I’ve been nudging Laura to come and chat with me for ages because I find her story so inspiring, her creativity has just rocketed in the last few years, smack in the middle of perimenopause. She’s a poet and comedian from Leeds. She writes brilliantly playful poetry that packs a punch about midlife, menopause and the north. She also does fanny jokes. What’s not to love??She has been shortlisted for Leeds Poetry Festival Competition, featured on BBC Radio York and performed at events such as the Vagina Festival and Sonnet Youth Weekender. She is a 2022 Hammer and Tongue national slam finalist. Laura says:If you want to hear more from me and see how I get on at the Albert Hall find me on Instagram @lauragrahamwrites If you want to invite me to read a poem at an event or perform DM me  If you want to hear Stephen James Smith’s poem about why we need to create watch this:https://youtu.be/hf1XvPqZ7j0  If you want inspiration on why now read Mary Oliver’s poem The Summer Day  If you want to have a go at writing poetry read Grow Your Own Poem by Kate Clanchy and write along with the exercises.  If you want to join a very welcoming online writing community contact Scribblers Union @scrubblersunion If you want to try stand up comedy but are not sure it’s for you: It is. Do it.  If you live near Leeds and want to do a comedy course check out https://www.laughatleeds.com  Now tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life? More information about Katehttps://www.katecodrington.co.uk/Instagram @kate_codringtonSecond Spring: the self-care guide to menopause is available from your favourite bookshopYou will find the podcast on Spotify, iTunes and all major platforms, just search for 'Life - An Inside Job'.If you enjoyed the episode yourself, then it would be fab if you shared it with a friend or with your community on social media.MusicTrust Me (instrumental) by RYYZNCreative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0Free Download / StreamMusic promoted by Audio LibraryArtworkPortrait by Lori FitzdoodlesMore information about Katehttps://www.katecodrington.co.uk/Instagram @kate_codringtonSecond Spring: the self-care guide to menopause is available from your favourite bookshopMusicTrust Me (instrumental) by RYYZNCreative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0Free Download / StreamMusic promoted by Audio LibraryArtworkKate's portrait by Lori Fitzdoodles