In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Lila shares her story as a woman of mixed Portuguese and Cuban heritage, offering insight into her unique path to reclaiming the feminine. She reminds us that education around womanhood, particularly menstrual and body literacy, is just as vital for boys as it is for girls.

Lila reflects on a childhood marked by neglect and abuse, and how, in the absence of nurturing care, she has learned to mother herself. Through reframing the menstrual cycle as something empowering and nourishing, she has been able to access a healing quality of the feminine that she never received growing up. She speaks of hormones not as chaotic or inconvenient, but as catalysts for a new phase of empowerment.

Her words highlight the profound human need for a mother’s love. She explores the lifelong journey of searching for the love we didn’t receive in childhood, sometimes finding glimpses of it in romantic relationships, but ultimately learning to give ourselves the inner loving mother and father we lacked.

Lila also speaks candidly about the shame and fear that accompanied her early experiences of pleasure- feelings shaped by religious messaging and a lack of privacy.

Growing up in a predominantly white Portuguese community, she faced internal conflict around identity. Her story of reclaiming and celebrating her African roots, both physically and spiritually, is a moving and important message for any young person of mixed race struggling with visibility and belonging. Her journey toward self-acceptance stands as a powerful reminder that true belonging begins within.

In this interview, Petra reflects on her evolving body awareness over the years and wonders if this process could have been accelerated with the right education at an earlier age. She opens up about an early sexual experience and discusses the subconscious impact it has had on her. Petra also delves into her exploration of the "inner masculine," and how intimacy can be influenced when there is a lack of this inner strength to guide decisions and take action when needed.

The conversation also touches on the challenges of parenting a teenager, particularly dealing with the continuous "no" to everything- a struggle many parents can relate to. Petra also shares the painful experience of seeing her teenager look outward for answers, rather than recognising that everything they are searching for is already within them.

In this touching interview, Anas discusses the unique challenges of navigating the two worlds of menopause and coming of age, which at times can feel like two opposing journeys. She opens up about her own early experiences with loss and health struggles, which significantly shaped her personal path into womanhood. Ana also reflects on how these experiences have influenced her concerns for her children’s futures.

A key takeaway from the conversation is the importance of having a strong, loving, and supportive woman in a teenager's life as they transition into adulthood. Ana emphasizes the critical role of a trusted figure who can offer advice, be a safe space for sharing, and provide emotional support. In the absence of such a role model, she encourages us to actively seek out the support networks that will empower and guide young women through these transformative years.