We hear from the ridiculously prolific Stella Duffy about loss, endings,  mortality, the value of living with a sense of our ageing instead of denying it, and the exquisite possibilities for being ‘more ourselves’ that this brings. Stella is hugely generous with sharing her life experience and there are some beautifully profound moments in this interview. Stella Duffy has completed a doctorate in Existential Psychotherapy and her research is in the embodied experience of postmenopause. As well as her private psychotherapy practice, she has worked in NHS cancer psychological support and hospice bereavement support.  Alongside her therapy work, Stella is the award-winning writer of seventeen novels, over seventy short stories, and fifteen plays, and worked in theatre for over thirty-five years as an actor, director, facilitator, and improvisor. The co-founder and, for eight years, the co-director of Fun Palaces working with communities and inclusion across the UK, Stella has been active in equalities and diversity work in the arts and LGBTQ+ communities for many decades. In 2016 she was awarded the OBE for Services to the Arts. She is also a yoga teacher, leading regular workshops in yoga for writing.  We also talk about the ubiquity with which HRT is prescribed (wrongly) for all menopause ailments, often without evidence, using misogynistic and ageist language that causes immense harm.Stella's linksBlog (writing, cancer, in/fertility, politics, life): https://stelladuffy.blog/Therapy site: https://stelladuffytherapy.co.uk/Insta: @stellduffy & @stelladuffytherapyX/Twitter: @stellduffyThreads: @stellduffyPerimenopause A Call to Love weekend retreat is 27th-28th April 2024 and you can find more about it here https://www.katecodrington.co.uk/perimenopause-a-call-to-love-weekend-retreat/Please support Life An Inside Job by buying me a cuppa here https://www.buymeacoffee.com/katecodringtonMore information about KateFree resource library: https://mailchi.mp/a8a0fa08678a/resource-libraryInstagram @kate_codringtonSecond Spring: the self-care guide to menopause is available from your favourite bookshopPerimenopause Unwrapped online course: https://woman-kind.co.uk/perimenopause-unwrapped-online-course/Perimenopause Starter Kit: https://www.katecodrington.co.uk/perimenopause-starter-kit-online-course/MusicTrust Me (instrumental) by RYYZNArtworkKate's portrait by Lori Fitzdoodles