TheFifty1Percent with Shreya Patel-Parekh

Shreya Patel-Parekh

Welcome to thefifty1percent – where women over 30 come for honest health conversations. We move away from copying what others do and focus on your body, your circumstances and your environment, because no two women are the same. Expect expert insight and real women’s stories that help you make meaningful changes on your terms. No noise, no one-size-fits-all advice. Follow for episodes and sign up to our emails for updates on our events and much more. https://www.thefifty1percent.com/

  1. 15 Jul

    The Endo Warrior Who Fought To Be Heard | Sanju Pal

    What happens when women's health, careers and the workplace collide? In this important episode, Sanju Pal shares her personal journey living with endometriosis, navigating her career while managing her health, and why she decided to speak publicly. Sanju Pal is an Endo Warrior, social innovator and advocate whose life's work is rooted in social justice. She is the founder of the education charity RISE, a former management consultant, an award-winning social entrepreneur, and someone who has dedicated her life to creating positive change. Sanju shares the reality of living with a condition that affects millions of women, from her diagnosis and surgery to the emotional impact of trying to balance health, identity and career. At the centre of this conversation is Pal v Accenture (UK) Ltd: [2026] EAT 12, a publicly available Employment Appeal Tribunal judgment that forms part of wider conversations around endometriosis, disability and the workplace. In this conversation: • Sanju shares her endometriosis journey and diagnosis• We discuss the impact of chronic pain and being misunderstood• Sanju reflects on navigating health challenges alongside work• She shares why she chose to speak publicly about her experience• We explore the importance of workplace awareness and support• Sanju shares the words she wishes she had known during a pivotal moment• We discuss why women's health conversations need to include the workplace This is a conversation about resilience, advocacy, and the importance of ensuring that women feel seen, heard, and supported. Please note: All personal accounts reflect Sanju Pal's own experience and perspective. Pal v Accenture (UK) Ltd: [2026] EAT 12 is a public legal document. This episode does not constitute legal advice. 🔔 Subscribe — new episodes every week on women's health that actually matters🎧 Also available on YouTube ⏱️ CHAPTERS (00:00) Introduction: Sanju Pal's Journey(01:56) Symptoms and Diagnosis(03:51) The Impact of Endometriosis(06:12) Health and Work(08:05) Culture and Support(09:56) Pal v Accenture: The Legal Journey(12:48) Speaking Out(17:06) Advice For Women(20:09) Endometriosis In The Workplace(24:57) Advocacy And Change(29:46) Workplace Rights(34:53) Creating A Better Future RESOURCES: https://www.gov.uk/employment-appeal-tribunal-decisions/ms-s-pal-v-accenture-uk-ltd-2026-eat-12 https://www.gov.uk/employment-appeal-tribunal-decisions https://www.endometriosis-uk.org/ https://www.gov.uk/guidance/equality-act-2010-guidance https://www.rise-online.co.uk/ Follow Sanju - https://www.instagram.com/sanjuthinks https://www.instagram.com/sanjusticeuk/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanju-pal-64b96166/ Crowd Justice Page - https://www.crowdjustice.com/case/accenture-disability-discrimination-endometriosis/?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQPOTM2NjE5NzQzMzkyNDU5AAGn85X0Eve5od9r0PHCaIcJeVyv6pQuYXLRQ2JQJ69UITw_Ukj8l2fhx6GZvhU_aem_tJmX4fnOHPMC7ywSrcvHuA Follow Shreya - LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/thefifty1percent Join the Emails: https://www.thefifty1percent.com/joinus YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thefifty1percent Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shreyapatelparekh Instagram 51%: https://www.instagram.com/thefifty1percent/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shreyapatelparekh/ Website: https://www.thefifty1percent.com/

  2. 8 Jul

    Beyond Palatable — Take Up Space Without Apology | Sophie Jane Lee

    You are doing everything right. And something still feels empty. Sophie Jane Lee is an author, journalist and founder of Electric Peach — an award-winning brand storytelling agency working with social impact organisations. Her debut book Beyond Palatable: A Manifesto for Unapologetic Women explores how women are conditioned to shrink themselves and encourages them to take up space without apology. She has bylines in The Guardian, Fast Company and the Huffington Post and was named one of the UK's top 100 inspiring female entrepreneurs by Small Business Britain. In this honest and genuinely moving conversation, Sophie shares her personal journey through addiction and recovery — including a tricky breakup, spiralling behaviour, and the moment a business partner told her something she has never forgotten: "you are like a light that's covered in blankets, and I can still see the lights under the blankets; it's still in there, but you need to do the work to get the blankets off." That was when the real work began. Now approaching the end of pregnancy, Sophie reflects on what it means to grow another human — and how that experience cuts straight through the noise of everything we are told we need to be happy. The next pay rise. The next number on the scale. The next version of ourselves. None of it delivers. Because everything we actually need is already within us. We also explore the pressure women face from society, social media and marketing, why unlearning conditioning matters far more than trying to fix yourself, and why interrogating your dreams — asking whether they are actually yours — might be the most important thing you ever do. This episode is for you if: You have ever achieved something you wanted and still felt emptyYou are navigating recovery, a major life transition or the quiet sense that something is offYou want to understand where your conditioning ends and you beginYou are ready to stop shrinking and start taking up the space you were always meant to occupy⏱️ CHAPTERS(02:07) Meet Sophie Jane Lee (03:14) What does “palatable” mean? (05:26) Unlearning conditioning (08:42) Learning to say no (10:23) Beyond self-help (12:17) Optimisation culture (14:14) Motherhood, feminism, and work (16:55) The myth of having it all (18:31) Social media and the influencer lie (20:08) Beauty standards and insecurity (25:05) Scams, AI content, and online claims (28:12) Sophie’s turning point (32:16) Rebuilding trust with yourself (34:29) Fitting in vs belonging (36:05) Creating space for reflection (38:19) The colour walk practice Follow Sophie - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/electricpeachstudios/ https://www.instagram.com/beyondpalatable/ https://www.instagram.com/sophiejturton/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophieturton/ Websites: www.electricpeach.co.uk and www.beyondpalatable.com Follow Shreya - Join the Emails: https://www.thefifty1percent.com/joinus YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thefifty1percent Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shreyapatelparekh Instagram 51%: https://www.instagram.com/thefifty1percent/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shreyapatelparekh/ Website: https://www.thefifty1percent.com/

  3. 1 Jul

    The Confidence Was Already There | Serena Arora

    What if the confidence you've been searching for was never actually lost? Serena is a number one international bestselling author of Unbound, an Ayurvedic health practitioner and yoga therapist with over 25 years of experience. Born in Calgary to an Indian father and Chinese mother, she has spent her career guiding transformation through her retreat centre in Costa Rica and with clients around the world. In this deeply honest and quietly powerful conversation, Serena shares how she had confidence as a child — until the world started commenting on her looks, her personality, her choices. She turned inward. And what she found there changed everything: the confidence had never gone. It was already in her. She simply needed to pull it back out. She also opens up about being the changemaker in her family — the one everyone knew would ruffle feathers, speak the truth and refuse to stay quiet. Shame is a powerful silencer, and Serena speaks directly into that. She got married because it felt less shameful than the life she actually wanted. Then she got divorced. And for the first time, something felt liberating and completely true. This conversation is for every woman who has ever made herself smaller so someone else could stay comfortable. It is about confidence, shame, pattern-breaking, and what it actually takes to stop performing a version of yourself that was never really yours. We also explore Ayurvedic approaches to self-awareness and emotional wellbeing, the daily rituals that create genuine balance, and why boundaries — especially within family — are ultimately an act of self-respect. This episode is for you if: You had confidence as a child, and somewhere along the way, lost sight of itYou are the one in your family who asks the difficult questions and tells the uncomfortable truthsShame or expectation has kept you from living the life you actually wantYou are ready to stop shrinking and start pulling yourself back out⏱️ TIMESTAMPS(00:00) Introduction(02:11) Serena's Background(07:37) Bridging the Gap Between Generations and Cultures(12:03) Breaking Free from Guilt and Living Life on Your Own Terms(20:30) Finding Confidence by Learning Where You Belong(29:50) Why It's Never Too Early to Discover Who You Are(37:10) Why Slowing Down Is One of the Most Powerful Things We Can Do(48:31) The Power of Boundaries, Habits and Daily Rituals(55:53) Why Boundaries Are an Act of Self-Respect Follow Serena - Instagram https://www.instagram.com/serena_arora/Website - https://www.serenaarora.com/Unbound Book: An Immigrant Daughter’s Journey of Reckoning, Unravelling Shame, and Reclaiming Her Worth - https://www.amazon.com/dp/1959955721?ref=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_Q0JR2R0KK5A5KNCX6JG6_1&ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_Q0JR2R0KK5A5KNCX6JG6_1&social_share=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_Q0JR2R0KK5A5KNCX6JG6_1&bestFormat=true Follow Shreya - LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/thefifty1percent Join the Emails: https://www.thefifty1percent.com/joinus YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thefifty1percent Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shreyapatelparekh Instagram 51%: https://www.instagram.com/thefifty1percent/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shreyapatelparekh/ Website: https://www.thefifty1percent.com/

  4. 24 Jun

    Menopause, HRT & What Actually Works | Nigel Denby

    If you've ever felt confused, overwhelmed or quietly misled by what you've read about menopause online — this episode is for you. Nigel Denby is a Registered Dietitian with over 25 years of clinical experience in women's health and the founder of Your Menopause by Harley St at Home. He joins me for a grounded, evidence-based conversation that cuts through the noise and gives you something far more useful: clarity about what's actually happening in your body, and what actually helps. Menopause is not a disease. It is a normal phase of life — one that affects every woman differently, and one that asks for adjustment, personalised care and honest information rather than quick fixes or one-size-fits-all solutions. We cover the real impact of hormonal changes on sleep, weight, energy and mood, why HRT remains the gold standard for many women and what the evidence says for those who can't or don't want to take it, the truth about supplements, and why getting the basics right — sleep, nutrition, movement, stress — is often the most powerful starting point of all. We also go into GLP-1 medications, the misinformation problem on social media, and why perimenopause, navigated well, can genuinely be a gift. This episode is for you if: You're in perimenopause or menopause and struggling to separate fact from noiseYou want an evidence-based view of HRT, supplements and lifestyle optionsYou've been told to just push through — and you're done accepting thatYou're ready to understand your symptoms and make informed, confident choices ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS(01:59) Nigel's Background(03:51) Dietitian or Nutritionist? What Every Woman Should Know(09:28) Why So Many Women Feel Lost During Perimenopause(14:51) Menopause Isn't the End — It's a Chance to Start Again(24:00) Can Supplements Really Help Menopause Symptoms?(29:28) The Menopause Quick-Fix Trap(35:08) The Reality of Menopause Symptoms(39:08) The Risk of Blaming Everything on Menopause(47:27) GLP-1, HRT and Menopause Follow Nigel - Website - http://harleystathome.com Instagram - www.instagram.com/harleystreetathomemenopause  Facebook - www.facebook.com/harleystathome |  LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/company/harley-street-at-home-menopause YouTube - http://www.youtube.com/@harleystathome Pinterest - https://pin.it/1TdwNnlrG TikTok - @yourmenopause Threads - www.threads.com/@harleystreetathomemenopause Linktree - linktr.ee/harleystathome LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/thefifty1percent Join the Emails: https://www.thefifty1percent.com/joinus YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thefifty1percent Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shreyapatelparekh Instagram 51%: https://www.instagram.com/thefifty1percent/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shreyapatelparekh/ Website: https://www.thefifty1percent.com/

  5. 17 Jun

    Cancer, Prevention & Early Detection | Michele Simonetti

    Michele Simonetti's wife Claire was 40, fit, healthy, a non-smoker and passionate about fitness — a mother of two. Then she was diagnosed with stage 4 colorectal cancer. It had spread. Treatable, not curable. Claire passed away late last year. When they got to the surgeon, Michele heard words he will never forget: "You should have come two years ago." Having also lost his mother to cancer, Michele feels morally compelled to share a message he believes everyone needs to hear — because it isn't complex and it doesn't cost a thing. Most people discover they have cancer through an emergency, and by that point, it's usually advanced. The way to counter that is early detection. And early detection starts with prevention and knowing your own body well enough to notice when something shifts. His ask is simple: get acquainted with your body. Pick a date in your calendar. Run your tests regularly. In this honest, human and genuinely important conversation, we cover:→ Why so many diagnoses happen through emergency — and what that costs in terms of stage and outcome→ The everyday prevention habits that reduce risk→ The symptoms and screenings every woman should have on her radar→ How to build a personal health baseline — and stick to it→ Claire's diagnosis at 40 and the seven words that changed everything→ What stage 4 cancer as a family of four teaches you about love, time and what truly matters→ Why illness makes you more decisive and clearer about who and what deserves your energy This episode is empowering, actionable and important. Please share it with someone you love. ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS(00:00) Introduction(02:32) Michele's Background(11:09) Cancer Prevention Starts with Small, Everyday Actions(17:26) Understanding the Risks, Signs and Screening Tests That Matter(25:43) The Power of Early Detection and Regular Screening(30:29) How One Early Check Changed Everything(34:39) What Cancer Taught Me About Love, Time and What Really Matters Follow Michele - LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelemsimonetti/Website: Yourhealthisinyourhands.com Follow Shreya - https://linktr.ee/thefifty1percent

  6. 10 Jun

    Why Most Wellness Advice Fails Women | Shruti Hiremath & Dr Ritwik Niyogi

    In this episode, Shruti Hiremath and Dr Ritwik Niyogi explore why traditional wellness advice often fails women in real life, especially when it relies on motivation, perfection, or unrealistic routines. We discuss habits, dopamine, burnout, decision fatigue, women’s changing energy levels, and why sustainable health requires far simpler and more personalised systems. The conversation also explores the future of AI-powered wellbeing and why long-term capacity matters more than short-term optimisation. A thoughtful discussion on neuroscience, identity, behaviour change, and creating healthier ways of living without constant pressure. 🎧 WHY LISTEN If you’ve ever struggled to stay “consistent”, felt overwhelmed by wellness advice, or blamed yourself for not keeping up with routines, this episode offers a far more realistic and compassionate way to think about health and behaviour change. ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS (00:00) – Why Most Wellness Advice Fails Women(02:28) – Shruti Hiremath and Dr Ritwik Niyogi’s Backgrounds(07:05) – Why Motivation and Wellness Advice Often Don’t Work(17:52) – The Link Between Ambition, Health and Happiness(28:01) – The Power of Keeping One Promise to Yourself Daily(33:38) – Burnout, Overwhelm and Decision Fatigue(37:01) – Stop Relying on Motivation and Build Better Habits(45:43) – Why Most Wellness Apps Add More Pressure(51:50) – Can AI Predict Your Future Health?(55:50) – Why Sustainable Health Matters More Than Perfection Follow Shruti & Ritwik - App: https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/una-cycle-aware-habit-system/id6758667314 Website: www.una-app.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/una.method/LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/company/una-app-women/Ritwik's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritwikniyogi/Shruti's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shrutihiremath/Follow Shreya:https://linktr.ee/thefifty1percent

  7. 3 Jun

    Heart Attack Symptoms Women Should Never Ignore | Dr Gabriella Captur

    In this episode, Dr Gaby Captur breaks down cardiovascular health in a clear and practical way, explaining the difference between heart disease and cardiovascular disease, heart attacks and cardiac arrest, and why women’s symptoms are still too often missed. We discuss cholesterol, blood clots, genetics, warning signs, diagnosis, and why heart conditions can still exist even when scans appear “normal”. An important conversation on women’s heart health, early detection, and understanding symptoms before it’s too late. Timestamps - (00:00) – Heart Attack Symptoms in Women Are Often Missed(02:36 – Dr Gaby Captur’s Background(03:33) – Cardiovascular Disease Explained Simply(05:31) – Heart Attack vs Cardiac Arrest: What’s the Difference?(12:08) – Cholesterol, Blood Clots and Heart Risk Explained(20:06) – How Often Should You Check Your Cholesterol?(26:35) – The Warning Signs of Heart Attacks in Women(31:31) – Why Women’s Heart Symptoms Get Missed(37:31) – What Happens During a Heart Attack or Cardiac Arrest?(45:24) – Why Heart Symptoms Can Exist Even With “Normal” Scans(51:38) – Getting the Right Diagnosis for Heart Symptoms Follow Gabriella - https://www.topdoctors.co.uk/doctor/gabriella-captur/ https://profiles.ucl.ac.uk/32271-gaby-captur https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabriella-captur-5a9490a1/ Follow Shreya - https://linktr.ee/thefifty1percent Links to Heart Health Information - https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/conditions/heart-attack/signs-and-symptoms-of-heart-attacks-in-women#Do_as_many_women_have_heart_attacks_as_men https://www.hriuk.org/health/learn/cardiovascular-disease/women-and-heart-disease

  8. 27 May

    Why So Many Women Feel Exhausted & Overwhelmed | Dr Amrita Sen Mukherjee

    In this episode, Dr Amrita Sen Mukherjee shares a thoughtful conversation on burnout, self-compassion, identity, and what it really means to live well in today’s fast-paced world. Drawing on both her clinical experience and coaching practice, she explores why so many women lose sight of themselves while constantly pushing through life, work, and responsibility. We discuss sustainable wellbeing, emotional exhaustion, support networks, reflection, and why slowing down matters more than ever. A grounded and insightful conversation about reconnecting with yourself and creating a healthier, more intentional way of living. Timestamps: (00:00) – Why So Many Women Feel Exhausted and Overwhelmed(01:56) – Dr Amrita Sen Mukherjee’s Background(05:38) – Balancing Health, Work and Life in General Practice(11:29) – The Challenges and Pressures Inside GP Practices(20:36) – Why Reflection, Growth and Kindness Matter(29:21) – Losing Yourself While Constantly Pushing Through(35:55) – Why Support Networks Matter More Than Ever(45:38) – Learning to Slow Down in a Fast-Paced World(50:58) – Accountability, Habits and Sustainable Change Follow Amrita: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-amrita-sen-mukherjee/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourwellbeingdoctor/ Website:  www.yourwellbeing.doctor TEDx Talk – “Invisible disability: Challenging bias to enable change”  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ro3SbU95qwc Research – “A Blessing and a Burden” https://bpspsychub.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/bjhp.12642 Follow Shreya:  https://linktr.ee/thefifty1percent

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Welcome to thefifty1percent – where women over 30 come for honest health conversations. We move away from copying what others do and focus on your body, your circumstances and your environment, because no two women are the same. Expect expert insight and real women’s stories that help you make meaningful changes on your terms. No noise, no one-size-fits-all advice. Follow for episodes and sign up to our emails for updates on our events and much more. https://www.thefifty1percent.com/

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