The Perimenopause & Midlife Podcast

The Perimenopause & Midlife Podcast

by Terri Batsakis
Health & Fitness
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 questioning themselves just as they should be reaching their career stride. Susan also explains her 3S Framework, Safe, Supported, Sustainable, and practical ways women can start conversations with employers without oversharing. This episode is a reminder that women are not broken. They are moving through a major transition and deserve workplaces that help them remain confident, supported and able to thrive. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN: How perimenopause can affect confidence, communication and performance at work What Susan’s research revealed about brain fog, anxiety, fatigue and burnout Why women may step back from promotions and leadership opportunities How menopause symptoms can be mistaken for performance or attitude problems The emotional impact of feeling unlike yourself during midlife Why psychological safety matters when discussing menopause at work How the 3S Framework supports women and workplaces Practical adjustments employers can offer, including flexibility and temperature support How to start a workplace conversation without oversharing Why women are not broken and what can be gained beyond menopause ABOUT SUSAN JUDD: Susan Judd is the founder of Hot, Foggy & Fabulous, a platform supporting women through the real, lived experience of perimenopause and menopause. Her work is grounded in both personal insight and the collective voices of women shared through the Hot, Foggy & Fabulous research project, bringing honesty and relatability to a stage of life that is often misunderstood. Blending emotional intelligence with real-world insight, she helps women navigate the physical, emotional, and identity shifts of midlife with greater clarity, self-compassion, and confidence. With a background in workplace culture and leadership, Susan is the creator of the simple 3S Framework - Safe, Supported, Sustainable - designed to help organisations of all sizes create practical, human-centred menopause support at work. CONNECT WITH SUSAN JUDD: Web: https://hotfoggyfabulous.com LinkedIn: @susanjudd-hotfoggyfabulous Facebook: @susan.judd.75 Facebook: @hotfoggyandfabulous Instagram: @susan.juddd Instagram: @hotfoggyandfabulous RESOURCES: Workplace Event Wallpaper & Toolkit: https://susanjudd.com/event-wallpaper-and-toolkit-downloadable.html Use code TERRI10 CONNECT WITH HOST TERRI BATSAKIS: Web: https://terribatsakis.com.au/ Instagram: @terri.batsakis Facebook: @terribatsakis YouTube: @terribatsakis
E17
Aug 1, 2026
49:17
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 involved, and how small “two-degree shifts” can help you regain energy and clarity without overhauling your life. This conversation is a reminder that honouring your capacity isn’t failure, it’s an opportunity to create work that supports who you are now. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN: How perimenopause can affect energy, focus and work capacity Why sleep disruption and cognitive changes impact performance Why midlife women feel pressure to push through burnout How caregiving and mental load affect careers Why flexibility and safe workplaces matter The pros and risks of self-employment How working from home can both support and isolate Why connection and community are essential How flow and interest-based work support wellbeing Why multitasking may reduce productivity How small “two-degree shifts” create change Why self-awareness and self-compassion matter in midlife ABOUT NARELLE VIGOR: Narelle Vigor is a registered professional career counsellor and founder of Soul Compass, a practice devoted to helping mid-life women navigate burnout, identity shifts, and career transitions with clarity and soul. Drawing on two decades of experience across counselling, coaching, veteran career transition, and holistic therapies, Narelle blends somatic insight, eastern philosophy, and evidence-based practice to support women designing work that works for them. A late-diagnosed neurodivergent woman, Narelle brings both lived experience and deep professional expertise to her mission: redefining career development for a generation of women who were never given a roadmap. She holds a Graduate Certificate in Education (Career Development and Counselling), certifications in polarity therapy, counselling, ayurvedic wellness coaching, and is a professional member of the Career Development Association of Australia (CDAA) and Career Industry Council of Australia (CICA). CONNECT WITH NARELLE VIGOR: Web: https://www.soulcompass.life/ Facebook: @soulcompasscareers Instagram: @soulcompasscareers RESOURCES FROM NARELLE: The Invitation Blog Spirituality in Career and Life Design The Myth of Self-Employment as Freedom for Mid-Life Women CONNECT WITH HOST TERRI BATSAKIS: Web: https://terribatsakis.com.au/ Instagram: @terri.batsakis Facebook: @terribatsakis YouTube: @terribatsakis
E16
Jul 26, 2026
39:07
Rebirthing Yourself: The Midlife Shift Women Must Embrace - Briony Montgomery
Explicit
🎙️ 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 clarity and boundary-setting, and simple ways to begin calming the body when you feel anxious, overwhelmed, shut down or emotionally reactive. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN: What nervous system dysregulation can look like in midlife Why trauma and stress are stored in the body How perimenopause can bring old patterns to the surface Why rage, grief and emotional reactivity are not “bad” The connection between people pleasing, fawning and nervous system safety How somatic therapy helps create space between reaction and response Simple tools to support your nervous system, including breath, movement, grounding, music, writing and presence Why midlife can be a powerful time of reinvention, self-trust and coming home to yourself ABOUT BRIONY MONTGOMERY: Briony Montgomery is a psychotherapist and somatic practitioner helping people get out of survival mode and feel safe in their bodies again. If you’re overwhelmed, anxious, shut down, or stuck in patterns you can’t seem to break, this is where it changes. Her work goes beyond talking. She works with the nervous system, where stress and trauma actually live. Through somatic therapy, Briony helps people move from burnout and emotional chaos into feeling calm, clear, steady, and in control. Not just insight - real change you can feel. This is where patterns break, capacity grows, and you reconnect to your power, pleasure, and purpose and finally feel at home in yourself. CONNECT WITH BRIONY MONTGOMERY: Web: www.thesomatherapycollective.com Instagram: @brionymontgomery YouTube: @nervoussystemsupport TikTok: @brionymontgomery Podcast: The Unfuckwithable Woman Podcast Email: briony@thesomatherapycollective.com CONNECT WITH HOST TERRI BATSAKIS: Web: https://terribatsakis.com.au/ Instagram: @terri.batsakis Facebook: @terribatsakis YouTube: @terribatsakis
E15
Jul 19, 2026
51:09
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, stubborn weight, bloating and burnout. This episode is a powerful reminder that your body is not failing you. It is communicating with you. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN: Why your body may stop responding in perimenopause, even when you are doing everything “right” How DNA, epigenetics and your environment can shape the way your body functions Why different body types may need different nutrition, movement and lifestyle strategies How stress, responsibility and emotional load can contribute to fatigue, weight changes and burnout Why your symptoms are messages from your body, not signs that you are failing How learning to “speak body” can help you work with your biology instead of fighting against it ABOUT MICHELE SCHERR: Michele Scherr is a former Defence Nursing Officer turned precision health practitioner who works with high-functioning women in midlife who feel like their body has stopped responding the way it used to. Her work focuses on helping women understand the biological shifts behind persistent symptoms like fatigue, poor sleep, and weight changes, moving them away from generic advice and toward precise, personalised and sustainable strategies that align with how their body actually works. CONNECT WITH MICHELE SCHERR: Website: https://personalisedhealthandwellbeingsolutions.com.au/ Email: michele@personalisedhealthandwellbeingsolutions.com.au Facebook: @pers.health.wellbeing.solutions Instagram: @michele.scherr LinkedIn: @michele-scherr YouTube: @michele.scherr Free Resource: HealthTypes for Beginners https://personalisedhealthandwellbeingsolutions.com.au/personalised-health-andwellbeing-solutions-health-type/ CONNECT WITH HOST TERRI BATSAKIS: Web: https://terribatsakis.com.au/ Instagram: @terri.batsakis Facebook: @terribatsakis YouTube: @terribatsakis
E14
Jul 12, 2026
41:11
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 not be “just hormones” What root cause healing means Why “normal” blood tests may not be optimal How methylation, gut health and nutrients impact wellbeing What functional testing may reveal Why fasting and keto may not suit every woman How whole foods support long-term health How to advocate for yourself and trust your instincts ABOUT SONIA SAVAGE: Sonia is a degree qualified Nutritionist and owner of Balanced Life Nutrition in Sydney. She has extensive clinical experience, with a specialist interest in hormones, fertility, gut health and autoimmune conditions. She is particularly passionate about supporting women through perimenopause and menopause. Her mission is to help her clients remain mentally sharp, physically strong and waking up ready to take on the day. As a functional practitioner, Sonia takes a whole-body, evidence-based approach to health. She believes in true “root cause” healing, often working to carefully unravel chronic conditions. Sonia also has specialist knowledge in methylation, longevity and epigenetics, allowing her to personalise care at a deeper biochemical level. CONNECT WITH SONIA SAVAGE: Sonia Savage | 0407 546 032 | sonia@balancedlifenutrition.com.au Website: https://www.balancedlifenutrition.com.au/ Instagram: @balanced_life_nutrition Facebook: @findyourbalancedlife LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonia-savage-0942731/ RESOURCES: Book a free 15min health chat with Sonia: https://www.balancedlifenutrition.com.au/bookings Journal article: https://www.balancedlifenutrition.com.au/single-post/how-a-functionalnutritionist-can-help-with-perimenopause-and-hormonal-changes Free Low Carb Anti-Inflammatory Diet: https://www.balancedlifenutrition.com.au/contact CONNECT WITH HOST TERRI BATSAKIS: Web: https://terribatsakis.com.au/ Instagram: @terri.batsakis Facebook: @terribatsakis YouTube: @terribatsakis
E13
Jul 5, 2026
50:43
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 create lasting change without overwhelm. If you've ever struggled to stay consistent, felt stuck in the cycle of starting over, or wondered why some people seem to achieve their goals while others fall off track, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom you can apply immediately. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN: Why high performance isn't just for elite athletes The five foundations of success and wellbeing How fuel, sleep and movement impact mindset and performance Why success leaves clues and setbacks contain lessons The power of curiosity over self-judgement How to build habits that actually stick Why small habits create massive results over time The difference between goals and habits How to navigate life's unpredictability without losing momentum Why you look like your habits, not your goals ABOUT DR JO LUKINS: Dr Jo Lukins spends her day inside the heads of individuals, teams, and organisations, seeking to understand what makes them tick and assisting them in reaching their potential. A psychological Indiana Jones, she describes it as a truly fascinating career that she is grateful for every day. She holds a PhD in Psychology, has over 30 years of experience, and a breadth of knowledge in the sport, organizational and educational domains. Dr Lukins is an Associate Professor at James Cook University (Awarded Outstanding Alumni, 2015). She delivers programs in high-performance psychology for the Australian Defence Force. Dr Lukins has worked with elite athletes and outstanding professionals throughout her career, giving her a unique insight into the world of success. Some of her clients include: Queensland Women's State of Origin Team (2020, 2025) Dolphins (NRL 2024-present) Tonga Women’s Rugby League (2025-present) Australian Defence Force (2014-present) CONNECT WITH DR JO LUKINS: Website: www.drjolukins.com Download your free Elite Habits Guide and discover how small daily habits can create lasting change: https://dr-jo-lukins.kit.com/pmp Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrJoLukins/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_jo_lukins/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjolukins/ CONNECT WITH HOST TERRI BATSAKIS: Web: https://terribatsakis.com.au/ Instagram: @terri.batsakis Facebook: @terribatsakis YouTube: @terribatsakis
E12
Jun 28, 2026
49:58
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 supports the woman you're becoming, this conversation is packed with practical tips that can be implemented immediately. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN: What Feng Shui really is and how it differs from common misconceptions How the energy of your home can influence mood, mindset and wellbeing Why clutter may be affecting stress, sleep and even libido The importance of your home's entrance and energy flow Bedroom Feng Shui tips to support better sleep and relaxation How mirrors, colours and furniture placement impact energy Simple and affordable Feng Shui changes anyone can make Why your environment should reflect the future you're creating, not the past you're holding onto The connection between your home, your habits and your overall wellbeing ABOUT JANE LANGOF: Jane Langof is an award-winning Feng Shui Master, author and speaker, and the founder of Feng Shui Concepts. Internationally accredited and working in the field since 2008, Jane brings a modern, practical approach to Feng Shui, integrating traditional principles with contemporary design. She works across residential, commercial and community spaces, specialising in beautiful homes, new builds and renovations. Her work focuses on how the energy of our surroundings influences mood, mindset and the way we show up each day — and how small, intentional shifts can lead to greater harmony, wellbeing and abundance. Jane shares her insights through the media and as a speaker at property, design and wellness events. She is the author of Feng Shui: A Homeowner’s Guide to Abundance, which brings traditional Feng Shui into the modern world in an accessible and inspiring way. CONNECT WITH JANE LANGOF: Website: https://www.fengshuiconcepts.com.au Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fengshuiconcepts LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janelangof/ Email: jane@fengshuiconcepts.com.au Book: Feng Shui: A Homeowner’s Guide to Abundance CONNECT WITH HOST TERRI BATSAKIS: Web: https://terribatsakis.com.au/ Instagram: @terri.batsakis Facebook: @terribatsakis YouTube: @terribatsakis
E11
Jun 21, 2026
41:11
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 meals, surviving on coffee, raiding the kids’ lunchboxes at 3pm, or feeling like your willpower is the problem, this episode will resonate deeply. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN: Why under-fuelling often leads to overeating later in the day The connection between blood sugar balance, cravings, and energy crashes Why many women struggle with afternoon and evening snacking How decades of dieting impact women’s relationship with food Why protein and fibre matter during perimenopause Simple meal structure strategies that support hormones and energy Practical snack ideas for busy women How to nourish your body without restrictive dieting Why sustainable nutrition is about systems, not perfection How to create healthier meals without cooking separate meals for the family ABOUT ANNIE BARRY: Annie Barry is an Accredited Practising Dietitian with over 20 years of experience, a food and wine lover, and someone who genuinely believes that willpower is not the reason most women over 40 struggle with their weight. Annie runs All Round Wellness, where she helps women in perimenopause lose weight, manage symptoms and feel like themselves again, without giving up their favourite foods or cooking separate meals for the family. Her approach is built on practical systems rather than restriction, because she knows the strategies that worked in your 20s or 30s simply don't cut it anymore. Annie is passionate about giving women the tools and confidence to take back control of their health for good. CONNECT WITH ANNIE BARRY: Website: https://www.allroundwellness.com.au/ Instagram: @healthy.habits.dietitian CONNECT WITH HOST TERRI BATSAKIS: Web: https://terribatsakis.com.au/ Instagram: @terri.batsakis Facebook: @terribatsakis YouTube: @terribatsakis
E10
Jun 14, 2026
33:18
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 help women better understand what may be happening inside their bodies during this stage of life. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN: The role oestrogen plays in metabolism, mood, and body composition Why progesterone changes can increase anxiety and poor sleep How testosterone impacts motivation, confidence, and muscle mass The connection between cortisol, stress, and belly fat How insulin resistance may contribute to cravings and fatigue Why serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin influence mood and emotional wellbeing How melatonin disruptions impact sleep during midlife Why hormones work together rather than in isolation Practical ways to support your hormones naturally through lifestyle habits The importance of nutrition, movement, hydration, sleep, and stress management during perimenopause and menopause CONNECT WITH HOST TERRI BATSAKIS: Web: https://terribatsakis.com.au/ Instagram: @terri.batsakis Facebook: @terribatsakis YouTube: @terribatsakis
E9
Jun 7, 2026
32:22
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 confidence, self-expression, reducing overwhelm, and creating a wardrobe that actually works for your changing body and lifestyle. If you’ve ever looked in your wardrobe and felt frustrated, uncomfortable, outdated, or unsure what suits you anymore, this episode is packed with practical insights and empowering advice. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN: How perimenopause and midlife can impact body confidence Why clothing proportions matter more than women realise How to dress for your changing body shape The importance of understanding your colour palette Why personal style evolves during midlife How to reduce shopping overwhelm Tips for creating a wardrobe that actually works together Why midlife is the perfect time for a style reset The emotional connection between confidence and clothing ABOUT LORNA WOODCOCK: Lorna is a 52-year-old, married, working mum of 2 girls. A few years ago, while enduring both Covid lockdowns and peri-menopause, she made the decision to change both her own personal style, and her entire career path in midlife! Now, after extensive training and several years of practical styling experience she is a Personal Stylist and Colour Analyst specialising in supporting women in midlife. She is passionate about helping women 40+ find confidence and joy in getting dressed every day. With a previous background in psychology, and a long career in teaching, Lorna combine's colour science, body-shape expertise and practical wardrobe strategies to help clients feel confident and effortless. She creates wardrobes that flatter changing midlife body shapes, fit busy lifestyles and support evolving careers, using clear, teachable methods so every piece works harder and getting dressed becomes simple, and aligned with each client's own personal style. CONNECT WITH LORNA: Website: https://www.styledforlife.com.au/ Email: lorna@styledforlife.com.au Instagram/Facebook: @styledforlife LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/lorna-woodcock-a0ab13323 🎁 FREE RESOURCE: Lorna’s Perimenopause Shopping Bible is available via her website and social platforms. CONNECT WITH HOST TERRI BATSAKIS: Web: https://terribatsakis.com.au/ Instagram: @terri.batsakis Facebook: @terribatsakis YouTube: @terribatsakis
E8
Jun 7, 2026
36:26
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