Our guest this week is the one and only Karen Arthur. Karen hosts the podcast Menopause Whilst Black, a platform committed to diversifying Menopause and sharing the stories of Black menopausal women in the UK. She now graces the cover of magazines, and speaks knowledgeably and passionately on a range of topics including, fashion, creativity, menopause and mental wellbeing. She is changing the Menopause narrative.Karen says she is “a Black woman who refuses to become invisible in post menopause” she is passionate about taking up space via vibrant fashion and public art. This unapologetic visibility helps other women, particularly those who look like Karen, to find their own voice.Karen taught dance then textiles for 28 years but had to leave it behind when her Menopause came- and along with it - anxiety and depression. From a teacher to a designer Karen was able to move into Fashion, working exclusively with women to create beautiful bespoke clothing that made them feel good and stand tall. She is also a Mother and a Grandmother.And, as if all that is not enough, In May this year Karen hosted -The Joy Retreat in Barbados, the world’s FIRST retreat created for Black people in any stage of menopause (website link below). We absolutely loved our chat with Karen, we talk about all the above plus we ask Karen how the Menopause landscape has changed since she began her podcast, and much more, you can catch the full unedited interview on our YouTube channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFgmHLcdx28eco-XlkWYwUA?app=desktop In the Book Collective we conclude Femina by Janina Ramirez. We read the final chapter Exceptional and Outcast and it’s all about diversity and trans gender in the fourteenth century. It’s an exceptional end to a magnificent book There’s a Foodie as it’s national Picnic month, Jinty has cooked up a delicious fruity apple flapjack. https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/apple-flapjacksIngredients:Click the link to take you to the recipe. There’s a poetic WI that you can get involved in, there’s an inspirational quote from Lou and Jinty delves into belly buttons, and belly button fluff, do you know the mythological Gods and Goddesses for the days of the week? It’s another episode brimming with chat, your comments, and all the usual shenanigans. So, settle in for this hour(ish) podcast full of meaningful chat. https://ko-fi.com/womenkindcollectivepodcastOur campaign for a Menopause Clinic in Devon is moving closer but we still need signatures on our petition: https://www.change.org/p/wheresmyclinicOr to send your testimonials please email us: menopauseclinicdc@gmail.comAnd finally, if you would like the templates to send to your MP or CCG please visit our website: https://menopauseclinicfordevon.co.uk Karen Arthur:W. https://www.thekarenarthur.comI: @thekarenarthurI: @menopausewhilstblack--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/womenkindcollectivepodcast/message Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.