstrual cycles How to reconnect with your intuition Why it’s important to slow down to be able to speed upThe real deal on manifestation and why it’s so important to find peace in your here and now And of course, the story of her first period Tamara says that comparison is such a trickster because it really disconnects us from ourselves. But when we accept ourselves exactly as we are or accept what we need in the moment, there's just so much power in that. Then the next breadcrumb appears, the next dot connects rather than us trying to chase something else that actually isn't meant for us in this moment.Thank you, Tamara!A transcript is available on www.periodstorypod.comGet in touch:Tweet and IG @periodstorypodEmail periodstorypod@gmail.comGet in touch with Tamara: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tamaradriessen_/ Website: https://www.tamaradriessen.com  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

My guest on today’s episode is Rebecca Moore, a breathwork and yoga teacher, spiritual guide and author of the new book Radical Self-Care: Rituals for Inner Resilience. In this episode, Rebecca shares: Healthy ways to get your daily D.O.S.E (dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, endorphins)The importance of rituals The sacred morning ritual that she always starts her day with Why self-soothing isn’t just for childrenHow to do one of the self-soothing rituals, bhramari breath Why we all need radical self-careThe importance of knowing your limits and setting clear boundaries And of course, the story of her first period Rebecca says that it’s so important that create space for ourselves, where we can just give ourselves permission to be as we are, without feeling the need to better ourselves or fix ourselves in some way. A transcript is available on www.periodstorypod.comGet in touch:Tweet and IG @periodstorypodEmail periodstorypod@gmail.comGet in touch with Rebecca: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/__rebecca__moore/Website: https://www.rebecca-moore.comHer book: Radical Self-Care: Rituals for Inner ResilienceThank you, Rebecca! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

My guest on today’s episode is Latoya Busumbru, a fibroids and women’s health campaigner and advocate. In this episode, Latoya shares: How fainting and vomiting during her period led her to realise that her menstrual experience was very different to that of her friends Why it took her over 4 years to receive a fibroid diagnosis The symptoms that led her doctor to take her concerns seriously Her negative experience of the copper coilThe changes she made to reduce the painful periods and manage the growth of the remaining fibroids What inspired her to start Womb BaeThe campaigning work she’s doing in Ghana to help reduce period povertyAnd of course, the story of her first period Latoya says you shouldn’t shy away from advocating for yourself. She says it’s so important to do your research so that you get the support you need.Thank you, Latoya!A transcript is available on www.periodstorypod.comGet in touch:Tweet and IG @periodstorypodEmail periodstorypod@gmail.comGet in touch with Latoya:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wombbae/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wombbaeLinked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/latoya-busumbru-1a0912249/ Flow Wellness Ghana: https://www.instagram.com/flowwellnessgh/?locale=GBSponsor a girl in Ghana: https://paystack.com/pay/theflowproject Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

My guest on today’s episode is Ceri Jones, a food educator, chef and author of the new book It Starts With Veg: 100 Seasonal Suppers and Sides. In this episode, Ceri shares: Why she feels so open and free about talking about her period The career transition she made from managing orchestras to becoming a chef and food writer The joy she finds in cooking and helping others learn to cookHow an in person class can help anyone feel less intimidated by cooking How her new book can help you get to grips with seasonal eatingA few tips and tricks for choosing the best quality veg when you’re out grocery shopping The process of writing a cookbook (including the costs!)And of course, the story of her first period Ceri says that food doesn’t need to be complicated to taste good and starting with simple things is a great way to feel less intimidated in the kitchen. She says that a lot can be done with garlic and salt and one or two spices, the squeeze of lemon juice at the end, and adding lots of fresh herbs into your cooking. Thank you, Ceri!A transcript is available on www.periodstorypod.comGet in touch:Tweet and IG @periodstorypodEmail periodstorypod@gmail.comGet in touch with Ceri: Her book: It Starts With Veg: 100 Seasonal Suppers and SidesWebsite: http://cerijoneschef.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/cerijoneschef/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cerijoneschef Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

My guest on today’s episode is Dearbhail Ormond, the founder and CEO of frendo, a digital health solution to support endometriosis sufferers and those awaiting diagnosis. In this episode, Dearbhail shares: The traumatic event that happened at the beginning of her menstruating years How having very heavy and excruciating periods affected her school and university yearsWhat it took for her to finally receive a stage 4 endometriosis diagnosisThe joyful validation that getting a diagnosis provided her withThe inspiration for starting frendoHow you can improve your experience at work if you have endometriosis What happened after she had her miracle baby and the drastic step she need to take to manage her symptoms Dearbhail says that you need to be the owner and CEO of your own health and that the more you empower yourself with your own knowledge about your own health and your own body and the stronger it makes your position to advocate for yourself. Thank you, Dearbhail!A transcript is available on www.periodstorypod.comGet in touch:Tweet and IG @periodstorypodEmail periodstorypod@gmail.comGet in touch with Dearbhail:FrendoFrendo InstagramDearbhail’s Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

My guest on today’s episode is Hayley McFadyen, an actor and writer, who is currently working on her first film, Bled Through, about her personal experience of menstruation. In this episode, Hayley shares: What it was like to start her period at 14 years old, well after all of her friendsHow being given a tampon to use was a confronting experience How TikTok helped her realise that her shoulder pain was linked to her period How experiencing stitches during her period led her to a self-diagnosis of diaphragmatic endometriosis What she did to eventually receive a clinical diagnosis How she was able to advocate for herself, even when doctors didn’t believe she had endometriosis The inspiration for her film Bled Through (go to this link to support the crowdfunder to make this film!)And of course, the story of her first periodHayley says that it’s so important to trust yourself and not to allow anyone to tell you that you aren’t feeling something. She says that if you know there’s something wrong with your body, just push for that and ignore everyone else’s thoughts.Thank you, Hayley!A transcript is available on www.periodstorypod.comGet in touch:Tweet and IG @periodstorypodEmail periodstorypod@gmail.comGet in touch with Hayley:InstagramCrowdfunder to raise money to produce the film  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

My guest on today’s episode of Period Story is Vicky Shilling, a Self-Belief business coach and author of the book Just Start Now. Vicky helps wellness professionals overcome self-doubt and take action to make an income from their passion for health.In this episode, Vicky shares: Her experience of re-learning about her menstrual cycle, period, moods and libido after coming off the pill after 20 years How understanding cycles, seasons and life stages can help you better run your business How she shifted from a 10 year career in music management to the work she does now How she identified the gap in the market for a need to help wellness professionals better market themselvesHow compassionate self-belief can help people can get out of their own way in business and in lifeHer upcoming Business Backed By Belief summitAnd of course, the story of her first periodVicky says that if there's something that you want to do in any realm of your life, be it business or personal, one thing to do is take one step to do something small to just start now, because the power is amazing in reinforcing and creating evidence for yourself of what is possible for you. So move out of that paralysis or thinking about it or dreaming about it or leaving it in your head, take one tangible small step towards what it is you want to do and just sit and feel what that brings for you.Thank you, Vicky!A transcript is available on www.periodstorypod.comGet in touch:Tweet and IG @periodstorypodEmail periodstorypod@gmail.comGet in touch with Vicky:Business Backed By Belief SummitWebsiteInstagramHer book - Just Start Now Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

My guest on today’s episode of Period Story is Maya Oppenheim, the Women’s Correspondent at the Independent, which is the only role like this at a UK news outlet. In this episode, Maya shares: How she pitched and landed her role as the first Women’s Correspondent at a UK news outlet, where she writes stories from a women’s and gender angle The range of topics she covers in this role, including domestic abuse, abortion rights, childcare, poverty, periods, the criminal justice system The story she’s most proud of - ‘The Murky Online World of Andrew T*te and Pick Up Artists’ and the troubling, misogynistic content she uncovered in her investigation The trolling she receives online and the topics that tend to result in the most angry responsesThe inspiration for her first book, The Pocket Guide To The Patriarchy And of course, the story of her first periodMaya says that the way that each person chooses to shine a light on injustice will be different, but it’s important, whatever it is that you want to do, to do something to try to make the world a better place.Thank you, Maya! A transcript is available on www.periodstorypod.comGet in touch:Tweet and IG @periodstorypodEmail periodstorypod@gmail.comGet in touch with Maya:InstagramTwitterHer book - The Pocket Guide To The Patriarchy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

My guest on today’s episode of Period Story is Ellamae Fullalove, the poet, founder of the shame shaking community, storytelling and events platform, Va Va Womb and MRKH advocate. In this episode, Ellamae shares: How not getting her first period led to a diagnosis of MRKH, a condition that affects 1 in 5,000, in which the uterus and cervix is underdeveloped or absent and the vagina is shortenedHow she was diagnosed by the specialist team at Queen Charlotte’s Hospital in London The emotional side of the diagnosis and how she went from hiding it to helping others with MRKH advocate for themselves How to get an MRKH diagnosis How she’ll tackle the fertility side of MRKH, including the surrogacy campaigning work she does How she and a friend set up Vagina Fest How poetry and being creative is cathartic for herEllamae says that it’s so important to find your people and support network so there’s someone you can confide in. Telling your story is important and empowering. Thank you, Ellamae! A transcript is available on www.periodstorypod.comGet in touch:Tweet and IG @periodstorypodEmail periodstorypod@gmail.comGet in touch with Ellamae:InstagramWebsite Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

My guest on today’s episode of Period Story is Jess Bolton, the opposable thumbs behind Worried Whippet, a social media platform that is a celebration of everyday bravery through the eyes of a small dog.In this episode, Jess shares: The symptoms and experience that led to her seeking out an ADHD diagnosis What the ADHD tax is and how it has affected her How she’s been able to use her diagnosis to positively benefit her business and the way she works Why she made an Instagram account for her dog and the amazing opportunities that have come from this How talking about her dog’s anxiety has led others to have conversations about their own mental healthWhy she focused on bravery in her first book Worried Whippet: Inspiration to be BraveHer new podcast Brave Little Podcast And of course, the story of her first periodJess says whatever's weighing on you, whatever feelings you're contending with, they're probably a completely appropriate response to whatever's happening around you. And the best thing you can do is find somebody you trust or somebody with authority and talk to them about it.Thank you, Jess! A transcript is available on www.periodstorypod.comGet in touch:Tweet and IG @periodstorypodEmail periodstorypod@gmail.comGet in touch with Jess:Book - Worried Whippet: Inspiration To Be BraveHuman Jess - Instagram Worried Whippet - InstagramBrave Little Podcast  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

My guest on today’s episode of Period Story is Kelly Newton. Kelly is the founder and CEO of NIXI Body, a reusable leakproof underwear company. In this episode, Kelly shares: The embarrassment she felt when she first got her periodHow playing sports helped her deal with having endometriosis Her menopause storyThe importance of a holistic approach to keeping your pelvic floor healthy How she was able to move from being embarrassed to talking about her period to talking so openly about pelvic floors and vaginal health on TVThe impact sport and exercise has on her mental health How she started a business in her 40s and how she supports other women who are setting up businesses And of course, the story of her first periodA transcript is available on www.periodstorypod.comGet in touch:Tweet and IG @periodstorypodEmail periodstorypod@gmail.comGet in touch with Kelly:InstagramLinkedInFacebook WebsiteKelly says that if she can start a business, anyone can do it. Just ask questions, Google everything and go on courses!Thank you, Kelly!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.