It's Been a Minute The key to thriving later in life: menopause
15 snips
Sep 17, 2025 
Molly Webster, a senior correspondent at Radiolab, dives into the often-taboo topic of menopause. She and her co-hosts explore why this natural phase is rarely discussed and highlight the importance of early conversations about it. They draw fascinating parallels between human experiences and those of orca matriarchs. Together, they encourage redefining menopause as a time of opportunity and adventure, rather than an end. The discussion promotes open dialogue and celebrates the potential joys of life after reproduction.
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Menopause Is Culturally Invisible
- Menopause and perimenopause are understudied and rarely discussed despite affecting millions of women yearly.
- The hosts frame the topic as culturally invisible and in need of better public conversation.
Other Species Also Menopause
- Scientists once thought only humans experienced menopause but found it in orcas and some toothed whales.
- Comparing species reveals different post-reproductive roles and expands thinking about life after reproduction.
Granny The Orca's Leadership
- The orca named Granny lived into her late 80s and acted as a matriarch long after reproduction ended.
- Granny guided hunts, broke up fights, and supported her pod's survival, modeling active post-reproductive life.
