Diane Danzebrink is a dedicated consultant, speaker, and educator passionate about menopause and mental health. She is the founder of the organisation Menopause Support and the leader of the national #MakeMenopauseMatter campaign in the UK. With appearances on TV shows like This Morning, Loose Women, and BBC Breakfast, Diane is a prominent voice in menopause awareness. In this episode, we debunk myths about perimenopause, menopause, post-menopause, and HRT, and explore the realities of surgical and medical menopause. Get ready for an insightful conversation about how community support and informed choices can make menopause a better experience for everyone.What we cover:(02:44): Diane Danzebrink’s background(11:06): Menopause Explained: Perimenopause, Menopause, and Postmenopause(17:18): Early Menopause: Causes, Symptoms, and Diagnosis(21:23): Essential advice for surgical menopause patients(28:16): HRT and Menopause: Facts, Myths, and Advice(44:44): What is postmenopause and its symptoms(50:08): How community support can improve menopause awarenessConnect With Shreya:LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/thefifty1percentInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/shreyapatelparekhInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefifty1percent/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shreyapatelparekh/Website: https://www.thefifty1percent.com/Connect With Diane:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dianedanzebrink/?hl=enWebsite: https://menopausesupport.co.uk/Sign the Petition: https://www.change.org/p/make-menopause-matter-in-healthcare-employment-and-education-edb6e131-884e-4ac3-8f71-a5639ec5d039Book: https://www.sheldonpress.co.uk/titles/diane-danzebrink/making-menopause-matter/9781399812672/
What happens when your body fails you, but you still choose to fight for your life, your identity, and your future?
In this powerful episode, Kreena Dhiman, an award-winning podcaster and women’s health advocate, shares her deeply personal journey through breast cancer, chemotherapy-induced heart failure, and the emotional landscape of what happens when your body fails you, but you still choose to fight for your life, your identity, and your future.
What We Cover:
(02:41): Kreena Dhiman’s background
(04:28): The Impact of Childhood Trauma on Adult Life
(10:07): Understanding Breast Cancer: What Every Young Woman Should Know
(20:55): True Strength Lies in Vulnerability and Acceptance
(25:40) Facing Cancer and Preserving Fertility at the Same Time
(35:29): Why Acceptance Matters More Than Forgiveness
(40:59): From Surviving to Thriving: Life After a Painful Decade
(47:16): Diagnosed with Chemotherapy-Induced Heart Failure
(55:28): Exploring Alternative Paths to Parenthood
This conversation is for anyone facing life-altering challenges, showing that even in the darkest moments, healing, hope, and purpose are still possible.
Connect With Shreya:
LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/thefifty1percent
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shreyapatelparekh
Instagram 51%: https://www.instagram.com/thefifty1percent/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shreyapatelparekh/
Website: https://www.thefifty1percent.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thefifty1percent
Connect With Kreena:
Website: www.kreenadhiman.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kreenadhiman/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kreena-dhiman-b74a4633/
In this deeply personal and educational episode, we’re joined by Toral Shah, a Nutritional Scientist, Integrative Oncology Practitioner, and three-time breast cancer thriver. Toral opens up about her own experience with cancer and how it shaped her mission to help others through science-backed nutrition and lifestyle changes. Her passion lies in bridging the gap between medical treatment and practical, everyday advice for preventing and managing chronic illness. We explore rising cancer rates in the UK, why prevention needs more than just healthcare, and how stress, privilege, culture, and inequality all play a role in health outcomes. Toral also shares the emotional and invisible weight of being overlooked in the system, and how she’s working to make cancer care more inclusive. This episode is full of powerful insights, relatable moments, and practical advice on building healthy habits that last.
What we cover:
(02:28): Toral Shah’s background
(08:23): Why Cancer Rates Are Rising in the UK
(13:53): The Gap Between Cancer Treatment and Lifestyle Advice
(17:23): Prevention Needs More Than Just Healthcare
(20:39): Politics, Privilege and the Price of Health
(26:17): How Luck and Connections Shaped Our Cancer Journeys
(29:22): The Invisible Weight of Internalised Patriarchy
(32:53): Breast Cancer, Chickenpox and Being Overlooked
(36:42): Cancer, Culture and the Silence That Hurts
(40:56): The Silent Slide into Poor Metabolic Health
(44:46): Chronic Stress, Loneliness and a New Way Forward
(52:16): Building Healthy Habits That Stick
Connect With Shreya:
LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/thefifty1percent
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shreyapatelparekh
Instagram 51%: https://www.instagram.com/thefifty1percent/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shreyapatelparekh/
Website: https://www.thefifty1percent.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thefifty1percent
Connect With Toral:
Website: https://www.toralshah.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toralshahintegrativehealth/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/toralshahintegrativehealth/posts/1046101899861182/
In this episode, we chat with Dr Anushka Chaudhry, an expert breast reconstructive and cosmetic surgeon. She combines cancer surgery with improving breast appearance, helping women regain confidence after treatment. Anushka is also a health educator focused on supporting ethnic minorities and young women with breast cancer through her charity, Aurora Breast Cancer Wellbeing. We discuss simple but important steps to reduce breast cancer risk, how to properly check your breasts, and key signs to watch out for. Dr Anushka also explains the different tools doctors use to examine breast health and the importance of knowing what’s normal for your own body. This episode is packed with clear, practical advice to empower women to take charge of their breast health and cut through the noise of misinformation.
Key Points:
(02:20): Dr Anushka Chaudhry’s background
(06:19): There’s No Single Cause of Breast Cancer (10:59): What You Can Do to Reduce Your Cancer Risk
(15:42): Learn to Trust Your Own Voice
(18:02): Set a Monthly Reminder to Check Your Breasts
(22:11): How to Check Your Breasts Properly (31:29): Breast Cancer Signs: Dimpling, Rash, or Nipple Changes
(35:39): Know What’s Normal for Your Own Body
(37:52): Different Tools Used to Look at Breast Health
Connect With Shreya:
LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/thefifty1percent
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shreyapatelparekh
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefifty1percent/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shreyapatelparekh/
Website: https://www.thefifty1percent.com/
Connect With Anushka:
Website: www.attheclinic.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/askanushka/
Personal Website: www.anushkachaudhry.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/anushka-chaudhry-b35a6a51
What happens when a breast cancer diagnosis changes everything?
Samina Hussain, founder of Sakoon Through Cancer, shares her powerful story of resilience, family support, and becoming a voice for women’s health. From challenging cultural taboos to creating safe spaces like her Rotti Club, Samina’s advocacy is breaking the silence around cancer and menopause.
A conversation about hope, healing, and the strength to speak up.
What we cover:
(02:20): Samina Hussain’s background
(06:47): Receiving a Breast Cancer Diagnosis(12:44): Lack of Breast Self-Examination Awareness(18:10): Physical and Cognitive Side Effects of Chemotherapy(25:15): The Role of Family Support in Recovery(28:52): Cultural Stigma Around Talking About Cancer(36:35): Family Silence and Cultural Taboos Around Cancer(43:50): Empowering Women to Prioritise Health and Well-being(53:33): Raising Awareness About Menopause and Life Transitions
Connect With Shreya:
LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/thefifty1percent
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shreyapatelparekh
Instagram 51%: https://www.instagram.com/thefifty1percent/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shreyapatelparekh/
Website: https://www.thefifty1percent.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thefifty1percent
Connect With Samina:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sakoonthroughcancer_/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076442724821Website: www.sakoonthroughcancer.org
Lynn Stephenson is a full-time solo traveller who sold her home in the UK to explore the world. With 177 countries visited, she shares moving stories of joy, fear, and cultural connection, revealing how travel can reshape your view of humanity and yourself.
We dive into:
* Surviving challenges on the road and feeling invincible
* Poetry, protest, and singing under Iran’s bridges
* How modern travel is influenced by technology and social media
* Creating authentic women-only travel experiences in Georgia
This is a story of courage, kindness, and choosing experiences that truly matter.
What We Cover:
(02:23): Lynn Stephenson’s background
(06:26): A Trip That Took a Powerful Turn
(08:38): Feeling Invincible After Surviving the Worst
(13:55): A Once-in-a-Lifetime Chance to Explore Europe Quietly
(20:29): Kindness from Strangers Has Restored My Faith in People
(26:47): Poetry, Protest, and Singing Under the Bridges of Iran
(34:28): Educated Women, Shared Roles, and a Different Cultural Reality
(39:32): Travel Breaks Misconceptions Wide Open
(44:28): Travel Today Isn’t What It Used to Be
(49:26): When Culture Gets Left Behind
(52:46): Authentic Travel Over Fancy RestaurantsConnect With Shreya:LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/thefifty1percent
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shreyapatelparekh
Instagram 51%: https://www.instagram.com/thefifty1percent/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shreyapatelparekh/
Website: https://www.thefifty1percent.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thefifty1percent
Connect With Lynn:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daredreamdiscover1/
Blog: https://www.daredreamdiscover.com/
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@lynnstephenson5141?si=ZHJXxVjaFytDjIcO
Zainab Kaleemullah, co-leader of the Endometriosis UK support group for Birmingham and the Black Country, shares her inspiring story of living with severe endometriosis and adenomyosis, 14 years before getting the right diagnosis. She opens up about the emotional and physical toll of the condition, and the barriers many face in getting the rightcare. Endometriosis affects 1 in 10 women, yet it is still widely misunderstood. This honest conversation is for anyone wanting to better understand the condition and support those affected.
Join us as we dive into the basics of endometriosis and why early diagnosis matters, and how cultural stigma and medical misinformation still stand in the way of effective treatment. This is an honest, informative conversation that sheds light on a condition that affects 1 in 10 women, yet is still so misunderstood.
What we Cover:(02:43): Zainab Kaleemullah’s background
(06:40): Why Early Diagnosis Matters
(08:49): What is Endometriosis?
(13:17): Why We Still Don’t Know What Causes Endometriosis
(21:02): Cultural Barriers to Treatment
(26:57): How Endometriosis Affects Organs Inside the Body
(33:16): Periods and Taboos in South Asian Communities
(38:21): The Importance of Speaking Openly About Menstrual Health
(45:20): When Endometriosis Is Misdiagnosed as Mental Illness or IBS
(49:38): Why Advocacy and Self-Education Are Vital for EndometriosisConnect With Shreya:LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/thefifty1percent
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shreyapatelparekh
Instagram 51%: https://www.instagram.com/thefifty1percent/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shreyapatelparekh/
Website: https://www.thefifty1percent.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thefifty1percent
Endometriosis Support:
Website https://www.endometriosis-uk.org/support-group/36556
IG: https://www.instagram.com/endouk_bham_blackcountry/
Endometriosis UK: https://www.instagram.com/endometriosis.uk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/260221620794665
Book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Endometriosis-Experts-Guide-Manage-Symptoms/dp/1785041479
In this soulful and thought-provoking episode, yoga and self-inquiry teacher Jaimini Dodia shares what it really means to live with peace, clarity, and purpose. With a decade of experience in teaching, travel, and deep spiritual inquiry, she explores how discovering the true Self is not only the key to inner peace but also the foundation for genuine transformation in the world around us. From the awakening power of travel to the practice of solitude and the importance of reconnecting with what comes naturally, like writing, nurturing, or movement, Jaimini guides us back to what truly matters. She also shares insights from her “Remember Your Essence” retreat in the Himalayas, offering simple daily tools for anyone seeking to slow down and remember who they really are.
This conversation is a gentle invitation to pause, reflect, and reclaim your essence in a world that constantly demands more. If you’ve ever felt the pull to slow down and reconnect with yourself, this episode will leave you inspired to find peace within and live with greater intention.
What We Cover:
(03:17): Jaimini Dodia’s background
(07:26): The First Taste of Backpacking
(16:42): Choosing the Life You Truly Want
(25:43): Staying Alert Becomes Second Nature
(29:36): How Travel Changes the Way You Move Through Life
(31:07): Travelling Lets You Finally Be Yourself
(38:20): Living the Outer Life, Finding the Inner Purpose
(42:49): Your True Purpose Is Hidden in What Comes Naturally
(49:02): The Daily Tools That Changed My Life
(55:34): A Week to Remember Who You Are
LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/thefifty1percent
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shreyapatelparekh
Instagram 51%: https://www.instagram.com/thefifty1percent/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shreyapatelparekh/
Website: https://www.thefifty1percent.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thefifty1percentConnect With Jaimini:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaiminidodia/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/just_jaimini
Linktr.ee: https://linktr.ee/jemdodia
What happens when a breast cancer diagnosis changes everything?
Samina Hussain, founder of Sakoon Through Cancer, shares her powerful story of resilience, family support, and becoming a voice for women’s health. From challenging cultural taboos to creating safe spaces like her Rotti Club, Samina’s advocacy is breaking the silence around cancer and menopause.
A conversation about hope, healing, and the strength to speak up.
What we cover:
(02:20): Samina Hussain’s background
(06:47): Receiving a Breast Cancer Diagnosis
(12:44): Lack of Breast Self-Examination Awareness
(18:10): Physical and Cognitive Side Effects of Chemotherapy
(25:15): The Role of Family Support in Recovery
(28:52): Cultural Stigma Around Talking About Cancer
(36:35): Family Silence and Cultural Taboos Around Cancer
(43:50): Empowering Women to Prioritise Health and Well-being
(53:33): Raising Awareness About Menopause and Life Transitions
Connect With Shreya:
LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/thefifty1percent
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shreyapatelparekh
Instagram 51%: https://www.instagram.com/thefifty1percent/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shreyapatelparekh/
Website: https://www.thefifty1percent.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thefifty1percent
Connect With Samina:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sakoonthroughcancer_/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076442724821
Website: www.sakoonthroughcancer.org
What happens when Western medicine meets Traditional Chinese Medicine?
Dr Sunila Prasad, a doctor turned licensed acupuncturist, shares her journey from the NHS to acupuncture and why she believes true healing means addressing both mind and body. She explains how acupuncture supports women’s health, from menstrual cycles and fertility to perimenopause, menopause and mental wellbeing.
We discuss cultural influences, trauma, stress, and how East and West medicine can work together to uncover the root causes of illness. If you’ve ever wondered how acupuncture really works, this episode will change the way you see integrative healthcare.
What We Cover:
(02:47): Sunila Prasad’s background
(12:26): Finding Purpose and Happiness in a New Path
(18:32): Western and Eastern Medicine Can Work Together
(21:33): How Acupuncture Works in Both Chinese and Western Terms
(31:17): The Difference Between Acupuncture and Dry Needling
(36:19): Why Transparency and Trust Matter in Choosing an Acupuncturist
(41:48): Acupuncture Can Support Many Health Conditions
(48:20): Combining Acupuncture with Options for Personalised Care
(57:50): Why Acupuncturists Can Offer Longer, More Thorough Consultations
Connect With Shreya:
LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/thefifty1percent
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shreyapatelparekh
Instagram 51%: https://www.instagram.com/thefifty1percent/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shreyapatelparekh/
Website: https://www.thefifty1percent.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thefifty1percent
Connect With Sunila:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drsunilaprasad/
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-sunila-prasad-acupuncture/
Website: https://www.spacupuncture.org/
Madhu Kapoor is a speaker, consultant, and founder of M for Menopause, and is on a mission to change the way menopause is talked about, supported, and understood, particularly in ethnic minority communities.
After a deeply challenging perimenopause that affected her mental health, career, and confidence, Madhu decided to speak up and help others do the same.
In this honest and empowering episode, she shares her experience of brain fog, anxiety, migraines, and being dismissed by professionals. We talk about why workplace support matters, how cultural stigma holds women back, and why the right HRT journey isn’t always straightforward.
Whether you’re navigating perimenopause or supporting someone who is, this episode is a timely reminder: you’re not imagining it, and you’re not alone.
What we cover:(02:17): Madhu Kapoor’s background
(08:28): Struggling to Focus at Work During Perimenopause
(17:16): Joint Pain, Migraines, and Daily Struggles
(19:27): Lost Confidence Because of All the Symptoms
(21:41): The Impact of Perimenopause on Mental Health
(32:17): Lack of Clear Conversations with Healthcare Professionals
(41:25): Encouraging Open Conversations About Menopause
(48:07): Finding the Right Type of HRT Takes Time and PatienceConnect With Madhu:Website: www.mformenopause.co.uk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mformenopause/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/madhu-kapoor/
Connect With Shreya:LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/thefifty1percent
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shreyapatelparekh
Instagram 51%: https://www.instagram.com/thefifty1percent/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shreyapatelparekh/
Website: https://www.thefifty1percent.com/
At 53, Sbba Siddique, a broadcaster, podcast host, and co-founder of Asian Star Radio, was diagnosed with stage 3c low-grade serous ovarian cancer.
After a failed surgery and multiple rounds of chemotherapy, she’s now in remission and using her platform to speak out about the delays, discrimination, and cultural stigma surrounding cancer care in South Asian communities.
In this moving and honest episode, Sbba shares what it was like to face systemic failures, mental health struggles, and family pressures while navigating cancer. Her story isn’t just one of survival; it’s about self-advocacy, community, and refusing to stay silent.
What we cover:
(02:17): Sbba Siddique’s background
(04:44): Getting a Cancer Diagnosis After Months of Delays
(14:22): Facing Discrimination During Cancer Treatment
(20:00): A Mother's Strength Hidden Behind a Smile
(22:02): Facing Backlash for Speaking Openly About Cancer
(26:06): Involving Family in Care Was a Lifeline
(33:52): Inclusive Data Is Key to Better Treatments
(40:31): Struggling in Silence and Hiding the Pain
(42:47): Counselling Helped Make Sense of the Mental Chaos
(45:31): The Power of Showing Up on Someone’s Terms
(49:16): The Importance of Educating Yourself About Women’s Health
Connect With Sbba:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sbba9/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sbba-siddique-53133335
Connect With Shreya:Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/thefifty1percent-with-shreya-patel-parekh/id1676420633
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6tp6Rz12iSIsp1XOJHdUh4?si=3346ce20540040d9
YouTube: - https://www.youtube.com/@thefifty1percent
Darpan Bhasin is a personal trainer and nutrition coach who has transformed her own life from being inactive to confidently lifting weights and building strength. Darpan shares her honestjourney of overcoming self-doubt, cultural pressures, and unhealthy habits to create lasting change through mindset shifts and small daily actions. We dive into practical advice onunderstanding what your body really needs, making mindful choices around food and drink, and why fitness should be treated like a project with manageable steps. Darpan also explains the truth about intermittent fasting and why it’snot about restriction, but about balance and finding what works for you. Her focus is on progression, not perfection, helping you build healthy habits that last.
What we cover:(04:46): Struggling with Confidence and Comparison
(11:10): Learning What Your Body Really Needs
(15:34): Choosing When to Drink, Not Drinking by Habit
(19:46): Starting Small with Daily Habits
(23:50): Treat Your Fitness Like a Project Plan
(26:13): Choosing Not to Eat Something Isn’t a Diet
(29:23): Cultural Pressure Around Body Image
(34:19): Exercise and Nutrition Must Work Together
(38:15): What Intermittent Fasting Really Means
Connect With Shreya:
LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/thefifty1percent
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shreyapatelparekh
Instagram 51%: https://www.instagram.com/thefifty1percent/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shreyapatelparekh/
Website: https://www.thefifty1percent.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thefifty1percent
Connect With Darpan:
Website: https://www.deebeehealth.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darpan-bhasin-9705232a1/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deebeetips.1
What happens when your body is screaming, but the system stays silent?
In this powerful and unfiltered episode, Sahir Ahmed-Evans, Menopause Wellness Coach, speaker, and founder of SAE Empower Coaching, shares her deeply personal story of living with a heart condition, severe endometriosis, and going through medical menopause. From being dismissed by doctors to enduring emergency hospital visits, Sahir reveals what it means to advocate for yourself in a healthcare system that often fails to listen, especially to women of colour.
We talk about her decision to say yes to medical menopause, the trauma of feeling invisible, and how she channelled that pain into purpose, creating a new path in health and wellness. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who’s ever felt dismissed, unheard, or exhausted by the medical merry-go-round. It’s about finding your voice, building your power, and knowing that your experience matters.
What we cover:
(02:48): Sahir Ahmed-Evans’ background
(07:46): Dealing with the Fear and Reality of Heart Palpitations(13:34): Learning to Speak Up and Advocate for Myself
(18:28): When Women’s Health Gets Overlooked in Hospitals
(22:26): The Long Wait and Hope for Treatment
(28:41): The Fear and Anxiety After Saying Yes to Medical Menopause
(33:54): Building My Journey in Health and Wellness
(40:11): The Challenge of Getting Serious Health Issues Taken Seriously
(46:21): Facing Negativity with Confidence and Purpose
Connect With Shreya:
LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/thefifty1percent
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shreyapatelparekh
Instagram 51%: https://www.instagram.com/thefifty1percent/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shreyapatelparekh/
Website: https://www.thefifty1percent.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thefifty1percent
Connect With Sahir:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sahir-ahmed-evans-03a38193/
Why are today’s teenagers growing up surrounded by fear, pressure, and disconnection?
In this powerful episode, Nicola Garrard, acclaimed author, speaker, and youth advocate, shares her deep experience working with vulnerable young people. From social media and gang exploitation to shame, fear, and toxic masculinity, Nicola exposes the hidden realities shaping children’s lives today.
She explores the urgent need to raise boys without shame or hate, how phone-free moments bring joy back to childhood, and why we need public awareness campaigns around recreational drug use and its link to child abuse. Her insights are drawn from real-life stories and her acclaimed novels 29 LOCKS and 21 MILES, which centre on courage, friendship, and survival. If you care about the future of young people, this is a conversation you can’t afford to miss.
What we cover:
06:06): Why Teenagers Are Misunderstood
(11:58): How Social Media Targets Boys and Girls Differently
(17:15): Children Actually Enjoy Life Without Phones
(19:40): Why We Need to Raise Boys Without Shame or Hate
(27:47): The Risks for Vulnerable Children Online
(30:01): How Gangs Target Vulnerable Children
(33:24): Children Are Struggling to Learn Through Fear
(40:03): Recreational Drug Use Fuels Child Abuse
(45:55): Why We Need a Public Campaign Against Cocaine Use
(54:14): The Real Challenges Teenagers Face Today
Connect With Shreya:
LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/thefifty1percent
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shreyapatelparekh
Instagram 51%: https://www.instagram.com/thefifty1percent/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shreyapatelparekh/
Website: https://www.thefifty1percent.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thefifty1percent
Connect With Nicola:
Website: www.nicola-garrard.co.uk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicolagarrard7/
X: https://x.com/nmgarrard?lang=en
Books:
https://www.waterstones.com/author/nicola-garrard/5049597%20or%20www.hoperoadpublishing.com/21-miles
https://www.oldbarnbooks.com/products/on-the-edge
In this deeply personal and educational episode, we’re joined by Toral Shah, a Nutritional Scientist, Integrative Oncology Practitioner, and three-time breast cancer thriver. Toral opens up about her own experience with cancer and how it shaped her mission to help others through science-backed nutrition and lifestyle changes. Her passion lies in bridging the gap between medical treatment and practical, everyday advicefor preventing and managing chronic illness. We explore rising cancer rates in the UK, why prevention needs more than just healthcare, and how stress, privilege, culture, and inequality all play a role in health outcomes. Toral also shares the emotional and invisible weight of being overlooked in the system, and how she’s working to make cancer care more inclusive. This episode is full of powerful insights, relatable moments, and practical advice on building healthy habits that last.
What we cover:
(02:28): Toral Shah’s background
(08:23): Why Cancer Rates Are Rising in the UK
(13:53): The Gap Between Cancer Treatment and Lifestyle Advice
(17:23): Prevention Needs More Than Just Healthcare
(20:39): Politics, Privilege and the Price of Health
(26:17): How Luck and Connections Shaped Our Cancer Journeys
(29:22): The Invisible Weight of Internalised Patriarchy
(32:53): Breast Cancer, Chickenpox and Being Overlooked
(36:42): Cancer, Culture and the Silence That Hurts
(40:56): The Silent Slide into Poor Metabolic Health
(44:46): Chronic Stress, Loneliness and a New Way Forward
(52:16): Building Healthy Habits That StickConnect With Shreya:
LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/thefifty1percent
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shreyapatelparekh
Instagram 51%: https://www.instagram.com/thefifty1percent/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shreyapatelparekh/
Website: https://www.thefifty1percent.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thefifty1percent
Connect With Toral:
Website: https://www.toralshah.co.uk/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toralshahintegrativehealth/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/toralshahintegrativehealth/posts/1046101899861182/
In this bold and honest episode, Samantha Evans, a former nurse, sexual health educator, and co-founder of Jo Divine, the skin-safe sex toy and lubricant company transforming how we talk about intimacy. Known affectionately as “The Lube Queen,” Sam shares expert insight into how we can improve our sex lives at every stage—especially through menopause, post-cancer, and post-childbirth. We explore why vaginal moisturisers and lubricants are essential (not optional), how orgasms boost physical and mental health, and what stops us from having open conversations about pleasure. Sam also exposes the online censorship faced by sexual wellness brands and why we urgently need to break down these barriers.
Whether you're in midlife, navigating big body changes, or simply ready to reclaim intimacy on your own terms, this episode is your permission slip to talk about sex—shame-free, judgment-free, and full of wisdom.
What we cover:
(07:02): What to Know About Vaginal Moisturizers and Lubricants
(13:15): Why Lubricants Are for Everyone, Not Just Menopausal Women
(17:58): Why Communication Is Key to Better Intimacy
(20:33): Why Solo Sex and Orgasms Are Good for Your Health
(30:01): The Unexpected Boom in Self-Care and Pleasure Products
(34:16): Breaking Taboos: Sex Toys, Menopause, and Medical Insight
(42:54): Why Vaginal Dryness Isn’t Just ‘Part of Ageing’ - and What to Use Instead
(49:13): Censored for Helping: Why Sexual Wellness Brands Struggle Online
(54:26): Sex, Menopause & Micro-Conversations
Connect With Shreya:LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/thefifty1percent
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shreyapatelparekh
Instagram 51%: https://www.instagram.com/thefifty1percent/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shreyapatelparekh/
Website: https://www.thefifty1percent.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thefifty1percentConnect With Sam:Website: https://www.jodivine.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samtalkssex/
https://www.instagram.com/jo.divine/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JoDivineShop
What happens when your body fails you, but you still choose to fight for your life, your identity, and your future?
In this powerful episode, Kreena Dhiman, an award-winning podcaster and women’s health advocate, shares her deeply personal journey through breast cancer, chemotherapy-induced heart failure, and the emotional landscape of What happens when your body fails you, but you still choose to fight for your life, your identity, and your future?
* The moment she was diagnosed with heart failure while on holiday
* Navigating the mental and physical impact of cancer treatment
* Choosing surrogacy as a path to motherhood
* Why acceptance, not forgiveness, changed everything
* How she found joy after trauma and redefined what it means to thrive
This conversation is for anyone facing life-altering challenges, showing that even in the darkest moments, healing, hope, and purpose are still possible.
What we cover:
04:28): The Impact of Childhood Trauma on Adult Life
(10:07): Understanding Breast Cancer: What Every Young Woman Should Know
(20:55): True Strength Lies in Vulnerability and Acceptance
(25:40) Facing Cancer and Preserving Fertility at the Same Time
(35:29): Why Acceptance Matters More Than Forgiveness
(40:59): From Surviving to Thriving: Life After a Painful Decade
(47:16): Diagnosed with Chemotherapy-Induced Heart Failure
(55:28): Exploring Alternative Paths to Parenthood
Connect With Shreya:
LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/thefifty1percent
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shreyapatelparekh
Instagram 51%: https://www.instagram.com/thefifty1percent/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shreyapatelparekh/
Website: https://www.thefifty1percent.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thefifty1percent
Connect With Kreena:
Website: www.kreenadhiman.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kreenadhiman/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kreena-dhiman-b74a4633/
In this episode, pharmacist and solicitor Thorrun Govind, a trusted TV health expert and former Chair of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, shares clear, no-nonsense advice to help you take control of your health.
Thorrun breaks down the Pharmacy First scheme: what it is, who it’s for, and how to make the most of it. She explains when you should head to your pharmacist instead of booking a GP appointment and how to spot the difference between something that needs medical attention and something you can manage at home. We also talk supplements: who genuinely needs them, what to look out for, and how to avoid being sold something you don’t need. Thorrun’s practical, relatable style makes even complex healthcare decisions feel simpler, giving you the tools to make informed choices and build healthier everyday habits.
What we cover:
(06:14): Understanding the Pharmacy First Scheme (10:14): Helping You Understand If You’re Eligible for PharmacyFirst (16:04): When to Seek Medical Advice vs Daily Support
(19:06): Who Might Need Supplements and Why (24:08): How to Choose the Right Supplements Without Wasting Money (32:20): Pharmacy Teams Are Part of Your Health Support System (37:01): Helping People Understand Supplements Before They Buy
Connect With Shreya:
LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/thefifty1percent
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shreyapatelparekh
Instagram 51%: https://www.instagram.com/thefifty1percent/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shreyapatelparekh/
Website: https://www.thefifty1percent.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thefifty1percent
Connect With Thorrun:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawpharm/
Website: https://www.rpharms.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thorrungovind/
In this heartfelt episode, Shreya is joined by Caroline Roodhouse, a Strategic Communications and Wellbeing Specialist, mentor, speaker, and author of the book Daddy Blackbird. After losing her husband Steve to suicide in 2018, Caroline was left to raise their two young daughters alone. She shares her personal story of loss, trauma and healing, and how she rebuilt life for her family while honouring her grief. The conversation explores why suicide loss feels so overwhelming, how time brings understanding rather than healing, and the importance of the recovery ‘triangle’ – self, children, and community. Caroline speaks openly aboutparenting as a ‘double parent’, how to talk honestly to children about suicide, the frightening statistics around suicide in bereaved families, and the true meaning of proactive friendship. A moving reminder that while grief never leaves, there is still life and hope beyond it.
What we cover:
(03:02): Caroline Roodhouse’s background
(06:12): Why Suicide Loss Feels So Overwhelming
(12:16): Why Time Doesn't Heal, But Helps You Understand
(16:49): The Triangle of Recovery: Self, Children, and Community
(23:18): Living Life as a Double Parent
(24:51): How to Talk to Kids About Suicide Honestly
(31:46): Facing the Statistics of Suicide in Bereaved Families
(35:11): The Power of Proactive Friendship
(39:47): There Is Life Beyond Grief
Support:
💜 Explore the peer-to-peer support from Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide
💚 If you need a safe space to talk, speak with Samaritans on 116 123
💗 Find support on the SANE Textcare and SANEline services 💙 Download the FREE Hub of Hope app from Chasing the Stigma
💜 PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide dedicated to the prevention of suicide and the promotion of positive mental health and emotional wellbeing.
💛 Explore the resources from Campaign Against Living Miserably
🧡 And support a bereaved child with the help of Winston's Wish
Connect With Shreya:
LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/thefifty1percent
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shreyapatelparekh
Instagram 51%: https://www.instagram.com/thefifty1percent/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shreyapatelparekh/
Website: https://www.thefifty1percent.com/
Connect With Caroline:
Website: www.daddyblackbird.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-roodhouse-mcipr-a5948622/
Substack: https://daddyblackbird.substack.com/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAadcaZup3Gr9qFyG0kAvxgwTLrLIA53EHVt-7XshR7hj73xMWzEKWDrFJpWcng_aem_hvgqPqiu1r-Sfie0gMBlfQ
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/daddyblackbird.bsky.social
