What if menopause wasn’t something to fear but a milestone to embrace?

In this episode, Sarah talks with filmmaker and musician Alicia J. Rose about what really happens during perimenopause and menopause, why so many people struggle to get answers, and how knowledge can change everything.

Alicia shares her personal story of realizing her symptoms were hormonal, learning to advocate for herself, and finding healing through hormone therapy (HRT). Her experience inspired her new project, Meno Punks — a documentary and podcast series about midlife, music, and the power of telling the truth about women’s health.

Together, Sarah and Alicia break down the misinformation surrounding menopause and talk honestly about how culture, medicine, and patriarchy have shaped what we believe about aging and womanhood.

You’ll hear:

What perimenopause and menopause actually are and how to recognize the signs
Why so many people are misdiagnosed or dismissed when they seek help
The truth about hormone therapy (HRT) and why it was unfairly labeled unsafe
How menopause affects creativity, mood, energy, and relationships
Why Gen X women are leading a new, more honest conversation about midlife
Practical steps to get informed, find the right care, and support others going through it

This episode is for anyone who wants to better understand menopause—whether you’re in it, approaching it, or supporting someone who is.

Meet Alicia J. Rose

Alicia J. Rose is an award-winning filmmaker and photographer known for her imaginative visuals and grounded storytelling. She has directed over 30 music videos for artists like First Aid Kit, Cake, and Bob Mould, and helped visually brand bands like The Decemberists. Her acclaimed web series The Benefits of Gusbandry drew praise from The New York Times and Entertainment Weekly. Her award-winning feature debut, A Kaddish for Bernie Madoff, is widely available. Rose is currently directing Girls in Trouble: The Series, and deep in production on her 2nd feature, menopause meets rock and roll documentary"Menopunks". A lifelong musician, she’s also been a college radio DJ, rock show promoter, and indie music distribution leader.

https://www.menopunks.com/

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Menopause, Midlife, and the Truth About HRT with Alicia J. Rose