EXCLUSIVE: Christine Maginnis of "Hello Menopause!" (Part 2)
At 35, Christine was diagnosed with Premature Ovarian Failure (now called Premature Ovarian Insufficiency or POI), which meant that just as she was planning to start a family, she learned she was infertile and well into perimenopause. Christine felt unheard and dismissed by her doctor. Years later, she co-founded Let's Talk Menopause, a non-profit organization invested in changing the conversation around menopause so women get the information they need and the healthcare they deserve.
Let's continue.
SS: What stereotypes and stigmas do you hope to challenge through "Hello Menopause!"?
CM: Let's start by challenging that "old" women are dried-up has-beens. We want people to know that most women report feeling the happiest they've ever been after reaching menopause — no broomsticks for us.
We want to upend the idea that menopause marks the end of a woman's beauty, sexuality, vibrancy, and value to society. Our guests quickly dispel that misconception. Through their various perspectives, we learn that while perimenopause can be disruptive, some good comes from the transition. Most women feel better after the menopausal transition.
Our guests' stories show menopause is not just a reproductive death or an ending but also marks new beginnings and fresh opportunities.
SS: What was the most challenging part of creating this show? How did you overcome it?
CM: I have to laugh, as everything about making our Hello Menopause podcast was challenging. It's a daunting process, creating a podcast, and we — Samara Daly, Donna Klassen, and I, the founders of Let's Talk Menopause — had never done it before. We knew we wanted a story-telling podcast, but where to begin? The first thing we did was create a podcast pitch. We went on to write a podcast summary, who our target audience would be, who our guests might include, what menopausal topics we might address, and even potential partners who might want to sponsor our podcast.
Next, we enlisted help. We brought in the phenomenal Stacey Geller, owner of ADL, as our graphic designer to bring the pitch to life. We then shared our pitch with podcast production companies and were lucky enough to ultimately partner with Michelle Khouri of FRQNCY Media. They took our initial plan and refined it, suggesting we bring in a comedic co-host who could lead the man-on-the-street interviews. This is how we connected with comedic storyteller Robin Gelfenbien. The updated plan helped us add plenty of good humor and humanity in a way we hadn't envisioned. They didn't change our ideas; they improved upon them. Additionally, we were so excited to receive sponsorship and support from Always Discreet.
The last obstacle to conquer was my stage fright. I was incredibly nervous going into the first few sessions. I literally did breathing exercises before I would put on my headphones! Those fears dissipated quickly, though, as I became engaged with our guests. Then it became just what we hoped for: genuine conversation.
Thank you, Christine and FRQNCY team! Check out the first episode featuring Stacy London.
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