Menopause and a Midlife Crisis: A Conversation with Novelist Dana Spiotta

On episode 4 of the podcast, I’m talking with award-winning novelist, Dana Spiotta about her new novel Wayward. Wayward is a thought-provoking book that centers the life of Samantha “Sam” Raymond, a white American woman whose menopause journey coincides with her midlife crisis...or maybe menopause causes the crisis.

In the story, Sam’s life has just begun to come apart: “Trump has been elected, her mother is ill and her teenage daughter is increasingly remote. At fifty-two she finds herself staring into 'the Mids' - those night-time hours of supreme wakefulness where women of a certain age contemplate their lives. In Sam's case, this means motherhood, mortality, and the state of an unravelling nation."

On a whim, Sam buys a decrepit old house, abandons her family, and tries to build a new life on her own terms.

During my conversation with Dana - which includes no spoilers from the book -  we talk about her motivations for writing a book about menopause, the invisibility of women of a certain age, why we need to normalize conversations about the things that happen to our bodies, and Edith Bunker’s menopause moment on All in the Family.

It’s an honest and sometimes hilarious conversation that I hope gives listeners some useful food for thought on how we can all reframe menopause and continue the conversation that will liberate us from suffering in silence and alone.

At the end of the show you’ll hear how you can win a free copy of Wayward, so be sure to listen all the way to the end of the episode.

More Menopause Inspiration and Information Mentioned in the Episode

To find out more about Dana Spiotta and her writing, visit her website at DanaSpiotta.com.

To purchase a copy of Wayward, visit Amazon or try your favorite indie bookseller.

Dana mentioned the book Flash Count Diary: Menopause and the Vindication of Natural Life by Darcy Steinke. It’s a powerful memoir about Steinke’s menopause journey and the natural world.

To support our wonderful sponsor, check out the delicious snacks and subscription boxes from Yumday. Use the code MBHPOD15 at checkout for 15% off any order.  And don’t forget, supporting Yumday means supporting women and BIPOC-led brands!

Don’t forget you can comment about anything from this episode by visiting My Bloody Hell on Instagram or Facebook. And be sure to follow our social accounts for more inspiration and information about living through perimenopause. P.S. We’re on Twitter too @MyBloodyHell.

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Disclaimer: Lori L. Tharps is not a doctor, nor any other type of medical professional, therefore do not use anything you hear on this podcast as a substitute for verifiable medical advice and information. Always check with your doctor or health care provider if you have any medical questions or concerns regarding menopause or any other health-related issue.