Inspired by their own experiences and conversations with friends about menopause, MainFM radio hosts Lucy Armstrong and Kya Moore decided to create a platform where local stories could be shared, myths could be dispelled, and support could be amplified.
Recognising the isolation many feel and the significant gaps in public discourse, The Pause wanted to share information, normalise conversations and to build solidarity in the community.
The series features interviews with local health practitioners, experts and passionate advocates who are making a difference in the menopause space.
From laugh-out-loud moments to deeply moving personal accounts, the stories shared are as diverse as they are impactful.
Kya told the Express that given the lack of research about menopause the duo wanted to highlight all of the different specialists practising locally who could support people through this change.
“So, we grabbed a small selection of locals with a wide range of knowledge in this area. Like Jane Bennett, who is an amazing researcher, especially in the area of menstruation. She wrote this great book called About Bloody Time. She lives locally and she’s amazing,” Kya said.
“We want people who listen to the podcast to know that there’s a community out there who get what they’re going through and to know how to access support if they need it,” Lucy said.
During one of the episodes, the radio hosts speak with local activist, Jasper Peach, about what it’s like coming to menopause when you are non-binary, transgender or neurodivergent.
“They gave us insights into reproductive health as someone who doesn’t actually identify as being a woman, what’s available for them, how does it feel and how gendered is the system as a whole?” Lucy said.
“Jasper called it a tax; one that people who are outside the mainstream have to pay by going further to access supports and services that are more responsive and compassionate.”
During the 10-episode series, Lucy and Kya discuss Hormone Replacement Therapy, dispelling the myths, exploring the economic reasons behind the shortages, and the health impacts that can be exacerbated by a lack of oestrogen.
“HRT had a really bad rap in the early 2000s because it was connected to breast cancer. And that wasn’t true, but there are still doctors who are inexperienced in actually being able to prescribe it. And there’s a lot of women really frightened of taking it,” Lucy said.
“And the last episode is going to be a kind of where to from here,” Kya said.
The series will officially launch on September 5 with a special event at The Phee Broadway Theatre in Castlemaine, hosted in collaboration with community nurse Bron Grieve and Goldfields Library.
The evening will feature a dynamic panel including some of the experts interviewed in the series.
Tune in for the premiere episode on MainFM, airing Sunday, September 7 at 11am, and available as a podcast for on-demand listening.
This project has welcomed funding from Mount Alexander Shire Council.
