One year ago, I packed up my life — my business, my three boys, and our two dogs — and moved to Wellington. It wasn’t just a change in postcode; it was the beginning of rebuilding everything from the ground up after separation.

In this episode, I take you behind the scenes of what it’s really like to start over — the chaos, the courage, and the small but powerful moments of finding our feet again. From juggling solo parenting and running a business to creating a new sense of home, this is an honest look at what rebuilding truly takes.

If you’re in a season of change or starting again in any way, this one’s for you — a reminder that even in the rubble, there’s room for something new to grow.

In this episode, I dive into the post-school holiday burnout that so many mums know too well — the crash that comes after weeks of juggling, entertaining, and holding it all together. I unpack why this happens, the signs you might be running on empty, and how to start advocating for your own needs again (without guilt). I also include a very brief follow on from advocating for my own health care needs in perimenopause (like a mini part 3 from last week).

From small daily resets to learning to say no, this chat is about reclaiming your energy, your time, and your voice — because being a mum doesn’t mean being last on the list.

This week on Dr Julie’s Coffee Chats, I’m back with Part 2 of my raw, real perimenopause story. Following on from last week’s “red flags” episode, I share what it was like to finally reach out for help, start HRT, and navigate all the emotions, doubts, and unexpected moments that came with it. This isn’t a polished “how-to” guide — it’s me, sharing the ups and downs in real time, so you know you’re not alone if you’re walking this path too and that it's ok to advocate for your needs and for help.

Grab your coffee and settle in!