Podcast Summary: "Introducing: Hello Menopause!"
Podcast Information:
- Title: My So-Called Midlife with Reshma Saujani
- Host/Author: Lemonada Media
- Episode: Introducing: Hello Menopause!
- Release Date: July 2, 2025
Introduction
In the inaugural episode of "Hello Menopause!", host Stacey London engages in a candid and enlightening conversation with Reshma Saujani, founder of Girls Who Code and author of My So-Called Midlife. Together, they explore the multifaceted experience of midlife, particularly focusing on menopause, and discuss how societal expectations and personal transformations intersect during this pivotal stage of life.
Midlife: A Groundhog's Day Feeling
Reshma Saujani begins by expressing her sense of monotony in midlife:
"Midlife feels like Groundhog's Day." [02:42]
She emphasizes the importance of embracing imperfection to feel truly alive, highlighting how repeated failures and imperfections in midlife can foster personal growth and resilience.
Shifting from Perfection to Curiosity
Stacey London relates to Reshma's feelings, sharing her transition from striving for a "glossy" life to embracing curiosity and learning:
"After menopause, I feel like I'm in my inquisitive stage... All I want to do is learn." [04:10]
This shift marks a departure from the relentless pursuit of perfection toward a more exploratory and fulfilling approach to life.
Reshma Saujani echoes this sentiment, recounting how perfectionism was ingrained from a young age:
"There are a lot of things... how to be a good girl, how to gravitate toward the things that we're good at." [07:05]
Both speakers highlight the liberating effect of midlife, where the fear of judgment diminishes, allowing for genuine self-expression and exploration.
Societal Structures and Gender Dynamics
The conversation delves into how societal expectations and gender roles impact midlife experiences. Reshma Saujani introduces the concept of the "midlife penalty," paralleling it with the "motherhood penalty":
"The midlife penalty is the physical, economic, and emotional costs that you bear for simply getting older." [30:31]
She discusses how older women face significant gender pay gaps and structural barriers that exacerbate economic and emotional struggles during midlife.
Stacey London adds to this by highlighting the societal pressures women face regarding appearance and relevance:
"It doesn't mean we're not getting better... we are still talking about this in a way that does not serve us." [27:40]
This underscores the persistent influence of patriarchy in shaping women's midlife experiences.
Personal Journeys and Building Community
Both hosts share personal anecdotes about their journeys through midlife and menopause. Reshma Saujani reflects on the lack of a "playbook" for women navigating midlife:
"I want to write the playbook. I want to... create one." [48:53]
Stacey London discusses her feelings of loss and identity crisis during perimenopause, emphasizing the importance of authentic conversations:
"I want to talk about bigger things and deeper things and meaningful things that are still in service to other people." [50:31]
They both stress the need for community support, allowing women to feel seen and connected during this transformative period.
Advocating for Structural Changes
The discussion turns to the necessity of advocating for societal and structural changes to better support midlife women. Reshma Saujani argues for policies similar to paid leave and childcare to address the "midlife penalty":
"These are structural things. These are things that we need to fix and change in society, just like childcare and paid leave." [33:04]
Stacey London reinforces the idea that addressing menopause and midlife requires collective effort and structural reforms rather than individual adjustments alone.
Teaching Bravery and Letting Go
The hosts explore the concept of teaching bravery as an antidote to perfectionism. Reshma Saujani shares her journey towards decompression and embracing the present:
"I'm trying to figure out how to... just like, I'm trying to do that." [39:18]
Stacey London echoes this by emphasizing the importance of curiosity and the willingness to try new things without the fear of failure:
"You can fail at something and it not be the end of the world." [43:46]
They advocate for prioritizing personal well-being and joy over societal expectations of continuous achievement.
Creating a Midlife Playbook
Towards the end of the episode, Reshma Saujani discusses the surprising positivity she found among midlife individuals during her podcast research:
"There's a lot of happy people in midlife... people have these incredible experiences." [47:30]
She expresses a desire to create a comprehensive playbook for women in midlife, highlighting the need for practical guidance and shared wisdom to navigate this stage effectively.
Conclusion: Embracing the Renaissance of Midlife
The episode concludes with an emphasis on viewing midlife as a renaissance rather than a crisis. Stacey London and Reshma Saujani encourage women to embrace this period with curiosity, community, and courage. They advocate for redefining midlife through empowerment and structural support, transforming it into a vibrant and fulfilling chapter of life.
Key Takeaways
- Embrace Imperfection: Letting go of perfectionism can lead to personal growth and a more fulfilling midlife experience.
- Shift to Curiosity: Transitioning from striving for excellence to exploring new interests fosters joy and self-discovery.
- Address Structural Barriers: Advocacy for societal and economic reforms is crucial to support midlife women effectively.
- Build Community: Connecting with others provides essential support and alleviates feelings of isolation during midlife.
- Teach Bravery: Encouraging courage and the willingness to take risks can help women navigate the challenges of midlife.
- Develop a Playbook: Creating comprehensive guidance for midlife can empower women to embrace this stage with confidence and purpose.
Notable Quotes:
- "Midlife feels like Groundhog's Day." — Reshma Saujani [02:42]
- "After menopause, I feel like I'm in my inquisitive stage... All I want to do is learn." — Stacey London [04:10]
- "The midlife penalty is the physical, economic, and emotional costs that you bear for simply getting older." — Reshma Saujani [30:31]
- "I want to write the playbook. I want to... create one." — Reshma Saujani [48:53]
- "You can fail at something and it not be the end of the world." — Stacey London [43:46]
This episode serves as a foundational conversation for women navigating midlife, offering both personal insights and a call to action for broader societal change. It encourages embracing this stage with authenticity, community, and resilience.