The Capsule in Conversation

In the final episode of this series, Natalie is joined by GP & Menopause Specialist Dr Louise Newson to debunk the myths and misinformation around perimenopause and menopause. From menopause being labelled a disability to the idea of it being over medicalised, Natalie and Louise bring their individual thoughts to the table with Dr Newson providing expert insight and advice on how to manage symptoms.Whilst the conversation covers various aspects of Louise’s role as a specialist and pioneering doctor, we are also given a more personal view of Louise as the woman behind the public persona and how she has dealt with difficult situations in her own life, including shedding light on her own perimenopause experience.Throughout the chat the pair discuss the rise of menowashing and the unfairness of companies preying on desperate women for financial gain and how medical professionals are also falling prey to the commercialisation of menopause. Elsewhere Louise talks frankly about how cycle tracking, lifestyle changes and open conversations in our personal relationships can help us feel more empowered during the perimenopause transition and how hormonal treatment across our reproductive and post reproductive years needs to be discussed on a wider level, with frequent reform to ensure women are receiving the best possible care.Listen in for an informative and personal conversation with one of the leading voices in menopause care. For more from Dr Newson you can follow her on Instagram at www.instagram.com/menopause_doctor or visit the Newson Health website at www.newsonhealth.co.ukSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week Natalie is joined by actor, life coach & entrepreneur Gemma Merna to talk all about her journey with anxiety and building her wellbeing community Mind & Wellness.From her days as a shy young singer to stepping into the spotlight on C4 soap Hollyoaks, Gemma nostalgically looks back at her younger years and notes how during one of the most prominent parts of her career as an actor she was struggling with overwhelming anxiety. She recalls how the passing of her Dad exacerbated what she had already struggled with as a young performer and that during the end of her tenure at Hollyoaks she no longer felt tough enough to be immersed in the competitive world of TV. It was at this point that she came to discover the importance of self compassion and care. As an avid yoga fan Gemma trained to become a practitioner and followed on her wellness education with qualifications as a life coach and hypnotherapist. Gemma details how this personal journey lead her to create her wellbeing platform Mind & Wellness as a way to empower others dealing with anxiety, stress and trauma. During the conversation Gemma notes how helping others feels like her purpose and that by working through her own struggles she is adamant about passing on everything she’s learned to help other people feel less alone. She talks at length about how her work in the wellbeing sector has allowed her to move away from the polished veneer of the entertainment world and to a place of self acceptance and that whilst she still loves acting building her online community has enabled her to feel confident and empowered.Listen in for an inspirational conversation that unpacks anxiety and healing.For more from Gemma you can find her on Instagram www.instagram.com/gemmamerna or visit the Mind & Wellness website www.mindandwellness.co.ukSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week Natalie is joined by Dr Shahzadi Harper to talk the transition from post natal to perimenopause and how to manage hormonal weight gain. A dynamic doctor interested in optimising women's health and wellbeing Dr Harper is the founder of the designated Harper clinic, a registered menopause clinic in the heart of London that has a 360 approach to women’s wellbeing and she is also the co author of the hugely successful book ‘The Perimenopause Solution’ alongside being a member of the British Menopause Society. During this episode she brings her expertise to the table whilst discussing a number of topics as she is passionate about helping women take control of their hormonal health and wellbeing.Noting the large number of symptoms many women may experience with a variety of women’s health issues Dr Harper suggests that our 40’s are a great time to ask for an overall health check so that we can take control of our mental and physical health as we journey towards menopause and that by being better informed we will be able to manage symptoms better.Dr Harper highlights how lifestyle and stress factors can have a huge impact on symptoms and that by analysing and taking charge of these areas early on we can combat the more frustrating symptoms associated with perimenopause such as hormonal weight gain. Dr Harper discusses how as part of a personal challenge she has also developed a lifestyle programme aptly named ‘Let’s Get Waisted’ to help women understand what may be leading to unexpected weight gain as we age.Listen in for a hugely informative chat with one of Britains best women’s health specialists.For more from Dr Harper please visit www.theharperclinic.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week Natalie is joined by TV personality Tanya Bardsley to talk the complexities of ADHD and how being diagnosed as an adult has ignited Tanya’s passion to make change for others. In a deeply honest and informative conversation, Tanya reflects on her life as a teenager and how she always felt like an outsider or different to her peers, noting that it was at home with her family where she sought solace from school bullying. She details her early battles with anxiety, depression and imposter syndrome and how now with an ADHD diagnosis she recognises that these were traits of the condition that were unrecognised at that time. Tanya talks frankly about the dark moments leading up to seeing a doctor and the relief she felt when finally she was given answers and a diagnosis of ADHD. In an informative part of the chat Tanya breaks down the symptoms, behaviours and mis conceptions of the condition and the first steps towards managing it, highlighting however that she is currently campaigning for diagnosis referral waiting times to be reduced in order to help more people. In managing her own symptoms, Tanya attributes going sober with having one of the biggest impacts and how being alcohol free allows her to feel more in control of her mental health and wellbeing.Elsewhere in the episode Tanya discusses her passion for manifestation and how using the techniques which she first began practicing as a teenager have enabled her to create a life she always dreamed of. When discussing her journey with The Real Housewives franchise, Tanya notes how the show allowed her to be her most authentic self and gave her the opportunity to be open about her mental health struggles, her honesty resonating with millions of other women. From this Tanya has built a prominent platform where she is able to inform, educate and shed light on various mental health issues. Listen in for an informative, honest and inspiring conversation with one of our most loved TV faces.For more from Tanya you can follow on Instagram at www.instagram.com/tanyabardsley7 or visit her website www.tanyabardo.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week Natalie is joined by acclaimed beauty editor and podcast host Emma Guns to talk the rise of menowashing, building back better after hitting rock bottom and the highs and lows of 90’s nostalgia. As the host of the hugely successful Emma Guns Show and OK! Magazine’s former beauty editor of 10 years, Emma takes us on a trip down memory lane as we discuss 90’s beauty and the popularity of iconic products such as Rimmel’s Heather Shimmer and Mac’s Spice lip liner. We talk how diet and pop culture shaped our beauty ideals in the 2000’s and how the dark side of the decades recent resurgence is prompting conversations around disordered eating and the use of medications such as ozempic amongst those looking for quick fix weight loss solutions. Elsewhere Natalie and Emma discuss the rise in the commercialisation of menopause, with Emma bringing her expertise to the table and noting that many of the so called menopause products available online and in store today are actually products with unchanged formulations but clever brand marketing that preys on the desperation of women looking to ease symptoms. On a more personal note Emma speaks openly about her struggles with anxiety and depression and how in her late 30’s she hit rock bottom. She notes how this was a time of reflection and taking accountability and that in doing so it has enabled her to build back better and have a deeper understanding of herself and the things she needs to prioritise to protect her mental health and wellbeing. Join us for a dynamic and candid conversation that takes us behind the scenes of the beauty industry with one of the UK’s most trusted voices in women’s health & beauty. For more information on Emma you can follow her on Instagram at www.instagram.com/emmaguns or stream the acclaimed podcast The Emma Guns Show on all podcast platforms. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week Natalie is joined by TV presenter & property expert Laura Hamilton to talk seizing opportunity, understanding the growth mindset and continuous learning for success.Discussing Laura’s entry into the world of television she notes how her first role came as a runner at Channel 4 before working her way up to being on the production team for the hit show Big Brother’s Little Brother with Dermot O’ Leary, a position that would enable her to learn the ropes and understand the many technical aspects of entertainment from behind the camera. Learning from the ground up, Laura highlights it was in this period of time that firmly instilled in her the notion than in order to have success you have to understand every role within the machine, a concept she has applied to her own entrepreneurial endeavours, notably qualifying as a post mistress in order to open her then coffee shop business ‘Lord Roberts on The Green’ in 2017.Laura passionately discusses the importance of pushing past your comfort zone in order to achieve success and that continual learning and a growth mindset has enabled her to move from behind the camera to the coveted position of prime time television, landing her a dream presenting role on A Place in The Sun, a show which sees Laura combining her love of property development with her love of travel and adventure. Opening up on the realities of developing 19 properties and a successful coffee shop business alongside her TV work, Laura explains that she gets excited by the challenge of spinning plates but that she has to prioritise her mental health in order to stay focused and well. Listen in for a positive, empowering conversation with one of the UK’s most recognisable talents that will leave you feeling inspired and energised. For more from Laura Hamilton please visit www.laurahamiltonofficial.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week Natalie is joined by best selling author and poet Donna Ashworth. Discussing Donna’s rise to global success we uncover the key moments in her life that acted as stepping stones to her reaching the number 1 spot. From song writing and singing in a band during her teenage years, to bravely reaching out to an unknown community in her early years of motherhood, this conversation allows us the opportunity to understand the woman behind the words. Noting her struggles with perfectionism and eating disorders, Donna candidly opens up about her difficult adolescent years and describes how despite her incredible literary success she was forced to leave her education early in order to receive the help and support she needed to get better. As a result Donna highlights how having no formal literary qualification she can sometimes succumb to imposter syndrome, however, in being authentic and busting the myths of perfection it has enabled her to reach an audience who similarly need help and support expressing difficult emotions. From grief, parenting, self worth and love Donna’s powerful words have reached millions across the world who turn to her when they simply can’t find the words themselves, the most notable taking place during the pandemic when her poem ‘History Will Remember When The World Stopped’ went viral. Donna reflects on her surprise at the poem’s reception and notes how it paved the way for her to truly live out her dreams of offering support through her artistic passions. Listen in for an enlightening and inspiring conversation with one of the UK’s most exciting authors. For more from Donna please visit www.instagram.com/donnaashworthwordsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this powerful episode Natalie is joined by former breast surgeon Dr Liz O’ Riordan to talk all about her experiences as a female surgeon and receiving the diagnosis that she herself had developed breast cancer at the age of 40.Detailing her initial reaction, going through chemo and eventually a mastectomy she highlights each of the different physical and mental stages with deep insight and gives an in depth account of how it impacted her confidence and mental health. Liz goes on to candidly talk about how despite overcoming her initial breast cancer she has since gone on to experience it another two times with the most recent diagnosis that her cancer had returned occurring in 2023. Aptly naming herself the breast surgeon with breast cancer Liz is now using both her social platforms and expertise to share much needed information and support with others experiencing or feeling the impacts of cancer. She has penned 2 books, developed her highly acclaimed podcast ‘So Now I’ve Got Breast Cancer’ and regularly contributes to seminars and events as a guest speaker, however she notes that sometimes she needs to remember that she herself is a patient. During the chat Liz also expertly describes how to check your breasts and what women can expect from a mammogram and highlights the impacts of cancer and menopause.Elsewhere in the conversation Liz reveals the difficulties of working as a female surgeon in a predominantly male environment and how she navigated sexual harassment in the workplace. Listen in for a truly inspiring and informative chat that tells a story survival, self acceptance and the importance of being in tune with our bodies.For more help and support concerning breast cancer care please visit www.breastcancernow.orgSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fresh from her appointment as the new co anchor of BBC’s Morning Live, TV Presenter Michelle Ackerley joins us to talk all about her experience of living with endometriosis, the importance of paying it forward and the advantages of working with her mum.Tune in for an insightful conversation that looks at the positive changes in women’s health care whilst highlighting the work that still needs to be done to close the gender health gap. Michelle discusses at length the realities of living with the difficult symptoms of endometriosis whilst simultaneously forging a career in the highly pressured and competitive world of TV. She talks us through some of her career milestones whilst reflecting on her excitement at getting to work with her long time friend Helen Skelton on the BBC’s flag ship morning show and discusses her role as a Smart Works charity ambassador noting how empowering others is at the forefront of her values. Elsewhere in the chat Michelle candidly opens up on how getting the opportunity to work with her mum Mavis has lead to an exciting new chapter of her career. For more from Michelle you can follow her on Instagram www.instagram.com/michelle_ackerley. To find out more about Smart Works please visit www.smartworks.org.ukSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join us this January for a brand new series of insightful and empowering conversations with a new line up of special and expert guests. Talking all things women’s health and wellbeing we’ll be tackling a whole host of important topics from perimenopause, cancer & HRT to diagnosing ADHD. Tune in from Sunday the 7th Jan wherever you get your podcasts.Find us on socials www.instagram.com/officialcapsule or visit our website www.thecapsule.co.ukSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the final episode of this season Natalie is joined in the studio by singer, actress and passionate runner Suzanne Shaw to talk all about the long road to happiness & success. Discussing the key factors in overhauling her lifestyle, Suzanne reflects on the social life that can accompany performing and how alcohol consumption and a poor diet was having a detrimental effect on her mental health and wellbeing. She opens up about making the decision to quit alcohol 3 years ago and says that it was one of the best decisions she’s ever made, allowing her to be more present, focussed and energised. So much so she recently completed the huge feat of running 4 ultra marathons in 4 days, a challenge she says she never would’ve even contemplated before going sober. As the conversation turns to social media and the age of comparison Suzanne firmly believes we need to drop the idea of perfection and slow down to genuinely live our best lives. She remarks on the six pack in six weeks, earn 6 figures in a month mentality that social media fuels and points out that it’s unrealistic and can lead people to an unhealthy place of self sabotage and comparison. Elsewhere in the conversation Suzanne opens up about her thoughts and feelings towards performing, noting that now is the time for her to be passionate about new goals having achieved so much, so young, including the development of her wellbeing platform The Happy Health Club which helps its members and community find their own versions of happiness and wellbeing through expert coaching, recipes and conversations.Listen in for an honest, inspiring conversation that touches on a whole host of topics including mental health, diet, exercise, parenting and self development.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week Natalie is joined by best selling author, podcaster and former editor in chief, Lorraine Candy to talk all about the magic and the messiness of midlife. Discussing her highly anticipated second book ‘What’s Wrong with Me? 101 Things Midlife Women Need To Know’, Lorraine highlights her personal experiences of perimenopause and midlife and why the similar stories and threads shared by her Postcards From Midlife podcast listeners and community inspired her to create the part memoir part self help book which is garnering rave reviews. Noted for its honesty, accuracy and information, Lorraine details why she felt after her many years at the helm of prestigious titles including Elle & Cosmopolitan, she felt in a unique position to speak openly to her loyal readers and followers about the rollercoaster of midlife and why after decades writing about women’s health and beauty she understood more than most why women were feeling burnout, confused and anxious as they approached their mid 40’s and early 50’s. From her own reading Natalie remarks that it is Lorraine’s humorous style when discussing difficult symptoms or situations that essentially makes the book so relatable, to which Lorraine notes that we have to find humour as midlife can be a difficult phase however there is so much positivity and optimism at the other side. Lorraine talks about the over 40’s sexual revolution, more women staying in the workplace into their 60’s and the visibility of women over 50 in mass media helping to change the narrative for Gen X and Millennial women and whilst there’s still a long way to go in terms of ageism and social constructs there is a lot of magic to look forward to as women approach the second spring. Listen in for an inspiring, informative chat with one of the leading voices in women’s health, beauty and wellbeing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week Natalie is joined by broadcaster, journalist and body positive activist Jackie Adedeji to talk all about her brand new documentary for channel 4’s untold series My Big Boobs. During the episode Jackie discusses her own experience of developing KK breasts at the age of just 11 and feeling confused, shamed and sexualised during her adolescent years. She describes both the mental and physical toll having bigger boobs has taken on her throughout her life but made a decision to accept her naturalshape and use her growing platform to help inspire and empower other woman to be proud of their bodies. As part of her work she details how the idea for a documentary came about after she reflected on when she was refused breast reduction surgery on the NHS at 18. Despite sharing her pain and difficult experience with her doctor she was refused due to her BMI being too high, something that other women in her position have experienced despite part of their weight being down to heaviness of their breasts. Jackie opens up this conversation with several women during the documentary and uncovers how many women are now going private in order to have breast reduction surgery with a whopping 55% increase in the procedure over recent years. The documentary is fascinating, educational and emotional and this chat reflects Jackie’s passion and insight into why creating it was so important to her. For anyone who has ever felt like they have been defined by the breasts, been made fun of at school, had struggled buying clothes or experienced the aches and pains that come with having bigger boobs, this chat will make you feel supported and empowered.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week Natalie is joined by sexual empowerment coach Gabriella Espinosa to talk all about the practice of pleasure. Covering everything from the joy of small pleasures such as reading, dancing and nature Gabriella also talks at length about the process of self pleasure, self acceptance and connection. She talks about peeling back layers of hurt, trauma and stress that could be causing blockages in our sexual energy and how tapping into our inner wild woman is helpful as we journey into self discovery. Later in the conversation Natalie and Gabriella talk at length about the importance of communication in experiencing better sex and how when we enter mid life those conversations need to be more open and frequent to maintain both a healthy relationship and happy sex life. Gabriella also reveals some of the step by step techniques she uses with her clients to help them feel more sexually empowered and happier in their own skin. Listen in for an enlightening and empowering conversation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week Natalie sits down with broadcaster & model Lisa Snowdon to talk all about Lisa’s brand new book Just Getting Started. In a candid and sometimes emotional chat, Lisa details the moment she knew she wanted to write the part memoir part self help book and how she then manifested it to come into fruition. Lisa talks openly about the deep sense of catharsis she felt whilst putting her experiences onto paper and how she felt it necessary to purge the difficult moments of her life in order to move forward both mentally and physically healthier in the next phase of her life. Reflecting on the many years of speculation she faced regarding motherhood, Lisa emotionally opens up about her experiences in that area of her life, noting how she also suffered from domestic abuse at the same time. Later in the conversation Lisa turns her attention to her perimenopause experience and chats at length with Natalie about how she wished she’d been more prepared for going through it in her early 40’s. She highlights that the changes she encountered galvanised her to want to open up the conversation and help other women understand the signs and symptoms to let them feel empowered as opposed to overwhelmed. Listen in for a heartfelt, educational and inspiring conversation with one of the UK’s most loved stars.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week Natalie is joined by actress and soap veteran Alex Fletcher to talk all about her journey from 90’s child star to soap icon, the importance of sharing stories and the many phases of motherhood.During the chat Alex discusses her route to becoming a professional actor and cites acclaimed writer Russell T Davies as the man who gave her her first job on the hit children’s BBC show Why Don’t You! She notes how that experience lead her to Brookside Close and working with the likes of Sue Johnston & Ricky Tomlinson and how soaps have cemented themselves as part of the heart of British Television due to their familiarity and ability to tackle hard hitting issues affecting the every day person with warmth and sensitivity. As part of this topic Alex reflects on her favourite storylines over the years which includes Hollyoaks hugely evocative Long Walk Home campaign, centred on women’s safety.Later on in the chat Alex reflects on her experience with perimenopause and reveals that it was Davina McCall’s powerful documentary Sex, Myths & The Menopause that encouraged her to speak to a doctor about her own symptoms before starting on treatment which she now feels has helped her navigate this new phase. She talks at length about parenting children of different ages and the challenges that brings and how as her daughter takes her A-Levels she’s preparing herself for a quieter nest. Alex remarks how it’s important for women to share stories through the generations to allow us to feel more prepared for life’s changes and how we can pass the knowledge on to our own children. Listen in for an honest, relatable and warm conversation with one of our favourite tv stars.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

WARNING: This episode contains sensitive material around suicide.This week Natalie is joined by broadcaster & radio DJ Stephanie Hirst to talk her 3 decades in radio, making the life changing decision to live as her true authentic self and building back better and stronger than ever. During this insightful conversation Steph emotionally details her road to transition as she candidly opens up about living the first part of her life being assigned male at birth. She discusses being at the height of her career anchoring the national chart show whilst being at her lowest ebb having to live as a man. She recounts the numerous times she was put off transitioning by doctors and given the warning that if she decided to live as her true self she could end up losing everything. Steph bravely informs Natalie that in the end it became a life or death decision. We hear how Steph chose to follow her heart and transition and has since made a new life for herself being the person she always wanted to be and how she is using her own experiences to inspire others with her Believe Achieve personal development programme. Steph also talks returning to her first love of radio broadcasting and how she feels excited for the future and the new opportunities she wants to pursue. Listen in for a truly inspirational conversation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you ever had a health concern that you feel was dismissed? Have you been made to feel small for daring to ask questions regarding yours or your family’s health? Then our guest this week will help you discover ways in which you can reset the balance and get the answers you deserve.Sarah Graham is the journalist and author behind the hugely successful book Rebel Bodies which has already been named as one of this year’s most fascinating reads. Focussing on the gender health gap it is a passionate and powerful manifesto for reform in womens health care. A deep dive into to the historical context of modern day issues facing women with regards to their health today and a call to arms for how to create change within the system. The book is a revelation that looks at the treatment of women across different sectors and marginalised groups and shines a spotlight on the healthcare gaslighting facing our communities. During our chat Sarah discusses her own experience with our health care system whilst shining a light on the experience of others. She discusses, gender & race bias and the treatment of women going into menopause, alongside the concept of hysteria and it’s impact on the narrative on woman’s health. Sarah also notes that whilst treatment can vary we must also acknowledge the stresses and pressures facing our health care professionals and that its the system that needs reform. Listen in for a candid look at our health care and the steps we need to make to create a better future for all.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week Natalie is joined by the founder and curator of the hugely successful Black Girls Guide To Surviving Menopause podcast and platform, Omisade Burney-Scott. During this empowering episode the pair discuss Omisade’s concept of the menopausal multiverse alongside how we can smoothly evolve into new iterations of ourselves and the importance of intergenerational conversations in navigating the perimenopause & menopausal path. Omisade notes how our changing bodies deserve to be treated with compassion and kindness and how experimenting with fashion and the way in which we present ourselves to the world can help us show up feeling powerful and confident as we encounter change. She also candidly reveals how as a parent it’s important to step away from perfectionism and accept our flaws and failings in order to teach our children valuable life lessons.Listen in for an insightful, inspiring and empowering conversationSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this bonus nugget Natalie reflects on the series so far and shares some of her biggest takeaways from our most recent guests. She also looks back at our Live event in Leeds the ‘Peri Meno Meet Up’ and talks future plans for The Capsule events. Get involved at www.Instagram.com/officialcapsuleSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.