The Forties Formula

Have you ever gone quiet in a meeting when you knew you had the right answer? Or softened your tone to avoid being "too much"? You were muted — and it wasn't your fault.

This week we're joined by Heather Hansen, global communication specialist, TEDx speaker, author of Unmuted, and PhD candidate in Linguistics. Her viral TEDx talk "2 Billion Voices: How to Speak Bad English Perfectly" has sparked a global conversation about how we judge, silence, and underestimate voices.

We unpack:

Struggling with weight loss after 40? Perimenopause weight gain, hormonal shifts, and a slower metabolism after 40 make midlife weight loss feel impossible — but it's not just your metabolism. In this clip from The Forties Formula in Focus, Laura Phillips joins Amanda & Jasmin to break down why weight loss for women over 40 requires a completely different approach — and what actually works.

☕ Buy us a coffee — buymeacoffee.com/thefortiesformula

🎧 Watch the full conversation: https://youtu.be/7tUjPyn8Dz8

Or search for Laura Phillips and The Forties Formula wherever you get your podcasts.

keywords

menopause...

Midlife health, perimenopause symptoms, anxiety, sleep issues, burnout and hormone imbalance — why women in their 40s feel “off” even when tests are normal.

In this episode of The Forties Formula, hosts Jasmin Dhillon and Amanda Lim sit down with Dr Olivia Lesslar to unpack why so many women in their 40s feel like something has shifted in their body — yet struggle to get clear answers.

If you’ve experienced lighter sleep, rising anxiety, unpredictable energy, weight changes, or a sense that your body isn’t responding the way it used to, this conversation connects the dots.

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This clip explores the nuances of ADHD in women, including how it manifests differently across ages, the importance of neurodivergence perspectives, and practical insights for understanding and managing ADHD.

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ADHD, women, neurodivergence, mental health, attention regulation, emotional dysregulation, burnout, neuroaffirming, diagnosis, hyperfocus

key topics

ADHD presentation in women and girls

Masking and internal agitation

Neurodivergence and brain wiring differences

Impact of life stages on ADHD symptoms

Burnout and emotional regulation in women with ADHD

Guest:

Dr...

What really happens to a woman’s body, mind, and identity in her 40s?

The answers are rarely discussed openly.

Hosted by Jasmin Dhillon, an Integrated Health Strategist specialising in gut health, hormones and midlife wellbeing, and Amanda Lim, director of Lift Clinic and a leading expert in female strength and metabolism, The Forties Formula explores the real shifts women experience in midlife.

From metabolic health and muscle loss to career transitions, relationships, and redefining purpose, this podcast brings together leading experts, doctors, entrepreneurs and thought leaders to unpack the science and the li...

Struggling with metabolism, belly fat, or low energy in your 40s? Wondering if your protein intake is actually helping — or making things worse? In this episode we unpack how protein influences metabolism, hormones, muscle, and body composition in midlife.

Many women in their 40s are unknowingly under-eating protein, eating it at the wrong times, or relying on “high-protein” marketing that doesn’t actually support muscle health, metabolic health, or fat loss. We explore what’s really happening in your metabolism during perimenopause, why the popular “30g of protein per meal” advice isn’t always a magic fix, and how to eat i...

What if the fear you keep avoiding is actually the clearest sign you are meant to grow?

In this episode of The 40s Formula, we sit down with Bhavna Toor to explore the power of conscious choice and why you are only one decision away from a new direction. From leaving a secure corporate career to starting over in a new country, Bhavna shares how choosing courage over comfort reshaped her life and leadership.

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CHAPTERS

00:00 – Episode Snippet

00:17 – Leaning into fear and taking the leap

02:08 – Courage vs fearle...

Is your 40s a crisis… or the most powerful reset of your life?

In this milestone Episode 100 of The 40s Formula, we flip the script and answer the question we’ve asked every guest: What actually works in your forties? After 100 episodes and countless expert insights, we distill everything into one clear roadmap: the Body Fix, the Mind Fix, and the Life Fix.

We cut through diet culture, burnout, people-pleasing, and overwhelm to focus on what really builds strength, resilience, and clarity in this decade. If you’re tired of doing too much of the wrong...

Is the "Tiger Mom" approach actually damaging, or is Western parenting too permissive? In this episode of The Forties Formula, we sit down with conscious parenting coach Cornelia Dahinten and Anabel Chew to dismantle the myths surrounding Asian parenting versus Western styles.

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CHAPTERS

00:00 – Episode Snippet

03:38 – Traditional vs Modern Parenting Styles

13:48 – Sponsor Break: Cozy Earth

18:49 – What “Tiger Mom” parenting really means

25:10 – Sponsor Break: Love, Indus

32:14 – Letting kids be kids

42:47 – Fuel Your Forties

43:40 – The 40s Formula: Strong relationships and clarity

🎙️ ABOUT OUR GU...

Most women in their 40s are told their fatigue, brain fog, and low energy are “just hormones,” but iron deficiency is often the missing piece. In this episode, we explain why iron status plays a critical role in energy, focus, and overall performance in midlife.

Family physician DR. TASH MIRANDO joins us to unpack how iron functions as the body’s oxygen transport system, why low ferritin can look like perimenopause, and how to interpret blood tests beyond “normal” ranges. We discuss when nutrition and supplements are enough, when medical treatment is appropriate, and how to build sustainabl...

Most women are judged within seconds of entering a room—before saying a single word. In this episode, we reveal the science of nonverbal communication and how to be confident instantly without faking it.

Nonverbal specialist Pamela Puja Kirpalani joins us to unpack why body language shapes authority more than words. We discuss the psychology of first impressions, why "confidence" isn't enough, and the specific communication skills you need to command respect at work and in social settings.

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CHAPTERS

00:00 – Episode Snippet

00:55 – Introducing our guest, Pamela Puja Kirpalani

14:3...

Are you dealing with bladder urgency, urinary incontinence, or painful sex in your 40s? You are not alone.

In this episode of The Forties Formula, we dive deep into pelvic floor dysfunction—the invisible health crisis affecting women in perimenopause and beyond.

Most women prepare for wrinkles and hot flashes, but few are taught about pelvic health. We sit down with PREET SINGH, a pelvic health physiotherapist, to discuss the symptoms women rarely talk about: leaking when sneezing, constipation, and changes in sexual health. We break down why kegel exercises aren't always the answer and ex...

In this episode of The Forties Formula podcast, hosts Jasmin Dhillon and Amanda Lim sit down with AMY KUNROJPANYA, a global executive and multilingual leader, to talk about the parts of professional success most people do not see. They explore how women manage ambition, leadership and motherhood while contending with chronic pain and women’s health concerns such as endometriosis. Amy shares practical approaches to setting boundaries, improving work-life balance expectations, navigating nonlinear career progression and advocating for medical care. Listen to understand success without performance culture and leadership without outdated expectations.

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CHAPTERS

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In this deeply reflective episode of The Forties Formula podcast, hosts Jasmin Dhillon and Amanda Lim sit down with LAILA WHITE, former Reebok master trainer, fitness company founder, and Mrs. Singapore runner-up, to explore what it truly means to reinvent yourself across seasons of life. Laila reflects on how detours shaped her career, how resilience and discipline became her compass, and why she refuses to label setbacks as failures, only redirections and new doors waiting to be opened.

This episode also highlights Laila’s heart-centered work through Gallup and Spoonful of Hope, creating spaces and resources for wo...

❤️ Healing doesn’t begin with answers. It begins with awareness of the body, the patterns, and the stories we’ve been carrying far longer than we realize.

In this deeply reflective episode of The Forties Formula podcast, hosts Jasmin Dhillon and Amanda Lim sit down with NUR ADAM, , a trauma-informed therapist and somatic healing practitioner, to explore the powerful and often misunderstood dynamics of the mother–daughter relationship. Nur explains how our earliest experiences shape the nervous system, influence our sense of safety, and quietly guide how we show up in relationships throughout life.

This episode al...

❤️ Growth rarely begins with dramatic transformations. More often, it starts quietly, with a single decision repeated over time.

In this insightful episode of The Forties Formula podcast, hosts Jasmin Dhillon and Amanda Lim sit down with AMELIA BAILEY, founder of the Happy Girl Movement, to talk about how a simple daily walk became a powerful anchor for mental health, confidence, and self-trust. Amelia shares her journey of committing to walking every day through anxiety, burnout, injury, and major life transitions, and how consistency reshaped her relationship with herself as she approaches 40.

They explore themes of ment...

❤️ "Your body is incredible; treat it well and it will give back."

In this insightful episode of The Forties Formula podcast, hosts Jasmin Dhillon and Amanda Lim share a collection of honest moments from women who have previously joined the show, all answering one simple question: What’s your 40s formula? Their reflections speak to the quiet questions many women ask in this decade, especially when life feels full, busy, and focused on everyone else.

We explore themes like setting boundaries, caring for your health, perimenopause, confidence, identity changes, and learning to put yourself first withou...

💇‍♀️“Your hair isn’t just about style; it’s deeply connected to identity, confidence, and the season of life you’re in.”

In this insightful episode of The Forties Formula podcast, hosts Jasmin Dhillon and Amanda Lim sit down with TONI OVENDEN , a seasoned hair expert, educator and Founder of Love Hair HK & SG, to unpack the powerful relationship between hair, hormones, life transitions, and self-expression in your 40s and beyond.

We explore why big life moments like breakups, pregnancy, postpartum, and perimenopause often trigger the urge for drastic hair changes, and when those changes help versus when th...

“Stress isn’t always the culprit; sometimes the problem is literally right under your tongue 👅.”

In this inspiring episode of The Forties Formula podcast, hosts Jasmin Dhillon and Amanda Lim sit down with VERONICA ONG, a nutritionist, bodywork practitioner, and founder of Nourish Naturally and The Holistic Space by Nourish Naturally to uncover a surprising culprit behind fatigue, stress, poor sleep, and midlife discomfort: the jaw.

We explore why women in their 40s are particularly prone to jaw issues, how hormones, posture, and even tongue tension play a role, and why clenching and grinding is more than...

💪🏿 “Strength, health, and self-respect are achieved not for anyone else’s approval, but for the fulfillment of living authentically in your own body.”

In this inspiring episode of The Forties Formula podcast, hosts Jasmin Dhillon and Amanda Lim sit down with comedian MELISSA SARAH WEE, founder of Guilty Pleasure by M.S.W, lifestyle and fitness enthusiast, and experienced personal trainer. Melissa shares her powerful journey of body transformation, from battling eating disorders and societal pressures to becoming a competitive bodybuilder and embracing motherhood.

We explore the complexities of body image, the pressures women face around perfe...

👂 "Take care of your ears today, they are the gateway to connection, clarity, and confidence."

In this inspiring episode of The Forties Formula podcast, hosts Jasmin Dhillon and Amanda Lim sit down with comedian DR. REBECCA HEYWOOD, a leading Ear and Hearing Surgeon in Singapore.

Rebecca joins us to break down the signs of age-related hearing loss, the impact of tinnitus, vertigo, and sudden hearing changes, and why early treatment matters.

We explore how hearing loss can contribute to listening fatigue, social isolation, anxiety, and even put strain on family relationships. Plus, we div...

“Life doesn’t follow a straight line, and sometimes the funniest, most meaningful moments come from the unexpected twists, personal growth, and everyday chaos of parenthood and career.”

In this inspiring episode of The Forties Formula podcast, hosts Jasmin Dhillon and Amanda Lim sit down with comedian SASHA FRANK, whose career and personal life have evolved through marriage, motherhood, and moving across countries. She shares how her comedy has shifted with life changes, from dating and single parenthood to navigating marriage and pregnancy, all while keeping her humor relatable and sharp.

Sasha talks about balancing energy...

“Passion isn’t always a straight path. Sometimes it takes years of struggle, wrong turns, and family expectations before you find the space to create what you truly love.”

In this inspiring episode of The Forties Formula podcast, hosts Jasmin Dhillon and Amanda Lim sit down with creative duo BEATRICE NANNINI and NAVEEN MURUGAN, founders of Raja Rani, a sustainable fashion brand that blends music, culture, and conscious living. Their story is one of bold imagination, transforming traditional Indian saris into kimonos that carry heritage, artistry, and heart.

They share the story behind upcycling saris into o...

In this heart-breaking episode of The Forties Formula podcast, hosts Jasmin Dhillon and Amanda Lim sit down with DAYLIN LIMONTE, a devoted mother whose life was forever changed when her son, Caleb, was taken by his father and never returned. What began as a routine weekend visitation turned into a years-long cross-border fight that tested every limit of her faith, strength, and endurance.

With honesty and grace, Daylin opens up about the pain of loss, the struggle for justice, and the challenges of navigating two legal systems that often fail to protect victims of parental abduction. Through...

Happiness often feels like a finish line we’re all running toward, something to be achieved, earned, or chased. Yet, as life unfolds–especially in our 40s–that chase can feel exhausting.

In this insightful episode of The Forties Formula podcast, hosts Jasmin Dhillon and Amanda Lim sit down with SHA-EN YEO, a renowned Positive Psychology practitioner, two-time TEDx speaker, and upcoming author, to explore the deeper meaning of happiness, fulfillment, and intentional living in your 40s. Sha-En brings science and soul to the conversation as she challenges the modern myth that happiness means feeling good all the ti...

💪🏾 Strength isn’t only built in the gym. It’s found in every woman who chooses to live fully, truthfully, and unapologetically.

In this insightful episode of The Forties Formula podcast, hosts Jasmin Dhillon and Amanda Lim sit down with CHERYL TAY, body confidence advocate and founder of Rock The Naked Truth. Cheryl opens up about her journey from disordered eating and perfectionism to radical self-acceptance, reminding us that true strength begins when we stop performing for others and start honoring ourselves.

Together, they talk about the pressure to “stay small,” the toll of diet cultur...

In this insightful episode of The Forties Formula podcast, hosts Jasmin Dhillon and Amanda Lim sit down with DR. SUNDUS HUSSAIN MORGAN @lifestyledocsingapore, a UK-trained GP with specialist interest in lifestyle medicine and women's health. With years of clinical experience and a passion for helping women thrive through midlife, Dr. Sundus brings a refreshing, science-based approach to women’s health.

Together, they unpack the truth about perimenopause, the wellness myths women often fall for, and the simple, powerful habits that truly support hormonal health. From stress and sleep to supplements and strength training, Dr. Sundus offers practical in...

🫀 You don’t have to stay in survival mode. The same body that holds your stress also holds the key to your peace.

In this insightful episode of The Forties Formula podcast, hosts Jasmin Dhillon and Amanda Lim sit down with ANGEL PHUA, a Singapore-based somatic intuitive hypnotherapist with over 15 years of experience in the wellness space. With a background in psychology and nervous system regulation, Angel blends breathwork, hypnosis, and sound therapy to guide people back to emotional balance and self-awareness.

Together, they unpack how the body stores unprocessed emotions, why so many women live...

🌷 The silence of stillbirth carries a weight words cannot capture, yet within it blooms an unbreakable bond that transforms loss into love.

In this insightful episode of The Forties Formula podcast, hosts Jasmin Dhillon and Amanda Lim sit down with JAYNE STREET, a passionate advocate for mental health and wellbeing. A former lawyer turned fitness studio owner, she is now pursuing a Masters of Counselling, drawing on her personal journey and expat experience to support others through life’s challenges.

They talk about the painful experience of losing a baby, the heartbreak of being in a mat...

🍷 Aging is inevitable, but how we care for ourselves along the way can either accelerate the process or allow us to age like fine wine.

In this insightful episode of The Forties Formula podcast, hosts Jasmin Dhillon and Amanda Lim sit down with DR. CHAI LING LOW, a Singapore-based aesthetic doctor and founder of SW1 Clinic. With over 20 years of experience, she’s known for her science-led approach to skin health and aging, and is the author of In Full Bloom and Stop Ageing Like Milk.

They talk about when facelifts might...

🥗 What you eat today shapes how you feel, move, and live tomorrow.

In this insightful episode of The Forties Formula podcast, hosts Jasmin Dhillon and Amanda Lim sit down with JIEUN WRIGLEY, a clinical nutritionist and Founder of Rapid Nutrition Therapy who helps uncover the root causes of chronic symptoms and empowers people to restore balance through a personalized, food-first approach.

Jieun breaks down the common misconceptions about midlife health, sharing why many women still feel stuck despite dieting or exercising. She highlights how small, practical shifts in daily nutrition can improve energy, mood, and lon...

💰 Money habits are written early in life, but they can always be rewritten with discipline and vision.

In this insightful episode of The Forties Formula podcast, hosts Jasmin Dhillon and Amanda Lim sit down with ALEXIS LIVANES, financial advisor and money coach with over a decade of experience helping professionals and families reshape their financial futures. With clarity and practicality, Alexis shares how to turn your 40s into the wealth-building decade through simple money habits, intentional investing, and a focused financial mindset.

The conversation explores the realities of money in midlife. They discuss debt as a p...

🔥 Sex is the bridge to yourself and your partner, a journey of connection, intimacy, and self-discovery.

In this insightful episode of The Forties Formula podcast — winner of Best Health & Wellness Podcast in Asia 2025 —, hosts Jasmin Dhillon and Amanda Lim sit down with DR. ANGELA TAN, sexual wellness specialist with over 15 years of experience supporting individuals and couples in their most intimate challenges. With warmth and openness, Dr. Angela shares how she blends medical expertise with heart-led coaching to help people reconnect with themselves and their partners.

The conversation explores what it truly means to feel connect...

🌿 Life doesn’t always follow the path we expect, and sometimes it shakes everything we thought we knew about ourselves.

In this insightful episode of The Forties Formula podcast, hosts Jasmin Dhillon and Amanda Lim sit down with UMA THANA BALASINGAM, leadership coach, founder of RAW with Uma, and one of LinkedIn’s top voices in Asia. With raw honesty and courage, Uma shares her journey of identity, visibility, and self-reinvention, guiding women to embrace their full selves beyond societal expectations.

They discuss career quakes and how these moments can become opportunities to rediscover yourself. Uma ope...

The dopamine hit from sugar can feel like a reward, but the more you chase it, the more your brain demands.

The Forties Formula Podcast is a finalist in the 2025 Asia Podcast Awards! 🥳 We’d love your support — please take a moment to vote for us in the People’s Choice category here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/AsiaPodAwds2025PplChoice

In this eye-opening discussion, hosts Jasmin Dhillon and Amanda Lim explore the complex world of sugar and its impact on our bodies, brains, and daily habits. Drawing from their experience as a metabolic health coach and an in...

The dopamine hit from sugar can feel like a reward, but the more you chase it, the more your brain demands.

In this eye-opening discussion, hosts Jasmin Dhillon and Amanda Lim explore the complex world of sugar and its impact on our bodies, brains, and daily habits. Drawing from their experience as a metabolic health coach and an integrated health strategist, they unpack why sugar cravings feel almost impossible to resist and what we can do to regain control.

They examine how modern lifestyles, sleep deprivation, and emotional stress combine to fuel sugar...

🌿 Homeopathy doesn't just treat symptoms, it seeks the root, the reason, and the real you behind the imbalance.

In this insightful episode of The Forties Formula podcast, hosts Jasmin Dhillon and Amanda Lim sit down with DR. RUKSHIN SHAH, a seasoned pediatric homeopath based in Singapore with deep expertise in childhood neurological conditions and autism spectrum disorders.

Together, they explore how conventional medicine often misses the emotional and energetic layers behind common midlife symptoms. Dr. Rukshin explains how homeopathy uncovers these hidden roots by looking at childhood experiences, family dynamics, and long-held emotional bur...

“The best friendships are mirrors reflecting your growth, not shadows competing with your light.”

In this insightful episode of The Forties Formula podcast, hosts Jasmin Dhillon and Amanda Lim sit down with SHIREENA SHROFF MANCHHARAM, the visionary Founder and Principal Consultant of Sheens Consulting and the creator of the mental health movement Getting to Happy and ANJU CAWTHRA, a dynamic community leader, broadcaster, and the Director of Seasoned Singapore Expat Women, for an unfiltered conversation about female friendship.

Together, we reflect on the differences between friendships in our twenties and forties, from nights out...

Society praises the woman who holds everything together but rarely asks what it costs her to keep performing.

In this insightful episode of The Forties Formula podcast, hosts Jasmin Dhillon and Amanda Lim sit down with MARISSA NASUTION, a Research Psychologist, Coach, Speaker and emotional education specialist dedicated to raising awareness, educating, and empowering women to set healthy boundaries and redefine success on their own terms.

Together, they unpack the emotional weight of people-pleasing, the deeply rooted cultural and societal expectations that condition women to prioritize everyone else’s needs above their own, an...

Forget the stereotypes, menopause isn’t just night sweats and mood swings. It’s a real challenge that’s changing how women work, lead, and live.

In this insightful episode of The Forties Formula podcast, hosts Jasmin Dhillon and Amanda Lim sit down with LISA TARQUINI, a UK Registered Nutritionist and Licensed Menopause Champion dedicated to raising awareness, educating, and empowering people impacted by menopause.

Together, they dive into the real-life impact menopause has on women’s professional and personal lives, highlighting how a lack of understanding often leaves many struggling quietly...