October is World Menopause Awareness Month, and while many women suffer in silence through this major life transition, one powerhouse is saying what others are too shy to even whisper.
Meet Shantal Narainsamy, a dynamic Hillcrest entrepreneur, mom, wife and now fearless podcast host of Truth Bombs & Hot Flushes – a bold, funny and heart-warming space where midlife and change of life isn’t just discussed … it’s celebrated.
In her daily life, Shantal juggles an impressive list of roles – running two engineering companies, managing an import/export business, franchising a slimming brand and most recently, diving into the world of podcasting. You might think she’s got it all figured out, but her passion project tells a deeper story – one of connection, curiosity and candid truth-telling.
“Life is short – why not do all the things that set your soul on fire?” she laughs.
The idea for Truth Bombs & Hot Flushes sparked when Shantal was asked to develop workshops on menopause and midlife for women and men. Though the logistics never took off, the need for honest conversations around these topics was undeniable.
She started having raw, open chats with her sister-in-law – both of them in the trenches of midlife, dealing with everything from hormonal changes to identity shifts and parenting teenagers. What they realised was simple but profound. There was no real space to talk about this stuff – not with humour, honesty and heart.
So, she stopped procrastinating and hit record. “We wanted to capture all the messiness, magic and moments of midlife. The struggles, the laughs and the deep shifts. And we wanted people to feel seen.”
And as far as podcast names go, Shatal says they wanted something that would stick. “We wanted something unfiltered and cheeky – like us! Truth bombs are those real, no-BS truths we all think but rarely say, and hot flushes is just obvious.”
Shantal explains that the podcast isn’t just about women. It’s about everyone affected by midlife – men, teens, families. From hormones to heartbreak, parenting to purpose, every episode peels back the layers.
“We talk marriage, divorce, dating, sex, menopause, mental health, beauty and redefining who you are after 40,” she says. “Nothing’s off-limits.”
A monthly psychologist segment brings professional insight to personal challenges, offering expert advice on emotional wellness, relationships and self-worth. And we are told that this is a lifeline for many listeners who may not have access to therapy.
Shantal’s secret weapon is humour. Episodes bounce between belly laughs and deep sighs of recognition. “Midlife is funny!” she says. “We’ve all walked into a room and forgotten why, or called our kids by the dog’s name. There’s so much chaos, but so much comedy too.”
Despite the laughter, the impact is real. The messages from listeners have been powerful.
“One woman said she finally had the courage to speak to her doctor after listening to an episode. That’s when I knew we were doing something meaningful.”
While the podcast follows loose question guides, Shantal insists the best moments are unscripted. “It’s 90 percent real conversation,” she says. “But with midlife brain fog, a cheat sheet is necessary!”
Asked who her dream guests would be and without hesitation says Leena Nair – global CEO of Chanel, and secondly Oprah. “Leena represents powerful reinvention, and imagine swapping hot flush stories with Oprah!”
Shantal hopes Truth Bombs & Hot Flushes helps women feel seen, understood and validated. “You are not crazy. You are not alone. This isn’t the end – it’s just the start of a new, more powerful version of you.”
She believes that normalising conversations around menopause and midlife can remove shame, encourage support and foster understanding – even from partners and families.
Her message to women struggling in silence? “You don’t have to do this alone. There’s strength in sharing, and healing in community.”
Details: Catch new episodes of Truth Bombs & Hot Flushes weekly on IG: @truthbombs_hotflushes, FB: Truth Bombs & Hot Flushes Podcast, TikTok: @truthbombshotflushes and YouTube: Truth Bombs & Hot Flushes
Shantal on the hot spot
Go-to home remedy?
Cold water bottle under the pillow, peppermint tea to cool the nerves and chamomile tea for restful sleep.
Self-care ritual?
Self-care is non-negotiable. Once a week, I do my hair. It’s my 90-minute reset – no guilt, no interruptions. I also practice grounding – barefoot walks on the grass to reconnect and recharge. It’s spiritual. It calms my mind, connects me to the present and brings me back to myself.
A handbag must-have?
A mini fan. It’s a literal lifesaver.
Funny moment?
I muddle up my boys names – they tease me endlessly!
Best reset for a bad day?
Music and journaling. And prayer – I’ve grown so close to God in my 40s. Some days the music is louder than usual, but it always helps lift me.
Favourite resource?
The Wisdom of Menopause by Dr Christiane Northrup. And my go-to homeopath – she’s magic!
A tip for the 30-something club?
Start tracking your cycle, lifestyle and stress levels. It makes the road ahead so much easier to navigate.
Parting shot?
Midlife is a paradox – messy, magical and liberating. Embrace it. Own it. It’s your power rising.
DIY REMEDY
Midlife calm balm
Make your own cooling aromatherapy roller for those hot flushes or anxious moments.
You’ll need:
10ml carrier oil (like fractionated coconut or jojoba)
3 drops peppermint essential oil (cooling)
2 drops clary sage (hormone balancing)
1 drop lavender (calming)
What to do:
Add oils to a roller bottle. Fill with carrier oil. Apply to wrists, temples or back of neck as needed.
Note: Always patch test essential oils and consult a professional if unsure.
