The Perimenopause & Midlife Podcast

🎙️ EPISODE DESCRIPTION: In this episode, I’m speaking with life and business transformation strategist and professional astrologer Ann Marie Grace about what it means to create your midlife by design. We explore why midlife can become a powerful turning point where we begin questioning the expectations, beliefs and conditioning that have shaped our lives, and start asking what actually feels right for us now. Ann Marie explains how astrology, Human Design and greater self-awareness can offer another lens for understanding our natural strengths, purpose and what genuinely lights us up. We also explore midlife identity, living in alignment, career and relationship changes, parenting, and how to recognise when parts of your life may no longer fit the person you are becoming. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN: • Why midlife can bring questions about identity, purpose, career and relationships • How inherited expectations and conditioning can shape the choices we make • What it can mean to live more in alignment with your natural design • How astrology and Human Design can offer insight into your strengths and patterns • Why frustration, resentment or disconnection may prompt you to reassess parts of your life • How to rediscover what lights you up when you’ve lost touch with it • Why changing direction doesn’t mean your previous experiences were wasted • How greater self-awareness can influence relationships and the way we parent • Why the second half of life can be an opportunity to make more intentional choices ABOUT ANN MARIE GRACE: Ann Marie Grace is a life and business transformation strategist, professional astrologer, entrepreneur of 18 years, and creator of Soul Meets Strategy and Your Soul’s Unique Blueprint. She supports women in midlife to reconnect with who they are beneath conditioning and inherited expectations, and create lives aligned with their purpose, energy and inner knowing. Through astrology, Human Design, coaching and nervous system regulation, Ann Marie helps women transform their work, relationships and experience of themselves. Her work also explores how greater self-knowledge can help mothers understand their children’s unique nature, support their individual paths and stop passing down the rules that disconnected them from themselves. CONNECT WITH ANN MARIE GRACE: Web: annmariegrace.com Facebook: @annmariegrace.artist Instagram: @wildly.beautiful.life Podcast: Wildly Beautiful Life – annmariegrace.com/podcast OFFERS AND RESOURCES: Your Soul’s Unique Blueprint / Free Align to Thrive Blueprint: annmariegrace.com/unique Use the code TERRI to receive 25% off one of Ann Marie’s paid reports. Ann Marie also offers Astrology Readings / Make Better Aligned Decision sessions, where you can unpack your blueprint together, and Soul Meets Strategy, her coaching program combining nervous system regulation, inherent design and intuitive wisdom. CONNECT WITH HOST TERRI BATSAKIS: Web: https://terribatsakis.com.au/ Instagram: @terri.batsakis Facebook: @terribatsakis YouTube: @terribatsakis

🎙️ EPISODE DESCRIPTION: Hair loss can be one of the more confronting changes women experience through perimenopause, yet it’s something we rarely talk about. In this episode, I’m speaking with Michelle Follington, Wig Consultant and founder of Blossom Wigs, about perimenopause hair loss, thinning hair and the impact these changes can have on confidence and identity. Michelle explains some of the hair and scalp changes women may notice through midlife and takes us through the options available when hair begins to thin, including toppers, wigs, synthetic and human hair, and integrated hair systems. We also discuss cost, comfort, exercise, hot flushes and finding a solution that suits your lifestyle. Michelle also shares her own experience of losing more than 50% of her hair following surgery, rapid weight loss and significant physical stress. Despite years of helping women experiencing hair loss, going through it herself gave her an entirely new understanding of the emotional impact. This conversation is about much more than hair. It’s about confidence, identity and finding options that help you feel more like yourself again. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN: How hair and scalp changes can present through perimenopause Why hair loss can have such a significant impact on confidence and identity The differences between wigs, toppers and integrated hair systems How synthetic and human hair options compare What may influence which hair loss solution is right for you What different hair replacement options can cost Whether you can exercise, swim and sleep in different hair systems What to consider if hot flushes and overheating are a concern Why personalised advice can make choosing a solution easier Michelle’s own experience of significant hair loss and recovery ABOUT MICHELLE FOLLINGTON: Michelle Follington is the founder of Blossom Wigs and has over 32 years of experience in the hairdressing industry. Her passion for hair loss solutions grew from seeing the profound impact hair can have on a woman’s confidence and sense of self. She has run Blossom Wigs in Windsor for eight years and has also operated the Pyrmont location for almost 12 months. CONNECT WITH MICHELLE FOLLINGTON: Web: www.blossomhair.net.au Email: [email protected] Phone: 0418 605 528 Instagram: @blossomhairbodyfaceandwigs Facebook: @blossomhairfacewigs YouTube: @blossomhairbodyfaceandwigb5583 OFFERS AND RESOURCES: Blossom Wigs – Wigs & Toppers Michelle and the team at Blossom Wigs offer a range of wigs and toppers, with options including synthetic and human hair. Michelle also discusses face-to-face and remote consultations for women who need help finding a suitable solution. CONNECT WITH HOST TERRI BATSAKIS: Web: https://terribatsakis.com.au/ Instagram: @terri.batsakis Facebook: @terribatsakis YouTube: @terribatsakis

🎙️ EPISODE DESCRIPTION: Have you ever been told your blood test results are “normal”, yet you still don’t feel like yourself? In this episode, I’m speaking with Dr Swaroopini Thangarajah, General Practitioner Obstetrician, about perimenopause, women’s health and patient advocacy. We discuss when symptoms may need further investigation, including fatigue, weight changes, poor sleep and pain, and how conditions such as iron deficiency, thyroid dysfunction, insulin resistance and PCOM can overlap with perimenopause. We also explore how to advocate for yourself, prepare for appointments and keep asking questions when something still doesn’t feel right. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN: Why “normal” blood test results don’t always explain how you feel When midlife symptoms may need further investigation Why iron, thyroid, blood sugar and blood pressure matter How insulin resistance and PCOM can affect women’s health Why your personal baseline matters when assessing symptoms How longer GP appointments can help How to prepare for a medical appointment When it may be appropriate to seek another opinion Why trusting your gut and continuing to ask questions matters ABOUT DR SWAROOPINI THANGARAJAH: Dr. Swaroopini Thangarajah is a dedicated and compassionate General Practitioner Obstetrician who adopts a patient-centred approach to healthcare. Her commitment to providing comprehensive medical care spans across all age groups, with a focus on creating a supportive environment where patients feel listened to and valued. With a deep passion for empowering her patients, Dr. Thangarajah prioritises education and shared decision-making, encouraging individuals to take an active role in their health journey. Dr. Thangarajah has extensive post-graduate medical training in women's health, paediatrics and skin cancer medicine. She works as a GP in a few clinics, works in Urgent Care to keep up her emergency medical skills and she also assists regularly for gynaecological surgeries (esp. endometriosis) and elective/emergency caesarean sections at various private hospitals. CONNECT WITH DR SWAROOPINI THANGARAJAH: Web: drswaroopini.com Email: [email protected] Phone: 0433 117 082 LinkedIn: @swaroopini-thangarajah-2a312088 OFFERS AND RESOURCES: Jean Hailes Perimenopause Symptom Checklist & other symptom checklists Jean Hailes Menopause Factsheet Australasian Menopause Society Guide to MHT/HRT Doses CONNECT WITH HOST TERRI BATSAKIS: Web: https://terribatsakis.com.au/ Instagram: @terri.batsakis Facebook: @terribatsakis YouTube: @terribatsakis

🎙️ EPISODE DESCRIPTION: Is perimenopause changing your relationship, or making it harder to ignore what was already there? In this episode, I’m speaking with Narelle Dickinson, Clinical and Health Psychologist, about relationships, meno divorce, perimenopause and intimacy, and why midlife can bring long-standing relationship dynamics into sharper focus. We explore the impact of hormonal changes alongside poor sleep, stress, mental load, teenagers, ageing parents, career pressures and years of unmet needs. Narelle also shares how women can step back from overwhelm, reflect on what is really happening in their relationship and have more honest conversations before making major decisions. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN: What “meno divorce” actually means Why menopause itself may not be the cause of relationship breakdown How resentment can build through “death by a thousand cuts” How to distinguish overwhelm from deeper relationship problems Why communication and accountability matter How partners can better support women through perimenopause Why asking for and accepting help can feel so difficult What misophonia is and why certain sounds may become harder to tolerate How therapy can help create perspective and reflection How perimenopause can affect libido, intimacy and emotional connection Why taking time before making a stay-or-leave decision matters ABOUT NARELLE DICKINSON: Narelle Dickinson is a Clinical and Health Psychologist and Director of Lotus Health and Psychology. With more than 30 years' experience, she specialises in women's mental health, fertility, pregnancy, birth, parenthood and perimenopause. She is a sought-after speaker and educator, helping women and couples understand the psychological changes that accompany major life transitions and build healthier, more connected relationships. CONNECT WITH NARELLE DICKINSON: Web: https://www.lotushp.com.au/ Instagram: @lotushealthandpsychology Facebook: @LotusHealthPsychology Phone: (07) 3132 8584 Fax: (07) 3567 9445 Email: [email protected] OFFERS AND RESOURCES: Lotus Health & Psychology Resources: https://www.lotushp.com.au/resources CONNECT WITH HOST TERRI BATSAKIS: Web: https://terribatsakis.com.au/ Instagram: @terri.batsakis Facebook: @terribatsakis YouTube: @terribatsakis

🎙️ EPISODE DESCRIPTION: What does strength training actually need to look like in midlife? In this episode, I’m speaking with Shawn Maftounian, Founder & Director of Prestige Personalised Training, about how women can approach strength training, progressive overload and midlife fitness without getting lost in conflicting advice or complicated workouts. We talk about why building and protecting muscle becomes increasingly important as we age, how often women need to strength train, how to know whether you’re lifting heavy enough, and why soreness isn’t necessarily a sign of a good workout. Shawn also explains how training can be adapted around poor sleep, fatigue, hot flushes, pelvic floor concerns and changing recovery needs, while still allowing women to build consistency and make progress. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN: Why strength matters beyond weight loss What an effective midlife strength program can look like How to know whether you’re lifting heavy enough What progressive overload means and why it matters Why random workouts may not create measurable progress How beginners can start strength training simply Why muscle soreness isn’t a measure of success How pelvic floor concerns can be managed around training How to adjust exercise when sleep, fatigue or symptoms are affecting you Why the goal is to become stronger, not simply smaller ABOUT SHAWN MAFTOUNIAN: Shawn Maftounian is the Founder & Director of Prestige Personalised Training on the Gold Coast, one of Australia's highest-rated private personal training gyms with 380 - 5-star Google reviews. He is an award-winning coach and entrepreneur who has also been featured in the 7NEWS Queensland Young Achiever Awards. He holds a Bachelor of Sports from Griffith University and has over 15 years of experience helping people improve their health, strength and quality of life. Shawn specialises in coaching busy professionals, women navigating pre-, peri- and post menopause, adults living with chronic pain and injuries, and NDIS participants. His philosophy is simple: sustainable health comes from personalised coaching, accountability, measurable progress and a supportive community, not quick fixes. Through evidence-informed exercise and lifestyle coaching, Shawn has helped thousands of Australians become stronger, more confident and more independent at every stage of life. CONNECT WITH SHAWN MAFTOUNIAN: Web: https://www.prestigept.com.au Instagram: @Prestigeptgc Facebook: @PrestigePT Email: [email protected] Phone: 07 5620 4420 OFFERS AND RESOURCES: Personalised One-on-One Personal Training Two on One Private Personal Training Small Group Classes, capped at 10 participants Women’s Health Evolt 360 Body Composition & Health Assessments Personalised Nutrition & Lifestyle Coaching Private Gym Complimentary Initial Consultation and Health Assessment CONNECT WITH HOST TERRI BATSAKIS: Web: https://terribatsakis.com.au/ Instagram: @terri.batsakis Facebook: @terribatsakis YouTube: @terribatsakis