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The holidays have a way of stirring up everything at once — joy, nostalgia, gratitude, and for so many of us in midlife, a deep grief for the people and seasons of life we miss. It’s a complicated blend, and it can feel incredibly lonely… even when you’re surrounded by family and celebration. That’s one reason this episode feels especially personal to me. I was never someone who believed in signs — until after my father passed. And then… they started showing up. Little moments, small winks from the universe that landed exactly when I needed them most. Now I see them all the time, and the truth is: they’re always there. You just have to be open to noticing them. My guest today, Ann Bolinger-McQuade, understands this better than anyone. As an author and workshop facilitator, she has dedicated her life to helping people recognize these quiet messages — what she calls personal oracles — especially during times when grief feels heavy. After her own breast cancer diagnosis set off a series of life-changing experiences, Ann began to see the world as alive, supportive and filled with guidance. Together, we talk about why the holidays feel so emotionally charged in midlife, how to hold both joy and grief without guilt, and simple ways to honor the people we miss. Ann also shares how to notice the meaningful “oracles” that often appear during this heightened season, offering comfort and connection when we least expect it. A few things we discuss: • Why mixed emotions during the holidays are completely normal — especially in midlife • How gratitude and grief can coexist without canceling each other out • Simple ways to feel connected to loved ones who aren’t physically here If the holidays feel complicated for you this year, this conversation is a soft place to land — and a reminder that you’re never as alone as you think. Show Notes: Website: https://everydayextradimensions.com/ Book: Everyday Oracles: Decoding the Divine Messages That Are All Around Us Instagram: @everydaypersonaloracles

Your eyes do so much more than help you see — they quietly reveal how well you’re aging. In this episode, I’m joined by optometrist, author, and dry eye specialist Dr. Pam Theriot, whose decades of experience have made her a true expert on the intersection of eye health, longevity, and midlife wellness. We get into the surprising ways your daily habits, beauty routine, and environment affect the skin around your eyes, your tear film, and even your vision. Dr. Theriot also shares her own journey with chronic dry eye and how it shaped her mission to help people feel at ease in their eyes again. We talk about the biggest mistakes women over 40 make with their eyes, the beauty trends doing more harm than good, and the simple, everyday habits that help your eyes look brighter, feel more comfortable, and age more gracefully. Some of the things we’ll be discussing are: • How your eyes reflect internal health — and early signs of aging you shouldn’t ignore • Whether certain beauty trends (hello, lash extensions) are quietly damaging your eyes • What women in their 40s, 50s, and beyond should avoid to protect long-term eye health • The link between dry eye, screen time, and hormone changes in midlife If you’ve ever wondered why your eyes feel irritated, look tired, or seem to be aging faster than the rest of your face, this conversation is your roadmap to understanding what’s really going on — and what you can do starting today. Tune in to learn why caring for your eyes is one of the most important (and overlooked) parts of aging well. Show Notes Website: www.pamtheriot.com Book: https://www.pamtheriot.com/dry-eye-book CLEAN beauty handout: https://www.pamtheriot.com/remover

In this episode of Beauty is a Bitch, we’re taking a deep dive into brain health and stress — but from a completely different perspective. My guest, Gilbert Martina, is a former healthcare executive turned ancestral health educator, and he’s here to help us rethink how we approach wellness, aging and emotional resilience. We explore why dementia rates are soaring in Western cultures while remaining strikingly low in certain Indigenous Amazonian communities, and what those differences can teach us about lifestyle, community and connection. Gilbert also explains how chronic stress accelerates brain aging, how ancestral rituals like storytelling, meditation and communal living can protect cognitive health, and why reconnecting with tradition and spirit might be one of the most powerful tools for longevity. For women over 50 juggling it all — work, family, and self-care — this conversation offers practical, simple daily practices to support both brain and emotional health. We also touch on inherited trauma, its impact on the body and brain, and how to begin the healing process. As the holidays approach, Gilbert shares wisdom from his Caribbean heritage on finding peace, balance and resilience during stressful times — and how to take that first step toward a more grounded, connected way of living. Tune in to learn how honoring ancient wisdom can help you stress less, think clearer and age better — mind, body, and soul. Show Notes Instagram: @gilbert.martina Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gilbertbmartina Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/gilbert.martina.35/

We’ve made real progress in talking openly about menopause, women’s health, and how to live longer, healthier lives. But there’s still one topic too many women shy away from in midlife: money. For a lot of us, conversations about finances were considered impolite, unfeminine, or just not our responsibility. Add in the realities of divorce, career changes, caregiving, or years of putting everyone else first, and it’s no wonder so many women hit midlife feeling financially unprepared or even ashamed. But what if shifting the way we think and talk about money could actually be the most empowering move we make? On this episode of Beauty is a Bitch, I’m joined by Amanda Barclay, Senior Financial Advisor and Senior Vice President with Merrill, A Bank of America Company. She’s not only one of Forbes’ “Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-in-State” in 2024 & 2025, but she’s also deeply passionate about helping women take control of their financial futures. Together, we’re digging into the money conversations we need to be having — with ourselves, our friends, our partners and even our kids. We’ll explore questions like: How can we make finances a regular, unapologetic part of our midlife conversations? What steps should women take to prepare for the unexpected — whether it’s divorce, illness or time away from the workforce? And what money mistakes do women make most often, and how can we avoid them? Amanda also shares her perspective on building confidence, narrowing the wealth gap, and why financial independence is about so much more than numbers. This episode is all about giving you the tools and mindset shifts to feel secure, confident, and powerful with your money. Show Notes: Amanda Barclay Senior Vice President | Wealth Management Senior Financial Advisor Senior Portfolio Advisor The Barclay Group Merrill Lynch Wealth Management 805 Northern Boulevard, Great Neck, NY 11021 (516) 498-3308 [email protected] http://www.fa.ml.com/amanda.barclay Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-barclay

In this episode of Beauty is a Bitch, we’re talking personal style — but not in the “what’s trending” kind of way. My guest, Elysha Lenkin, has spent over 30 years in the fashion industry (styling everyone from Serena Williams and Tina Fey to Carrie Underwood and O, The Oprah Magazine), and now she’s on a mission to help midlife women use style as a tool for personal evolution. Elysha and I dig into why so many women reach that moment of standing in front of their closet saying, “Nothing feels like me anymore,” and what’s really happening underneath. We talk about the biggest mistakes midlife women make when trying to evolve their style, the voices in our heads that whisper “Am I too old for this? Is it too much?” — and how to quiet them. And of course, we break down how style can actually energize the next stage of your life and help you show up bigger, bolder, and more confident than ever. Elysha is also launching her first Style Evolution online salon series — a five-day event designed to help women redefine their wardrobes and their confidence at midlife. If you’re ready to stop settling for “good enough” and start showing up in style that truly reflects who you are now, you’ll want to sign up. Show Notes The Style Evolution Series: styleevolutionseries.com Website: elyshalenkin.com Instagram: elysha_nyc

This week on Beauty is a Bitch, we’re diving into one of my favorite topics: how to age stronger, smarter and on our own terms. My guest today, Dr. Vonda Wright, is an orthopedic surgeon and internationally recognized expert on active aging and mobility. She’s spent 25 years helping everyone from elite athletes to professional dancers stay strong, injury-free and performing at their best—and now she’s sharing her expertise with the rest of us. Her new book, UNBREAKABLE: Go Strong. Live Long. Age with Power (coming out August, 26, 2025) is a powerful guide to building what she calls “shields” against the timebombs of aging—so we can extend not just our lifespan, but our health span. In this episode, we talk about why strength training is essential—especially in midlife—what push-ups and jumping can tell us about our longevity, and why it’s never too late to get stronger and feel better in your body. We also bust some of the biggest myths about women and aging—and Dr. Wright shares what she hopes every woman takes away from her book. If you’re ready to shift how you think about aging—and take back your power—this one’s for you. Let’s get into it. Show Notes: Pre-Order: UNBREAKABLE: Go Strong. Live Long. Age with Power   Website: drvondawright.com Instagram: @drvondawright Facebook: VondaWrightMD

If you’ve noticed your lower back doesn’t love planes, trains, or even the carpool line anymore—you’re not imagining it. As we age, our bodies become more vulnerable to travel-related back pain, especially for women over 50. But here’s the good news: there are simple, science-backed ways to feel better on the go—and today’s guest has the expert advice you need. Lauren sits down with renowned NYC spine surgeon and founder of The Institute for Comprehensive Spine Care, Dr. Bolanle Okubadejo, to break down why our backs get cranky during travel, and what we can actually do about it. From posture hacks to lifting tips, and even small movement strategies you can do right from your seat, this episode is full of practical tools to help you protect your spine without relying on gimmicks or gear. They’ll also discuss why women over 50 are particularly susceptible to back pain, the common travel mistakes that make it worse, and how to stay mobile, strong, and pain-free—no matter where life takes you. If you’re heading out on vacation, commuting daily, or just tired of feeling stiff after sitting, this is your must-listen episode. Your spine will thank you. Show Notes: Website: https://nynjspine.com Instagram: spinedocnynj

This episode we’re diving into the intersection of aging and technology. My guest is Brent Franson, the Founder and CEO of Death Clock (yes, that’s really what it’s called), the world’s most downloaded longevity app. It may sound scary but promise it isn’t. It’s been named one of the “Techs That Will Change Your Life in 2025” by The Wall Street Journal, and has ranked in the top five of the U.S. App Store’s Health & Fitness category—so clearly, something’s working. We talk about how AI and tech are transforming the way we think about aging, prevention, and longevity, especially for women in midlife. Brent created Death Clock out of frustration with a system that only reacts when we’re already sick. His mission? Help people take proactive steps—before it becomes a health crisis. We explore why it’s never too late (or too early) to start investing in your future self, how tech can empower women over 50, and why tracking your habits might be the most life-affirming thing you do. Here is some of what you can expect in this episode: What the Death Clock app actually does (and why it’s not morbid at all) Why the healthcare system is reactive—and how tech helps you get proactive How AI can empower women in midlife to stay informed, independent, and healthy The surprising connection between daily habits and longevity How wearables and digital wellness tools are changing the game for aging If you’re curious about AI, aging, or just want to live longer—and better—this episode is for you. SHOW NOTES: Website: https://www.death-clock.org/ App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/death-clock/id6499554412 Twitter: https://x.com/brentfranson

This week on Beauty is a Bitch, I’m joined by renowned cosmetic dentist and oral health expert Dr. Jon Marashi to dive into a topic many women in midlife don’t think enough about: how poor oral health can silently fuel chronic disease. Dr. Marashi—whose celebrity clientele includes A-listers and top athletes—shares why what’s happening in your mouth can affect the rest of your body. From heart disease to bone loss to cognitive decline, research now shows that gum disease and poor oral hygiene can set off an inflammatory cascade with serious health consequences, especially as we age. In this episode, Dr. Marashi breaks down what midlife women need to know about oral care during perimenopause and menopause, why gum recession and sensitivity often show up in our 40s and 50s, and how daily habits (and the right dental visits) can make a major difference. We also discuss cosmetic dental treatments that can help you feel more confident in your smile, common myths about oral health and aging, and why paying attention to your mouth may be one of the best things you can do for your entire body. Trust me—you’ll look at your toothbrush a little differently after this one. Show Notes: Website: https://www.drmarashi.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjonmarashi

This week on Beauty Is a Bitch, I sit down with @phdfemininehealth CEO and co-founder Dee Seymour to talk about something we all need to get better at: how we talk about our bodies—and how we can Raise Our Vagina iQ™. We covered it all—from the shame many of us were raised with, to why so many women still don’t have the words to describe what’s happening in their own vaginas. (Yes, we say the word—and you should too.) Dee shares why language is a form of self-care, how their new campaign is changing the conversation around menopause, discharge and dryness—and why smart women deserve smart words about their bodies. The campaign launches today with a billboard in Times Square and a powerful call to action: Raise your Vagina iQ™. SHOW NOTES Take the Vagina iQ Quiz; phdfemininehealth.com/pages/vagina-iq-quiz Raise the iQ of the people you love www.phdfemininehealth.com

This week on Beauty is a Bitch, I’m diving into one of the most exciting innovations in skincare—exosomes—with Dr. Robin L. Smith, a trailblazer in regenerative medicine and the powerhouse behind Exoceuticals®. If you’ve been wondering what all the buzz is about or you’re looking for real, science-backed solutions to aging skin, this episode is for you. Dr. Smith breaks down what exosomes are, how they work, and why they might be the most effective ingredient we’ve seen yet for skin repair, hydration, and rejuvenation—especially for women in midlife. We talk about how exosomes compare to peptides and stem cells, what to look for in an exosome product, and how to incorporate them into your routine for visible results. If you’re curious about the future of beauty and want to cut through the noise of skincare trends, tune in. This is a must-listen. In this episode, we cover: What exosomes are and how they support healthy, youthful skin How they compare to other popular anti-aging ingredients The science behind Exoceuticals® and how it’s changing the game Why exosomes are safe, effective, and here to stay What midlife women should look for when choosing exosome skincare Plus a whole lot more. Links: Exoceuticals: https://exoceuticals.com Instagram: @exoceuticals

In this episode of Beauty is a Bitch, I’m joined by Dr. Michael Aziz, a board-certified internist, regenerative medicine expert, and author of the bestselling The Perfect 10 Diet. His latest book, The Ageless Revolution: 10 Hallmarks of Aging That Hold the Secret to Defeating Disease, Reversing Age, Looking Younger, and Living Longer, explores how we can slow down aging and prevent disease—starting at the cellular level. We dive into some of the top anti-aging foods you should be eating now (hint: your kitchen may already have a few), and why gut health and healthy fats play a critical role in how well we age. Dr. Aziz also shares why certain restrictive diets—including vegetarian, low-carb, and keto—may not be the best choice for long-term health and vitality, especially for women in midlife. If you’re curious about how to support your body from the inside out and make smarter food choices that align with graceful, healthy aging—this episode is packed with insight, practical tips, and maybe even a few surprises. Don’t miss it! Show Notes: Book: The Ageless Revolution: 10 Hallmarks of Aging That Hold the Secret to Defeating Disease, Reversing Age, Looking Younger, and Living Longer Book: The Perfect 10 Diet: 10 Key Hormones That Hold The Secret to Losing Weight & Feeling Great – Fast!

Welcome back to Beauty is a Bitch, where we get real about aging, confidence, and owning your power in midlife and beyond. Today’s episode is extra special because I got to sit down with the one and only Julia Haart. You probably know her from the hit Netflix series My Unorthodox Life, but she’s so much more than that. Julia is a total force—a self-made entrepreneur, author and advocate for women’s empowerment. She’s lived a life of radical reinvention, going from an ultra-Orthodox community to becoming the CEO of major fashion brands and now launching her own shapewear line, Body by Julia Haart—which, by the way, includes my new favorite bra. Seriously. We got into it all—what it really means to feel sexy and confident as we age, how to break free from limiting beliefs, and why it’s time we stop shrinking ourselves just because society expects us to. We talked body image, personal style, reinvention, navigating criticism, and how to rewrite your story at any age. Oh—and we got on like gangbusters. I now consider her one of my besties (not in a creepy way, I promise). This conversation is honest, empowering, and full of truth bombs you don’t want to miss. Show Notes Book: Brazen: My Unorthodox Journey from Long Sleeves to Lingerie Lingerie: Body by Julia Haart Instagram: @juliahaart

In midlife, our bodies start speaking louder—whether through hormonal shifts, chronic inflammation, or the wear and tear of years of stress. Western medicine often focuses on treating symptoms, while Eastern healing philosophies emphasize root-cause healing, balance, and longevity. But what if we could blend the best of both worlds for a truly comprehensive, patient-centered approach to health? This week, I’m joined by Dr. Anuradha Lala-Trindade (Anu Lala), a renowned cardiologist specializing in heart failure management, cardiometabolic disease, and holistic patient care. She believes in a patient-centered approach, integrating medical advancements with emotional and spiritual well-being to create personalized treatment plans. Dr. Lala serves as Deputy Editor of the Journal of Cardiac Failure, leads research for major cardiology networks, and has been recognized by the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology for her contributions to cardiovascular education and awareness. In this episode we discuss; How Western medicine & Eastern healing complement each other in midlife health Why treatment ≠ healing and how to shift from symptom management to whole-body wellness The role of chronic inflammation in aging & how to reduce it naturally How stress, trauma, and emotional health impact heart disease and longevity The best lifestyle strategies to balance hormones, improve metabolism & boost energy How to navigate medication vs. lifestyle interventions to create the best health plan If you’re ready to explore a more balanced, integrated approach to health and healing in midlife, this episode is for you.

Sleep is one of the most essential components of our health, yet so many women struggle with getting quality rest—especially in midlife. In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Carleara Weiss, Ph.D., MSH, RN, a sleep expert, researcher, and advocate for women’s health. Dr. Weiss brings over 15 years of experience as an Adult-Geriatric Nurse and is currently a Research Assistant Professor at the State University of New York in Buffalo. She has been featured in Buzzfeed, Insider, EatingWell, Women’s Health and on the Well+Good podcast, and she’s here to help us uncover why so many women are struggling with sleep—and what we can do about it. From the impact of hormones and life changes to the lack of sleep resources in healthcare, this conversation is packed with must-know insights and practical solutions. We dive into the findings of Aeroflow Sleep’s recent survey on women’s sleep health and what the results reveal about our well-being. Why do so many women feel exhausted even when they’re getting the recommended amount of sleep? Dr. Weiss helps us break down the most common sleep disorders affecting women in midlife and explains why more than half of women have never spoken to their doctor about sleep. If you’ve been struggling with fatigue, we talk about how you can start that conversation with your healthcare provider and what practical steps you can take to improve your sleep quality. We also explore the strong connection between poor sleep and mental health, and why women are particularly vulnerable to this link. Hormonal shifts and life changes in midlife play a huge role in sleep disruptions, and we discuss why sleep resources and supplies are often underprovided by doctors—and how to advocate for better access. Dr. Weiss also sheds light on the use of CPAP machines and other sleep aids, explaining why they’re often underutilized by women and how they can be game-changers for those struggling with sleep apnea. Finally, we examine what changes need to happen in healthcare to bridge the gaps in women’s sleep health. Don’t miss this essential conversation on sleep, health and self-care! Show Notes Instagram: @dr.weiss.sleepeducation Website: carlearaweiss.com Sleep Survey: aeroflowsleep.com/womens-sleep-health Aeroflow: https://aeroflowurology.com