Episode 2: Stress, Anxiety & Perimenopause - You're Not Going Crazy

In Episode 2 of Unpaused, Sam and Renee tackle one of the most common but least understood aspects of perimenopause: stress and anxiety.

Renee explains what is happening in the brain as fluctuating hormones affect mood, emotional regulation and the body's stress response, while Sam shares the partner's perspective and why understanding these changes can transform relationships.

The conversation explores:

• Why anxiety can suddenly appear or worsen during perimenopause
• How fluctuating oestrogen and progesterone affect the brain
• The impact of nutrition, alcohol and caffeine on stress levels
• Why communication often becomes more difficult during midlife
• How partners can offer support without trying to "fix" everything
• The importance of seeing it as "you both versus the problem", not "you versus her"

With honest stories, practical advice and plenty of relatable moments, this episode is for anyone experiencing perimenopause or supporting someone who is.

Unpaused is here to help people feel less alone, better informed and more confident navigating midlife, relationships and hormonal change together.

In the very first episode of Unpaused, Sam and Renée introduce themselves, share how they unexpectedly found themselves working in the perimenopause space, and explore the experiences that led them here.

Renée discusses being blindsided by perimenopause in her late 30s, the symptoms she never expected, and the challenges of getting answers. Sam shares what it was like watching his partner experience changes he didn't understand, the mistakes he made, and why he ended up becoming a Menopause Champion and accidentally writing a book.

Together, they discuss relationships, communication, why so many partners take symptoms personally, and how shifting from "its not me versus you, its us versus the problem" can change everything.

Expect honest conversation, practical insights, a few laughs, a discussion about scraping cereal bowls with metal spoons, and the beginning of a podcast focused on helping people feel less alone and more understood.

Because it's not you versus them. It's you both versus the problem