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Vaginal dryness hit me out of nowhere at almost 59, years after I'd entered menopause, and intimacy with my husband started to feel like sandpaper. For about eighteen months, I was convinced I had lichen sclerosus, a chronic inflammatory skin condition, which left me depressed and wondering if intimacy would ever be the same. In this episode, I'm sharing the whole story: the biopsy, the flare-ups, the steroid cream, and the appointment where my urogynecologist finally gave me an answer I never saw coming (that gave me my life back). I'm also walking you through everything I do now to care for that part of my body, from HRT and vaginal estrogen to the products I use (and the ones I've stopped using). This isn't medical advice, just my personal experience. If you've been quietly dealing with dryness, itching, or painful intimacy, I hope this conversation helps you feel less alone and a lot more hopeful for what's ahead!   WHAT TO EXPECT IN THIS EPISODE: How vaginal dryness in menopause hit me suddenly in my late fifties, years after I'd entered menopause My biopsy result (lichen simplex chronicus), the steroid cream I used, and why I still believed I had lichen sclerosus The exam that revealed one of the worst yeast infections my urogynecologist had ever seen, and how quickly treatment turned things around Why I now give my vaginal health the same attention I give my face How I got serious about HRT, including labs every three months with a wellness team and a compounding pharmacist My experience with vaginal estrogen: the tablet, the cream, and the Estring I use now The everyday changes that have helped: chemical-free toilet paper, a pH-balanced boric acid wash, no panty liners, hyaluronic acid suppositories, and waxing My biggest takeaways: get more than one opinion, don't diagnose yourself, and be your own advocate   LINKS & RESOURCES Dr. Brent Parnell, Alabama Center for Urogynecology and Pelvic Pain Revaree Plus by Bonafide - Use code FAMILYSAVVY for 20% off! pH-D Boric Acid Wash on Amazon Replens Vaginal Moisturizer on Amazon   WHERE TO LISTEN If this episode encouraged you, I'd love for you to take a few minutes to rate and review The SavvyCast! It means so much to me, and it helps more women, like you, find these conversations and resources. Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube   ENJOYED THIS EPISODE? CHECK THESE OUT! The Device Nobody Talks About That Gave Me My Life Back Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube   What Kills Romance in Marriage in Your 50s and 60s (And How to Get It Back When It Feels Hopeless) Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube   What Nobody Tells You About Sex & Intimacy with Your Spouse in Your 50s & 60s (Part 2) Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube

Introducing She Escaped the Unthinkable and Chose Her Own Beginning from The Oprah Podcast. Follow the show: The Oprah Podcast BUY THE BOOKS! I Choose My Beginning: A Story of Courage and Activism https://amzn.to/4j14o11 The Last Girl: My Story of Captivity, and My Fight Against the Islamic State https://amzn.to/4dwNaVF Nadia Murad was just 21 when ISIS attacked her village in northern Iraq. She was taken captive and endured unimaginable abuse before she escaped and went on to become one of the world's most powerful voices for survivors of genocide and wartime violence. A Nobel Peace Prize laureate and human rights activist, Nadia first shared her experience in her bestselling memoir, The Last Girl. Now, in her new book, I Choose My Beginning, she explores what it means to move forward and build a life beyond her past. Oprah and Nadia talk about the difference between surviving and healing and why she continues to speak out for the victims of the Yazidi genocide who are still missing. Nadia also opens up about finding love, getting married and creating a life that includes both her activism and her own happiness. Human rights lawyer Amal Clooney joins the conversation to talk about their work together seeking justice for ISIS crimes against the Yazidi people. 00:00:00 - Welcome Nadia Murad, author of “I Choose My Beginning” 00:05:40 - Why she chose to speak out 00:08:52 - Nadia wanted to rescue her niece 00:12:00 - Winning the Nobel Peace Prize 00:15:00 - Perceptions of survivors 00:18:00 - Online criticism 00:20:50 - Why Oprah admires Nadia 00:23:20 - Meeting Amal Clooney 00:27:00 - Cases for Yazidi women 00:31:30 - What Amal learned from Nadia 00:35:30 - Life in the refugee camp 00:37:35 - Falling in love 00:41:30 - Thousands of Yazidi people still missing 00:43:45 - The aftermath of war 00:51:00 - Nadia declined an operation 00:53:50 - Survival is not the end 00:56:00 - Building a new life Follow Oprah Winfrey on Social: https://www.instagram.com/oprahpodcast/ https://www.facebook.com/oprahpodcast/ https://www.instagram.com/oprah/?hl=en https://www.facebook.com/oprahwinfrey/ DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to [email protected].

Intrusive thoughts and OCD are often misunderstood—and OCD is sometimes reduced to a joke about being organized or particular. In reality, obsessive-compulsive disorder can be debilitating, and getting the right diagnosis and treatment matters. In this episode, I'm joined by mental health counselor Tyler Palmquist to talk about intrusive thoughts and OCD, what compulsions can look like, and why some common anxiety strategies may actually reinforce the OCD cycle. Tyler explains exposure and response prevention (ERP), the evidence-based treatment he uses with clients, and shares practical guidance for finding qualified help. We also discuss how OCD can affect children and adults, how loved ones can support someone without strengthening compulsions, and how faith and professional counseling can work together. If you or someone you love feels trapped by intrusive thoughts, checking, reassurance-seeking, or rituals, I think this conversation will bring clarity, hope, and encouragement. WHAT TO EXPECT IN THIS EPISODE: Why casually saying "I'm so OCD" misses how disruptive and debilitating OCD can be The difference between obsessions, compulsions, and the safety behaviors that keep the OCD cycle going How OCD differs from generalized anxiety—and why repeated reassurance can sometimes make symptoms worse Common OCD themes, including checking, contamination, relationship fears, harm, scrupulosity, and taboo intrusive thoughts How OCD may appear in children and adults, and why symptoms can change or intensify during different seasons of life What exposure and response prevention (ERP) involves and why practice between therapy sessions matters How family members can offer compassionate support without reinforcing compulsions How diagnosis, medication, therapy, faith, and collaboration between providers can work together Where to find an ERP-trained therapist and what to know about virtual counseling and state licensure LINKS AND RESOURCES Tyler Palmquist and Trinity Counseling Get Started with Trinity Counseling International OCD Foundation: Find Help International OCD Foundation: How Do I Find Help for OCD? NOCD Therapist Directory WHERE TO LISTEN If this episode encouraged you, I'd love for you to take a few minutes to rate and review The SavvyCast! It means so much to me, and it helps more women find these conversations and resources. Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube ENJOYED THIS EPISODE? CHECK THESE OUT! How Mental Health Can Be Managed for a Full and Productive Life Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube A Licensed Therapist Shares Practical Advice on Navigating Grief Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube

For as long as I can remember, overactive bladder controlled my schedule. I was making 20 to 30 trips to the bathroom a day, planning travel around restroom stops, and constantly interrupting everyday life. I had no idea there was a treatment that might give me meaningful relief. In this episode, I'm joined by my urogynecologist, Dr. Brent Parnell, and registered nurse Renee Renier to talk about Axonics sacral neuromodulation therapy—the treatment that has changed my life. Dr. Parnell explains how sacral neuromodulation for overactive bladder helps restore communication between the brain, bladder, and bowel, while Renee shares her own experience with overactive bowel and how the therapy transformed her quality of life. We walk through who may qualify, what the temporary trial is like, how the permanent device is implanted and programmed, the differences between rechargeable and recharge-free options, and what patients should know about exercise, travel, MRIs, and long-term follow-up. We also discuss urinary retention, bowel incontinence, bladder Botox, and why stress incontinence requires a different type of treatment. If bladder or bowel symptoms are ruling your days—or if you have been too embarrassed to ask for help—I hope this conversation reminds you that you are not alone and encourages you to speak honestly with a qualified healthcare provider about your symptoms and goals.   IMPORTANT MEDICAL DISCLAIMER AND GUEST DISCLOSURE Important Disclaimer: This podcast episode is provided for educational and informational purposes only. The content is not intended to and should not be construed as medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of any disease, condition, or health concern. Nothing in this podcast establishes a doctor-patient relationship between the guest and any listener. The information shared is general in nature and reflects the guest's professional knowledge, but it is not a substitute for professional medical advice tailored to your individual circumstances, evaluation by a licensed healthcare provider, or personalized medical care. The guest, podcast host, and podcast team/producers are not liable for any diagnosis, treatment undertaken, or medical decisions made based on information shared in this episode. Nothing in this episode should be construed as medical advice. The information shared reflects general knowledge and is not a substitute for personalized medical care or a doctor-patient relationship. Dr. Brent Parnell has not been compensated for his participation in this interview. He is a paid consultant for Boston Scientific Corporation.   WHAT TO EXPECT IN THIS EPISODE: How Jamie's overactive bladder led to 20 to 30 bathroom trips a day and affected travel, intimacy, and everyday life What sacral neuromodulation is and how it may improve communication between the brain, bladder, and bowel The symptoms Axonics therapy is designed to address, including urinary urgency and frequency, urge incontinence, bowel incontinence, and non-obstructive urinary retention Why overactive bladder and bowel symptoms are not limited to older women Renee's experience with severe bowel urgency and how her life changed after receiving the device What patients can expect during the temporary trial and how providers determine whether someone is a responder How the permanent implant is programmed, adjusted, charged, and managed over time The differences between rechargeable and recharge-free Axonics systems What patients should know about exercise, sex, travel, airport screening, and MRI-conditional requirements How sacral neuromodulation differs from bladder Botox and why neither treatment is considered a permanent cure Why Axonics therapy does not treat stress urinary incontinence and how options such as Bulkamid or a sling differ Dr. Parnell's advice for walking into a urogynecology appointment with clear, specific quality-of-life goals   LINKS AND RESOURCES Axonics Sacral Neuromodulation Therapy — Patient Overview Find a Doctor Familiar with Boston Scientific Incontinence Therapies Axonics Patient Resources Axonics Important Safety Information Dr. Brent Parnell — Alabama Center for Urogynecology and Pelvic Pain Alabama Center for Urogynecology and Pelvic Pain Bulkamid Urethral Bulking System WHERE TO LISTEN If this episode encouraged you, I'd love for you to take a few minutes to rate and review The SavvyCast! It means so much to me, and it helps more women find these conversations and resources. Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube   🎙️ ENJOYED THIS EPISODE? CHECK THESE OUT! How Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Can Help Interstitial Cystitis with Hannah Clement Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube Women's Health Q&A with OBGYN Dr. Justin Aldred Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube

What if the difficult parts of marriage aren't merely problems to solve, but opportunities to grow? In this episode, I'm joined by my husband, Zane, for an honest conversation about how marriage builds character, strengthens faith, and reveals things about us that we may not see on our own. This topic came from a lesson Zane prepared for the young married couples in our small group, and I'll be honest—these deep, reflective conversations don't always come naturally to me! After nearly 39 years of marriage, we've learned that marriage isn't only meant to make us happy or comfortable. It can also become one of the greatest places for God to expose our blind spots, strengthen our character, teach us forgiveness, and help us become more loving, faithful, and self-aware people. We talk about anger, people-pleasing, keeping score, unresolved wounds, personality differences, and the places where we've stopped pursuing each other's hearts. We also share why understanding your spouse's personality can create more compassion without becoming an excuse to avoid growth. This is a deeper conversation, but whether you're newly married or decades into your relationship, I think it will challenge you to see your spouse—and yourself—with fresh eyes. WHAT TO EXPECT IN THIS EPISODE What Zane means when he asks whether marriage can become a path to righteousness Why marriage reveals parts of our character that other relationships may never expose The small-group rule that keeps couples from blaming, fixing, defending, or speaking for their spouse What recurring conflicts may reveal about the areas where God is asking us to grow Jamie's honest struggle with anger and the hurtful words that can surface during conflict How Zane's people-pleasing has sometimes come at Jamie's expense Why curiosity matters and how familiarity can cause us to stop pursuing our spouse's heart How Jamie and Zane have navigated questions and uncertainty surrounding Zane's faith journey What happens when we withhold love, keep score, or wait for our spouse to change first Why unresolved wounds sometimes need to be revisited, even when one spouse would rather move forward The difference between helping your spouse grow and trying to become your spouse's Holy Spirit How personality tools can create greater understanding, grace, and self-awareness in marriage The one way Jamie and Zane each want to love the other differently in this season LINKS AND RESOURCES The Meaning of Marriage by Timothy and Kathy Keller Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas The Enneagram Institute The Myers & Briggs Foundation WHERE TO LISTEN If this episode encouraged you, I'd love for you to take a few minutes to rate and review The SavvyCast! It means so much to me and helps more people find these conversations and resources. Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube ENJOYED THIS EPISODE? CHECK THESE OUT! The Marriage Check-In That Reveals More Than You Expect Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube 38 Years of Marriage: What We Got Right (& What We'd Do Differently) Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube

Your spouse may have received your best while you were dating, but is your marriage now getting whatever is left after work, children, commitments, technology, and everyone else? In this episode, I'm joined by my husband, Zane, to talk about how to protect your marriage before disconnection turns into a crisis. After 38 years of marriage and eight years of leading a small group for young married couples, we've seen how easily good things can begin competing with the relationship that should be receiving our best. We're getting honest about our own independent tendencies, the areas where we still need to improve, and the boundaries every couple should consider around calendars, children, technology, outside relationships, parents, and in-laws. Whether you've been married for two years or forty, I hope this conversation encourages you to identify one boundary you can strengthen this week so your spouse feels chosen—not simply given what is left over.   WHAT TO EXPECT IN THIS EPISODE: Why your marriage should receive your best instead of whatever is left after work, children, friends, church, and other commitments Why Zane believes your marriage should have veto power over your calendar The importance of consulting your spouse before making major commitments, purchases, or travel plans What our experience with buying a farm taught us about independent decisions in marriage Why couples should protect their mornings and evenings together, and how to stay mindful of phones, extra work, and busy schedules that creep in Why a child-centered home can unintentionally push your marriage aside and how prioritizing your spouse gives children security The boundaries couples should consider with friends, coworkers, coaches, pastors, and other outside relationships Why transparency with phones, passwords, texts, business travel, alcohol, and private conversations matters How emotional and physical affairs can begin slowly and why couples need safeguards before temptation arises Why couples should continue practicing the curiosity, affection, and fun that brought them together How a weekly 15- to 20-minute marriage check-in can uncover concerns before they become a crisis How to set united boundaries with parents and in-laws around holidays, family gatherings, and other expectations The reflection questions that can help you choose one marriage boundary to strengthen this week   LINKS & RESOURCES Genesis 2:24 A Life Update: The Story Behind Our New Lake Home Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube   WHERE TO LISTEN If this episode encouraged you, I'd love for you to take a few minutes to rate and review The SavvyCast! It means so much to me and helps more people find these conversations and resources. Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube   ENJOYED THIS EPISODE? CHECK THESE OUT! The Marriage Check-In That Reveals More Than You Expect Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube 38 Years of Marriage: What We Got Right (& What We'd Do Differently Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube

After receiving so many questions about my skincare routine and beauty procedures in midlife, I decided it was time to share everything! In this solo episode, I'm walking you through the beauty treatments I've invested in over the years from veneers and a mommy makeover to a conservative facelift and CO2 laser treatment. I'm also sharing the professional treatments and at-home products I use now to maintain those results. Of course, beauty is not the most important thing in life, and this episode is not a routine you need to copy. Instead, this is simply an honest look at the beauty treatments that have worked for me, what I continue to spend money on, and what I believe has made the biggest difference. Whether you're curious about injectables, microneedling, collagen, LED masks, or self-tanner, I hope you'll come away with some very savvy beauty tips!   WHAT TO EXPECT IN THIS EPISODE: Why getting veneers in my thirties was one of the most dramatic beauty decisions I've ever made What you should know about preserving your natural teeth before getting veneers Why I chose to have a breast lift, breast reduction, and tummy tuck at 55 Why I decided to have an endoscopic facelift and CO2 laser treatment at 57 & what the recovery was really like The reason I declined a brow lift and eyelid surgery Why I choose professional microneedling two or three times a year How often I receive Dysport or Xeomin and why I use very little filler The professional beauty services I won't attempt at home How collagen and Nutrafol have affected my hair, skin, and nails Why I use my CurrentBody LED mask for ten minutes every morning The skincare ingredients I use consistently, including vitamin C and retinoids My very honest (and painful) first experience with Brazilian sugaring   LINKS & RESOURCES PROFESSIONAL TREATMENTS & PROVIDERS Brookwood Dental Care — Dr. Paul Barganier Reveal Beauty — Dr. Michael Clinton Elite Skin — Dr. Jo Herzog MyRainBerry — Jamie's microneedling provider   AT-HOME BEAUTY PRODUCTS The Peachie Spoon Collagen (Use code FAMILYSAVVY for a special discount!) Nutrafol Women's Balance Nutrafol Vegan Formula CurrentBody LED Light Therapy Face Mask - New Series 3 Mask (Use code FAMILYSAVVY for 10% off!) CurrentBody LED Light Therapy Face Mask - Series 2 (Use code FAMILYSAVVY for 10% off!) Barefaced Polishing Pads Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Self-Tan (Use code JAMIET15 for 15% off!)   WHERE TO LISTEN If this episode encouraged you, I'd love for you to take a few minutes to rate and review The SavvyCast! It means so much to me and helps more women, just like you, find the show! Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube   ENJOYED THIS EPISODE? CHECK THESE OUT! My Mommy Makeover: Why I Did It and How It Turned Out Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube   My Morning Wellness Routine: Coffee, Collagen, Creatine, Protein & More Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube

Before you say "I do," there are some important financial questions to ask before marriage and avoiding them now can lead to painful surprises later. In this episode, I'm joined by my husband, Zane, to talk through the money conversation every engaged or newly married couple needs to have. After nearly 39 years of marriage and years of counseling couples together, we've seen how deeply money can affect trust, unity, peace, and even the spiritual health of a marriage. We're getting honest about debt, separate vs. shared accounts, financial transparency, saving, investing, and the money stories we each bring from childhood. We also share what worked for us, what we learned the hard way, and why Zane believes living on less than you earn is one of the most important financial habits a couple can build. Whether you're dating, engaged, newly married, or simply ready to have a healthier conversation about money with your spouse, I think this episode will give you plenty to talk about together! What to Expect in This Episode: Why you're not only marrying a person, you're also marrying their financial habits The financial questions every couple should answer before getting married Why full honesty about credit, debt, spending, income, and family obligations is essential to financial intimacy "Our money" vs. "my money": how couples' shared accounts work differently than separate business accounts  Why living on less than you earn is the financial principle Zane considers non-negotiable How to decide together which expenses are essentials and which are luxuries Why saving early matters so much and how compound growth rewards time The importance of contributing to a workplace retirement plan and taking advantage of an employer match when available How each spouse's upbringing can shape fear, security, expectations, and conflict around money Why couples need to define what "enough" means before the pursuit of more becomes endless Links & Resources Die With Zero: Getting All You Can from Your Money and Your Life by Bill Perkins Investor.gov Compound Interest Calculator IRS Information About 401(k) Plans IRS Information About Roth IRAs Official Trump Accounts Information Where to Listen If this episode encouraged you, I'd love for you to take a few minutes to rate and review The SavvyCast! It means so much to me and helps more people find these conversations and resources. Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube Enjoyed This Episode? Check These Out! How We're Investing in Our Grandchildren: Trump Accounts, 529s, & Family Traditions Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube The Marriage Check-In That Reveals More Than You Expect Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube

You've found the house you love, but have you thought about what it will cost to furnish it? From sofas and beds to drapery and delivery fees, there's a lot more to plan for than most of us realize! In this episode, I'm joined by Ellie Stein of Stein Studio, the talented interior designer who helped bring our lake home to life. We're talking honestly about the cost to furnish a home with quality pieces that will last, where it makes sense to invest, and where you can save without giving up a beautiful, pulled-together look. We're using our lake home as a real-life example, walking through everything from our TWOPAGES drapery and Quince bedding to the art, rugs, and custom touches that made it feel like home. From there, Ellie shares how to layer color and texture for a collected, timeless look.  Whether you're furnishing a new home or simply refreshing a room, I think you'll come away with some very savvy ideas!   WHAT TO EXPECT IN THIS EPISODE: What it really costs to furnish a home with a designer, plus the delivery, freight, tax, and design fees that are easy to overlook Where Ellie recommends saving, splurging, and finding a middle ground (with real examples from our lake home) Why we love our Rowe sofas and recliners, and which other pieces Ellie believes are worth the investment How we got a custom look for less with TWOPAGES drapery and Quince bedding Ellie's rug-sizing rule and how we mixed different rug sources throughout the house Where to find quality wood furniture for less, including secondhand pieces How to mix artwork, family photos, and mirrors so your home feels cohesive How layers of color, texture, and timeless pieces create a collected look (and the decorating habit that can lead to regret) Simple ways to make your entryway more welcoming   LINKS & RESOURCES Stein Studio — Connect with Ellie Stein Studio on Instagram Shop Our Lake Home Watch Our Full Lake-Home Tour on YouTube Our Lake-Home Drapery TWOPAGES Curtains — Use code SAVVY22 for 22% off! Lake Bedroom Details — Beds, Bedding & More Elizabeth Fields Designs — Custom Designer Pillows Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid Mattress — Medium-Firm - Use code FAMILYSAVVY75 for $75 off! Ruggable — Use code SAVVY15 for 15% off! Oushak & Oak Rugs Porter Rivers Art Debra Hewitt Art Framebridge Gallery Wall Frames Our Lake-Home Entryway — Mirror, Rug & More   WHERE TO LISTEN If this episode helped you, I'd love for you to take a moment to rate and review The SavvyCast! It means so much to me and helps more people find these conversations and resources. Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube   ENJOYED THIS EPISODE? CHECK THESE OUT! Everything We Put in Our Lake House Bedrooms (Affordable Finds + Luxury Touches) Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube   A Life Update: The Story Behind Our New Lake Home Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube

I turned sixty last November, and it forced me to get honest about what's actually working for my body, and what isn't. This is a solo episode where I'm walking you through the five intentional wellness habits I've been building and the four things I quit completely because they stopped serving me. I'm determined to be the best version of myself I can be in my 60s, and these are the intentional steps I'm taking to get there. Whether you're already in this stage of life or you're younger and want a head start, I think you'll benefit from these savvy wellness habits!   WHAT TO EXPECT IN THIS EPISODE: Why muscle strength training has become completely non-negotiable for feeling my best at 60 The protein and creatine routine Zane and I never skip The simple one-minute balance exercise from Dr. Vonda Wright's book Unbreakable that's already making a real difference for me Why I gave up the pressure of 10,000 steps a day and started sneaking in movement instead (stairs, parking farther away, walking Tucker) How guarding an earlier bedtime became one of the biggest keys to feeling my best at 60 Why I haven't had a drink since the week before my 60th birthday, and what's changed since How Zane and I traded nightly mint chip ice cream for a healthier swap Why routine hormone testing has become a necessity for my wellness   LINKS & RESOURCES Unbreakable: A Woman's Guide to Aging with Power by Dr. Vonda Wright, MD  The Mel Robbins Podcast episodes with Dr. Vonda Wright: Look, Feel, & Stay Young Forever: #1 Orthopedic Surgeon's Proven Protocol Do THIS for 8 Weeks and Look & Feel 10 Years Younger: Dr. Vonda Wright's Proven Protocol Ninja Creami Swirl Thorne Creatine Pause Life Nutrition Creatine (Use code SAVVY for 10% off!) The Peachie Spoon Protein Powder (Use code FAMILYSAVVY for a special discount!)   WHERE TO LISTEN If this episode encouraged you, I'd love for you to take a few minutes to rate and review The SavvyCast! It means so much to me, and it helps more women, just like you, find the show! Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube   ENJOYED THIS EPISODE? CHECK THESE OUT! Stop Dreading Getting Older. This 77-Year-Old Changed Everything I Thought About Aging! Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube   My Honest Convo with The Peachie Spoon on HRT, Protein Goals, Weight Obsession, & Her Life Behind the Scenes Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube

My friend Meredith Mann, better known as The Peachie Spoon, is back on The SavvyCast for the fourth time, and we talk about it all! Since her last visit, her supplement business has taken off, and this time she gets real about her journey with HRT in perimenopause, from her first symptoms at 43 to the testosterone treatment she eventually stopped. It's also a personal life update as her teens get closer to leaving the nest. Plus, she walks through her current strength training routine. And of course, she shares her favorite high protein recipes for fall, along with the wellness without obsession philosophy that guides how she eats, moves, and thinks about the number on the scale. If you are pursuing a more balanced relationship with wellness, eating habits, and workout routines, and just need a little more grace in how you talk to your body, this conversation is for you. Meredith has a way of making it all feel tangible and obtainable!   WHAT TO EXPECT IN THIS EPISODE: Meredith's honest journey with HRT in perimenopause, from her first symptoms at 43 to why she quit a testosterone cream after only three weeks How Peachie Spoon has grown since her last visit, from her first cookbook to a full supplement line with protein, collagen, and creatine Her advice for pregnant and postpartum women who cannot stomach protein but still need to fuel their bodies The story behind her most-requested high protein recipes, from her Balanced Baked Spaghetti to her Ninja Creami treats What a typical strength training week looks like for Meredith, plus the kettlebell move she cannot stop doing Why she is choosing wellness without obsession over chasing a number on the scale   LINKS & RESOURCES Follow Meredith Mann on Instagram: @thepeachiespoon Follow her business on Instagram: @thepeachiespoon.nutrition Shop the Peachie Spoon Protein Powders, Creatine, & Collagen (Code: FAMILYSAVVY for a special discount!) Check out The Peachie Spoon's recipes   COOKBOOKS The Blood Sugar Balance Cookbook  Well Made Cookbook   RECIPES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Balanced Baked Spaghetti Chicken Corn Chowder High Protein Rotel Queso Dip Queso Chicken High Protein Alfredo Chocolate Cheesecake Smoothie Strawberry Cheesecake Smoothie Cookies and Cream Smoothie High Protein Oreo McFlurry Ninja Creami (Cookies & Cream) Mint Chocolate Chip Smoothie  Balanced Meal Chili   OTHER RESOURCES MENTIONED Koia (pre-made protein drinks) HerScan (mobile breast ultrasound screening) — mentioned as an alternative Meredith is considering   WHERE TO LISTEN If this episode encouraged you, we would love it if you took a few minutes to rate and review The SavvyCast! It means so much and helps more women (just like you) find the show! Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube   ENJOYED THIS EPISODE? CHECK THESE OUT! Blood Sugar Balancing Recipes with Meredith Mann Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube   How to Establish a Healthy Relationship with Food with Meredith Mann from The Peachie Spoon Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube   A Talk with Meredith Mann About Her Balanced Eating Cookbook "Well Made" Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube

In early marriage, intimacy is effortless. You don't have to plan it, think about it, or work at it. Midlife is a different story, and in this episode, Zane and I get honest about sex and intimacy after 50. Zane and I talk honestly about the real challenges of intimacy in midlife, from menopause and hormones to feeling attractive and getting out of a rut. From there, we get into what men really find attractive in their wives, why confidence matters so much, and how taking care of yourself changes the way you show up in your marriage. After nearly forty years together, Zane and I don't have all the answers. But we've learned that intimacy isn't about looking like you did at twenty-five. It's about choosing each other, respecting each other, and making room for this part of your relationship to keep growing.   WHAT TO EXPECT IN THIS EPISODE: Why intimacy changes in your 50s and 60s, and why it can become more meaningful than ever My honest experience with hormone replacement therapy and what changed when I found my balance. Plus, why Zane is now open to testosterone for the first time. What Zane says men actually find attractive in their wives (and it has nothing to do with your appearance) How decades of trust, love, and shared history create a kind of intimacy you simply can't have in a young marriage How to communicate about intimacy, get out of a rut, and understand what each other needs as your bodies and seasons of life change Why intimacy in your 50s and 60s can go deeper than it ever did in your 20s and 30s   LINKS & RESOURCES Listen to Part 1: What Kills Romance in Your Marriage in Your 50s and 60s (And How to Get It Back When It Feels Hopeless) Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube   WHERE TO LISTEN If this episode encouraged you, we would love it if you took a few minutes to rate and review The SavvyCast! It means so much and helps more women (just like you) find the show!  Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube   ENJOYED THIS EPISODE? CHECK THESE OUT! The Marriage Check-In That Reveals More Than You Expect (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, & Threats) Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube 38 Years of Marriage: What We Got Right (& What We'd Do Differently) Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube

Romance in midlife is one of the topics I get asked about most, which is exactly why I invited Zane to sit down and have this honest conversation with me. Keeping romance alive in marriage in your 50s and 60s looks completely different than it did at twenty-five, and Zane and I are not here to pretend we have always had it figured out. We have been together forty years, and that means we have had seasons of deep connection and seasons of real drift.  In this episode we talk through what actually keeps romance going in a long marriage, what quietly kills it when you stop paying attention, and how you can get it back when it feels completely hopeless.   WHAT TO EXPECT IN THIS EPISODE: Why romance shifts from chemistry to intentionality the longer you are married, and why that shift is actually something worth celebrating The honest conversation about hormones for women 50+, why getting them in balance matters more than most people talk about, and where to start What it means to become a student of who your spouse has actually become across the decades, not just the person you married The powerful difference between feeling chosen and feeling merely tolerated, and what it does to a marriage when your spouse knows you would still pick them all over again How curiosity, mystery, and paying attention to the small things fuel intimacy and keep romance going long after the early excitement fades Why earned love, the kind only built through decades of faithfulness together, can be the most romantic love of your life, and how to find your way back to it if it feels hopeless right now   LINKS & RESOURCES The SavvyCast episode with Ally Phillips (Ally's Kitchen) — a source of inspiration for aging well in midlife: Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube   WHERE TO LISTEN If this episode encouraged you, we would love it if you took a few minutes to rate and review The SavvyCast! It means so much and helps more women (just like you) find the show!  Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube   ENJOYED THIS EPISODE? CHECK THESE OUT! The Marriage Check-In That Reveals More Than You Expect (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, & Threats) Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube   38 Years of Marriage: What We Got Right (& What We'd Do Differently) Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube

When my dear friend Debra Hewitt texted me and said, "Jamie, you have got to get Sarah Faulkner on The SavvyCast," I listened. And I am so glad I did!  Sarah is a brain aneurysm survivor, but this conversation is not just a story about surviving. It is a story about what comes after.  After a ruptured aneurysm, Sarah went through emergency surgery and 21 days in the ICU. What she came home to was something none of us could have predicted: a troubled marriage transformed from the ground up, childhood trauma healed that she had carried for decades, and a faith that changed the way she sees everything.  She is also the founder of Milk Velvet Pearls, a jewelry ministry built on the truth that beauty is born from struggle, and Sarah's story is living proof of just that.   WHAT TO EXPECT IN THIS EPISODE: What a brain aneurysm rupture actually feels like, why Sarah did not call 911, and how she spent five days before making it to the emergency room Her emergency surgery, her time in the ICU, and what recovery really looked like when she finally came home The troubled 20-year marriage she nearly walked away from, how her husband got sober, and what "Marriage 2.0" actually looks like today How she renewed her mind and healed not just physically but from years of childhood trauma and abuse she had carried her whole life The story behind Milk Velvet Pearls, the pearl as a symbol of beauty born from struggle   LINKS & RESOURCES Milk Velvet Pearls website Follow Sarah Faulkner on Instagram (@mvpearlgirl) Double Portion Earrings | Milk Velvet Pearls Debra Hewitt Art   WHERE TO LISTEN If this episode encouraged you, we would love it if you took a few minutes to rate and review The SavvyCast! It means so much and helps more women (just like you) find the show! Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube   ENJOYED THIS EPISODE? CHECK THESE OUT! Stop Dreading Getting Older. This 77-Year-Old Changed Everything I Thought About Aging! Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube   Am I Becoming Catholic? My Faith Journey Update Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube

If you have grandchildren or are getting close to that sweet season of life, these are the things you need to know about investing in your grandchildren. I sat down with my husband Zane for a real chat about the steps we are taking to intentionally invest in our grandchildren both financially and in life. We talk about the kind of legacy we want to leave our two grandbabies (and two more on the way!) that goes so much deeper than money. We dive into the family traditions we hope will anchor them. Plus, we cover the financial tools every grandparent should know right now, including Trump accounts and 529 college savings plans. Zane also shares the compound interest math that will stop you in your tracks!   WHAT TO EXPECT IN THIS EPISODE: How Trump accounts work, what the $1,000 government gift at birth means for your grandchild, and why you need to sign up now The compound interest math that will make your jaw drop: how investing $250 a month from birth can build its way up to millions by the age of 65 Why Zane believes faith, presence, and speaking identity over your grandchildren matter even more than financial gifts What grandparent traditions we hope to establish to make lifelong memories: quarterly grandparent weekends, birthday affirmations, lake weeks, graduation celebrations, and more How 529 college savings plans work and why grandparents are in a unique position to contribute The "multiplier" approach to teaching grandchildren about generosity (and how we used it with our own daughters) Why investing in grandchildren by blessing their parents (think date nights, Mother's Day out, and house cleaners for new moms) might be the smartest use of your resources right now LINKS & RESOURCES Die with Zero by Bill Perkins Trump Account information   WHERE TO LISTEN If this episode encouraged you, we would love it if you took a few minutes to rate and review the SavvyCast! It means so much and helps more women find the show! Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube   ENJOYED THIS EPISODE? CHECK THESE OUT! Stop Dreading Getting Older. This 77-Year-Old Changed Everything I Thought About Aging! Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube   The Marriage Check-In That Reveals More Than You Expect (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, & Threats) Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube