Episode 16

full
Published on:

14th Oct 2024

Midlife: Reimagined

What if menopause wasn’t the end of something—but the beginning of something new?

This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating life shifts or seeking inspiration to transform mid-life struggle into strength. As her corporate life began to feel misaligned, Andrea turned to creativity as a form of healing, eventually launching MenoPAUSE, a series of art workshops designed to support and empower women through midlife transitions. Andrea shares her personal experience of menopause, the symptoms she faced, the emotional toll and the surprising path it led her down. We discuss the therapeutic power of creativity, the importance of speaking openly about menopause and how embracing change can lead to unexpected purpose.

*Content advisory* This episode includes detailed descriptions of perimenopausal symptoms and reference to suicide. If you are experiencing symptoms and require further information, guidance or support, please contact your GP.

Thank you for listening!

Stay wild x

Copyright 2025 Lucy Colgan

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About the Host:

Lucy Colgan is a seasoned creative leader, educator and podcast host with nearly two decades of experience in the arts and education. She holds a PGCE in Drama & Performing Arts and a Professional Diploma in Dance from Trinity Laban, and has worked as a freelance artist, project manager, and director across the creative sector.

She launched The Wilderness of Creativity in 2024 and invites listeners to explore what it really means to 'take the road less travelled' in creative life, combining vulnerability, practical insight and inspirational storytelling.

Want to learn more about today’s guest? Check out their full bio and links below!

Andrea Clare is a commissioned artist and a qualified further education teacher with over 20 years of experience in corporate training. As a post-menopausal woman and a devoted mother of three, she offers invaluable personal insights into the challenges of menopause and neurodivergence. Andrea’s passion is to empower women to understand and navigate these life transitions through the transformative power of art. In just two years, she has tapped into her artistic talent while embracing her ADHD, and she has recently contributed a chapter to the forthcoming book "Beyond the Ordinary: Discover the Power of Creative and Neurodiverse Women," set to be released on October 11th. Additionally, she offers a unique 8-week online program called Meno-PAUSE-Art, which beautifully combines creativity with healing.

Andrea Clare's Facebook group

Andrea Clare's Facebook page

@AndreaClareArt.uk on Instagram

Mentioned in this episode:

For more information: https://mandynicholson.co.uk/

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The Wilderness of Creativity
A platform for creatives to share their stories of survival.
Creativity: is it a luxury or a necessity?
Whether you are a seasoned adventurer or just starting out on a new creative journey, think of me as your greatest fan! Tune in every week to discover what it really means to take the road less travelled.
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About your host

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Lucy Colgan

Lucy's career spanning two decades has seen her excel as a versatile freelance artist, project manager, and director within the dynamic world of the creative industry. Armed with a PGCE in Drama and Performing Arts and a Professional Diploma in Dance from Trinity Laban, she effortlessly imparts her boundless energy and expertise to budding talents. Lucy crafts bespoke training sessions for educators and non-specialists working across various educational sectors and community platforms. Currently holding the position of Head of Dance and Drama at a leading independent school in Derbyshire, Lucy continues to inspire and empower the next generation of artistic trailblazers.