Menopause Whilst Black

Our guest this week is inspirational Coach and mentor, Karen Charles @definitively_karen. Karen Charles is a Londoner with Grenadian heritage and describes herself as an introvert everyone thinks is an extrovert!

Karen and I have a rich conversation around the following:

🧡 The Pill, the Coil and losing touch with her monthly cycle.

🧡 Listening to her own body when it came to exercise needs.

🧡 Why investing in us and our wellbeing is so important. Especially for Black women.

...and so much more.

Karen’s harrowing description of her first menopause symptom must be heard by all and her final piece of advice on finding those who champion you will hit some differently.

This episode is available to watch on YouTube and listen on iTunes, Spotify, Amazon or wherever you get your podcast fix.

If Karen’s story resonates with you please do share this episode with others who may benefit from her words and advice.

CONNECT

Karen Charles on Instagram

NOTES

Earth to Earth Organics - Black-owned natural skincare

Sex, Mind and the Menopause by Kate Muir, sequel to Sex Myths and the Menopause with Davina McCall

Book preorder - Everything About the Pill You Were Afraid to Ask - Kate Muir - Release date 11th April 2024.

Pamela Windle Hormone Coach

Pranayama breathing - Othership App

Caroline Chinakwe artist - https://chinakwe.com

Book preorder 'Women Who Work Too Much' - Tamu Thomas - Release date 5th March 2024.

Please note:

These episodes are conversations between humans discussing their own menopause experiences. They are no substitute for advice and consultation with a qualified health professional. No two menopause experiences are the same so do remember to do your own research.

Don't forget to subscribe wherever you listen or hop over to YouTube for your visual fix and recommend to a friend (or three) you think would enjoy this episode.

Jiggle your bits to our Spotify Playlist

Email the show: [email protected]

Like, subscribe, follow and rate Menopause whilst Black on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.

Karen Arthur is a menopause activist and campaigner and host of this podcast plus a new bi-weekly weekend radio show on Golddust radio'Can We Talk'. Listen to the latest episode on Soundcloud

*We recognise that inclusive language is important in ensuring that ALL who experience menopause are seen and heard. The term ‘women’ is used whilst mindful of this.

Join our mailing list.

Team MWB: Producer and Editor: Beyongolia Productions Digital design and communications: Yaa Studio Space

Menopause Whist Black Season 5 Episode 10!

The Finale!

Our guest this week is Dr Zandile Ndlovu @zandi__ndvolu. Zimbabwean, Dr Zandile Ndlovu is the daughter of political activists who fled Rhodesia in the sixties. Zandie worked in D&I within the financial sector before bringing her considerable expertise and passion for equity and equality to her current role as Head of Consulting of an award-winning HR advisory firm. She was recently awarded her doctorate (WOOP!) which explores the phenomenon of ‘inclusion’ in order to create organisational cultural shifts.

Zandi thought she had dodged a peri-menopause bullet for a few years until she found herself developing obvious symptoms - especially the dreaded hot flushes. But it was at a party where a friend mentioned how she was managing her own menopause that Zandi started to take steps towards her own care.

‘Zandi’ offers some insight into her menopause experience touching on the following topics:

• The validation in seeing herself reflected back on TV
• Reconciling childlessness and perimenopause
• Speaking up and the power of sisterhood
• Private vs NHS menopause care
• Her unexpected love of running.

...and so much more.

Zandi celebrates herself in such a beautifully joyful way. We hope that you’ll be encouraged to tangibly big yourself up regularly too!

This episode is available to watch on YouTube and listen on iTunes, Spotify, Amazon or wherever you get your aural candy. If Zandi’s story or any of the previous episodes resonate with you, don’t forget to share with others who may benefit!

You can also leave a comment or positive review on your chosen platform as this goes a long way to getting us to the people who need these words.

We’ll be back with Season SIX after a well deserved break. Keep talking, lovelies. Let’s normalise menopause everywhere!

CONNECT

Zandi on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zandi__ndvolu/

NOTES

Online Menopause Clinic

London based Black running crew Emancipated Run Crew

New to running? Couch to 5K iOS | Android

Help with your running - Nike running app.

Run-cation fun! The Race, Atlanta

Karens travel treat Away luggage

Davina McCall: Sex, Myths and the Menopause

Stress help Headspace app

Please note:

These episodes are conversations between humans discussing their own menopause experiences. They are no substitute for advice and consultation with a qualified health professional. No two menopause experiences are the same so do remember to do your own research.

Don't forget to subscribe wherever you listen or hop over to YouTube for your visual fix and recommend to a friend (or three) you think would enjoy this episode.

Jiggle your bits to our Spotify Playlist

Email the show: [email protected]

Like, subscribe, follow and rate Menopause whilst Black on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.

Karen Arthur is a menopause activist and campaigner and host of this podcast plus a new bi-weekly weekend radio show on Golddust radio 'Can We Talk'. Listen to the latest episode on Soundcloud:

*We recognise that inclusive language is important in ensuring that ALL who experience menopause are seen and heard. The term ‘women’ is used whilst mindful of this.

Join our mailing list.

Team MWB: Producer and Editor: Beyongolia Productions Digital design and communications: Yaa Studio Space

Menopause Whist Black Season SIX Episode 4! Our guest for Episode 4 this week is Professor Joyce Harper. Professor Harper is an internationally renowned, award winning educator, author podcaster academic and scientist who has written over 240 scientific papers, published three books and is working on her fourth.

Joyce is leading the development of a UK Menopause Education and Support Programme, is co founder of the UK Fertility Education Initiative, and founder of the International Reproductive Health Education Collaboration.

We talk about so much!

Highlights below:

> the five pillars of well-being

> why getting outside is so important

> the benefits of cold water immersion

> menopause misinformation - how to shut out the noise and so much more.

Joyce wasn't too impressed with my own alternative to cold water swimming - what can I say - I prefer my immersion temperatures to be a tad higher. Are you a cold water swim fan?

This episode is available to watch on YouTube, all good podcast platforms and beyond. If Joyces words hit home please share this episode with others who may benefit from our conversation. Don’t forget to leave a positive review on your chosen platform!

NOTES

• Paper: How do women feel cold water swimming affects their menstrual and perimenopausal symptoms?
• British Menopause Society
• Institute for Women's Health
• The Lancet article - Time for a balanced conversation about menopause
• Women's Health Concern
• Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
• Wellbeing of Women
• Anish Mukherjee, brilliant endocrinologist: Hormone Wise and The.Hormone.Doc on Instagram
• The Death Book

CONNECT

• Prof Joyce Harper on Instagram
• Website Joyceharper.com
• Karen Arthur on Instagram
• MWBPod website

These episodes are conversations between humans discussing their own menopause experiences. They are not a substitute for advice and consultation with a qualified health professional. No two menopause experiences are the same so do remember to do your own research.

If you are a brand or business whose values align with Menopause Whilst Black consider sponsoring a season or an epsiode of this podcast. Get in touch for rates: [email protected]

Jiggle your bits to our Spotify Playlist

Email the show: [email protected]

Like, subscribe, follow and rate Menopause whilst Black on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube. Karen Arthur is a menopause activist and campaigner and host of this podcast plus a new bi-weekly weekend radio show on Golddust radio 'Can We Talk'. Listen to the latest episode on Soundcloud

We recognise that inclusive language is important in ensuring that ALL who experience menopause are seen and heard. The term ‘women’ is used whilst mindful of this.

Join our mailing list.

Team MWB:

Producer and Editor: Beyongolia Productions

Digital design and communications: Yaa Studio Space

Our guest for the first episode of Season Five is Jewellery Creative and founder of eponymous brand AngeB Designs, Angela Benjamin.

West London based Ange (pronounced in one syllable) of Grenadian heritage tells us how she first realised that she was entering peri-menopause in her early fifties and just when the first lockdown began, and the trials that ensued.

Years later, Ange feels that she has a good handle on her own menopause care, thanks to a combination of factors that she shares with honesty.

We discuss,

> physical vs mental symptoms

> Trying to do it all ‘naturally’.

> Fibroids

> To HRT or not to HRT?

> Releasing food shame.

And much more!

Don't forget to subscribe wherever you listen or hop over to YouTube for your visual fix , and recommend to a friend (or three) who you think would enjoy this episode.

CONNECT

• Ange on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angebdesigns/

• Ange's website: https://www.angebdesigns.com/shop-bestsustainablejewellery/limited-editions

• Karen on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/menopausewhilstblack/

Jiggle your bits to our Spotify Playlist

Email the show: [email protected]

Places for The Joy Retreat Barbados, the worlds first retreat for Black women* in any stage of menopause are now available. April 29th - May 6th 2024. Three-month payment plan option ends 31.12.23.

Like, subscribe, follow and rate Menopause whilst Black on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube. Karen Arthur is a menopause activist and campaigner and host of this podcast plus a new bi-weekly weekend radio show on Golddust radio'Can We Talk'. Listen to the latest episode on Soundcloud

*We recognise that inclusive language is important in ensuring that ALL who experience menopause are seen and heard. The term ‘women’ is used whilst mindful of this.

Join our mailing list.

Team MWB:

Producer and Editor: Beyongolia Productions

Digital design and communications: Yaa Studio Space

Menopause Whilst Black Season SEVEN Episode FOUR! Our guest for Episode 4 of S7 is none other than *drum roll please* Dr Aziza Sesay

'Know your normal! Get yourself checked!"

Dr. Aziza Sesay is a GP, GP educator, Honorary Senior Clinical Lecturer, Host, Speaker and a well-regarded health content creator. Dr. Sesay is particularly noted for her work in health education, awareness, advocacy, and empowerment through her platform, "Talks with Dr. Sesay." This platform shares evidence-based health information, with a focus on women's health, cancer awareness, mental health, and health inequity. Dr. Sesay is the Vice Chair and Creative Director of @BlackFemaledrs.uk and serves as an Ambassador for multiple health charities, including @EveAppeal, @WellbeingofWomen . She has also been featured on various media platforms and has authored a number of health articles. Additionally, Dr. Sesay has collaborated with numerous organisations and has played a pivotal role in several national public health campaigns.

During this episode we go back to some basics and discuss:

> what exactly IS menopause?

> how can we get the best from our GP appointment

> what to do if we are scared about experiencing menopause? >the jargon-busting truth behind all those letters!

> whats in Dr Azizas bag of cute toys?

> why is lifestyle such a huge contributing factor to good menopause care?

...and much more.

This brilliantly informative episode is available to watch on YouTube and listen to on iTunes, Spotify, Amazon and beyond. Dr Aziza is happy for listners to reach out to her on her platorms - just remember that Drs can't and don't give diagnoses without a consultation. Please leave a comment and/or glowing review! They make a BIG difference to our potential reach! New episodes drop every Wednesday.

CONNECT

Dr Aziza Sesay on Instagram

Website - https://www.talkswithdrsesay.com/

NOTES

NHS Choices/GP website - accredited by BMS - British Menopause Society or FSRH + Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Health

More letter explanations:

DFSRH (Diploma of FSRH)

DRCOG (Diploma with the Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology)

FFSRH or FRCOG = Fellowship with RCOG

MFSRH = Masters of the FSRH. Phew!

FSH level - Follicle Stimulation Hormone

Psychologist Dr Julie Smith - Book - Why has nobody told me this before?

Brown crocheted vulva by Knitwear buy YuliyaO

If you love this podcast please support us by following Menopause Whilst Black on Facebook and Instagram, leaving a glowing wordy review on any platform and like, subscribe and comment on YouTube.

Please keep talking about menopause amongst your family, friends and work colleagues of all genders. Together we will break this taboo and ensure that every person gets the menopause care they need.

Jiggle your bits to our Spotify playlist.

Join our mailing list.

Email the show: [email protected]

Karen Arthur is a broadcaster, artist, author and menopause activist. She is host of bi-weekly weekend radio show on Golddust radio 'Can We Talk'.

Karen hosts The Joy Retreat Barbados, the worlds first retreat for Black women in any stage of menopause, 28th April - 5th May 2025.

Karens first childrens book, 'Grandmas Locs', illustrated by Camilla Ru, on celebrating natural Black hair through the relationship between a grandmother and her grandson, will be published by Tate publishing on 24th October 2024.