Sometimes, life knocks the wind out of you without warning. In this episode, we explore what it means to be blindsided by change—those moments that leave you scared, uncertain, and questioning everything. But what if those moments are actually invitations to something better? We talk about the power of starting over, the courage it takes to grow, and how reclaiming your worth can shift not only how you see yourself, but how the world sees you too. If you're in the thick of change or standing at the edge of it, this one's for you.

In this raw and emotional episode of Lady Bits, host Nicole Manion dives into the challenging yet empowering topic of setting boundaries in the workplace. Nicole shares her personal journey of learning to prioritize her time and self-worth amidst demanding work expectations. She candidly discusses the struggles many women face in balancing professional responsibilities with personal life, and the importance of standing firm in one's values. Tune in for an honest conversation about reclaiming your time and establishing a healthy work-life balance.

In this episode, I open up about the unexpected ways perimenopause has impacted my chronic health conditions — and even introduced new ones. From long-standing battles with eczema and ulcerative colitis to a spike in migraines, UTIs, and other baffling symptoms, I share how hormonal shifts during this phase of life have stirred up a perfect storm in my body. If you’re navigating midlife and noticing your chronic issues intensify (or new ones appear out of nowhere), you’re not alone. Let’s talk about the hard stuff: the symptoms, the patterns, the frustrations — and the validation that comes from naming what’s really going on.

Hot flashes? Mood swings? Sleep all over the place? Welcome to perimenopause! In this episode, we're talking all about Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and how it can help you feel like yourself again. We break down what HRT actually is, who it’s for, how it works, and the stuff your doctor might not be telling you. If you're in your 30s or 40s and wondering why your body feels like it’s flipping out, this one’s for you.

In this episode, I sit down with my daughter for a conversation about the moments we missed in her childhood, the importance of open communication, and how we've both learned from those gaps. We reflect on key moments, like me not being there for her first period and how she came out to me, and acknowledge the emotional distance we felt in those times.

Through candid conversation, we discuss how uncomfortable topics often get overlooked, and why it's never too late to open the door for honest, vulnerable conversations. We also touch on the topic of perimenopause, a phase of life I wish my mother had talked about more when I was younger, and how I’m committed to doing better moving forward, with my own daughter.

This episode is a raw exploration of the complexities of parenting, growing up, and healing together. If you've ever struggled to connect with your kids over difficult subjects, or wished you had those important talks sooner, this episode will resonate deeply with you. It’s about making up for lost time and finding a new, open path forward.

In this episode, Nicole Mannion discusses her journey into menopause coaching, sharing her personal experiences and insights on hormonal changes. She emphasizes the importance of education and community support while exploring the challenges of hot flashes and other symptoms. Nicole also shares her efforts in building a podcast studio and her plans for future episodes, including discussions with her daughter about generational differences in understanding menopause.

My mother and I talk about the three Ps... periods, pregnancy and perimenopause. This was intended to be episode one, until I decided to record and release an introductory episode. It may be a tad repetitious. Just consider it a recap.

Get to know a little about me and why I chose to start a podcast, not only about menopause but anything that women generally feel uncomfortable talking about.