In this episode we look a little more intently at the ill-defined edges of perimenopause - those bumpy borders on the way in and out - and how we can find support in those tricky transitions.

First up, I'm delighted to welcome back to the show Lara Briden, whose wealth of experience and knowledge combined with her encouraging tone is a cool and soothing balm to so many hot-flush-addled women (myself included).

Next, I sat down with fabulous film-reviewer Kate Rodger. Her perimenopausal journey has been playing out rather publicly on our screens, and her stories, openness and humour made for a killer way to wrap up Season 2!

Song credit: Korimako, Performed by Aro, Written by Emily Looker and Charles Looker and published by Songbroker.

In this episode we look a little more intently at the ill-defined edges of perimenopause - those bumpy borders on the way in and out - and how we can find support in those tricky transitions.
First up, I'm delighted to welcome back to the show Lara Briden, whose wealth of experience and knowledge combined with her encouraging tone is a cool and soothing balm to so many hot-flush-addled women (myself included).
Next, I sat down with fabulous film-reviewer Kate Rodger. Her perimenopausal journey has been playing out rather publicly on our screens, and her stories, openness and humour made for a killer way to wrap up Season 2!
Song credit: Korimako, Performed by Aro, Written by Emily Looker and Charles Looker and published by Songbroker.

Kia ora and nau mai haere mai to Grey Areas with me, Petra Bagust. This is about growing up and going grey, in Aotearoa New Zealand because I’m getting older. And so are you. So how do we do it well?

I reckon we can do it with a bit of gorgeousness and gusto and break that ‘getting old’ mould just a little. Or maybe more than a little.

So join me as we climb into some of those topics that just aren't so clear-cut, maybe are a little chewy, a little crunchy… and let’s journey our way through them.

I've got a group of wonderful wāhine, and the odd beaut bloke, to chat with, and we're going to share some wisdom that we've discovered along the way. And I’d love for you to share your wisdom with me too, because everybody has something to offer.

Kia ora and nau mai haere mai to Grey Areas with me, Petra Bagust. This is about growing up and going grey, in Aotearoa New Zealand because I&rsquo;m getting older. And so are you. So how do we do it well?
I reckon we can do it with a bit of gorgeousness and gusto and break that &lsquo;getting old&rsquo; mould just a little. Or maybe more than a little.
So join me as we climb into some of those topics that just aren't so clear-cut, maybe are a little chewy, a little crunchy&hellip; and let&rsquo;s journey our way through them.
I've got a group of wonderful wāhine, and the odd beaut bloke, to chat with, and we're going to share some wisdom that we've discovered along the way. And I&rsquo;d love for you to share your wisdom with me too, because everybody has something to offer.

Growing up and going grey in Aotearoa, New Zealand

Grey Areas with Petra Bagust

The edges of menopause | Kate Rodger + Lara Briden

Join me as I sit down with the delightful Professor Bev Lawton, a trailblazing advocate for women's health, who shares her insights into menopause, cervical cancer prevention and endometriosis. From her early days as a GP in Newtown, Wellington, Bev highlights the importance of evidence-based knowledge and the need for a stronger focus on women's health.

Bev brings such warmth and optimism to the topic of menopause, encouraging us to see it as a natural, manageable transition rather than a burden. She discusses her experience as a doctor and the importance of providing women with balanced information so we can make decisions that truly benefit our health and well-being.

We delve into the exciting science of the HPV vaccine and how it’s helping to prevent cervical and other cancers. Bev explains why accessible screening is critical, sharing the success of New Zealand's new HPV self-screening program, which empowers women to take charge of their health in a more comfortable, private and accessible way.

This episode is packed with insights, laughter, and actionable advice. I hope it leaves you feeling informed and motivated to advocate for yourself and others, whether it’s by understanding your own health better or supporting initiatives to close the chapter on cervical cancer.

To become part of the story, head to endcervicalcancer.org.nz!

Song credit: Korimako, Performed by Aro, Written by Emily Looker and Charles Looker and published by Songbroker.

Join me as I sit down with the delightful Professor Bev Lawton, a trailblazing advocate for women's health, who shares her insights into menopause, cervical cancer prevention and endometriosis. From her early days as a GP in Newtown, Wellington, Bev highlights the importance of evidence-based knowledge and the need for a stronger focus on women's health.
Bev brings such warmth and optimism to the topic of menopause, encouraging us to see it as a natural, manageable transition rather than a burden. She discusses her experience as a doctor and the importance of providing women with balanced information so we can make decisions that truly benefit our health and well-being.
We delve into the exciting science of the HPV vaccine and how it’s helping to prevent cervical and other cancers. Bev explains why accessible screening is critical, sharing the success of New Zealand's new HPV self-screening program, which empowers women to take charge of their health in a more comfortable, private and accessible way.
This episode is packed with insights, laughter, and actionable advice. I hope it leaves you feeling informed and motivated to advocate for yourself and others, whether it’s by understanding your own health better or supporting initiatives to close the chapter on cervical cancer.
To become part of the story, head to <a href="https://www.endcervicalcancer.org.nz/">endcervicalcancer.org.nz</a>!
Song credit: Korimako, Performed by Aro, Written by Emily Looker and Charles Looker and published by Songbroker.

Let’s end cervical cancer in Aotearoa | Dr Bev Lawton

Fresh from a work out Dr Stacy Sims joins me for a deep dive into the specific ways women need to move our bodies as we age.

A trailblazer in the science of female physiology, Stacy challenges the traditional ‘calories in, calories out’ mindset – why it can be counterproductive and how popular fitness trends often ignore the distinct needs of women, especially through perimenopause and menopause!

Stacy explains how our bodies change as hormone levels fluctuate in midlife, affecting everything from muscle strength to cognitive function. She shares why it's essential to focus on resistance training and high-intensity exercise to preserve muscle quality, bone health, and even brain function. We tackle the fear of ‘bulking up’ with weight training, and the benefits of challenging the body with high intensity movement that promotes longevity.

What I love about Stacy’s approach is her emphasis on creating a sustainable, life-enhancing routine rather than a quick-fix workout regimen. 

Join us as we explore practical, empowering ways to stay strong, mentally sharp, and energised – no gym membership required!

Plus, Kirstien Taylor from Generate joins me to discuss financial fitness and how, just like physical movement, small steps now can pay dividends later in life.

Song credit: Korimako, Performed by Aro, Written by Emily Looker and Charles Looker and published by Songbroker.

Disclaimer: No part of this podcast is intended as financial advice; it is intended as general information only. For more information about the Generate KiwiSaver Scheme see their Product Disclosure Statement at generatekiwisaver.co.nz/pds. The issuer of the scheme is Generate Investment Management Limited. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.

Fresh from a work out Dr Stacy Sims joins me for a deep dive into the specific ways women need to move our bodies as we age.
A trailblazer in the science of female physiology, Stacy challenges the traditional ‘calories in, calories out’ mindset – why it can be counterproductive and how popular fitness trends often ignore the distinct needs of women, especially through perimenopause and menopause!
Stacy explains how our bodies change as hormone levels fluctuate in midlife, affecting everything from muscle strength to cognitive function. She shares why it's essential to focus on resistance training and high-intensity exercise to preserve muscle quality, bone health, and even brain function. We tackle the fear of ‘bulking up’ with weight training, and the benefits of challenging the body with high intensity movement that promotes longevity.
What I love about Stacy’s approach is her emphasis on creating a sustainable, life-enhancing routine rather than a quick-fix workout regimen. 
Join us as we explore practical, empowering ways to stay strong, mentally sharp, and energised – no gym membership required!
Plus, Kirstien Taylor from Generate joins me to discuss financial fitness and how, just like physical movement, small steps now can pay dividends later in life.
Song credit: Korimako, Performed by Aro, Written by Emily Looker and Charles Looker and published by Songbroker.
Disclaimer: No part of this podcast is intended as financial advice; it is intended as general information only. For more information about the Generate KiwiSaver Scheme see their Product Disclosure Statement at <a href="http://generatekiwisaver.co.nz/pds" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://generatekiwisaver.co.nz/pds&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1731702041249000&amp;usg=AOvVaw1OI_lhc5Dag7XrN_JQruHh">generatekiwisaver.co.nz/pds</a>. The issuer of the scheme is Generate Investment Management Limited. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.

Rethinking fitness and hormones | Dr Stacy Sims + Financial fitness with Generate

Today I’m joined by three extraordinary and radically different women who consider each other family. Each in a different decade of life – their 50s, 60s, and 70s – Jackie Clarke, Tina Cross, and Suzanne Lynch have performed together for the past two decades as The Lady Killers, and they’re still going strong.

Fresh off their DIVAS! tour to sold out venues around New Zealand, we sit down to discuss music, ageing, and friendship. The stories these wāhine toa share are filled with hard-won wisdom and riotous laughter that beckons us to grab hold of every stage of life with curiosity, compassion and camaraderie whether we vote the same way or not. 

Tune in as we tackle menopause, breaking down stereotypes, the perpetual pressure to present perfectly (trying saying that fast), and the vital importance of supporting one another through it all!

Song credit: Korimako, Performed by Aro, Written by Emily Looker and Charles Looker and published by Songbroker.

Today I’m joined by three extraordinary and radically different women who consider each other family. Each in a different decade of life – their 50s, 60s, and 70s – Jackie Clarke, Tina Cross, and Suzanne Lynch have performed together for the past two decades as The Lady Killers, and they’re still going strong.
Fresh off their DIVAS! tour to sold out venues around New Zealand, we sit down to discuss music, ageing, and friendship. The stories these wāhine toa share are filled with hard-won wisdom and riotous laughter that beckons us to grab hold of every stage of life with curiosity, compassion and camaraderie whether we vote the same way or not. 
Tune in as we tackle menopause, breaking down stereotypes, the perpetual pressure to present perfectly (trying saying that fast), and the vital importance of supporting one another through it all!
Song credit: Korimako, Performed by Aro, Written by Emily Looker and Charles Looker and published by Songbroker.

The edges of menopause | Kate Rodger + Lara Briden

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