Health, Fitness & Personal Growth Tips for Women in Midlife: Asking for a Friend

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) shouldn't be shrouded in outdated fears and misinformation. When I finally started HRT at 57, I realized I'd spent years unnecessarily suffering through sleepless nights, hot flashes, and night sweats—chalked up to “normal aging”—when effective treatments already existed.

My journey began after a hysterectomy, when a nurse practitioner discovered my testosterone level was critically low (11 ng/dl, with a normal range of 13–87). That led to my first experience with vaginal estrogen and topical testosterone. But over time, I learned I needed a more comprehensive approach—including systemic estrogen and progesterone—to truly feel like myse...

Breast pain is one of the most common—and most ignored—issues women face from puberty through post-menopause. In this episode of Asking for a Friend, I sit down with Debbie and Troy Sutton, the inspiring mother-son duo behind The Healing Bra—a revolutionary product offering real relief for breast discomfort through every stage of life.

From painful mammograms and postpartum nursing to menopause and breast cancer recovery, The Healing Bra’s temperature therapy pads are changing the way women manage their comfort. What started as a simple question—"Why isn't there anything for this?"—sparked an invention th...

The mirror doesn’t lie, but it doesn’t have to be your enemy either. As wrinkles, dryness, and sagging skin become a part of your reality, it’s easy to feel betrayed by your reflection. But what if midlife skin changes weren’t a crisis but a chance to evolve your skincare game?

In this episode, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Mary Alice Mina joins us to share what actually works for skin over 50 – and trust me, it’s probably not what you’ve been hearing on social media. With her extensive training from top institutions like Harvard and Memorial S...

What If Your Annual Physical Is Missing the Most Important Clues About Your Future Health?

In this episode of Asking for a Friend, I sit down with Dr. Dave DeMarco—primary care physician and owner of DexaFit Cincinnati—to uncover what most standard medical exams are failing to tell us, especially for adults in their 40s, 50s, and 60s.

Dr. DeMarco is reshaping the landscape of preventative healthcare by using advanced diagnostics to detect early warning signs of metabolic dysfunction, muscle loss, and other hidden health risks—long before they show up in tradit...

When life knocks the wind out of you, how do you find your way back to yourself?

In this episode of Asking for a Friend, we sit down with Cristina Simmons—a mother, occupational therapist, Faster Way coach, and now author of Eat Your Feelings. Her journey reads like a survival manual for the modern woman: deep grief, childhood trauma, infidelity, chronic stress, raising adopted twins with prenatal drug exposure, and navigating the complexities of raising a child with autism.

But Cristina didn’t just survive—she rebuilt. Piece by piece.

After...

What if the real glow-up in midlife has nothing to do with wrinkle creams—and everything to do with finally showing up unapologetically as yourself?

Meet Sherri Dindal, better known as The Real Slim Sherri—the blue-haired, tattooed, profanity-positive powerhouse who's become a viral voice for women over 40. With over 5 million followers, Sherri’s raw, hilarious, and brutally honest takes on menopause, midlife identity shifts, and societal invisibility have struck a nerve—and built a movement.

After 26 years in a male-dominated investigative career, Sherri walked away with no backu...

What If Sober Was the New Cool? Breaking the Wine Culture Narrative with Kim Bellas

This episode of Asking for a Friend is sponsored by Better Help. https://betterhelp.com/askingforafriend

Is wine really the answer to midlife stress—or have we just been sold that story?

In this episode of Asking for a Friend, I sit down with Kim Bellas, founder of the global movement Sober is the New Cool, to talk about what happens when midlife women challenge the “mommy juice” narrative and rethin...

How Understanding Death Can Help You Live More Fully — with Hospice Nurse Julie

This episode of Asking for a Friend is sponsored by Better Help. https://betterhelp.com/askingforafriend

What if facing the realities of death could actually help you live with more intention, gratitude, and peace—right now?

In this powerful episode of Asking for a Friend, I sit down with Julie McFadden, better known as Hospice Nurse Julie, a former ICU nurse turned nationally recognized hospice educator with over 15 years of experience and millions of followers online. Juli...

Feeling like you’re doing everything right—but still not feeling like yourself?

This episode of Asking for a Friend is sponsored by Better Help - https://betterhelp.com/askingforafriend

In this powerful episode of Asking for a Friend, I’m joined by Courtney Townley—health coach, creator of the Grace & Grit podcast, and a fierce advocate for midlife women ready to ditch diet culture and reclaim their power.

Courtney breaks down why the outdated “eat less, move more” advice is failing women over 40—and what to do instead. Wi...

Think Bone Loss Is Just a Part of Aging? Think Again.

This episode of Asking for a Friend is sponsored by Better Help. https://betterhelp.com/askingforafriend

If your doctor’s only advice for bone health is “take calcium, vitamin D, and wait,” this episode is your wake-up call. I’m joined by Dr. Doug Lucas—former orthopedic surgeon turned bone health specialist—who’s on a mission to help women prevent and reverse osteoporosis with science-backed strategies that actually work.

In this powerful conversation, we dive into the root causes of bone loss i...

Still Cutting Calories After 40? Here’s What You Should Do Instead

This episode of Asking for a Friend is sponsored by Better Help. https://betterhelp.com/askingforafriend

Lisa Holtan, Faster Way coach and personal trainer with 17 years of experience, joins me this week to flip everything you thought you knew about midlife weight loss on its head. Spoiler alert: it’s not about eating less and doing more cardio.

Lisa shares why most women over 40 are drastically under-eating—especially protein—and how that’s wrecking their metabolism and holding them back from feeli...

This episode is sponsored by Better Help - https://betterhelp.com/askingforafriend

Your Skin's Glowing, But What About Down There? Let’s Talk.

We obsess over skincare, fitness, and aging gracefully—but when it comes to vaginal health? Total silence. Meanwhile, millions of women in perimenopause and beyond are battling dryness, painful sex, recurring UTIs, and feeling like no one warned them. It's time we change that.

In this bold and empowering episode, I sit down with Kate Wells, founder of Parlor Games, who’s on a missio...

Think you know how to walk? Think again.

In this episode of Asking for a Friend, I’m joined by international health expert Joanna Hall, founder of the WalkActive Method. Joanna reveals how improving your walking technique can dramatically boost posture, joint health, hormone balance, and even cognitive function—all especially important in midlife.

With 30+ years in sports science, Joanna explains how most of us are walking inefficiently, reinforcing poor movement patterns and joint strain. Her science-backed method helps women over 40 engage the right muscles, impr...

What if that evening glass of wine isn’t helping you relax—but actually holding you back?

In this honest and eye-opening episode, I sit down with Heather Lowe, founder of Ditch the Drink, to talk about her personal journey of quitting alcohol at age 42 after nearly three decades of what most would call “normal” drinking. From beer tents in Wisconsin to corporate happy hours and suburban wine nights, Heather’s relationship with alcohol looked like everyone else’s—until it didn’t.

After years of feeling anxious, tired, and stuck, Heather realized...

Think Your Best Years Are Behind You? Think Again.

If you're in midlife and wondering why your body suddenly feels like it's working against you—fatigue, stubborn weight, poor sleep—you are so not alone. But here’s the truth: it doesn’t have to be this way.

In this episode, I sit down with Karen Karlsen, Faster Way coach and pro-aging advocate, who transformed her health after a shocking prediabetes diagnosis in her 50s. Now thriving at 60, Karen shares how she ditched diet culture and embraced a smarter approach—focusing on strength training...

When the Nest Empties, What’s Next?

The silence can be overwhelming when a once-busy home suddenly feels too quiet. If you’ve ever wondered, Who am I now? Where do I fit in my child’s life—and in my own? 

Allie Hill, author of The Girlfriend's Guide to Empty Nesting, knows this transition firsthand. When her daughter left for college, she felt like she took her heart and purpose with her. In this funny, heartfelt and honest conversation, Allie shares how she moved from loss to renewal—rediscovering her own identity, passions, a...

Tired of staring at the ceiling at 3 AM, running on empty, and feeling like a zombie by mid-afternoon? You’re not alone—midlife sleep struggles are real, but they don’t have to be your norm.

In this must-listen episode, I sit down with certified holistic sleep coach Morgan Adams to uncover why sleep gets harder in midlife—and more importantly, what you can actually do about it. We go beyond the usual “sleep hygiene” tips and dive into the real reasons women struggle: hormonal shifts, anxiety, stress, and yes, even th...

The Missing Piece in Your Midlife Health: Why Your Liver Matters

You’re doing all the right things—eating well, moving, prioritizing sleep—but if your liver isn’t functioning optimally, your metabolism, hormones, and energy levels may still be working against you.

Your liver is a powerhouse, detoxifying your body, balancing hormones, and supporting fat metabolism. Yet, 30-40% of adults—especially midlife women—struggle with fatty liver disease without even knowing it. Symptoms like fatigue, stubborn weight gain, and poor sleep often appear long before lab work reveals a problem.

Dr. Supriya...

That evening glass of wine used to be such a simple pleasure. Now it comes with unwanted side effects—disrupted sleep at 3 am, morning brain fog, and inflammation showing up as puffiness or worse. If this sounds familiar, you're not alone in questioning your relationship with alcohol in midlife.

Leigh's journey with alcohol follows a path many women recognize. Growing up in a home where drinking was taboo, she didn't have her first real drink until college. That initial feeling of warmth and calm became a powerful anchor, especially for someone diagnosed with anxiety and OCD early in...

Hello there, ladies! It's Michele here, your 60-something guide to health after the big 5-0. In today's episode, we're having a good old chat about taking care of ourselves in these golden years.

Listen, I know what you're going through. Those hormones playing musical chairs, feeling like your muscles are on vacation, and all those "experts" telling you what to do—it's enough to make your head spin! I've been there too, and that's why I'm sitting in this chair today talking to you.

We're going to break down intermittent fasting into bite-sized pieces that ma...

Join me for an inspiring conversation with Kristine Gardner, a wellness expert who’s made it her mission to help women create fulfilling, balanced lives. Kristine takes us on her remarkable journey from discovering wellness in her 20s to becoming a personal trainer, earning a master’s in counseling, and leading a successful sales team—all while navigating the challenges of motherhood, a 20-year marriage, and even the joy of becoming a dog mom, all from her charming home in Niwot, Colorado.

In this episode, Kristine shares powerful insights on how simple morning habits can set the tone f...

What happens when a seasoned career takes an unexpected turn in the middle of a global pandemic? I found myself facing that very question, jobless and searching for purpose. Join me as we unpack midlife career journeys with career expert Julie Bauke, who brings over 25 years of experience to the table. Together, we explore the challenges and opportunities for women over 50 in a rapidly evolving workforce that now includes Gen Z. Julie's insights reveal how viewing our careers as a series of chapters can empower women to leverage their skills and experiences, even after career interruptions.

Feeling...

Is there a way to tackle PTSD and depression beyond the confines of traditional treatment? What if you are seeking a stronger connectedness and spiritual growth in your life? Join us as we sit down with Neil Markey, the co-founder and CEO of Beckley Retreats, who shares his personal journey from a small town in Maryland to the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan. Neil opens up about his struggles with mental health and how a profound shift towards meditation and psychedelics helped him find a new path to healing. Through his story, we uncover the limitations of conventional treatments...

Are Midlife Aches and Pains More Than Just Aging? Discover the Role of Fascia in Your Health

Ladies, are you tired of feeling like your body is constantly fighting against you as you navigate midlife? It might not just be aging—your fascia could be the key. Join me as I sit down with Anna Rahe, a fascia-based movement coach whose inspiring journey from chronic pain to healing will shift how you see your body. As a former dancer and Pilates instructor, Anna faced her own struggles with severe health issues and found little relief in...

Are you navigating the ups and downs of midlife, dealing with unexplained symptoms, hormonal changes, or feeling dismissed by traditional medicine? This podcast episode is your essential guide to understanding and overcoming midlife health struggles. Join naturopath Joanne Kennedy as she shares empowering insights into menopause, gut health, and personalized wellness strategies tailored specifically for women in their 40s and beyond.

Discover how overlooked factors like the MTHFR gene and hidden issues like histamine intolerance could be affecting your health. Learn practical, holistic approaches to:

Are you carrying emotional baggage that's weighing you down? This game-changing episode reveals why forgiveness might be the self-care revolution you never knew you needed. Meet Dara McKinley, a spiritual teacher and psychology expert who discovered the transformative power of forgiveness through her own unexpected crisis.

Despite years of professional expertise, Dara found herself stuck – until a breakthrough moment changed everything. Her story will resonate deeply with anyone who's ever thought "I just can't let this go" or "Why should I be the one to forgive?"

You'll discover:

Ready to thrive in your 50s and beyond? Tune into this episode for a fun and inspiring conversation with culinary wellness coach Kristen Coffield. Kristen is here to share her powerful journey and expert tips on building lasting health habits as you embrace midlife. From a family-owned gift shop to becoming a sought-after wellness advocate, Kristen’s transformation is a testament to what’s possible when we take control of our health—and support each other along the way.

In this episode, we dive into the real-talk on alcohol and caffeine, two common culprits that can impact your w...

What if unlocking the secrets of your own DNA could revolutionize your approach to health and wellness? Join us as we venture into the world of genetic-based health insights with Elwin Robinson, founder of Genetic Insights. Elwin shares his compelling journey into genetic testing, propelled by personal health struggles that traditional and alternative medicine couldn't resolve. Raised in a family where both conventional and alternative health practices coexisted, Elwin's unique perspective on wellness has led him to create a platform that brings the power of genetic testing to your fingertips, offering a transformative approach to understanding your health.
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It's me speaking with you this week offering my perspective on midlife health, focusing on building long-term vitality through strength training, mindful eating, and sustainable lifestyle changes. It's time to ditch the quick-fix mentality and embrace lasting results. Together, we'll explore the importance of being mindful about sugar consumption, the crucial role that muscle plays in metabolism, and the often-overlooked implications of relying on medications for weight loss.

We dive into the unique challenges women face during midlife and how to navigate them with confidence and clarity. One of the key topics we cover is the importance...

Are you looking for a natural, personalized approach to health and wellness that truly resonates with your unique needs? In this episode, we dive into the world of homeopathy with Pam Klein, an experienced homeopathic practitioner whose journey from special education and art to holistic healing is as inspiring as it is enlightening. Pam’s compassionate, patient-centered approach blends creativity and care, offering fresh insights into how homeopathy can transform your health.

Join us as we explore the fascinating roots of homeopathy, founded by Dr. Samuel Hahnemann, and its guiding principle of "like cures like." We’ll unco...

If you're a woman over 50, you likely find yourself facing the emotional and logistical challenges of caring for aging family members. Our guest, April Ibarra, a social gerontologist and my Faster Way client, is here to share her wisdom and guide you through this crucial journey. From teaching exercise classes in nursing homes to helping companies with health and wellness, April's path led her to her true passion—elder care advising. Now, she’s dedicated to helping families like yours navigate the complexities of aging.

In this conversation, we delve into the unique burdens often carried by wome...

Transform Your Style with Alison Bruhn: A Fashion Journey for Women 50+

Join Alison Bruhn, a former teacher turned fashion expert, as she shares her inspiring journey into the world of personal styling. Alongside her daughter Delia Folk, Alison co-founded The Style That Binds Us, a platform dedicated to celebrating fashion for women of all ages and sizes. In this empowering episode, Alison reveals how she reinvented her career and now helps women like you embrace fashion as a tool for self-expression and transformation.

As we enter midlife, our bodies and lifestyles evolve, and...

This enriching episode is dedicated to all women over 50, especially during the busy holiday season, offering self-care strategies that go beyond luxury to focus on nurturing your emotional and mental well-being. Join me as I chat with my dear friend and client, Melissa Crook, the inspiring founder of Embracing Layers Network and host of the Feel podcast. Together, we emphasize that self-care is not about pampering—it’s about practicing self-acceptance and setting boundaries, especially as we age and balance the demands of life.

Melissa’s journey is a powerful reminder of the...

Ready to reignite the spark in your relationship?

Join Jenn Gunsaullus, PhD, a renowned sociologist, speaker, and author, as she shares her expert insights on transforming intimacy and communication in midlife. Dr. Gunsaullus has spent years studying sexual health and intimacy, evolving from a peer educator to a leading intimacy coach. In this empowering conversation, she will explain how emotional vulnerability can rekindle passion and deepen connections in relationships.

Dr. Gunsaullus offers valuable advice for women navigating midlife relationships, focusing on self-love, mindfulness, and embracing your body’s natural pleasures—no matt...

Don't get her started! If you follow renowned dermatologist, Dr. Ellen Gendler, you already know that she offers a refreshingly honest take on skincare in today’s social media-driven world. In this conversation, Dr. Gendler details her journey—from treating contact dermatitis to becoming a leading voice in cosmetic dermatology. With her practical, no-nonsense approach, she helps us cut through the noise of influencer trends and make smarter, more informed choices when it comes to skincare, all while staying true to her integrity and avoiding the lure of paid promotions.

Dr. Gendler takes us on a deep dive...

As a podcast host, I receive countless pitches from PR agencies recommending guests for the show. While many of them sound great, sometimes the fit just isn’t right—whether the topic doesn’t resonate with our audience or the subject matter feels repetitive. My goal is to bring on women who are making a difference, breaking new ground, and sharing fresh perspectives. These are conversations we may not always have in our everyday circles, so when I received an email about today’s guest, I knew instantly it was a perfect fit.

Sue Willoughby is the founder...

When pursuing a healthy lifestyle and longevity, many of the risk factors and behaviors discussed on the podcast, and with my clients, also go hand-in-hand with the prevention of dementia. Yes, we can prevent about 50% of dementia by living a more healthy, intentional life. This is great news!

Unlock the secrets of brain health and dementia prevention with insights from Dr. Mitchell Clionsky, a leading neuropsychologist specializing in cognitive impairments. Gain a deeper understanding of dementia's complexities, including the distinct characteristics of Alzheimer's, vascular dementia, and Lewy body dementia. Dr. Clionsky helps us navigate the impact of...

Craving adventure and self-discovery, but not sure where to start? We have an inspiring episode featuring Beth Binger, who reinvented her life through solo travel after 26 years of marriage. Beth's transformative journey offers a roadmap for women, especially those in midlife, looking to rediscover themselves and break free from traditional roles. Always accompanied her sweet pup, Lexi, she shares practical travel insights and the courage it takes to embark on solo adventures, encouraging women to prioritize their health and passions.

From unearthing childhood travel dreams to navigating the open roads of America, this episode is a testament...

I loved this conversation, and any woman who struggles with setting boundaries must listen to this episode!

Discover the art of becoming "unf*ckwithable" as we sit down with the inspiring Lisa Danforth, a serial entrepreneur and coach, who shares her journey of setting boundaries for self-care and success. Learn from Lisa's experiences in navigating the delicate balance between personal and professional spheres, and how curiosity can be a powerful tool for personal growth. Hear stories of transformation, like a client who overcame self-doubt to raise her rates by connecting her choices to something deeply meaningful, showcasing...

This week I am speaking to Tanja Shaw, a seasoned health and fitness coach, as she reveals her personal story from fitness enthusiast to advocate of holistic well-being. Her pivotal shift in 2014 toward intuitive eating and a mindset focus reshaped her coaching methodology, emphasizing healthier relationships with food and oneself. Tanja candidly shares how understanding the psychological aspects of health can lead to profound lifestyle changes, fostering self-care and sustainability in wellness.

Explore the power of mindset transformations as we tackle common obstacles like perfectionism, people-pleasing, and body image struggles. Tanja offers practical insights on achieving harmony...