Living Hellth

Jo Doyle
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  • HEALTH & FITNESS

The name, Living Hellth, comes from the unfortunate reality that the experience of health for many can be anything from confusing to chronic, and quite frankly a living hell.  In our first season, we’re starting with Women’s Hellth.  Women live in poor health for 25% more of their lives than men do. We’ll be covering the issues, experiences and chronic conditions that disproportionately effect women or affect women differently than men - including endometriosis, Migraines, Menopause, PMS and Cervical Cancer.  The aim of this podcast is two fold, to create a library of reliable information for our listeners who might be suffering with these conditions, using qualified experts, researchers and clinicians.  And secondly, to give a platform to amazing women who have lived through their living Hell, to share their story, and provide a sense of connection, comfort and hope for listeners. 

Episodes

  1. Menopause, my career and my sense of self: in conversation with industry leader, Melissa Robertson

    1D AGO

    Menopause, my career and my sense of self: in conversation with industry leader, Melissa Robertson

    Melissa Robertson shares her journey with peri-menopause (leading up to the menopause) that started to appear at the same time as she started her new role as CEO (at Dark Horses agency) around 5 years ago. This has a dual focus, on the personal but also professional impact (peri) menopause can have on her life and career. Melissa is a portfolio NED and consultant with over 30 years of experience in the advertising and marketing industry. She was a co-founder of the creative agency, Now; a Director of the women’s lifestyle platform, The Pool; and most recently CEO of Dark Horses, a creative agency focused on sport. She is now Non-Executive Chair of Spike, the sports arm of W Communications, a Trustee of the Women’s Sport Trust, and a director of Menopause Mandate. We chat about… Her erratic periods and wild dreams What life is life in perimenopause, waiting for The menopause The symptoms that hit like a train How they are selling menopause on Amazon - and raising awareness How businesses can support menopause How menopause showed up in her worklifeHow menopause has impacted her career How she was supported, and how partners can show up for those going through menopause You review your menopause on Amazon here:https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/SellingMenopause/page/242CA1A9-DE7A-4685-BA6A-0D70AA9047C8  You can reach out to Melissa here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissarobertson29/

    36 min
  2. Early perimenopause: A personal journey with experiencing perimenopause in her early 30s

    JAN 27

    Early perimenopause: A personal journey with experiencing perimenopause in her early 30s

    Wizz Selvey shares a really honest recount of how she discovered her early perimenopause, her symptoms, feeling overwhelmed and gaslit, then onto her road to properly understanding and managing her symptoms.  We talk about:  What sleep is like, now and during perimenopausePuberty and early adulthood: the signs and the symptomsIgnoring her cycle and realisation to embrace it, work with itThe real cost of questioning herself The very early signs of perimenopause that "hit hard" Thinking it was long covid, discovering it was perimenopause Perimenopause is a massive opportunity to reassess your lifeHow she managed her symptoms naturally, thinking about HRTMore about Wizz  Wizz Selvey the Co-founder of Valerie. The company tackling one of the biggest health challenges of our time: the 1 billion women navigating peri/menopause. Their mission is bold - to revolutionise midlife healthcare and empower women to live fully and freely at every age. Valerie is more than a product; we’re a movement. We’re here to help women reclaim their health, take back control, and turn midlife into maxlife.  Valerie have developed Daily Essential, a pioneering liposomal technology supplement with 12 nutrients and 90 health benefits.  Email her for partnerships and ambassador roles wizz@wearevalerie.com

    35 min
  3. Menopause specialist: Everything you need to know about the menopause in your 20s, 30s and 40s

    JAN 23

    Menopause specialist: Everything you need to know about the menopause in your 20s, 30s and 40s

    Dr Claire Phipps is a highly dedicated GP turned menopause specialist based in London.  She works particularly close women and people with complex health histories or multiple medical conditions, and her approach combines evidence-based hormonal and non-hormonal therapies, as well as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).  Claire is also deeply committed to advancing access to evidence-based menopause care for underserved and underrepresented populations. She holds the British Menopause Society Advanced Menopause Certificate, is a member of the International Menopause Society, and European Andropause and Menopause society. In this episode, we chat through:  The menopause basicsHow we should be thinking about menopause in our 20s, 30s and 40s Her trauma-aware approach and how oestrogen boxes up how we feelUnrecognised symptoms and how you should prepare for consultation with your doctorHRT basics - Not ready for HRT? There are alternativesThe good news - menopause doesn’t have to be scary!More on Dr Phipps  Dr Claire Phipps is a highly dedicated and compassionate GP with many years experience in providing comprehensive healthcare to all ages.  Claire also specialises in supporting women through menopause, particularly those with complex health histories or multiple medical conditions. Her approach combines evidence-based hormonal and non-hormonal therapies with a deep understanding of how existing health issues can influence menopausal symptoms and treatment choices. She focuses on personalised care, aiming to restore balance, improve quality of life, and empower women to navigate this transition with confidence and clarity.  Dr. Phipps holds the British Menopause Society Advanced Menopause Certificate, is a member of the International Menopause Society, and European Andropause and Menopause society. She a certified menopause and GP trainer providing education to healthcare professionals. She is also CBT trained and sits on the British Menopause Society medical advisory council. Claire believes that the perimenopause and menopause are opportunities to take back control of our health.  Claire is deeply committed to advancing access to evidence-based menopause care for underserved and underrepresented populations. She sits on the board of different community charities. Her areas of special interest include providing education around genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) treatment and within this supporting survivors of female genital mutilation (FGM).  You can find out more and get in touch with Dr Phipps via her website: https://themenopausegp.com/ or instagram @themenopausegp

    51 min
  4. Autoimmune expert: Dr Mark Vanderpump is an endocrinologist specialising in thyroid disease and and reproductive endocrinology including PCOS

    12/11/2025

    Autoimmune expert: Dr Mark Vanderpump is an endocrinologist specialising in thyroid disease and and reproductive endocrinology including PCOS

    In this episode, I interview a leading Endocrinologist based in London, Dr Mark Vanderpump, on autoimmune diseases, with a special focus on thyroid conditions.  In this episode, I ask him:  Why are women more imapcted by autoimmune diseases than men?What are autoimmune diseases and why do they occur? What are the autoimmune diseases triggers and treatment Conflicting researching surrounding increases and decreases in rates of autoimmune disease His view on lifestyle medicine and how gut health might impact Why is there a delay for so many women when it comes to diagnosis About Dr Vanderpump Dr Mark Vanderpump is a consultant physician and endocrinologist OneWelbeck in London, specialising in thyroid disease. Dr Vanderpump is a highly experienced endocrinologist. He was a Consultant Physician and Honorary Senior Lecturer in Endocrinology and Diabetes at the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust for 17 years, until he moved to full-time private practice, in 2016, after more than 30 years working in the NHS. He is the past President of the British Thyroid Association (2014-2017), and a 2017 and 2022 Top Doctors award winner. He is the former Chair of the London Consultants’ Association. He is a published author with a book and chapters on thyroid disease, and he regularly contributes to medical publications and teaches and lectures nationally and internationally.

    49 min
  5. Rocsi's living hell: After almost a decade, she discovered she had autoimmune disease, then removed a 16cm cyst and is now managing primary dysmenorrhea (painful periods without a cause)

    12/09/2025

    Rocsi's living hell: After almost a decade, she discovered she had autoimmune disease, then removed a 16cm cyst and is now managing primary dysmenorrhea (painful periods without a cause)

    After a decade long fight for answers to her symptoms, Rocsi was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease called Hashimoto’s - where the body’s own immune system attacks the thyroid. It didn’t end there, as she still had to learn why she had such painful and heavy periods. She discovered why, but it then meant she had to undergo a c-section surgery to remove a 16cm cyst. She fought hard to recover and continue to support her thyroid through properly nutrition and anti-inflammatory practices. Today she manages her primary dysmenorrhea (painful periods without a cause) and her autoimmune flare ups with a focus on nutrition and gut health, which has significantly improved her quality of life. In this episode: Rocsi’s upbringing and her first few extremely painful cyclesHer experience with the birth control pillWhat led her to discover her autoimmune thyroid diseasePushing her body to the extreme with diets and exercise, losing her periodPost surgery recovery and adjusting her lifestyle and nutrition to support her bodyReturning to a normal cycle and managing autoimmune disease

    52 min
  6. Trailer: Rocsi's story: A decade long fight for an autoimmune disease diagnosis, and even longer fight to explain her extremely heavy periods

    SEASON 1, EPISODE 5 TRAILER

    Trailer: Rocsi's story: A decade long fight for an autoimmune disease diagnosis, and even longer fight to explain her extremely heavy periods

    We'll launch our next two episodes this week, the first is our personal story. Rocsi shares her very long and very frustrating journey to get the answers to her debilitating symptoms. But it didn't end there - she then had to push for answers to her painful periods, which in the end, required c-section surgery and a long road to recovery. Rocsi's story is heart-breaking, inspiring and she's come out the other side armed with research and knowledge, determined to help any other women facing the same diagnosis or living with painful periods affecting their quality of life.

    5 min
  7. Is there a link between ADHD & female reproductive hormones? Dr Jessica Agnew-Blais chats through emerging research on hormonal transitions and fluctuations

    11/05/2025

    Is there a link between ADHD & female reproductive hormones? Dr Jessica Agnew-Blais chats through emerging research on hormonal transitions and fluctuations

    In this episode, we’re joined by Dr Jessica Agnew-Blais is a Senior Lecturer in Psychology at Queen Mary University London. Her research investigates the developmental course of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) across the life span.  In this episode we discuss what the research states when it comes to ADHD and hormonal transitions and fluctuations, including:  Puberty and menstruationPMDDHormonal contraceptionPregnancySleepPerimenopause and menopause We also cover the basics: What is ADHD? How is it diagnosed? How does it affect women and girls differently? Why is there such a delay in diagnosis for girls and women?Medication in the menstrual cycle and pregancy Dr Agnew-Blais current study focuses on ADHD among girls and women, and the role of times of hormonal change, including puberty, the menstrual cycle and the menopausal transition, in functioning among women with ADHD..  The books Dr Jessica Agnew referenced in this episode include: Lotta Skoglund's books and resources (via her website) https://www.borgskoglund.se/en/  https://www.borgskoglund.se/en/literature/adhd-girls-to-women/  Dr Jessica Agnew-Blais also recommends “Understand ADHD in Girls and Women” edited by Joanne Steer.  Dr Jessica Agnew-Blais works with www.adhdlifelab.com and people can find out about getting involved with research here: https://www.adhdlifelab.com/get-involved-1 Follow Dr Agnew-Blais, her work and affiliated organisations: @adhdlifecourselab @bluesky @adhdlifecourselab.bsky.social  Linkedin: ADHD Lifecourse Lab

    54 min
  8. Endometriosis surgeon & pelvic pain expert: Dr Karolina Afors shares the stats, facts and practical advice with it comes to this chronic condition

    10/09/2025

    Endometriosis surgeon & pelvic pain expert: Dr Karolina Afors shares the stats, facts and practical advice with it comes to this chronic condition

    In this third episode on endometriosis, we speak with Dr Karolina Afors, a Consultant Gynaecologist at University College London Hospitals, with over 17 years of experience in the NHS (the public healthcare system for England and Wales). She specialises in pelvic pain and endometriosis, including conducting surgery on patients suffering from Endo.  Dr Afors provides us with the stats, facts and practical advice when it comes to endometriosis. She has a unique perspective, as she values and includes guidance on holistic living and nutrition as part of her work with her patients, and as part of this epsiode, alongside other medical and surgical inventions.  In this episode, we cover: What is endometriosis (and adenomyosis) Why it is so painful for sufferers How the medical community defines / classifies endometriosis Innovations within the endo space she is especially excited about Why this is a delay is diagnosis  Advice she has for sufferers and what questions they can ask their GP  More on Dr Karolina Afors  She is actively involved in clinical research, medical education, and surgical training. She regularlyteaches at the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) and holds a seniorcommittee position within the British Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy (BSGE). She alsocontributes to the Pelvic Pain Special Interest Group of the European Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy (ESGE).Beyond her clinical practice, Dr Afors plays a leading role in women’s health innovation,working in drug development to design and deliver therapies that address significant unmetneeds. She also serves as a health educator and advisor, consulting across digital health platformsto integrate technology with personalised, holistic care, promoting accessibility and equity inhealthcare delivery. You can find more info: https://www.karolinaafors.com/

    28 min
  9. Raphy's Living Hellth story: Endo & chronic illness sufferer and health advocate

    10/09/2025

    Raphy's Living Hellth story: Endo & chronic illness sufferer and health advocate

    In this episode, I speak with Raphy about her living hellth journey with  Endometriosis and chronic illness.  Raphy has been diagnosed with PCOS, Endometriosis, Adenomiosis and chronic fatigue.  She’s undergone multiple surgeries, chemical menopause and two rounds of egg freezing - all before the age of 27.   She a 27-year-old part-time content creator and women’s health advocate from London. After years of living with chronic pain and feeling dismissed by doctors, she began sharing her story online, what started as a personal outlet has since grown into a supportive space where others can connect, feel seen, and swap experiences. Her content is honest, relatable, and sometimes sprinkled with humour, because she believes that even in the chaos of chronic illness, endometriosis and more, there’s room for humour and connection.  In this episode, we chat through: What puberty and her first cycle were like -  when did she see the first signs? What was her experience with hormonal contraception? Life leading up to her PCOS diagnosis, how she was able to get that diagnosisHow she advocated for health and pushed for answersHer symptoms and what daily life can look like with chronic illness  Life before and after her Endo diagnosisHow she juggles work, friendships and datingKey tips and advice for Endo sufferers Follow Raphy on her platforms, Instagram:@endounveiled and TikTok @Endounveiled where she shares helpful information, tips and her experience in an effort to give women’s health deserves more honesty, less stigma and reframe the conversation around chronic illness and reproductive health -  so that no one feels isolated in their body or their experience.

    50 min
  10. Ella's living hell: From Stage 4 Endometriosis, doctors ignoring her pain, fertility struggles, to symptom tracking, self-advocating for her health, finding the right support and conceiving her beautiful daughter, Sunny

    10/03/2025

    Ella's living hell: From Stage 4 Endometriosis, doctors ignoring her pain, fertility struggles, to symptom tracking, self-advocating for her health, finding the right support and conceiving her beautiful daughter, Sunny

    In this first episode, the first of three special episodes focused on Endometriosis.  My friend, Ella, share her story with stage 4 endometriosis and subsequently, her fertility journey. Ella is now in her early 30s and we spend this episode chatting and reflecting on what life was like leading up to her diagnosis, during her surgeries and her journey with fertility. We talk about what puberty was like for Ella, what her symptoms were, her journey through countless GP appointments, meeting the GP who changed everything for Ella and going from egg freezing, to conceiving her beautiful Baby daughter. More about Ella:  Ella has spent over 13 years working in the security industry, all while navigating her own journey with women’s health — from endometriosis to fertility challenges. She’s transformed her lived experiences into a passion, expanding professionally through ongoing medical training and certifications, teaching, creating women’s health courses, and hosting talks. Deeply committed to helping as many women as possible, Ella continues to grow and expand within the women’s health space, creating safe, welcoming spaces where nothing is off topic. Fun, warm, and refreshingly honest, she sparks real conversations, breaks taboos, and guides women so they feel informed, supported, and never alone on their journeys.

    51 min
  11. Living Hellth Trailer

    SEASON 1, EPISODE 1 TRAILER

    Living Hellth Trailer

    Welcome to the Living Hellth Podcast - launching next week! Subcribe to hear our first four episodes - you'll hear personal stories on Endometriosis as well as an expert speaker covering off all the stats and facts!

    2 min

Trailers

About

The name, Living Hellth, comes from the unfortunate reality that the experience of health for many can be anything from confusing to chronic, and quite frankly a living hell.  In our first season, we’re starting with Women’s Hellth.  Women live in poor health for 25% more of their lives than men do. We’ll be covering the issues, experiences and chronic conditions that disproportionately effect women or affect women differently than men - including endometriosis, Migraines, Menopause, PMS and Cervical Cancer.  The aim of this podcast is two fold, to create a library of reliable information for our listeners who might be suffering with these conditions, using qualified experts, researchers and clinicians.  And secondly, to give a platform to amazing women who have lived through their living Hell, to share their story, and provide a sense of connection, comfort and hope for listeners. 

Information

  • Creator
    Jo Doyle
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    11
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Living Hellth
  • Show Website
    Living Hellth