In this special end-of-season episode of Know Your Flow, all three femme founders come together to reflect on the realities of building a growing women’s health business - the highs, the doubts, the personal challenges, and the breakthroughs that shaped 2025.
From navigating personal life alongside professional pressure, to leadership, confidence, team growth and learning when to do less - this conversation pulls back the curtain on what it truly takes to grow a purpose-led brand. The founders share honest reflections on rebranding, building trust, managing teams, redefining success, and why women in business so often struggle to sit with their achievements.
They also look ahead to what’s coming next: community, new products, bigger conversations, and the evolving vision for femme.
This episode isn’t about perfection - it’s about progress, perspective, and staying human while building something meaningful.
Fertility journeys can put unexpected pressure on relationships - and intimacy is often one of the first things to change.
In this episode of Know Your Flow, femme co-founder Stef Simpson is joined by Andrea Balboni, sex and relationship coach and founder of Lush Coaching, to explore how couples can maintain closeness, connection and pleasure while navigating fertility treatment.
Together, they unpack how IVF, IUI and timed intercourse can turn intimacy into a performance, the emotional and psychological impact this has on both partners, and why redefining what intimacy means can help couples feel safer and more connected.
This conversation explores:
💛 What intimacy really means beyond sex
💛 How fertility treatment affects desire and connection
💛 Navigating performance pressure and anxiety
💛 The role of vulnerability and honest communication
💛 How stress and hormones impact libido
💛 Why touch doesn’t have to be sexual to be intimate
💛 Practical ways couples can reconnect during treatment
💛 When seeking professional support can help
Whether you’re actively trying to conceive, supporting a partner, or simply want to strengthen your relationship during a challenging season, this episode offers reassurance, insight and practical tools to help you feel less alone.
🎧 Listen now and remember: small steps, open communication and compassion can make a big difference.
In this episode of Know Your Flow, we’re joined by Natalie Silverman, co-founder of Fertility Matters at Work, broadcaster, and long-time advocate for improving fertility support in the workplace. Drawing from her own IVF experience and over a decade of hosting The Fertility Podcast, Natalie brings powerful insight into why fertility struggles deeply affect employees - and how managers can respond with empathy, clarity and confidence.
Together, we explore:
💛 Why 1 in 6 people will navigate fertility challenges - and why many feel unable to tell their employer
💛 How fertility, IVF, pregnancy loss and treatment pressures spill into working life
💛 The emotional and psychological toll employees carry in silence
💛 The common missteps managers make (and how to avoid them)
💛 Practical tools, language and support approaches managers can use
💛 Why policies alone aren’t enough - real cultural change requires conversation
💛 The hidden experiences of men and LGBTQ+ employees in fertility journeys
💛 How organisations can create safer, more compassionate workplaces
Natalie also shares the story behind the creation of Fertility Matters at Work - and why she believes fertility awareness is a core part of modern workplace wellbeing.
This conversation is honest, human and deeply needed.
Whether you’re a manager, HR leader, business owner or simply someone who wants to support colleagues better, this episode offers both understanding and actionable guidance.
The Thyroid–Cycle Connection: Missed Ovulation, Lost Periods, and Hashimoto’s Health
If you’ve ever struggled with irregular cycles, missed ovulation, unexplained symptoms, or a fertility journey that just doesn’t add up, your thyroid might be the missing piece no one’s talking about.
In this powerful episode of Know Your Flow, Stef is joined by Rocsi - the founder of Her Aligned Hub - who shares her deeply personal journey through Hashimoto’s, ovarian cysts, autoimmune flare-ups, and a long battle for answers. Together, they unpack the real relationship between thyroid health, cycle function, and fertility.
You’ll learn:
✨ How hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s can lead to missed ovulation, long cycles, or lost periods
✨ Why thyroid issues in women are so commonly misdiagnosed as PCOS
✨ The exact hormones involved—and how thyroid function disrupts FSH, LH, oestrogen, and progesterone
✨ Symptoms of both under-active and overactive thyroid that often get dismissed
✨ What blood tests you actually need (and how to advocate for them)
✨ The surprising role of gut health in healing your hormones
✨ Why so many women fall through the cracks - and how to take back control
Rocsi also shares practical, compassionate advice for anyone navigating symptoms, being dismissed by their GP, or feeling overwhelmed by their fertility journey.
Whether you’re TTC, living with Hashimoto’s, or simply trying to understand your cycle on a deeper level, this episode will leave you informed, empowered, and ready to advocate for your wellbeing.
We’re back with a powerful and eye-opening episode of Know your Flow, and this one’s all about breaking the silence around women’s intimate health.
In this episode, host Stef Meachin sits down with Dr. Shirin Lakhani, leading cosmetic doctor, GP, and founder of Elite Aesthetics, to explore why so many women suffer in silence when it comes to their intimate wellbeing — and how we can all start to know our normal.
Together, they discuss:
💬 Why intimate health is still surrounded by stigma — and how open conversations can change that
🌸 What it really means to “know your normal” when it comes to conditions like Lichen Sclerosus
🩺 How innovative treatments such as Morpheus8V and the O-Shot are transforming women’s health care
💪 The importance of empowerment, awareness, and self-advocacy in women’s wellbeing
❤️🔥 And how science and support can replace silence and shame
This honest, informative conversation shines a light on the often-overlooked realities of women’s intimate health and offers hope, help, and healing for anyone ready to take control of their body and wellbeing.
✨ Listen now to hear Dr. Shirin share her expert insights and break the silence on women's intimate health.
We’re back for Season 3 of Know Your Flow - and we’re opening with one of our most powerful and thought-provoking conversations yet.
In this episode, Stef Meachin, co-founder of femme, sits down with Cecilie Hjelmager, co-founder of the intimacy and wellness brand Sitre, to explore why intimacy is still such a taboo topic - and why it deserves a central place in conversations about women’s health and wellbeing.
Together, they discuss:
💬 Why female pleasure is still stigmatised - and how that’s changing
💞 The connection between intimacy, fertility, and menopause
🕯️ How to redefine intimacy in relationships through communication and small acts of connection
🌿 The importance of safe, body-positive products and education in women’s health
🔥 And why pleasure isn’t a luxury - it’s essential to our wellbeing
This honest, insightful episode challenges long-held taboos and opens up an empowering conversation about what intimacy really means for women at every stage of life.
✨ Listen now to discover how Sitre is changing the narrative around female pleasure, connection, and wellness.
Co-founder Stef joined Sarah and Zara at Unravelling Life with The 4 o Clock Club to discuss all things women's health and embracing our cycle.
We're joined by the incredible Emma Haslam, founder of Your IVF Abroad. After facing her own challenges with infertility, Emma discovered the power of seeking fertility treatment abroad — where she and her husband found compassionate care, expert support, and a more affordable path to growing their family.
In this open and deeply empowering conversation, we explore:
✨ What IVF abroad really looks like✨ Why more people are choosing treatment overseas✨ How Emma is supporting others through her expert-led service✨ What options exist beyond the UK system
Whether you're currently navigating fertility challenges or simply want to better understand this side of reproductive health, this episode is full of insight, compassion, and hope.
🎧 Tune in and let’s talk about it — honestly, openly, and together.
Resources:
Learn more about the option of going abroad for fertility treatment and if it's right for you in this free training: yourivfabroad.co.uk/freemasterclass
IVF abroad Podcast: yourivfabroad.co.uk/podcast
Instagram: instagram.com/Yourivfabroad
In this empowering episode of Outspoken, we're joined by Kate also known as The Cheshire Acupuncturist to explore how acupuncture can support fertility—emotionally, hormonally, and physically.
From Kate’s personal journey into Chinese medicine to the science behind acupuncture's role in boosting conception, IVF success, and male fertility, we cover it all. We also dive into food therapy, lifestyle tips, and what to expect from a fertility-focused session.
Whether you're just starting your TTC journey or exploring holistic options alongside treatment, this conversation is full of support and insight.
In this episode of Outspoken by femme, host Stefanie Meachin sits down with fertility coach Alexandria (@thefertilitycoach_) to break down everything you need to know about BBT (Basal Body Temperature) tracking and how it can transform the way you understand your menstrual cycle.
Whether you’re trying to conceive, cycle syncing, or simply getting to know your body better — this episode is packed with expert advice, real talk, and practical tips you can actually use.
We explore:
🌡️ What BBT tracking is and how it helps you pinpoint ovulation
📈 How hormonal changes influence your temperature throughout the cycle
✨ The key signs to track alongside BBT for a full fertility picture
🛠️ Tools and tips for accurate tracking — including a deep dive into Tempdrop
🚩 What to look for in your chart (and when something might need checking)
Plus, Alexandria shares her top tips for beginners and clears up common misconceptions (yes, BBT is still helpful even if your cycle is irregular!).
This is the go-to episode for anyone ready to reconnect with their cycle.
🎧 Listen now and start tracking your power.
Getting diagnosed with endometriosis or adenomyosis isn’t just about medical tests—it’s an emotional rollercoaster filled with frustration, pain, and perseverance. In this episode, Sarah and Nicole share their deeply personal journeys—from years of being dismissed by doctors to finally getting answers.
We open up about the daily realities of living with these conditions—chronic pain, heavy periods, fertility struggles—and how they impact everything from relationships to mental health. We also talk about what kept us going, the importance of advocating for ourselves, and the incredible strength we’ve found in the community.
Beyond our stories, we explore why diagnosis takes 7-10 years for so many, how gaps in medical education leave patients in limbo, and what needs to change to ensure people get the care they deserve—sooner.
💡 Whether you're on your own journey, supporting a loved one, or just want to understand these conditions better, this episode is for you. You’re not alone—we’re in this together.
Trigger warning. This podcast discusses themes of fertility, infertility and loss.
In this heartfelt episode of Outspoken by femme health, Stef welcomes Tracey Sainsbury, an experienced fertility counsellor whose compassionate approach has been shaped by both professional expertise and personal experience with infertility, adoption and fostering.
Tracey shares powerful insights on navigating the emotional complexities of fertility journeys, addressing the "invisible loss" that so many women experience but struggle to articulate. With warmth and wisdom, she unpacks the concept of "disenfranchised grief" and offers practical guidance on managing well-meaning but sometimes hurtful comments from loved ones.
The conversation delves into the challenges of redefining life when fertility treatments end, with Tracey highlighting valuable resources including support communities and inspirational figures who have walked similar paths. She emphasises the importance of self-compassion, suggesting we nurture our inner child when facing fertility struggles rather than forcing ourselves to "just get on with it."
This episode beautifully balances professional insights with personal understanding, offering both practical advice and emotional support for anyone navigating fertility challenges or supporting someone who is. It's a gentle reminder that there's no right or wrong path—only what feels right for each individual on their unique journey.
In honour of International Women’s Day 2025, we’re diving deep into this year’s theme: Accelerating Action—and what that means for women’s health, fertility, and reproductive rights.
Joining us are Kat Lestage & Danielle Fox-Thomas, co-founders of The Ova Co., a company dedicated to breaking down stigmas and providing science-backed fertility support. Together, we’ll explore:
💡 The fertility gap and the ongoing inequalities in women’s health
💡 Breaking taboos and improving access to high-quality reproductive care
💡 Kat & Danielle’s personal journeys through infertility and advocacy
💡 How we can push for real change in healthcare, workplaces, and society
Whether you’re navigating your own fertility journey or want to be part of the movement for better women’s health, this conversation is for you. Tune in for insights, support, and actionable steps toward a future where women’s health is prioritised.
🎧 Listen now and join the conversation! #IWD2025 #AccelerateAction #WomensHealth
Episode Caption:
🎙️ Navigating Liminal Spaces with Rebekah from Liminal
In this empowering episode on Outspoken by femme, we’re joined by Rebekah, founder of Liminal, to explore the transformative journey of navigating life’s in-between moments. From embracing uncertainty to redefining self-care and personal growth, Rebekah shares her insights on how liminal spaces can be powerful opportunities for reflection, healing, and evolution.
Whether you're in transition, seeking clarity, or ready to step into the next chapter of your life, this conversation will leave you inspired and motivated. 💡✨
Tune in for deep insights, actionable advice, and a whole lot of wisdom from Rebekah's journey.
🎧 #menopauseandme #menopausejourney #femmehealth
Season 2, Episode 2: Sleep, Tech, and Fertility Awareness with Melony Angus
In this episode of Outspoken, we’re thrilled to welcome Melony Angus, Head of Customer Experience at Tempdrop, for an enlightening conversation about fertility awareness and the game-changing role of tech.
Melony shares how Tempdrop is revolutionising fertility tracking by turning sleep into a superpower. We dive into the science behind wearable tech that works while you rest, making fertility awareness more accessible and stress-free. Whether you’re new to tracking or a seasoned pro, this episode offers insights, tips, and a fresh perspective on understanding your body.
Tune in for a fascinating chat that blends innovation, self-awareness, and empowerment!
Season 2, Episode 1: A Year of Growth, Gratitude, and Glimmers of the Future
Welcome to Season 2 of Outspoken! Kicking off with a festive bang, founders Laura, Stef, and Sarah sit down to reflect on a transformative year for femme. In this special episode, the trio discusses the whirlwind run-up to Christmas, what they've learned from a full year in business, and their bold vision for femme’s second year.
Join us as we celebrate the highs, unpack the challenges, and share an honest glimpse into the future of our journey as founders. Whether you're gearing up for the holidays or dreaming big for the new year, this episode is packed with inspiration, laughter, and all the Outspoken energy you've come to love.
In this captivating episode of Outspoken by femme health, co-founder Stef sits down with Suzanne Acton from Proceive for an enlightening discussion on the critical topic of fertility. The episode, titled "Unlocking the Secrets of Fertility: Nutrition, Education, and Proceive's Innovations," dives into the essentials of fertility awareness, emphasizing the limited window for conception and the profound impact of nutrition on fertility outcomes.
Suzanne shares insightful details about the journey of founding Proceive, highlighting the unique selling points of their fertility supplements designed to support both men and women. She passionately speaks about the necessity of starting fertility supplements at least three months prior to conception to enhance the quality of eggs and sperm. The conversation also sheds light on the often overlooked role of men in fertility, stressing that fertility is a shared responsibility and highlighting steps men can take to improve their reproductive health.
Further, Suzanne introduces the upcoming product, Proceive Every Mom, a specially formulated supplement aimed at supporting the busy lifestyles of mothers, enhancing their energy levels and overall well-being. She underlines the importance of comprehensive fertility education, lamenting the current simplistic approaches such as the metaphorical use of bananas in school education, and calls for a more profound and practical understanding of fertility issues.
Listeners will gain a wealth of knowledge about the nuances of conception, the significance of proactive health measures, and the innovative solutions offered by Proceive. This episode is not just a dialogue about fertility supplements; it's a broader discussion aimed at empowering individuals with the knowledge to manage their fertility effectively.
Join Stef and Suzanne in this vital conversation that promises to educate, inspire, and advocate for better fertility understanding and support. It's an essential listen for anyone interested in fertility, health education, or seeking to enhance their reproductive wellness.
Stay tuned for more transformative stories and health insights by following us on our social channels:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/femmehealthstore/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/femmehealthstore
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@femmehealthstore
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Our Bookshop: https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/femmehealthstore
Embark on your journey to wellness and empowerment with us in this episode of Outspoken by femme health.
In this insightful episode of Outspoken by femme health, founder Sarah engages in a profound conversation with Dawn Heels, an award-winning advocate and campaigner for fibroids awareness. The episode, titled "Shedding Light on Fibroids: Dawn Heels' Advocacy Journey," delves into the often misunderstood world of fibroids, aiming to elevate awareness and understanding of this condition that affects numerous women yet remains underdiscussed.
Dawn shares her personal and professional experiences with fibroids, highlighting the common symptoms that many women may dismiss or misunderstand, such as heavy painful periods, back pain, bladder issues, and infertility. She passionately discusses her involvement in the "Just a Period" campaign, which seeks to challenge and change the narrative around menstrual health, advocating for a shift in perception that heavy and painful periods are not a norm women should silently endure.
The conversation further explores the urgent need for systemic changes within the UK healthcare system to improve the diagnosis, treatment, and overall support for women with gynecological conditions. Dawn emphasizes the importance of advocating for oneself in the medical system, the potential benefits of holistic approaches alongside medical treatment, and the critical need for mental health support for those affected by fibroids.
"Shedding Light on Fibroids: Dawn Heels' Advocacy Journey" is not just a discussion about the medical aspects of fibroids; it's a call to action for better healthcare policies, increased awareness, and community support for women dealing with this condition. Dawn's message is clear: it's time to dispel myths, educate ourselves and others, and push for a healthcare system that adequately supports women's health needs.
Listeners will come away from this episode with a deeper understanding of fibroids, inspired by Dawn's dedication to advocacy and change. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to learn more about fibroids, seeking support, or interested in the broader issues of women's health advocacy and the need for systemic change.
Join Sarah and Dawn in this powerful and enlightening conversation, and be part of the movement towards greater awareness and support for women with fibroids. It's an episode that promises to inform, inspire, and mobilize listeners towards positive change in women's health.
Stay connected with us for more inspiring stories and health insights at:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/femmehealthstore/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/femmehealths
Our Bookshop: https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/femmehealthstore
Embark on your journey to wellness and empowerment with us.
In this enlightening episode of Outspoken by femme health, host Stef warmly welcomes Kayleigh Hartigan, the innovative founder of Fertility Mapper, for a compelling discussion that shines a light on the complexities and challenges within the fertility industry. Titled "Navigating the Fertility Maze: Kayleigh Hartigan's Vision with Fertility Mapper," this conversation dives deep into Kayleigh's personal journey and the inception of Fertility Mapper, a platform dedicated to empowering individuals on their fertility journey with transparency and support.
Kayleigh shares her extensive background in healthcare and her transition from studying the biology of fertility to advocating for improved access to fertility treatments. The episode explores the critical issues of the "postcode lottery" in fertility funding, the importance of national decision-making on fertility access, and the invaluable role of aftercare and support in fertility treatments. Fertility Mapper's mission to provide tools, resources, and a community for those navigating fertility challenges is highlighted, including a unique calculator for NHS-funded treatment eligibility and comprehensive reviews of fertility clinics.
Listeners will gain insights into the importance of speaking up, building a supportive community in the fertility space, and the power of informed decision-making. Kayleigh's dedication to enhancing transparency in fertility costs and the broader implications of fertility treatment choices are discussed, offering hope and guidance to individuals and couples facing fertility challenges.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the fertility industry's intricacies, the journey of those seeking fertility treatments, and the transformative impact of platforms like Fertility Mapper. Kayleigh Hartigan's story is a testament to the power of personal experience in driving change and the importance of community and support in the fertility journey.
Join Stef and Kayleigh in "Navigating the Fertility Maze: Kayleigh Hartigan's Vision with Fertility Mapper" on Outspoken by femme health, and be part of a conversation that aims to demystify the fertility process and advocate for a more informed and supportive fertility journey.
Stay connected with us for more inspiring stories and health insights at:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/femmehealthstore/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/femmehealths
Our Bookshop: https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/femmehealthstore
Embark on your journey to wellness and empowerment with us.
In this compelling episode of Outspoken by femme health, founder Laura Cartwright sits down with Jen Graham, affectionately known as Charity Shop Girl, a renowned second-hand fashion stylist with a passion for sustainable fashion. This episode, titled "Navigating Perimenopause with Jen Graham: A Journey of Awareness and Acceptance," delves into Jen's personal experiences with perimenopause, a topic that resonates with many but is often shrouded in silence and misconceptions.
Jen opens up about the early signs of perimenopause she encountered, including significant mood swings, migraines, and hot flushes, which led her to seek medical advice. With a family history of early menopause, Jen's story highlights the importance of being attuned to one's body and the genetic factors that can influence menopausal timing. She discusses the challenges of finding the right support and treatment options, emphasizing the critical role of accurate information and the positive impact of sharing experiences through social media to dispel myths and foster a supportive community.
The conversation also touches on the emotional aspects of navigating perimenopause, such as managing overwhelm, guilt, and the importance of open communication with family, particularly children. Jen's approach to embracing the process and encouraging others to do the same offers listeners a message of acceptance and resilience.
"Navigating Perimenopause with Jen Graham: A Journey of Awareness and Acceptance" is more than just a discussion about the physical symptoms of perimenopause; it's a testament to the power of conversation, community, and the need for greater visibility and education around this significant life stage. Jen's journey is a beacon for many, illuminating the path to understanding and embracing perimenopause with grace and strength.
This episode is an essential listen for anyone looking to understand more about perimenopause, seeking support, or wanting to feel connected to a community of women navigating similar experiences. Jen Graham's openness and Laura's thoughtful questioning create a space for learning, empathy, and empowerment.
Join Laura and Jen in this intimate and enlightening conversation, and be part of breaking the silence around perimenopause. It's an episode that promises to educate, inspire, and encourage listeners to embrace their journeys with confidence and support.
Stay connected with us for more inspiring stories and health insights at:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/femmehealthstore/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/femmehealths
Our Bookshop: https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/femmehealthstore
Embark on your journey to wellness and empowerment with us.