The FxCK YOU 50s

Listener Note & Content Warning

This episode contains candid discussions regarding gender-based harassment, sexual assault, domestic violence, and personal trauma. We recognize that these topics can be heavy and deeply triggering. Please prioritize your emotional well-being while listening.

I’ve been sitting on this solo episode for a while now — then I had a conversation with my youngest daughter about it. It was her 18 year old words of wisdom that inspired me to continue with publishing this episode. 

Here I paraphrase what she s...

If a sneeze causes you to pee your pants—at least make them pretty.

The lingerie industry spent decades quietly deciding that women over 50 didn't want sexy, stylish underwear anymore.

Mother-daughter powerhouse duo  Shaula Yemini (tech executive, math PhD, and lover of a pretty panty under a suit) and Noa Arias (former L'Oréal/AmEx marketer) decided to call bullshit on that narrative.

Together, they founded Bloomers Intimates—a brand proving that women who were raised on and desired sexy lingerie didn't vanish; they just got older.

...

Avoid getting sucked in with misinformation. Check for receipts, verify research, and refuse to buy into the wellness hype.

Andrea Claire summons prominent psychology professor and online educator Dr. Inna Kanevsky to cut through the noise of wellness culture. Listen to the unpacking of the digital landscape's biggest pitfalls, explore the realities of neurodivergence later in life, and discuss what it truly means to step into midlife with confidence and authority.

Combat Online Misinformation: Dr. Inna shares expert strategies for spotting red flags on social media, emphasizing why phrases like "numbers without...

As if midlife wasn’t messy enough, the online menopause space has officially turned into a digital cage match. In this solo episode, we are pulling back the curtain on the social media turf wars, the green-screen finger-pointing, and the absolute circus of medical gatekeeping.

The Great Debate: Core Facts vs. Cash Flow

In this episode of The FxCK YOU 50s, host Andrea Claire sits down with  pink-haired midlife baddie Sue Page—an MNU Certified Nutritionist, nutrition coach, with absolute zero tolerance for nutrition BS.

If you’ve been told that your metabolism automatically crashed the second you hit perimenopause, or are drawn into the answers for questions you never considered before on "cortisol-dampening", or maybe buying groceries that say ‘added protein’ – added protein ice cream and tequila - perfect! Well, this episode is for you!

 Andrea and Sue tear down the predatory marketing preying on midlife women who grew up...

Is "WOACA" (Women of a Certain Age) just a convenient shorthand, or is it a polite, sugar-coated way to brush women over 50 under the rug? 

In this solo rant, I’m breaking down the term that’s been creeping into conversations, media, and midlife discourse—and why it makes my skin bubble and blister. 

This label actually allows for passive gendered ageism sneaking into everyday language. It’s time to call out the subtle ways society tries to sanitize women who are stepping into their power.

Tune in, get angry, and let’s dismantle th...

In this episode of The FxCK YOU 50s, host Andrea Claire sits down with communications expert Kirsten Birkeland to dismantle the cultural and personal barriers that keep women from speaking up. Together, they explore practical strategies to help women navigate gendered communication dynamics, build unshakable self-confidence, and command attention in both personal and professional settings without apologizing for taking up space.

Key Insights

Unpacking Apologetic Language: Women frequently minimize their impact by starting presentations with apologies or using softening phrases. Transitioning to direct, ownership-focused language (e.g., "I feel st...

In this episode, guest Katharin von Gavel—founder of Footlogix, joins the show to dive into the essential, often-overlooked connection between foot health, hormonal shifts, and overall longevity. With a Doctorate in Natural Medicine (DNM), a BSc in Podology, and a Diploma in Chiropody, Katharin brings decades of specialized expertise to explain why foot care in midlife is far more than just a cosmetic routine.

The conversation explores the evolution of the pedicure industry over the last 50 years and introduces the concept of "pediceuticals"—specialized formulas designed for high performance and wellness.

Katharin unpacks the stru...

Ebonnie Rowe, Honey Jam Canada founder and Order of Canada recipient, is all about creating opportunities, claiming space without asking for permission, and surrounding yourself with other women who also lift while they rise. 

In this episode, host Andrea Claire sits down with Ebonnie to talk about her 30-year journey from legal assistant to founding Canada’s premier launchpad for young female artists (whose alumni include stars like Nelly Furtado). They explore navigating midlife with confidence, the power of intergenerational energy, and the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in entertainment. Together, they also pull back the cur...

*Trigger warning: some personal stories may be upsetting to some*

"If you’re standing up for yourself and someone takes that as rude, that is a them problem."

From childhood play to corporate boardrooms, women are conditioned to trade their authentic voices for politeness, safety, and consensus.

In this solo rant, Andrea Claire unpacks "The Politeness Trap"—examining how soft language, de-escalation tactics, and double standards keep women shrinking. Drawing from candid personal stories of street harassment, medical gaslighting, and unsolicited male advice in the media industry, Andr...

"He wanted to date younger women."

Ann's true story essay on the WTAF dating app experience is a MUST read.

Bestselling author Ann Garvin joins us to dissect the messy, hilarious, and often daunting reality of midlife. From her own bold pivot from science writing to fiction, to the systemic barriers women face in publishing, Ann shares how she uses humor to navigate life’s "funny, sad, and scary" chapters. Tune in for an unfiltered conversation on reinvention, the importance of community, and why your voice matters more than ever after 50.

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In this vulnerable and candid solo episode of The FxCK YOU 50s, Andrea Claire pulls back the curtain on a deeply personal aspect of her health journey: living with hearing loss and tinnitus. Moving beyond the polished exterior of midlife - well - she never shows her life as polished... lol

Andrea opens up about the reality of managing autoimmune-related hearing decline, the unexpected cost of hearing technology, and the daily adjustments that come with navigating a world not designed for those with hearing challenges.

Andrea offers a raw look at t...

Midlife Women: Invisability, Ageism, Menopause, and Corporate Gaslighting

What happens when corporate spaces look at 30+ years of unmatched wisdom, killer instincts, and unshakeable experience and say, “Yikes, that looks expensive... can we trade it in for an entry-level budget?”

In this episode, we are diving deep into the bizarre corporate paradox that expects women of a certain age to just... evaporate. Joining the conversation is Karen Schulman Dupuis, an unstoppable business designer, technologist, and researcher whose recent master’s research, Women Disrupted, delivers the hard, undeniable data on what actually happens to women’s careers after 40...

From diva egos to FBI training videos, the entertainment industry is a recipe for stress—but Melissa Street navigated it with 8 Emmy Awards and absolute grace.

This week on The FxCK YOU 50s, we are joined by retired Film and Television Makeup Artist Melissa Street. With over 35 years of experience, Melissa shares the highs and lows of her incredible career—including the intense stress of the job, the unique world of special FX, and the emotional toll of losing an A-list client who became a close friend.

As a stroke survivor, Melissa also opens up abou...

Inside The Regan Method: Choosing the Right Plastic Surgeon in Midlife: 

In a world saturated with filtered selfies, homogenized beauty standards, and predatory marketing that specifically targets women in midlife, finding the truth about cosmetic procedures feels nearly impossible. Enter Mary Regan, founder of The Regan Method, an educational framework designed to dismantle misconceptions, expose red flags, and put the power back into the hands of patients.

In this episode, Mary strips away the glossy marketing of the aesthetic industry to deliver a masterclass on patient advocacy, the psychology behind our choices, and the unspoken p...

Andrea Claire sits down with award-winning author Katrina Anne Willis for an unapologetic conversation about burning down societal expectations and coming out LGBTQ+ after 50.

Katrina, author of the 2026 memoir Hurricane Lessons, opens up about the massive tectonic shifts of navigating identity, family dynamics, and the heavy emotional labor women carry into their fifties. From the nuances of midlife LGBTQ+ self-discovery to confronting workplace ageism, menopause, and the sudden feeling of societal invisibility, this episode is one to stream now!.

It’s a beautiful, unfiltered masterclass in why it is never too late to make a ch...

I sit down with Jasmine Denham, a phenomenal musician whose career is a masterclass in evolution. With a resume that spans decades and continents, Jasmine has navigated every facet of the music industry—from performing on world stages with Sisterella - an MJJ /  Michael Jackson production and as a  touring backup vocalist for Nelly Furtado to shared "sparkling moments" with icons like Prince and Pharrell.

Beyond the spotlight, Jasmine is a seasoned songwriter, producer, and entrepreneur. She has penned hits for Juno-nominated artists, earned a SOCAN No. 1, and served as a musical director for The Next Star. Toda...

In her second appearance on the podcast, Tamara Gerdis, co-founder of Physio Down Under, returns to provide a masterclass in pelvic floor health for women over 50 navigating midlife and beyond. With over 20 years of expertise, Tamara strips away the stigma surrounding "taboo" topics, offering a blend of clinical evidence and empowering practical advice.

The conversation dives deep into how the hormonal shifts of menopause—specifically the decline of estrogen—impact everything from bladder urgency to sexual comfort. Tamara emphasizes that while symptoms like leakage or "the invisible itch" are common, they are not an inevitable part of agin...

* Look for 'The Chicken Dance' visual on The FxCK YOU 50s IG account! *

Joining Andrea Claire today is Dr. Trina Read, a world-renowned sexologist, #1 bestselling author, and the woman on a mission to prove that midlife is the perfect time to reclaim your pleasure.

From her award-winning The Sex Course, to her practical guide: You. Me. Bed. Now!, Trina has spent decades helping women navigate the complex intersection of long-term partnership, menopause, and shifting sexual scripts.

We’re learn the difference between a sexologist and a sex therapist, how to navigate mismatched libidos, an...

In this episode,  Andrea Claire sits down with Jana Danielson, a women's health expert, pelvic floor pioneer, mindset mentor and the mastermind behind the most talked-about sphere in wellness today.

After a personal health crisis sparked the realization that many "medical" pelvic issues are actually rooted in fitness, Jana transformed her passion into a wellness empire. From a home-based Pilates setup in 2008 to a 9,000-square-foot integrated health clinic in Saskatoon, Jana’s reach now includes her online platform, Metta District, and her signature pelvic floor fitness tools: the Cooch Ball and Scooch Ball.

We explore  the...

Guest: Syd Bosel 🎤

Canadian Nationally Touring Stand-up Comic | Featured on CBC’s The Debaters & Winnipeg Comedy Festival.

In this episode, we’re joined by the hilarious Syd Bosel, a nationally touring Canadian stand-up comic who proves that it’s never too late to find your mic. After three decades as a Family Support Worker, Syd hit the stage at 55 and never looked back.

We dive deep into the "fine art" of stand-up, the reality of being the oldest person in the greenroom, and how she navigates ageism with wit.

Syd opens up about...

Carla Ondrasik shares her inspiring journey from a tumultuous childhood to a successful career in music publishing and her transformative 'no try' philosophy. Discover how embracing decisive action over hesitation can unlock your potential at any age.

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What happens when you’ve reached the literal pinnacle of your career—shattering glass ceilings as the first female head scenic designer at Radio City Music Hall—and realize you’re ready to trade the spotlight for a stable?

In this episode, we sit down with Dawn Robyn, a woman who shares her journey to her true north. Dawn pivoted from the high-stakes world of New York theatre to the gritty, rewarding reality of equine rescue.

We discuss:

How Dawn transitioned from the world of theatre by following her a dream and her curiosit...

Strap in people!! On this episode of The FxCK YOU 50s, we are joined by the woman who literally wrote a manual on this gong show: Angela Burk, author of The Real Girls Guide to Midlife.

If you’ve ever looked in the mirror and thought, "Mirror, Mirror, WTF?!"—or found yourself stealing the batteries out of the TV remote for… recreational purposes —this episode is your new North Star.

We fire back at the medical gaslighting epidemic (no, we won't just "wait it out and lose weight," thanks!), and why we need to stop asking f...

In this episode of The FxCK YOU 50s, guest Alicia Jones, a fitness and health expert and host Andrea Claire dive deep into the physical and mental shifts of midlife, challenging the narrative that aging must equal decline.

Our conversation is a rallying cry for women to stop settling for "feeling old" and start advocating for the healthcare and lifestyle they deserve.

Alicia breaks down the science of strength training and pelvic health, while both women dismantle the toxic "shrink to fit" mentality of traditional diet culture.

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Librarian Aunties Redefining Sports Journalism

In this vibrant episode of The FxCK You 50s, we sit down with Jill and Alison, the powerhouse duo behind the podcast Keep the Flame Alive.

They share an inspiring "second act" story, detailing their transition from the quiet world of corporate librarianship to the high-energy field of sports journalism.

The conversation explores how they carved out a unique niche by focusing on the Olympics and Paralympics, bringing a refreshing, accessible, and deeply human perspective to sports coverage that resonates with sports fans and non-sports...

Andrea chats with Frances Largeman-Roth, a respected Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, to tackle the often-misunderstood landscape of midlife health, nutrition, and metabolism. Frances delivers a balanced and humorous approach to dietary choices, moving far beyond rigid "diet culture" and the noise of social media influencers.

The conversation dives deep into the midlife metabolism, offering practical, evidence-based strategies centered on fiber and protein intake, mindful meal frequency and timing, and the crucial role of exercise. Frances critiques the Ozempic craze, offering natural alternatives, and underscores the impact of stress on weight management.

Listeners will get the inside...

Get ready for an incredible dose of inspiration! This week on The Fxck You 50s Podcast, we're joined by Dawn Belisle, who traded her high-pressure life as a successful attorney in the U.S. for the serene and creative world of a pastry chef and relocation expert in Nice, France.

Dawn shares the exhilarating highs and challenging lows of her midlife reinvention and relocation, proving it's never too late to chase a deeply fulfilling life. She dives deep into the necessity of cultural adaptation, the mental hurdles of becoming an expat, and the transformative...

Join host Andrea Claire and Caren West for an incredibly honest conversation about navigating life in our 50s. Caren shares her journey from career uncertainty to becoming a PR success, stressing the power of organic networking and authentic self-expression. They dive deep into the challenges of medical gaslighting, the reality of caregiver fatigue, and the need for honest conversations about women's health and aging. This episode is a powerful reminder that embracing your chaos and prioritizing wellness is the key to resilience and finding your midlife purpose.

Key Takeaways & Chapter Markers:

Tired of your professional life feeling like a beige elevator ride?

Tune in to this electrifying episode of The FxCK You 50s featuring Danielle Hughes, the Chief Personality Officer from More Than Words Marketing!

Danielle dives deep into why your professional message needs a serious personality transplant. This isn't just about polishing your resume—it's about authentic personal branding and using personal storytelling to create genuine, powerful connections.

🔥 What You'll Learn:

Ready for a major career pivot? This episode features Tina Yau, a former retail e-commerce executive who traded her corporate titles at giants like Uniqlo, Estée Lauder, and Saks Fifth Avenue to launch her own premium women's travel bag brand, TYVY NYC, set to debut in Fall 2025.

Tina's journey is a powerful testament that it's never too late to reinvent yourself—she started over at age 50. She dives deep into the challenges and exhilaration of leaving corporate life to build a brand from scratch, focused on creating functional and stylish travel bags that keep up with wom...

Six years ago, Bridgett Garratt and her co-host launched the podcast Hot Flashes & Cool Topics because they were tired of the silence and confusion surrounding midlife and menopause.

Now, Bridgett joins Andrea Claire to deliver a no-holds-barred conversation that demands we get real about women's health.

In this captivating episode, we dive deep into the journey of authenticity as we navigate this powerful stage of life. Bridgett shares the recurring, often infuriating themes from her show, revealing where the system is failing women. We don't just talk about age bias—we call out the 'Karen' ph...

In this conversation, Andrea and former banking executive, Iryna Kirieieva, discuss Iryna's journey from Ukraine to the US amidst the war. At 50, Iryna had to leave behind her successful career and the life she built with her husband, essentially starting over in the US with her youngest son. She shares her experiences with this immense personal loss and the challenges of starting a new life.

They also explore the importance of financial independence, the challenges faced by immigrants, and the significance of community support. Iryna shares her insights on redefining success and her mission...

In our conversation, Nayana shares her inspirational journey as the first black woman to lead a tequila brand and co-founder of Anteel Tequila, She discusses her experiences as a cancer survivor, the challenges of navigating a male-dominated industry, and the importance of community and resilience. Nayana emphasizes the privilege of aging and the wisdom that comes with life experiences, while also highlighting her passion for public speaking and motivating others. The conversation touches on family dynamics, future aspirations, and the power of mindset in overcoming adversity.

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In this engaging conversation, Andrea and Amy delve into the evolving landscape of skincare, emphasizing personalized experiences and the impact of technology. They discuss daily skincare routines, the societal perceptions of aging, and the behind-the-scenes realities of celebrity beauty standards. The dialogue also touches on the importance of open discussions about menopause and the empowerment of women in sharing their stories.

Whether you're a skincare enthusiast or new to the world of QMS MediCosmetics, this conversation is packed with actionable tips you won't want to miss.

Takeaways

<...

In this conversation, Lynn Power shares her journey from a successful advertising career to becoming a beauty entrepreneur. She discusses her health challenges, the importance of clean beauty, and the misconceptions surrounding age and entrepreneurship. Lynn emphasizes the significance of community support among founders and the need for sustainability in beauty products. She also reflects on her personal experiences and lessons learned while building her brand, Masami, and the Power Beauty Collab.

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Dawn LaFontaine is a lifelong animal lover who always seems to have a little pet hair in her keyboard. Her blog, Kitty Contemplations, helps cat guardians better understand and care for the special beings they share their lives and homes with. Her cat-products business, Cat in the Box, sells beautiful, well-made, and award-winning products that she designed to meet the biological and psychological needs of cats. Dawn shares her journey from being a stay-at-home mom to launching her own pet product business, emphasizing the importance of community and mentorship. They discuss the unique needs of cats and the significance...

In this engaging conversation, Camille Miller shares her journey from being an expat to a successful musician, discussing her early influences, the challenges of navigating the music industry as a woman, and the impact of aging on her artistry. The discussion also touches on the dynamics of cover bands versus original music, the role of family support, and the evolving landscape of gender roles in the music industry. Camille reflects on her personal growth and the influence of social media on self-perception, ultimately emphasizing the importance of authenticity and passion in her work. In this engaging conversation, Camille discusses...

In this conversation, Andrea and Jenny Amy discuss the women's movement. They explore the challenges faced during this life transition, addressing the societal factors that contribute to unconscious bias. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding one's rights and the resources available to navigate this challenging process. The discussion emphasizes the emotional complexities involved in and the need for self-care and empowerment, particularly for women navigating this life transition. Family law reform in Canada in the 70s, rape crisis centres, women’s shelters, rotary and more. 

Links and Resources

Jenny Amy’s Chant...

In this conversation, Andrea and Julie Tyas discuss the rising trend of gray divorce, particularly among women over 50. They explore the challenges faced during this life transition, including finding the right legal representation, the complexities of dividing assets and debts, and the emotional support systems available. Julie shares insights on the legal aspects of divorce in Ontario, including spousal support and retirement plans, while also addressing the societal factors that contribute to the phenomenon of gray divorce.

The discussion highlights the importance of understanding one's rights and the resources available to navigate this challenging...