In Episode 80 of The Flower Files, host Liza Goetz welcomes an extraordinary guest, Alex, co-founder of The Agenda and self-described “periodpreneur.” Together, they unravel the profound connections between nature’s rhythms, the female cycle, and intentional living. Whether you’re a flower farmer, creative entrepreneur, or someone curious about syncing your productivity with your body, this episode is your permission slip to slow down and listen inward.
Why Menstrual Cycles Deserve a Seat at the Table
As Alex puts it, everything in life is cyclical: seasons, farming, even sales. But for people with menstrual cycles, we’ve long been taught to suppress or ignore this natural rhythm—especially in professional spaces. The truth? Our bodies move through four distinct phases, each mirroring nature: menstruation (winter), follicular (spring), ovulation (summer), and luteal (fall).
Understanding these phases is more than biology—it’s a roadmap to living and working in a way that honors energy, emotions, and capacity. Just like planting seeds in frozen soil doesn’t make sense, neither does launching a big project in a low-energy phase. Alignment matters.
Aligning Work, Life, and Bloom Cycles
Alex’s journey into cycle-based planning began when she noticed her sales peaked during ovulation. That “aha” moment led to a deeper understanding of when to brainstorm, build, or rest. Her app, The Agenda, helps users map daily tasks to their cycle phase, making productivity more sustainable—and more human.
Liza, ever the grounded flower farmer, beautifully parallels this with seasonal farming. You don’t expect blooms in winter—you plan, rest, and prepare. The same applies to our lives. By syncing with our cycle, we honor our capacity and make space for brilliance.
The Four Phases Explained:
- Menstrual (Winter): Rest, reflect, plan quietly.
- Follicular (Spring): Build, create, initiate.
- Ovulation (Summer): Connect, pitch, shine.
- Luteal (Fall): Analyze, finish, nest.
These aren’t restrictions—they’re invitations. By aligning your work with these energies, you reduce burnout, improve self-awareness, and ultimately work with your body, not against it.
Tackling Stigma with Curiosity and Humor
From cycle syncing stickers for partners (yes, really!) to tips for navigating deadlines in “off” phases, Alex and Liza keep the conversation real and relatable. They also bust myths around irregular periods, birth control, and menopause, all while emphasizing how education, self-tracking, and community support create empowerment.
One especially moving theme? That awareness isn’t just personal—it’s revolutionary. When women understand their rhythm, they become better leaders, partners, and business owners. It’s a ripple effect of self-trust.
Getting Started (Without Overhauling Your Life)
The advice is simple: start tracking. Use apps, journals, or even sticky notes. Tune in. Notice when things feel off or amazing. Begin small—one change per phase. And, above all, give yourself grace. As Alex says, “Let the season be the season. Let the phase be the phase.”
This episode reminds us that growth doesn’t always look like hustle. Sometimes, it’s about pausing, listening, and aligning with what already lives inside you.
