This is 40

Changing Weight, Perimenopause, and Ditching the 20-Something Mindset

In this solo episode, I get honest and personal about the frustrating weight changes and body shifts that happen in our 40s. About the Host: Follow me on Instagram: @jettevirdi Follow the podcast: @this_is_40podcast Mentioned in the Episode Red Light Therapy Panels – Used for daily 10-minute relaxation, skin, and sleep benefits. Sarah – Guest from Episode 4 mentioned for her advice on taking "sacred pauses". Aoife – Personal trainer previewed for the upcoming Episode 6. End Credits This episode was written and recorded by me and produced by Lucy Lucraft (lucylucraft.co.uk). If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!

Reclaiming Pleasure, Pussies, and Perimenopause with Somatic Sexologist Sarah

Welcome back to This Is 40! In today's episode, I am joined by my very first guest, my wonderful friend Sarah! Sarah is a somatic sexologist, a somatic experiencing practitioner, and a yoga teacher based in Moray. In this episode, we dive deep into what "somatic" actually means and how we can re-establish connection with our bodies as we enter our 40s and the perimenopausal phase. We chat about dismantling the deep-seated shame surrounding female sexuality and genital terms, learning how to advocate for our health with doctors, navigating changing sex drives, and why pleasure isn't just about penetrative sex, it's a way of living and "flirting with life". To wrap up, Sarah leads us through a beautiful, grounding somatic practice that you can follow along with at home. Key Takeaways Somatic Connection Means Internal Felt Awareness: Somatic practices stem from soma (the body) and invite us to focus on our internal felt experience and inhabit our bodies fully. Language Builds Advocacy and Reduces Shame: Reclaiming non-taboo terms for our genitalia helps dissolve shame and allows us to communicate clearly and confidently with healthcare providers. Sexuality Experiences Seasons: Sexual desire fluctuates throughout our lives. Embracing "wintering" phases with compassion—and separating intimacy from the expectation of penetrative sex—can keep connection alive without pressure. Pleasure is More Than Genital-Based: True pleasure is our connection to life force energy. We can access "pockets of pleasure" throughout the day using simple sensory pauses and daily check-ins. Episode Highlights 00:00:52 – What does "somatic" actually mean? 00:06:40 – Reclaiming taboo words, understanding genital anatomy, and shedding female sexual shame. 00:11:00 – Practical embodiment exercises (like the "power pose") for clinic visits. 00:14:38 – Reframing body changes: Viewing our bodies through a relationship lens rather than a clinical one. 00:21:40 – Navigating low libido and "wintering" in relationships without losing intimacy. 00:28:10 – Less "fucks given" in perimenopause: Establishing boundaries drop by drop. 00:38:40 – Guided somatic practice: Tuning in to pleasurable movement and nervous system regulation. About the Guest Sarah is a somatic sexologist, somatic experiencing™ practitioner (nervous system-focused trauma therapy), a yoga & breathwork instructor and a women’s wellness facilitator. She supports people to reconnect with bodies, their power and pleasure through movement, breath, awareness & nervous-system education. to support emotional resilience, reduce stress and to support more fulfilling relationships, deeper intimacy and more pleasure & aliveness. She holds 1:1 sessions, workshops and group sessions, online and in-person in Moray to support emotional resilience, reduce stress and to support more fulfilling relationships, deeper intimacy and more pleasure, joy & aliveness. She also guides embodied movement classes inspired by Scotland’s beautiful and wild nature. Website sarahkcollins.com Booking: email sarah.wildermoons@gmail.com Instagram: @wildermoons Mentioned in the Episode Mama Gina – Creator of the morning vulva check-in practice ("Good morning, pussy") @mamagena on instagram. Tara Brach – Mindfulness teacher, author, and creator of the "Sacred Pause" concept. The Sexual Integration Institute @integrativeintimacycoaching @vitamethod Some free resources: Vulva anatomy workshop from vaginamuseum A guide to vaginal dryness This episode was written and recorded by me and produced by Lucy Lucraft. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5* rating and review!

Navigating Clitoral Atrophy, Vulvodynia, and Advocating for Your Health

In this deeply personal episode, I share my candid experience with clitoral atrophy and vulvodynia. I highlight the systemic issues surrounding women's health education, the long delays in receiving accurate diagnoses, and the vital importance of advocating for yourself at the doctor's office. It's a personal but OH SO practical episode for all you peri-menopausers out there. Key Takeaways Advocate Relentlessly for Your Health: Do not settle for quick, off-the-shelf fixes like thrush cream if symptoms persist; push your doctor for clear answers and specialised care. Understand Genitourinary Symptoms: Conditions like clitoral atrophy and vulvodynia are common aspects of the perimenopause transition, yet they are frequently underdiagnosed or delayed due to a lack of education and clinical training. Break the Stigma: Open conversations about female anatomy, sexual desire, and bodily changes after 40 are essential for quality of life and proper medical support. Explore Treatment Options: Localised topical oestrogen, HRT adjustments, and testosterone are potential paths to explore with a healthcare provider to alleviate physical discomfort and support tissue health. Episode Highlights 00:04:00 – Explaining clitoral anatomy, oestrogen decline, and the reality of clitoral atrophy. 00:06:30 – Highlighting statistics around genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) and diagnosis delays. 00:10:30 – Examining the cultural shame, vague language, and gaps in GP training regarding women's sexual health. 00:16:30 – Navigating shifting diagnoses, vulvodynia, and managing ongoing pelvic pain. 00:18:30 – Breakdown of non-hormonal and hormonal treatment options, including topical estrogen and testosterone. 00:21:00 – Reframing menopause as a "second springtime" and empowering listeners to advocate for their wellbeing. About the Host Follow me on Instagram: @jettevirdi Follow the podcast: @this_is_40podcast Mentioned in the Episode Dr. Louise Newson: Women's health specialist and menopause expert (Follow on Instagram: @drlouisenewson) End Credits This episode was written and recorded by me and produced by Lucy Lucraft (lucylucraft.co.uk). If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5* rating and review!

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How open and honest can we be in our forties?

In this episode, I delve into the often unsaid truths of entering our forties and the sudden arrival of perimenopause. From unexpected middle-of-the-night anxiety and shifting bodies to the fear of becoming invisible as we age, I discuss what is really going on beneath the surface. We break down the societal pressures that keep us from being completely honest with our GPs, partners, and friends, and why we need to stop suffering in silence. Key Takeaways Perimenopause can feel like an abrupt transition rather than a slow drift, often bringing sudden symptoms like weight retention, insomnia, and new headaches. Mid-night racing hearts and sudden anxiety are often driven by falling oestrogen levels, not personal flaws or stress alone. Social pressure and tight 10-minute GP appointments frequently prevent women from speaking up about their health concerns. We need to dismantle the shame surrounding women’s health to gain clarity, proper care, and authentic connection. Episode Highlights 00:00:43 - The struggle of identifying perimenopause symptoms without proper language or education. 00:03:15 - Audience responses: sex drive changes, menopause worries, and the fear of feeling invisible. 00:04:22 - Navigating sudden physical changes, sleepless nights, and unexpected headaches. 00:06:17 - Unpacking hormonal anxiety and the connection to dropping oestrogen levels. 00:08:15 - Why societal norms and heavy expectations keep us quiet about our health. 00:12:15 - Essential book recommendations to help navigate perimenopause and menopause. Mentioned in the Episode MenoPausing by Dr Naomi Potter and Davina McCall The Definitive Guide to Perimenopause and Menopause by Dr Louise Newson Cracking the Menopause by Mariella Frostrup and Alice Smellie Dr Louise Newson on Instagram (@menopause_doctor) Dr Naomi Potter Peri Community This episode was written and recorded by me, Jette Verdi, and produced by Lucy Lucraft (lucylucraft.co.uk). If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review and find us @this_is_40podcast on Instagram.

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This is 40: Who This Is For & Why I Made It

I’m Jette, your host, a single mama living in Scotland, and a Pilates studio owner. I am currently 43, and babe, things have changed. I didn't get a gradual transition into my forties; I woke up one morning and thought, what is going on with my body? From cellulite, mood changes, and weight gain to unexplainable headaches and clitoral atrophy, I found myself crying to doctors who simply told me, "You're just getting old. Welcome to perimenopause." In this inaugural episode, I share my personal story and set out the mission for This is 40. We are done being told that feeling this way is just something we have to accept. I want to create a collective, shared space where we dive into the language, tests, and self-advocacy tools we need to start feeling like ourselves again. We’re going to cover health, money, sex, relationships, and all the juicy stuff in between. Welcome to the ride! Episode Highlights: 00:00:00 – Welcome to Episode One of This is 40! 00:00:50 – Who I am: 43, single mom, Pilates studio owner, and living in Scotland. 00:01:20 – The sudden shift: Sudden physical changes, perimenopause symptoms, and doctor visits. 00:02:10 – The frustration of being told "You're just getting old". 00:02:40 – The mission of the podcast: Learning to advocate for our health and demand tests. 00:03:30 – Why women's health is severely under-researched. 00:04:10 – What to expect from future episodes: Experts, real women, money, sex, and health. 00:05:00 – Breaking the taboos: Experiencing clitoral atrophy in your 40s. 00:05:50 – Join the community and connect on social media. This episode was written and recorded by me and produced by Lucy Lucraft (lucylucraft.co.uk). If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5* rating and review!

Welcome to This is 40: Honest Conversations for Women Done Pretending

Welcome to This is 40, a podcast dedicated to women in their forties who are done being told that what they are experiencing is 'normal and fine' (because we know we aren't!) Hosted by me, Jette Virdi, a single mum, Pilates teacher, and lifelong asker of uncomfortable question, this show dives into the real, raw topics your GP doesn't have time to explain and most podcasts are too polite to mention. From perimenopause and brain fog to sex, money, and identity, get ready for honest, expert-backed conversations without the wellness waffle. Episode Highlights: 00:00 – Welcome: Asking the questions you were too embarrassed to Google 00:20 – Meet me: Single mum, Pilates instructor, and podcast host 00:35 – Why This is 40 exists and who it is for 00:45 – The expert lineup: From neuroscientists to finance specialists 01:00 – The real topics covered: Perimenopause, sex after 40, brain fog, and identity End Credits: If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review! This episode was written and recorded by me and produced by Lucy Lucraft (lucylucraft.co.uk).

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