Journey to Womanhood: The Stories We Wish We Knew
Journey to Womanhood is a podcast exploring the raw, real, and inspiring stories of women’s early experiences. Through candid interviews with women from all walks of life, we’re breaking the silence and diving into the conversations that often go unspoken—your first period, self-discovery, pleasure, body image struggles, and first intimate experiences. We unpack the moments that shaped us and reflect on how things could have been more empowering—creating space for growth, healing, and deeper connection. Whether you’re a teen or young woman finding your way, or an adult revisiting the past, this podcast offers wisdom, solidarity, and a safe space to learn and grow. 💫 Let’s break the cycle of shame and confusion and shape a future where every woman feels empowered in her body and experiences. 🔗 Learn more about girls’ circles at: https://journeytowomanhood.org
Episodes

Monday Apr 07, 2025
Monday Apr 07, 2025
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.

Sunday Apr 06, 2025
Sunday Apr 06, 2025
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.

Tuesday Mar 18, 2025
Tuesday Mar 18, 2025
In this episode, we sit down with Linda to explore her journey into womanhood. She reflects on how her faith shaped her experience of sexuality—both positively and negatively—and how, despite floating through her teenage years with a sense of ease, she now recognizes what was missing: a deeper connection to her body.
We also discuss how media and societal expectations for women have evolved over time. While Linda’s generation may not have been as directly impacted by social media and beauty standards, she shares how she now feels pulled into society’s expectations of what it means to be a beautiful, powerful woman—and questions whether that truly leads to happiness.
For younger listeners, this episode offers a powerful opportunity to pause and reflect on your own relationship with your body. If unrealistic media standards and outside pressures didn’t exist, how would you feel about yourself?Imagine how much easier it would be to grow up without constantly comparing yourself to filtered images or expectations of perfection. What would it be like to simply be at home in your body, without judgment?
This conversation is a reminder that self-acceptance is a journey—and that true embodiment isn’t about meeting an outside standard but learning to trust, love, and live fully in your own body.

Thursday Feb 20, 2025
Thursday Feb 20, 2025
In this episode, Gaynor shares her personal journey with pleasure and sexuality from a young age, as well as the challenges she faced in integrating that pleasure into intimate connections later in life. We explore the cycle of protection and resentment that many women experience after years of disconnecting from their bodies and needs—often losing themselves in the masculine-driven pursuit of orgasm as the ultimate goal.
We touch on Tantra and how it can help women reclaim their authentic and ever-changing experience of connection by embracing slowness and gentleness. We also begin to explore how we can better prepare younger generations for intimacy, empowering them to move at their own pace, express their needs, and set boundaries with confidence.
Looking back at our first experiences with intimacy, who is teaching who? Why is it that, more often than not, girls are the ones adapting to what feels right for the boys? Is it simply because they don’t know any different? These are the questions we need to start asking if we truly want to shift the narrative around pleasure, connection, and consent.
Gaynor also reflects on the book 'The Clan of the Cave Bear' by Jean M. Auel, that portrays the intitiation of a young women in an Ice Age clan tribe.

Thursday Feb 13, 2025
Thursday Feb 13, 2025
I'm starting this series by sharing my own early stories—my first period, first experiences with pleasure body image intimacy. I'll explore my journey learning to embrace authenticity and let go of external expectations. It's been a deep, ongoing process, but I'm grateful for the challenges that shaped me. My hope is to inspire the younger generation with a different way—one that feels easier, more beautiful, and truly connected.

Wednesday Feb 12, 2025
Wednesday Feb 12, 2025
In this episode, Genevieve shares candid reflections on early life, periods, body image, and sexuality, offering a down-to-earth, practical perspective.
Coming from a scientific family grounded in facts, she brings an honest and balanced voice, reminding us how natural it is to feel at home in our bodies—when we feel safe. Her wisdom is reassuring and empowering, making this a must-listen for navigating the journey to womanhood.

Friday Feb 07, 2025
Friday Feb 07, 2025
Kalyani shares her early experiences, including her positive views on body image and intimacy. She reflects on the lack of guidance from women around her and why it's time for change. She also shares 3 books that shaped her growth: 'Wild Feminine' by Tami Lynn Kent, 'The Thirteen Original Clan Mothers' by Jamie Sams, and 'If Women Rose Rooted' by Sharon Blackie.

Wednesday Jan 22, 2025
Wednesday Jan 22, 2025
Holly shares her early experiences with shame around pleasure. She reflects on societal expectations and how she's reclaiming her sense of self. She talks about the book Period Power by Maisie Hill—a resource she wishes she'd read when she was younger! Check it out here: Period Power on Amazon
(Apologies for the sound quality on this one!)