There comes a moment when the safety net of a steady job no longer serves the soaring ambitions of our spirit. That's precisely what I faced before embarking on the entrepreneurial journey that has led me here, sharing my story with you. This episode is a tribute to those transformative crossroads in life. I'm joined by Shannon Russell, a former TV producer turned career transition coach, who echoes my sentiments as we dive into the transitions that redefine our personal and professional...

Ever found yourself chuckling because you couldn't remember why you walked into a room or when trading war stories about hot flashes with your friends? Well, you're in for a treat! Join me as I sit down with the ever-delightful Brenda Bowen, who writes under the whimsical pen name Haut Flasch, to discuss her sweet take on menopause in "Goodnight Night Sweats." She partnered with the equally talented illustrator Jessie Hartland, aka Mina Pauze, to bring to life a parody of the favorite...

Have you ever found yourself trapped in the endless cycle of yo-yo dieting, where each triumphant loss is followed by a discouraging gain? Margie Odom, therapist, author, and former yo-yo dieter, joins us to offer a lifeline to those entangled in this frustrating dance with the scale. Together we peel back the layers of emotional eating, exploring how our past shapes our eating habits and our relationships with food. Margie shares her evolution from a school counselor to a sought-after guide...

Unlock the secrets to radiant skin and a nourished body with clinical esthetician and wellness coach Lisette Manuel as we explore the deep connection between diet, nutrition, and skincare. Lisette brings a wealth of knowledge to our conversation, highlighting the impact of essential nutrients like proteins, vitamin C, and antioxidants on our skin's health, while also warning against the pitfalls of processed sugars. Get ready to embrace an inside-out approach to beauty that could...

Ever feel like midlife health and fitness is a puzzle with missing pieces? This week, we've got the missing link in Rachel Freiman, the brainpower behind Mindstrong Fitness, who joins us to piece together the truth about wellness during life's halftime show. Rachel's transition from musician to fitness aficionado isn't just inspiring—it's a masterclass in how the fusion of education, science, and mindset shifts can overhaul our approach to health. We tackle the tough topics, like the nuances...

Unlock the secrets to a healthier life with Dr. Paul Kolodzik, as he shares the life-altering benefits of continuous glucose monitoring. This isn't just for those managing diabetes; it's a revelation for anyone grappling with metabolic health. Throughout our conversation, we delve into the insidious effects of high blood sugar on vascular diseases and dissect the dietary choices that could make or break our health. Dr. Kolozdik, with his unique blend of emergency and metabolic health...

Are you navigating the complexities of staying fit after 50, but some aches and pains are standing in your way? Discover the secrets to maintaining physical wellness with Megan Dahlman, an exercise science expert with a passion for empowering women in their prime. Our enlightening conversation goes beyond the typical fitness advice, revealing why listening to your body and understanding its mechanics are crucial for an active, pain-free life. Megan's expertise shines as she explains the...

The specter of fentanyl has cast a long shadow over America, leaving countless families to navigate the overwhelming grief of losing loved ones to this potent and often stealthy killer. Today, we sit down with Tom and Stephanie Quehl, two such warriors in the battle against this epidemic, who share the heartrending narrative of their son Jack's vibrant life and its untimely end due to a fentanyl-laced recreational drug. As we journey through Jack's memories, from his triumphs in the...

Unlock the secrets of a radiant smile and robust health with Dr. Sanda Moldovan, our guest who's pioneering the field of oral health, nutrition, and anti-aging. Discover how the state of your mouth is a window to your overall well-being, especially for midlife women navigating the ebbs and flows of hormonal changes. From the tips of your teeth to the depths of your gut, we're connecting the dots on how oral care, nutrition, and lifestyle choices contribute to ailments like chronic fatigue and...

As a seasoned veteran in the battle with restrictive diets and excessive exercise, I was thrilled to sit across from midlife coach Kristin Jackson, an example of balance in the health and wellness arena. Our heartfelt conversation peels back the layers of her transition from a personal trainer, once bound by the shackles of extreme fitness regimens, to a champion of the holistic FASTer Way program. Kristin's story of navigating the rough seas of perimenopause, a late-in-life pregnancy, and...

Have you ever looked in the mirror and noticed your hair isn't quite as full as it used to be? You're not alone. On this episode, we have a heart-to-heart with Dr. Alan Bauman of Bauman Medical, who brings empathy and expertise to the table as we tackle hair loss in midlife, particularly for women. From genetic factors to emotional impacts, we cover the gamut of this surprisingly common yet often unspoken struggle. Dr. Bauman's personal journey from the inception of his "hair hospital" to...

When Kiki Hurwitt's wellness and emotional health were not where she wanted them to be, she chose action over surrender, embarking on an incredible quest toward fitness that transformed her life. Have you ever considered that maybe your greatest victories lie ahead, no matter your age?  Kiki's candid discussion on her battle with pre-diabetes and high cholesterol opens a window into the power of determination and how visual affirmations, like progress photos, can radically shift...

In midlife, when we think about our overall wellness, the topics of menopause, weight gain, bone and joint health, and our skin are usually top-of-mind, but what about our livers? This organ often gets forgotten until there is an actual issue. On this episode we are unlocking the secrets of liver health with liver specialist Dr. Supriya Joshi, as we navigate the underrated importance of this vital organ in your midlife journey. Through our in-depth conversation, you'll gain a wealth of...

According to AARP over 44% of Americans ages 40-59 are considered obese, and for adults over 60 that number is around 42%. Hormone changes can cause fat accumulation, especially in our midsections, and that collides with age-related muscle loss, which means our bodies don't burn calories or process sugar as efficiently. Then, of course, comes the expected cascade of possible health complications associated with the extra weight. I don't want this to sound bleak, and the purpose in me...

Embarking on a fresh journey of self-discovery and growth, I take to the mic with a heart full of gratitude for the past year's learnings and eyes set on the horizon of health transformation for midlife women.  As we wave goodbye to 2023, we revisit the wisdom imparted by Dr. Nicole Lovat on hormone replacement therapy, dive into the intricacies of bone health with Rebecca Rotstein, sit in the comforting circle of mental well-being with Dr. Laurie Little, and navigate the healthcare maze...

Does the thought of permanent weight loss without diets or deprivation sound too good to be true? We’ve got Courtney Gray, a seasoned life and body coach, debunking that myth right here on "Asking for a Friend." Courtney takes us through her personal journey and shares her no-drama approach to achieving and maintaining your ideal weight, focusing on health, wellness, and the intricate role of mindset. We also delve into the complex relationship between our eating habits and body image....

Are you curious as to what the future holds and at a crossroads in your life journey ? Are you concerned about a certain nagging pain? If you are at the point of "Now what?" in a career or a relationship, you will love this week's guest. Carol Walkner left behind corporate America to pursue her dream of helping people rediscover themselves and the direction in which their life is going. She is a certified Reiki Master, clairvoyant medium, and transformational coach with clients all over the...

Think about how many times you've asked the pharmacist for advice. What's the best for poison ivy? What should I use for my child's congestion? Help! Where are the COVID tests? You get my drift. Your friendly neighborhood pharmacist, a wealth of knowledge, trusted and always ready with answers to your questions.  Lisa King, RPH, also known as the Fulfilled Pharmacist, has your best interest at heart, as she wants midlife women to look and feel their best at any age, while becoming more aware...

By 2030 the world population of menopausal and postmenopausal women is projected to increase to 1.2 billion, with 47 million new entrants each year, but according to a recent Forbes survey, a staggering 73% of women don't treat their menopause symptoms.   What about vaginal dryness, hot flashes, sleep disruptions, and skin changes?  Are we really putting up with this stuff?  There are some amazing women-led companies out there who are forging a path to normalizing the conversation and...

My friend, Claudia, thought this would be a timely topic for many us, and it did not take me long to find an expert in the field of eldercare.   There can be many rewards for caring for ill or aging parents, a spouse, relative, or a special neighbor.  It is truly a labor of love, but with that there can be some very challenging and trying moments that come with the territory of having this honor.  The role requires patience, tenderness, selflessness, and hard work.   The emotional toll and...

If you are bloated or feel like your gut symptoms are holding you back from living life, this show is for you.  Our guest expert, Heather Finley, is an adventure-loving, book reading, constipation-overcoming dietician, who wants you to poop better. Heather is your guide to make easy, sustainable changes so that you can find relief and feel healthy again.  She is the mastermind behind the gutTogether Program, host of the Love Your Gut podcast, a consultant, and speaker. In this episode we...

Here is a statistic for you.  The average 45 year-old woman has been on 61 diets since the age of sixteen.  This brought me back to the 1980s and 90s, the era of dexatrim, Ayds Candies, and Slim Fast.  As a side note, the active ingredient in Ayds Candies and Dexatrim was the decongestant, phenylpropanolamine, which can be found in many cold medicines today.  I almost forgot about fen-phen.  Remember all the heart and legal issues with that drug?  Then there were the popular, fad diets, such...

If you have experienced stress, anxiety, or trauma, what have you done to help you manage or overcome the thoughts and emotions that may derail your day, sleep, and overall wellbeing? Podcast guests have opened my eyes to alternative modalities that go beyond therapy and prescriptions.  Hypnosis, EFT, and Reiki can all be considered to help us find peace.  On this episode we discuss shadow work and acupuncture, among other things. Winnie Chan Wang is a mindfulness and traditional medicine...

One of my pillars of selfcare in midlife is community and connection.  Women are generally better at reaching out and networking than our male counterparts, and I am fortunate to have been on the receiving end of other women, not only wishing to collaborate, but also connecting me with others who are in their circles.   When I met today's podcast guest, I knew right away that I was in the presence of one of these great connectors of people.  She is like a magnet for the midlife community. ...

Tired of the all or nothing mentality when it comes to your health and fitness?   Lindsey House, R.D., wants you to get off the sidelines of life and feel energetic so that you can enjoy all the great stuff ahead in midlife and beyond.   This dietician and personal trainer, turned accountability coach and podcaster, is all about direction and not perfection.  Lindsey is rewriting the rules to be realistic for attainable goals, not a one-size-fits-all program that only measures what we see on...