Podcast notes: Kate Codrington on Second Spring, menopause, rest and elderhood In this episode I speak with the wonderful Kate Codrington about menopause as a powerful life transition rather than a “decline”. We explore the idea of Second Spring, the seasonal map of midlife, sobriety, rest, grief, nervous system repair, women’s circles, and the emerging path into elderhood. Main themes Menopause as a transition, not a decline Kate challenges the cultural story that menopause is a downward slope, reframing it as a sensitive, powerful transition into a more authentic self.Drawing on Chinese medicine and menstrual cycle awareness, Kate explains post-menopause as a renewed spring: a time of clearer energy, deeper wisdom and a new relationship with self. The end of people-pleasing We talk about oestrogen, belonging, fawning, niceness and the “good daughter of the patriarchy” — and why menopause can bring rage, clarity and a glorious reduction in giving a f**k. Sobriety and menopause as awakenings Both sobriety and menopause ask us to stop numbing, stop performing and begin listening to what is actually true. Rest as deep medicine Kate shares how yoga nidra and a simple 15-minute daily stop became part of her own healing. We talk about rest not as another self-care task, but as a way of softening the nervous system over time. The foundations matter Sleep, hydration, nourishing food, less alcohol, pleasure, movement, connection and nervous system care are not glamorous quick fixes, but they are the real work. Grief, loss and the seasons We explore autumn and winter as maps for grief, shedding and endings — and how grief can deepen our commitment to life.Midlife often brings both a fierce need for solitude and a longing for women’s community. We talk about the shadow and healing of returning to circle. Elderhood and contribution Kate speaks beautifully about elderhood as authenticity, discernment, alignment, contribution and modelling another way of living — not necessarily loud leadership, but quiet wisdom. Mentioned in this episode Kate Codrington’s books: Second Spring: The Self-Care Guide to Menopause The Perimenopause Journal Kate’s podcast: Life — An Inside Job FIND KATE AT https://www.katecodrington.co.uk/ Love Sober note If this conversation speaks to where you are, my six-week group programme Love Your Sober Summer begins on 21 June. We’ll explore summer triggers, socialising, holidays, rest, nervous system support and how to feel more like yourself without relying on alcohol. Small group, six live coaching calls, seasonal tools and support. More at lovesober.com.
