Menopause, it’s always been around, as long as they’re been women on this earth and they’ve lived long enough, there’s been the menopause. Yet we still have an outdated mindset and too little awareness, education and support. Driven to bring more attention to female stories of courage and endeavour, Louise Minchin pushes herself to the extreme and embarks on thrilling endurance adventures with trailblazing women. Louise will reveal the highs and lows of her journey, including those moments when she feared for her life, leaving you empowered, touched and inspired, and - most of all - moved by the power of the female spirit. There are loads of inspirational women featured here, many of whom have overcome considerable obstacles to achieve what they have - ultrarunner Susie Chan, trailblazing rugby player Zainab Alema, Paralympic cyclist Kadeena Cox, ice swimmer Cath Pendleton, and many more. She freedives under the ice in the dark in Finland with Cath, the first woman to swim a mile in the Antarctic Circle; she cycles across Argentina with Mimi, one of the world’s most famous female endurance runners; and she swims from Alcatraz with Anaya and Mitali, two young sisters who have braved the shark-infested waters over 70 times.

Fearless: Adventures with Extraordinary Women a book by

Do you know what’s going on with your weight during perimenopause? Do you want to change your shape and make weight management easier? To get to the heart of who these women are… I decided to do it the way that I know best, by taking part, spending time right beside them to experience the things they love.' I wasn't very familiar with TV presenter and triathlete Louise Minchin, as I don't watch breakfast TV, but the concept of this book sounded interesting. In her introduction, Louise observed that as a TV presenter she would often interview people who'd achieved feats of daring or endurance, but noted that those featured were nearly always men. (You know the sort of thing - 500 marathons in 500 days while barefoot and balancing a tin of soup on your head.)Support this Podcast by subscribing/following its FREE and really helps us produce more content just like this episode. If you enjoy this Podcast why not leave a 5 star review or rating.

Fearless: Adventures with Extraordinary Women eBook : Minchin

Louise Minchin went from presenting BBC Breakfast to competing for the GB Team in Triathlon in World and European Championships, a journey she charted in her first book Dare to Tri . Incredibly moving and inspiring' Gabby Logan'Prepare to be blown away... the most incredible examples of girl power' Judy Murray OBE'It's brilliant - I loved it' Lorraine Kelly'Brilliant ... impressive and vividly told' The Times 'Louise is such a positive and uplifting presence.

From free-diving under the ice in the dark in Finland with the first female to swim a mile in the Antarctic Circle, to cycling across Argentina with one of the world’s most famous female endurance runners - find out how Louise formed close bonds with incredible women whose motivation, resilience and determination have led them to accomplish unbelievable feats. Join us for a celebration of adventurous, brave, courageous women who are doing extraordinary things through sport, exercise and a love of the great outdoors. She freedives under the ice in the dark in Finland with Cath, the first woman to swim a mile in the Antarctic Circle; she cycles across Argentina with Mimi, one of the world's most famous female endurance runners; and she swims from Alcatraz with Anaya and Mitali, two young sisters who have braved the shark-infested waters over 70 times. Out of the 18 women she interviewed (whilst completing a physical challenge), I had only heard of the para-cyclist Kadeena Cox. I was able to live vicariously through Louise as she completed triathlons, free-diving under ice in Finland, and went caving to name just a few of the challenges alongside interviewing these ladies.

Fearless : Adventures with Extraordinary Women: Louise Fearless : Adventures with Extraordinary Women: Louise

Louise Minchin is a well-known and respected broadcaster and journalist. Louise presented the UK’s most watched Breakfast programme BBC Breakfast on BBC One for 20 years. I had enjoyed watching Louise when she presented BBC Breakfast and was pleased to have the opportunity to read this via the Pigeonhole and find out some of what she had got up to since leaving the programme. Women were surely also achieving similar feats, but it clearly wasn't being reported as much. Louise, therefore, set out to find - and indeed become part of - these stories.

Putting my cards on the table I have to admit I’m abit of a Louise fan girl. I love Louise Minchin and BBC breakfast is just not the same without her. She’s smart, sporty and calls out discrimination against women both in sport and in life. I’ve listened to her being interviewed on a couple of podcasts and she always comes across as smiley and honest but with an inner toughness and grit thats taken her on some tough sporting challenges in her Middle Ages. She’s one tough cookie who’s completed some of the hardest triathlons and I really admire her. ( Dare to Tri is another good book documenting her triathlon journey) . I’ve also witnessed first hand her smiley, cheerful disposition cheering her on at a local triathlon here at the Cotswolds Lakes looking like she was having the best time despite there being side ways rain. In the words of Belinda Kirk: "It is not an adventure unless there is adversity. If you aren't suffering a bit… you haven't left your comfort zone. It is beyond your comfort zone, where you stretch yourself, that you learn."

Fearless: Adventures with Extraordinary Women: Louise Minchin Fearless: Adventures with Extraordinary Women: Louise Minchin

Today, we’re in a different time - we’re living for longer, working for longer, and too many of us are struggling through this life transition. We all experience menopause differently but you are not alone. Highly recommended reading and hats off to Louise for undertaking these challenges whilst having a dodgy knee that required surgery and the subsequent recovery. When I discovered she was writing this book about Fearless women taking themselves out of their comfort zones and undertaking extraordinary challenges and adventures I knew I had to read ( listen ) it.This podcast brings you up-to-date, expert information and top tips to help empower you to make informed decisions that are right for you: how you experience menopause, manage symptoms and long-term health. It’s time for change. In this episode we discussed what everyone needs to know and what you can do with Nigel Denby from Harley Street at Home