Podcast Summary: Glad We Had This Chat with Caroline Hirons Episode: Season 2, Episode 16 – Charlene White and Caroline Hirons Answer Your Questions Release Date: January 1, 2025

In Season 2, Episode 16 of Glad We Had This Chat, Caroline Hirons, the acclaimed British skincare expert, teams up with Charlene White to address a variety of listener-submitted questions. This episode delves deep into personal boundaries, fertility concerns, menopause challenges, aging gracefully, financial dynamics within families, and the delicate balance of returning to work post-maternity leave. Additionally, the hosts engage in a lively "this or that" segment, showcasing their personalities and preferences.

1. Setting Boundaries with Family

Timestamp: [02:03] – [03:35]

A listener shares feelings of being overwhelmed by her parents' expectations and the disproportionate support she provides due to her sister's distant location. Caroline advises:

"Don't be constantly available. And then they'll be forced to draft in the sister that's two hours away." ([02:34])

Charlene echoes the sentiment, emphasizing the importance of controlling the situation and regularizing the sister's involvement to prevent becoming the sole caregiver.

2. Desire to Have Children Later in Life

Timestamp: [03:57] – [05:30]

Mila from Birmingham expresses anxiety about not having children in her late 30s. Charlene suggests exploring options beyond natural conception:

"Instead of waiting for a partner to come along, there are other options... women should get the quality of their eggs tested." ([04:38])

Caroline adds a personal touch, sharing her own determination to become a mother regardless of circumstances, highlighting the importance of proactive measures like visiting a specialist or considering clinics.

3. Managing Menopausal Brain Fog

Timestamp: [05:30] – [08:17]

A listener discusses the cognitive challenges of menopause affecting her work performance. Charlene recommends building a supportive network:

"Find a girl gang... and there are ways to deal with it, like HRT." ([06:50])

Caroline emphasizes the necessity of medical consultation to confirm menopause-related symptoms and discusses the importance of maintaining mental and emotional well-being during this transition.

4. Embracing Aging and Body Changes

Timestamp: [08:17] – [11:17]

Struggling with self-consciousness about wrinkles and weight gain, a listener seeks advice on embracing aging. Charlene encourages self-reflection on dietary and lifestyle habits:

"Are you low in vitamins and supplements? Are you being active enough?" ([09:12])

Caroline suggests shifting focus from appearance to overall health, advocating for prioritizing skin health and general well-being over societal beauty standards.

5. Navigating Financial Success Amidst Family Struggles

Timestamp: [11:17] – [12:57]

A listener celebrates financial success but feels conflicted about her family's financial struggles. Charlene advises:

"You've worked really hard to have what you have. Enjoy that... Your family should find ways to remedy their situation themselves." ([12:19])

Caroline reinforces the idea that personal achievements deserve celebration without guilt, emphasizing the importance of setting healthy boundaries to prevent financial insecurity.

6. Balancing Work and Parenting Post-Maternity Leave

Timestamp: [12:58] – [16:15]

Returning to work after maternity leave poses challenges for a listener struggling to juggle job demands and parenting. Charlene highlights the significance of partnership:

"Your partner should be helping to carry the load... Make sensible choices about what kind of father that person is going to be." ([14:04])

Caroline shares her own experience, advocating for shared responsibilities and rejecting the notion of perfection, which often leads to unnecessary guilt.

7. Quick Fire: This or That Segment

Timestamp: [16:15] – [32:06]

In a spirited "this or that" round, Caroline and Charlene reveal their personal preferences on various topics, adding humor and relatability to the episode. Highlights include:

• Boots or Superdrug: Charlene prefers Superdrug for their hair section catering to Black women's needs.

  "They were the ones that realized that black women spend a lot of money on hair products." ([18:34])

• Bold Eye or Bold Lip: Both lean towards bold eye looks, with Charlene expressing definitive preferences.

• Dewy or Matte: Charlene opts for matte to avoid the oily appearance dewiness can sometimes bring.

  "I never know when Dewey's gonna turn to oily." ([19:06])

• Heels or Flats: Despite enjoying heels, Charlene acknowledges the practicality of switching to trainers later in the evening.

  "I can't do raving all night in heels anymore." ([23:37])

• Nando's or Waggers: Both show a clear preference for Nando's, especially discussing the nuances of wings seasoning.

  "Morley's is well seasoned, a little bit of spicing." ([25:22])

• Favorite Sandwich: Charlene loves prawn mayo sandwiches paired with ready salted crisps, while Caroline shares her affinity for crispy, well-layered sandwiches.

  "It should be the law... You have to squash it down." ([29:17])

Their playful banter and contrasting viewpoints offer listeners a glimpse into their personalities beyond their professional expertise.

Conclusion

Throughout this episode, Caroline Hirons and Charlene White provide heartfelt, honest, and practical advice on navigating complex personal and professional challenges. Their candid discussions on setting boundaries, embracing motherhood at any stage, managing menopausal symptoms, accepting aging, and balancing financial dynamics within families resonate deeply with listeners. The engaging "this or that" segment further humanizes the hosts, making the episode both informative and entertaining.

Listeners are left with valuable insights and a sense of camaraderie, reinforcing the podcast's reputation as a trusted source for genuine conversations on life's myriad challenges.

Notable Quotes:

• On Setting Boundaries:
  "Don't be constantly available. And then they'll be forced to draft in the sister that's two hours away." – Caroline Hirons ([02:34])

• On Fertility Options:
  "Women should get the quality of their eggs tested. If you're ticking, you need to freeze." – Charlene White ([04:38])

• On Embracing Aging:
  "I just choose a different outfit... I'm a bit older and wiser now. I just don't care." – Charlene White ([09:56])

• On Work-Life Balance:
  "This child is not all my responsibility... I don't set myself an impossible challenge." – Caroline Hirons ([15:24])

These snippets encapsulate the episode's essence, highlighting the hosts' commitment to authenticity and support.