Period Story Podcast

ACCEPT WHAT YOU NEED IN THE MOMENT // My guest on today’s episode is Tamara Driessen. Tamara is a tarot reader, intuitive guide, author of Luna and The Crystal Code and host of the podcast Another Phase. In this episode, Tamara shares: - What it meant to be diagnosed with PCOS and anovulatory infertility - Her experience coming off the pill and reconnecting with her menstrual cycle - Some of the habits she incorporated to kickstart ovulation and regular menstrual cycles - How to reconnect with your intuition - Why it’s important to slow down to be able to speed up - The real deal on manifestation and why it’s so important to find peace in your here and now - And of course, the story of her first period Tamara says that comparison is such a trickster because it really disconnects us from ourselves. But when we accept ourselves exactly as we are or accept what we need in the moment, there's just so much power in that. Then the next breadcrumb appears, the next dot connects rather than us trying to chase something else that actually isn't meant for us in this moment. Thank you, Tamara! Listen in Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2Kia855 Listen in Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2Oozdwo Listen in Stitcher: http://bit.ly/2qzNz5c Listen in Google Podcasts: http://bit.ly/2XvU70U I hope you love the episode as much as I did! #periodstory #periodstorypodcast

RADICAL SELF-CARE // My guest on today’s episode is Rebecca Moore, a breathwork and yoga teacher, spiritual guide and author of the new book Radical Self-Care: Rituals for Inner Resilience. In this episode, Rebecca shares: - Healthy ways to get your daily D.O.S.E (dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, endorphins) - The importance of rituals - The sacred morning ritual that she always starts her day with - Why self-soothing isn’t just for children - How to do one of the self-soothing rituals, bhramari breath - Why we all need radical self-care - The importance of knowing your limits and setting clear boundaries - And of course, the story of her first period Rebecca says that it’s so important that create space for ourselves, where we can just give ourselves permission to be as we are, without feeling the need to better ourselves or fix ourselves in some way. Thank you, Rebecca! Listen in Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2Kia855 Listen in Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2Oozdwo Listen in Stitcher: http://bit.ly/2qzNz5c Listen in Google Podcasts: http://bit.ly/2XvU70U I hope you love the episode as much as I did! #periodstory #periodstorypodcast

KEEP ADVOCATING FOR YOURSELF // My guest on today’s episode is Latoya Busumbru, a fibroids and women’s health campaigner and advocate. In this episode, Latoya shares: - How fainting and vomiting during her period led her to realise that her menstrual experience was very different to that of her friends - Why it took her over 4 years to receive a fibroid diagnosis - The symptoms that led her doctor to take her concerns seriously - Her negative experience of the copper coil - The changes she made to reduce the painful periods and manage the growth of the remaining fibroids - What inspired her to start Womb Bae - The campaigning work she’s doing in Ghana to help reduce period poverty - And of course, the story of her first period Latoya says you shouldn’t shy away from advocating for yourself. She says it’s so important to do your research so that you get the support you need. Thank you, Latoya! Listen in Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2Kia855 Listen in Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2Oozdwo Listen in Stitcher: http://bit.ly/2qzNz5c Listen in Google Podcasts: http://bit.ly/2XvU70U I hope you love the episode as much as I did! #periodstory #periodstorypodcast

FOOD DOESN’T NEED TO BE COMPLICATED TO TASTE GOOD // My guest on today’s episode is Ceri Jones Chef, a food educator, chef and author of the new book It Starts With Veg: 100 Seasonal Suppers and Sides. In this episode, Ceri shares: - Why she feels so open and free about talking about her period - The career transition she made from managing orchestras to becoming a chef and food writer - The joy she finds in cooking and helping others learn to cook - How an in person class can help anyone feel less intimidated by cooking - How her new book can help you get to grips with seasonal eating - A few tips and tricks for choosing the best quality veg when you’re out grocery shopping - The process of writing a cookbook (including the costs!) - And of course, the story of her first period Ceri says that food doesn’t need to be complicated to taste good and starting with simple things is a great way to feel less intimidated in the kitchen. She says that a lot can be done with garlic and salt and one or two spices, the squeeze of lemon juice at the end, and adding lots of fresh herbs into your cooking. Thank you, Ceri! Listen in Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2Kia855 Listen in Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2Oozdwo Listen in Stitcher: http://bit.ly/2qzNz5c Listen in Google Podcasts: http://bit.ly/2XvU70U I hope you love the episode as much as I did! #periodstory #periodstorypodcast

BE THE CEO OF YOUR HEALTH // My guest on today’s episode of Period Story Podcast is Dearbhail Ormond, the founder and CEO of Frendo_Endo, a digital health solution to support endometriosis sufferers and those awaiting diagnosis. In this episode, Dearbhail shares: - The traumatic event that happened at the beginning of her menstruating years - How having very heavy and excruciating periods affected her school and university years - What it took for her to finally receive a stage 4 endometriosis diagnosis - The joyful validation that getting a diagnosis provided her with - The inspiration for starting frendo - How you can improve your experience at work if you have endometriosis - What happened after she had her miracle baby and the drastic step she need to take to manage her symptoms Dearbhail says that you need to be the owner and CEO of your own health and that the more you empower yourself with your own knowledge about your own health and your own body and the stronger it makes your position to advocate for yourself. Thank you, Dearbhail! Listen in Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2Kia855 Listen in Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2Oozdwo Listen in Stitcher: http://bit.ly/2qzNz5c Listen in Google Podcasts: http://bit.ly/2XvU70U I hope you love the episode as much as I did! #periodstory #periodstorypodcast

TRUST YOURSELF // My guest on today’s episode is Hayley McFadyen, an actor and writer, who is currently working on her first film, Bled Through, about her personal experience of menstruation. In this episode, Hayley shares: - What it was like to start her period at 14 years old, well after all of her friends - How being given a tampon to use was a confronting experience - How TikTok helped her realise that her shoulder pain was linked to her period - How experiencing stitches during her period led her to a self-diagnosis of diaphragmatic endometriosis - What she did to eventually receive a clinical diagnosis - How she was able to advocate for herself, even when doctors didn’t believe she had endometriosis - The inspiration for her film Bled Through. Go to this link to support the crowdfunder to make this film: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/bled-through#/ - And of course, the story of her first period Hayley says that it’s so important to trust yourself and not to allow anyone to tell you that you aren’t feeling something. She says that if you know there’s something wrong with your body, just push for that and ignore everyone else’s thoughts. Thank you, Hayley! Listen in Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2Kia855 Listen in Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2Oozdwo Listen in Stitcher: http://bit.ly/2qzNz5c Listen in Google Podcasts: http://bit.ly/2XvU70U I hope you love the episode as much as I did! #periodstory #periodstorypodcast

JUST START NOW // The ninth (!) season of Period Story is here! My guest on today’s episode is Vicky Shilling, a Self-Belief business coach and author of the book Just Start Now. Vicky helps wellness professionals overcome self-doubt and take action to make an income from their passion for health. In this episode, Vicky shares: - Her experience of re-learning about her menstrual cycle, period, moods and libido after coming off the pill after 20 years - How understanding cycles, seasons and life stages can help you better run your business - How she shifted from a 10 year career in music management to the work she does now - How she identified the gap in the market for a need to help wellness professionals better market themselves - How compassionate self-belief can help people can get out of their own way in business and in life - Her upcoming Business Backed By Belief summit (go to this link to grab your ticket: https://bit.ly/3xn14rm ) - And of course, the story of her first period Vicky says that if there's something that you want to do in any realm of your life, be it business or personal, one thing to do is take one step to do something small to just start now, because the power is amazing in reinforcing and creating evidence for yourself of what is possible for you. So move out of that paralysis or thinking about it or dreaming about it or leaving it in your head, take one tangible small step towards what it is you want to do and just sit and feel what that brings for you. Thank you, Vicky! Listen in Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2Kia855 Listen in Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2Oozdwo Listen in Stitcher: http://bit.ly/2qzNz5c Listen in Google Podcasts: http://bit.ly/2XvU70U I hope you love the episode as much as I did! #periodstory #periodstorypodcast

FIND A WAY TO SHINE A LIGHT ON INJUSTICE // My guest on today’s episode of Period Story is Maya Oppenheim, the Women’s Correspondent at the Independent, which is the only role like this at a UK news outlet. In this episode, Maya shares: - How she pitched and landed her role as the first Women’s Correspondent at a UK news outlet, where she writes stories from a women’s and gender angle - The range of topics she covers in this role, including domestic abuse, abortion rights, childcare, poverty, periods, the criminal justice system - The story she’s most proud of - ‘The Murky Online World of Andrew T*te and Pick Up Artists’ and the troubling, misogynistic content she uncovered in her investigation - The trolling she receives online and the topics that tend to result in the most angry responses - The inspiration for her first book, The Pocket Guide To The Patriarchy - And of course, the story of her first period Maya says that the way that each person chooses to shine a light on injustice will be different, but it’s important, whatever it is that you want to do, to do something to try to make the world a better place. Thank you, Maya! Listen in Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2Kia855 Listen in Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2Oozdwo Listen in Stitcher: http://bit.ly/2qzNz5c Listen in Google Podcasts: http://bit.ly/2XvU70U I hope you love the episode as much as I did! #periodstory #periodstorypodcast

YOU ARE NEVER ALONE // My guest on today’s episode of Period Story is Ellamae Fullalove, the poet, founder of the shame shaking community, storytelling and events platform, Va Va Womb and MRKH advocate. In this episode, Ellamae shares: - How not getting her first period led to a diagnosis of MRKH, a condition that affects 1 in 5,000, in which the uterus and cervix is underdeveloped or absent and the vagina is shortened - How she was diagnosed by the specialist team at Queen Charlotte’s Hospital in London - The emotional side of the diagnosis and how she went from hiding it to helping others with MRKH advocate for themselves - How to get an MRKH diagnosis - How she’ll tackle the fertility side of MRKH, including the surrogacy campaigning work she does - How she and a friend set up Vagina Fest - How poetry and being creative is cathartic for her Ellamae says that it’s so important to find your people and support network so there’s someone you can confide in. Telling your story is important and empowering. Thank you, Ellamae! Listen in Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2Kia855 Listen in Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2Oozdwo Listen in Stitcher: http://bit.ly/2qzNz5c Listen in Google Podcasts: http://bit.ly/2XvU70U I hope you love the episode as much as I did! #periodstory #periodstorypodcast

FIND SOMEONE YOU TRUST TO TALK ABOUT YOUR FEELINGS // My guest on today’s episode of Period Story is Jess Bolton, the opposable thumbs behind Jess the Worried Whippet, a social media platform that is a celebration of everyday bravery through the eyes of a small dog. In this episode, Jess shares: - The symptoms and experience that led to her seeking out an ADHD diagnosis - What the ADHD tax is and how it has affected her - How she’s been able to use her diagnosis to positively benefit her business and the way she works - Why she made an Instagram account for her dog and the amazing opportunities that have come from this - How talking about her dog’s anxiety has led others to have conversations about their own mental health - Why she focused on bravery in her first book Worried Whippet: Inspiration to be Brave - Her new podcast Brave Little Podcast - And of course, the story of her first period Jess says whatever's weighing on you, whatever feelings you're contending with, they're probably a completely appropriate response to whatever's happening around you. And the best thing you can do is find somebody you trust or somebody with authority and talk to them about it. Thank you, Jess! Listen in Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2Kia855 Listen in Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2Oozdwo Listen in Stitcher: http://bit.ly/2qzNz5c Listen in Google Podcasts: http://bit.ly/2XvU70U I hope you love the episode as much as I did! #periodstory #periodstorypodcast

I’VE SOLD THOUSANDS AND THOUSANDS OF PAIRS OF KNICKERS // My guest on today’s episode of Period Story is Kelly Newton. Kelly is the founder and CEO of Nixi Body, a reusable leakproof underwear company. In this episode, Kelly shares: - The embarrassment she felt when she first got her period - How playing sports helped her deal with having endometriosis - Her menopause story - The importance of a holistic approach to keeping your pelvic floor healthy - How she was able to move from being embarrassed to talking about her period to talking so openly about pelvic floors and vaginal health on TV - The impact sport and exercise has on her mental health - How she started a business in her 40s and how she supports other women who are setting up businesses - And of course, the story of her first period Kelly says that if she can start a business, anyone can do it. Just ask questions, Google everything and go on courses! Thank you, Kelly! Listen in Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2Kia855 Listen in Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2Oozdwo Listen in Stitcher: http://bit.ly/2qzNz5c Listen in Google Podcasts: http://bit.ly/2XvU70U I hope you love the episode as much as I did! #periodstory #periodstorypodcast

MENSTRUAL CUPS ARE THE MOST ECO-FRIENDLY PERIOD PRODUCT // My guest on today’s episode of Period Story is Amaia Arranz. Amaia is the CEO of Ruby Cup, an award-winning social business that works to combat period poverty around the world. In this episode, Amaia shares: - What it was like getting her period as a teenage girl in Spain in the 90s - How getting her period was a combination of being a part of a VIP cool girl club with a big dose of shame attached - Some of the myths she learned growing up around tampons, virginity and sex - How menstrual cups work and exactly how to use one - The social mission at the heart of Ruby Cup, including their buy one, give one model - How they work with their NGO partners to provide menstrual education and to ensure there are the right conditions, including clean water, to use a menstrual cup safely - And of course, the story of her first period Amaia says that if you are swimming and a wave comes, you don't argue with the wave. You have to go with the wave. So if your period is coming, get angry, get pissed off, but it's coming, why not go with it and see, maybe it's not the worst thing to have a couple of quiet days once a month with your blanket and your movies and a huge bar of chocolate. Thank you, Amaia! Listen in Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2Kia855 Listen in Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2Oozdwo Listen in Stitcher: http://bit.ly/2qzNz5c Listen in Google Podcasts: http://bit.ly/2XvU70U I hope you love the episode as much as I did! #periodstory #periodstorypodcast

BETTER COMMUNICATION LEADS TO BETTER SEX // My guest on today’s episode of Period Story is Emilie Lavinia. Emilie is Cosmopolitan UK’s Sex and Relationships Editor, LBGQT+ sexologist and sex educator and a UK Delegate for UN Women. In this episode, Emilie shares: - The endocrine condition that means that she doesn’t really have periods that often - The difference between good and bad sex education - What the orgasm gap is and how women can have better orgasms (and sex!) with their partners - How to instigate a conversation with your partner about how to have better sex and more pleasure - How social media censorship and ‘algo speak’ is impacting the way we speak and learn about gender and sexuality - Her advocacy work with UN Women - And of course, the story of her first period Emilie says that why we need to teach people how to connect and how to speak to each other about sex so that we can have conversations with our partners about what we like, not fake orgasms, talk candidly about how we like to pleasure ourselves and then transfer that to a partnered experience. Thank you, Emilie! Listen in Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2Kia855 Listen in Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2Oozdwo Listen in Stitcher: http://bit.ly/2qzNz5c Listen in Google Podcasts: http://bit.ly/2XvU70U I hope you love the episode as much as I did! #periodstory #periodstorypodcast

ADVOCATE FOR YOURSELF // My guest on today’s episode of Period Story is Natalie Meagan-Blake. Natalie so generously shares her story and if you think you may have endometriosis, adenomyosis or fibroids, I encourage you to listen to this episode. In this episode, Natalie shares: - Why she decided to be so open about having endometriosis, adenomyosis, PCOS and fibroids - How opening up created a community and safe space for people to talk about their experiences and learn how to advocate for themselves - How long it took her to finally be diagnosed and the impact of race in this - The impact these conditions have on her fertility and how she’s tackling this - And of course, the story of her first period Natalie says that advocating and speaking up for yourself is never a bad thing and that you should never be scared to ask for a second opinion. Thank you, Natalie! Listen in Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2Kia855 Listen in Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2Oozdwo Listen in Stitcher: http://bit.ly/2qzNz5c Listen in Google Podcasts: http://bit.ly/2XvU70U I hope you love the episode as much as I did! #periodstory #periodstorypodcast

THERE’S VALUE IN VULNERABILITY // Season 8 of the podcast is here! My guest on today’s episode of Period Story is Annie Ridout, author, journalist, ghostwriter, poet and life coach. In this episode, Annie shares: - Her sober curious journey and how she’s able to find a balance - Her writing career, Substack and the diverse ways she’s able to earn an income - Her fascinating new ghostwriting career - Her new podcast, Home, which explores the idea of whether home is where we were raised, or where we are now and the part this plays in our identity - How she has open conversations with her children about periods - And of course, the story of her first period Annie says there’s value in vulnerability and it’s important to be really honest about how you’re feeling, even if the conversation you’re starting is difficult for other people to hear. She says you don’t have to pretend that you’re feeling fine when you’re not for fear that you’ll destabilise other people. Thank you, Annie! Listen in Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2Kia855 Listen in Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2Oozdwo Listen in Stitcher: http://bit.ly/2qzNz5c Listen in Google Podcasts: http://bit.ly/2XvU70U I hope you love the episode as much as I did! #periodstory #periodstorypodcast

MANAGING A MENTAL HEALTH ISSUE TAKES A LOT OF STRENGTH // My guest on today’s episode of Period Story is Shakira Akabusi Shakira Akabusi Health & Fitness, the author of The StrongLikeMum Method, women’s health expert and pre and postnatal exercise specialist. In this episode, Shakira shares: - How a few careless words from a doctor led to post-natal anxiety and OCD - What her therapist told her that changed her perspective on the anxiety - How she tailors the way she exercises depending on where she is in her menstrual cycle - How she’s able to do everything she does as well as be a mum of 4 children - And of course, the story of her first period Shakira says it takes an incredible amount of strength to manage depression, anxiety or any kind of mental health issue on a daily basis and this recognition can help build resilience. Thank you, Shakira! Listen in Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2Kia855 Listen in Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2Oozdwo Listen in Stitcher: http://bit.ly/2qzNz5c Listen in Google Podcasts: http://bit.ly/2XvU70U I hope you love the episode as much as I did! #periodstory #periodstorypodcast

BE COURAGEOUS // My guest on today’s episode of Period Story is Matilda Egere-Cooper, an award-winning journalist, podcast host and founder of Fly Girl Collective – a platform and community launched in 2018 to help black women and women of colour level up their wellness and lifestyle. In this episode, Matilda shares: - How eating less sugar reduced her period pain - The fitness and wellness journey that led to her getting into running - The value of community in helping her stick with running - How to start running - How runcations help her explore new cities - How she finds running marathons character building - The experience of running an ultramarathon - And of course, the story of her first period Matilda says that running has taught her that it’s important for us to be courageous and tackle whatever life may bring. Thank you, Matilda! Listen in Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2Kia855 Listen in Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2Oozdwo Listen in Stitcher: http://bit.ly/2qzNz5c Listen in Google Podcasts: http://bit.ly/2XvU70U I hope you love the episode as much as I did! #periodstory #periodstorypodcast

LEARN ABOUT YOUR BODY // My guest on today’s episode of Period Story is Dr Golnoush Golshirazi, a scientist and entrepreneur who advocates for women’s health and equality in the healthcare system. She is the co-founder of ScreenMe, a patient-centric at-home testing company that looks to empower all women with scientific insight and support around their sexual and reproductive health. In this episode, Golnoush shares: - How it took her £6,000 to find out she had endometriosis - The fluke that led to her diagnosis - What she did when her doctor that her that she had to do her own research to figure out a non-hormonal treatment strategy - How recurring UTIs led to her starting an at-home testing company - The importance of the vaginal microbiome and how it’s very different to the gut microbiome - What you can do to improve your vaginal microbiome - And of course, the story of her first period Golnoush says that learning about how your body works and getting insights into your unique needs will help you make changes that have a powerful impact on your health Thank you, Golnoush! Listen in Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2Kia855 Listen in Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2Oozdwo Listen in Stitcher: http://bit.ly/2qzNz5c Listen in Google Podcasts: http://bit.ly/2XvU70U I hope you love the episode as much as I did! #periodstory #periodstorypodcast

THE STORIES WE’VE TOLD OURSELVES AREN’T ALWAYS THE REALITY // My guest on today’s episode of Period Story is Hana Walker-Brown, a multi-award winning, internationally acclaimed audio documentary and podcast maker, creative director and author of the book, A Delicate Game, which tells the story of the degenerative brain disease Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) through first-hand intimate interviews with sufferers and their families. In this episode, Hana shares: - How lockdown led to her realising she might have ADHD - The value of Right to Choose in helping her get an ADHD diagnosis - That there’s no blueprint for ADHD but there are commonalities - How having a diagnosis gave her an explanation for certain feelings and behaviours - How she’s had to move forward with more grace and kindness - Her new podcast Late to the Party, which is about navigating neurodiversity as an adult - And of course, the story of her first period Hana says that the big things for her in getting through everything have been to trust and forgive herself. Thank you, Hana! Listen in Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2Kia855 Listen in Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2Oozdwo Listen in Stitcher: http://bit.ly/2qzNz5c Listen in Google Podcasts: http://bit.ly/2XvU70U I hope you love the episode as much as I did! #periodstory #periodstorypodcast

LET GO OF JUDGEMENT // My guest on today’s episode of Period Story is Sharn Khaira, the founder of The Asian Female Entrepreneur Club who shares a powerful story of transformation across many aspects of her life - her health, her business and her personal life. In this episode, Sharn shares: - What happened when she thought she might have ovarian cancer - What she did to manage her symptoms once she was diagnosed with PCOS - How she challenged the Asian cultural norms she grew up to build two successful businesses - How she helps other Asian women overcome cultural mindset blocks that get in their way of becoming entrepreneurs - What she did when she was faced with bullying - And of course, the story of her first period Sharn says that on an entrepreneurial journey, it’s so important to let go of judgement and stop caring about what other people think. This will help you claim your true voice and power. Thank you, Sharn! Listen in Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2Kia855 Listen in Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2Oozdwo Listen in Stitcher: http://bit.ly/2qzNz5c Listen in Google Podcasts: http://bit.ly/2XvU70U I hope you love the episode as much as I did! #periodstory #periodstorypodcast