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What the Pause?!

What the Pause?!

by Amalia Kartsonas

Health & Fitness Society & Culture

Season 2

What Happened When 30 Women Started Talking About Menopause

Last week’s menopause conversation at WPL Eastside (Ontario, Canada) reminded me why I started What the Pause?! About 30 women came together to talk about the myths and truths of menopause, but what happened went far beyond that. Women shared stories about being dismissed by healthcare providers, feeling afraid to speak about menopause at work, and simply not knowing where to turn for answers. One thing stayed with me: women need spaces where they can talk openly, be heard, and support each other. We also need better education in healthcare, workplaces, and leadership. Menopause shouldn’t be something women feel they have to hide or apologize for. #WhatThePause #Menopause #Perimenopause #MenopauseAwareness #WomensHealth #WomenSupportingWomen #MenopauseAtWork #WomensHealthMatters #MidlifeWomen #MenopauseConversation #BreakTheSilence #WomensWellbeing

Amalia's Journey in Post-Menopause - One Month In!

One month into post-menopause, I’m checking in on what has actually changed, and surprisingly, a lot of it has been positive. In this episode of What the Pause?!, I share how I’m feeling after my first four weeks on the other side of menopause. I talk about the freedom of finally being DONE with periods, why HRT is still an important part of my life, the return of my energy and motivation to get back into the gym, and how I’m learning to think differently about my body at 54. I’m also starting a brand-new job at 54, which feels like a pretty powerful reminder that this stage of life is NOT about winding down. For me, post-menopause is starting to feel less like an ending and more like a new chapter filled with more freedom, confidence, perspective, and motivation than I expected. We hear so much about what menopause takes away. In this episode, I want to talk about what we can gain.

Amalia's Journey in the last 4 Weeks of Menopause

Amalia is back from her break and ready to talk about her last 4 weeks of menopause. Yes, on July 16th, she is now Post Menopausal!!! Listen to her most VULNERABLE episode covering loss, betrayal and self-advocacy! You will either be shocked, saddened, or able to relate. Trigger Warning - abuse and suicidal tendencies.

Self-Perception, Confidence and Menopause - Jean's Journey

I had such a meaningful conversation with Jean Leggett on the podcast. We spoke openly about confidence, self-perception, menopause, and how easy it can be for women to lose sight of themselves through different stages of life and career. What I loved most was how honest and human the conversation felt. Just two women talking candidly about growth, identity, and finding your voice again. The episode is now live S2 Ep7. Jean can be reached at www.jeanleggett.com, https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanleggett/

Leadership and Menopause - Laura's Journey

How many high-performing women are silently navigating menopause while still expected to lead at full capacity? In S2 Episode 6 of What the Pause?!, I sit down with Laura Kusto to talk about her menopause journey, identity, and what true leadership looks like when supporting women through this transition. Menopause is not just a personal issue. It is a workplace conversation. If leaders want stronger cultures, better retention, and healthier teams, emotional intelligence is no longer optional. Are organizations truly ready for this conversation?

Telehealth Menopause Care in Canada - Amalia's Perspective

Canadian women are paying private telehealth clinics for menopause care because the public healthcare system keeps failing them. Women wouldn’t be forced into paying hundreds or thousands out of pocket just to feel human again. This isn’t about attacking telehealth. It’s about asking why women have been left with this as their only realistic option. THAT'S SYSTEMIC BIAS. #Menopause #WomensHealth #HRT #HealthcareFail

Advocacy and Menopause - Jennifer's Journey

In this episode of What the Pause?!, I sit down with Licensed Professional Counselor Jennifer Naspinski from Philadelphia, PA to talk about her personal menopause journey and why women MUST learn to advocate for themselves. Jennifer shares what it felt like to navigate symptoms while trying to continue showing up professionally, emotionally, and personally, all while realizing how little support many women receive during this transition. We talk about: ✨ The emotional side of menopause ✨ Anxiety, identity shifts, and overwhelm ✨ Why so many women feel ignored in healthcare ✨ The importance of asking questions and pushing for answers ✨ How self-advocacy can completely change your experience Whether you’re in perimenopause, postmenopause, or supporting someone who is, this episode is an important reminder that your symptoms are real, your voice matters, and you deserve care that listens.

Exercise Science and Menopause - Jen's Journey

I interviewed a 15x Ironman triathlete about menopause… Jen Rulon has a master’s in kinesiology, has coached 50+ athletes, and has built a career on performance. Then menopause hit. Life circumstances hit. We talk about what actually happens to your body, why your workouts may not be working anymore, and how to adapt instead of pushing harder. If you’ve been feeling frustrated in your body lately, this one is for you.

From Perimenopause to Post Menopause - Lesley's Journey

This episode is a must-watch if you are in late-stage perimenopause and wondering what actually happens next. Lesley shares her real journey from perimenopause into post menopause. This is the part no one prepares women for, and we wonder if we will ever become our normal selves again We talk about how stress can intensify symptoms in ways that feel completely out of control. Lesley speaks of her experience with doctors and why so many women are still left without real answers. Watch it. Share it. This conversation matters.

A Menopause Love Letter to my Millennial Sisters

A generation of women was told to fear hormones. GenX'ers have opened the door for our millennial sisters not to suffer during menopause. However, women are asking why HRT is still an issue in 2026!! It all traces back to one moment, the release of the Women's Health Initiative in 2002. But here’s what didn’t make the headlines: The average woman in that study was 63… not in early menopause. And that changes EVERYTHING. This episode is about: 🔥 What really happened 🔥 How fear spread 🔥 Why the narrative needs correcting It’s something we deserve support for. #Menopause #HormoneHealth #HRT #WomensHealth #Perimenopause #MenopauseAwareness #WhatThePause

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