There's something really interesting about getting older as a woman.

I think most of us spend our 20s worrying about things that, with hindsight, didn't matter at all....

Our bodies.
What people think.
Whether we're getting it right.
Whether we're too much.
Not enough.
Too loud.
Too needy.
Too independent.
Too emotional.

Then somewhere along the way we hit our 40s and think:

Jesus Christ. What was I worrying about?

This week's conversation with Jen went in all sorts of directions. Boundaries. People pleasing. Confidence. Saying no. The fear of disappointing people. The stories we tell ourselves about what will happen if we stop making everyone else comfortable.

And one thing kept coming up again and again.

How often women abandon themselves without even realising they're doing it.

I loved this conversation. It's honest, funny, thoughtful and one of those chats where you find yourself nodding along thinking...

oh thank god, it's not just me.

enjoy.

Here is the RAIN practice recording. https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-g6t5e-11c8f85

Jen Maxwell is a feminine leadership guide, fire walking facilitator, tantra teacher, and creator of the RISE™ Framework. She supports women through powerful rites of passage and life transitions such as burnout, identity shifts, and menopause, helping them reconnect with their bodies, truth, and inner authority. 

Her work is rooted in embodiment, sovereignty, and feminine awakening, guiding women to release conditioning and return to who they truly are beneath expectation and survival patterns.

At the heart of her work is the RISE™ Framework, which supports women to Reconnect with the body, rediscover Intuition, reclaim Sovereignty, and fully Embody their authentic self. Through this, she creates spaces for deep transformation, sisterhood, and remembrance. Jen is passionate about women’s empowerment and believes that when women rise into their truth and aliveness, it creates a ripple effect of change in their lives, relationships, and the wider world.

She offers 1:1 RISE mentorships, fire walking & empowerment experiences and transformational retreats. 

Here is a link to the RISE framework https://jenmaxwell.com/the-rising/if you can embed it or add to the bottom.

Here is my main website https://jenmaxwell.com/

https://www.facebook.com/jenmaxwellrising 

Https://www.instagram.com/jen_maxwell_rising

What if life doesn’t look like you expected… and it turns out even better ?

In this episode of Finding Foundations, I’m joined by Fiona for a conversation about reinvention, grief, intuition, anxiety, yoga, starting over, and building a life that actually feels like your own.

We talk about the moment where “coping” stops working. The pressure women feel to follow a certain path. The grief of realising life might not unfold the way you imagined. And what happens when you finally stop trying to fit inside the box society handed you.

Fiona shares her journey from ending her marriage, leaving a successful NHS career, selling her home, and completely rebuilding her life around yoga, wellbeing, and creating her yurt space in the Lake District. Talk about a blow up!

This is a conversation about trusting yourself, even when you don’t fully know where you’re going yet.

About learning to sit with discomfort instead of suppressing it.

About creating a life that feels full — with or without the things you once thought would complete you.

We also explore:
– gut instinct and reconnecting to the body
– anxiety, burnout, and midlife awakening
– letting go of attachment
– why slowing down changes everything
– building a life on your own terms
– the courage it takes to choose differently

A really honest, thoughtful conversation for anyone questioning whether the life they’ve built still fits who they are becoming.

follow Fiona or sign up for her retreats here......

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bloomwithberry/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/bloomwithberry

•      Website

 https://www.trybooking.com/uk/eventlist/bloomwithberry

Money is one of those things we don’t really talk about… until we absolutely have to.

In this conversation, I’m joined by Liz Harrington, an EFT coach who works with women around money, financial trauma, and what actually happens behind the scenes in relationships, especially when things end.

We get into the reality of how women often end up on the back foot financially, not because they’ve done anything wrong, but because of the systems, the dynamics, and the conversations that never happened in the first place.

We talk about money mindset, the beliefs we’ve carried since childhood, and how they shape everything from what we earn, to what we ask for, to what we think we deserve.

And we also go into the practical side things like protection, pensions, and why understanding your financial situation isn’t about being negative… it’s about being able to stand on your own two feet, whatever happens.

There’s also a live EFT tapping exercise in this episode, so you can actually experience what it feels like to shift some of this in real time.

It’s not doom and gloom, but it is honest.

And it might make you think about a few things you’ve been avoiding.

Get in touch with Liz Harrington

https://www.facebook.com/TheEFTCoach

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizhancocktheeftcoach

https://www.instagram.com/lizhancock_theeftcoach/

https://www.tiktok.com/@theeftcoach

www.theeftcoach.com 

Some women wait for the right time.......Nadia Enver decided there wasn't one and did it anyway. 

In the last four years she has built a business from scratch, raised two children under four, done it solo, and landed in a life she absolutely loves. Standing firm in the ownership of her life she's absolutely radiating that energy, go Nadia. 

This is one of those conversations I walked away from thinking,  shit I gotta get my stuff together! I think you'll feel it too. Enjoy

Nadia is currently offering financial health checks for individuals and business owners who want to gain clarity on their financial position and explore opportunities to improve their long-term outcomes.

She is also available for workplace financial wellbeing sessions and educational talks, covering topics such as retirement planning, tax efficiency and financial protection.

Contact Information

📧 Email: nadia.enver@sjpp.co.uk
📱 Phone: 07854982026
🌐 Website:https://www.nadiaenverfp.co.uk/
📅 Book a 121: Nadia Enver

📍 Based in Carlisle, face to face in Cumbria and working with clients across the UK remotely 

Connect with Nadia

📸 Instagram: @nadia_enver_fp
📘 Facebook: Nadia Enver Financial Planning
💼 LinkedIn: Nadia Enver DipPFS | LinkedIn

What an episode to kick off the new season, join me in this chat that was filmed live in front of an audience! eeks!! 

A journey into what happens when we lean into the dark places and what happens afterwards.....

find Louisa at the @ the joy tank on instagram. 

Hi everyone, I'm Karen Thom, on this weeks episode the penultimate of Clueless in the Pause series 1, I talk to the incredible, Dr Tracy King. I love reading Tracy's substack articles she explains complex issues in a way that's so easy to understand and digest. 

Dr Tracy King is a clinical psychologist, Jungian life coach, and yoga and meditation teacher with over two decades of experience supporting women’s health, relationships, and well-being. Specialising in perimenopause, menopause, trauma, and neurodiversity, Dr Tracy combines her professional expertise with personal insights to help women navigate the physical, emotional, and relational challenges in the transitions of life. 

With a deep understanding of how hormonal shifts intersect with trauma and neurodiversity, Dr Tracy offers a holistic approach that blends evidence-based psychology, somatic practices, mindfulness, and relational therapies and coaching. Her work empowers women to address emotional resilience, and foster meaningful connections in their relationships with the self and others. 

Website: www.drtracyking.co.uk

Mapping Menopause Blog:  https://open.substack.com/pub/mappingmenopause

Contact me :- Karen Thom @ karen@thefoundationstudio.co.uk

www.thefoundationstudio.co.uk

On this weeks episode of Clueless in the Pause, I talk to Victoria Holdstock, she's a seasoned makeup artist with 15 years of experience in the beauty industry. Her career has taken her from working with major fashion brands on commercial shoots to helping countless brides feel their most radiant on their wedding days. (I can attest to this :) )

Passionate about empowering women to see and feel their beauty on a deeper level, Victoria has evolved her artistry beyond makeup. She founded Hold Skin Studio as a sanctuary for personalised, transformative skincare. Here, luxury facials meet nervous system resetting, creating a holistic experience that nurtures both skin and soul.

Victoria’s journey to become a facialist is profoundly personal. Having faced struggles with acne, self-image, and confidence herself, she understands the importance of feeling truly at home in your own skin. This has shaped her unique approach to skincare, where she sees skin as a reflection of overall health, addressing the interconnectedness of body, lifestyle, and emotions. Through her work, Victoria is on a mission to inspire confidence, self-love, and radiance from the inside out.

if you fancy trying Victoria's services out contact her on insta @ __holdskinstudio

product mentioned Rosalique redness miracle cream - My god this is a game changer, I bought this and can't tell you the comments I've had since then! gives gorgeous skin!

Caroline Hirons - down to the tits

So HRT isn't suitable for everyone nor does everyone want to take it and the good news is there are a whole host of other therapies available!

In this weeks episode of Clueless in the Pause, I talk to Ali Skanderowicz @ Rebalance you, we talk about the amazing powers of Reiki, Reflexology and other holistic therapies.

Ali is a holistic therapist with a background in the corporate world and global travel, these diverse experiences ignited a personal journey toward holistic therapies, which transformed her approach and outlook on life.

She discovered the healing power of reflexology when suffering from back pain which provided relief and an appreciation for holistic approaches whilst in South East Asia. Then in 2013 her training in Reiki started which offered a balance in a fast-paced world. After having children, she decided to change her career path and build Rebalanceyou that has helped 100s of other women discover similar benefits and incorporate holistic ways into their lives, from receiving treatments and guided meditations to training with Ali in energy healing for themselves.

Today, Ali specialises in Reiki, reflexology, meditation, and mindfulness coaching, focusing on supporting women’s health and well-being. Over recent years, she has developed a particular focus on guiding women through the physical and emotional challenges of hormones, supporting women through fertility and menopause, providing compassionate, holistic support tailored to each individual’s journey. Ali's mission is to empower other women with knowledge and experience so they can find what works for them, to improve their health and wellbeing in today’s demanding world.

To contact Ali,

www.rebalanceyou.co.uk

instagram :- rebalance you

Breathe - James Nestor - great book about breathing and breath work

Ashwaghanda :- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Withania_somnifera

As always, this is a chat and not an advice to begin new courses of action always talk through any new changes / adaptations with your medical advisor. 

Any questions please contact me Karen Thom @ WWW.thefoundationstudio.co.uk

In this weeks episode of Clueless in the Pause, I talk to the renowned Gynaecologist Dr Manju Navani, she's written guidelines and trained GP's within PCT's in the North West so knows a thing or 2 about the menopause.

I am a menopause specialist and trainer recognised by British Menopause Society (BMS) and hold the Advanced Menopause Certificate, an acknowledgement of my expertise in this condition.

In my role as BMS accredited trainer, I have assessed GPs and Gynaecologists in the Basic and Advanced menopause module and given presentations on menopause to health care professionals and patient groups

After being awarded the British Menopause Society and Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Health Advanced Certificate in Menopause in 2005, I led the NHS menopause service in Stockport for 16 years and managed complex menopause cases referred by GPs.

I have over 25 years of experience in managing menopause patients .

I currently work in a GP practice as a Menopause and Contraception , Sexual health Specialist (includes  women's health ) and run my private menopause clinic which is virtual called Navani Menopause Clinic www.navanimenopauseclinic.co.uk

I have written the Menopause Guidelines for Health Care Professionals in Stockport and Manchester and updated the HRT prescribing formulary.

After qualifying in 1985, I completed my post graduate training in obstetrics, gynaecology and sexual health and was awarded a Fellowship from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) and Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Health (FSRH). I continue to treat common gynaecological problems and complex problems in contraception in the NHS.

I have a higher degree in Gynaecology and hold membership of the British Menopause Society (BMS) and European Menopause and Andropause Society (EMAS).

 To find the links to the tools Dr Navani mentioned in the talk see here.

https://navanimenopauseclinic.com/resources/

to follow Dr Navani

Instagram :- navani_menopause_clinic

to book an appointment with Dr Navani - contact here

https://navanimenopauseclinic.com/book-an-appointment/

This is a discussion with Dr Navani around symptoms and experiences of women through menopause. This is not intended to be taken as advice, Dr Navani would need to see individual patient to give specific recommendations based on their personal history. If you feel you are experiencing any of the symptoms or would benefit from any of the therapies discussed in today's episode, please ensure you discuss with your current GP or medical advisory team.

Any questions please contact me Karen Thom @ WWW.thefoundationstudio.co.uk

hey everyone, on this weeks episode of Clueless in the Pause , I'm talking to Emma Browning founder @ Meraki HR, we talk all things HR in the workplace.

any questions do let us know, we're building up a great end of series list to ask all our experts so far!

Any questions please contact me Karen Thom @ WWW.thefoundationstudio.co.uk

In this weeks episode of Clueless in the Pause, I talk to Annie Lucas from Stitch Social about all things clothes. Annies Passionate about sewing as a means to free women from fast fashion, and feeling better about themselves, Annie founded Stitch Social to teach the very basics and beyond in a digestible, uncomplicated way. 

Her personal mission is to pave the way for a new community of sewists to find fashion freedom away from the dreaded changing room, developing a better relationship with their bodies, and improving well-being as they do.

Find Annie @

Website :- www.stitchsocial.co

Instagram :- stitchsocial.co

www.my3words.co - stylist using 3 words to help define your style - works for me every time!

Any questions please contact me Karen Thom @ WWW.thefoundationstudio.co.uk

In this episode of Clueless in the Pause, I talk to a very inspiring Anthea McCourtie about why nutrition is so key during this Menopause time.

Anthea is a Registered Nutritional Therapist (BSc, mBANT, CNHC)  personal trainer and yoga teacher.  At You By Anthea she specialises in working with busy, driven women, who are ready to unleash their body confidence, rediscover their energy and feel as fabulous as they deserve! 

Anthea has been working with one to one clients for over 11 years, runs corporate nutrition workshops and has contributed to articles in The Stylist, Men's Fitness and Yours publications.  Anthea is a keen foodie, climber and pole fitness enthusiast and has provided published recipes for Vicky Pattison's book The Real Me.

Here's a link to contact with Anthea : -

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/you.by.anthea/

If you have any menopause questions after today's episode please drop them to us we'll be answering them as we go through the series

Everything we talk about in the episodes is not specific advice, before changing your lifestyle please always contact your practitioner.

Any questions please contact me Karen Thom @ WWW.thefoundationstudio.co.uk

In this episode I talk to the awesome Rose Webb, she is a women’s fitness coach and advocate for women’s strength training. A level 3 qualified Personal Trainer with pre- and post-natal certification, Rose trains women at all stages of live including the phases of menopause. Passionate about how fitness can supercharge your life at any age, Rose believes that physical activity is vitally important during the menopause and that it doesn’t have to be overly complicated or cost the earth.

Having worked in the fitness industry for 11 years, Rose pivoted from the management side of gym chains to being a practitioner herself after a health scare (pulmonary embolism during childbirth) highlighted the importance of her own fitness in 2019. Now she runs a personal training business in London called ‘Just Turn Up’ – testament to the philosophy that if you can get yourself to the start line then the rest will follow.

Here's a link to contact with Rose : -

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/just_turn_up/

We had a chat about HRT and the risks, here's some info about the topic and scares we were discussing.

https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/causes-of-cancer/hormones-and-cancer/does-hormone-replacement-therapy-increase-cancer-risk

https://www.themenopausecharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/The-myths-vs-the-facts-.pdf

Dr Nighat Arif - NHS & Private GP / Women's health - incredible source of info , telling it like it is

If you have any questions after today's episode please drop them to us we'll be answering them as we go through the season.

Everything we talk about in the episodes is not specific advice to everyone before changing your lifestyle please always contact your practitioner

Useful Links

https://thebms.org.uk/

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/menopause/

Nike training app - loads of free workouts raining from 5mins to 1 hour so much variety

Caroline Girvan -  YouTube so many free videos on strength training, body weight training, series of programs - my go to LOVE her

Cassandra Yoga -  YouTube - really easy to follow and sometimes cute cats make appearances  

Any questions please contact me Karen Thom @ WWW.thefoundationstudio.co.uk

In my first episode, I’m speaking to the wonderful Lee Dancy, owner of Tribal Works. With a wealth of experience in setting up, running and selling businesses, Lee definitely has been there, done that, and is proudly wearing the t-shirt.  Lee understands firsthand the challenges of transforming a passion into a profitable enterprise, whilst balancing the demands of family, home life, and work. From navigating midlife mind fog to envisioning an empire from the kitchen table, Lee’s journey mirrors the challenges many women face in business.
 
In 1999, whilst running a marketing consultancy and unable to find care for her Dalmatian puppy, she launched Barking Mad, a business dedicated to organising holidays for dogs. What started out as an innovative solution quickly grew into a nationwide franchise with 76 franchisees across the UK. Lee sold the business in 2016, and after stepping away in 2019, I returned to her hospitality roots launching Sunnyside Retreats.
 
Lee briefly considered living life at a slower pace, but her passion for business reignited as her holiday cottage venture flourished. Today she dedicates her time to helping other women turn their ideas, hobbies, and dreams into successful, money-making business ventures.  Lee truly believes every woman should establish her own financial independence. Female business mentoring and proudly ‘Post Pause’ @tribalworks
 
Given Lee’s background she was really keen to share her experience of the Menopause journey and there’s some great tips and advice that comes out of our chat.
 
Enjoy!

Lee Dancy : -

Tribal works https://tribal-works.co.uk/ 
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/tribal_works/

If you have any questions after listening to today's episode please let us know, we'll be answering them throughout the series.

Everything we talk about in the episodes is not specific advice to everyone before changing your lifestyle please always contact your practitioner 

Any questions please contact me Karen Thom @ WWW.thefoundationstudio.co.uk

Coming next Thursday 21st November, a new podcast talking all things menopause, whether you're peri/meno or post this is a podcast for you.

Follow us on instagram @ cluelessinthepause 

Subscribe on Spotify to be notified of all new episodes 

any questions contact me @ Karen Thom - The Foundation Studio