About Simply Nourish: Empowering women through menopause and beyond
Empowering Women Through Menopause and Beyond is your monthly guide to thriving through the menopausal transition and beyond. Hosted by nutritionist and menopausal specialist Brenda Bickerstaff, we dive into the real talk, nutrition, movement, mindset, lifestyle, and more, with expert insights and inspiring guests who’ve reinvented their lives after 50. From science to lived experience, it's all here to help you feel strong, informed, and empowered in midlife.
It’s time to thrive, not just survive.
Honest chats. Real strategies. Bold stories.
Your second act starts here.
Follow Brenda on:
Facebook - Simplynourish
Instagram - simplynourishnz
Website - http://www.simplynourish.co.nz/
This show was produced at Plains Media (formerly Plains FM) in beautiful Ōtautahi Christchurch, to the south of Aotearoa, New Zealand. It airs on 96.9 FM and is made with the support of the Community Access Media Association (CAMA) and funding from NZ On Air.
Simply Nourish: Could Alcohol Be Affecting Your Menopause More Than You Think? | With Sarah Rusbatch
Is alcohol affecting your sleep, mood, anxiety or energy more than you realise? In this episode, I chat with gray-area drinking coach and *Beyond Booze* author Sarah Rusbatch about alcohol and menopause, why so many women are becoming sober curious, and how drinking can influence hormones, sleep, brain health and wellbeing. A compassionate, evidence-informed conversation that invites curiosity, not judgement.
12 Jul 2026
Simply Nourish: Ruahinetanga: Menopause, Mana Wāhine and Equity.
What does menopause look like when viewed through the lens of ruahinetanga? In this thoughtful conversation, I am joined by Dr Tania Huria, from Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa, to explore Māori perspectives on menopause, ageing, identity, culturally safe care, and what all women can learn from this important stage of life.
14 Jun 2026
Simply Nourish: Empowering women through menopause and beyond - The Power of Solo Travel for Women in Midlife with Gina Cambridge
Have you ever dreamed of travelling solo but wondered if you're too old, not confident enough, or if it's even safe? In this episode, I chat with Gina Cambridge from Wanderlust Solo Women Tours about the transformative power of travel for women in midlife and beyond. We explore confidence, connection, overcoming fears, and why it's never too late to embrace adventure and create unforgettable experiences.
10 May 2026
Simply Nourish: Empowering women through menopause and beyond - Rewrite Your Next Chapter: Confidence, Purpose & Possibility After 50
In this inspiring episode, Brenda chats with Christine Korako, co-founder of Inspire Me Women, about navigating life after 50. They explore finding your “why,” rebuilding confidence, and embracing change through midlife transitions. With personal insights and real stories, this conversation encourages women to step forward with courage and rediscover what’s possible next.
12 Apr 2026
Simply Nourish: Empowering women through menopause and beyond - Menopause Symptoms, Changes & Support: What Every Woman Needs to Know
In this episode, I host a panel discussion with menopause GP Dr Victoria Voice and two women sharing lived experience, Maria Cairns & Julia Burt. Together we explore the science, symptoms, and real-life impact of menopause, along with practical ways to support health, energy, and wellbeing through midlife. An honest, supportive conversation designed to help women feel informed and empowered through this important life transition. We will have to come back for part 2 as we only just got started!
8 Mar 2026
Simply Nourish: Empowering women through menopause and beyond - No Nonsense, All Grit: Kerri Baker on Transformation, Discipline & Resilience
Kerri Baker doesn’t mince words — she’s raw, real, and relentless. From 105kg in 2019 to stepping on the bodybuilding stage at 50, she shares the grit, discipline, sacrifices, and criticism behind her transformation. No shortcuts, just hard work, pride, and a midlife reinvention that proves it’s never too late to chase strength and purpose.
8 Feb 2026
Simply Nourish: Empowering women through menopause and beyond - Fueling Performance Through Menupause: Sports Nutrition for Active Women
Sports dietitian Jaqueline Shang joins Simply Nourish to discuss nutrition for menopausal athletes including pre-imposed workout fueling, recovery, supplements, bone and muscle health, and the hidden impact of undereating. A practical and empowering conversation for women who want to stay strong and active in midlife and beyond.
11 Jan 2026
Simply Nourish: Empowering women through menopause and beyond - Annie Wolf - Walking the length of NZ - Part 2
Join Brenda as she continues her conversation with 68-year-old adventurer Annie Wolf, who walked the length of New Zealand after retiring from teaching. In part two, Annie dives deeper into the challenges, community and personal transformation she experienced on the Te Araroa Trail — and how adventure in midlife can open unexpected strength, freedom and purpose.
14 Dec 2025
Simply Nourish: Empowering women through menopause and beyond - Annie Wolf - 68 years young and walking the Te Araroa
"What happens when a 68-year-old woman decides to walk the entire Te Araroa Trail? In part one, Brenda talks with Annie Wolf about the bold leap that turned retirement into a life-changing adventure. It’s a conversation full of heart, humour and the incredible strength that shines through when women in midlife choose to back themselves.
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9 Nov 2025
Simply Nourish: Empowering women through menopause and beyond - Loretta Hogg - Loretta Loves Lifting — and So Should You!
On this episode of Simply Nourish, I’m chatting with Loretta Hogg from Loretta Loves Lifting. We dive into how strength training can empower women through midlife and menopause—building muscle, bone health, energy, and confidence. Whether you’re new to lifting or looking for inspiration, Loretta shares tips to help you lift, thrive, and feel strong at every stage of life.
12 Oct 2025
Simply Nourish: Empowering women through menopause and beyond - Dr Anastasia Hronis - The brain and midlife
Dr Anastasia Hronis, author of the bestselling The Dopamine Brain, joins me to explore how dopamine shapes motivation, habits, and purpose. We discuss brain health in midlife, sleep, neuroplasticity, and practical strategies to thrive in your 50s and beyond. A conversation full of inspiration, science, and actionable tips for women ready to nourish their body, mind, and spirit.
14 Sept 2025
Simply Nourish: Empowering women through menopause and beyond - Dance, Resilience & Reinvention: The Gillian Halkett Story
At 56, Gillian Halkett turned adversity into strength, founding one of Christchurch’s largest independent dance fitness communities. In this episode, she shares her menopause journey, her battle through bullying and loss, and how dance became a powerful force for resilience, joy, and connection.
10 Aug 2025
Simply Nourish: Empowering women through menopause and beyond - “The Story Behind Simply Nourish: Strength, Menopause & Finding Purpose”
In this solo episode, Brenda shares her personal journey—from recovery and reconnection to the creation of Simply Nourish. She explores the purpose behind her work, the power of nutrition and strength training, and why supporting women through the menopause transition matters now more than ever. A real, inspiring conversation about growth, change, and thriving in midlife.
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