Life After Menopause

Karen O‘Connor
  • 5.0 (3)
  • SOCIETY & CULTURE
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
Life After Menopause

Menopause, Marriage & Motherhood - Every woman will experience at least one of those things but all of us experience life through a female lens. And midlife, with its physical, emotional and lifestyle changes, often demands that we take stock of our lives and look at everything in different ways. Join me, Karen O’Connor, and my guests each week as we take an in-depth look topics close to home such as health, families, finances and our changing relationships, to wider issues such as women’s rights, equality and stress in the workplace. If you’ve asked the question or thought about something to do with life after 50, you’ll hopefully find a podcast about it here. And if you don’t, message me because it’ll probably be a great topic to cover! Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss a single thought provoking episode: https://www.mmmpodcast.me/email

  1. FEB 20

    Why it's crucial to process our negative emotions with Dr Marny Lishman

    Many of us grew up with people telling us not to be angry or not to be "ridiculous" - this idea that we can show some emotion, but we have to suppress others.Dr Marny Lishman is a psychologist who joins me this episode to talk about adaptability, wellbeing and change. After the last couple of years, many of us have become more stressed, unhappy, and ultimately mentally unwell. And unfortunately, we have been grown up without being taught to properly process negative emotions, leaving us overwhelmed, and triggered at any moment.Join us in this episode to talk about mental health and how you can best identify and express your emotions.    Find out more here: https://www.mmmpodcast.me/ep230

    43 min

  2. FEB 13

    Suzanne Storrie: Creating a Routine for Focus and Goal Achievement

    In this thought-provoking episode, join us as we venture into the multifaceted world of Suzanne Storrie, a former corporate executive turned dairy farmer and executive coach. Suzanne takes us through her incredible life transformation, sharing insights on how cultivating a meaningful routine can anchor us in the present and direct us towards a future filled with intention and purpose. Suzanne is a former high-profile executive with a diverse career at NRL, Layton, CBA, and Qantas. Amidst the challenges of COVID, she made a transformative shift from corporate leadership to becoming a dairy farmer and executive coach. Her story explores the complexities of balancing vastly different lifestyles and finding renewed confidence and peace.   Key Takeaways: How to establish a daily routine, like the "Sphere of Silence," to enhance focus  How embracing change is pivotal for personal growth and developing self-reliance. Learn how to prioritise tasks to maintain a balance between work, family, and self-care. Why Suzzane transitioned into farming, offsetting the demands of her previous corporate roles. Why transition periods offer unique opportunities for re-alignment with personal values and setting new goals. Quote:We all want to see that we're making progress... the research says you're 42% more likely to achieve your goals if you write your goals down.Timestamps0:00 - Introduction0:01:11 - Dwelling on past mistakes and regrets0:04:12 - Letting go of anger, sadness, and bitterness0:07:08 - Learning to detach and focus on the present0:08:40 - Handing over responsibilities and seeking support0:11:03 - Redefining the mother-daughter relationship in a business context0:14:38 - Overcoming self-indulgence and sharing personal experiences0:18:12 - Dealing with unhappiness in a relationship without a major reason Find out more here: https://lifeaftermenopause.net/ep229

    48 min

  3. FEB 6

    The Guilt and Grief of Midlife

    Midlife comes with a whole heap of angst, worries, concerns, confronting changes, all of it. In this episode, I take a look at how to handle all the changes that are going on without losing your mind (too much!) Find out more here: lifeaftermenopause.net/ep228

    24 min

  4. JAN 30

    Fake Forgiveness, Passive Aggression and Why Being Grateful Suppresses Women’s Power

    In this episode, Karen reflects on her personal journey of self-discovery and shares their thoughts on gratitude and forgiveness. She explores the idea of gratitude being linked to the patriarchy and how it may be used to suppress women's power. She also discuss forgiveness and express her skepticism towards the concept of "fake forgiveness" and emphasises the importance of honesty and setting boundaries, rather than avoiding confrontation and pretending to forgive.   Key Takeaways:  How gratitude can occasionally create feelings of powerlessness contrasting with the empowering effect of appreciation. The association of gratitude with dependency may be linked to the patriarchy and the suppression of women's power. How appreciation allows us to take ownership of our creations, providing a more empowering perspective. The consequences of "fake forgiveness" and passive-aggressive behavior Quote"Fake it till you make it. I don't like that. To me, it's dishonest."   Timestamps03:12 - Differentiating between gratitude and appreciation06:44 - Exploring the potential connection between gratitude and the patriarchy09:51 - Challenging societal expectations of gratitude and appreciation12:03 - Criticising the insincerity of some expressions of forgiveness and gratitude15:16 - The importance of being true to oneself19:07 - Triggering experiences and self-reflection20:51 - Drawing the line and sending a message to the universe Find out more here: https://lifeaftermenopause.net/ep227

    23 min

  5. JAN 23

    Dr Ivana Matic-Stancin: Approaching Perimenopause Holistically, and Why Women Need Each Other During and After Menopause

    Dr. Ivana Matic Stanson discusses the importance of taking a holistic approach to perimenopausal health. She also highlights the societal messages and expectations that can add to the stress and overwhelm experienced by women during this transition. By providing education, support, and guidance, Dr. Stanson helps women navigate perimenopause and embrace the next stage of their lives with confidence and well-being.Dr. Ivana Matic Stanson is a perimenopausal health specialist, she also provides one-on-one consultations, group appointments, and online coaching to help women navigate the challenges of perimenopause and transition to a healthier and happier stage of life.  Key Takeaways: Why does perimenopause demand a holistic approach What are the factors that can contribute to the severity and duration of perimenopausal symptoms How mindfulness and reflection can help women navigate the challenges of perimenopause  Why understanding the physiological changes happening in the body during perimenopause is crucial for women to make informed decisions Quotes: "Perimenopausal health is about addressing all possible angles because we are such complex beings." - Dr. Ivana Matic Stanson Timestamp01:25 - Dr. Ivana Matic Stanson's approach to holistic perimenopausal health07:28 - Importance of community and sense of belonging in healthcare12:02 -  Perimenopausal symptoms and the importance of lifestyle and stress management19:42 - Slowing down, reflecting, and finding a new way of being25:28 - Understanding the physiology of the body is crucial for managing symptoms.30:39 - Adjusting eating habits and self-care is necessary during menopause.36:56 - Transitioning to perimenopause in a healthy and informed way37:23 - Conclusion and closing remarks     Find out more here: https://lifeaftermenopause.net/ep226

    39 min

  6. JAN 16

    Lyndal Stellenberg: Overcoming Body Image Issues, and Embracing Summer

    Lyndal Sterenberg, founder of Es Una, talks about her journey in creating a swimwear brand that focuses on body confidence and comfort. Lyndal emphasises the importance of finding swimwear that takes away the anxiety many women feel about their bodies and allows them to enjoy summer activities without self-consciousness. She also discusses the impact of social media on body image and the need for women to embrace their bodies and share their stories.   In addition to her work with Es Una, Lyndal is involved in a program called Making Her Mark, which aims to encourage women and girls to pursue nontraditional careers. She shares her passion for supporting women in male-dominated industries and helping them find the courage to pursue their goals. Key Takeaways: How finding the right swimwear that takes away that anxiety can help women enjoy summer activities without self-consciousness. Why women should embrace their bodies and share their stories. How social media can have a negative impact on body image How to build confidence and overcoming your inner critic. Lindell's challenges and successes encountered in establishing a Es Una Quotes: "Finding swimwear that takes away the anxiety many women feel about their bodies allows them to enjoy summer activities without self-consciousness." - Lyndal Stellenberg Timestamps03:40  The inspiration behind Lyndal's swimwear designs05:38  The impact of social media on body confidence12:23  The importance of courage and confidence to enjoy summer activities15:34  Overcoming inner critic through research and planning17:44  Building confidence by taking on challenges19:32  Lyndal's journey into fashion design24:29  Addressing individual body issues and finding solutions Find out more here: https://lifeaftermenopause.net/ep225

    32 min

  7. JAN 9

    Life After Menopause: The Importance of Trusting Your Intuition and Recognising Toxic Relationships

    In this episode, Karen reflects on her personal experiences over the past year and discusses the importance of trusting one's gut instinct and recognising toxic relationships. She shares her journey of post-menopause and how it has brought clarity and a sense of liberation.  She also delves into her recent business experiences, highlighting the importance of trusting her instincts and recognising toxic relationships.   Key Takeaways: How to trust your intuition Why sharing personal experiences allows for connection and validation. How to recognise the people you tolerate in your life and evaluate if they are toxic. Discovering your untapped potential - why it matters Empowerment and coping strategies in menopause women Quote:"I am thoroughly postmenopausal and very glad for it. I cannot tell you how nice it is to be post menopause because there's just so many more things available."Timestamp00:31 - Transition to focusing on life after menopause and personal experiences04:45 - Recap of the past year, including separation, house sale, and podcasting business05:26 - Difficulty in ending relationships with people who are "just okay"06:37 - Negative impact of marketing relationship on podcast downloads and business09:14 - Realisation that many "tolerated" people are toxic narcissists10:26 - Frustration with people who don't learn from feedback12:06 - Importance of sharing experiences and validating others' feelings   Find out more here: https://lifeaftermenopause.net/ep224

    15 min

  8. JAN 2

    The most dramatic year of my life: Turning 60, Separation, Moving House

    In this episode, Karen O'Connor reflects on her podcast journey and shares updates on her life over the past year. She discusses the vulnerability and challenges of sharing personal thoughts and experiences. Karen explores the concept of finding purpose in life and the pressure society places on individuals to have a singular purpose. She also delves into her decision to take a break from her long-term marriage to rediscover herself and her desires. Karen highlights the importance of addressing discomfort and making changes to live a more fulfilling life.  Key Takeaways: Why finding a singular purpose in life can be challenging, and it's okay to have multiple purposes and goals. How goals can feel restrictive, and how focusing on outcomes and experiences can provide more freedom and possibilities. The importance of  prioritising one's own wants and needs instead of solely focusing on others. How society's expectations and gender roles can limit personal growth and fulfillment. How taking action and addressing discomfort can lead to personal growth and a more authentic life. Quote:"I don't have a single purpose in life, a single goal that I want to achieve, a single thing that I'm going to do and make it my life's meaning."Timestamp03:37 - The limitations of setting goals and finding meaning08:17 - Exploring the idea of spending time apart in a long-term relationship13:26 - The difficulty of making the decision to separate18:07 - Taking action and embracing uncertainty is perceived as unusual24:11 - Gender differences are mostly a result of societal training27:49 - Children's response to bullying is ostracising the bully.33:05 - Tolerating inappropriate behavior as a woman.35:52 - Realisation of tolerating discomfort and danger in life.39:14 - Feeling the cognitive dissonance of being a woman in patriarchy.

    43 min
See All (214)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Menopause, Marriage & Motherhood - Every woman will experience at least one of those things but all of us experience life through a female lens. And midlife, with its physical, emotional and lifestyle changes, often demands that we take stock of our lives and look at everything in different ways. Join me, Karen O’Connor, and my guests each week as we take an in-depth look topics close to home such as health, families, finances and our changing relationships, to wider issues such as women’s rights, equality and stress in the workplace. If you’ve asked the question or thought about something to do with life after 50, you’ll hopefully find a podcast about it here. And if you don’t, message me because it’ll probably be a great topic to cover! Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss a single thought provoking episode: https://www.mmmpodcast.me/email

Information

  • Creator
    Karen O‘Connor
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2024
  • Episodes
    214
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2023 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Life After Menopause

You Might Also Like

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes, and get the latest updates.
Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada