The Alchemy of Menopause

Episode summary Menopause advocate and life strategist Zapheria Bell joins Keri to reframe midlife as a profound alchemical journey. Drawing on her “Five Passages of Menopause,” Zapheria bridges science and soul—neuroscience-informed tools, emotional clearing, and what she calls psych-architecture—to help women move from cracking and burning to pause, remembering, and rising. This is a compassionate, practical conversation about nervous system regulation, corporate culture, HRT without shame, and honoring the sacred fire that remakes us. Guest Zapheria Bell is the founder of the Institute of Inner Mastery, creator of The Five Passages of Menopause, and a consultant for menopause-inclusive workplaces. Her work blends evidence-based approaches with deep embodiment and spiritual wisdom to help women 40+ “build the F**K-Yes life.” Key takeaways Menopause as alchemy: It’s not a problem to fix; it’s a process that burns away false identities so the truest self can emerge. The Five Passages of Menopause The Cracking — faint fissures in health, cycles, beliefs, and relationships signal change has begun. The Burning — heat, rage, and inflammation surface; what’s untrue combusts so truth remains. The Pause — a void/death phase that can feel terrifying; disciplined rest enables nervous-system repair. The Remembering — quiet reconnection to who you’ve always been (no “purpose pressure” required). The Rising — embodied wisdom and inner leadership; fewer Fs to give, more alignment to live. Science + soul can co-exist: Translating “energetic” concepts into accessible language invites broader understanding—especially in corporate settings. Nervous system regulation: Health isn’t the absence of stress; it’s the capacity to move from activation back to rest. No shame in support: Choices about HRT and symptom relief are individual; quality of life and brain/bone health matter. Corporate inclusion: Simple flexibility (later starts, longer lunches, quiet days) helps retain top women leaders. Creation beyond motherhood: Women are constant creators—of friendships, work, art, businesses, and ideas. Memorable moments  “If we try to avoid menopause, we miss the fire that forges our deepest truth." “I can go live in a mystery school forever, but the work is to bring the wisdom back to the real world.” “Regulation isn’t never getting stressed—it’s being able to return to calm.” “You don’t have to carry the world to raise its consciousness. Be fully you.” “Walk through the fire. On the other side, you’re handed the gift of yourself.” Chapters 00:00 Welcome + why alchemy resonates 05:12 Bridging woo and research: speaking multiple languages 12:40 From corporate burnout to spiritual immersion—and back again 20:55 The Five Passages: Cracking → Burning → Pause → Remembering → Rising 38:10 Regulating the nervous system in a dysregulated world 47:25 Menopause at work: inclusive policies and practical flexibility 55:18 Rethinking “purpose” and letting a quieter self lead 1:04:30 Birthing life in all forms: babies, businesses, ideas 1:10:00 Closing reflections + gratitude Resources mentioned Institute of Inner Mastery — Zapheria hub for methods, programs, and workplace consulting The Five Passages of Menopause framework (overview + guide) On nervous system regulation: breath work, pausing rituals, tech boundaries, and somatic practices WEBSITE: https://www.zapheriabell.com EMAIL: [email protected] Follow Zapheria Bell: FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/zapheriabell INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/zapheriabell YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@zapheriabellofficial  

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