Alicia J. Rose on Building Menopunks, Hormonal Optimization, and Revolutionary Art

In this deeply personal conversation with Alicia J. Rose, we explore what it means to transform vulnerability into creative power. Alicia shares her journey through RSD (Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria), ADHD, and imposter syndrome—revealing how embracing sensitivity rather than hiding it became her greatest asset. We dig into the genesis of her upcoming documentary "Menopunks," which examines how 23 years of HRT (hormone replacement therapy) misinformation has systematically disempowered Gen X women's creative potential. Alicia explains what hormonal optimization unlocked in her own creative practice, why she believes the medical establishment's treatment of menopause connects to broader political power, and how building goodwill within creative communities creates lasting impact that transcends individual recognition.

About the Guest:

Alicia J. Rose is a Portland-based filmmaker, photographer, musician, and cultural curator whose three-decade career has shaped the Pacific Northwest music community. From her early days as Miss Murgatroid playing avant-garde accordion to her current work with Party Witch, Alicia has consistently championed collaboration and authentic creative expression.

As a booker, she helped define Portland's music scene at legendary venues like the Doug Fir Lounge and Mississippi Studios. She's directed over 35 music videos for artists including Bob Mould, Corin Tucker, and The Decemberists—whose visual aesthetic she helped establish through five to ten years of album photography and creative direction.

Her upcoming documentary “Menopunks” and new podcast examines how hormone replacement therapy misinformation has impacted Gen X women's creative potential, featuring conversations with musicians and artists from Sleater-Kinney, Neko Case, The Thermals, and the broader Pacific Northwest creative community. The project has already garnered significant attention, growing from 1,000 to 7,000 Instagram followers in one week following the teaser release. We can’t wait to see it!

Episode Highlights:

• Alicia's creative journey from childhood show-and-tell to multi-disciplinary artist
• Understanding rejection sensitivity dysphoria and how it manifests in creative work
• Learning to embrace sensitivity and empathy as creative strengths rather than weaknesses
• The power of being a "yenta" and bringing people together through curation
• The origin story of "Menopunks" and discovering hormone optimization and the connection between HRT and creative output
• The documentary research process and letting the story evolve
• Why collaboration and service are more radical than individual achievement

Connect with Alicia J. Rose:

• Website: menopunks.com, aliciajrose.com
• Instagram: @ajrhq, @menopunks, @party_witch, @girlsintroublemusic
• Podcast: Menopunks podcast

Connect with Creatives Processing:

• Instagram: @creativesprocessing
• Email: creativesprocessing AT wordofmouthcreative DOT co

About Word of Mouth:

• Website: wordofmouthcreative.co
• Services: Strategic creative direction, brand development, and design for mission-driven organizations—always through the lens of humanizing the creative process
• Approach: Partner with Sarah to create authentic brand experiences that honor both strategic goals and human connection

Subscribe to Creatives Processing to hear more conversations with creative professionals about their processes, challenges, and what it really takes to build sustainable creative careers.

Rate and Review: If this episode resonated with you, please rate the show and share it with another creative who might benefit from Alicia's insights.