Sage Women

Menopause and chronic pain are more connected than many women realize. In this episode, Stacey Roberts — holistic RN, physiotherapist, and functional medicine specialist — explains how hormones, pelvic floor dysfunction, inflammation, stress, and gut health can all contribute to pain in midlife. We discuss why declining estrogen during perimenopause and menopause can increase pain sensitivity, why...

In this episode, Melanie speaks with exercise physiologist Clio Austin about why exercise is essential during menopause, perimenopause and postmenopause. They explore how declining estrogen affects muscle mass, bone density, body composition and weight. Clio also shares practical strategies to help women build strength, improve health and prevent frailty in midlife - whether they’re already exerci...

Why chronic stress leaves so many midlife women burnt out and how nervous system regulation can restore energy, boundaries and intimacy. In this episode of Sage Women, therapist and professor Dr Julie Merriman explains why so many women experience burnout, chronic stress, and disconnection from their bodies. We explore how nervous system dysregulation affects women’s health, relationships, and int...

In this episode, Melanie sits down with business storytelling expert Gabrielle Dolan to explore how midlife women - especially those navigating menopause, perimenopause, hormonal shifts, and confidence challenges like brain fog or self-doubt - can stop overpreparing and self-editing and start leading with their authentic voice. In a world saturated with AI-generated content, Gabrielle explains why...

Today, Melanie and registered dietitian and coach Amanda Mannes explore midlife nutrition challenges and how women's dietary needs evolve during this pivotal life stage. They discuss the impact of stress and sleep on overall health, with Amanda sharing a candid account of weight gain during a stressful period - even while eating clean - to remind us that non-food factors can influence the scal...

Australia is facing an ongoing HRT patches shortage, leaving many women asking: Are HRT patches available in Australia? In this episode of The Sage Women Podcast, we speak with Johanna Wicks and Raisa Montero from Lorai Health, the Australian women’s health startup working to solve the hormone replacement therapy patch shortage. For more than 20 years, only three HRT patches have been available in...

What happens when ADHD meets perimenopause — and no one’s talking about it? In this honest, empowering episode of Sage Women, host Melanie White is joined by executive coaches Simone Outteridge, Lisa Allen, and Tara Blanchy to unpack the unique experience of women navigating ADHD in midlife — often without a diagnosis, a roadmap, or the language to explain what’s going on. Drawing on their coachin...

What if the way we design work could directly improve mental health, confidence, and long-term career wellbeing - especially for women navigating midlife transitions? In this episode of Sage Women , Michelle Hasani, Rebecca Hannan and Mel share a bold, evidence-based conversation shaped by their collaboration, Work by Design . Together, they explore how cognitive and relational shifts in midlife -...

On this episode, Melanie sits down with Kylie Ingram, CEO of Wizer Business, to explore Wizer Snaps, a smart communication tool that helps users tailor their messages based on decision profiles. They discuss how women often use the tool to prepare for meetings and craft messages with care, while men are increasingly using it for sales and business development. The conversation highlights the impor...

Midlife is a crossroads where caring for others can come at our own expense. This reflective episode dives into the burnout that can follow and challenges the old labels of selfish and selfless. Is there a healthier middle ground? Join us as we explore what women really need - to find a new language and to start considering the concepts of the middle ground - self-care, self-love, and self-compass...

Melanie and Pharmacist Therese Loo explore personalised health care for women in midlife. In this episode, they discuss how DNA testing and blood panels combined with science-based health coaching can deliver individualized strategies that fit each person’s unique biology and life circumstances. They examine how genetic predispositions interact with lifestyle factors to influence health outcomes,...

Melanie and Michelle explore how where you live shapes your fitness journey. In this episode, they discuss access to exercise in remote areas, with Michelle sharing her firsthand experiences teaching fitness in rural Victoria and highlighting the prominent role of community sports in these regions. They discuss the unique challenges women in rural areas face when returning to physical activity aft...

This episode dives into identity changes and the unique challenges women face in midlife as physical and hormonal shifts reshape how they see themselves and their roles in society. Melanie shares candid insights on menopause and declining estrogen that can temporarily affect confidence and sense of capacity, while reframing this period as a chance for personal reinvention and fresh self-definition...

Melanie White chats with Amanda Kube, a former educator turned wellness coach, about the unique mental health challenges women face in regional and rural areas. This episode dives into midlife anxiety, the impact of isolation, limited access to support services, and the social pressures that can compound stress in rural and remote communities. They explore the power of self-compassion and strategi...

Women in rural Australia face significant barriers to accessing specialist healthcare. Today, nurse and health coach Celeste Cleary from Flourishing Wellness outlines the key challenges in depth, from the scarcity of medical services to social and cultural barriers that disproportionately affect women, and the critical need for patient empowerment. We'll unpack how technology, particularly tel...

In this episode, we’re joined by Shannan White (AEP, AES, ESSAM), an Accredited Exercise Physiologist and Exercise Scientist based in Broulee, NSW. Shannan brings a wealth of experience in managing injuries and chronic conditions, and is on a mission to transform women’s health care through evidence-based, holistic approaches. We discuss the unique health challenges faced by women in regional area...

Post-natal depression and then early menopause threw nutritionist and health coach Lauren for a loop, but it also sparked a journey of self-discovery. Join us as she shares her powerful story, revealing how she embraced a holistic approach to tame her symptoms and reclaim her well-being. We'll dive into the surprising impact of stress and nutrition on reproductive health, and Lauren will arm y...

Today Zeina El Jamil shares her powerful and inspiring story of navigating breast cancer and early surgical menopause. From the challenges of treatment and recovery to overcoming cultural barriers, Zeina shares her personal journey with raw honesty and unwavering strength. Discover how she embraced exercise, prioritised self-care and found solace in community support to manage her menopause sympto...

Feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or questioning your worth in midlife? You’re not alone. In this episode, we sit down with Jill Ogle, an integrative coach helping women reclaim their power by overcoming imposter syndrome and healing from autoimmune conditions through self-love and acceptance. Jill shares her own story and offers practical tools to move through people-pleasing, the mental load of midlif...

Today, Melanie White interviews health coach Gina Gruber, uncovering the unique hurdles women face in meeting their health needs, and considerations for working with women in rural and remote communities. From beliefs and cultural norms to limited access, we explore how to make real change through small steps, tailored support, and building trust within existing networks. Listen to empower yoursel...

In this episode, we speak with Christine Garde-Denning, Founder and CEO of CouldYou?, about her mission to end period poverty through sustainable, scalable innovation. Christine shares how the FDA-registered CouldYou? Cup - a menstrual cup designed specifically for resource-limited settings - is restoring dignity, health, and opportunity to women and girls around the world. With nearly 200,000 cup...

Feeling overwhelmed by menopause and weight gain? Winnie Kok, a mountain climber, leadership expert, and wellness coach, shares her proven strategies for navigating this challenging time. Learn how to harness the power of mindfulness, self-care, and resilience to achieve your weight loss goals and build a fulfilling life. This episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiration to help you co...

In this episode, Jess Taylor from QENDO shares her personal journey with endometriosis and explores how the condition intersects with perimenopause and menopause. We dive into the complex impact of endometriosis on the body, the importance of early diagnosis, and the challenges many women face in accessing proper care. Jess also highlights QENDO’s long-standing mission since 1988—offering support,...

Have you reached a point where personal growth feels incompatible with your current relationship? Are you a woman in midlife contemplating a significant transition? We interview Sallyanne Harnell from Reflect Coaching for a deep dive into the complex, non-legal aspects of divorce, exploring how hormonal changes, life events, and the desire for a more authentic life can lead to separation. We'll di...

Are you a woman ready to rewrite the rules of aging? Join Melanie and Nick, founders of Sage, as they explore the empowering world of longevity. In this episode, they dive into the science and secrets of a healthy, vibrant life, especially during menopause. Discover how lifestyle changes, genetic insights, and a mindset shift can help you reinvent yourself and thrive for years to come. Learn to em...